that burns brightly for a while, and then goes down in darkness. Nor is it a round of ceremonies and duties, made dull by repetition, and never changing in character nor form. It is a growth of the soul in heavenly wisdom and righteousness. We cannot become religious in a mo

ment.

The kingdom "cometh not with observation," but like the vegetable creation, we have in its developement, "first the blade, then the ear; after that, the full corn in the ear." While in this existence, we must be subject to vanity; liable to be led captive by the seductive influences of sin. We are imperfect; we need constant exercise against evil passions, and in favor of goodness and truth. This every Christian must know and acknowledge. Who can deny it? "Who feels as though he has soared over the boundary beyond which there is no advancement in knowledge, or goodness, or felicity? Or rather let me ask, who is there among us, who, to enjoy this distinction, must not experience an amazing growth of intellect and affection; a truly astonishing and unheard-of progress in knowledge and purity? Surely, there is no one of this description in any of our churches, in our world; nor, if we except the King Eternal and Immortal, in the broad universe itself. All except him, whether in heaven or on earth, are susceptible of an immeasurable growth in every moral excellence; and, for aught that appears, may continue to advance onward, to expand wider and still wider, to rise higher and still higher, through ages interminable." *

In accordance with this idea of progressive improvement, our Master taught, the apostles labored, and have written. It is the doctrine of the New Testament. "Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection," said the apostle. And in order to improve, he knew that watchfulness was necessary. "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."

Look at the two great representations of the Christian life in the apostolic writings; the race, and the combat. These will serve to impress our subject on the mind. The Christian is justly compared to the racers in the Olympic games. He is cautioned to lay aside every weight, and his easily besetting sins, and to run with patience the race that is set before him. And although we are not obliged to contend for our faith under circumstances like those which surrounded the primitive Christians, yet this comparison is applicable to all believers in gospel truth at the present time. If we would be the faithful disciples of him whose life was proof against sin, we must understand, that we have entered the lists against all who strive for the mastery in the perishable gain of earth; who contend for corruptible crowns. We come in the name of the Lord Jesus, to contend with sin and error; and, in his name, we trust victory will be given us. We are gazed upon by the surrounding world. A secret voice of inspiration whispers,

"A cloud of witnesses around,
Hold thee in full survey;
Forget the steps already trod,
And onward urge thy way!"

We must not, then, give back, nor falter. If we would be truly successful; if we would at the end "rejoice with

exceeding great joy," it is our duty to be fervent, watchful, prayerful. Then will the blessing of Heaven rest upon us, and our fight of faith, and our race of love, be crowned with glorious victory.

The Christian is also represented as a soldier. His life is to be a warfare; and he must be armed for the conflict. The direction is minutely and pointedly given by the apostle, in writing to his brethren at Ephesus. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication." Here, again, is seen the need of vigilance. The Christian has enlisted under the banner of the cross; the captain of his salvation is Jesus; and he is to follow his leader. He is not to be alarmed; for the foes against whom he contends are not invincible. They can be conquered with the weapons of the Christian armory; if these are wielded by an arm disciplined according to the rules of the commander. Then, there is no relaxation in this war. It is perpetual while life remains. Always on duty, is to be the motto of the Christian. He must never sleep but with his armour on; and be always ready to obey the first signal for an attack of the common enemy.

In view of the two comparisons just noticed, may we not sincerely pray for that wisdom and strength of purpose which shall lead us to say with Paul, "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air;" and which will insure to us the victory over the enemies of the truth; the joy of continued ascendency over error and sin.

If by coming into the liberty of gospel truth, the believer has escaped the pollutions of the world, he is to be watchful, lest he be "again entangled therein, and overcome." Religion, although it has changed his affections, has not changed his nature. Although in spirit, in desire, in faith, and hope, and love, he is a new creature, still, he is the same object of the tempter as ever; and has within him the same fleshly propensities to keep in subjection. He is liable not merely to run back into open and palpable violations of the commandments of Christ, in common with the avowedly wicked; but he may be led off in another direction. His religious feeling may deceive him; and he may have a zeal not according to knowledge. He may run into strife and "vain jangling" about non-essentials, or into perplexity and restlessness about those secret things which belong to God, and which are not made clearly known to us in revelation. He may be led to place more reliance on favorite Christian teachers, than on the word of Christ. He may have his mind so filled up with controversial subjects, as to have no room for watchfulness and prayer. He must, then, guard his heart. He must look diligently, lest in his spiritual life he proves himself, after all profession, an unprofitable servant.

Furthermore; - the world, its interests, enticements, and cares may be constantly calling us away from our own hearts; and we are liable, after repeated calls, to give way, little by little, until we find ourselves loosed from our moorings, and drifting down the tide of worldliness towards indifference and unbelief. Here is danger. The more we neglect rigid self-discipline, the less shall we enjoy of the light and glory of divine truth. Many a professing Christian has wished he could "enjoy religion" as well as his neighbour. But he never could, for this reason; he never took upon him the duties of watchfulness and prayer.

Seeing, then, that we are surrounded by influences which are in continual operation against our Christian life, the conclusion irresistibly forces itself upon us, that we must "keep the heart with all diligence." In relation to every act we are called upon to perform, the brief question of Bishop Butler should be asked; "Is this I am going to do, right; is it good, or is it evil?" And in every thought it should be our highest joy to realize, that nothing earthly can be of such high and happy interest to us as the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ.

To the sincere lover of the Gospel, the believer who desires not only to hear and know the truth, but to feel and to practise it, the following resolutions are submitted for adoption. More might be added, but it will be seen that these embrace the great principles of Christian faith and conduct.

1. I will strive to keep within me a continual remembrance of my God and Saviour.