pastors, do not suppose I mean to imply that they are executing these things without the concurrence of the Church. By no means. This Church is an enlightened Church; it knows as well the sinews of its strength as it does the inlets to corruption. It understands as well the boundaries of its duties as it does the precious gifts bestowed upon it by the great Head of the Church for its edification. And the communion of this Church with Christ being direct, they never waver in their allegiance, or fear that he will some time or other desert them, so as to oblige them to seek a continuance of life by extraneous means. They work while it is day, and carefully "occupy" that position to which Christ has graciously advanced them. As no Christian will choose to live for himself or his own good only, no more will a Church of Christ, composed of such characters. It is true

Churches may present the anomaly of barely existing, just as an ignorant or uncultivated person may present the appearance of having no other faculties than those for eating and drinking. Yet this Church not only takes very proper care of itself, but extends its concern for the benefit of others, and that by tangible means. It is not ignorant of its own strength, nor unaccustomed to make use of all its faculties; and this enlightened and well-trained Church has its range of duties commensurate with the richness and variety of its endowments.

It is true, efforts to a certain extent, and of a certain kind, must be proportioned to pecuniary means, and the unskilful and the ignorant are too

B

apt to mistake what are the requisite means for the contemplated objects. But as intelligence reigns through this Church, so when money is wanting, the college of deacons are well aware of the resources of the Church; and men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, they never desire what is not really wanted, nor advise the Church to do what will not facilitate the end aimed at; and hence, by confidence and prudence rather than wealth, no pecuniary means are wanting to carry on their exemplary works.

This Church, abounding in graces and well-matured gifts, is not indifferent to the darkness around it, but does, by well-arranged efforts, contrive to keep up the light of the Gospel blazing in sundry localities; and thus attracts the sinner to the cross, and introduces to the Church such as are ordained to eternal life.

But the range of their illumination is not confined to their immediate locality, no, nor yet for the purpose of merely adding to their own numbers; they go beyond their own personal sphere; they know of no limits to their exertions but the globe itself, and no place on that globe do they consider beyond the precincts of the message of truth. This Church possesses amongst its members the well-trained soldiers of the cross, whom no difficulties can deter, nor dangers daunt. Need I add, that they do carry the Gospel to remote lands; that they do attack the strongholds of Satan; that they do chase away ancient clouds of darkness, and do set up here and there kindred Churches to pursue and carry on the like good cause to the end of time.

And thus, while they can afford to extend the means of grace to an unlimited extent, the Church at home remains strong in itself, by the grace of the Lord in the efficiency of its officers, and in the numbers of its members, a large proportion of whom, gifted and well-trained, are growing up TO PERPETUATE

ITS VERDURE AND ITS BLESSINGS.

LECTURE II. .

THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEANS FOR THE GROWTH OF A CHURCH OF CHRIST.

Ir now remains to delineate that line of action which, in the exercise of sound reason and competent zeal, will issue in fully, fairly, and freely exemplifying the Apostolic or New Testament Church Order. There may be two methods of proceeding about this work of Church revival; the one by seeking a restoration of that which exists, by removing its diseases, and restoring it to the healthy constitution of the New Testament standard; the other, by forming a new Church and carefully watching and tending the growth, that nothing noxious claim kindred and alliance with it to its detriment. Of the eligibility of these two, my decided opinion is that the last is to be preferred. Without entering into a detail of reasons which direct me to this conclusion, I would merely state that if you will proceed by the latter method, you will not shut yourselves out from benefiting the bewildered. As composed of thinking individuals, they can be approached by means of principles fairly brought

home to their minds; and as represented by public communities of Christians, they are not to be influenced but by like bodies. When they can see and read your character, your principles, your blessings, and your advantages, in your collective and organized position as a Christian Church, to be far superior to their own, you will behold the masses wonderfully convinced of what, by all your debating, and arguing, and planning, you never could have brought them to see. Do not, therefore, allow yourselves to think, that because you select this course, you are separating yourselves from those whom you wish to benefit, and leaving them to their darkness. By no means: this is the most direct road to speak to them. What they will want will be facts. Argument, or even principle, is very little heeded when addressed by a supposed enemy to one who is very well satisfied with his own ideas. It is most probable that those who are unfavourable to your object may press you to demonstrate the practicability of what you contend for: and the more inimical will not be disposed to allow you either sufficient time or favourable circumstances. It would be exceedingly gratifying to meet the requisition with a speedy and successful demonstration, and it is but right you should do the noble work. If others will not, be you the pioneers. You were the first in the field; may you ever keep ahead in the forthcoming revival. If Paul plant, and if Apollos water, and success follow, it is of God. Be you, therefore, found fellow-workers together, and faithful stewards of what he has committed individually to each of you,