These were anticipations that obscured the glitter of every earthly acquirement, and induced them to strive, or to bear, or to wait patiently, for their happy realization. While, therefore, not many rich, and not many noble were called, from the earliest times of the church, it was the privilege of the poor to have the Gospel preached unto them, and that the joyful tidings of Salvation should impress their heart, when their worldly superiors were either careless, or ignorant of their importance. The blessed news of the Gospel redemption still sounds as sweetly and affectionately to the poor, as to the rich; and a knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified, comes with an influence truly hallowed upon his heart, who, far removed from the luxuries of this life, knows not how the food of to-morrow shall be provided, and still relies with confidence upon the promises of his God. His heart has a source of comfort and reliance, unknown to the man, who, amid the riches and luxuries of this life, with his goods laid up in store, and his barns filled, bids his soul "take its rest," while every thought of the Giver of all good is banished from his remembrance. Let it be also observed, that not only are the promises of God peculiarly encouraging to the poor, but he especially upholdeth their cause. God declares, that the man who oppresseth the poor, reproacheth his Maker; while he who honoureth God, hath mercy on the poor.

It is not, however, worldly poverty, or riches alone, that is the test with God. Alas! sin clothes itself with rags, as well as in ermine; and exempts no rank in life from her unhallowed snares. What they must cultivate, who desire to live with God, is that poverty of spirit, alike necessary to the poor and to the rich, before either can possess those exalted enjoyments which the Gospel has announced. Deeply humbled, by a sense of shame, they must alike hasten to the blood of purifying, and thence receive the gifts of the Gospel salvation from Jesus. Then is their poverty riches. Blessed," says the Saviour, are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." How beautifully are the lessons in Scripture enforced by the example, and illustrated by the character of the meek and lowly Jesus. The poor, the afflicted, the widow and the orphan, all shared in his sympathy. "Whosoever cometh unto me, I will in nowise cast out." This coming unto Christ, must be accompanied by a sense of our own unworthiness, as we acknowledge that in God's sight, "we are poor, and blind, and naked;" that had we done all in our own power, for our own safety, nothing would have been accomplished; and that it is to infinite grace, alone, we are entitled to hope for mercy in the Redeemer. This sense of poverty, this spiritual humility, are indispensable, before we can appreciate the unspeakable riches of that Grace, which our hea

venly Father, in his ever blessed Son, hath provided for us. When we really feel, that in spiritual things we are poor, and needy, and that our souls depend upon God for divine aid, then are we led to the riches that is in Jesus, who is alike our hope, and our salvation. Yes! Jesus became poor that we might be made rich. He was lowly, that we might be exalted. He denied himself, for a time, the glories of his Kingdom in Heaven, that these glories, ere long, might be revealed to all who would come unto him, " that they might have eternal life."

Finally, humility of spirit is an indispensable quality of the Christian character, not only because our Lord and Saviour inculcated it in his doctrines, and illustrated it in his life, but because there are many passages of Scripture which warn us of the fatal effects of spiritual pride and conceit. By pride the angels that fell lost their first estate; and to men in all ages, it has alike been fatal. It was the proud spirit of the children of Israel, that required punishments so numerous, which at length terminated in their ruin. It was the pride of many kings,-of Assyria, of Babylon, and of Judah, that caused their fall. It was the pride of the sons of Zebedee, that called forth reproof from the Saviour. It was the pride of Peter, that induced him to assert, that he would never deny his master, and, ere long, caused in his

conscience those pangs, which obliged him to go out, and "weep bitterly."

Let us then strive to alleviate the sufferings, and poor and sympathize with the bereavements of the needy. Let us plead their cause, and diminish their sorrows, whilst in our heart we zealously cultivate the spirit of humility, even that meekness which was also in Jesus, and thus prove ourselves his believing disciples. Through his merits, let us humbly pray for, and humbly hope to receive, every good gift. Let us meekly follow our Lord, encouraged by the sacred word, which thus addresses us," Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them which fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy." "Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we trust in thee." Amen.

Now may the peace of God, which passeth all

understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

57

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.

Let us pray.

O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people which call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, thou art our God, early will we seek thee, our fathers' God, and we will exalt thee. As heaven is high above the earth, so are thy thoughts above our thoughts, and thy ways above our ways. It becomes us to approach a throne of grace, with humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient hearts. For although thou didst proclaim a law for our guidance, we have proved rebellious children, we have forgotten the Lord who made us, we have lightly esteemed the rock of our salvation. To original sin, we confess we have added actual transgression. We have offended against thy holy commandments. Lord, we are not worthy of the least of thy mercies, and yet thy blessed word en