fered a single prayer for her salvation. And now, if there be any convenient place for me, I will retire from such society. My respected auditors, surely the solemnity of this subject cannot possibly induce a smile. No: You did not smile at the subject; but at the ridiculous folly of the objection. And now, my kind hearers, let me earnestly request you to keep in your minds the objection we have just brought before you; and whenever you hear those who make pretensions to piety and religion, bring this objection against the doctrine of universal goodness and mercy, carry them, in your minds, to the bar of God, and leave them there to murmur at the goodness of God. We need to say but little on the nature of the oneness, or union, in which Jesus prayed that his disciples might be kept, as it is clearly defined in the petition. It is such a oneness as exists between the Father and. his Son Jesus. We should egregiously miss our way, should we wander into the winding and perplexing labyrinths of what has been called the union of the holy trinity, in order to become acquainted with the union which subsisted among the blessed Apostles. In the prayer where our text is found, Jesus says to the Father, 'As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.' The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. The Son says, 'I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him who sent me.' Between the Father and the Son there is manifested a union of will and of purpose; a union of offort and perseverance. This is the union in which the disciples of Jesus were kept, and by which they were enabled to follow the footsteps of their divine Master, and to establish his cause in the world, on a foundation which will never be removed. In bringing our subject and labors to a conclusion, my brethren, who are united in the faith of our heavenly Father's impartial salvation, and especially you, my brethren in the ministry of this abundant grace, will indulge your speaker in calling your most serious attention to the importance of maintaining, among ourselves, that union and fellowship, which alone can make us the happy instruments of extending the influence of the gospel in our times, and by our exertions. That we may be suitably, and effectually incited to this paramount duty, let us always keep in mind this petition of our divine Master, which we have had under consideration. Let us at all times direct our thoughts to him who so ardently prayed that his disciples might remain united, by the power of that holy doctrine which he had delivered to them, as chosen witnesses; for them to promulgate to the world; and for the establishment of which, both he and they di rected all their exertions, and devoted themselves to shameful mockings, and persecutions, and even unto death. Our religious opposers would greatly rejoice, and would be much encouraged, could they see us arrayed in opposition against each other. But while we remain united, and stand fast in the name of the Lord, one will be able to chase a thousand, and two will put ten thousand to flight. Surely we have enemies enough to contend with. Let the banner of our faith be displayed; let our E Pluribus Unum, be kept in constant view, and show to the world that we are one. Did your brother, who now addresses you, know that this would be the last opportunity allowed him to give you advice, and surely he knows not the contrary, there is nothing, to which he could call your attention, which is of greater moment, than the keeping of the unity of the Spirit, in the bonds of peace. Whatever sacrifice individuals may find it necessary to make, for the preservation of union and harmony in the circle of brethren, let it be made, should it take the last shilling from the brother of the humblest circumstances, or from himof the largest income. What is all the world, my brethren, without the spirit of union and brotherly love, which gives it all its value ? Let us all unite, my brethren, in lifting up our hearts to our heavenly Father, as Jesus did, and pray that through his NAME we may remain one. AMEN. SERMON 6. BY CLEMENT F. LEFEVRE. HEBREWS xii. 1, 2. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us: Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy, that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. : THE Apostle in the previous chapter had been introducing a list of worthies, whom the operative principle of a genuine and living faith, had armed with power, of a character almost superhuman. The sufferings of these martyrs in the cause of truth are almost unparalleled in history, and can only be equalled by that greatness of soul and fidelity of purpose by which they were sustained. What a lively picture of intense persecution does the apostle spread before our eyes ! "They had trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword, they wan |