have taken place in that man's heart! Think of him as he was before, plotting his evil deeds, waiting for the hour of darkness, that he may accomplish them. Think of the curse that his ill-gotten gains would bring to his wretched home. Think of his gnawing conscience, that would never let him be at ease. Think of his countenance darkened with guilt, and see him now, having so "learned Christ," that he is washed and sanctified, at peace with God, loving to bless, and to do good to men.

Then think of that brawling woman, whose loud and angry voice used to disturb that whole court in which she lived, and who was constantly quarrelling with her neighbours, and making dispeace among them, her own heart troubled and angry, and the troubler of others. See her now ready to forgive, as knowing how she has been forgiven! See her acting as a blessed peacemaker, and in her tongue the law of kindness.

See that other, who, though quiet and respectable in men's eyes, was covering up the secret malice, the secret bitterness, that gave her words a sting, and that made it a pleasure to speak evil of a neighbour, to have some tale to tell, or some fault to find; see her filled with the love that "covereth all sins," that "suffereth long and is kind, that is not easily provoked, and thinketh no evil." †

* Prov. x. 12.

+ 1 Cor. xii. 4, 5.

See in such examples something of what it is to put off the old man and to put on the new man. And let us remember that a change as effectual must be wrought in each one of us. We must not be proudly saying, like the Pharisee, "God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, ,"* but be acknowledging that we are by nature "dead in tresspasses and sins;" and that we have been baptized into Christ, that we may be partakers of His life, and that we may live as He lived," who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth." +

When we see any of onr fellow-creatures sunk deep in those sins which even men can see to be evil, far from causing us to look with pride upon ourselves, it should deeply humble us and fill us with sorrow, as seeing in them the fruits of our common fallen and corrupt nature. The corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit; the old man must be put off, whether it be in the proud Pharisee or in the poor publican. We must not think to improve it or make it look well, it must be put off, and "the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness," must be put on. We must let the word of God, search us and discern the thoughts and intents of our hearts, cleansing out every dark corner. Oh, let us not deal hypocritically or falsely with God! Let us beware of making a fair show in † 2 Pet. ii. 22.

Luke xviii, 11.

some things, while we cloak over others! Suppose that in cleaning out your room, your were to cleanse very thoroughly that part which people could see, but were to sweep the dust and dirt into the hidden corners where it could not be seen, what would be the consequence? Would not vermin breed in those filthy corners, and pollute the whole room? and will it not be so in our hearts, if we leave the old man in any corner of them, to bring forth its evil fruit?

In this country, especially, where there is so much profession of religion-while, alas! our morality is even lower that that of other countries-we need to take very great heed that our religion be a reality, that it be not a mere cloaking of the old man, and putting a fair face upon it. Remember, except it cleanse us, it is nothing or worse than nothing, for it is hypocrisy.

Our Lord warns us that many shall say to Him, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?"* They shall expect to be accepted of Him, and yet He shall be constrained to say to them “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Not every one that saith unto Him, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of His Father which is in heaven. Is it not, then, needful that we should give all

Matt. vii. 22.

diligence to make our calling and election sure -that instead of being shut out and commanded to depart, an entrance may be ministered unto us into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ?* but if we are to enter into the presence of our King, we must be clothed as becomes His royal presence. Were we to see our Queen in those royal robes which she wears on great occasions, when she appears as the sovereign of this land, we would be amazed at their splendour and beauty, the glittering gold and jewels, and costly array, and yet they would give us but a faint picture of those far more glorious robes with which all must be clothed who shall be admitted to reign with Christ in His glory. We can little conceive of them; only we know that their beauty shall be the beauty of holiness, that the jewels with which they shall be adorned shall be in God's sight of great price-not earthly, but heavenly adorning, worthy of the presence of their heavenly King. If, then, we look to be sharers of that glory, if we would not lose it for ever, we must now willingly and earnestly be putting off the old man, which can never enter there, and we must be putting on the new, which, after God, is created in true holiness; nothing short of that can fit us for the holy kingdom of our Lord and Saviour.

* 2 Pet. i. 10, 11,

SECOND SERIES,

XII.

Overcome Evil with Good.

Ab

ROMANS Xii. 9-21.-"Let love be without dissimulation. hor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit: serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute yon; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.