found at his post, manfully fighting under his acknowledged banner, and with his appropriate weapons. All professors of religion should dread the fate of Meroz and its guilty inhabitants, who were "bitterly cursed" in the name of Jehovah, "because they came not to the help of the Lord; to the help of the Lord against the mighty."

Those who cannot go forth themselves to meet the enemy and bear the brunt of the battle, must contribute to send out those who are willing to sacrifice their lives to the cause; and aid in furnishing them with those means of usefulness, and that divine panoply, which will prove "mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds," and subduing all opposition to the obedience of faith. Every one must do something according to his ability. The rich must give their hundreds and their thousands, and the "poor widows" must cast in their "mites," to the treasury of the Lord. Interest in the spread of the gospel abroad, should increase our efforts for the advancement of religion at home. Every one should strive to do what he can for the honour of Christ and the salvation of souls. None are so poor, or weak, or insignificant, that they cannot aid the cause;-if in no other way, by the influence of their example and their prayers. And if there are any calling themselves Christians, who oppose this glorious work, or even look upon it with apathy; we may say to them, "wherefore do ye keep back part of the price?"

Your conduct is hostile to your profession. You "lie not unto men, but unto God!"

And now, before closing the subject, let him who writes, and all who read these pages, inquire whether they are free from the guilt of dissembling in the concerns of religion? Are none of us chargeable with attempting to practise a deception upon the Holy Ghost,-or upon those who administer the ordinances of the Church in his name and by his authority? Do we realize the dread responsibility of our station as professed disciples of Jesus Christ? Do we know that the character of religion is dependent in some measure on our deportment, and that according to our conformity or nonconformity to the precepts and spirit of the Gospel, we shall be "a savour of life unto life, or, of death unto death," to the souls of our fellow men? How cheering, how encouraging the thought, that, if we are zealous and faithful, we shall be instruments of glorifying our Master and saving immortal souls! But, on the other hand, how tremendously awful the reflection, that, if we are unfaithful, and lukewarm, and inconsistent, we shall prove a burden and disgrace to the church of God, and a stumbling-block in the way of sinners, over which multitudes will stumble and fall, and plunge headlong into perdition!

O! let every professing Christian realize the truth, that, the success of the Gospel and the prosperity of religion, depend in some degree upon himself. That he must prove a blessing, or a curse, to the church of

God. That, he must be a tree which the Lord hath planted, fruitful in the works of righteousness; or, a "barren fig-tree," cumbering the ground, and fit only to be cut down and cast into the fire. He will either be employed in the hands of God as a light to guide others in the way to heaven; or, used as a tool of Satan to lure miserable victims into the path-way of everlasting death!

I have thus, in obedience to the divine command, "blown the trumpet in Zion, and sounded an alarm in God's holy mountain." I have cried-"woe to them that are at ease in Zion!" I know not for whose benefit the alarm is sounded; nor is

to whom the message is applicable.

it for me to say There is ONE

who knoweth and judgeth. I have "drawn the bow at a venture," and pray God to give speed to the arrow and direct its aim!

MEDITATION.

Ir is a highly profitable employment for me often to reflect upon the nature of my Christian profession, and the momentous obligations arising out of it. Dedicated by Baptism to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost;-Confirmed by the imposition of hands, when with my own lips I took upon myself the obligations of the Christian covenant; and virtually dedicated anew whenever I have approached the Sacramental table; it would be an act of injustice and impiety to forget that "I am not my own,”—but belong to God; and, am bound, by the most solemn and interesting engagements, "to glorify him in my body and spirit, which are his."

Do I, then, strive habitually and zealously to serve my Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier? Do I mortify the passions and lusts, and abstain from the practices, which are offensive in his sight? Do I cultivate and cherish all those affections and habits which he has required of his people? and uniformly labour to "adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour in all things?"

O my soul! how often dost thou perceive in thyself a strange mixture of good and evil! of heavenly desires and earthly affections!-purposes of virtue and tendencies to vice! How often has there been an inconstancy and vacillation in my Christian course, calculated to dishonour the Gospel, and place a stumbling-block in the way of sinners? May I not, with

propriety, adopt the language of the Apostle: "I find a law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin and death: O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

When I reflect upon the lukewarmness of my spirit; the imperfection of my best services; my wandering affections and thoughts in devotional exercises; the little I have done for the glory of God and the salvation of men;-have I not reason to fear and tremble, lest I should be found to have "kept back part of the price," and made an insincere profession at the altar? "Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord! for in thy sight shall no one living be justified." Pardon my deficiencies and sins! Cleanse them away by the precious blood of Jesus! Sanctify me by the grace of the Holy Ghost! May I henceforth, give up myself, soul, body and spirit, without reserve, to thee!

May my every affection be placed on heavenly things; my every power and faculty consecrated to the service of my God! May I live with a wise reference to the judgment in all things; and be in a state of habitual preparation for my last account! May no cares of the world distract my mind; no pleasures allure me from the path of duty! May I never resign my soul to spiritual slumber, or inglorious repose, but prove faithful to my vows, till my "warfare is accomplished," and my crown is won! 0,