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a member of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones; one of the organs of the many-handed Omnipotence. The larger proportion by far of the work of the world, is the work simply of corrupt human nature, and, therefore, partakes, in different degrees, of the defective or positively bad qualities of the spirits from which it proceeds,-the spirits of men; varied in character, from the useful works of industry and scientific discovery, down to the worst crimes of the worst sinners. The other, and smaller portion, is wrought in God, by spirits in which God dwells, according to models and motives furnished by God by the inspiration of the Spirit of Christ; either glorifying and redeeming common life, or executing higher works for the spiritual benefit of men. Christ's spirit employs the truth as the means of His acting through and in good men; and nothing is of a more spiritual nature than truth. True ideas! These, so to speak, are of the very substance of God. They existed from eternity in his mind, and before there were any created spirits to comprehend them. Wisdom rejoiced before Him before the earliest part of the dust of the earth was made. Was it not truth on which God thought from eternity? Then, when that truth is clothed in language, is not the word of the Lord the incorruptible seed that liveth and abideth for ever? Since Christ is the Wisdom of God, the Truth, and the Life, can we wonder that the spirit proceeding from Him produces spiritual work in man. Every one who is possessed of moral sensibility feels that there is a supernatural beauty in a very holy actor on earth,-a glory around the head of a saintly worker; and when the form or countenance of such an one is taken away from the world's picture gallery, that the wondrous labour of a divine Artist is removed, and that a sad vacancy remains. The life of a christian is the infused, creative life of Christ; and that notwithstanding all his sins and infirmities. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?"

The second idea in this passage is, that all spiritual work,—fruit borne by the branches of the everlasting vine,—is of a permanent, abiding, eternal quality. "THAT YOUR FRUIT SHOULD REMAIN."

This statement may produce no gladness at all, nor consequent strength, in many minds. Like Gallio, they care for none of these things. They are quite indifferent whether their work in life is permanent or not; whether it lasts for ever and ever, or passes away like the cells of bees, or spiders' webs. Until the regenerating eternal Spirit descends to dwell within a man, he is generally heedless as to the duration of his work. If it answers the present purpose, or lasts his time, or goes down for a few generations, that is sufficient for him. Ephemeron! But God kindles in the bosoms of good men a noble ambition to perform work which shall "be eternal as nature, which shall not be "burned up " like "wood, hay, stubble, when tried by fire," but which shall "follow them" when they "rest from their labours."

And it is true of an earnest disciple of the Lord Jesus that his work is everlasting; whether it be that which he performs in common life, or that which he performs with a special view to men's salvation. Nothing can be a greater encouragement to steadfastness in the "work of the Lord," than this consideration. First, then, a christian's work, when well done, in common life, is of a vital, enduring quality; such work as business, the bringing up of children, household management, daily service, domestic labour. "What," you may say, "can this sort of work possess anything of a permanent character? It passes away into oblivion with the great stream of time." Yes. Christ is the Redeemer of common life, or he would not be the Redeemer at all. Angels serve God in heavenly ministries. Men serve him amidst the duties incident to an

animal condition. The habits acquired in doing these works well, are carried on into the future; habits of industry, perseverance, regularity,. accuracy, carefulness, punctuality, faithfulness, and truth. "Thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." Lights on earth shall shine in the firmament of heaven. All true light is inex tinguishable, for it is kindled at the central Sun of Spirits. The past always goes on into the future. "He that is holy, let him be holy still." "The child is father of the man.' " Guiding the house here, "after a godly sort," is a school for guiding a heavenly "mansion," just as the wise and good government of his own family by a bishop, is spoken of as a training for taking care of the church of God. A good quality or habit acquired on earth will never be lost. It will be called out, exercised, and applied, in the heavenly glory. Now, is not this for the very essence of work to be carried forward into eternity? Many that are last shall be first! Many christians occupying the lowest places on earth,-servants with small wages, and hard work, and harder masters, who have in such stations shown "all good fidelity," industry, patient civility, and respect, -intelligent, willing service,-serving so the Lord Christ, even although their work has been shop work, common house work, or commoner daily labour, will, in such discipline, have acquired invaluable qualities and graces, which will find a sphere of activity in the world to come upon the throne of princes, and in the government of kingdoms. For He who took David from the sheepfold, and Christ's apostles from the trade of fishermen, intends to fill the vacant tribunals of fallen angels with those "poor to whom the gospel is preached."

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Again, the common life-work of a christian may be said to be permanent and eternal, because every good life and bright example in the discharge of common duties, is setting springs and causes in action which will operate through eternity. Take the common case of the rearing and education of children. Here are one father and mother who look upon their children as curses, burdens, hindrances to selfish enjoyment; who leave them to grow up as they best may, and who pass through life in a series of mean escapes from the fulfilment of its obligations. And here are another pair, who undertake THE WORK of bringing up their household, not mainly as a dictate of natural instinct, but as a long-continued labour, to be 66 wrought in God," one of the greatest and most acceptable common works which mankind can perform or offer to God on earth. For a family wisely, happily, frugally, industriously governed, with "plain living and high thinking," teaches more of God and of true religion, than a whole cathedral establishment., Some who read this may have had parents of this description, over whose house shone the pillar of a cloud by day, and the glory of a flaming fire by night; whose home, even if it were a Cottage, was a cottage-temple. Does not their fruit remain ? Is the drudgery all lost ?-the hard, ceaseless labour, almost night and day, by which health was tended, living provided, habits formed, of cleanliness self-respect, self-education, of order, industry, unconquerable honesty, and brotherly love? Is that labour lost? Has it sunk to the depths of chaos and oblivion ? Is it not living still ?-in you, and in others,-and will it not live in your children, and abide as long as the world shall last? The more of moral meaning there is in any life or family, the more powerful are they as facts and forces in the world; and a spiritual mind infuses spirit into the commonest works, just as a graceful mind infuses grace into the commonest gestures. There is an indescribable excellence in the round, clean, complete manner, in which a pure, wise, actively good mind, performs the most ordinary work, which takes it out of the range of general production, and causes it to fetch a higher price in tha

world's market. Temperance, self-control, vivacious earnestness, cannot but appear in their practical results. The work of the hypocrite, of the slothful, careless, slovenly hand, betrays its origin. "I passed by the vineyard of the man void of understanding, and, lo, it was grown over with thorns!" But the hand that has been crucified with Christ, is a right hand of power.

Once again, the common life-work of a spiritual man may be said to be permanent and eternal, because it abides before God, the soul, and the world, as a permanent object of pleasant and inspiriting remembrance. In this sense, too, men's good "works follow them." An action in daily life, which is wrought by a hand that is moved by a spirit in union with God, becomes thereby spiritual, and will bear thinking of for ever. It will bear narration through ages. The bible is filled with such narratives of everlasting renown. The feast prepared at Bethany, the rustic marriage at Cana of Galilee, the fishing expeditions of Peter and John, these were ardinary scenes of the most common life; but they were sweetly hallowed by religion, and beautified and adorned by the presence of Christ. And precisely in the same manner still, where Christ's presence by his Spirit adorns and beautifies our common life, where in families mutual daily acts of kindness or forbearance, or united acts of self-denial and industry, are wrought in God, or common sufferings are patiently endured, and elicit gleams of temperate, true, and loving character; that common life becomes historical, will bear writing down in the books of earth and heaven, painting, describing, dwelling upon always with affectionate remembrance; "the glory of the Lord shines round about it," gilds its outlines and its humblest details, as it lighted up the ten thousand lowly blades of grass around the shepherds on the fields of Bethlehem; overshadows and transfigures it, makes it a picture, and a poem, and a song of praise, the theme of evangelists, and the delight of ministering angels, and the joyful subject of discourse hereafter, beside the fountains of paradise, and on the everlasting hills!

No such life as this, indeed, is possible without a secret life of most earnest faith, hope, and love. Roses spring only from the hidden root of the rose-tree. And if we would have our common life of home or business redeemed from vacancy, from irritation, from blind hurry, and passionate misrule, from carking care, and wasteful ruin, the soul must "sit at the feet of Jesus," like Mary, first, and then she will go forth as Martha, to prepare a feast which reason shall approve, and love remember everlastingly as a banquet of joy.

Now, is not this a great and real encouragement to careful religious forethought, to delicacy of sentiment and reflection in common life, so that works in that common sphere may be done "meet for repentance;" the consideration that all such works and courses of action are eternal in their influence, in their renown, and their reward. Temptation in daily life resisted, sometimes crowns the faithful witness for God with more than the glory of Thermopyla; and deeds which are lost to the general eye amidst the obscurities of a back court or upper chamber, shall be told hereafter with honour through many worlds, by the fervent lips of saints and angels.

Lastly, the higher spiritual work of an active loving christian is preeminently eternal in its results, work having for its object the instruction, conversion, and consolation of souls. The influence of Christ's life in glory, whether manifested in word or deed in his servants on earth, when brought effectually to bear upon those who are "dead in sins," is to com'municate everlasting life. To save a soul from death! What is that? To change the vanishing spark of mortal thought into the star which shall

burn for ever in the firmament of God; to open a direct communication between a spirit sunk in hopeless gloom and all the never-ending happiness of heaven! Other works of men decay and pass away: pyramids, temples, cities, manufactures, laws, literature-all are wearing out or rushing into ruin; but there is one work which is absolutely eternal-the salvation of a soul, or the instruction, guidance, and consolation of a soul so saved. Planting and watering here are alike eternal. If I communicate thoroughly a view of gospel truth to a fallen man, and he by the blessing of the Spirit believes it, then the idea is in him FOR EVER, as the incor ruptible seed that abideth to eternity. Now, such views of truth, creative and formative of character, principles for ever productive of lines of action, may be conveyed to other minds, either by word or deed. It is not necessary for a man to listen to long discourses, or to understand a profound theology, in order to be saved. That God is love, and will save and pardon the worst man freely through Christ-this is the message; and this truth may be flashed upon the heart of a sinner by the fewest words or works. There are many christians who have small speech, but great spiritual power. There are silent, sterling men and women, with profound natures, and warm loving hearts, whose single actions shall preach the gospel of the grace of God as "with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven." Their characters, like a diamond mirror, reflect upon the frozen soul the light of the love of God. Their few sentences proclaim the glad tidings as with the silver-trumpet of the jubilee. Such a view of the facts as this holds out the greatest encouragement to those who think themselves to be endued with but slender capacities for usefulness. The chief means of doing good is being good. If there be but genuineness of character, and the power of opportunely repeating in conversation the words of instruction or comfort heard elsewhere, it is a great power; and when received with welcome, performs an eternal work. Casual sentences govern both the church and the world.

Wide, then, and permanent is the influence of any soul in earnest, whether its gifts be of speech, station, or property. Immense is the work which every one may do, the least talkative are often the most powerful. How many are there who, like Moses, are of a slow and stammering tongue, who cannot prophecy, but who can build up tabernacles, inspire their brother Aaron, and govern the Israelites. All true and holy thought and work is ever-living, and goes on working in many minds. The measure in which we desire to communicate truth is the measure of its influence over ourselves. All genuine light radiates. At Bomarsund it was the well-directed fire of one Lancaster gun, at Alma and Inkermann of two pieces of artillery, which chiefly determined the event of these conflicts. Thus, also, in life, the grand lesson of Providence is the honour that God puts upon a faithful few, or even upon one soul found faithful unto death. Small powers in earnest, a feeble spirit true to its trust, and working the works of God in faith and humble prayer, is often permitted to witness results of spiritual labour for which the highly gifted minister or plumed official christian have panted in vain. "Thou hast a little strength, and hast not denied my name, I will give thee the crown of life." "With what measure ye meet, IT SHALL BE MEASURED UNTO YOU AGAIN." Oh, may our common life be such, so truly and thoroughly animated by the life of Christ, that grace, and beauty, and utility on earth may bloom hereafter into glory everlasting!

THE ENQUIRY FOR THE PRESENT TIMES.

BY THE REV. JAMES SMITH.

"Where is the Lord God of Elijah?"-2 Kings ii. 14.

Thus exclaimed Elisha, after the ascent of his master to heaven, when he returned to the brink of Jordan. He desired to repass it, and folding the garment of Elijah together, he smote the waters, and put the veracity of his ascended master to the test. The waters parted, the promise was found good, and God was proved to be faithful. Reflecting upon byegone days, of which we have heard and read, and looking around upon the world, and especially upon the church, we feel prompted to exclaim, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?"

WHAT WAS THE CHARACTER OF ELIJAH'S GOD? He was a prayer-answering God. How wonderfully he answered the prayers of the prophet in the chamber of the widow of Zarephath. There on the bed lies the dead body of her son. His soul has left it, and has entered into a better world. Elijah cries earnestly to God for its restoration; he stretches himself upon the corpse; God listens to his cry, and the soul of the child returns. The Most High listened to the voice of a man. Israel forsook God, the soul of Elijah was filled with jealousy, and he prayed that it might not rain, and it rained not for the space of three years and six months. But when on the top of Carmel he pleaded with his God, the alouds gathered, and the heavens gave rain, thus proving that the fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much. The God of Elijah was a wonder-working God. How wondrously did he feed his faithful servant by the unclean ravens, sustain him and the widow's household by a handful of meal and a drop of oil for many days, and as wondrously reserve unto himself seven thousand faithful worshippers, in the midst of the general apostacy. The God of Elijah was a sin-hating, sin-avenging God. He visited the sins of his people with the rod, and the sins of his enemies with the sword. He spared neither the monarch nor the plebeian, the self-righteous nor the idolator. To Israel especially he said, "You only have I known of all the inhabitants of the earth, therefore I will punish you for your iniquities." He was a holy, jealous God. As he was holy, he must necessarily hate and correct sin; as he loved his people, he was jealous of their love. When they withdrew their hearts from him, and gave themselves up to idolatry, it provoked him, and he resented it at their hands. Yet, he was a tender sympathising God. He was soon touched with a sense of their miseries, when he saw their sufferings, or heard their cry. He pitied, he pardoned, and returned to them again. His soul was grieved for the afflictions of Israel." They acted most basely, "nevertheless, he regarded their afflictions, when he heard their cry." Wonderful was the forbearance, pity, and compassion of their God The God of Elijah was a God who honoured his devoted servants. True, he tried them, allowed them to manifest their weakness, and display their folly; so proving that it was not for their good works, but of his own abounding grace, that he distinguished them. He honoured Elijah before Ahab, in the presence of Baal's priests, and before the proud and haughty Jezebel. He honoured him in his life, and put a singular honour upon him when his work was done, by sending a fiery chariot to fetch him home to himself. "This God is our God for ever and ever." The God of Elijah is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The God whose word we believe, whose religion we profess, in whose cause we are embarked, and whose honour should be the great end of our lives. But, "where is the Lord God of Elijah ? "

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