giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!'

Upon a review of this whole subject, well indeed may a Christian minister exclaim, with his far more worthy predecessor, Who is sufficient for these things?' But I dwell now upon

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considerations which relate to Christians as the hearers of God's word. And there are three classes of persons whose attention I would call to the language of our text.-Here is a warning to those who slight or neglect the ministry of the gospel. But these persons, perhaps, are not now within reach of the admonition which we would willingly convey to them. Let us, however, my Christian brethren, pray earnestly on their behalf, that the eyes of their understanding may be enlightened, and that a right judgment may be given to them in all things which belong to their eternal welfare. Let us, moreover, invite ; -let us warn ;-let us, when opportunity may offer, expostulate ;-let us, if we have authority, rebuke ;—let us use every means which prudence may dictate and charity can sanction, to recal our misguided brethren to a sense of that privilege and duty which they now so unhappily neglect.

To those, again, who listen to the gospel, but who do not hear it with faith and to a good purpose, the words of the apostle may give an

important counsel. Let such persons beware lest that voice which is so easily slighted and forgotten should be to them a savour of death unto death. "Take heed," said our blessed Saviour, “how ye hear." Take heed to the motives with which you listen to God's word. Labour for a simple desire after the wisdom that cometh from above. Consider that her price is above rubies, and that the chief thing to be desired is that understanding which maketh wise unto salvation. And then repair to that holy place where wisdom crieth, and understanding putteth forth her voice.-Go thither in a spirit of prayer; knowing that the words of the preacher are an empty sound, unless they are accompanied by the power of God within the heart.-Go with humility; knowing that pride refuses to be taught, and that with the lowly is wisdom. And forget not that religion is a matter of personal importance, and that the truths of the gospel are a message from God unto yourselves.

Lastly to those who have rightly improved the ministration of the gospel, I would say,-Cease not to desire, with all simplicity and faith, the sincere milk of God's word. Let Let your prayers rise up to the throne of grace on behalf of those who are called to minister the gospel in an evil world, themselves also compassed with infirmity, and beset with manifold temptations. Attend to the

word preached with a continual dependence, not upon the skill or piety of any human instructor, but upon the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and his power in your hearts. And, in answer to your prayers, may the dew of God's blessing descend richly upon your souls; may you derive peace, consolation, and joy from the gospel of a compassionate Saviour during your pilgrimage on earth; and may the hour of your death, whenever it shall come, be made calm and happy by the refreshing promises of the word of life.

THE END.

LONDON:

IBOTSON AND PALMER, PRINTERS, SAVOY STREET, STRAND.