asmuch as he testified, that constrained by the love of Jesus, he did what he could for Jesus' sake; and many shall then rise to call him blessed, and to be his crown of eternal rejoicing, whose feet were first guided by him "into the way of peace," and whose hopes were first founded, through him, on the merits of a crucified Redeemer.

Whatever be our situation in life, we are bound in that situation to glorify the Saviour, to do for him what we can; and vastly different would be the aspect of society, and widely extended the kingdom of the Redeemer, were all who "name the name of Christ" actuated by the spirit of Mary. It is not, indeed, to be expected, that they whose hearts are not expanded by religion will do any thing for the sake of Jesus ; but it is matter for serious self-examination to those who profess to be influenced by that religion, whether they have done for him all that they could; whether they have manfully espoused his He needed not the perfume of the spikenard, for his body was not to see corruption, and as little does he stand in need of our imperfect services; but though he needs them not, he is pleased to employ, and to accept them. If but one talent has been committed to our charge, that one talent is to be improved and dedicated to God. He who perfectly knows our means

cause.

and opportunities of rendering him true and laudable service, cannot be deceived by the bold avowal that it was not in our power to do more for the furtherance of his glory, and the good of our fellow-men.

Nor can we expect that our zealous endeavours thus to act will escape censure. Too often, as in the case of Mary, the zeal shown in the Saviour's cause will call forth the murmur of complaint. The portion of our worldly substance devoted to spiritual objects will often be regarded as foolishly squandered, and the question will be put, might not this have been devoted to the temporal relief of the poor? But however our motives may be traduced, or our "good evil spoken of;" however we may incur the censure of others, if our estimate of the dignity of the Saviour's character, and our sense of his loving-kindness, and our desire to express gratitude for his mercy, be like that of Mary, we shall not be wanting in doing what we can for him, neither shall we be deterred by the taunts or sneers of others. It is because our love to Christ is so cold, that we are not excited to active exertion in his cause. Only let this love burn with a bright and holy flame, and there will then be no lukewarmness, no apathy in seeking to further the Redeemer's glory. No sacrifice will be deemed too great that is made for his sake, nor any offering too costly.

How blessed are they, of whom, as of Mary, it can with justice be said, that they have done what they could. The Master whom they serve will not be forgetful of their services. The bread which they thus cast upon the waters will be found after many days. The cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple shall not lose its reward. The portion which they shall receive, shall be, in this life "manifold more " than that which they sacrifice," and, in the world to come, life everlasting." The day is rapidly approaching when the approving language from the lips of the Redeemer," Ye have done what ye could," will fully compensate for the loss of worldly favour, and the absence of worldly fortune, and the various ills to which human flesh is heir; nay, will fall more sweetly on the ravished ear than the approbation of applauding multitudes; and bring with it a joy to the ravished heart which shall be lasting as eternity.

SERMON VII.

BIGOTRY AND PREJUDICE.

LUKE ix. 51-53.

"And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before his face and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem."

It is one of the fundamental principles of the gospel, as a dispensation of peace, that it teaches men to regard each other as brethren, without reference to nation, climate, or language; that it expands the best affections of the human heart; and condemns that narrow-minded and selfish spirit of bigotry and intolerance, which has been productive of so much evil.