because good men have been overtaken in a fault, his sentence is already recorded-his "damnation is just." (Rom. iii. 8.) It is to "continue in sin that grace may abound" (Rom. vi. 1-14); to turn "the grace of our God into lasciviousness" (Jude, ver. 4); to dishonour God, provoke his wrath and righteous indignation, and to abuse his mercy and longsuffering. XIV. CHARITY. 1 Corinthians xiv. 1. Follow after charity. IS then Charity some swift-winged spirit, which must be pursued with speed and diligence-one that eludes our grasp, and flits away just when we think we have secured her? Considering how rarely she is attained-how often she is lost-how few appreciate her real excellence and beauty-we must come to this conclusion, and deeply feel the necessity of urging this apostolic exhortation, "Follow after charity." But before this exhortation can be enforced, we must ascertain the true nature of that which we are to pursue; since a misconception here must render all our subsequent efforts unavailing. Indeed, it will be found, that although Charity is in every one's lips, there is no one grace of the christian character which is so little understood-none of which there are more spurious imitations. May the Holy Spirit of God guide and bless our meditations while we endeavour to contemplate some of the most beautiful of all His holy operations!-Consider then, I. WHAT CHARITY IS NOT; OR ITS IMITATIONS. II. WHAT IT IS. III. THE APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION TO PURSUE IT: low after charity." "Fol I. Many things are mistaken for Charity, which either have no connexion with it, or are actually opposed to it. Among these imitations of the grace of Christian Charity we notice 1. The politeness of refined society : -This has justly been defined as "benevolence in trifles;" and when exhibited in some perfection, it is an admirable and close imitation of Christian Charity: it chooses the lowest place-exercises continual self-denial-imputes the best motives-depreciates itself to exalt another; its language is kindness, consideration, amenity; it avoids anything that can give pain: in fact, it is in words, what Charity is in deed! Yet is this worldly politeness the most false, hollow, selfish, cruel, and often licentious hypocrisy !-There is not a more hard-hearted being in existence than a fashionable man or woman! Nor are more flagrant wounds anywhere inflicted on true Charity, than in our polished circles! 2. Neither is mere natural kindness of heart to be mistaken for Charity. Some persons possess this in a high degree; and it is in itself very amiable and delightful-a moral quality which tends to heal and bless society: "the milk of human kindness." Far would we be from depreciating it; but it is not Christian Charity, because it does not spring from love to Christ. It is a natural instinct in some men, as opposite dispositions discover themselves in other men: some are naturally amiable, and others morose; but both may be destitute of Christian principle, and, therefore, of Christian Charity. 3. Charity is not mere almsgiving : -We may bestow all our goods to feed the poor, and be destitute of it. (ch. xiii. 3.) This is so palpable as to need little proof, although the world needs much exhortation on this point. Almsgiving and Charity are so identified in the minds of most persons, that it seems impossible to sever them. Yet St. Paul's testimony is enough: money not given from love to Christ, is not "given in Charity:" the christian motive alone can constitute a christian action. Where there is no self-denial, no view to God's glory, nor any love to his saints, there is no Charity: much less can it exist in the bosom of any one who gives ostentatiously and self-righteously. 4. Charity is not the popular principle of the present day, misnamed "Liberal," or "Liberality!" -the Charity of the freethinker or the indifferent, which rejects the denunciations of God's word: its soil is selfishness, which leaves every one to pursue his own way and perish; and its fruits are atheism and unholiness! II. WHAT THEN IS CHRISTIAN CHARITY? 1. Its origin and nature: -It takes its source in the deep bosom of Almighty love: "for God is love!" It begins in personal acquaintance with God's love. "We have known and believed the love which God hath to us." "We love him because he first loved us." (1 John iv. 7-19.) That heart is a stranger to Charity which knows not the love of God! We must first love God, or we shall never love our fellow creatures: Charity is the reflection of God's love in the soul! 2. See it in its operations: (a) In the heart itself: how it tranquilizes the soul-softens (b) Towards the world at large:-it is a passive grace- It is moreover an active grace towards the world. Whence sprung the devotedness of prophets, apostles, martyrs, missionaries? Did not love constrain them? (2 Cor. v. 14.) Not the indolent benevolence, and the affected liberality of the world, which excuses itself from all self-denial and sacrifice, expending itself in good wishes, but the same active spirit which brought down Christ himself from on high to save sinners. The Charity which alarms to save, and disturbs to deliver : which will not lull men to sleep in false security, but will arouse the slumberers: Awake, thou sleeper; arise, and "call upon thy God!" (Jonah i. 6.) The Charity of the vigilant watchman—the wakeful sentry-the fond but faithful parent! (c) Towards the Church of God, Charity will also discover its passive and active qualities: it will bear much with the in firmities of the brethren-yield many things to peace: it will silence religious gossip and scandal, especially respecting the ministers of God: it will interpret motives favourably it will not repeat evil tales, whether true or false. This is the very garment of the Christian: "Put on, therefore, as the elect of God,......bowels of mercies," &c. (Col. iii. 12, &c.) "Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you," &c. (Ephes. iv. 31, 32.) But here also Charity will be an active grace: it will not sacrifice truth to peace-it will not abide error, or sanction inconsistency! It will reprove, rebuke, and exhort," though it be "with all long-suffering," &c. (2 Tim. iv. 2.) It will "have no fellowship with the works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephes. v. 11.) The trumpet's harsh sound may be the voice of true Charity, as much as the silver sounds of David's harp! Excommunication is Charity! (1 Tim. i. 20; 1 Cor. v. 5.) III.—THE APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION TO PURSUE CHARITY"Follow after Charity." It is difficult to attain, and it easily escapes you: it is soon grieved and put to flight by neglect or evil tempers ; therefore follow it-hasten after it. How? 1. In your own soul! -There the fountain must be opened there the flame of Divine love must be kindled and cherished. By frequent meditation on God's love in Christ Jesus-by studying the great example of suffering patience and unwearied love-by much prayer, and contemplation of God's Holy Word-by watchfulness over the heart and temper, "lest we grieve the Holy Spirit"-by waiting, looking for, and expecting the heavenly grace, which we know to be the gift" the most excellent gift" of God. Thus may we obtain the blessing; and increase, and foster, and nourish it, and "stir it up in us" when we have it. 2. Follow after Charity in the world :— -"Seek peace and ensue it:" discharge the most painful duties in tenderness and love; let men see that it does really give you pain to reprove their vices; promote kindness and good-will among men; place religion in an amiable light before them; give them no just cause of offence against you; deal gently with them: a rude, sour, and harsh demeanour can hardly be received as Charity. Yet compromise no principle: the most fearful strife, and the agitation of the most violent passions, must be preferred to kind feelings purchased by the sacrifice of fidelity to God and man. Be loving, but be faithful! 3. Follow after Charity among real Christians : -Here greater sacrifices of personal opinion and feeling ought to be made. To differ from any large body of truly pious persons, is a position of much hazard. To disturb a Church by the unseemly eruption of private opinions, involves great responsibility. Schism is a sin; and they who divide the Church, and rebel against constituted authorities, may well dread it. The right of private judgment is a most sacred right; and individual responsibility rests on every man: but where self-deception, self-conceit, and selflove, are so common, surely any man should tremble before he offers up Charity as a sacrifice on the altar of his private judgment! This is the guilt of such sects as the Plymouth Brethren, who, by separating from the Church of England, and reviling her, do separate from the largest body of truly pious and spiritual believers in their native country, and revile them. Oh! that there were more love, forbearance, and true Christian Charity among men whose hearts are really penitent and believing, and who are looking to the same Saviour, and the same eternal rest! Merely ecclesiastical, prophetical, or civil questions among such persons, ought not to create schism. Brethren, I exhort you all to seek the christian grace of Charity, thus scripturally explained. Follow after it in your own soul, that you may there "know the love of God which passeth knowledge." Cherish it as the best and happiest inmate of your bosom; and then promote and cultivate it in the Church and in the world; remembering who hath said" Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God!" XV. ELI'S RESIGNATION. 1 Samuel iii. 18. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good. WONDERFUL and affecting narrative! The infant Prophet bears the heavy tidings of the Lord's judgments to the aged High Priest! Samuel, a mere child, is sent to the venerable Eli to predict calamity! Was there no prophet, no priest, no Levite, no holy man, in Israel, to take this office? Must it be filled by a little child, and that |