the "only one infinite and eternal power," into bliss everlasting.

The New Commandment given by our Saviour to his disciples, called by some the eleventh commandment:

"A New Commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another: as I have loved you that ye also love one another.-St. John, c. 14, v. 34.

Our Saviour then proceeds-v. 35, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

It appears therefore certain, that no man can be a Christian and be saved by Christ, unless he keep this commandment; and that keeping this commandment is a sure way to prove to the world and to ourselves that we are Christ's disciples.

We are not only to love one another, but to love one another as Christ loved us; that is, we are to labour to do all the good to each other that we can; and if mankind were all to act from this com

mandment what a heaven would even earth

be! Christ further said,

"But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."-St. Matt. c. 5, v. 44. And this principle of love is that which is called Christian charity, without which-but read the words of St. Paul, 1 Cor. c. 13, verses 1 to 8, inclusive.

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Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal; and though I have the gift of prophesy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains; and have not charity, I am nothing; and though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Cha

rity* suffereth long, and is kind: charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up; doth not behave itself unseemly ;§ seeketh not her

* God is said to be" long suffering" towards us; that is, bears with our infirmities and provocations; and is more ready to pardon than to punish. Thus Charity is not easily irritated; is not peevish, fretful, or impatient; considers the imperfections and frailties of others, and therefore makes due allowance for them. Charity is kind and compassionate towards all, and upon all occasions. When the reformation of others (which is what she seeks) requires correction, Charity always exercises such acts of necessity in the kindest manner, or in such manner as will not overpower the spirit; she considers, and never wounds the feelings of others; consults the comfort of others in preference to her own; and of this kindness springs (when really practised) that which we call politeness; which is, properly explained, the art of making others easy and happy, without officiousness or perceptible labour; so that they are obliged, without feeling the weight of the obligation; indeed, true politeness requires much self-denial.

+ Rejoices in the good of others instead of grudging them any advantages or superiority over her.

Neither egotises nor boasts, nor thinks otherwise than humbly of herself; is neither conceited, nor elated by flattery.

§ Is modest, temperate, polite, considerate and agree

own;* is not easily provoked;† thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth§: beareth all things,|| believeth all things, ¶ hopeth all things,*

able, and more fearful of hurting the feelings of others than to having her own hurt.

* Her own praise, nor her own dues, to the confusion or misery of another.

+ Is patient; opposes passion, and is not moved by slight provocations; nor by any but such as are really grave, and affecting that which is important: but if she be, she makes haste to curb her temper, and seeks not revenge.

No evil of another; putting the best construction upon all that others do; meditates no mischief against another; and gives little ear to evil reports of her neighbour.

§ Rather grieves for the sins or downfal of others than exults in them; and does every thing in her power to prevent evil and produce good, and to vindicate and make to appear manifest the beauty and holiness of truth. Every action of Charity has a reference to the happiness of others.

| Bears injuries with patience, and never seeks revenge.

Believes, or looks upon all things in regard to her neighbour in as favourable a light as circumstances will allow; and is more ready to believe a good than a bad report.

** i. c. for the best; or that they will turn out for the

and endureth all things.* Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."+

best; sees more cause for hope than fear in whatever happens, because her trust is in him who "orders her goings," and who can do no wrong.

* Without murmuring, or taking improper modes to extricate herself from calamities, as it regards herself; as it regards her neighbour, it means, she endures that which is evil, proceeding from him to herself, with Christian forbearance; without having recourse to retaliation, as long as consistency and self-preservation allow that forbearance; when they do not, she prefers the mildest mode of self defence that will prove effectual.

+ Charity alone goes with us into the next world; where faith is lost in conviction, and hope in certainty; while charity, which is heavenly affection, abides with us to all eternity.

And now abideth Faith, Hope, and Charity-these three; but the greatest of these is Charity."-1 Cor. c. 13, v. 13.

It may be remarked that our Saviour, who is the founder of Charity, never spoke with that severity which approaches contempt to any but an hypocrite; a character devoid of charity.

We are told in Scripture, that