and insensible influence of society. Our habits of thought are very much formed by the scenes with which we are familiar, and we imbibe, as it were, the spirit of those amongst whom we move. Thus it is stated by those who have resided long in heathen lands, that after a time they become so accustomed to heathenism, as no longer to feel the dreadful horrors of idolatry; and there can be no doubt that when persons reside in Romish countries, the pain which they feel when they first leave the means of grace at home gradually subsides, till they settle down into a dull and lifeless indifference. Now, in his celebrated prophecy in Matt. xxiv. our blessed Lord clearly predicts just such a process-"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." The effect of abounding iniquity throughout society will be to deaden the life, and to chill the fervour of the people of God. We know how heat is gradually drawn off from any substance by the process called conduction. So it is with love, unless it be kept glowing by a close and unceasing intercourse with Christ. We may mix with men till we catch their standard, just as is most graphically described in the passage already quoted from Hosea vii. 8, 9. "Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength,

and he knoweth it not." There is only a partial heat, and with it a gradual loss of power, and the reason of the whole is, that "he hath mixed himself among the people."

Now does not this teach us a most solemn and important lesson with reference to unnecessary contact with the world? Do we not perpetually witness, as a matter of fact, the practical fulfilment of our Lord's prophecy? Do we not often witness a growing lukewarmness even in the children of God, and cannot we very often trace it to increasing fondness for the world? The love of the world is directly opposed to the love of God. For "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world; for if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him," is the language not of opinion, but inspiration. But is this principle sufficiently remembered? Are not children sometimes most cruelly exposed, by even Christian parents, to the exciting, dissipating, and seductive influence of worldly parties, and children's balls? And are there not Christian persons, who are greatly endangering their own spirituality, by habitual and needless contact with those who do not even make a profession of any real, deep love for Christ? I am not speaking of those who are placed, by God's providence, in positions of exposure and temptation; though the

passage applies most powerfully to them to teach the importance of much watchfulness and prayer; but I am speaking of them who, like Ephraim, mix themselves among the people, who choose worldly men for their friends, who go out into worldly society for their enjoyment, and who adopt worldly habits in their own houses, in order to harmonize with the disinclination of their chosen associates towards the holy things of God. How powerfully does this prophecy appeal to such characters! How clearly does it teach them that they must be prepared to find their love to Christ growing cold, and their hearts, once warmed, becoming lukewarm towards their Lord! Beware, then, ye that desire to walk closely with your God. Beware, ye that hope to be found with your lamps burning brightly at his advent. Beware, ye who, in the real secret of your heart, do desire to love Him with a warm and glowing love. Beware, how ye mix needlessly with the chilling society of the world, and let this text your Lord's be deeply engraven on your memory-"Because iniquity shall abound, the love many shall wax cold."

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Here then we close the dark picture of this predicted apathy, but we cannot here leave the subject. We see the clear prophecy of the spirit of deep slumber brooding over the Church in the

very

latter days, stripping it of its power, and chilling its love; we learn how the Lord's delay, how neglect of Scripture, and the contaminating influence of surrounding evil, combine to bring about this sad result; and if we are led to believe from other passages that our lot is cast in these days to which the words refer, we are compelled to regard them with peculiar solemnity, as especially applicable to ourselves. But I should be sorry to leave the subject with nothing more than the words of warning. Warnings may arouse, but they cannot save; and watchfulness may prepare for the attack, but it cannot beat back the foe. The salvation and the victory must be both in Christ Jesus. Let the danger lead us therefore to shelter ourselves in Him, and to cast ourselves at His feet for safety, love, and power. There may be a deadening influence in long expectation, but there is a quickening power in the certainty of His return. There may be lifeless formalism resulting from tradition, but there is a beautiful freshness in His own Word, and in His own sure promise. There may be a chilling power in the world; but there is a warming glow in the love of Christ, and let that love be shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost which is given us, and it must follow, as the light the day, that it will melt us by its tenderness, and constrain as by its power.

Oh! never forget that though there may be a deep slumber hanging over the Church of the latter days, there is yet a little flock carried triumphantly and watchfully to victory. What a bright speck on the dark background of the context is that cheering verse, "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved!" It shews clearly that there is the little flock kept stedfast, because "preserved in Christ Jesus and called; kept moist like Gideon's fleece when all is dry, and kept warm when all around is chilled by the cold damp of the world's night time.

Nor must we forget that the promise of preservation is quite as clear, and quite as divine as that of forgiveness. He is the finisher, as well as the author of the faith, and there is just as much certainty in His assurance, "They shall never perish," as there is in His free declaration of a pardon, "Though their sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." On Him therefore let us lean with an undoubting and undivided trust. On Him let us cast the whole weight of the soul's preservation and salvation. And though the night may be dark, the time of waiting long, and the surrounding atmosphere very chilling, only let us be found in Him, lying low at His footstool, entering into the holiest by His blood, covered in His righteousness, and He that called us will keep