tent, it is important to examine the evils and difficulties with which as a minister he was called to contend. The corruption of the human heart, has in all ages presented the most formidable barrier to the advancement of truth, particularly Gospel truth. It is the source of all the errors and vices which have blackened the page of history, sacred or profane. In his days, ignorance, prejudice, idolatry, infidelity, and all their kindred vices, were authorised by the long established practices of all classes in society; and in many instances were sanctioned by law. The prince of this world ruled in the hearts of the children of disobedience, holding in his iron grasp the dearest interests of the human race-giving direction to the eternal destinies of millions. As soon as the Apostle began the work of preaching the gospel, he commenced an attack on these strong holds of sin. He pointed out the blindness and criminality of the Jews in rejecting the Lord Jesus as the true Messiah; he exposed the absurdity and degrading influence of idolatry to the Gentile; in one word, he began to show a world of sinners their guilt and danger. Immediately, they were in arms against him, and whatever worldly policy could invent, or malice dictate, or diabolical envy instigate, were put in requisition to defeat and destroy the work which he had so deeply at heart, and for the promotion of which, his life was consecrated. Then, was opened upon him a scene of labor and suffering scarcely without a parallel in the history of mán. His work was peculiar. There was not aught in his preaching to flatter the vanity, or gratify the pride, or to authorise the voluptuousness and sensuality of the corrupt mass around him. He denounced the terrors of the law against sin, and the miseries of an eternal hell, as the portion of the finally impenitent. That his labors may be successful, it was necessary that they should be constantly reiterated. And doubtless, frequently, his most zealous and disinterested exertions, made at the expense of great bodily exhaustion, were rewarded with disappointment.

Such were the evils which the Apostle encountered; and that too, in a greater or less degree, through the whole period of his life. How arduous then must have been his labors! How great his sufferings! Look at the extent of his travels, the hazards of his shipwrecks, the malignity of his persecutions! His own recital of them is most affecting. In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in death's oft. Of the Jews five times I received forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in wea

riness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness: Besides those things that are without, that which cometh on me daily is the care of all the Churches.'

5. His was a life of devotion to God, His affections were most devoutly placed on God. He had beheld the glory of God shining forth in the face of Jesus Christ, and admired the harmony of the divine perfections, as displayed in his works, particularly, in the great work of redemption: and, while gazing upon this mirror, the glory that it reflected, changed him into the same image, from glory to glory. Having the eyes of his understanding open to these inspiring and heavenly perceptions, and his mind hallowed by their influence, it is not at all surprising that he should voluntarily consecrate himself to God. It was rather with him a matter of astonishment that God should accept an offering so poor, so unworthy, at his hands. Influenced by such views and feelings, what could he hold back? His devotion, therefore, was a voluntary dedication of his heart, his mind, and his whole life, to be or to do, whatever his Lord should dictate. His devotion was rational. It was based upon the highest reasons that can act upon the mind of man. His relation to God, as a being created, sustained, and redeemed by divine goodness to whom he was amenable as his final Judgehis relation to his fellow-men, particularly in the office of a minister of the gospel-the immense results which were pending on his exertions in their behalf-and, at the same time, an abiding conviction of his own weakness, and of his entire dependence on divine aid, all show the propriety of his giving himself to God. Nor did the circumstance that his devotions were aided and sustained by supernatural influence, an influence directly from God, destroy in his estimation its rationality. No one more fully felt his own natural weakness,nor more freely confessed it. If he did anything acceptable, it was through Christ who strengthened him; if he joyed, it was in God; if he abounded in hope, it was by the power of the Holy Ghost. And was not this strength, joy, and power, supernatural? That is, over and above nature. Can that devotion maintain its undisputed claims to rationality, which admits of no such influence -which is merely the fruit of a virtuous education, or the result of a philosophical system of ethics-the feeble emotions of which are occasionally excited by the well-turned periods of a glowing rhetoric, or the mellowing strains of sacred music? We say with confidence, No! If our devotion be rational, it must be spiritual, like that of the Apostle.

His, was also uniform. Under the ever varying circumstances of his chequered life, he was the same devout man. The reasons for this may be found in the fact, that his devotion was the result

of principle. He could assign a reason for the efforts he made, as well as for the hopes he cherished. By the faithful discharge of every duty, particularly that of prayer, he was admitted to so intimate a fellowship with God, as to partake in a measure of his own immutability. The church ever found in him the affectionate pastor-the humble enquirer-the able and experienced guide-the rebellious sinner, his faithful reprover the cause of Christ, its meek, but bold and zealous advocate. No doubt, the immense consequences which were in some very considerable degree suspended on his labors, furnished a consideration, which to him was of awful moment. The extremes of endless joy, or woe, he saw before every immortal being, to whom he addressed himself. He became all things to all men, if by any means he might be instrumental in saving some. He kept his body under, lest after he had preached to others, he himself should become a cast-away. Considerations like these, induced the uniformity which characterized his whole life. Here it may only be added, his devotion was ardent. Holy affection for Christ, the church he had purchased with his blood, and the souls he had died to save, occupied his undivided heart. This was not a feeble flame, nor could it be easily extinguished; but it shone with unremitting lustre through his whole career. Nor did the warmth of this holy affectionate under any circumstances, but accumulated in its intensity until through martyrdom at Rome, he was received up into glory.

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6. Amost impressive view of the peculiar character of the Apostles life, may still further be seen, by entering into the meaning of his own words. 'I am crucified with Christ: never neless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' I am made conformable unto his death. That as Christ in the peculiar mode of his death, as well as in the dispositions he manifested under that most trying event, furnished an example of entire indifference to worldly honor, as well as to the dictates of worldly policy; a policy which might have achieved deliverance for one of less moral integriy; so I, by conforming to his example in these respects, am, like him, crucified to the world. To be applauded or reproached, is neither of them my choice. both of them I am indifferent. Nor can I under the pretext of increasing my usefulness, descend from the unbending integrity of my principles, to increase my influence, much less barely to make myself important in view of the world. It is my duty to be conformed to Christ; and whatever of influence and usefulness, or of disgrace and suffering, may fall to my lot under the direction of his holy providence, cheerfully to receive; knowing, that whether I prove a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death, by my ministry, I shall nevertheless be acceptable and well pleasing unto God. This is all-sufficient for my comfort—this will cause the world, with

all its wealth and honors, to fade in my estimation: for Christ liveth in me 'the union I have with him is so close, and so assimilating, that it affords me a participation in his own nature-it gives character and vitality to all my spiritual emotions. From this source of life, flow all my tempers, words and actions; so that it is not I that live, but Christ liveth in me. I lose myself in him as a drop is lost in the ocean, and he has become my all in all. Whatever there is good in my heart, virtuous in my life, and beneficent in my efforts, it is not mine but Christ's: and the glory is all his due. The good of my fellow-men and my own happiness, are so immediately connected, and withal, are so identified with the glory of my Saviour, that for me to labor to promote the latter, is the surest and only way to secure the former. And in doing this, I only give expression to those inward emotions of gratitude and love, which warm, cherish, and delight my soul.

7. His, was a life of triumph. It may appear somewhat singular, that, considering the import of the preceding remarks, a sentiment of this character should be introduced. It may here be asked, how the deepest self-mortification, the most humiliating labors, the most cruel persecutions, and hazardous shipwrecks; performed" and endured in devotion to the glory of another, can be reconciled with personal triumph? With many, triumph and worldly glory are synonymous; but, between them, there is no necessary connection. Indeed, have not those, regarded by the world as most triumphant, in many instances been subject to the most degrading vassallage? Were not the most celebrated heroes of antiquity slaves to their own ambition and lusts? While they subjugated nations to their iron dominion, and sported with the lives and fortunes of their fellow-beings at pleasure, were they not strangers to that true freedom of soul which dignifies the man?

The triumph of the Apostle was spiritual. It was victory over the worst of foes. Foes, whose dominion is destructive to the present, and eternal well-being of the undying spirit. His victory was complete, over the corruptions of the heart, the flatteries and frowns of the world, and those hosts of invisible malignant beings, who, walk the earth both when we wake and when we sleep.' It was a triumph of holy joy! It was his joy to know that God was his reconciled father, and that all his perfections were engaged for his support and protection. That Christ was his Saviour, and elder brother. That the Holy Ghost was his sanctifier, and indwelling comforter. That in consequence of this holy relation, he could approach the mercy seat with boldness and confidence; assured, that the adorable Majesty before whom he bowed, invited his approach, and was ever pleased to grant his request. On these,

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and other accounts he could say, 'as sorrowful yet always rejoicing.' It was a joy unspeakable and full of glory!' It may be added, worldly triumphs are generally obtained at much expense of treasure and blood. Unlike these, the Apostle conquered only to bless! The territory he explored and subdued in his own heart, was afterwards brought under the highest moral culture, and produced whatever was lovely and of good report. The conquests he made among his fellow-men were bloodless. They were the triumphs of truth over error, virtue over vice, of happiness over misery! True, those thus conquered, were humbled; but it was only that they might be exalted to the ever-during honors of immortal life, in spotless purity, and ineffable glory at God's right hand.

8. It may be subjoined, the Apostle's life was most extraordinary. Explore, if you please, the volumes of antiquity, acquaint yourselves with universal biography, examine with minuteness the finest specimens of greatness and excellence presented by Plutarch. And where will you find another Paul? Designed for high and important services, he was favored with more abundant revelations. Some truths which the wisest heathen regarded as merely conjectural, and which the prophets saw only through the medium of a glimmering light, were with him awful realities. When caught up into the third heavens, he saw things, no doubt, which were indescribable, and heard those which were unutterable; and ever after, walked as seeing him who is invisible. Who but the Omniscient, can estimate the amount of good this holy man was the instrument of accomplishing. How many seals of his ministry were given him! How many souls he conducted to Glory! These will arise in eternity and call him blessed. And when the names of warriors, statesmen, and potentates are lost in oblivion, his shall be cherished in grateful and everlasting remembrance. It shall go down to the latest period of time, associated with all that is good and great in Christian enterprize. Wherever the standard of the cross is planted, and a church gathered to the praise of God's grace, there the story of the self-denial, the benevolence, the devotion, the labors and sufferings, the conflicts and triumphs of the Apostle, shall be exhibited as the demonstrations of what the grace of God can accomplish in and through one man: and also, for the example and encouragement of all who have obtained like precious faith. Yea, and in the recollections, and associations of another world; in the greetings and affectionate embraces of saints and angels: in their rejoicings and devotions around the throne, this extraordinary man shall bear a very conspicuous part. There, my fellow-Christian, if thou art faithful, thou shalt see and converse with one so honored of God, and so endeared to glorified beings. Let it be thy