they could only give imperfect directions, and this gave rise to much disputing as to which were right, these, or the Prince's watchmen, and great ignorance and uncertainty ensued. d

A

One of these watchmen established himself not far from my station. respectable looking man in the greatest distress of mind, came to ask him what he should do to gain admittance into the kingdom. He was told that he could do no more than he had done;

e

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Gal. i. 8.

d But unto the wicked God said, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? Ps. 1. 16.

e What must I do to be saved? Acts xvi. 30.

They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when there is no peace. Jer. vi. 14.

But he did "Come up my

that the Prince was merciful, and that he might be satisfied of his safety. But the man was not satisfied. He said he knew that he should not be safe till he was inside the walls.h not know how to get in. ladder," said the watchman, "and jump down.i i" The man tried, but not with all his efforts, assisted by the watchman, could he contrive to descend the other side. At last the watchman said, "We are not strong enough, and must have help.' You have been very charitable

k

The instruction of fools, is folly. Prov. xvi. 22. h Mine iniquities are gone over my head, as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. Ps. xxxviii. 4.

I Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts. Zech. iv. 6.

But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matt. xv. 9.

1 For the priests' lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth, for he is the mes

and kind to many persons, go and ask them to come here and assist us-there are so many who have benefited by your alms and good works," that you may be certain their united strength will be able to carry you over the wall.' The man, with revived hopes, immediately began to search for his friends, but they all told him at once that they would be glad to serve him, only they knew it would be useless to make the attempt, as they had always failed in it. His dejected countenance when he returned and related

senger of the Lord of Hosts. But ye are departed out of the way, ye have caused many to stumble at the law. Mal. ii. 7, 8.

m By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Gal. ii. 16.

n I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works, for they shall not profit thee. Is. lvii. 12.

• If righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Gal. ii. 21.

success,

touched my

heart. P

I

his ill could not refrain from going to him, and tapping his shoulder as he sat weeping under the wall, I said, "Do you not know of the gate?" Up he started quite wildly, and said, "Where is it? shew it to me?" He was close to it, but had never observed it. I soon explained to him the way of passing; and without the smallest hesitation, he laid himself down in the dust, and we pulled him through in a moment.

r

It was always interesting to me to observe the diversities of gifts and talents

P The bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it, and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it. Is. xxviii. 20.

To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Is. lxvi. 2.

He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope.

Lam. iii. 29.

But

among the watchmen on the walls. this, instead of satisfying every body, as might have been expected, occasioned much disputing, and odious comparison." Some men were strongest in persuading the people of the world to press through the gate. Some were effectual in alarming them, and others in melting their hearts, and overcoming their obstinacy by love and kindness. Others, again, were famous for explaining the guide book, and not a few for extolling the Prince. Thus all persons necessities were provided for, and each might

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1 Cor. xii. 4.

But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Cor. xii. 11.

* For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Eph. iv. 12.

There are differences of administrations, but the