approach by 1111 to tho Father of souls; that one principal purpose of worship is that of coming into close, holy, personal fellowship with the living God. But the main truth of tho passago is found in the thought of- I. 'l'HE OPEN GATE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GoD. When God's full purpose should be revealed, them would be a kingdom or Church which should be open to every child of man, irrespective of his nationality or his physical peculianties; the time should come when there would be neither Greek nor Jew, barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free. The gracious purpose of God is fulfilled only in the gospel of his Son. There we find "the common salvation," broad as the race of man. 1. It is adapted to all men everywhere, however apart and afar they may be from the scene of its birth. Judaism, Mohammedanism, Buddhism, have local features; they are peculiarly adapted to men living in certain latitudes and longitudes, with certain surroundings and national ha.bits and wants; they have their limitations. But into the gospel of Jesus Christ limitation or partiality does not enter; it is as perfectly suited to men of one clime as to those of another; we cannot think of men under any earthly conditious whatever for whose elevation and happiness it is not thoroughly fitted. 2. It is intended for, and is powerful over, those furthest removed from the knowledge and the likeness of God. It purified the corrupt Corinthian; it softened the bard Roman; it sobered and solemnized the flippant Athenian; it has civilized the most savage barbarian; it bas rescued and transformed the most degraded citizens of our modern civilization; it has proved itself the power of God to redeem and regenerate the very worst that have defaced the human image and disgraced the human name. 3. It is needed by those who are nearest the sources of truth; for it convicts even the best of unworthiness and guilt, and it finds for them a Saviour and a reconciliation. II. 'l'HE CONDITIONS OF OITIZENSHIP. The gate is open into the blessed kingdom, but it is a kingdom of righteousness and peace and joy (Rom. xiv. 17). Only they can be accounted citizens who fulfil certain spiritual conditions. These are indicated here. '!.'hey are: 1. Drawing nigh to God through the appointed means-the sabbath day, the house of prayer, etc. 2. Accepting God's method of reconciliation; i.e. by faith in his Son, our Saviour; "taking hold of bis covenant" (see Phil. iii. 7-9). 3. Conforming the life to God's holy will; "choosing the things that please him," rather than those which please ourselves or others; engaging in his service (ver. 6).-C. Vera. 9-12.-Unfaithf'IJ,l ministry. Three truths appear as we consider these strong words. I. THAT Gon HAS l'LAOED THE WELFARE 01!' THE MANY Ill THE 0HARGE 01!' THE FEW. Practically, the moral and inaterial condition of the country in the course of the next twenty years depends greatly on the character of those of its citizens who are parents. '!'ho fathers and mothers in the land are determining its future to a large extent by their parent.al wisdom or folly. But we may narrow the issue considerably; we may say that what the next generation will be, in respect of conviction and conduct, depends on the character of the ministry it is receiving at the hands of its religious teachers. If these are loyal to I heir Lord, and do faithfully the work committed to their care, the com- munity will know the truth and do the will of God. And so long a.s the nation walks in the light of the Lord it will be prosperous and strong; its worst enemies will not prevail a~ainst it; it will grow in wisdom, in honour, in power. II. THAT MEN MAY PROVE UTTERLY UNWORTHY OF THE HIGH POSITION TO WHICH THEY ARE 0ALLED. It may be said that no one has a ri),:bt to take a step which may result in the responsibilities of parentage, unless he or she is prepared to teach and train children in the knowledge and fear of God. It must certainly he said that no one has a right to take on himself the function8 of a Christian minister unless he is qualified to teach Christ's truth and to commend bis gospel to the minds and the hearts of meu. It is the grave misfortune of the Church and the world that so many have incurred responsibility without any such qualifications. They have failed either in doctrine, having been as "dumb dogs," not warning sinners of the perils besetting them, wilfully and culpably silent; or in, understanding, being "blind" and "ignorant," never JJadng uuderstood the truth, or having become insensible to its excellence by reason of their uilfaithfulness; or in consistency of life, falling into the sin of idleness (ver. 10), or that of covetousness and consequeL~ r:-.f,&City (ver. 11), or that of bodily indulgence 352 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET IS.A.IAH. [olI, LVI, 1-12.
(ver.12). And sin is never so ugly a garment as when it clothes the person of a minister of Jesus Christ-. III. THAT AN UNWORTHY MINISTRY SEALS THE FATE OF THE UNFOR1'0NATE COUNTRY ON WHICH IT 1s IMPOSED. There is little hope for a land cursed with an unfaithful and an ungodly ministry. Not only is the truth of God withheld from men, but it is made positively distasteful and repugnant to the more spiritual by being associated with such professors. Its power is reduced to the very lowest possible point; the people a.re abandoned to error and to folly. It will soon be time for the enemy to appear at the gates-for the destroying beast to ravage the flock (ver. 9). 1. Let all but those whom God has fitted for it shrink with holy diffidence from the sacred office. 2. Let the Church of Christ take the greatest care whom it invites to be "over it in the Lord."-C.