Before I conclude this essay, I would give one caution to a certain class of readers. There are

not wanting those who live in constant doubt and trembling, because they do not enjoy the constant presence of God, and the uniform fervency of affection in their retirements. Real Christians have seasons of coldness which chill the spirit of devotion. Such is the power of indwelling sin; so great is the influence of the world, the flesh, and the Devil, that even God's own dear children are sometimes carried too far down the current. Yes, to the shame and guilt of God's people, we are constrained to make this affecting acknowledgment. Still, this humiliating truth does not militate against our general principle. Real Christians cannot live in the neglect of prayer; nay, more, those who do not possess the spirit, and live in the habitual performance of the duty, are in the gall of bitterness, and the bonds of iniquity. The moment a man begins to live in the neglect of prayer, that moment he should take the alarm.

May it then be said of you as it was of Saul of Tarsus, Behold he prayeth? If So, then you like him may be a chosen vessel. Maintain a constant and uniform intimacy with the throne of grace,

and for the sake of our Great High Priest, God will put his fear into your hearts, and you shall not depart from him. Draw nigh unto God, and he will draw nigh unto you. Keep near to the fountain head, and with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation.

THE eminent Dr. Owen, speaking of the primeval state of man, remarks, that "the whole

beauty of the creation below consisted in man's "loving God above all, and all other things in "Him, and for Him, according as they did parti"cipate His glory and properties." That was a hopeless hour when the golden chain that bound God to man, and man to God and to each other, was broken. Adam, where art thou? Adam heard, and was afraid. The earth was cursed, and refused to yield her strength. Sin polluted all the joys of Paradise; apostate man became the heir of misery, and henceforth dwelt in darkness, cherishing the seeds of malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Upon this dismal gloom, not a ray has dawned but from the cross of Christ. It is the preroga tive of the gospel of Jesus to publish the glad tidings of great joy; and while it proclaims, GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, to restore peace on earth, and good will to man. This gospel breathes the spirit of love. Love is the fulfilling of its precepts, the pledge of its joys, and the evidence of its power. We know, saith the apostle, that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.

The love of the brotherhood is not one of the native affections of the carnal mind. This cold, degenerate soil, bears no such heavenly fruit. The affection which Christians exercise toward each other as Christians, is the offspring of brighter worlds. It is a principle of celestial birth, Love is of God, and every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God.

Brotherly love is an affection which is limited to particular characters. There can be no doubt but the children of God are kindly affectioned toward all men. Christian benevolence runs parallel with rational being. Genuine love to

our neighbour is extended to all, according to their character and circumstances. It blesses those who curse us, and does good to those who hate us. This, however, is not the distinguishing nature of brotherly love. Brotherly love differs materially from the love of benevolence. It is the love of good men, and for their goodness only. It extends only to the followers of Christ. It is an affection which is directed toward the excellence of religion. It is complacency in holiness.

There is something in the character of every child of God that reflects the image of his heavenly Father. It is this that attracts the eye and wins the heart. There is something which is amiable and lovely. And it is this loveliness that gives a spring to the affections and draws forth the hearts of God's people toward each other, as they are drawn forth toward God Himself. The children of God are partakers of the divine nature. From bearing the image of the earthly, they now bear the image of the heavenly. God has imparted to them a portion of His own loveliness. He has formed them new creatures. Of his free and distinguishing grace, He has made them, as they are styled by the Wise Man, more excellent than their neighbours. Hence they are lovely. They are