all this large assembly; but in the silent operation of the Spirit, each individual experiences such gifts as are appropriate to his state and condition. And hence it is that we are called his brethren, because we become partakers of, and born of the same Spirit, and as new born children led to the head and precious top stone, Christ. As the blood flows in little streams and circulates over every part of the body, so in like manner is the operation of the Spirit on the soul. It is on this rock, the rock of Revelation, he declares he will build his church, and that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Yet if we judge by their fruits, how small a number is there of Christendom, who are real Christians, and walk by the inward light! When light should prevail, how rarely do we discover a love that is stronger than death! This love it was, that led Jesus to give up his life for the sins of the world. He felt the trial of it, and the principle is as strong now as it was then. But as in the days of Elijah, so now we trust there is a little remnant, even seven thousand in Israel, whose knees have not bowed down to Baal, but are ready to surrender up their own will to their Heavenly Father. This spirit it was which animated Jesus when he gave his life for the sins of the world. Mark his agony in the garden

when he prayed to his Heavenly Father that if it were possible this cup should pass from him. But it was not possible-not possible, I mean, as consistent with the great design; for if it had passed from him, it would have defeated the object of his coming. Then we should have been carried back to the old law, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, instead of the new dispensation in which we are taught, if one smite thee on one cheek, turn to him the other also. These sufferings can be borne, and every true child of God has to go through them now in a measure as formerly. It is true, when the power of man rises over us, as in the times of war, the trial is very great. I have felt it in my own experience; but it can be endured, for there was a power above which secured me, and will secure all who are steadfastly guided by the true light. He who undertakes to save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for my sake, says Christ, shall find it. Then we come into a condition, in which will be fulfilled the words of the prophecy, that the swords shall be beaten into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks; and we must come to this before we can be formed after the pattern of Jesus Christ. And what a blessed state of the world would this produce! The little number would leaven a whole

nation, and unite the whole world in the same forgiving and forbearing disposition. How rejoiced should we be to see our fellow-creatures employed in acts of benevolence, leading on and performing the same great parts of harmony and love. This is the wisdom of God. All the cunning artifices of men are foolishness when compared with it. Under its influence the remnant may sit down in Eden and Salem in repose. But it is not the righteousness of another that can save us. It must be done by the individual himself, or he cannot be the elect of the Lord; for he is of the elect who elects God. Jesus elected his heavenly Father as his rule and guide. So also must we, and he must be made our light, and love, and life. This, and this alone, will be sufficient to bring us all into the same line of life, and enable us to obtain dominion over thrones, and principalities, and powers. It is evidence that we are Christians, when we are directed, not by our own wills, but yield to the will of God-when we cast off the pride and honours of the world. I would not be a president, king, or counsellor; for no such distinctions are made by the Spirit. Yet many may be saved who do not come to the fulness of the light. If they are sincere in their repentance, God may pardon their inconsistencies and er

rors, even in the last hour of life. I conceive that to be a president, king, or emperor, is unworthy, and that such an one cannot be a true Christian, for he cannot bear the cross of Christ. And how often do those who pride themselves in these honours, when called to render an account of their stewardship, resemble the wicked servant who was brought unto his master, owing him ten thousand talents, for which his wife and children were ordered to be sold. What did the lord of that servant do? He forgave him the debt; in like manner our Heavenly Father may forgive the sins of a president who obtains his place to receive the honour of men. Here is a great lesson for our instruction, and shows that forgiveness may be extended to the bed of sickness. But when set at liberty, what did the unjust servant do? He turned back to the same state of selfish nature, and having found a fellow servant who owed him a hundred pence, he seized him by the throat and cast him into prison. So mortals, after they have been delivered from sickness, and impressed with the importance of keeping covenant with God, often turn round like the wicked and ungrateful servant, and forget what they owe to their divine benefactor. It is our sins and iniquities only, that separate us from him. These

must be repented of in the present state, for there is no repentance in the grave. There is nothing so hard for the creature to give up as the will, but it must be done. There is no salvation in it, and it must be given up. Place no dependance on any thing external; but sit down in humble prostration at the footstool of Almighty God. Then you may rise purified and encouraged by the internal evidence of the goodness of our Heavenly Father. Every one who disobeys, will be deprived of that light. In the new dispensation, the gospel is preached by the power and wisdom of God, working in the immortal soul, to the building up of Christ in us, the hope of glory. This every true Christian will feel from his own experience, being supported by that inward evidence that never faileth.

But let it not be understood from what I have said, that it will do to put off repentance to the bed of death. Although the thief on the Cross was accepted through repentance; and although the master was reconciled to his wicked servant, by his submission; yet far be it from me to encourage men or women to sin, on the hopes of the mercy of God at the final hour. Do not pacify the poor soul by the idea that God will be merciful, and that you are therefore safe in