of the mind; when former practices are broken off, and former companions forsaken, and the very appearance of evil as much as possible avoided; when the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom becomes an object of such prevailing interest, that in private and from house to house the regenerate soul becomes a preacher of righteousness; when all resentments are subdued so that earnest prayer is made for those who have injured us, and every possible restitution made to those whom we have injured ; when love is cultivated towards all men, to the unconverted in a way of tender anxious compassion and eager endeavours to promote their salvation; to the household of faith in a way of special communion through Christ, loving them for the truth's sake which dwelleth in them, in simplicity and godly sincerity, in the unity of the Spirit, and in the bond of peace: when these marks of the disciples of Jesus appear, the world is condemned by the contrast, and the men of the world are offended. And as the objection continually urged against the doctrines of the saints is, that they regard practice too little; so now the objection urged against their lives is, that they regard practice too much, that they are needlessly precise, over strict, puritanically particular, and spiritually proud, esteeming themselves better than others.

When this change takes place in one individual of a worldly family, it causes no small stir in the household, and excites no small offence in the minds of those plausible advocates for moderation, who highly approve of the most eager and persevering zeal in every earthly pursuit, but who are ever ready on the appearance of any thing like zeal or eagerness in religion to cry out fanaticism, enthusiasm, presumption! The offence is given, not by the moral, but by the spiritual part of the believer's character; for the morality of the gospel is applauded by many, who loathe as a sickly thing the godliness of the gospel. Mark that man! he is a man of principle, of integrity, of unblemished moral reputation: he has a son advancing towards manhood, and just embarked in the business of his calling. He hears concerning the young man that he is exceedingly attentive to his various duties, punctual in all his engagements, and strictly faithful in all his contracts; that he is also soberly religious, regular in the observance of the sabbath and attendance at the house of God, but not at all infected with methodism. The father is delighted, a glow of what is called honest pride warms his heart, while an unbidden tear of gratitude starts to his eye. After some time he hears that the moral excellence of his son's character, is, if possible, increased; but that his religion appears to have affected his mind as well as his conduct, that the Bible has become so interesting to him, he studies it every day, and very frequently speaks of its contents; that not satisfied with refraining carefully from every vicious practice, he also absents himself from every scene of dissipation, and condemns both in word and deed what are generally considered the innocent amusements of the world. The father is alarmed; he writes to remonstrate, setting forth the respectability which belongs to moderation in religion, the arrogance of a young man presuming to set up his own opinion, and differ from so many older and wiser than himself, and expressing his hope that it will prove only a temporary aberration, and that the enthusiastic practices which had been adopted, without thought perhaps, will be given up. His son replies under a deep impression of eternal things, affectionately yet firmly appealing to the scriptures, and declaring his feelings and conduct to be the result of a decided change which had been produced upon his character by the operation of the holy spirit of God. The father is mortified, disappointed, offended. There are fathers, not a few, who would be less offended with their sons for associating with licentious profligates, and squandering their time and money on a race-course, or in a gambling-house; than for associating with the people of God, and devoting themselves to the service of a crucified Saviour.

But that which is an offence to the world, is the glory of the church: "God forbid," saith the true Christian, "that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."* But let every child under such circumstances bear in mind, that it is also written "honour your father and your mother," and " if it be possible as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." The opposition which conscience requires, should be mild and moderate and affectionate.

Blessed, for ever blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Christ. Is there an individual among you, my brethren, who feels offended this morning? Suffer me to ask you, why are you offended? Is it because these things are in the Bible? Then take heed lest you be found fighting against God to your own ruin. "Knowest thou," said his disciples to the Lord Jesus, that the Pharisees were offended after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up."† Or is it because you think these things

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are not in the Bible, but only an individual's interpretation of the Bible? Then I do beseech you to examine for yourselves; imagine not that you are already so intimately acquainted with God's word, as to be able to pronounce what does and what does not accord with the general tenour of scripture; but search the scriptures daily whether these things be so."

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We must now conclude for the present without entering into any detailed description of the blessedness of him who is not offended in Jesus Christ: who being taught to see in their true colours the wickedness of a fallen world, the vileness of his own heart, and the worthlessness of his best actions; hails with joy unspeakable and full of glory, the boundless love of God in giving his dear Son to rescue rebels from guilt and misery; and who being influenced by the free and powerful grace of the Holy Ghost, walks in the enjoyment of a holy communion with God through Christ; his sins forgiven, his soul justified, his conscience at peace through faith, his pride subdued, his temper chastened, his affections spiritualized, and all his crosses, disappointments, and afflictions, lightened by an animating anticipation of that weight, that far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory which shall be revealed.