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are forbidden to foreign clergymen. To preach in a kitchen was a treat which I was glad to enjoy. The whole aspect of things was exceedingly interesting. The affectionate respectfulness of the people, the humble zeal of the pastor, his knowledge of his flock, his pleasure in their welfare, and affectionate delight as he marked in them any evidence of spiritual improvement, exceedingly engaged my mind.

As to the tone and standard of piety among the evangelical clergy of the Church of England, in evidence of the improvement which late years have witnessed, and which is now more rapidly than ever increasing in the church, it may be asserted unreservedly, that it is pitched to a high standard of purity and zeal. I need not vindicate the use of the term evangelical as characteristic of a peculiar class of the clergy. It is absolutely necessary in a region where there are so many-most lamentably so many-who have entered the ministry for a profession, and whose preaching has no more Gospel peculiarity, no more aim at the conversion of sinners, no more spiritual zeal, than if they had been ordained out of the school of a Platonic philosopher. There is a beautiful symmetry in the religious character of such of the evangelical clergy as I have had an opportunity of knowing. The graces of piety are conspicious in them. Brotherly kindness and charity; tenderness and humility; the disposition that leads one to esteem others better than himself; a pains-taking benevolence that can work without any impulse but that of his own zeal, steadily, silently, patiently; a beautiful docility that sets them at the feet of any one that can teach them in anything; a habit of study that gives all their zeal the company of the most enlarged knowledge; a spirit of unhesitating obedience which leads them to the active undertaking of duty, as soon as it is discovered; a habit of much secret communion with God in prayer; and the continual application of every question of doctrine or practice to the decision of the Scriptures are distinguishing features of the brethren of whom I speak. The Bible is evidently the Book with them. Scripture, simple Scripture, is getting among them, more and more, the unchallenged ascendancy over all speculations and human systems. They are becoming continually less anxious to make the truths of the Bible square with the angles of pre-conceived opinions, and more willing to take everything just as they find it in the revelation of God, and be content therewith, going as far as it goes, and there ready to stop. This is manifest in the general cessation of controversy about doctrines, which a few years ago were subjects of much sharp contention. The new prophetic views, which, when I was here four years since, were continually introduced as topics of discussion at the table and at the fire side, and which set brethren painfully at variance, I have not heard of again among the same class of clergy, except in answers to inquiries of my own. To know Christ, to preach Christ, to persuade sinners to win Christ, and to bring about the universal reign of Christ, seems to be unceasingly the great object of these excellent brethren. May the Lord answer their prayers and crown their labours with a mighty out-pouring of the Spirit from on high; to the great increase of their numbers in England, and the sending forth of a noble host to the millions of the heathen world, and to the ingathering of the nations to His Church. I may add, that all I have stated of the increase of piety in the Church of England, is said to be still more manifest among the clergy of that of Ireland, who are be coming the more missionary and elevated in their zeal and devotedness, as their persecutions and distress increase.

A TEST OF CHARACTER.

"I have attained satisfaction as to my state, by a consciousness of a change in my own breast, mixed with a consciousness of integrity. Two evidences are satisfactory to me. 1. A consciousness of approving God's plan of Government in the Gospel. 2. A consciousness that in trouble I run to God like a child."Rev. R. Cecil.

HORTATORY SERIES.

THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT.
BY THE REV. T. APPLEGATE.

LECTURE II.-JOY.

"The fruit of the Spirit is joy."-Galatians v. 22.

MANY persons look upon religion as the with the most entire satisfaction and dark and gloomy parent of sadness and praise. While he meditates on the acmelancholy; as fit only for the aged and complishment of Jehovah's purposesthe dying, for the chambers of maniacs, the boundlessness of His power, against the cells of lunatics; and unsuitable for which no opposition can prevail-the the active, the busy, the young and the inscrutableness of His wisdom, which vigorous. They contend, that there can discover the inmost recesses of the can be no joy, apart from that which is heart, and unravel the most cautiously derived from the sources of pleasure and devised schemes-the inflexibility of His amusement furnished by the world. justice, and the beauty of His holiness, They "speak evil of the things they know that will not allow sin to pass by unnot," and condemn a system, which they punished-the inviolability of His truth have never tried. Their conceptions are the universality of His presence-the the canker of calumny; for there is immutability of His promises-and, above scarcely a truth in the whole compass of all, the immensity of that mercy, which revelation more apparent, than that it made the greatest sacrifices to secure the was the design of God, in the plan of pardon of rebellious sinners-while he human redemption, to make His people contemplates these, his heart dilates with happy. The doctrines and the promises of the Gospel are exhibited in such a manner, that to feel a personal interest in them is to be blessed. It is a libel on Christianity, to represent it in any other light. Let its principles be deeply rooted in the understanding and the heart-let its precepts be exemplified in our conduct joices in the special and gracious care, -let its promises be applied to the soul which He exercises over His people; in by the agency of the Holy Spirit-and the assurance that He presides over, mawe believe, that so far as happiness can nages and directs their affairs. He rebe enjoyed in the present world, the joices in His name, in His relations, in Christian possesses it in its purest and the treasures of His Word, and in the most perfect reality. distributions of His grace. He experiences no solid joy but in Him.

It may be profitable, if our time will admit, to treat of the sources, the characteristics, the influence, and the hindrances, of this joy. "Consider what we say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things."

the purest and most extatic felicity. He feels that all the perfections of Deity are engaged on his behalf; that under such a moral Governor he is perfectly safe; and that in the wise arrangements of Providence, "all things shall work together for good to them that love God.'

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2. From the mediation of Christ. Were it not for this, he could not approach the Divine Being. The majesty of God is softened down by the work of the Saviour. "We joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The Christian delights to see how "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself;" he gazes with admiration and with rapture on the wonders of that cross, on which the 1. From the perfections of God. The Prince of glory died; he builds his hope Holy Spirit has conveyed to the mind of for eternity on the Saviour's righteousthe believer such views of the Divine ness, reposes in His atonement and interattributes, that he is led to discover their cession, and with a cheerful assurance of harmony, consistency and rectitude, his personal interest in these great bles

I. Its sources. Every kind of joy must be derived from some spring or source. The Christian's joy is obtained from several.

sings, rejoices continually in the Lord, and his soul is joyful in his God.

4. The promises of God's Word most highly conduce to the enhancement of 3. From the influences of the Spirit. spiritual joy. There are no circumstances When our Lord was about to be separated in the history of the church, to which from His disciples, He encouraged them there is not something appropriate in the by the promise of the Spirit, and assured inspired volume. Diversified as are the them, that as to all the purposes of direction conditions of God's people, there is a and comfort, security and assistance, they promise suited to them all. In whatever would really be in a better condition un- part of the wilderness the Christian is der His guidance, than when favoured journeying, there is a beautiful cluster of with the Saviour's personal presence. promises to cheer him. In prosperity "I will pray the Father, and He shall and in adversity, in health and in sickgive you another Comforter, that He may ness, in life and in death, with all the abide with you for ever; even the Spirit variety of experience which they may of truth, whom the world cannot receive, unfold, he is sustained and abundantly because it seeth Him not, neither know- solaced. In every disaster which may eth Him; but ye know Him, for He assail him, in poverty, in affliction, in dwelleth with you and shall be in you." the loss of earthly comforts, in the reThrough the operations of the Spirit on moval of near and dear relations, he detheir hearts, they were to receive an in- rives support from the grace that is in crease of knowledge, to qualify them for Christ Jesus; from the promise, "1 will the work of bearing witness to Christ; never leave thee nor forsake thee," He and a Divine power was to attend them, finds a refuge and a shelter in his God, that should render their ministrations suc- who is ever able and willing to bless him, cessful. The Spirit was to lead them for He is "not a man, that He should lie, into all truth, and to "convince the nor the son of man, that he should reworld of sin, of righteousness and of pent." Additional enjoyment in the judgment." Accordingly, after His de- events of our experience may resultscent, we find the apostles enlightened 5. From the means of grace. The and transformed. A fervour and a bold-treasures of revelation open a constant ness marked their characters, to which source of religious comfort and instructhey had been hitherto strangers; and tion. Sometimes it has been received in such powerful convictions attended their the exercises of the closet, where all preaching, that in a short time multitudes human interference is excluded, and the were conquered by the weapons of their humble Christian, like a child under the holy warfare. "Without Him ye can do wing of a tender parent, presents his nothing." Joy is the fruit of His opera- sorrows and his cares to his heavenly tions; it is obtained only from Him. Father, in the firm assurance that He is Upon His gracious influence we are ever attentive to his urgent request. More dependent; and "them that honour Him frequently it has been realized in the He will honour." It is He, that illumi- public worship of the sanctuary, where nates our understandings; it is He, that the Divine glories are displayed, the inpreserves and sanctifies us; our suffici- stitutions of the Gospel administered, and ency is of Him.' In all the duties of the blessings of heaven copiously diffused. life and in all the exercises of religion, Sometimes at the sacred feast, where the He guides us by His counsel, quickens King addresses each guest, "Eat, O My us by His grace, reveals what is obscure, friend; drink abundantly, O beloved; presents to us the mysteries of salvation, this do in remembrance of Me." While the truths which relate to the mediation observing the Lord's death, we share in of Christ and the riches of His grace, in the participation of true and solid enjoyso transforming and penetrating a man-ment. Not the fleeting impression of enner, as to render them vital principles, thusiastic excitement; not the dangerous the food and solace of our souls. Thus emotion of a joy which is without founhe expands our powers, enlarges our views, and assists us to walk forth, redeemed from sin, purified from pollution, and prepared to live henceforth a life of holiness and happiness in the service of God; looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

dation; but the genuine sentiment of
unfeigned gratitude and love to the dear
Redeemer, whose kind and unbounded
faithfulness leads us
to expect that
brighter day, when "we shall sit down
with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and
eat bread and drink wine in the king-

dom above." Nor will the least of our joy arise

6. From the prospect of future glory. While we contemplate with pleasure and satisfaction the progress of the work of grace in our hearts, we "rejoice in hope of the glory of God." With such bright and glorious prospects, though the world and the fashion of it may pass away-though our friends may die around us-though our health may decline-though our earthly comforts may diminish and fadewe have an inheritance, of which nothing can deprive us. We have a home in heaven, when the earthly house of this tabernacle is dissolved. We shall meet departed friends again, and sin and sorrow no more. The clouds of this mortal state shall roll away, and the everlasting sunshine of the Divine favour shall settle on our heads. We shall be for ever with the Lord; with a perfect body and a perfect soul, transformed into the image of our glorified Redeemer, in the possession of everything that is good, and in the absence of everything that is evil.

"Then let our songs abound,

And every tear be dry;

We're marching through Immanuel's ground,
To fairer worlds on high."

Such, my friends, are some of the sources of the Christian's joy. Consider

which others obtain; which is called sympathy, or congratulation. There is a moral joy, or self approbation, which arises from the performance of good actions; which is called peace or serenity of conscience. There is also a joy, resulting from the delight and satisfaction of the soul in its union with God and Christ, as the greatest and highest privilege; this joy is "the fruit of the Spirit" mentioned in the text.

1. It is founded in spiritual knowledge. In an enlightened and experimental acquaintance with the sublime truths, which God has been pleased to reveal of His character, the obligation and relationship of His creatures, and the method of eternal redemption. The elevation of the mind from this spiritual source creates enjoyment the most pure and permanent. Nothing else can really produce it. The most comprehensive view of earthly things, however essential in its practical tendency and results, is altogether insufficient. Men may be happy in proportion as they are informed, independently of religion; education elevates and ennobles; but spiritualjoy is solely the effect of "that wisdom from above, which is pure and peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." "Let not the wise man therefore glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth the Lord, who exerciseth loving kindness, and judgment, and righteousness in the earth." Philip rejoiced when he had "found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write." The disciples were "glad when they saw the Lord." And the eunuch, when he had learned Christ, "went on his way rejoic

II. Its characteristics. Joy is an agreeable affection of the mind, arising from the consideration of present, or prospect of future good. There is a joy which may spring from the bounties and blessings of providence, the beauties of nature, and the inventions of art. There is much exalted enjoyment, which may be derived from the natural objects around us-from the countless variety and admirable beauty of the Creator's works: all of which may be accompanied by the cultivation of the mind, the exercise of the understanding, and the de-ing.' velopments of literature and science. There is a joy, which is experienced when our desires are limited by our possessions; which is called contentment. There is joy, which is felt when our desires are raised high and accomplished; which is called satisfaction. There is a joy, derived from some comical occasion, or amusement; which is called mirth. There is a joy, that arises from opposition that is vanquished; which is called triumph. There is a joy, that flows from the benefits

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"They that know Thy name," says David, will put their trust in Thee." The more we know of God, the more it increases our reliance and confidence; we can trust Him with more ease and firmness. If you have committed a valuable treasure to an individual, you immediately become interested in his character; and your satisfaction as to the safety of the deposit, results entirely from your acquaintance with him. No one, certainly, in his right mind, would entrust a jewel to a stranger. Paul

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said, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." Knowledge and joy, in religion, are inseparable. The believer has the witness in himself: he can speak with boldness and earnestness. He was once ignorantly inquiring, "Who will show me any good?" Now he says, "It is good for me to draw near to God." He was a stranger to joy till reconciled to God by the death of His Son; his joy now arises from the possession of a spiritual principle, and is cherished by the anticipation of spiritual objects. Its tendency is to wean the mind from whatever is earthly and sensual and vain, and to introduce it into communion with the spiritual world.

the Spirit of Christ; for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” The ungodly see Christians poor and afflicted and contemned; and wonder how they can be joyful. They see their burdens; but not their supports. They see their losses and trials; but not their communion with God and the comforts of the Holy Ghost. Their joy is not noise, but composure; it lies deep; it is the calm of the mind, the content of the heart, the sunshine of the soul. Oh! what abundant reason have we for gratitude to the goodness and grace of God, by which we have been sanctified, and made to differ from others! "Not unto us, not unto us, but unto His name be glory, for His mercy and His truth's sake."

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2. It is holy in its effccts. It sanctifies the temper, dispositions, and affections. 4. It is unspeakable. This is the deIt extinguishes the love of sin; promotes scription given of it by an inspired writer the exercise of whatever is pure and -"Joy unspeakable and full of glory." lovely and of good report; sheds a lustre It is a disposition, which cannot fully be around the character; refines the desires expressed in the language of men: it of the soul, and adorns it with the image must be experienced, in order to be unof Christ. It must ever be distinguished derstood. The rapturous vision, which from levity or mirth; nothing of this Paul beheld in paradise, is spoken of as kind can enter into its composition. Light-" unlawful for men to utter, mindedness and vanity are denounced as utterly inconsistent with the pure genius of Christianity, whilst gravity, mixed with serenity and cheerfulness, is inculcated as perfectly compatible with the most lively emotions of extacy and praise. "Laughter," says Solomon, "is madness; it is as the crackling of thorns under a pot." "Praise," on the contrary, "is comely for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." "Is any merry? Let hini sing psalms." "Rejoice evermore. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice." "The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs." "They shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before them into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." "Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day, and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted."

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speakable. There are seasons in the Christian's experience, even now, when his joy attains such a height, that it would be extremely difficult to make others fully acquainted with its sweet and exalted influence. Some have called it a delusion. Was David deluded, when he triumphed in God, as his rock, his tower, and his strong defence? Was Paul deluded, when in the ardour of his attachment to Christ, he exclaimed, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Jesus Christ my Lord, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world?" The worldling's joy is certainly a delusion, a dream, a phantom. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is heaviness. But the infinite supe. riority of spiritual joy is also strikingly apparent in its durability.

5. It is permanent. It does not always continue in the same degree or freshness. It may occasionally be interrupted and be clouded. The best of men are subject to changes; like travellers journeying to a distant home, they are sometimes on 3. It is peculiar. There are thousands the mount and sometimes in the valley. who have never heard of it. There are The same heavenly influences are not thousands who affect to despise it. "The always in operation to the same extent, natural man receiveth not the things of nor is the mind always in a favourable

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