Nature, as when we appreciate our Saviour's perfections by aspiring to imitate them.

To rise above mediocrity in any worldly pursuit or wished-for acquirement, do we not endeavour to copy the purest models? to attend to the most accurate explanation? and perseverance frequently crowns that mind with success, more satisfactorily, than one of a superior capacity without a devoted and exclusive attention to the subject.

The perfection of our Saviour's character should stimulate our best exertions to lead a holy and religious life; and, "Be ye perfect, even as He was perfect," would never have been a scriptural admonition, were the attempt not practicable to the limited capacity of man. We cannot, it is true, work miracles, or perform those actions which, by the divinity of our Saviour's mission, were consonant to his character;. but we can.

endeavour to imitate him in every attribute of mercy, gentleness, and charity. We cannot, indeed, raise a much-loved friend or companion from the bed of sickness or of death, but we can comfort the sorrowing survivors; we can ask, with Jesus, "Where have ye laid him?" shed the tear of commiseration over the mournful scene, and by patience and sympathy, imperceptibly sooth the minds. of the afflicted; we can give bread to the orphan, spiritual consolation to the widow, and by substituting the comforts of life for the miseries of poverty, whereever an affluent fortune can extend its relief, we shall not only follow the steps of our blessed Saviour, but secure to ourselves a heavenly treasure, which neither "moth nor rust doth corrupt,' If we are poor, we cannot so largely indulge the sensibility of religious feeling, but we can give of the little we do possess; and by timely exertion, or ap

propriate counsel, heal the pains of sickness, or instruct the ignorant. We can suffer little children to come to us, and endeavour to prepare them for the kingdom of heaven.

To do good is, of all other employments, most gratifying to the best inclinations of our nature, gives less scope for the indulgence of its weakness and infirmities, and affords the fairest chance of peace here, and happiness hereafter.

That Jesus wept over the affliction of those he loved, and consequently of those who had embraced and practised. his doctrines, must be a source of consolation to all who meet with the che quered scenes of life; and though we do not now witness his miracles, or see his tears, we may be convinced, that no worldly trial is unheeded by him, if,. like the sisters of Lazarus we invite his spiritual presence, his spiritual consolation. Let, therefore, the Stoick, the

Philosopher, or the Infidel, deny those religious truths which are so conducive to that peace the world never yet bestowed: let them talk of man's independence, of his boasted prerogative, reason; bring forward every argument which the ingenuity of sophistry can adduce, to bewilder the doubtful mind, or to confirm the ignorant in error: but, let them be assured, on the authority of the God who created them, that for all these things they will be brought into judgment; and that, however successful their doctrines and opinions may be in this world, in the next world their triumph ceases and the sacred tear of a redeeming God will neither sooth their troubled minds, nor save them from tribulation and anguish.

Let the Christian frequently call to mind the important truths which the Scriptures inculcate their triumph will extend even to eternity! And though his

faith and patience should be tried by the instability of worldly happiness, by the afflictive loss of beloved and respected relatives or friends, the remembrance that "Jesus wept" on the grave of one he loved will ameliorate the bitterness of sorrow and, through the hope of a future meeting in another world, "there "will be joy in grief." But still keeping in view the example of our Saviour, we are not always to look on the dark side of human life; we are not to embitter the present moment, by a fastidious sensibility, or by the anticipation of evil. Religion forbids no rational enjoyment, no social intercourse with our fellow-travellers in the journey we are all pursuing. Our blessed Lord was himself a guest in a scene of conviviality, at the marriage feast in Cana; he even condescended to associate with publicans and sinners; and in our general commerce with the world, we should, like Him, be unspotted,