a right spirit and temper, may be great, and ought not to be overlooked or undervalued. We are, indeed, enjoined "earnestly to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints" (Jude 3): but we should contend, though earnestly, yet in the spirit of meekness, gentleness, and love: not so much for the triumph of victory, as for the establishment of truth. "The servant of the Lord must not strive," must not be disputatious and quarrelsome," but be gentle unto all men ;" "in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves." (2 Tim. ii. 24, 25.) But much time and temper has latterly been expended on religious controversy, and without producing any commensurate good. Well will it be for us, if, learning the value of the time that has been thus appropriated, we resolve to "redeem the time," by renewed and increased dedication of ourselves to the cause and service of our Divine Lord and Master.

But amidst this deep and wide-spread gloom there are some symptoms of encouragement: at no period was there such a diffusion of religious knowledge in the community, and such a steadfast resolution on the part of members of the Church of England, There is, decidedly at this day a very general profession of religion, and we would hope there are many truly religious persons; but we should be careful lest this very zeal be not according to knowledge, lest we pay more attention to the form than to the spirit of religion.

Another very cheering symptom is the existence in this country of so many excellent Societies and Institutions which have for their object the extended propagation of "the truth as it is in Jesus!" Some of these have rendered important service to the cause of religion, in diminishing the amount of evil, and in spreading the light of the gospel, both at home and

abroad. And if they were more liberally supported, they might, under God, accomplish a much greater extent of good. I would intreat those who possess the means, to do their utmost in promoting such laudable objects, and daily to pray that "the kingdoms of this world may become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ."

I will mention only one other encouraging symptom, that there is much sound moral and religious feeling amongst us, which is, that many young men, in most towns, have, from a thirst for secular and religious knowledge, formed themselves into societies, and meet periodically. A most commendable plan, and well worthy of encouragement and support! This is the seed-time: the young men are sowing for eternity, to reap fruits everlasting. But I would venture to offer to such young persons a caution on the subject of religion. Religious knowledge is not necessarily religion. It may be only airy head-knowledge, which "puffeth up, rather than edifieth;" but religion, to deserve the name, must be implanted in the heart, and sustained and fostered by the Spirit of grace. It

is

very needful to make this observation, for we meet with, at this day, much self-complacency and self-sufficiency in all ranks of society. I would intreat such young persons to read their Bible daily. By attending to the rules herein before given, they will find, to their unspeakable comfort and satisfaction in time and eternity, that "God's Word is a lamp unto their feet, and a light unto their path." It is, indeed, consoling to think that, in the event of any outbreak, any conflict of religious principles, we may reasonably calculate on the sympathy of this portion of the population of England. Her young men may be called upon to play an important part in

the struggle, if, indeed, such be the will of God; and if so, may they be at their posts: may they be strong and of good

courage.

And you, my dear young friends, the lambs of the flock, you I would affectionately beseech to "remember now your Creator" and your Redeemer, and your Sanctifier, "in the days" of your childhood and "youth;" and to remember them with love, reverence, and obedience. I would most gladly instruct you in what concerns your everlasting welfare, and lead you to place your hopes of heaven and happiness, where alone they can be realized, in the Supreme Governor of the universe. "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and His children shall have a place of refuge." (Prov. xiv. 26.) I would open before you the pages of God's own Book as the only fountain of living and saving truth: I would endeavour to win you to the acknowledgment and love of that truth, lead you from the dead system of superstition and error by which we are assailed, and, through God's mercy and by His grace, introduce you to the "glorious liberty wherewith Christ maketh his people free." It is, indeed, my heart's desire and prayer to God for each of you, that you may be Bible-Christians, christians of the Church of England.

And let us all, my brethren, of every age, and of every rank in society, sedulously labour that souls may be built up and edified under the ministry of the Word, and may go on from strength to strength, while the Spirit, whose peculiar office and work it is, applies that Word to the hearts and consciences of them that hear; and while we thus look forward with faith and hope to the future, and earnestly pray for God's blessing on all our honest undertakings, let us look back with

gratitude and thankfulness to the past.

"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” "Goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our lives." "Yes, let us resolve," to adopt the eloquent language of a late amiable Divine of our Church,* "let us resolve, in these days of peril and trial, to stand by the Church of England, to stand by her in her laity and her clergy, in her liturgy, articles, and homilies, in her exaltation of Christ, as the only ground of a sinner's hope. Let us hold fast to the principles of the English reformation, based as they are on the authority of God's imperishable Word. Let us have no sympathy with Rome and Romanizers, and, by God's blessing, we have nothing to fear. And though our bark may be cast on troubled waters, yet, sooner or later, we shall hear the voice of Him who can speak with majesty and with power, 'Peace, be still.'"

And may God's testimonies be our delight and our counsellors; and his Word be dearer to us than thousands of gold and silver. May he sanctify our minds to understand, and our memories to retain it, that it may arm us with strength against temptation and be to us a preservative from sin. May His Spirit dwell within us, this day, and every day, to confirm our faith, to instruct us in divine wisdom, to guide, strengthen, and comfort us: to incline us to discharge our duties with simplicity and godly sincerity; to cause the love of God to dwell richly in our hearts, and to replenish us with charity unfeigned towards one another, and all mankind!

*From a speech of the Rev. E. TOTTENHAM, B.D.. Minister of Laura Chapel, Bath.

66

SERMON VII.

MATTHEW XIII. 45, 46.

AGAIN, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO
A MERCHANTMAN SEEKING GOODLY PEARLS;
WHO, WHEN HE HAD FOUND ONE PEARL
OF GREAT PRICE, WENT AND SOLD ALL
THAT HE HAD, AND BOUGHT IT.

THERE are, at the present moment, in the Metropolis of Great Britain, and elsewhere, many highly interesting sights, which invite observation, and deserve a careful and diligent inspection. Among these must be mentioned, as meriting especial notice, the Crystal Palace, remarkable, as well for the magnitude, lightness, and elegance of its structure, as for the rapidity of its erection.

And if "the exterior of the Crystal Palace awakens admiration, still more are the objects within it calculated to do so. It is filled with the manifold productions of manifold minds. From the raw material, up to the costliest combinations of it which