They are a nsible embodiment of it, but not its vital principle. Let us not set too high an estimat~ on rites and ceremonies aud forms of worship, or we may glorify the husk to the neglect of the kernel, and the shapely bark may conceal a rotten tree, Ordinances of touching, tasting, handling, concern things that perish in the using. Direussions respecting amusements, pleasures, occupations, as to which may lawfully be enjoyed and which not, seldom ad,•ance any man's obedience to Christ; thoy are the fringe, not the vesture, of religion, and talk concerning them is apt to degenerate into trifling ILI!d oasuistry. Let each decide for himself with prayerful meditation what his oourse shall be, and try to secure the best, most lasting possessions. He who is always deliberating about the necessary outworks will never resoh the heart of the palace of truth. II. WHEREIN 'l'B• E:INGOOK OF Gon OONSISTS. Having dismissed the negative aspect of Christi&n.ity, the apostle proceeds to set forth the main qualities of the Christian life. These are "righteousness," just, honourable dealing, keeping the commandments of God with a pure conscience, mindful of the claims of God and our neighbours. Also "peace," the tranquillity of the child resting on the Father's bosom, unruffled by storms with- out, not over-a.n:rious about daily cares, nor depressed by bereavements or affliction. And "joy," which is peace brimming over into exultation, triumphant like snow brightened by the sunlight, even made rosy by the setting rays. These are spiritual gual,ities. They are spiritual in source and nature, are "fruits of the indwelling Spirit," are enjoyed and perfected "in the Holy Ghost." Righteousness is not the laborious toil of the lega!ist; nor is peaoe the apathy of the stoic or the sleepy contentment of the epicurean ; nor is joy the momentary excitement of the sensualist. They are pure inward feelings, springs that flow spontaneously into outward behaviour. They are "er"!/ practical, dealing not with abstruse or knotty points of conduct, but with qualifi- cations easily understood, and unambiguous as to the method of attainment. It is not holding a certain creed, but cultivating a certain disposition and character. They tend f(l tJui harmony and ur,eftilnes8 of the (Jhurch. Dissension is impossible where these gnices prevaiL Unprofitable arguing is abandoned for mutual comfort and service. Engaged upon the higher business of the kingdom, petty details sink into their rightful insignifie&nce, minor matters settle themselves. Would that the Church had attended so this dictum of the apostle, and been ever distinguished by these amiable virtues, inst.ead of one section qnarrelling with and persecuting another, making Church history a weariness t.o read, and confirming rather than quieting the doubts of the sceptical I Volumes of theology are not so powerful to convince of the truth of Christianity as a holy life. Men quickly discriminate between ritualism and religion, and detect the uceticism which morti1i.es the body, yet nourishes the pride of the soul.-S. R. A.
Ver. 21.-.A sel,f-denying ordinance. A society is formed for mutual help. The praiperity of the whole is a prime factor in all our working and living. Wondrous the effect of the gospel in levelling distinctions of class, in banishing national enmities, and in making Jew and Gentile realize their adoption into the same family of God, their oneness of blood, their community of interests. L THE STBONGEB CAN HELP THE WEAKER, AND THE HIGHER STOOP TO THE POBITIOll' OF THE LOWER, KOBE EA.6ILY TJUN VICE VERBA. It is the glory of the greater to include the less. .A.nd the man of far-reaching spiritual views can accommodate himself to hie less intellectual brother more readily than the latter can lay aside bis prejudices and rejoice in the removal of all restrictions. Hence those in our assemblies capable of assimilating the richest food placed before them are called upon to remember the plainer fare that suits the spiritual digestion of their brethren. Those who delight in climbing t.o the peaks of spiritual knowledge can learn to moderate their ardour, and sit with their fellows in happy concord in the plain, because otherwise there can be no general 1118embly, many being devoid of the strength and agility needful for an ascent to the 1ummit. Our ~ortation and worship must ever, though not exclusively, take account of the weaker and less educated, the children and the simple. ll JT 18 SAJl'D TO EBB ON THE BIDE OP BELF-llEPBEBBION BATHER THAN OP LIBERTY, Every man endowed by the Spirit with a clearness and amplitude of vision that dis- criminatee between the eaeential and the non-eHsential may refuse to bavo his freedom eurnp,tlsvrily narrowed by others. But Le dol:s well, ~.n<l nets in the spirit of Christ en. rrv.1-23.J THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS. 423