of their Christian profession. Instead of indulging- such a proud contemptuous spirit, you should rejoice in every appear- ance of good, and endeavour to impart to him a fuller know- ledge of the truth. This would render good service both to God and man : and it is a service which all may render, if only with meekness and modesty they watch for an opportunity, and look up to God for his blessing on their endeavours. And who can tell how " much you yourselves may be helped" afterwards by him, to whom you have been helpful in the first instance ? It is worthy of observation, that Aquila did not commence preacher at Corinth, notwithstanding his clear knowledge of the Gospel, and notwithstanding Paul had just left the place : he did not think himself authorized to take on him an office to which he was not called : but he laboured in private conversation, and was made eminently useful in that way : and we cannot but recommend to every one amongst you, whether male or female, to imitate this pious couple in a modest unassuming carriage, and in an affectionate concern for the best interests of mankind.]
Acts xix. 1 5. And the evil spirit ansivered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye ?
GREAT effects are wrought by the Gospel, wherever it is preached with faithfulness and zeal : churches are filled, sinners are awakened, saints are edified, and the name of the Lord Jesus is magnified. But, in those who feel not its influence, there is an universal proneness to ascribe these effects to other causes than those from which they really proceed. Some con- sider them as arising from the manner in which the preacher addresses his audience ; from the loudness of his voice, for instance, or from the earnestness of his gestures : others ascribe them to the enthusiastic sentiments with which his discourses are filled, or perhaps to the terribleness of his denunciations. Any reason, however absurd, will be resorted to by them, rather than they will acknowledge the hand of God in these things. Thus it was in the days of old : when our blessed Lord cast out devils from people who were possessed, the spectators ascribed his