and feel that it greatly concerns us to take care how we trust to the world's example, in this respect particularly.

By the world's example, is to be understood the conduct of the generality of people around us, especially those above us, or those who have influence over us as relations, or neighbours, or acquaintSuch are "the world" to us, each of us, in our several

ances. stations.

It concerns us all greatly continually to bear in mind, that our GOD and SAVIOUR, and His holy will, is infinitely more to us than the fairest prospects, or the best friends we can look to here. In a short time these must all have passed away from us, or we from them, but HE to whom, if we are faithful members of CHRIST'S Church, we are invited and authorized to look,-HE will never fail those who yield their hearts and lives to HIM. HE is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.

With this recollection as much as possible kept alive in us, the humble Christian may best meet the difficulties and perplexities in which he must expect to be involved at all times, and especially in the present condition of what is called the Christian world,'-difficulties no doubt sent upon us for trial and correction, and therefore evidences of God's mercy.

Now, it is one particular symptom and natural accompaniment (so to say) of a state of difficulty, that people are disposed to lay the blame on each other. It is so with individuals, and it is the same with companies and parties, even in matters of religion itself. Such is human nature, fallen and corrupted.

The humble Christian then prays, and strives with all earnestness, to be kept free from this dangerous temper. Whilst he is most anxious to be (however unworthy) at least a sincere and faithful member of CHRIST's holy Church, he at the same time is no less anxious to keep clear of the sin of rashly judging others, -a sin into which religiously-disposed persons are too apt to fall. But this, at least, is no sign of their religious views being correct. For whatever comfort we may justly derive from the thought of ourselves being in the right way in any respect, it ought surely to be no comfort or matter of triumph, but a most painful reflection, that those who differ from us may be in the wrong.

Such an one, according to the Prophet's warning, is far from

being "haughty because of God's holy mountain," under which he trusts he has found shelter and security, but rather desires to be among the number of the "poor and afflicted people, who trust in the Name of the LORD."

Again (as a wise and holy man has said), "in the war between truth and error, virtue and vice are wont to make a truce," or rather, almost a sort of peace; that is to say, in other words, there is danger that when religious disputes and controversies run high, people shall think less of the plain rules of virtue and holiness, and if others are of our side or opinion, we are inclined to judge very lightly of their faults and failings. Now this kind of disposition is greatly to be guarded against, as for other reasons, so because encouragement is hereby given to worldly-minded persons, who always, alas! will be the larger number, to think, or at least to say, that, after all, religious people are nothing better than hypocrites, and that religion as often does as much harm as good to society, if not more, and therefore that we may do very well without it, or, at least, without so much of it. Now, the best way of resisting and getting rid of these miserable and blasphemous fancies, is still to bear in mind (what is the real truth of the case), that, as the Apostle speaks, we have the greatest of all treasures "in earthen vessels," and that therefore we are not to wonder if the practice of Christians falls short of their profession in a very remarkable degree.

We are not to wonder at it; nevertheless, we are earnestly to pray for a better state of things, and to labour after it too as opportunity shall offer; still remembering that, though perfection is not attained in this world either by churches or individual Christians, yet no person or church should rest contented with any measure of holiness short of perfection. In other words, it is always a very bad sign when Christians are satisfied with the attainment they have made, and are not endeavouring (as one great Apostle expresses it) to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST," and (as another) to " press toward the mark for the prize of our high calling."

Now, to lead this kind of life is the very opposite of "haughtiness," and any confident resting in privileges; it is to feel ourselves at all times to be "an afflicted and poor people," very

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unworthy of all that is done for us, and yet praying and striving to become more worthy. Of such the Prophet expressly says, they trust in the Name of the LORD;" the worthiness they seek is, in fact, none of their own by any kind of claim of right; in that Name wherein alone is salvation, is all their trust; in HIM, "who of GOD is made to them Wisdom, and Righteousness, and Sanctification, and Redemption; according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the LORD."

The time may come, perhaps before long, when Christian people (some at least) shall awake, as it were, out of the deadly slumber in which they too generally are involved, and bethink themselves of their real condition. God grant that it may not be too late. At all events, we are bound to caution all persons who account themselves to be what are called Church people,-we call on such persons to ask themselves candidly and seriously, what their claim is to the name; whether they really wish to act up to the plain rules of the Church; whether, in fact, they are not deceiving themselves with a name-a name, and nothing

more.

Now, we may deceive ourselves, but we cannot deceive ALMIGHTY GOD, as we all very well know. "HE that knows what is in man," detects our hypocrisy now, and will call us to account for it in His day of final judgment.

Truly our only refuge is, in company with His "afflicted and poor people," a small company at the most, and weak and imperfect at the best,-nevertheless, with them to seek Him far more earnestly than we have ever yet done, to call upon HIм unceasingly

in the voice of His Church,' to avoid all selfishness in what

ever shape, to " rejoice if, in any respect, we may be counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name.”

But then we must be particularly careful and anxious to ascertain that our religious views and principles are real and practical; that they are heart-deep, and not merely floating, as it were, on the surface.

They who have cast off haughtiness and all vain confidences; who are content to live in affliction and poverty of spirit; and who withal really trust in the One Great Name wherein alone is salvation (such as are these described in the LORD's words

by His prophet); they are, as it were, the pattern and model, whom we, in our pitiable inferiority, should propose to ourselves. We should follow them as they follow CHRIST. Then religion and holiness would not be what men, in their strange self-contradiction, are too apt to regard them, as somewhat limited, only or chiefly, to particular days or places, but every day would be to them, as it were, a LORD's day, and we should feel ourselves always as in the presence of JESUS CHRIST.

Now, I do not deny but that it is a high and difficult aim to lead this sort of life; but I do say also, that unless we are earnestly, and without all pretence, endeavouring so to live; no professions, no feelings, no confidences will be found of any value in that day when our true characters shall be laid open before men and Angels.

SERMON CCCXLI.

GOD'S COMPLAINT OF HIS PEOPLE.

JER. v. 31.

"My people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" THE holy prophet at the twenty-fifth and preceding verses of this chapter, had solemnly warned the chosen people, that, according to the course and rule of God's providential government, public distresses are occasioned by public sins. He had made special mention of God's mercy in sending men "the former and the latter rain in their season," and " reserving unto them the appointed weeks of the harvest." But to deprivations and afflictions of every kind, whenever they happen, the severe warning is no doubt applicable, more or less, and always will be. "Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you." And this teaches us Christians also, in all distress of mind, body, or estate, to consider carefully and without delay, what sins or negligences may have given occasion for such chastisement, and so without delay to repent and amend, and this substantially and in earnest.

But at the next verse, the prophet, speaking in God's Name, seems, as it were, to break off abruptly; expressing at the same time surprise and sorrow at the thought of the "iniquities" and "sins" which he had just referred to. "For," says he, "it is too true, among My people are found wicked men.' This expression of endearment, "My people," as thus used, is very emphatic, and of frequent occurrence in the Holy Scriptures, as, for example,