Saints of God, is it not time for us to take seriously to heart the state of things which prevails in our midst?

God has in wonderful mercy and grace restored to us many a truth that has been lost sight of for ages. We know that our sins are now forgiven, and for ever put away. We know that God has justified us from all things. We know that we have eternal life in the Son of God.

We know that we are indwelt by the Holy Ghost, and thus united to the Lord Jesus Christ as the members of His body. We know that the present favor in which we stand, and the future glory to which we shall be shortly introduced, can only be measured by the delight which the Father has found for His heart in the Person and work of His beloved Son. And we know that our Lord Jesus is coming to take us to Himself, when His heart shall be satisfied, and our joy shall be full for ever.

I say we know these things, and by this I mean that they are common subjects of ministry amongst us, and as doctrinal truths the saints are familiar with them. But where is the practical godliness, the zeal, the devotedness, the watchfulness and prayerfulness, which should be the result of knowledge so extensive, and blessing so rich as this?

That there is much separation from open worldliness, we have to thank God for; but, alas, is it not oftentimes lest our reputation among the saints should suffer, rather than because we have found in Christ a present portion of heavenly joy?

Do we not often come together to read the Word, to pray, and even to break bread, in a cold, formal way, without having the springs of praise, desire, and worship, touched and opened in our hearts by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Are not our seasons of private prayer and meditation frequently cold and powerless, lacking in fervor and devoid of blessing, even when such seasons are not wholly neglected?

Does there not exist among us an appalling indifference.

Have we the same desire for the blessing of others to the interests of Christ; plainly evidenced by the lack of prayer -private, social, and public? which the Apostle had, who could say, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some;" and again, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved?"

When we speak to other Christians are we not often more intent on proving that they are wrong and we are right, than on ministering something that will be strength and blessing to their souls? and is there not often an assumption of spiritual superiority on our part, which counteracts all that we say?

O brethren beloved of God, may our hearts take warning! How terrible would it be if we became nothing more than a sect with a beautiful, correct, scriptural, but lifeless and cold, theology! The special device of the enemy to-day is to reduce the blessed revelation of our Father's will to a theology that may be discussed, and reasoned over, and made the subject of controversy. Remember, saints of God, that though the Apostle says, "Take heed to the doctrine," he puts before it the solemn admonition -alas! well-nigh forgotten to-day-"take heed unto thyself."

The question may be asked in surprise by those who have not noted with sorrow the declension that has been gradually creeping in for so many years, and which is now so manifest to every godly heart;-"What would you have us to be or to do?"

The desire of the heart of God is expressed in the word, "Be filled with the Spirit." In affectionate earnestness let me ask you, my brother, my sister, who are now reading this paper:Do you know the fulness of present joy; the ineffable peace; the plenitude of power for prayer, worship, and testimony; the abounding hope, that are the fruits of being "filled with the Spirit?"

Are you habitually controlled, directed, energized, and filled with the Holy Spirit of God? or is this a state of soul you desire to cherish?

If so, do you not mourn the lack of power and dearth of blessing which are so frequently noticeable in the meetings for prayer, ministry, and worship; and will you not go in brokenness of spirit into your closet, there to pour out your heart to God in confession of the low spiritual state everywhere apparent, and to beseech Him to visit us with a true revival in the power of the Holy Ghost, that we may be found a waiting, watching, and working people, at the fast-approaching moment when the Coming One shall shout us up to meet Him in the air?

And oh, my brother, if your soul is not bright, and fresh, and happy in the realized love of Christ; if you are not in the deep secret of your own heart walking in fellowship with the Father and the Son through the power of the Holy Ghost;-oh, suffer not the enemy to deceive you by leading you to think that you are becoming more intelligent. Is Christ more precious to you? Have you more real delight and joy in thinking and speaking of Himself? In intelligence you may be more advanced- but is your affection deeper, truer than when you first learnt that He loved you, and gave Himself for you? Does your heart glow with the ardor and fervor of "first love " the memory of which is even now so precious, as you recall it? Remember His appeal to the gifted and "advanced" assembly in Ephesus, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." What is the worth of a greater amount of intelligence as regards His Person and work, if it be gained at the expense of that soul affection which He prizes so dearly!

And then as regards His coming-Are you longing to hear His shout, and see His face, with a desire that grows deeper, and permeates your life more and more, every day? Correct and orthodox you may be as to the doctrine of the Lord's Coming, but, let me ask-is it a hope you dearly cherish, and for the fulfilment of which you are hourly waiting? Is it a doctrine you merely "hold," or does its power hold you tenaciously in its embrace, separating you in practice from this present evil age, and occupying your thoughts with the Person who is coming again?

Oh, that in this solemn, critical moment the cry may be heard-above the strife of tongues so prevalent, and amidst the indifference so wide-spread-ringing down in heavenly power to the depth of every ransomed soul:"AWAKE! AWAKE!" "behold the bridegroom! GO YE OUT TO MEET HIM."