do we not find that there is an almost universal jea- lousy on the subject of the Gospel, that those who most labour to tread in the Apostle's steps, are often most branded with opprobrious names ? Do we not find that his views of the Gospel are calumniated now, precisely as they were in the days of the Apostle himself? Verily, we should be glad to be found false witnesses in relation to these things ; and would most joyfully retract our assertions, if it could be shewn that they are not founded in truth. We do hope however that there is an increasing love to the Gospel pervading the whole land ; and I pray God it may prevail more and more, and be embraced by every one of us, not superficially, partially, theoretically, but clearly, fully, practically.
Secondly, Let us adopt the Apostle's determination for ourselves —
Doubtless, as men and members of society, there are many other things which we are concerned to know. Whatever be our oflflce in life, we ought to be well acquainted with it, in order that we may perform its duties to the advantage of ourselves and others ; and we would most particularly be understood to say, that the time that is destined for the acquisition of useful knowledge, ought to be diligently and con- scientiously employed. But, as Christians, we have one object of pursuit, which deserves all our care and all our labour : yes, we may all with great propriety determine to know nothing but Christ and him cru- cified. This is the subject which even " the angels in heaven are ever desiring to look into," and which we may investigate for our whole lives, and yet leave depths and heights unfathomed and unknown. St. Paul, after preaching Christ for twenty years, did not conceive himself yet awhile to have attained all that he might, and therefore still desired to know Christ more and more, " in the power of his resurrection, and in the fellowship of his sufferings." This there- fore zae may well desire, and count all things but loss in comparison of it.