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in plans. Wherever He leads, the Christian will delight to follow; not "afar off," as did Peter, but near him, that his heart may be cheered by the Saviour's smiles and burn within him as he talks by the way. A loving friend is always interested in the welfare of his companion; a devoted wife ever shares the labors and plans, the hopes and fears of her husband. If he invests his property and his reputation in some enterprise, she feels that his success will be her joy, or his misfortune inseparable from her own.

The friends of Jesus in a higher and nobler sense, are united to him, for "their life is hid with Christ." They walk daily beneath transparent heavens, looking not on the things that are seen, but on those that are unseen and eternal. The crown of glory, the wreath of victory, the tuneful harp, and the great cloud of witnesses appear in full view, and the harmony of celestial anthems drown the ceaseless din and turmoil of a sinful world.

With these elevated feelings the Disciples of Christ see nothing attractive in this world, only as being the great theatre, where the vast events of God's providence are exhibited, and where the opposing powers of truth and error come in conflict.

Here they have the blessed privilege of engaging under the banner of Immanuel's cross, and though at times "faint," they are "yet pursuing," for all in his army are volunteers, serving a master whom they love, a God whom they adore. Onward they press, knowing when the Captain of their Salvation conquers, they shall reign; and ever and anon they hear amid the din

of the conflict, a voice breathing its soft silvery notes in their ears, "Lo! I am with thee, be not afraid."

Such are some of the traits of the Disciples of Jesus. And now reader, have you them? Do you thus love Christ? If not, let gratitude impel you to a hearty submission to his control. If you suffer with Him, you shall reign with Him, but if you deny him, he will deny you. Yield your affections now to him, enter his service, and your reward shall be eternal life. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life that fadeth not away."

"Well, the delightful day will come,

When my dear Lord will bring me HOME,

And I shall see his face,

Then with my Saviour, Brother, Friend,
A blest eternity I spend,

Triumphant in his grace."

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THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL.

"This mortal must put on Immortality."

We learn from nature and revelation, that man possesses not only a physical organization, but an undying soul. Our knowledge of his immortal nature leads us to form elevated views of his position and his destiny. If, in the first place, we examine the constitution of the mind, we see a longer period is needed for its perfect development than this present life. Here the highest order of talents may be employed in the noblest endeavors, the highest genius may soar upwards in the loftiest abstractions, the mind may put forth all its powers in exploring, with sagacious skill and profound reasoning, the world of mind and matter, and yet it fails to reach what it fain would grasp. Do we not see here an indication of a future state of being, where the mind, leaving its infancy, enters on a higher and nobler state of knowledge? The Creator never would suffer this, his most glorious work, to remain uncompleted, implanting within the soul deep longings and fervent aspirations, and provide no way for their final and complete satisfaction. Never! "This mortal must put on Immortality." The soul that has on earth received its proper culture, will then in eternity launch forth, as it were, into an unfathomed sea, where its

faculties will find boundless range, enlarging and strengthening by every new effort, and enjoying for ever full scope to its heavenly powers.

The soul came forth from God endowed with his image, and now having fulfilled its mission on earth, returns to Him who fashioned it. Near its maker, and beholding His glorious perfection, with unutterable joy, it sees a long perspective stretching onward, and with untiring zeal pursues its celestial pathway. Such an immortality the Apostle Paul is now enjoying, in company with his fellow-martyrs and the church of the first-born. But there is an immortality for the wicked. "Some shall rise to everlasting shame." They have chosen the pleasures of sin for a season, at the price of an eternity of woe! While the glorified throng of the ransomed are swelling their anthems of praise in the New Jerusalem above, they are roaming through the dungeons of despair, which incessantly echoes their wailings and gnashing of teeth.

"Oh what eternal horrors hang
Around the second death!"

Without holiness no man can enter heaven. Only those enter its pearly gates who have on the pure garments of Christ's righteousness, and have learned the dialect of the redeemed. Their Father's name is on their foreheads, and in their lips there is no guile. How glorious is this contemplation to the Christian. Soon, believer, you will drop your chains, and unfettered, rise conquerer over death, triumphantly to the abodes of bliss! And are you ready to pass the Jordan

of death, and stand on Mount Zion with the redeemed? Will your friends have reason to testify to your faithfulness to their souls, and the church have reason to mourn the loss of a devoted, efficient member? Your mansion and your crown are preparing; be watchful that ye may be found of Him in peace!

This subject, reader, thus briefly unfolded, is full of startling interest. Is such an immortality within your grasp, and can you fail to secure it! Before you is placed blessing and cursing, eternal life and eternal death! and God solemnly appeals to you, "choose you now whom you will serve."

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