are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." "I say unto you that ye resist not evil, but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek turn to him the other also." To the application of this text some may object, that it could not be intended that we should observe it to the letter, because if violence and insult were thus submitted to or rather courted, the bad and violent would rule uncontrouled in the world, and society be overturned. This reasoning may, in a degree, be correct; and in consequence, it may be the Chris-. tian's duty on certain occasions, to put the laws in execution against offenders; but this may be done for the welfare of society, while at the same time the heart of the true believer may be disposed towards the offender with the most perfect meekness, charity, and forbearance. This objection, therefore, notwithstanding, the text must be understood to forbid without further exception, all starts of passion, every feeling of private resentment, every instigation of revenge, every whisper of rancorous dislike. In the same spirit writes St. Paul:

"Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering." "Let nothing be done in strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." How astonishing is the contrast between this truly evangelical direction and the spirit which evidently acts upon the great mass of Christians! light and darkness, heaven and earth are not more distinctly sundered. "Let each, says the Holy Ghost, "esteem other better than themselves." We hear, we read the divine instruction, and turn to the world to study, labour, wrangle for higher distinction and consideration than we deserve. We think ourselves injured by those who refuse it; while we withhold from them the respect which we ourselves covet. But how strongly, and at the same time how winningly, is this heavenly grace of humility bound upon our consciences, when the mighty God, the Lord of all power and might, he to whom " every knee must bow of things in heaven and things in earth;" returning

blessings for the scoffer's blasphemy and the blows of the oppressor, presents himself an example for the imitation of his people! "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart."

covetousness.

Next observe how the weapons of the gospel are aimed against self-seeking and Love ye your enemies and do good and lend, hoping for nothing again, and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest.' "Charity envieth not; doth not behave itself unseemly; seeketh not her own."? "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches; but in the living God who giveth them all things richly to enjoy, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to contribute, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation. against the time to come."

And lastly, against carnal-mindedness. Do worldly men show themselves far more solicitous to provide for the necessities, nay, the comforts of the body, than for the most urgent wants of the soul? Jesus

says, "Take no thought for

your

life what

ye shall eat: neither for the body what ye shall put on." "Seek not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind; for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." "One thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." Are they soon weary of devotional exercise, impatient of religious conversation, averse from close and continual meditation upon God and the things of the unseen world? - Thus saith the Lord : "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength." "What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation." Set your affections on things above; for ye are dead and your life is bound with Christ in God." The disciple is cautioned to be "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, re

66

joicing in hope; patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer." Are men more easily prevailed upon by the manners and example of the world, by fears of ridicule or loss, than by the demands of and interests of Christianity? "He said unto them all, if any man will come after me, let him. deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Also, (Luke, xiv. 26),

Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed in the renewing of your mind." Do they entertain, without fear, unholy thoughts or desires, or join in discourse unbecoming disciples of "the holy and the just?"" "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." "Put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your minds: and that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying." "All uncleanness and