ical fiction, that human nature is altogether impotent for good, be henceforward classed only with the errors that have been. No more join in the popular clamor against that which, the inspired scriptures being witness, was created in the image of God. He made every man's nature; and all his works are very good. There is not, and there never was, a man incapable of doing his duty. Well would it be for the christian cause, if this truth were more generally acknowledged and felt. Before any one may be expected to accomplish much, he must know and feel that, under God, he is able to accomplish much. One of the principal obstacles to the advancement of great ends is the impression that individual effort is too insignificant in its effects to be put forth.

Nothing great is to be endeavor. The present We are called upon for

Next, let there be a prompt and active spirit for what we believe we can do. achieved without zeal and is not an age of miracles. warm hearts and generous appropriations. The Saviour poured out his blood as water for man's salvation. We are his true disciples only as we resemble him in spirit. I do not ask any one to act blindly. This were unchristian. But I do beg of all, not to look with indifference on schemes, which, after you have examined their bearing, you deem useful. I do beseech all, not to behold with cold hearts and idle hands the projects which give promise of forwarding the great cause of freedom, order, truth, and holiness in our land. Certainly, brethren, we do not enter into the design of the incorrupt gospel unless we strive for its progress.

Again, let us have the true christian courage, to profess, defend, and inculcate, at all proper times, and in

all suitable places, the great principles of the gospel, be the hazard of personal inconvenience what it may. The times call for this. I fear we are not all of us aware of the importance of the duty. There is a reluctance, I am willing to call it a shameful cowardice, which makes some persons, otherwise very good, mere ciphers in the community. Their views are correct, but they will not take any pains to communicate and extend them. They are afraid they shall lose some one's favor if they do so, or that they shall fail to obtain some office which they seek, or that their business may suffer by asserting what they think true and useful. Now, in matters of perfect indifference, I do not ask for another course. But in concerns that relate to religious liberty and truth, to christian piety and morality, I say, it is a disgraceful procedure. Yes, it is disgraceful; and from my soul I pity the man, be he of the clergy or of the laity, who is so confined to his narrow circle of selfishness, that he will not risk his good estimation with a few, by uttering what he knows to be the true and right, and for the lack of which he sees the community suffering. And from my inmost heart, I respect, venerate, love the man, to whatever sect or profession he may belong, who, regardless of reproach and some personal inconvenience, is always prompt to lend his word, his name, and if need be, his money too, to support and advance the interests of pure religion and sound morals.

Further, let that engine by which public opinion is so much influenced, the press, be an object of our solicitude. Can we use our own pen in aid of its power? Let us not shrink from the task of doing

it. With us the press is free, and God be thanked for it. But its freedom, like every other good thing, is often abused. How are its abuses to be corrected? By laws of restriction? No. Let the press toil on with all its activity and might. Put not on it a single shackle. But make it the instrument of curing its own abuses. Let it give forth the remedy for the poison it spreads. Let it toil on. Fear not the result. Let truth have a fair chance, and it will prevail. Do any say, we cannot write? Let us read, then. There are those who can write, nay, who will write, and powerfully, if the public will but read. What, therefore, is to be done? This: Are these papers, pamphlets, books, fraught with truth, and the maxims of enlightened freedom, generous charity, and exalted virtue? let us subscribe for them; let us read them; let us recommend them. Let no one neglect them on the ground that he can do without them himself. We should remember that the press cannot work without support, that talented men will not write without encouragement. Be it, my brother, that Be it, my brother, that you do not need certain publications; there is another point to be ascertained before a generous man will refuse them his aid. Can the community do without them? Are they efficient in correcting public opinion? Are they adapted to diminish the influence of those who have hearts to conceive and hands to execute treason against christian liberty, morals, charity, and peace? If they are, then, as men, as patriots, we are bound to do what according to our means we can to support and encourage them. In such a case let us not waver between right and wrong. Let us not offer up the convictions of duty on the altar of avarice, convenience, or popularity

Finally, if we would not receive the grace of God in vain for the community, let us give to it the influence of our good example. There is great power in this. Are we ministers? What we do will accomplish ten fold more for the triumphs of christianity than what we say. Are we laymen? Who has not a circle around him whom he can benefit by this means, if by no other? A holy man, one who exemplifies good principles in daily conduct-what is he but a living law to his associates? Such an one, in however limited a sphere he moves, can do more, I had almost said, for truth and virtue, by his deeds, than the greatest in mere intellect, or the highest in mere station, can ever effect by his exhortations. Yes, my friends, for precept only points the way in which men should go; but example hurries them onward in that way, by all the force of sympathy and by all the attractions of a living model. Let us feel our responsibleness in this respect. Let us feel that every good service we perform, every befitting word we utter, every praise worthy project we engage in, is something added to the power of correct public opinion. Let us be alive to this duty. We will be. We will fill our days with acts of exemplary usefulness. We will not receive not receive the grace of God in vain for the community. We will be workers together with him. And then, when we die, we shall have the satisfaction of knowing that we have not lived to ourselves alone; and as we pass into the heavens-blessed be the book that tells us this-we shall be greeted by the voice of the Son of God, 'Well done, good and faithful servants, the joy of your Lord.'

enter ye into

SERMON VI.

BY REV. EZRA S. GANNETT, BOSTON.

NECESSITY AND SUFFICIENCY OF RELIGION.

LUKE X. 42. BUT ONE THING IS NEEDFUL.

It has been supposed by some commentators, and not without reason, that the interpretation commonly given to these words is erroneous, and that our Lord's purpose was to rebuke the anxiety of Martha to furnish a various entertainment for one whom she so much honored. Jesus assured her that he wished not for splendor and profusion in the feast, and that Mary manifested a more just sense of his character and chose a better service by sitting at his feet, where she might listen to his instructions, than was displayed by her sister in all her wellmeant but unnecessary labors to spread a sumptuous board. In this discourse, however, the text will be regarded in its usual meaning, and in that which would probably suggest itself to every reader of our English Bible, and thus considered it presents us with two great doctrines, the necessity and sufficiency of religion-One thing, but one thing is needful. Religion is indispensa