diffusive benevolence. It is not in great things only that God is glorified : for, as he has told us, " whether we eat or drink, to do all to his glory," we may be sure that, even in the most conmion acts that can be performed, this blessed end may be attained. Aim, then, at this : keep your eye steadily fixed on this, under every circumstance of life : seek " that in all things God may be glorified, through Jesus Christ :" and if this end be attained, you need not care whether it be by action or suffering, " by life or death."]
A QUESTION, however, of great importance here oc- curs: Are we forbidden, under any circumstances, to change our calling ?
[I apprehend not. The Apostle's rule is general, not uni- versal. Were the rule absolutely universal, no converted person could mai'ry, or assume the pastoral office, or perform many other duties, which must, without such a change, be totally neglected. But no man should change merely on account of the difficidties that atteiid his present calling. We should guard exceedingly against fickleness of mind, and a cowardly desertion of our post on account of the trials which we meet with in the way of duty. Who ever sustained heavier conflicts than the Apostle Paul ? Yet did he not account them any reason for abandoning his apostolic office. We should rise to the occasion, whatever the occasion be; and be ready, when dissuaded or discouraged, to reply, " None of these things move me ; neither count I my life dear unto me, so that I may but finish my course with joy." There may, however, be occasions whereon we may be " moved by the Holy Ghost" to give up a calling, that is purely temporal, for one that is spiiitual: yet, in reference to such calls, I confess that the greatest jealousy over ourselves is desirable, and the utmost watchfulness that we deceive not our own souls. That many have taken upon themselves the ministerial office, who were never truly called to it, I have no doubt : but that many have relinquished other callings, and devoted themselves to this, to the great advantage of God's Church, is certain. To lay down rules by which every case should be determined, and every difficulty solved, would be impracticable, because of the infinite diversity of circumstances which must be taken into considera- tion in every different case : but, in every prospect of change, recourse should be add to prayer, for God's special direction : nor should we move, till we have some evidence that the pillar of the cloud is moving before us. One thing, under all cir- cumstances, is necessary : whether we change our calling or not, we should be careful to " abide with God." We must walk with him ; we must go in and out before him ; we must approve ourselves to him ; we must bear in mind the solemn