in their generation as children of this world, on matters relating to temporal interest, we are dull and insensible and apathetic, only, when the interests of eternity are in question? That having eyes to see, in vain shines for us the light thrown upon a future world by the holy gospel; in vain so glorious a beacon is held out, which should cheer, as well as illumine our path like the pillar of fire, which in old time guided the wanderings of the Israelites. Must we admit, that minds there are, choked by "the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches," which would turn from heaven itself, and with a clinging love for earth, would fain live over again the years they have passed, chequered, as those years have probably been, with many follies if not much vice, many hours, thoughts and actions rather to be repented of than repeated; postponing always that consideration for the future, in which there is present and practical wisdom, as teaching the soul to soar hopefully and buoyantly through trials and afflictions that are common to all. Let it not be supposed that a vain, a dreamy and imaginative disposition of mind is advocated. * This would be a strange perversion of reason, for reason honestly consulted would shew, that meditation on our future condition as immortal beings, cannot fail to bring with it a sense of the deepest gratitude and admiration, humility, and love, towards the fountain of all goodness. Such feeling, by a natural consequence, would lead us to take heed to our ways lest in anything we offend, One, to whom we have so little to offer. The best emotions of the heart would be His. Love towards God would, again as a consequence, create love to our neighbour, because it is His known desire; and such love is the fulfilling of the law, because "love worketh no ill to his neighbour," but breathes " peace, good-will towards man." Such love is the charity that "suffereth long, and is kind, that envieth not and is not puffed up, which rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."-Love and charity are one. If indeed, the disinclination to look forward to eternity arose, truly, from a sense of our own inability to obtain so great a reward, the plea-apparently that of humility, (an inseparable ingredient of the Christian mind,) would be in fact, one implying chiefly a want of reflection. For where is it written that man's merit may win the prize of our High calling? "Not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give the praise."* "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." In the merit and expiation of our blessed Redeemer alone, is man's hope, and strength, and trust. That gracious Being, who, born before all worlds as God, was born in the world as man, taking upon Himself our nature, and being "in all points tempted as we are," that He might be an example of all righteousness as He is the propitiation for all sins, in that He laid down His life for us. "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Rightly do we believe ourselves unprofitable servants, for thus is it written" So likewise ye when ye shall have done all those things that are commanded of you, say, we are unprofitable servants, we have done that which was our duty to do." And truly it needs but a moment's thought to satisfy us, that to de Psa. cxv. Rom. vi. 23. ‡ Acts iv. 12. || Luke xvii. 10. serve, as of a right, or to be other than unprofitable servants, is impossible. Look abroad upon the earth, and consider its wonders, animate and inanimate. Then let us lift our eyes above and survey the heavens; the world of stars-stars themselves worlds. Let the telescope aid us to extend our vision, and while thus viewing as it were a new creation, let us remember how much still remains unseen. Let the microscope unfold to our observation fresh wonders; and then, if the mind be not stunned by facts so overwhelming, let us endeavour to bring home to our conception, that all we behold is the creation of one Supreme Being. "These are Thy glorious works, Parent of good, Profitable servants to such a Being! Oh no! Let no tinge of vain glory or self-righteousness stain the mind of Christian man striving to obey his Creator and Benefactor-not one holy aspiration, one wish to do right, followed by earnest and honest endeavour to fulfil that wish, is lost upon Him to whom all hearts are open, all desires known and from whom no secrets are hid. Our Saviour Himself has declared, that whosoever shall give a cup of cold water, only, in His name, shall in no wise lose His reward. But every kindly act for the succour and welfare of our fellow men, must have a clear, distinct, and specific object to render it of value. It must be done "for the honor and glory of God;" in obedience to His will; not for the praise of man, though that will probably follow-we should be "always abounding in the work of the Lord*"-but why? as the only proof we can give of our love and faith and sincerity: AS SUCH, as the best and sole testimony in our power to offer, that we are in earnest, our patient continuance in well doing, is acceptable to God. "The Lord ordereth a good man's going and maketh his way acceptable to Himself."+ Always, however, must it be true, that unprofitable servants we remain, because He who said "Let there be, light, and there was light," cannot need the puny arm of man to execute His will, let that will be what it may. Thus much, supposing the plea of conscious unworthiness an honest plea. But is it honest? Is |