continually set forth, which is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. And here the minister will wait in humble dependence on the promise, that they who take heed to themselves and to the doctrine, shall both save themselves and those that hear them." Here he will reprove, rebuke, exhort with all authority; here watch for the various opportunities which demand his care; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; dispensing to every age and every class their portion in due season; confirming those who are stedfast in the faith; comforting the weak-hearted, and helping the feeble to rise, till in the end they are more than conquerors," and able to do all things in the power of Christ who strengtheneth them.

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And now, brethren, if such are the blessings which may be expected here, may not the words of Scripture be justly repeated once more, "That it was in thine heart to build a house to my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart"? 8

7 1 Tim. iv. 16.

8

1 Kings viii. 18.

How soon is the benefit exhausted, if, indeed, there is any benefit at all from the common uses to which money is applied! It is gone-and what does it leave behind? Perhaps a vain regret that we have not proved better stewards of God's gifts.

But mark the difference here. Every sinner who is converted from the error of his way; every soul which is made wise unto salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus; every member of the church who, being cleansed from his sins, serves God with a quiet mind; every saint who, having finished his earthly career, is added to "the spirits made perfect;" each one of these, in every stage of his eventful way, brings a fresh return of interest to what has been here expended. I need not urge you that are now present to claim to yourselves a share in this return. What is thus employed will not "perish in the using;" nay, will acquire its real value when nothing else is valuable. For when "this world passeth away, and the lust thereof," there is that which abideth for ever. "We, brethren, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." And then they that have sown, and they that have reaped; they that have

built the house, and they that have frequented it; they that have ministered, and they that have been ministered unto; they that have repented, and they that have exhorted to repentance; they that have proclaimed the truth, and they that have obeyed it,-shall rejoice together; rejoice together, in that GOD IS GLORIFIED, AND MAN IS SAVED.

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SERMON XIV.

THE DUTY AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF ACTIVE EXERTIONS IN THE CAUSE OF RELIGION.

HEBREWS X. 24, 25.

Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Let us consider one another. This is peculiarly a CHRISTIAN exhortation. The Gospel of Christ first taught men to consider one another at all still more, to consider them with a view to their love and good works. The common principle of the human heart is the principle of selfishness. This is the inheritance derived from Adam. Every man seeks his own, and

no man another's welfare.

On the other hand, no sooner does the grace of God touch the heart, than it becomes warmed with tenderness towards all. Even the negroes and savages, who have been brought out of darkness by the pious labours of our countrymen, offer the firstfruits of their faith by their works of charity, and give "such as they have" towards the conversion of others. It must be so; because the Spirit of God renews the heart of man after the image of God, and "God is love." Where, then, the Spirit of God is, there love must also be.

But if our natural disposition is indolent self-indulgence; and charity, whether spiritual or temporal, the work of divine grace upon the heart; then we see the need of the apostle's injunction, that we stir up the gift of God which is in us, and provoke one another to love and to good works.

And this, I presume, is the chief design of meetings like the present.1 We, who compose them, are in the main like-minded, as to the consequence of enmity against God, and the

The anniversary of the Prayer Book and Homily Society.