lord, the soldier nothing without bis comma.n<ler, the hand nothing without the hearl, the Ohristia.n nothing without Christ. 2. This aesertion brings out into clear light the absolute dependence ef Ohriseians. Withont our Lord'R teacMn,q and example, we should have no conception of the highest moral excellence. Without hie love, we should not feel the mightiest motive that can influence the soul to consecration and service. Without his mediation, we should not enjoy the favour of God, our Ruler and ,Judge. Without hie Spirie, we should he strangers to the spiritual power which alone can enable feeble man to do the will of God. Without his promises, we should lack the encouragement and inspiration we need to cheer us amidst the difficultie~, perplexities, and trials from which no earthly life is ever exempt. Without him, there would be no deliverance from the bondage of sin, and no prospect of what is truly the eternal life. "Neither," says Peter, "is there salvation in any other." III. UNION WITII CIIRIBT IB TIIEREFORE UNSPEAKABLY PREGI0UB, AND Fon THE CIIRISTIAN ABSOLUTELY NEEDFUL. As to the nature of this connection, there should be no misunderstanding. External privileges and professions are all insufficient.. A spiritual and vital union is necessary, such as in the vegetable kingdom joins the branch to the vine-stock, such as in architecture unites the temple to its foundation. This union is effected on the human side by a believing reception of the gospel of Christ; on the Divine side by the impartation of the quickening Spirit of God. Such union is capable of increase in degree; a closer spiritual fellowship with the Divine Redeemer is the means of increased fitness for holy and acceptable service. The experience of the Apostle Paul was an illustration of this principle. He could say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengtbeneth me." He who would work more diligently, and wait more patiently, must come nearer to Christ, and so obtain the spiritual power he needs. PRAOTIOAL LESSONS. 1. If this union with the living Vine be not formed, let it be formed at once. 2. If it be suspended or enfeebled, let it be renewed. 3. If it be exist- ing and vitally active and energetic, let it be prized and cultivated.-T. Ver. 11.-Divine joy. It seems at first sight singular that our Lord's conversation, just at this solemn and pathetic crisis of bis ministry, should be of joy. It seems as if consolation and peace were timely and appropriate themes, but as if the contrast between Christ's approaching sufferings and the joy which he claims to possess and to impart were too marked. This, however, is a glorious paradoL I. TIIE ELEMENTS OF OUR SAVIOUR's JOY. His was : 1. The joy of self-sacrifice, which is unknown to the world, but of which Jesus has given us the one sublime example. 2. 'l'he joy of benevolence. He lost himself in those for whom he lived and died; their salvation was the inspiration of his endurance and the joy of his anticipa- tion. 3. The joy of harmony with the Father's purpose and of securing the Father's approval. II. TIIE IMPARTATION OF OUR SAVIOUR'S JOY. 1. It comes through the identifica- tion of the disciples, through faith, with the Master. 2. It consists in living sympathy with his mind and purposes. 3. It increases and is fulfilled through their active employment in his service. The joy of the Lord is commenced in fellowship of labour, and consummated in the vision and recompense of heaven. Ill. THE SUPERIORITY OF OUR SAVIOUR'S JOY. If it is contrasted with the joy of the worldly and sinful, such a comparison will bring out its immeasurable superiority. 1. For it is joy dignified and worthy of a moral and spiritual nature, whilst worldly joy is largely that of the inferior part of our being. 2. It is satisfying, whilst be that drinketh of the springs of earth thirsts again. 3. It is eternal, being not only progres- sive upon earth, but consummated in heaven. "Earth's joys grow dim, its glories fade away." Dut Christ's joy is the joy which is immortal.-T.
Vera. 12-15.-<Jhrist'sfriendshipfor his people. Human friendship is both beauti- ful to perceive and precious to enjoy. If affection and sympathy were thrust out ot life, and if interest alone bound men together, how uninteresting and dismal would this world of humanity become! Every instance of friendship has its charm. The young, who share their pursuits and confidflnces; the middle-aged, who are guided by the same tastes, or principles, or occupations; the old, who interchange their recolleo- 282 THE GOSPEL AOOORDINO TO ST. JOHN. [en. xv. 1-27.