rewarded in the resurrection of the just. Let them often speak for him, and tell of his mercies and loving-kindnesses. Let all that would have prosperous souls, cultivate a right spirit towards all the Lord's people, of every denomination. Little prejudices and jealousies often prevent edification. It is too common for professors to talk of the battles they have had, with persons differing a little from themselves. There are, doubtless, times when a christian may, and ought to defend the truth of the gospel; for we should "strive together for the faith once delivered to the saints;" but, generally, the enemy is never better pleased than when he can draw the children of God into angry debates. It serves his interest, but not the interests of their souls. Those who are agreed in the essentials, should agree to differ on minor points, if they wish their souls to flourish, or if they desire to do good to their fellowchristians. A prosperous soul must always carry his treasures along with him; and before the world, as well as in company with good men, show himself to be "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." There is a sweetness, and an amiableness in some christians, which always recommends them. You can hardly meet them without observing it; and you cannot go into their company without an opportunity of being edified. And, on the contrary, I am confident, that many who, we hope, are pious characters, must have bitter reflections in their retired moments, when they recollect the sinful levity that mixes in their conversation and general manner. "I amused the company and made them laugh.” Alas! what a poor reflection. How much better

could it be said of such persons, "They are lively christians, their conversation is edifying, it is good to enjoy their society."

It may be friendly and fashionable, to make and to return visits; but it is lamentable, when, to commence the visitor, we drop the christian. It is a sad reflection when it cannot be known whether we be Turks or christians, except by our posture at table. It is a poor welcome we give to our guests, and a shameful return to our host, where the entertainment is remarkable for nothing but noise and nonsense, "loud peals of laughter, puns, and buffoonery.” If at one table we find profanity, at another folly, he will suffer the least, who stays most at home. A whole day spent in mirth, and not one word in any discourse about religion, not one thought of God in any heart, is an awful blank in existence, and a sad waste of time.

It is true, at a social entertainment, we do not meet to preach, but we should always labour to improve one another in useful knowledge; and a serious "word fitly spoken," might shine like "golden apples in silver baskets." Such serious conduct might sometimes excite laughter or displeasure, but the approbation of heaven, and the testimony of a good conscience, will be a balancing circumstance. If we cannot improve our company, or get any improvement from them, let us lift up our prayer to God, and withdraw with all suitable convenience.

Alas! in how many houses is religion absent. If we be called lawfully into irreligious society, may we suffer no loss, nor be a stumbling block to others! Every where and in all places, whether we eat or

drink, whether we receive visits, or return them, may we do all in the name, and to the glory of Jesus Christ, and of God in him. All we have that is good, comes from above. May gratitude fill our hearts, and may we sit down at last at the marriagesupper of the Lamb, where the intercourse will be perfectly pure, and the duration of it eternal,

Let it be further observed, that prosperous souls will often meet for purposes purely religious. They have their meetings for social prayer, and often derive encouragement from them, by which they are enabled" to press towards the mark for the prize of their high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

The manner in which such meetings are conducted, acts as a barometer to show the state of religion in particular societies. If meetings for prayer be well attended, and a right spirit be manifested, they are doubtless pleasing to him who has said, "he will be inquired of to do these things for his people." And while they are pleasing to God, they are profitable to those who conscientiously attend them.

Most revivals in religion have been preceded by a spirit of prayer and supplication. Sincere and fervent prayer is never wholly in vain; for God will answer in a way that shall most tend to promote his glory, and the good of his church. We are sure that the disciples of our Redeemer held such meetings, and it is matter of thankfulness, that in the present age they have been greatly revived. Amongst all denominations who have embraced the glorious doctrine of redemption by the blood of the Lamb, prayer-meetings are held. Social and evangelical religion are inseparable; and it is gratifying to know

that both are rising into repute. This, it may be hoped, is some sign of an increase not only of true believers, but also of soul prosperity in them. Yet at present, all is flat and cold, when compared either with primitive times, or with that still distant period when "the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea," or the cavities and hills of the great deep. It shall then be said to the church, "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Then, indeed, divine grace and love will animate the souls of the people of God; the tone of morals will be raised to a higher pitch, corruption and sin will be more subdued; conversation amongst christian friends will be more spiritual, this world will be less thought of, the church will be like a well-watered garden, filled with choice fruits, and the souls of believers will prosper, while their affections will be set on things above, and heaven and earth will seem to be united. Let us, in the faith and hope of such a day, cultivate all the graces of the Spirit, walk closely with God, and by his grace endeavour to live on the borders of heaven, and under the shadow of Immanuel's wing.

Great advantages attend christian fellowship. It animates and gives courage to the people of God, to declare their attachment to the cause of Christ. We do not love to be singular, and to be pointed at by the world as standing and acting alone in the affairs of religion, though sometimes it must be the case; but when numbers unite for holy purposes, they strengthen each other's hands in the ways of God, and bear up with more cheerfulness against the re

proaches of the world. Besides, it tends to edification and to soul prosperity. Familiar conversation and united prayer tend to increase our acquaintance with divine subjects, and our love one to another. The people of God unite their prayers, and their songs of praise, in delightful harmony, and these ascend with acceptance on "that altar which sanctifieth both the giver and the gift." They separate from each other with their souls delightfully refreshed, and rejoice as they go on, longing to unite at last in the doxology of the redeemed, "Now unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, be glory for ever and ever." O never let the people of God neglect or "forsake the assembling of themselves together, as the manner of some is," but seek each other's society as a powerful mean of promoting their own and other's welfare, and the glory of God.

SECTION V.

THE LORD'S SUPPER.

This blessed ordinance was intended to keep up a remembrance of Christ, of his death and sacrifice, and.is to be perpetuated to the end of the world. It is both the duty and privilege of all who love the Redeemer, to approach his table, and thus to commemorate his dying love. Attention to this command of the Redeemer in a right spirit, with the people of God, must ever tend to promote soul prosperity. No real christian shall "serve God for