it in his power to do this good; for, "to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." CHAPTER XXII. THE USEFUL CHRISTIAN HAPPY. It is not intended to prescribe to the reader the ways or methods which it is his particular duty to adopt, in order to exert a proper Christian influence upon others; but rather to exhibit the necessity of uniting good works with devotional habits. This union is indispensable, we maintain, to a full and scriptural developement of true piety. Without it we cannot fulfil the commands of God, nor tread in the footsteps of our Redeemer. "To do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." It is a settled principle, therefore, that no Christian can be happy who is not useful; indeed it would admit of a question, whether any soul can be the subject of renewing grace, who is not, in some way, engaged in di rect acts of benevolence. Yet it must be confessed, that many professors seem to find some apology for inaction in all that respects selfdenying efforts to extend the influence of piety. The facilities for putting forth this influence have been alluded to, and ought to be well considered, by all who have enlisted "as good soldiers of Jesus Christ." It is needless to enumerate them, since they are familiar to all. They come to our very doors, and tender themselves to our acceptance. We can do good by our money, by our labor, by our conversation, and by our prayers. We can do good in the family, in the neighborhood, in the church, and throughout the world. Numerous channels are opened in the providence of God, through which we can carry out Christian influence, not only over our own land, but to the most distant and degraded spot on earth. Our charities can take wing, and light upon the very place where we think them most needed. We may find the objects of our benevolent regard already arranged and classified, so that we have only to select where, and upon whom, that benevolence shall flow, and the work may commence. With such opportunities of influence, it is clear that none but he who avails himself of some of them, and endeavors to acquire and sustain the character of a faithful servant, can be a happy Christian. God has done all this, to invite us to become co-workers with Himself in accomplishing the grand designs of His mercy. If we hold back; or if we leave the work to others, whilst, under the influence of some futile apology, we seek the things of earth, it is a very dark sign against us; and we may well tremble under the apprehension of being addressed at last as "wicked and slothful servants." On this subject, however, there is room for many modifications of personal duty and responsibility. Christians are placed in very different circumstances as to their means of usefulness, and their opportunities for doing good. All these circumstances the eye of Heaven notices and considers. Some are poor; and their responsibilities are modified by their lowly con dition. In them we look for the virtues of industry, frugality, and temperance; but cannot expect them to give their time or their money— except as they consider it a privilege to contribute their mite, which it undoubtedly is even to the poorest. But such can pray; can meekly reprove vice; can let the light of their example -not the less attractive for their povertyshine upon their ungodly neighbors. Some are mothers-deeply responsible and highly useful condition—with young immortals cast upon their care, whose moral training no circumstances, save those of dire necessity, should tempt them to neglect. There is no province on earth more important than this. We will excuse the Christian mother-under the pressure of maternal responsibility—from many if not all the conspicuous charities of the day. If she is, under God, moulding the character of her offspring, in order to qualify them for life's duties, and for Heaven's eternal joys, we will say to her, "Go on, and God be with |