true, and honestly try to do our duty towards others, and especially the poor, we shall in no wise lose our reward. Learn a lesson of humility, as we think of our own sins, and ill deserts; of gratitude, when we remember God's goodness to ourselves; of charity, as we consider the evil case of many of our brethren, and their claim upon us, if we are of the same mind with Christ, to help them as we can. "The holy supper ie kept indeed, - In whatso we share with another's need; Not what we give, but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare. Who gives himself with his alms feeds three-- Himself, hie hungering brother, and me." (Lowell.) W.F. Vere. 10-12.-Injluence. This passage may suggest to us some thoughts as to influence. We have all the power of influencing others for good or for evil. 'l'his is the necessary result of our being and relationships. Ocr chief influence will be upon those with whom we are most closely associated; but we also influence others, often unconsciously. You cannot pay a visit, or reside for a short time in a district, without making some impression upon those you meet, and leaving them the better or the worse for having known you. There are differences as to the way people judge, Some over-estimate themselves. 'l'hey have a high opinion of their own importance. You might think, from the way they talk, that the world could not get on without them. Others under-estimate themselves. They are poor, and think they can do nothing. They are modest and humble-minded, and set little value on what they can effect. Or it may be they have met with disappointments and reverses, and have lost hope. They have laboured in vain, and have not the heart to try again. It is well to remember that we have this awful power of influencing others, and while wo confess our responsibility, we should be careful so to Jive and act as that our influence shall be for good, and not for evil; a blessing, and not a curse. How is this to be secured? I. BY LIVING NEAB TO GOD. It is as God is merciful to us, and raises us up, bringing us nearer to himself, that we are able to "requite " others, not after the desire of our own evil hearts, but after the loving way of God (ver. 10; Matt. v. 45-48). Pray God, that he may set you II before his face" (ver. 13), and then as you receive bi~ -grace, you will reflect his goodness; as you rejoice in the light of his presence, you will bring sunshine into many a shady place, and hope to many a troubled heart. II. BY HAVING A HIGH STANDARD OF DUTY, We must not make custom, or con- venience, or the etiquette of the world, our rule, but we must learn the" perfect will of God" from Christ. The more loyal we are to our highest ideals, the more shall we gain of moral force, and the greater will be our power of doing good to others. Chnrncter settles influence. It is the salt that is good, and not the salt that bas lost its savour, that is fit for use. It is the man who has the Spirit of Christ, and not the man who minds earthly things, who is the greatest force in the world. How weak wns Lot as compared with Abraham I Ill. BY DOING OUR WORK FAITHFULLY IN 00B SEVERAL PLACES. People are influenced more by what others do than by what they say. Example is better thau precept. If there be a man of undoubted "integrity," he is not only respected, but his daily life has a salutary effect upon those with whom he is associated. It is tho man we trust that we are disposed to follow. !low many are there who do their duty quietly and unobtrusively, and who are never heard of far from home, who yet prove a blessing in the Rociety with which they are connected I Their lives are prayers towards God, and powers for good towards men. Virtue goes out of them, even when they know it not, God's favour is upon them, and they grow in favour with men. IV. BY CULTIVATION OF THE SPIRIT OF BROTHERLY KINDNESS AND LOVE. Much depends upon the spirit that is in us, because our spirit determines our actions, and our actious are seen of men, and have their effect upon their minds. If we are proud and selfish, we cannot win the hearts of others. Ilut if we are self-forgetful and kind, 830 THE BOOK OF PSALMS. [PS, XLII. 1--11.
our influence will be beneficial. There are some who try to do good, but hold them- selves aloof, and their efforts are of little avail. Let us strive, thorefore, to follo,v Christ (John xiii. 12-15) humbly, lovingly, patiently, doing good as we have opportunity, and, above all, living ourselves according to the law of godliness, and let ns leave results with God.-W. F. Vers. 1-13.-TM aggravation and consolation of bodily ajftiction, Written by some mighty man, probably by David, on his recovery from an affliction during which conspiracy and slander had been active against him. It may refer to the time of Absalom; and the "familiar friend" may have been .Ahithophel. I. Tm: AGGRAVATIONS OF llODILY AFFLICTION. 1. The consciousness of guile. (Ver. 4.) But he was penitent, and prayed for forgiveness and spiritual healing. 2. The malicious conduct of enemies and false friends. (Vers. 5-9.) At a time when we are little able to contend a,,a-ainst them. II. THE coNSOLATIONR OF AFFLICTION. 1. That he had himself sympathized with eujferers. (Ver. 1.) He had not been like the enemies and false friends whom he describes, but had been a t111e friend to the weak and afflicted. 2. He is assured on this account of the Divine sympathy and deliverance. (Vera. 1-3.) The merciful are blessed! in receiving mercy. 3. He has already received tokens of the deliverance for which he is looking. (Vers. 11, 12.) His enemy has not triumphed over him. God has npheld him in general right conduct, or integrity. He does not forget his particular sins (ver. 4); but he is conscious also of living in the sight of the Divine countenance1 and receivin~ Divine help.-S.