too frequently appears also even in the best of our religious journals. In the CHRISTIAN WITNESS, dissertation will give place to analysis. Of one class of books, the substance, the scope, and the aim, will be carefully set forth, and a judgment pronounced on their merits and claims. Of another class, only the subject and object will be stated, and the character critically described. By this process, notwithstanding its brevity, great things may still be achieved for literature, as much, indeed, as by reviews of greater length. All that is really JUDICIAL, IS, GENERALLY, CONTAINED IN A FEW SENTENCES.

VI. SABBATH AND BRITISH SCHOOLS.-These great modern Institutions claim the special regard of Periodical Writers. To meet their Home wants, therefore, and to support their interests in the Domestic circle, will be, with the CHRISTIAN WITNESS, a uniform effort of laborious anxiety. To meet the necessities of the teachers, it will talk with them in dialogue, and teach them by essay and dissertation, concerning books and studies, the preparation of school addresses and village discourses, and everything adapted to promote their endeavours at self-improvement, and preparation for usefulness in the church of God. To meet the wants of the scholars, it will present them with matter adapted to fix their attention, promote reflection, and excite a thirst for inquiry into the Word of Inspiration, the works of God, and useful learning. To this end, it will levy contributions on civil and natural history, natural and moral philosophy, oratory and poetry, voyages and travels, and on the whole circle of Art, Science, and Literature. Remarkable juvenile biography and obituary, and whatever may tend to promote conversion to God, will not be forgotten.

VII. RELICIOUS AND PHILANTHROPIC INTELLIGENCE.-Here, while preference will be given to that which is Congregational, so far as space will permit, nothing will be overlooked, in any section of the church of God, which serves to display the working of his hand, and tends to support the faith, and guide the prayers of his people.

VIII. POETRY.-The choicest productions of our Christian poets will be summoned to aid in refining the taste, regaling the fancy, and purifying the heart of our readers.

IX. BRITISH MISSIONS.-AS Missionary Institutions are the glory of the churches, so every Denominational Periodical ought to endeavour, to the utmost of its power, to further their interests. With a view to this, a digest of the operations of these Missions will form a part of every Number.

Such is an outline of the CHRISTIAN WITNESS; and while it is obvious, that such a variety of topics cannot always be all introduced in each successive Number, such is the channel in which our matter will generally flow, and, taking the months of the year together, they will be found each to have received a proportionate share of attention.

This plan is so comprehensive that, without violating the great principle on which the work itself is founded, it can hardly admit of expansion. It comprises the whole empire of morals and religion, and beyond that it was never designed to extend the province of the CHRISTIAN WITNESS. By actual experiment it has been fully proved to be sufficient for every purpose contemplated by its authors, and to require no material modification. Properly worked out, it will be found in its operations to touch Christian Society at all points, from the heart to the extremities. The general acceptance of the Work has, to some extent, arisen from its large outline and mixed character; and to alter it, in either of these respects, or to give absorbing prominence to any single department, would be to mar its usefulness and diminish its popularity. The Astronomer, in Rasselas, on bequeathing to Imlac the inheritance of the Sun, said, "I have diligently considered the position of the earth and Sun, and formed innumerable schemes, in which I changed their situations. I have sometimes turned aside the axis of the earth, and sometimes varied the ecliptic of the Sun; but I have found it impossible to make a disposition by which the world may be advantaged; what one region gains, another loses by any imaginable alteration. Do not, therefore, in thy administration of the year, indulge thy pride by innovation. The memory of mischief is no desirable fame." We recommend the principle of the Astronomer's counsel to all future Conductors of the CHRISTIAN WITNESS.

J. C.

THE

CHRISTIAN WITNESS,

AND

CHURCH MEMBER'S MAGAZINE.

JANUARY, 1844.

THE CHRISTIAN RACE; A DISCOURSE FOR FAMILIES. 1 Cor. ix. 24, 25.

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."

As the emblem of a race, applied to the life of faith, is a favourite one with the inspired writers, it must, in that view, possess peculiar propriety. We shall, therefore, in dealing with the text before us, consider the thing to be done the manner of doing it—and the motives which ought to prompt its zealous performance.

I. THE THING TO BE DONE; A RACE IS TO BE RUN.

The Grecian race, to which Paul refers, happily describes the Christian life; it is significant of plan, order, preparation, exertion, conflict, and compensation. It is comprehensive of all that is included in existence and action after the conversion of the soul; cheerful obedience to the Divine will,-prompt submission to the arrangements of Divine Providence, entire consecration of soul, body, and spirit to the service of Christ. The course of the believer is carefully marked out, with all that belongs to it, of doing, suffering, and enjoyment; while he himself is prepared by a new heart, a right spirit, and a rich supply of heavenly influence, for the appointed duty. Thus it was with Christ himself, our great Exemplar. His race was sketched out, with all its attendant circumstances of zeal and of love, of labour and wrong. Every part of his wondrous career, from the cradle to the cross, had been traced by the hand of his Father before his appearance on earth; and he, with "the Spirit of the Lord God" upon him, was required to fill up the mysterious outline. To his mind, however, there was no darkness resting on the future. As he travelled on, in the greatness of his strength, finishing the work which was given him to do, he measured his progress, and distinctly perceived the amount and the character of the service and suffering which still awaited him. When drawing to the close he could say, "The things concerning me have an end ;" and when he was nailed to the accursed tree,

he could exclaim with confidence, "It is finished!" Thus, too, it was with the apostle of the Gentiles. His course, although to him less distinctly known than in the case of his Master, was nevertheless just as clearly defined as his; and hence, at the end of his days, he could say, "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand: I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing." The history, then, of the Saviour's life is just the history of his course; and so, likewise, with respect to Paul; and that was his race. These things, brethren, are written for our instruction. A race, an arduous and a glorious race, is set before every child of the family of God. Have you been hitherto running it? Do you run it now? Are you running it aright? Have none of you who once ran halted? Are none of you tiring, and tempted to stop? Let us next consider,

II. THE MANNER OF DOING THIS THING; SO RUN, THAT YE MAY OBTAIN. That no mistake may be committed on this point, there are several very important things which require to be attended to.

1. Attend to the necessary inward preparation. The importance of this was fully understood by the Greeks. The racers and wrestlers who appeared in the public games, required not only perfect health, but thorough training; they were all disciplined under proper masters in schools kept up at the national expense, where they were subjected to the severest exercise, to inure them to the fatigue of violent conflict. They were allowed no other food but the poorest, plainest fare,-figs, nuts, and very coarse bread; wine and all liquors were strictly prohibited. When persons thus trained proposed to contend in the public games, they were obliged to repair to the Gymnasium at Elis, ten months before the day of conflict, where they were constantly occupied in further preparation. Nor was this all, the combatants were severally compelled to swear that they had previously spent a given period in preparatory exercises. This was an undertaking in which mere natural force was not deemed sufficient; skill and physical discipline were indispensable; and into these inquiry was made in every case, without exception. No room was left for vanity and self-conceit, for no man was allowed to judge of his own fitness. Now for the application of the principle to the Christian life. The new heart and the right spirit, sincere repentance towards God, cordial faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ, a competent acquaintance with divine truth, and an abundant supply of the Spirit of grace, are an indispensable preparation for the Christian race. If, with David, you would " run in the way of God's commandments," with Isaiah you must never forget that "the joy of the Lord is your strength." The question, the paramount question of your own personal interest in the Gospel salvation, is vital to the Christian soldier. Distressing doubts and appalling fears are incompatible with the spiritual strength necessary to vigorous conflict; spiritual doubt-doubt concerning your own salvation-will prove the paralysis of moral power. The resolute maintenance of the Christian war, and the courageous conduct of it to victory and triumph, require the warrior to be not only planted, but "rooted and grounded in love;" to be "stablished, strengthened, and settled." Sad indeed is the state of the man who, while burdened with corruption, assailed with temptation, and surrounded with earthly enemies, is called likewise to wrestle "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places," without the "whole armour of God," the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit! The

man who is ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, who has neither peace, nor joy, nor hope, is wholly unequal to this work. Do then, beloved friends, as a family, examine yourselves, not simply whether you be, and whether you be all, in the faith, but whether grace be reigning in your souls. Have you power over sin? Have you overcome the wicked one? Are you filled with the peace, the joy, and the hope of the Gospel?

This state of experience implies a due measure of Scriptural instruction. This is imperatively required; no man ever yet ran the Gospel race with success who was not well grounded in its great fundamental facts and principles. This is not work for men who are driven about with every wind of doctrine. Much of the Christian race, moreover, has to do with special duties, which loudly call for special training; and where this is neglected, hurtful consequences always ensue. The experience which flows not from Gospel doctrine, known and believed, is little worth; it may supply natural passion, it cannot supply spiritual power. But the end of all experience is action; as the design of the Gospel itself is man's renovation. A thorough acquaintance with the preceptive portions of the word of God, therefore, in all its parts and points, branches and bearings, is essential to your complete success. Study, then, the law, as the Lord has given it to you. Fear it not; it is your friend; for it is "holy, just, and good;" it is the rule of the Christian race. When your heart is right, and the word of Christ dwells in you richly, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, then you are ready. Up, then, and run the race!

2. Attend likewise to the removal of all outward incumbrances. The combatants in the public games of Greece stripped themselves even of their customary clothing, that they might not thereby be impeded in the race. Where men were otherwise equal, the carrying of even a little additional weight would have led to the certain overthrow of him that bore it. To this important circumstance Paul refers when he calls upon Christians to "lay aside every weight." This is a point which tries the spirits of men. Most persons, at the time of their conversion, are burdened, pressed to the earth with weights of one sort or of another. Under such circumstances not a little self-denial is called for, to separate themselves from one and all of them. Weights fixed even to the back or the shoulder of the racer would operate injuriously upon him; but on certain other parts they would be still more injurious. Weights attached to the arms would most seriously impede him ; weights affixed to the legs would impede him yet more. And thus it is with the soul of the saint. All sins are hinderances to him, but some sins more than others, and all in proportion as they tend to deaden, to darken, and to pollute the soul.

Four things are comprised in the preparation for and the conduct of the Christian race-heavenly-mindedness, a spirit of devotion, labours of love, and liberality in worldly goods, where they are enjoyed. The two former stand in the relation of means to the latter as ends. Whatever interferes with these is a weight, which, while it lasts, will impede your progress, and, unless removed, will lead to the loss of the crown! You do well, friends, to ponder these facts, and to adopt the speediest methods of ridding yourselves from an evil so serious, lest it end in your destruction. This is general; let us, therefore, come to particulars. A heavenly mind is the source of devotion; carnality extinguishes its flame. Guard, then, against all sensuality; “flee from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers. Mark this! Ye who are not yet mated for life, beware! Ponder well before you act in a matter which so deeply affects

your race, and involves your eternal welfare! No clog is equal to the clog of an ungodly companion; such will extinguish, not fan the spirit of devotion! What hinderance, what hardship, what calamities have flowed from neglecting the Divine command, "Only in the Lord!" That you may abound in God's work you must redeem time to the uttermost. This, at the outset, will call for much decision, and often for not a little self-denial. Worldly callings necessarily demand so much time in this nation, that very little remains for labours of love; and if that little you throw thoughtlessly away, or suffer yourselves to be heedlessly robbed of it, when are you to run the race of benevolence? You will, you must go down to the grave without doing any thing for God! That you may run the race aright, attend, then, not merely to hours, but to minutes. Then as to liberality; that you may give, you must have; and that you may give much, you must waste nothing. Nay, thrift and frugality must be your watchwords. Much that others do you must leave undone; and many little gratifications the world enjoys you must give up. The doctrine of self-denial must be devoutly studied and resolutely practised. Are these things so? Hold on, then, your glorious

course!

3. Be careful to keep the course. In the games of Greece, the place of starting, the path, the turning, the goal,-these and all such matters were settled by officers appointed for that end; and the arrangements thus fixed had to be carefully observed by the combatants. To this Paul refers when he says, "If a man strive for masteries yet he is not crowned except he strive lawfully."

Christians! Christ has given you a rule and a pattern. Have that rule in your heart, and keep that pattern in your eye, and fear not; for, under the guidance of the Spirit of God, you will infallibly succeed. But beware of deviations; for every thing not sanctioned by Christ's own walk, or Christ's own word, is unworthy of the regard and unfit for the practice of Christians. All attempts to improve on the Divine model are, in their nature, impious, and to those who make them, perilous. Let no man deceive you; the world abounds with bad examples. There is no light in which it is more fearful to contemplate many sections of the so-called Christian world, of the present day. The kings and rulers of the earth have laid unholy hands on the things of God, and by touching have at once polluted and destroyed them. The government religions of Europe no more resemble that of Jesus Christ given by the apostles, than society, under the institution of slavery, resembles that of our first parents in Paradise. Would that they heard the voice of him who has said, "In vain do ye worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men!" In all things appertaining to your race, whether referring to doctrine, experience, practice, or polity, be it yours to keep, to the utmost of your ability, to the laws and testimonies of Jesus Christ. Burst every barrier, and forward!

4. Stop not short of the appointed goal. It was to no purpose that men started well in the Grecian games, unless they held out to the end. So it is with Christians. Forgetfulness of this was the sin of the Galatian church. Paul says to them, "Ye did run well; who did hinder you?" Oh! hear the Master, "He that continueth to the end shall be saved!" Such is the promise of the Son of God. By this he will abide; but he will not go beyond it. Why should he? Say why the Saviour should grant a license to his people to break his commandments. Does he not derive that holy name from the fact that he "saves his people from their sins?" How then can he grant them indulgence to commit iniquity? Hear his own kind mandate, "Let no man take your crown." Let those who dwell on the