Let us feel the importance of religion. Let us at all times live under the influence of religious principle. In youth, for it will prepare us to enter upon the active duties of life; in manhood, for it will preserve us from the violence of our passions and the power of temptation; and above all, in old age, when standing on the confines of time, on the brink of the grave, the world behind and eternity before us. O then, then, may the peace of God, that passeth all understanding, be with us; then may the heavenly influences of religion be upon us; its hopes cheer and enliven our minds; its spirit warm our hearts, and its principles fit and prepare us for a blessed immortality.

SERMON X.

BY REV. CHARLES W. UPHAM, SALEM

ON THE GLORY OF GOD.

JOHN XV. 8.-'HEREIN IS MY FATHER GLORIFIED, THAT YE BEAR MUCH FRUIT.'

ONE of the greatest difficulties in the way of a correct understanding of the scriptures, and of a rapid diffusion of the important principles of the religion they contain, arises from the vague and erroneous ideas generally attached to words and expressions of frequent occurrence, in the sacred volume. For instance, the words 'glory,' 'glorify,' &c.; and the expressions, 'glory of God,' 'glory to God,' and the like, although found in every part of the bible, are but little understood, or have extremely loose and incorrect ideas associated with them.

It is my present purpose to endeavor to exhibit the true scriptural interpretation of this form of language, and thus to offer to your contemplation one of the peculiar and distinguishing-one of the most delightful and sublime doctrines of our religion.

There are two senses commonly attached to the expression, 'glory of God,' which are both and equally erroneous and unscriptural.

It is thought by many, perhaps it may be considered the prevailing and popular sentiment throughout Christendom, that the glory of God consists in the praise and homage rendered to him by his creatures; that it is to be measured and estimated by the amount of external adoration performed in his name, and directed to him by his worshippers. This is a most low and unworthy sertiment. Instead of being appropriate to the all-perfect Deity, it is adapted only to the weakness of our own inferior natures. It is a sentiment which, when it refers to the regard paid by man to his fellow man, has been the source of a large part of the misery which the human race has been called to endure. The lovers and votaries of earthly glory have from the beginning, been deluded by the idea that the only form under which their great object could be accomplished was the homage or the plaudits of their fellowmen. In order to secure that object they have rushed on through careers of crime and imposture of infinite extent and variety. The only aim of ambition, the great reward of exertion has been the adulation of others. No means, however unworthy or wicked, by which these could be attained, have been left unattempted. The only scene pictured before the aspiring vision of the follower and seeker of human glory, has been that of the conqueror or ruler receiving the homage of prostrate crowds, the only sound he has listened and longed to hear, has been the acclamation of admiring multitudes. We all know how delusive and erroneous is such an

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ambition, Human applause has so often been bestow ed upon unworthy objects, the voice of fame has so often been perverted and prostituted, that the world, at least the reflecting part of it, is beginning to estimate it very cheaply among objects deserving of the efforts and desires of a rational and intellectual being,

But it is not for this reason alone that we are led to deny to it any great value. It does not in itself possess the power of imparting any real, effectual, and lasting gratification. Neither the applause nor the homage of others can, of its own efficacy, reward, or dignify, or bless the condition of the human soul.

When we witness a triumphal procession, and see an individual receiving the homage of flattering and obsequious multitudes, we may perhaps at the first glance conclude that he is happy, that he is actually enjoying the gratification and glory, of which so many indications are given by the circumstances and pageantry of the scene. But upon closer inspection we may find that our conclusion was incorrect. The object of all that noisy admiration may indeed be borne aloft on the submissive shoulders of an innumerable crowd, he may hear on all sides the shouts and praises of thousands, but these things alone do not avail to render him happy; their whole value is lost if they are not accompanied by the plaudit of an approving conscience. It is this alone that can shed a cheering and a steady light over the spectacle it is this alone that can turn the mingled and tumultuous voices of popular fame and admiration into a sweet melody and music as they reach the heart of him who is their object. The whole history of wicked ambition and unworthy eminence, proves this.