like his." The want of religion teaches the worth of it, scarcely less than the possession of it, and the pain occasioned by its absence shows its value as fully as the pleasure produced by its presence. We need no prophet to come and tell us that "the wicked are like the troubled sea when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt."

A life of piety and a life of happiness go hand-in-hand together, our enemies themselves being judges. We but utter the feelings of every individual bosom, just as truly as we utter the declaration of God's Word, when we affirm that "there is no peace for the wicked." Felicity is not found in connexion with impenitence, and unbelief, and neglect of the counsels of the Most High. Every one, unless it be a few abandoned reprobates, is ready to admit that "godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life which now is, as well as of that which is to come." The best of men and the worst are of the same opinion here. That the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever, is a fact written on the heart as with a pen of iron and the point of a diamond. Be assured you will never know what real enjoyment is until you come over to the Lord's side. God himself takes part with all such as fear and love his blessed name, and whoever touches them maliciously, touches the apple of his eye. His truth and honor are pledged in the presence of the whole intelligent universe for their highest welfare. The very trials they endure will but purify their affections, the tears they shed will become so many seeds of sacred joy, and the disappointments through which they pass will only prepare them to wear a brighter crown. God gives them grace as a prelude to giving them glory, and no good thing does he ever withhold from them that walk uprightly. His presence with them banishes fear, neutralizes pain, affords support in trouble, and gilds the gloom of the grave with the radiance of immortality. All is well to those who are on the Lord's side, and will be well for ever.

3. Once more. The Lord's side is the side that must ultimately prevail. Be it known that those who forget God and refuse submission to his anointed Son, are chargeable with the folly of embarking on board a vessel which is doomed inevitably to be wrecked. "Thou hast conquered, O Galilean!" was the desponding cry of one of the worst foes the cross ever knew; and it will be the cry of every wicked man. This outburst of desperation was wrung from the poor rebel's heart, by the gathering storms of Divine indignation, but it is nothing more than every impenitent sinner shall express sooner or later. All power in heaven and on earth is committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will reign until every enemy is put under his feet. Thongh for a while they may exalt themselves to heaven, the hand of the Almighty will be sure, by and by, to bring them down to hell. Decide for yourselves whether any one can harden himself

against God and prosper. As well might the stubble lift itself up against the whirlwind which prostrates the mighty oak. Inevitable downfall awaits every man and every interest that shall ultimately be found dissevered from the kingdom and interests of the Lord God Almighty. Nothing can ever stay the course of omnipotent justice. The destruction of the wicked is inevitable; for has God said it, and will he not do it? And it will be overwhelming; for who can stand when he rises up? Those that believe not must be damned. The wicked shall be turned into hell, with all the nations that forget God. As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, O man, there is but one safe side. Only join yourself to the Lord according to the provisions of his own gracious and perpetual covenant, and his kingdom will become your kingdom, his interests your interests, and his joy, your joy forever. God will cover you with his feathers, and under his wing shalt thou trust. If the blessed Redeemer continue to hold his throne, and to be exalted at the right hand of power, he will bring you off conqueror and more than conqueror. In his hands you cannot but be safe. Come what will, his enemies shall all melt away like frost before the rising sun, but upon himself and upon his friends will the crown flourish.

In conclusion-will you not, one and all, cordially and resolutely choose the Lord's side this very day? There is, I beg you to consider, but one single alternative: you must be for God or against him. Either his friends or enemies you are at the present moment; either his friends or enemies you will be when you come to die; and either his friends or enemies must you continue during the long lapse of eternal ages. O make your decision at once, and make it as you will wish you had done when the angel lifts his hand to heaven, and swears that time shall be no longer.

Men and brethren, have you an aching heart that needs the balm of Gilead? Are you desirous to find a friend to whom you may unbosom that secret anguish which often corrodes your spirits? Does the world at seasons look all empty and desolate like a vast wilderness? Would you secure a safe shelter from the tempest which is finally to descend upon the workers of iniquity? Choose then, Oh choose the Lord's side without delay. If you wait a week, or a day, or an hour, it may be too late. To-morrow's sun, for aught mortal man can say, may shine on your grave. Many a dear friend feels a deep interest in the decision you make. Here is a venerated father, with his head all covered with blossoms for the tomb, exclaiming in your ears, "Beloved children, I charge you to meet me at the right hand of the Son of God." Yonder is a devout mother just going to a better land; but she stops, to cry out, "My son, the son of my womb, the son of my vows-choose the Lord's side." A fond sister throws her arms around your neck, and with her sweetest kisses says, "Dear brother, come go with me, and I will do you good." Nay, even

remoter relationship utters her voice and asks, "How can I bear to see the evil that is coming upon my kindred, and how can I endure the destruction of my people?" Alas! if you press on to perdition, you must break through this thick array of tears and prayers. But there are kinder, tenderer accents than all these. It is not a stranger that extends to you his arm and solicits your love, but Jesus-for your sakes clothed in flesh, and known as the sufferer of Calvary. Hear him speaking out of the fulness of his heart, and inviting you to come over on the Lord's side. By the sorrows of Gethsemane and the agonies of the cross, he asks you to share with him in his kingdom and in his crown. Can you refuse?

My friends, the day is at hand when it will be felt to be worth ten thousand worlds like this to be on the right side. Great events appear to be thickening and crowding together in the distance; and if we may foretell the future by the shadows which these events cast before them, a period of unheard-of moment can not be far off. The tempest's blast is even now sounding, and the hosts are mustering for battle. But there is a safe side, and I look around upon a troubled, agitated world, only to urge you with more pressing earnestness, to come, with all you have, and identify your cause with the cause of truth and of God. Enter into the chambers of his mercy, and hide yourself until the indignation be overpast.

Now is the accepted time, and this is the day of salvation. In the name of that Saviour, whose minister I am, I offer you a gracious admission among the ranks of the redeemed. Ön his behalf I come, once more, to assure you there yet is room. neighbor, companion, friend, there is a place for you. The pro cess of enlistment into the army of Prince Immanuel is still going on, and though I cannot promise you exemption from toil and strife, yet, blessed be God! I can guarantee final victory. But, remember, a little delay may close the door against you forever. Alas, my dear people, painful visions rise before my mind! I imagine that the day for which all other days were made, has come, and pastor and flock are summoned to meet the Son of God on his great white throne. Preaching is over, prayer is over, entreaty is over. But all are not on the same side. The wife is beckoned to stand on the right hand, but the husband on the left; the parent is found here, but the child there; the sister is in one place, but her brother in another. O Saviour of men, must it, must it be so? Are there to be two sides among the people who have so long been listening to my voice? Forbid it, gracious God. There is nothing which I would not give to meet you all in heaven. Would you be right at last? Then give immediate and earnest heed to the question which is put to you to day :-Who is on the Lord's side? and answer it as you believe it will be answered in the hour that shall make manifest the secrets of every heart.

SERMON DCXXIX.

BY REV. W. A. SCOTT, D.D.,

NEW ORLEANS, LA.

GOSPEL MINISTER'S CHARACTER AND PLATFORM.

For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."-1 Cor. ii. 2.

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WHEN Jesus Christ, the one, only, sole and supreme Head of the Church, ascended up on high, after his resurrection from the dead, "He led captivity captive," and for a legacy to his people, gave gifts to men." Among the chief of these gifts are the influences of the Holy Spirit and the written word, teaching us the will of God for our salvation. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”—ЕPH. iv. 11-15.

1st. It is obvious from this passage of holy scripture that living teachers of the way of salvation are set in the church by Divine appointment. At one time they were patriarchs and prophets; at another, apostles and evangelists; and now, they are bishops or pastors and teachers. While the Revelation of the Divine will was in progress, and while the Gospel was being gradually revealed to mankind, prophets and apostles of the highest order were necessary; but when the canon of the Revealed will was complete-when the Gospel dispensation was fully introduced, prophets and apostles gave place to pastors and teachers, who are bishops or overseers of the people. 2dly. It is equally palpable that the object of the Divine appointment of a class of men from time to time to be servants of the Most High God, showing unto us the way of salvation, is eminently for the instruction of mankind-for the edifying and comforting of believers. The Church is God's great teaching Institution. Her ministers are missionaries of light, and heralds of His good will to men. They are sent to teach all nations for the perfecting of the saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

I. In the Scriptures of our God various significant names are given to religious teachers, expressive of their character.

We find bishop, overseer, pastor, ambassador, angel or messenger applied to one and the same person. These names are expressive not of different orders or ranks in the Gospel ministry, but significant of various duties performed by the ministers of the church. They are for the same reason called rulers, governors, watchmen, soldiers, builders, and laborers. These titles are highly expressive of their character and appropriate work. Are they laborers? Then it is their duty to sow, plant, water and cultivate God's vineyard. They are sent to toil with pains and diligence, and wait for the harvest. Soldiers? Then they are engaged in war against the powers of darkness. As soldiers they are required to endure fatigue, and to persevere through dangers and difficulties, following their glorious leader unto death and victory. Watchmen? Then are they set on the high places, to give due warning by night and day of the dangers that threaten. They are set to watch for souls, as men that must give an account. They must keep awake themselves, and arouse the sleeping, and cry aloud to those that are dead in sin, lest the blood of those that perish should fall upon their heads as unfaithful watchmen. They are commanded to utter all God's judgments, whether the people will hear or forbear. And as stewards of the manifold mysteries of the household of God, they are to give every one his portion in season. Milk to babes and meat to such as are strong. Are they ambassadors? Then they are the accredited ministers of heaven, to treat of peace between God and man. To them is given the word of Reconciliation. They are sent by Christ, and speak in God's name, as though God did beseech us by them to be reconciled to Him. As ambassadors their mission is one of the highest dignity and of most tremendous responsibilities. They are to maintain the dignity and honor of their government, and so manage their mission, that the sovereign clemency, wisdom, glory and majesty of the King of kings may be seen in the salvation of sinners reconciled to Him and saved from sin by the death and mediation of His own well-beloved Son. Are they called angels or messengers? This is the title given to those pure and sublime natures who surround the eternal throne-ever doing the will of God-and are sent forth to minister to those that are heirs of salvation. ters who are the angels of the churches, which are the glory of Christ, should be like these holy spirits, in elevation of thought and devotion, and in the consecration of themselves to the study of the works, the word and glory of God; and as the angels above, ever be found doing the will of their Lord, especially in ministering to the souls for whom the "angel of the covenant" made himself a propitiatory sacrifice. The most common appellation by which religious teachers are known, is that of minister

Minis