opens the conference with the frank question, " Good Master, what good thing: shall I do, that I may have eternal life ?" Surely we might have thought, ^^ this is a promising case : this is no prejudiced ruler or Pharisee : this is a hopeful inquirer." Yet by and bye this very young man " goes away sorrowful ;" — and wo never read a word to show that he was converted !
We must never forget that good feelings alone in religion are not the grace of God. We may know the truth intellectually. We may often feel pricked in con- science. We may have religious affections awakened within us, have many anxieties about our souls, and shed many tears. But all this is not conversion. It is not the genuine, saving work of the Holy Ghost.
Unhappily this is not all that must be said on this point. Not only are good feelings alone not grace, but they are even positively dangerous, if we content our- selves with them, and do not act as well as/ee?. It is a profound remark of that mighty master on moral ques- tions. Bishop Butler, that passive impressions often repeated, gradually lose all their power. Actions often repeated produce a habit in man's mind. Feelings often indulged in, without leading to corresponding actions, will finally exercise no influence at all.
Let us apply this lesson to our own state. Perhaps we know what it is to feel religious fears, wishes, and desires. Let us beware that we do not rest in them. Lot us never be satisfied till v/e have the witness of the Spirit in our hearts, that we are actually born again and new creatures. Let us never rest till we know that we^ have really repented, and laid hold on the hope set be-