ven is like unto a merchant-man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." So the man renewed in the spirit of his mind sees the Lord Jesus Christ to be indeed the pearl of great price; and for joy of having found so great a treasure, is willing to part with all that he hath, even life itself, that he may possess and retain his interest in Him. While sunk in sensuality, though he professed his name, and called himself his subject, he saw, in the words of the prophet, no form nor comeliness in him, nor beauty that he should desire him'; but now, so highly does he value those heavenly blessings which Christ died to purchase, so firmly does he believe in their reality, and in the power and willingness of the Saviour to bestow them, that those things which before were gain to him he counts but loss, yea, he reckons them all as worthless dross, that he may win Christ, and be found in Him.

Pray then, constantly and fervently, for this renewal of the heart, that the eyes of your understanding may be opened, that you may prefer the things that are really excellent. Without this, the most earnest exhortations will but fall upon deaf ears; and to speak to a worldly-minded man of the value of treasure in heaven, will be as vain as to discourse to one born blind of the nature of light and colours, things which he has never seen, belonging to a faculty which he has never exercised, and of which he can have no conception.

To those who do really love Christ, and desire the treasures that are at his right hand, I would say, Endeavour to keep your view of their infinite value bright, clear, and uninterrupted. Beware lest your eyes become dazzled by the glittering toys of this world, and your heart entangled by them. Where the

Matt. xiii. 45, 46.

7 Isa. liii. 2.

treasure is, there will the heart be. Watch, therefore, that nothing turn your heart from the things which are above, and lead you to think with coldness and indifference on that crown of glory which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give in the last day to all who faithfully follow Him. And may He, of his infinite mercy, give you treasure in those everlasting habitations "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal!”

THE END.

GILBERT & RIVINGTON, Printers, St. John's Square, London.

OR

WILT NOT THOU, O GOD, GO OUT WITH

OUR HOSTS?

BY THE

REV. FRANCIS STORR, M.A.

VICAR OF BRENCHLEY, KENT;

AUTHOR OF THE CENSUS," AND "CHURCH PRAYERS,

SOLD AT THE DEPOSITORY,

GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS,

4, ROYAL EXCHANGE, AND 16, HANOVER STREET, HANOVER SQUARE; AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.

WHO SHALL LEAD US?

OR,

WILT NOT THOU, O GOD, GO OUT WITH OUR HOSTS 1?

THE Voice of boasting is hushed. The words of self-exaltation are changed into words more suited to our circumstances. Sebastopol has not fallen. The Russians though beaten are not crushed. Disease and exposure to cold has thinned our ranks. The Crimea has proved the grave of thousands. Disappointed, we look around to cast the blame on some one, as if we should feel more satisfied if we could punish any who have neglected their duty. We already pass our verdict upon them, and say nothing is too bad for them.

Ah! it is easy to find fault, easy too (we think) to pull the mote out of our brother's eye, whilst we forget the beam in our own eye. But let us pause before we condemn others. Let us place ourselves, in thought, in their difficulties. Let us bethink ourselves whether we should have done better, or even as well as they;-nay, let us ask, if some have failed in their duty, have we fulfilled our obligations?

1 Ps. lx. 10, Prayer Book version.