propriate this honorable relationship, if the grace of love be wanting. Pre-eminent love to the Saviour is frequently spoken of in the New Testament as essential to the Christian character. "He that loveth me not," saith Jesus, "keepeth not my sayings." John xiv. 26. "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." Luke xiv. 26. The term hatred, is here used in a comparative sense. We are commanded to love those that are bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh. It is assumed that this attachment is usually very strong and ardent; and then to shew how great should be our love to Christ, we are reminded that even the affection we cherish towards our nearest relatives, must be less ardent, and less influential than the love we bear to Jesus; nay, we must value Christ more than even our own life. And while the disciples cherish this supreme affection towards the Lord Jesus, they are required also to love one another. Being members of the same family, they recognize God as their Father, Jesus Christ as their elder Brother, and are anticipating the same heavenly home. Drawn-all of them-by the cords of love to Christ, it cannot be that they should be estranged from each other. Their mutual affection is seen and admired by all around them; it is their characteristic and honorable distinction. In the first ages even their enemies were heard to say, "See how these Christians love one another." Jesus Christ himself seems to have anticipated this pleasing testimony, since, when upon earth he was heard to say, "By this shall all men know

that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John xiii. 35. Another important distinction characterizing the disciples of Christ, is this-they" follow holiness, without which, no man can see the Lord." Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts; they have learned to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Herein consists the loveliness and the excellence of the religion of the Bible, it purifies the heart, and relates the life; it restores the image of God which had been lost by the fall; and provides not only justification, but sanctification and complete redemption. Is the Christian compared to a tree which the Lord hath planted? -the fruits of righteousness are to be gathered from every bough, and hereby God is honored. "Herein," saith Christ, "is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." John xv. 8. Here also an important question arises: to what source must we ascribe all the graces which are essential and ornamental to the Christian character? No man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God;" hence, to constitute discipleship to Christ, there must be the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart. How explicit the language of the Apostle Paul, "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Rom. viii. 9. And the relationship we are here describing, be it remembered, is of an enduring character; it is not the result of momentary feelings, but rather of fixed and abiding principles. The judgment is convinced while the heart is gained. The disciple having counted the cost,

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has respect also to the future recompence of reward; he submits to the cross because he anticipates the crown of life; and he knows full well, that it were vain to look for the reward-to anticipate the crown, unless he is faithful unto death. What said Jesus Christ to some of the Jews when they first believed on him?" If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." John viii. 31. Thus clear and decided is the authority of the Bible, as to the essential graces without which no man can be approved in Christ. On reading the New Testament, moreover, we become acquainted with not a few honored individuals, who, when upon earth, were living disciples; to some of these we may refer both by character and by name; and this from a conviction that a portrait is generally more faithful and impressive when it is drawn from real life. There was MARY; she sat at the feet of Jesus, and heard his word; instead of suffering her heart to be engrossed by the cares of this life, and her hands to be unceasingly employed in attending to family duties, she embraces every seasonable opportunity for gaining spiritual improvement; she felt that religion was the one thing needful," and deliberately chose that good part, which could never be taken from her. There was also NATHANAEL; he was open to conviction, prompt to admit the claims of the Lord Jesus, and prepared with the heart to believe on him as the promised Messiah. There was in this man, no affectation, no pride, no hypocrisy ;-he was retiring, devotional, sincere, and conscientious ;" an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." There is another disciple of whom we read, named ZACCHEUS; from

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motives of curiosity, he climbs up into a sycamore tree that he might see Jesus, who was to pass that way; our blessed Lord looked up, saw him, and said unto him, "Zaccheus, make haste and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house." "And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully." Now, observe, as soon as this rich man-the chief among the publicans, avowed himself a disciple, he becomes a reformed character; instead of being covetous, oppressive, and extortionate as heretofore, he will make ample restitution if he has wronged any one, and resolves on giving half of his goods to the poor. To these individuals might be added the honored names of JAMES and JOHN; PETER and PAUL. These all lived and died in the faith; they gave heed to their Master's instructions, and rested upon him for salvation; they were obedient to his will and devoted to his interests. Then to be a disciple of Christ, is something more than merely to bear his name, or to profess his religion. We must become new creatures in Christ Jesus:-and "Will ye also be his disciples ?" Observe the painted manner in which the question is put. "The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost;" hence, the invitations of the gospel are addressed without exception to all men; nay they are pressed home upon the heart of every individual with peculiar tenderness and force. Whoever applied to Christ and was rejected ?-On the contrary, the greatest possible encouragement is given to every one who wishes to become his disciple. Do you not in effect hear the Master's voice saying, "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise east out?" What numbers-blessed be God!

have already accepted these invitations of mercy; they have enrolled their names among the lowly followers of Christ. The question is now put to yourselves. Will ye also join this band of disciples? The appeal is direct and personal. Do not think of passing the question. We ask not the friend sitting near you; nor are we addressing your nearest relatives, whether a brother, a parent, or a child. We ask yourselves, personally and separately. "Will ye also be his disciples?" Do not say there is something in my case so peculiar, that I am not required to be a disciple of Christ. Remember that the appeal in the text, is comprehensive and universal, as well as direct and personal so there is no evading your individual responsibility. Weigh the reasons which recommend the question to your practical regard. Are the instructions of Christ unnecessary? You are ignorant, and know not the way to heaven; you are in the broad road leading to endless misery, and know not how to escape destruction. Not unfrequently conscience is roused to a conviction of your guilt and danger; you cry out in fearful agitation, "What must I do to be saved?" The Lord Jesus comes to your relief, he "I am says, the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." It is his province to open and to shut the gates of heaven; and those only who are taught by him, can enter the celestial city. The awful sentence, "Depart ye cursed!" is justified on this simple declaration, "I never knew you,"-ye never came to me for instruction, nor did I ever recognize you as my disciples. Oh, then, to learn of Christ is essential to your salvation; and who teacheth like him?