precepts of the divine government, they think essentially alike. They have now similar views and feelings concerning the law of God; concerning Jesus Christ; concerning sin; concerning themselves; concerning future retribution; concerning the conditions of salvation; concerning the great object of our existence. Their minds are under the same motives of eternity; the same in common with those of other days, who "died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Starting from various sources, like brooks and rivers mingling their waters, they unite under the same impulses and attractions from eternity, and move onward together in long procession towards the same ocean of heavenly blessedness. Having "one faith, one Lord, one baptism;" being one in their Saviour-one in their repentance-one in their piety-one in their hopes, and one in their heaven; they hence exercise towards each other a strong sentiment of complacent fellowship. They are kindred spirits; they love each other; since such is man that he has pleasure in those who think, feel, act, suffer and hope as he does himself. And thus is the prayer of Christ granted respecting his disciples, "that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee, that they also

may be one in us, that the world may know that thou hast sent me."

It is a kingdom of unearthly and elevated joy. The peculiar and exalted blessedness of which all its subjects participate, results from clear and enlarged views of the character and government of God; from hearts conformed to the divine law, in the exercise of gratitude and love to God, and benevolence to men; from peace of conscience, exemption from slavish fear, and hopes bright with immortality; from being one with Christ as he is one with the Father, in their character, views, desires, object of pursuit, and everlasting inheritance. Their joy is very high; it is above the world. It is very safe; it is protected by the throne of God. It is immortal; nothing is able to destroy it. They say, what no other beings on the earth can truly say, "We are persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The subjects of this kingdom are, therefore, like the kingdom itself, not of this world. They participate of the character and blessedness of Him "who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

In the varied and significant imagery of the scriptures, they are, in a subordinate and secondary sense, "the light of the world;" they are "a city that is set on a hill;" they are "the first fruits of Christ; " they are "the salt of the earth;" they are the "leaven" of righteousness in the great moral mass of mankind; the means through which redemption and grace are to pervade and regenerate the world.

How important then that their distinguishing duties, as subjects of this kingdom, should be clearly and fully pointed out. They are to be gathered into little societies, or communities, called churches, for the sake of mutual edification, watchfulness, communion, and united action in the service of their Lord; churches which, though locally divided, and also differing somewhat in forms and modes, are yet one in Christ, and are designated in the scriptures as the church." How desirable that they should well understand their duties, not only as individual Christians, but also as members of the church, and thus members of Him who is "the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." How important that they should know all that is essentially implied in their relation to Him, as "members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones;" that they may know how to accomplish the ends of this most sacred and endearing rela

tion, and thus bring the glory that is due to "Christ, the head of the church," to Him who "loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word; that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish."

Attention to this subject seems to be especially demanded at the present time, when so many conflicting interests and claims are pressed upon our notice, and so many associations are springing up to divide the affections of Christians and thus to endanger the unity, purity, peace, and power of the church. Is there no ground for the apprehension that other associations for the professed purpose of reforming and saving mankind, are, with some Christians, coming into more consideration than "the church of the living God!" It is high time for every Christian to consider well his relation to the church, and the duties which it involves. No covenant is more sacred or binding, than that which unites a member to this body. The matrimonial covenant has upon it the seal of God; to prove faithless to it, is a sin of deep die. But this is, in some respects, even more solemn and sacred. It is a union to Christ, publicly solemnized; a union of imperishable minds in interests of infinite moment. The matrimonial relation is dissolved at

death; this endures forever. In this age of numerous and imposing associations, making strong and bold claims upon us, we need to be doubly guarded lest any of them be suffered to divide our affections with the church. Better, a thousand times, that all other associations should be scattered to the winds, than that they should be allowed to divide churches and alienate its members, secularize and profane religion, and scatter the seeds of iniquity in the very garden of the Lord. Here should ever be found the green spot, the garden of sweet spices, the delightful abode of Christian sympathies, the admiration and joy of the whole earth; so that all men shall exclaim, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. As the dews of Hermon, and as the dews that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded his blessing, even life forevermore."

Permit us, then, Christian reader, to callyour particular attention to the contents of this little volume. They touch upon topics vital to the church, and vital to the times in which we live. They are the productions of a sound, clear, vigorous, and truly Christian mind. Carefully read and pondered, this book cannot fail to instruct you in regard to the nature, privileges, and duties of this most solemn and responsible relation; "that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the