and therefore, even by Moses in the most ancient days, all nations were called to partake in it, where he says, Rejoice, ye nations, with His people." Hence, also, in anticipation of the call of the Gentiles, the Psalmist cries out, "The Lord reigneth: let the earth rejoice, let the multitude of isles be glad thereof."

We are, then, you see, all of us concerned in these glad tidings, whence the duty of us all is to feel joy at this time, and diligently to consider the reason why we ought to feel it.

And this reason is given by the angel: "To you," he says, "is born this day a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Here is the true ground why we should feel joy at this time. Because, namely, on this day Christ our Lord and Saviour was born. And well would it be if we all did rejoice on this occasion truly, and from the heart, as tasting in our own souls the real benefits which we have obtained by the coming of Christ into the world. But it is to be feared there are too many who do not feel that joy which they ought, not entering in reality into the exceeding great privileges which they have received in Christ. And others there are who feel a joy at this time, but only a carnal, not a spiritual joy. Whereas the true joy which we should aim at obtaining in the thought of our Saviour's birth is the gift of the

1 Deut. xxxii. 43.

2 Ps. xcvii. 1.

Spirit, and to be sought from Him; for we read, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace." And having so many and so great causes of such a joy, shall we not be very perverse if we neglect so pleasant a duty? Let us believe that religion is not all sadness. That although we are bound to feel sad at the remembrance of our sins, yet there are times, and that this is one of them, when, if ever, we should learn to rejoice in the Lord.

Of all the days that rise upon us, this undoubtedly is the chief, crowned by God's own hand with sovereign blessings. "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Let us call to mind those feelings of our childhood which we used to have at Christmas-time. Let us thank God that He has preserved us so long. Let us make resolutions to increase in His holy faith and fear. Let us remember that we are 66 come to an innumerable company of angels;" that in baptism we have been made the children of God, and heirs of His kingdom. Let us meditate on that holy heaven which is opened to us through Christ. Let us triumph in the thought of His great power and glory. Let us consider that we are joined with Him. Let us rejoice in God our Saviour; and that we may do so as we ought, let us from this time more and more seek to avoid all sins of thought, word, and deed, lest we fall from our state of salvation. 1 Gal. v. 22. 2 Ps. cxviii. 24. 3 Heb. xii. 22.

Let us remember the exceeding holiness and purity of Christ, born of the Virgin Mary. Let us reflect that we should strive to be like Him. Let us particularly avoid, at this holy season, having any companionship with those who profane it by revelries and drunkenness, and all manner of idleness and folly. Let us rather retire within ourselves and our own families; and in the enjoyment of domestic peace and tranquillity, and in the innocent pleasure which arises from meeting with relations and friends, let us secretly reflect on that eternal reunion of all that is holiest, and purest, and best, in those glorious mansions where sorrow and sighing are unknown.

While we joyfully meet those from whom we have been long parted, but who at this happy season are accustomed to cluster round the familyfireside, let us not forget, at the same time, such as, in the last year, and in former years, have been called away to their everlasting rest, by the great Disposer of human life. Let us meditate on our friends and relations who have departed in the Lord, and who still exist, though out of our sight. Let us call to mind their holy lives, their good examples, their pious ways, their blessed obedience; and, in the thought of them, let us rejoice; considering that, through Him who on this day was born, they with us, and we with them, may look forward with hope to a glorious resurrection unto life everlasting.

These things if we seriously lay to heart, this holy season will not have passed over us in vain. And, oh, may it be the happy choice of all here seriously to turn their thoughts to their eternal concerns at this time; to seek peace and to obtain it, even that peace which the world cannot give! May we all seek Christ while He is to be found, and not put off to another period that which should be done at once!

F

SERMON VI

DISCERNING THE TIME.

SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS.

LUKE xii. 54.

"When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?"

In these words our blessed Lord is pointing out a strange inconsistency, which was to be observed among the multitude of those who came to hear Him. And what He complained of in them was this, namely, that whereas in the natural things of the world they were very excellent judges of times and seasons, of causes and effects, just the contrary was the case with them in things spiritual. So far as the visible world of nature was concerned, the clouds and the rain, the heat and the cold, the calm and the storm, matters in which their own worldly interest was involved, in all such points they took pains by observation to ascertain, with the utmost degree of