glory in which you may lay your account with meeting opposition the most determined and unremitted. You are in that stage of your life in which your own corruptions are most powerful and active; in which the allurements of a depraved world are most fascinating; in which the smiles and the frowns of men most deeply affect the mind. You, above all others, are marked out to feel the malice of wicked men, and of those evil spirits by whom they are governed. But fear not, you fight not under an invincible Leader. Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith; Jesus, who has all power in heaven, in earth, and in hell too, goes before you. He lifts above the necks of them who hate you, his glittering sword, which shivers all hostile armor, and mows down the thickest ranks of his and your enemies. Be assured he will strike the blow of your deliverance at the very moment when you most need it. Gird up, then, the loins of your faith. Run with patience the race set before you. Look constantly unto Jesus; for though you can do nothing of yourself, yet through Christ strengthening you, you can do all things. Remember that his faithfulness is pledged to bear you through. He will perfect that which concerneth you. He will make you not only a conqueror, but more than a conqueror; and

when your warfare is finished, he will receive you to himself; his own hand shall twine about your brows the wreath of victory, and it shall bloom for ever in all the glories of Paradise.

Old Christian, here is encouragement for you. Since you gave your heart to the Redeemer you have had many a bitter hour, and endured many a terrible conflict for his sake. But sure I am that you do not repent your choice. All your afflictions have been amply compensated by his love and his presence. He promised you at first that he would dwell in you, and walk in you, and walk round you, and be your God. Has he not been as good as his word? Is it not because you have obtained help of him that you continue to this day? And will he forsake you now? He will not, he cannot. If he was the God of your youth, he will be the God of your declining years. He has said even to old age, I am he; and even to hoar hairs, I will carry you. How comforting the thought that when your heart and your flesh fail, this God is the strength of your heart and your portion for ever. Courage, then, old friend! A few more sighs, a few more sorrows, a few more sufferings, and all shall be well for ever. Now is your salvation nearer than when you believed; now are you approach

ing the borders of your promised inheritance. Lift up your eyes and view the heavenly Canaan. 'Tis true you cannot enter till you have passed through the swellings of Jordan, but your Lord hath promised, when thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee. "Tis true you must grapple with the "king of terrors." Hastily he advances upon you. But startle not at his grisly appearance. It is the mimicry of danger-the mock terror of an enfeebled, a harmless foe. It is, too, your concluding struggle, for the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. When you have vanquished this enemy, (and vanquish him you shall,) you will understand, far better than you can now, the meaning of these triumphant words, The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

To them who are unacquainted with the Christian's life I have nothing to say. You, my brethren, are fighting; but did you ever take the pains to ask yourselves, in what cause? A cause beyond description degrading and hopeless. You are fighting with the devil and for the devil and against the God of your

mercies, and against your own happiness. you are treasuring up to yourselves wrath against the day of wrath, and if you are resolved to remain on the devil's side, you must share at last the devil's fate. You are engaged against infinite odds; there is not any hope that you shall succeed. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God; and if he spared not the angels that sinned, he certainly will not spare you. We invite you to a warfare better in itself and better in its end. Come, cast in your lot with us, and fight the good fight of faith. Besides the consolation of a righteous cause and divine support, you will have the best of company. The saints will be your friends, angels will be your friends, a triune God will be your friend, heaven will your eternal home, and a crown of life your rich reward.

END OF VOL. III.