which is read and expounded by the Ministers of Jesus. There we unite in solemn prayer with the church; and our prayers go up to heaven like sweet incense. There we sing the high praises of our God, for all the rich blessings of his providence and grace; resembling the general assembly in heaven, by whom praise is offered up without ceasing. And there we rejoice, with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Who, then, that regards his own happiness, would neglect these blessed means of grace and salvation?

VI. Lovefeasts were kept in the primitive church; but were afterwards discontinued. They have been revived in our day; and are much esteemed by the pious.

We do not affirm that lovefeasts are divine ordinances, because they are not divinely commanded; but while they were religiously observed, they were valuable means of consolation to the followers of Jesus. The Apostle Jude speaks of them expressly. Alluding to certain scandalous persons, who had crept unawares into the church, he says, "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear." Verse 12. Tertullian says, "The nature of our supper may be known by the name, Ayanŋ, that is, love. There we refresh the poor. We do not sit down till we have first prayed to God. Every one eats what is sufficient, and drinks with

sobriety, as remembering that at night they must engage in the adoration of God. They converse together in such a manner as becomes those who know that God hears them. After washing their hands, and lighting candles, they sing divine songs, either taken from the holy Scriptures, or of their own composition, as every one is able. Prayer concludes the feast. Then every one goes home."-Hallett. But these feasts, being awfully abused, were given up at an early period.

The United Brethren in Germany recommenced them on a better plan; but the Rev. John Wesley improved their plan, and established them in all his societies, as means of religious improvement; and now they are considered, by all the pious, as valuable means of religious improvement. They commence with singing and prayer. Then bread and water are distributed; a collection is made for the poor; an exhortation is given by the presiding Preacher; all who are so disposed relate their Christian experience; and in about two hours the meeting concludes with singing and prayer. In these meetings much information is obtained by hearing the experience of Christian believers; love and unity are greatly promoted; the weak are strengthened; and the dejected are comforted and encouraged. And while the spirit of these meetings is kept alive, much good will be done; the societies will grow and multiply; and true believers will be greatly

edified and blessed. Let us cultivate Christian love; and humbly pray that it may abound yet more and more.

VII. There are other religious social meetings, which, though not expressly commanded, are of great use to the people of God.

In former times, they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another. Mal. iii. 16. And David says, "Come, and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." Ps. lxvi. 16. And is it not highly proper, in our day, for Christians to declare to each other what God has done for their souls? This plan affords great encouragement to the weak and wavering; and God is honoured by acknowledgments of his goodness and mercy. Many pious persons, both in the established Church and among Dissenters, hold private meetings for religious improvement. In these, they sing and pray, read the holy Scriptures, and converse on the doctrines and duties of Christianity; and many, who would not have stood fast alone, have been established and comforted.

But the best means of this kind, with which we are acquainted, are the Methodist classmeetings. They commenced nearly a hundred years ago, under the direction of the venerable Wesley; and they still continue, under the direction of all the Wesleyan Preachers in the world. In these meetings, the leader, after

singing and prayer, relates his own experience. He then inquires of each individual how he is going on in the ways of God; and, being a person of sound experience, gives to each suitable and appropriate advice. Then, after about an hour, they conclude with singing and prayer. In these little meetings every individual is well known to the whole class; the experience of every one is well known to all who meet together; and all are greatly benefited by the plain and simple instructions of the leader. The ignorant are taught the way of the Lord; the tempted are frequently delivered; the weak and wavering are strengthened and confirmed; and all are built up on their most holy faith. Regular attendance is, generally, attended with spiritual prosperity; but those who seldom attend, frequently fall away, and return to the world. We are aware that these means are not of divine appointment; but, as prudential means, they have been made a blessing to thousands and tens of thousands; some of whom are now in glory, while others are "hard toiling to gain the blest shore."

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHRISTIAN CONSOLATIONS.

Christians walk in the light-they are reconciled to Godthey have a new nature-they are favoured with the aids of the Spirit-the written word is in their hands-the Ministers of religion are their servants-they are nourished in the means of grace-they enjoy the treasures of grace— the promises are given to them-Jesus intercedes for them -and they have a blessed hope of eternal glory.

OUR Lord said to his disciples, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John xvi. 33. This passage may be applied to all the followers of Jesus. They suffer with other men in the fluctuating events of life; they are frequently persecuted for righteousness' sake; and they have many painful conflicts with the powers of darkness. But, amidst all, their consolations over-balance their sufferings. This will appear from the following observations.

I. They walk in the light of the Lord.

Light is a pleasant thing to the eye; and Christians have been called out of darkness into marvellous light. 1 Pet. ii. 9. The Sun of righteousness shines upon them in all his beauty and glory, and they walk in the light of day; for "the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth." 1 John ii. 8. The heathen nations