not each, though hearing the same thing, retain of it that which most assimilated to his own peculiar state of thought?

If an object was placed in the middle of this church, all would see it, but from different points of view-some in front, some from behind, and some from each side-and each would describe it according to his own view of it; still it would be but one and the same object. This is an illustration of how impossible it is ever to obtain perfect uniformity of opinion upon earth. We shall never attain to that till the blessed time comes, when we "shall know as we are known,” and when none need say to his brother, "Know the Lord, for they all shall know Him, from the least unto the greatest of them." (Jer. xxxi, 34.)

I do not mean to say that it is a matter of indifference to what outward church we belong; the atmosphere of some is unwholesome to the soul, by reason of the errors with which they are filled. It is not a matter of indifference to

the health of our bodies whether we live in a cellar, or on the first floor, or in a garret. We may live in all these, but the air of some is pure and wholesome, while that of others is injurious.

Philo

In the 25th verse the Lord exclaims, "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee." The world cannot know God. sophers say they believe there is a God-the Creator-a universal Spirit, just and holy, and even a Judge, rewarding men according to their works-but is this pale belief, this far off faith, knowing God? We do not know a man because we have merely seen or spoken to him. When we say, 'I know that person very well,' we mean that we have had much intercourse with him that we have been with him at seasons when he has opened his heart to us-that we know what is in him,-his inner life.

The world does not thus know God. It is on our knees, with our heads low in the dust, that we first begin truly to know Him. It is on

our knees that we have our most blessed and intimate intercourse with Him; it is then that He reveals Himself to us, and so fills us with His love, that it becomes an all-pervading influence within us, perfuming, as it were, our whole lives. There is no greater proof of the truth of Christianity than a true and consistent Christian. Those who observe him closely must notice the change that takes place in his whole being and conduct, his thoughts, and opinions.

In the early days of Christianity, when life abounded, and love was strong among the disciples, the very heathens remarked, "See how these Christians love one another." It was such a thing as had never been seen before. But alas! as time went on, differences and dissensions arose among them, and then the progress of Christianity was checked; and when, in later days still, they had so fallen away from the spirit of Christ as to persecute and murder each other on account of differences of opinion, how did it give occasion to the enemies of God to

blaspheme! Oh! let us see that we have Christ's spirit of love dwelling in our hearts, and urging us to long, and pray, and work, for that time when the knowledge and love of God shall cover the earth as the waters cover the

sea.

VI.

COL. II, 8-15.

8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead

bodily.

10.

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

11. In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ :

12. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

13. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.