whether this was said sneeringly or sadly. It shews, at least, his want of a belief; and his want of a belief and his want of moral courage had probably a close connection. We might notice another thing. We know that he was superstitious-a believer in dreams and the like. If he was also a sceptic, it were nothing but what has been often seen; for, strange though the alliance may appear, scepticism and superstition are frequently companions. Look, for example, at what is called the Spiritualism so much in fashion at the present day in some parts of America and elsewhere, and very often to be found in company with infidelity. But what we have now principally to observe is, that Pilate's want of a belief and want of resolution had, it is probable, a near relationship. If a man is without a belief, what is there to guide him? what is there to steady him? Only a superficial expediency, resting upon nothing.

The great thing

to give strength to character is faith: the having a principle, in which one believes steadfastly as a true principle, irrefragable and eternal; or rather, I should say, for there is little strength comparatively in an abstract idea like that of a principle,—the having a God, the believing in a God who is righteous and wise, and will establish that which is

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righteous, and bring all that is evil to shame. Belief in God, as revealed in His Son, is the deepest and most solid basis on which a strong and manly character can be built.

XIII.

CHRISTIAN COURTESY.

JOHN ii. 9-"The ruler of the feast tasted of the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was."

I NEED not rehearse the narrative to which these words belong. I have referred to them for the purpose of directing attention to the kind and delicate way in which, when He supplied the deficiency of wine at the marriage-feast, our Lord conferred this favour. He did not confer it ostentatiously, or so as to expose the poverty of the original entertainment. No one knew where the supply came from, except those who could not help knowing. The ruler of the feast tasted the wine, and found that it was good wine, but knew not whence it was. None knew but the servants. Thus our Lord was careful to avoid giving His hosts the least pain. He showed that delicate consideration of their feelings which is the basis of true courtesy. I wish to take occasion, from His example, to make a

few remarks on courtesy as part of the Religi Common Life.

It may be thought by some that the subje too trifling to be matter for pastoral counsel. several reasons I am of a different opinion.

Since the Evangelist has recorded this instan the courtesy of Jesus Christ, it is not surely unimportant to be taken notice of. We are to Christ's example, and it cannot be wrong or un able to observe what that example is even in minutest particulars.

Besides, the subject is not, after all, of trifling kind some might suppose. If we loo the comfort of life, it depends a great deal on friendly intercourse with our fellow-creatures, w consists, to a large extent, in the courteous in change of mutual civilities and attentions, ra than in anything more serious and striking. truly enjoyable life is made so, far more by aggregate of little pleasantnesses, than by any solitary and extraordinary blessing. And so, on other hand, there is far more unhappiness caused an aggregate of little unkindnesses and other li evils, than by the occasional blow of a heavy mist tune. One only of the plagues of Egypt invol the death of the first-born; the rest were mi

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plagues of flies and frogs, and the like. tenths of the plagues and annoyances of life are often of the same petty description-petty as to their cause, but very real and vexatious notwithstanding.

Nor is it our comfort alone that is involved in this matter; our usefulness likewise is concerned in it. In order to be useful, one must have a certain degree of influence; and influence depends not a little on one's power of pleasing. Especially in private life, it depends very largely upon this cause. We shall be able to exert an influence for good in our various circles very much in proportion as we are liked or loved; and both liking and loving depend for their continuance very much on little daily kindnesses and attentions. Neither of them will subsist long without this daily food. However the one or the other may have sprung into being under the power of some first impression, it is not easy for either to endure long against the blighting influence of little daily discourtesies or neglects. When the cluster is taken away which may have been tied on by the imagination, you will not continue to gather the grapes of love and confidence from the thorns and thistles of rudeness and unkindness,