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man," is no recluse, but energetic, enterprising, and ascendant, even in the things of earth.

And all this should be clearly understood, especially in our material age, when a false spiritualism is seeking the cloister, or a rampant worldliness overlaying the truths of heaven. "The autocracy of the purse now takes precedence of despotism with its sword." Millionaires, as we have seen, are practically monarchs. The tinkle of gold gives the tone to society. All things are tested by money; and it should be made manifest, amid all these tendencies, that the truth of God checks no right enterprise-nay, it would consecrate and christianise them all. The words of Christian men are to be bonds to the uttermost ends of the earth. Their actions are to be guided by God's mind, and tend to his glory; and where these things are aimed at, the Church's work will not be opposed by man. The world will be compelled to notice that it is possible to acquire wealth, to engage in enterprises which embrace the globe, to cultivate all activity, and to stand among the foremost in the market-place, while the love of God reigns in the soul, and the truth as it is in Jesus guides the life.

And that His truth does not hamper man's activities may be made plain by an example. When first roused to face the question-what must I do to be saved? a merchant determined to abandon his business, for he supposed that the secular and the spiritual could not co-exist-they appeared to be mutually destructive. It was not long, however, till he found that his thoughts were not God's thoughts-they were unworthy of the faith

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which seeks to consecrate man himself and all his gifts to God. That merchant accordingly resolved to continue where the Spirit of God had found him, and then recorded the "purpose to engage in business that he might serve God there, and with the expectation of getting to give." He prosecuted his purpose. He did get, and he did give; and instead of allowing the temporal to overlay the eternal, he was enabled to consecrate all that he had; it is written concerning him that his business became to him a means of grace, and helped him forward in the divine life, just as truly as reading the Scriptures and prayer. It was the same with "the Successful Merchant." Budgett could say "There has been many a time when I have given away my last shilling, and now I have more than I could have desired, and the more I give away, the more comes in, and I have more coming in than ever I had." It is thus that the All-bountiful blesses the largest enterprize, when it is conducted in his fear; and thus that he rebukes those who hinder instead of helping his work upon the earth-the reclaiming of sinners to himself.

One remark more. While explaining how many oppose or neglect the cause which all should be forward to advance, it should not be forgotten that others seek to advance it by unwise means. They embark in one benevolent scheme after another, the newest always the favourite, while it is possible that much of their labour may be misdirected. Impulse, not principle, may be the presiding power, and in that case the wise and benevolent soul may be chafed and disappointed, because right

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measures are not devised, nor wisdom enlisted to perform them. This also is antagonistic to the Church's work in the world. A calm judgment, a prudent economy, a wise selection are required, on the part of the Christian, just as a liberal heart and an open hand for God's cause, are needed by the worldly man, and unless "the Wonderful, the Counsellor" be appealed to for these ends, the Church must continue to contend against the world at immeasurable odds. Her only hope is in the truth, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" In her conflict with the world, she needs every ally; but the only invincible one is the almighty arm, as her only safe maxim is, " By this conquer."

It is well known that the pearl is found in the shell of a species of oyster. When it is so large as to occasion pain, the oyster secretes a substance which gives relief for the moment, but which, by frequent repetition, slowly enlarges the intruder. Instead of escaping from the grievance, the little creature is thus really adding to the magnitude of the annoyance by its very efforts to decrease it, and how like is this to the case of him who heaps up wealth for himself, but is not rich toward God! He adds, and continues to add, to his stores, still expecting to be happier and happier-but in truth often only augmenting his cares. And would men escape from these? Then instead of living in conflict with God, let his will be theirs. Thus will they come within the sweep of the words, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy," and thus be the almoners of God, or conduits to convey his beneficence to others.

All things come of Thee, and of thine own have we given Thee."1 CHRON. xxix. 14.

Heathendom-Duty felt-Motives-Honesty assumed-Entire consecration-Christ's example-" Ye did it unto Me"-"Giving ourselves first" -Giving, a means of grace-The joy of giving-Blessings received— "As God has prospered"-Impediments-Imposture-The poor Macedonians a model in giving-A Scriptural rule-The First put first—The poor contributor-Business and Religion-Lessons from India.

Those who have gone to foreign lands to seek the conversion of the heathen, tell us, that up to a certain point, their attention is often secured, and their consent given to the gospel. The whole plan of redemption, its love, its largeness, and its free grace and glory, are so captivating, that, in some cases, even the dull heart of heathenism is stirred thereby.

But as soon as the missionary brings the truth of God into contact with the heathen conscience and life, the recoil begins; enmity is often displayed. Rather than submit to the holy restraints of the truth, men have stoned its messengers to death, or even devoured them alive. Their homes have been converted into blazing

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piles. The war-shell has summoned the savage to fight against the servants of the Prince of Peace, and the spear, the club, or the poisoned arrow has repaid the devoted men who beckoned their murderers to glory and to honour.

Now, something resembling that occurs regarding the gospel in our own land. It is now widely approved of; it is admired-up to a certain point, it is adopted by millions. But when it becomes needful to support it, when a call is made for some vigorous effort on its behalf, the recoil often begins; at least, indifference appears. Gold and the gospel thus become antagonists rather than allies, because man makes the one his confidence, and knows not in spirit and in truth the power or the preciousness of the other.

There are some, however, who realize their obligations to the truth. As dwellers in this world of countless miseries, it becomes an object of solicitude to them, and they "give a portion to seven and also to eight." Home does not supersede the claims of heathendom, nor heathendom those of home., Having entered into the spirit of David's prayer, "Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness," they try to meet the claims of the poor and the perishing "as God has prospered them." Now such faithful stewards are guided by certain Christian motives, and both the use and the abuse of riches may be better understood, if we contemplate some of these. To be merciful, as our Father in heaven is merciful, is the supreme aim of such stewards; while one of their deepest convictions is