CONTEST WITH EVIL.

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God hath stamped sin with eternal infamy, and it ill becomes us to tamper with, or palliate that which is fraught with his curse and high displeasure. Each one must ever be contending with it in all its diversified and seductive forms. And, while in some cases the conflict with evil may be severe, in others the battle is won by simply "putting on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." Sometimes the gentleness of goodness, and the dignity of moral excellence, suffice to put to the blush all that is foul and hateful in the progeny of evil: and, perhaps, some may be commended at the last day, because they exhibited pure and undefiled religion "in visiting the fatherless and the widow in their affliction," as well as by "keeping themselves unspotted from the world." But whatever the position which we occupy, or whatever our attainments, we have some obligations resting upon us. To do them acceptably to God and usefully to men, let us cherish the warmest benevolence, and seek after an enlargement of heart, while coveting an extension of the Redeemer's kingdom; and maintaining a holy jealousy for his honour, "be watchful, hoping to the end." To secure these, and in order that we may duly estimate the heinousness of sin, and imbibe the spirit of our Lord and Master, we should often linger round the cross; and while there

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THE MEANS OF THE CHURCH.

we mourn over the wretchedness of our fellowcreatures, let us yield our hearts to the affecting aspect, and our best energies to the amelioration of their woes. In all circumstances we must try to be consistent and decisive, then shall we see that true greatness is found in the possession of goodness.

Have we laid too much stress on the necessity for human effort? It is because we entertain the solemn conviction that Christ's kingdom is advanced by appointed means, and that since his ascension to glory, human effort is one of the most important amongst the various agencies for its accomplishment. Hence the necessity for miracles does not now exist. Yet "it is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts."

Satisfied of the utter impotency of man in all labours of this character, still, it is necessary for each to endeavour as if all depended on himself; remembering that while God alone can make the effort successful yet "He waits to be gracious," and to pour out the plenary influences of the Spirit in answer to fervent and importunate prayer. So vast will then be the change, and so easy the conquests of divine grace, that even a nation shall be born in a day," while "the wilderness shall become like Eden, and the desert as the garden of the Lord."

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ITS ENCOURAGEMENT.

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Precepts and promises confirmatory of the event are scattered abundantly through the inspired volume, but the grand consummation seems to hang suspended, until the invocation of the church, borne on the wings of faith, shall pierce the skies, when showers of blessings shall descend in richest grace. The Saviour said in reference to this

ye

momentous dispensation, "ask, and shall receive; seek, and ye shall find." "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." And for the removal of all doubts, the promise stands thus "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do; that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven."

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PART III.

PIETY IN RELATION TO FILIAL AND SOCIAL DUTIES; AND THE FORMATION OF COMPANIONSHIPS;-A MOTHER'S LOVE; A MOTHER'S GRAVE.

It might seem superfluous to mention in connexion with youthful piety the obvious duties and obligations to parents, if the facts daily disclosed were not painfully illustrative of the necessity. Too often do we seem to forget filial and social duties in an excess of zeal for the honour of our heavenly Father, as well as in a cold indifference to religion. Yet we are never wholly released from these, although in the fulfilment, some sacrifice of feeling may be requisite. In duly reverencing such as have "no fear of God before their eyes," it is easy to understand how we may respect the person, or his office, while at the same time we abhor his vices and errors. This remark will apply to every relative circumstance in which we can be placed through life. But if the question ever arises whether we ought or ought not to obey, when they command us to do anything which is at variance with the law of God, then we un

hesitatingly affirm, however painful and whatever be the consequences, we must first regard His authority who is supreme in earth and heaven. Young Christians however should study a sentiment which, from its importance, the Saviour often reiterated, viz., "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me." Religion necessarily demands personal sacrifices; while it imperatively claims the privilege of following the dictates of conscience unfettered. This faculty belongs exclusively to God; hence every attempt to violate it, whether by ruler, parent, or master, is fraught with the basest cruelty. Still, the right of exercising private judgement in all religious matters, occasionally developes a pertinacity and obstinacy which is always objectionable in the disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus. Unquestionably the best men are liable to be warped in opinion of what is proper to expect from others in inferior circumstances. One may require too much, the other may yield too little. But it may be laid down as a safe rule, that where no principle is involved- -no conscientious scruples disregarded, we ought always to yield to parental authority, since it will rarely happen that they require any thing to be done which is likely to prove inimical to our happiness; consequently, will seldom command a service which is inconsistent with our duty as Christians.