them out of the World, but that Thou shouldest Keep them from the evil!—John xvii. 11, 15.-The unbroken confidence of the Apostle in those, who shewed forth their faith and love in and towards The Gospel of CHRIST, by the observance of Its Precepts and the Accordance of their Lives Therewith, was a source of continual and exulting rejoicing to Paul. For next to his love for The DIVINE NATURE was his fervent affection for his Brethren in the Flesh, which, in the boundless range of Christian charity, embraced every Human Soul.David's prayer at the close of his eventful life, after an expression of joy at the zealous offerings of the People to the Glory and worship of JEHOVAH, was— O LORD GOD of Abraham, Isaac and of Israel our Fathers, Keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of Thy People; and Prepare their heart unto Thee!-1 Chron. xxix. 18.-The Preparation of the heart is from The LORD, and for The DIVINE Exercise of that Grace upon our own hearts should the spirit of prayer be habitually cherished in our own bosoms, and directed to That SOURCE of Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification, that the Redemption Purchased by the Incarnate Sacrifice of The SON of GOD may be ours also. And in patience should we also continually exercise our Souls; for then will patience have its perfect work, when in a resigned and confiding spirit we wait for CHRIST; assured that He will Come to the Refreshment and Delight of our Souls in Immortality; when, in the Councils of OMNIPOTENCE, the Fulness of His Advent to Judge both Quick and Dead shall Arrive.

VERSES 6 to 12.-Now we command you, Brethren, in the Name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, that ye withdraw yourselves from every Brother, that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition, which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us; for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you, neither did we eat any Man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you, not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us; for even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that, if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are Some, which walk among you disorderly, working not at all; but are Busy-bodies. Now them, that are such, we command and exhort by our LORD JESUS CHRIST, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

As a faithful Subject, Soldier and Servant to his LORD and MASTER, The Great CAPTAIN of Salvation, The KING of Kings, and LORD of Lords, the Apostle assumes a commanding tone, but not as though he had the right in himself independantly, but asserting and acknowledging The Mighty and Overruling SOURCE, from Whence that power emanated; and what is the nature of this mandatory injunction of Paul? Is it, that tribute should be rendered, or wages paid, or honours or emoluments or services be offered and yielded to him, as the Representative of Him, Who Gave us all we have, and to Whom we owe all we hope for? No; it was virtually to avow the hallowing and purifying influence of that faith in CHRIST, which comes by hearing His Appointed and faithful Minister; and therefore to disclaim Fellowship and communion with Such as did set at nought the Gracious Message of DIVINE Reconciliation and Peace, and did despite to The SPIRIT of HOLINESS in His Remonstrances, through their consciences; giving themselves up to the base affections of our nature, and to the works of the Spirit of evil. And more particularly were they warned to shun the society of One, who had heard the word of Truth from Apostolic lips, but had in apostacy turned to his former evil and debasing courses, like the sow, that is washed, to the wallowing in the mire. So freely and fully had Paul communicated to them, both by his oral and written addresses, that there could be no misunderstanding of the Great and Leading Truths in the All-important Matters of Salvation and Redemption, through the Devotedness of The SON of

GOD; and not by precept alone, and the Wisdom so pre-eminently Imparted to him, did the Apostle set forth the Way, that Leadeth unto Eternal Life, and Immortal Glory; but all his conduct exemplified the vital influence of that faith he both professed and proclaimed: and amongst his many proofs of the Controuling and happily Directing Power of Grace, when yielded to in faithfulness, were set forth the virtues of forbearance and industry and resignation and contentedness; ever watchful against what might be attributed to a selfish or worldly motive; and though incessantly labouring, as opportunity offered, in the surpassing work of seeking the Salvation of Souls, yet toiling with his own hands to earn the bread of bodily sustenance, that he might not seem dependant upon Others, but might exhibit practically, that it is more blessed to give than to receive; though at much sacrifice of the refreshing hours of appointed rest after his day-toil and persevering efforts to spread the Tidings of The Gospel, and do his Heavenly MASTER's Work. The Apostle thus hoping that such example of singleness of mind and purpose to promote by all means the Glory of GOD, and peace and good-will among his Fellow-Creatures, might not be without an influential effect on Others. As Idleness is a Fosterer of vice, and of habits hostile to true happiness as well as usefulness, so is labour in a rightful and honest pursuit or calling, a source of real and lasting pleasure and satisfactory reflection; and the just fruits of an industrious life are amongst the many Blessings Flowing from the Providence of GOD, not the least estimable; but then the direction of skill or industry should be in subserviency to The DIVINE Law, and tend to good. When a Community is forming for a general and justifiable object, each Individual should, to the best of his abilities, put forth, and that perseveringly, his best energies for the general good; and no one, that withholds a reasonable measure of exertion, where he might effectually give it, should participate in that benefit; a slothful Servant should not eat the wages of carefulness, but should be left to the possibly salutary lesson of necessity, and to the knowledge, by their loss, of the fruits of industry, and of their value towards his own comfort, as well as for the advancement of the general weal. To be not only Idlers, but to be Busy-bodies, impertinently interfering in Other People's affairs to the neglect of our own, and from a spirit of useless curiosity, is highly censurable, and should be exposed and condemned where detected, in order, if possible, to be corrected; that we may be led by reflection to see the impropriety and imprudence of such a course of proceeding, and to turn from the evil of our ways, and fulfil the duties allotted to our station; for then we shall find a zest in the fruits of our labour, which we in vain sought in the meddling and frivolous interference with Others' concerns or characters.Elsewhere the Apostle gives the admonition to avoid that intermeddling spirit, so contrary to Christian delicacy and forbearance and social love, inculcating that measure of industry, which should not only supply our own necessities, but enable us to give to them, who need; and who may not, owing to infancy, old age, or other infirmity, have the power to labour for themselves-See 1 Tim. v. 13; vi. 5; and 1 Cor. v. 11, 13.- -St. Paul's occupation was that of a Tent-Maker, as thus recorded in the Acts of the Apostles-Paul, on coming to Corinth, found a certain Jew named Aquila, with his Wife Priscilla, and because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought; for by their occupation they were Tent-Makers-Acts xviii. 1 to 3 ;-and in his address to the Assembly at Ephesus, he said, I have coveted no Man's silver, or gold, or apparel; yea, ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them, that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the Weak, and to remember the Words of The LORD JESUS, how He Said, It is more blessed to give than to receive—

Acts xx. 33 to 35; Luke xiv. 12 to 14.- -Labour was the Appointed Office of Man on his loss of Paradisaical ease-In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground!Gen. iii. 19.

VERSES 13 TO 15.-But ye, Brethren, be not weary in well-doing! And if any Man obey not our word by this Epistle, note that Man; and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed: yet count him not as an Enemy; but admonish him as a Brother!

How soon does an insight into the state of Man by nature lead to the conviction, even in reference to our ownselves, that when a good work is begun, and even upon right motives, though zeal, aided by the novelty and hope of success, carries us on in the pursuit of the object for a time, yet under any occurring difficulties the spirit of procrastination and timidity is yielded to, and the end is defeated. It is therefore an especial duty in the Christian, before entering on any enterprize, however its seeming tendency may be to promote the Glory of GOD, and diffuse good-will amongst Men, to put forth the spirit of prayer for DIVINE Guidance and Direction; and if seemingly Sanctioned by DIVINE Counsel, as Set forth in The Word of GOD, or Speaking by The HOLY SPIRIT through the conscience, to engage in the work with a continued aspiration to The MOST HIGH for Grace to sustain the labour unto the Accomplishment of its end, as far as Means and Ability may be Extended for the object; that we may not merely do well on a sudden impulse, and then leave a work well begun, to fail through our want of perseverance and steadfastness of purpose. Amidst the disposition to do well, may we, not only Bless The ALMIGHTY for such a Heaven-born Gift, but, aware that in our own assumed and unaided strength we cannot give it a beneficial issue, let us in unfeigned piety and watchfulness over our own hearts, seek Strength from Above for every labour of love, in manifestation of our sincere love towards Him, Who Gave His Life to the Vast and Inestimable Work of Rescuing our Souls from the trammels of sin and the grasp of Satan; and Obtaining for them the Means of Sanctification unto Eternal Glory.In the estimate of Others' conduct, particularly of those in religious communion with us, we are to be actuated by a principle of Christian tenderness, and desire to help towards reclaiming those, who, from hypocrisy or a wavering faith, are not true to Gospel Principles; and after the most wholesome remonstrance and exhortation, should we fail in bringing them to a right sense of their duty, and a consistent observance of it, we should still not lay aside all feeling of Christian charity towards them, but make them and their contrition and amendment a sincere object of our prayers; striving to make our own example, in the observance of Gospel Rules, shame them into self-condemnation, and an effort to rise superior to their sinful habit; and to seek both Pardon and Wisdom from Above, through the Unwearying Intercession of The Blessed SAVIOUR of Sinners.- -On another occasion the Apostle thus exhorted his Corinthian Converts and Correspondents, My beloved Brethren, (writes he) be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Work of The LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in The LORD! -1 Cor. xv. 58. What encouragement and consolation are here pressed upon us not to be faint-hearted, nor to yield to obstacles towards well-doing, that may by prayer and persevering effort be overcome.- -Our SAVIOUR's, The SON of GOD's Admonition and Injunction when on Earth, were (in substance) If a Brother should trespass against us, that we should go and tell him his fault between us and him alone, (Adding) that if he shall hear us, we have gained our Brother. But if he will not hear, then we should take one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three Witnesses the charge may be established; and if he shall neglect to hear them, we should tell it to the Church; but if he

neglect to hear the Church, then he is to be regarded as an Heathen Man and a Publican-Matt. xviii. 15 to 17. But even then should we not withdraw our prayers on his behalf; but, after the Example of The Gracious REDEEMER, strive to be indeed the Friends, in the truest sense and Christian tendency, of a Publican and Sinner. Even by the Levitical Law, as written by the Inspired pen of Moses, a Type of CHRIST, and as directly Emanating from The DIVINE Councils, the Injunction was, Not to hate a Brother in heart; and not to suffer sin upon him-Levit. xix. 17.

VERSES 16 to 18.-Now The LORD of Peace Himself Give you Peace always by all Means! THE LORD be with you all! The Salutation of Paul with mine own hand; which is the token in every Epistle; so I write. The Grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all! Amen.

How full of the most heartfelt encouragement to the meek and humble Christian is this Character and Appellative of Him, Who is elsewhere described as The LION of the Tribe of Judah, and Who is to be The JUDGE of All the Inhabitants of the Earth in its every Generation-The LORD of Peace! And to be at peace with ourselves is to make Him LORD over us, and to bow willingly and cheerfully and faithfully to His Rule, that the treasurable Gift of Peace may be obtained by us from Him, Who is The PRINCE as well as LORD of Peace. And by how many Means can that delightful Influence be Imparted to us-by Peace within, and Peace around us; and even if the World casts its frowns upon us and its discomfitures in our way, there is still an internal feeling, that the Mansions of Everlasting Peace may be open to us, which is calculated to allay every agitation, and to sustain the Spirit under every trial or misfortune. The climax of the Apostolic view of the possession of That Spiritual Peace, which the World can neither give nor take away, is, the Virtual and Favouring Presence to the heart and Soul of the Assurance and experience of the Love of CHRIST, that He may be in Essence and in Harmony with us; for if GOD be for us, who can be against us? St. Paul's habit, from his many avocations and the toil to which his own hand was destined in earning his own livelihood, and having the wherewithal to give to Others that were in necessity, was to employ Others to write for him, probably dictating to them his letters, whilst he was labouring in his tent-making vocation; this however seems to have been an exception to his general custom, for he contrived to write this Epistle himself. And in conclusion the Apostle puts forth the prevailing feeling of his Soul, that the Same Mind, Which was in his beloved LORD and MASTER, might be in them, by the Suffusion of DIVINE Grace, as Emanating from The SAVIOUR's Intercession, over their Lives and conversation, and by their thus manifesting that Life-giving Influence, which Grace can alone Generate within the Human breast.another occasion the Apostle writes-I would have you wise unto that, which is good; and simple concerning evil: and The GOD of Peace shall Bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The Grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you!-Rom. xvi. 19, 20; See also 1st Cor. xvi. 23. Peace I leave with you; My Peace I Give unto you; not as the World giveth, Give I unto you-John xiv. 27; were the Words of CHRIST, when Predicting His speedy Departure from the World and This is His Gracious and Inestimable Bequest to the Faithful in all ages.

-On

GALATIANS, CHAPTER I.

VERSES 1 to 5.-Paul, an Apostle, (not of Men, neither by Man, but by JESUS CHRIST and GOD, The FATHER, Who Raised Him from the Dead,) and all the Brethren, which are with me, unto the Churches of Galatia, Grace be to you, and Peace from GOD, The FATHER, and from our LORD JESUS CHRIST; Who Gave Himself for our sins, that He might Deliver us from this present evil World, according to the Will of GOD and our FATHER; to Whom be Glory for ever and ever! Amen.

The Office of an Apostle thus claimed by Paul, though elsewhere he meekly designates himself the least of the Apostles for the part he took under a misguiding zeal to resist the admission of CHRIST as The MESSIAH, until his Miraculous Conversion, is the highest order of Fellowship with The LORD of Life and Glory, The Heavenly REDEEMER. And justly is that claim sustained, when we look through the invaluable labours of his Inspired pen, handed down in marvellous preservation to us from the distant time of his existence upon Earth; and in which works he virtually still lives, and in his Apostolic spirit speaks to us and points to us, with a force peculiarly his own, the Way to Salvation and Sanctification and Eternal Glory. In asserting his right to this high and sacred Office, he at once and unequivocally declares, that it was acquired, not by the ministration or laying on of hands of any Society of Men, though there were.Such Called to the same sacred and pre-eminent Office long before him. Paul felt that, not to Man, or any order of Men, did he owe this exalting Appellation, but to The SON of GOD Himself, both in His Glorified Human Nature and in His Union with The DIVINE NATURE, when by the Power of His DIVINITY That Manhood had been Raised, from the grasp of Death and the tenure of the Grave, to the Glory of the Heaven, to Which He Continues to Invite His Followers; Effectually Interceding for their Participation with Him in That Glory, to the Eternal Rejoicing of their Souls in an inseparable union with His Love. And not in the isolated character of a High Priest, admitting no communion with him in the exercise of his authority and the diffusion of his admonitions and exhortations, but in all the true feeling of Christian Brotherhood, he includes Those who were with him, and had joined in the profession of the same faith and in the practice of the same Gospel Precepts, making them equally with himself the Organs of the gracious salutation, which follows in the virtual supplication at The Throne of Grace, for Its Best Influence being Disseminated by the Administration of DIVINE Council to their understandings, and the ready and grateful reception of It into the heart, that the Heavenly Attribute of Peace might pervade the feelings and sustain the Spirit. The Sure Visitation to Such, as receive The Gospel of CHRIST, in the love of It, under a just sense of the equal Hecessity and Efficiency of Such A Sacrificial Offering as He was Appointed to by His HEAVENLY FATHER, and as He Willingly Made, to Take from us the Punishment and Stain of sin, and, by the so Purchased Advent and Restoration to Man of The SPIRIT of Holiness, is to Fortify us against the fascinations and temptations of the World, the Flesh and the Devil, and Fit us for the Purity and Perfectness of a Heavenly Nature. This address the Apostle makes to the Churches of Galatia, by which we must understand, the different Bodies or Assemblies of Worshippers of The True GOD, and JESUS CHRIST as The True MESSIAH, throughout that Province, who agreed in the same faith, and professed the same practice, making the Precepts and Example of CHRIST, as Recorded by the Evangelists and illustrated by the Apostles, the rule of their fellowship and union; who felt themselves raised above the present World by the Glory, That was thus Graciously Set before them, and as on the Confines of