the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

The object for which St. Paul thus laboured will be dear to the heart of every faithful minister. Unity is essential to the spiritual growth and happiness of the Church. Whatsoever may promote it, should be encouraged; whatsoever create division, be most carefully avoided. Every effort, therefore, should be made to resist the progress of erroneous doctrines, to check the growth of schism, to advance the cause of truth and charity. Such has been the object of that course of sermons which I have lately addressed to you, and which I would now conclude by enforcing the important lessons of the text. The Apostle,

I. Warns us against instability and delusion;

II. Teaches us to maintain truth in love; and III. Presents to us the happy tendency of such conduct.

May the Spirit of grace assist us to understand, and enable us to improve by the instruction!

I. We are first admonished to " be no more children." This admonition is quite consistent with our Lord's declaration, that we "must be converted, and be as little children, if we would enter into the kingdom of heaven." We must be children in humility and teachableness, not in understanding. Thus our Apostle, speaking to the Corinthians, says, "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men." The Hebrews he reproves for being "such as had need of milk, and

not of strong meat ;" and exhorts them to " perfection."

go on unto

That a childlike docility may be united with manly intelligence, is proved by many brilliant examples both in ancient and modern times. The warning here given is against the unsettled and wavering disposition of children, who are credulous, and easily deceived, because they have not experienced the treachery of mankind. Fond of novelty, they are easily diverted from their course by the prospect of fresh amusement or of some new discovery. But we should strive for that maturity of judgment which belongs to those "who, by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

It has, I trust, been proved that in the Holy Scriptures we have a perfect standard of truth; and also that we have an infallible Guide, who will manifest that truth to every sincere inquirer, and direct his faltering steps in the path of righteousness. Whilst, then, we adhere to this standard, and rely on this heavenly Guide, we shall not be led astray. But if we "hearken unto men more than unto God;" if, instead of trusting in him with all our heart, 66 we lean to our own understanding;" we shall soon be deceived. We shall be like the feather thrown out to the gale, "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." How various are the winds of error, which blow at this time from every quarter! and how many, who appeared wise and holy men, have become their sport! Let their example be a warning to ourselves, that we depend not on our own constancy nor powers of discrimination.

EXHORTATION TO AVOID INSTABILITY,

AND

TO MAINTAIN TRUTH IN LOVE.

EPHESIANS, iv. 14, 15.

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

THE Apostle is in this chapter exhorting the Ephesians to walk worthy of their high and holy calling; to exercise lowliness, meekness, and mutual forbearance, keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He reminds them that "there is one body, and one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all" the members of Christ's mystical body. Those members he declares to have received grace, "according to the measure of the gift of Christ" imparted to each; some being invested with the apostolic, others with the prophetic office; some being evangelists, others pastors and teachers; but all appointed for the edification of Christ's body; so that we may all come, in

NO. VIII.

I

the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

The object for which St. Paul thus laboured will be dear to the heart of every faithful minister. Unity is essential to the spiritual growth and happiness of the Church. Whatsoever may promote it, should be encouraged; whatsoever create division, be most carefully avoided. Every effort, therefore, should be made to resist the progress of erroneous doctrines, to check the growth of schism, to advance the cause of truth and charity. Such has been the object of that course of sermons which I have lately addressed to you, and which I would now conclude by enforcing the important lessons of the text. The Apostle,

I. Warns us against instability and delusion;

II. Teaches us to maintain truth in love; and III. Presents to us the happy tendency of such conduct.

May the Spirit of grace assist us to understand, and enable us to improve by the instruction!

I. We are first admonished to "be no more children. This admonition is quite consistent with our Lord's declaration, that we must be converted, and be as little children, if we would enter into the kingdom of heaven." We must be children in humility and teachableness, not in understanding. Thus our Apostle, speaking to the Corinthians, says, Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men." The Hebrews he reproves for being "such as had need of milk, and