to conquer; and surely if we bear His arms, and follow His standard who led captivity captive, we have enough to make us cheerfully lay hold on shield and buckler, to meet our innumerable foes with the calm assurance of David. We are not, indeed, to go forth unarmed, or in our own strength; for that strength is like a broken reed; but we must go, leaning on His arm who sustains the universe; and who supports the fainting steps of his weakest follower. If, in the apostolic times, when suffering and possibly death were the probable consequences of open confession, there were wolves in the flock; it can be no matter of wonder, that now-when almost all appear to wear the pilgrim-garb; to speak the same language; to eat the same food; when, rather than contempt, respect and consideration are the award of professing godliness-many own the Christian name, but fail to exhibit a corresponding practice. It was once, the involuntary acknowledgment of unbelievers, "see how these Christians love one another!" Would the same thing be said now? I fear not, so long as party spirit and sectarian division rend the church. "I am of Paul, I of Apollos," is heard on all sides: each almost denying to the other, that both may be taught of Christ.

While the human mind is constituted as it is at present, there are, and must be, differences in religious opinion as in all other mental exercises, "'Tis with men's minds as with their watches; no two go quite alike, yet each believes his own." It is evident, that on some points Paul and Peter differed much, but that did not hinder the latter from speaking of Paul as our beloved brother;" and what should hinder real Christians of whatever denomination from holding out the right hand of fellowship to all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity and truth? For the self-righteous Unitarian, and the deluded Romanist, the scriptural Christian can feel little save pity; for we know, that there is but one foundation-stone, sure and steadfast; but all those who build their hope on that sure foundation, and show their faith by a walk of love and humility, we may, and ought, to acknowledge as brethren, whatever defects may appear to us to disfigure the super

structure.

A mere talking Christian

Ours is not to be a talking Christianity. may remind us of the leaf-bearing fruit-tree; sightly, perhaps, but useless.

The banner of our common Leader, has Love embroidered upon it in the largest characters; and we can scarcely be supposed to be his sincere followers, while with the same breath we bless God, and feel a

spirit in any degree approaching to the cursing of man. Let us then put away from us all uncharitableness; let us pray diligently that true Christian love and meekness may take its place. We hear of the children of earth who boast of descent from Norman or Saxon times; and who would shun evil from very fear of dishonouring their noble name; and shall the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, by lack of charity, bring disgrace and dishonour on the Holy name which they bear? It is noble to possess such a name, but nobler far to walk worthy of it. A Christian is the heir to an inheritance infinitely surpassing all that earth can boast. He is a noble jewel, shrined for the present in clay, but ordained to show forth eternally the praises of Him who hath called him out of darkness into his marvellous light. Let us not only bear the Christian name, but let us be CHRISTIANS INDEED; daily struggling against those enemies-each harder to conquer than a walled city-selfishness, pride, and ill-humour, with their train of attendant evil passions dwelling in these hearts of ours. Alas! that they so often master us, and draw forth many a sigh and groan over our frequent falls. We need not, however, be dismayed; for "the race is not to the swift," but the victory will be to those who draw from heaven's treasury the needful supplies of grace and strength.

There is one failing, which I must mention as too common even among professing Christians; viz., DETRACTION. Most people can quote very readily, "He who steals my purse," &c. &c. but they often forget to act upon the principle which that well-known quotation enforces. A "good name may be taken away in many and various ways; a look, a tone, a gesture, is often enough to destroy or tarnish the reputation of another. Oh! if we could always remember, and remembering, could act upon the golden rule, " do as you would be done by;" what a different world would this be! Well then, since nations are made up of individuals, let you and me, reader, begin this needful reformation; beginning, as charity should ever do, at home; striving daily after that love which is the bond of perfectness, and of all virtue, till we arrive at that kingdom which we hope one day to reach, through Him who has purchased it for us by his own blood; and who, having clothed us with His righteousness, and strengthened us all the journey through, will then bestow upon us that NEW NAME which shall be ours through eternity.

S. A.

OAKHAMPTON CASTLE.

HE great barony, of which the now ruined castle of Oakhampton, in Devonshire, was once the principal stronghold, was originally granted by William the Conqueror, to one of the most eminent and faithful of his followers, Baldwin de Brioniis; a Norman noble, who, at the

decisive battle of Hastings, had distinguished himself not more by his valour than by his military skill. For the defence of the fair demesne of which he thus became the possessor, this Baldwin erected the magnificent castle of which the venerable and romantic ruins now crown a picturesque hill situated about a mile south-west of the town of Oakhampton. Very great was the power, and very extensive were the territorial possessions, of the ancient Barons of Oakhampton. Over no less than eight broad manors, they exercised the right of capital punishment; they acted an important part at the installation of the bishops of the diocese; claiming, on such occasions, very large perquisites; and they possessed numerous advowsons, and were the patrons of several priories. The grant conveying to them these and other important privileges, is recognized in Domesday-book; in which ancient record, it is also stated, that Baldwin de Brioniis, holding Oakhampton from the Conqueror, had there erected a fortress of great strength and importance.

Subsequently, Oakhampton, with its castle and the surrounding domain, passed by marriage into the family of the Courtenays; and with sundry forfeitures and restorations, remained for several generations in the possession of that powerful house.

The town of Oakhampton, or Okehampton, situated in the bosom of a richly-wooded valley, which is watered by two branches of a rapid stream called the Ocke, or Oke, is surrounded on every side by romantie hills; the summit of one of which, as we have already intimated, is crowned by the picturesque and imposing ruins of the ancient castle which, almost eight hundred years ago, rose up, on that elevated site, at the bidding of a Norman noble. It might not be altogether useless to spend a few moments in reflecting on the great events in England's