can only be learned by a proper attention to the manners of men like ourselves, the workings of the human mind, the springs and motives which usually influence the words and actions of mankind. Without this necessary acquaintance that other injunction of their Lord cannot be observed, namely, that they should "beware of men;" nor that no less necessary precaution, "not to let your good be evil spoken of." Christ came not to alter the customs and institutions of man. He dissolved no existing bands, broke down no necessary distinctions and landmarks of society. His principle of conduct was, "Render unto all their due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Christian discretion, if I mistake not, consists in this: To view the world as much as possible with the same eyes, to make the same charitable allowance, in things indifferent, for the faults and failings of mankind, as Christ did: to distinguish between wilful depravity, and involuntary frailty and weakness.

5. They also follow his people. Sheep are gregarious they herd together. Their safety. and strength consist in union. True Christians also are one, as Christ and the Father are one. "I pray," said the good Shepherd, "that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me,

and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us." The habits, the tempers, dispositions and pur suits of true Christians are the same. Following their common Lord, they must needs mind the same thing, and tread in the same steps. To quarrel and separate is to let in the wolf, and to give the enemy of souls an advantage, as well as to cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of. They hold together and are in love and peace one with another. If there are some things in the manners and dispositions of those with whom they live, which seem to them at variance with "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" if, in the religious profession of some, "whatsoever things are lovely" hold not a very conspicuous place, the true disciple and follower of Christ will be careful to distinguish between what is only seeming and what is real. Some allowance is to be made for bodily infirmity and constitutional bias. Something to be charitably conceded to education, habits, tempers. these have their influence upon religion; and produce a re-action unfavourable to Christian sincerity. At the same time it must be observed, that by persons liable to the above faults, Christianity is too often but imperfectly understood, loosely practised, or else it has not produced all its genuine effects. The faults of professing

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Christians, however, no one who is a true follower of Christ, will visit upon that religion which he came down from heaven to teach, and which he so richly and perfectly exemplified in his own practice. Care, therefore, should ever be taken lest gathering the tares we pull up the wheat also. The enemies of religion are perpetually engaged in this work, and may easily be detected by the rancour with which they assail the faults of professing Christians; faults which they take care to visit upon Christianity itself, and from which they conclude that they have acquired a new argument for their infidelity -a fresh sanction for their vices. How careful then should Christians be to give no offence in any thing, that the Gospel be not blamed! Such is the character of Christ's sheep. They hear his voice, he knows them, and they follow him.

II. We are, in the second place, to consider their privileges. "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them ont of my hand."

The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is exclusively his gift, and purchased by the good shepherd, at the price of his own blood, and exclusively for his sheep. "I lay down my life for the sheep." By his death, he is become the lord and giver of life.

"Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." "All power (they are the words of Christ himself after his resurrection) is given unto me in heaven and in earth." As Christ is the door through which the believer must enter into his visible Church by baptism; so also is there no other entrance into the invisible Church but through the same door. "I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Eternal life therefore is the gift of God, but still through his Son. "He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him." And the reason is plain. He who purchased the gift, (and that at so great a price,) is alone worthy to be the dispenser thereof. His was the pain, the ignominy, the suffering, the death: his also is the glory, the complacency, the reward. "Them Thou hast given me, and I am glorified in them." "Father," (these were the stipulated conditions of his meritorious undertaking,) "Father I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with me

where I am; that they may behold my glory, which Thou hast given me : for Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." As certain, therefore, as the good shepherd laid down his life for the sheep, that he might take it again; so certain is it, that he, and he alone, "gives unto them eternal life."

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His word, moreover, and his power, are pledged for the security of his promised gift. He therefore adds, for the further peace and assurance of the flock, these most comfortable words: they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." The servants of God are not exempt from trial. It was never intended they should be so. Sufferings are appointed to them, as well as a kingdom. They must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of heaven, They therefore lay their account in troubles as well as joys. They follow the Lamb whithersoever he leadeth them, through the vale of misery, as well as by the waters of comfort: through evil report and good report: the scoffs of the world; the buffetings of Satan; temptations from without and fears from within. But over all these things they shall be finally victorious: nay, more than conquerors, through Him that hath loved them. Through manifold trials, the secret workings of