there are not, that it is best to be least, and safest to be last, and happiest to be nothing, there are many who are hasting towards it, having more fear than value of the world's distinctions, do not admire them, do not seek them, would rather not have them. But he is bold, who ventures to say it in the world's presencefollowers all of Christ, and led, as they say, by his example, but so much astonished at a semblance of his spirit, or an echo of his words, there is small chance of escaping an incredulous laugh or a contemptuous sneer. Reason too, as usual, has a word to say; it talks of the increased power of doing good. That were a good motive, if it were a true one; but our hearts deceive us if we think so. Before we desire more means of doing good, we must be sure we have done all the good possible with the means we have. Till then, a righteous spirit will shrink from the increased responsibility. And then, be it remembered, that Jesus was not of this mind; he neither chose to be great, nor to be rich, in order to do good;

neither did He choose wealth or greatness for

his instruments.

Is it said that our position is not like Christ's? He was a God, and could not want means to do his good. It is not to be supposed that He who had been partner of the Father's throne, should value the distinctions of this poor world. There is something almost ridiculous in the supposition. What should the Lord of glory want with the honours and pride of this life? The thought seems absurd-it is absurd; but what miserable pretenders then are we! How does our unbelief betray itself! too the heirs of celestial glory?

Are not we

Are we not

Are we not

expectants of a heavenly crown? preparing in as short a space as He was, for a destiny so great, so blessed, that in comparison with it the distinctions and possessions of this world, are really no more to us than they were to Him? Are not we likewise sons and daughters of the Most High, too great to be exalted or debased by any condition here, or any thoughts that men may have of us? We say so, but surely such arguments belie our faith.

One word before I close, with reference to the commencement of this chapter. Our Creator has distributed his gifts unequally as the distribution affects this life, there is so much to counterbalance what seems the good and evil of each condition, the amount is perhaps less unequal than it seems; and whatever it is, life is so short it does not signify. But there are circumstances which seem to influence our future destiny; and it is impossible to deny that our spiritual advantages are unequal. Let no man enter into controversy with his Maker. "Let not the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus ?" He owes no man anything; what he gives is no debt; what he withholds is no robbery. But before we measure this inequality, and calculate the proportion of our spiritual advantages, there is a long account to cast, which will greatly affect the balance, and bring upon ourselves the responsibility we are so willing to lay upon our Maker. If by choosing for ourselves and ours, otherwise than Christ chose for himself

and his, with his example before us, and his word in our hands, we have brought ourselves into temptation, exposed ourselves to evil influences, or deprived ourselves of spiritual opportunity, the responsibility is wholly ours. We can bring no charge against our circumstances, nor impeach the dispensations of Providence.

CHAPTER VI.

IN HIS SORROWS.

"Take up the cross and follow me." Mark x. 21.

"MAN that is born of a woman is of few days,

and full of trouble."

"All his days are sor

rows, and his travail grief." "Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life." This is a fact which no one can deny, with the only explanation that ever has been given. No one can deny the fact and if they deny the explanation, they can substitute no other in its stead. Infi