vernor, deceived himself. The apostle Paul had "reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come;" and so affected was Felix by that reasoning, that we are told "he trembled." Now, all but himself would have thought, surely, that when he was so moved by the solemn consideration, and while the apostle was near to instruct and advise him, then was the time to cast down the idols of his heart. But no: Felix did "confer with flesh and blood;" he delayed and put off the holy work, which he ought to have done instantly, until he should have what he was so deluded as to suppose 66 a more convenient season ;" and that season never

came.

How long halt ye between two opinions?"Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." Do not with one accord begin to make excuse; but " to-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts;" to-night, before you give sleep to your eyes, and slumber to your eyelids, begin the work of Baal's destruction, by im

ploring the aid of the "stronger than the strong man armed;" yea, this moment, while the command is sounding, while God is waiting to be gracious, while the Holy Spirit is promised, while the mind is in some measure moved, while the affections are kindled into some holiness of desire, and the poor cold heart is roused into some warmth and energy,—now let a prayer ascend for strength to strike the blow which shall destroy Baal's kingdom there, and make way for Christ's. Tomorrow may be too late.

3rd. We notice the influence of Gideon's character and conduct over those who were in his service: "Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord said unto him." It seems that Gideon had not only kept himself from the defilement of his country's idolatry, but that he had used his influence and authority in endeavouring to preserve his servants from it also; and now, when he has to perform a work beyond his own strength, a work in which not one man

in his father's house, nor in all Israel, can be found to help him, the hearts of his own ten servants are made willing to unite with him; and they give him a proof on which he can depend, that his counsel and example have had a proper effect, by assisting him at the risk of their lives.

Here, then, is a point of Gideon's character which deserves the imitation of every master of a family. Gideon keeps his own servants from bowing the knee to Baal. He instructs them in the knowledge of the true God. His authority is exercised for the best of purposes. Can we wonder to see a want of good principle in our servants, if we take no pains to inculcate it, nor to show them the value of it by our own character and conduct in our families? Are we properly aware of our responsibility, with regard to the souls of those who are in our service? If we leave them without those means and opportunities of religious instruction which it is in our power to give them, for the

reformation of their manners, the preservation of their morals, the renewal of their hearts, and the salvation of their souls, God will require it of us; and he will reckon against us that evil and corrupt example, by which they were led into sin, or encouraged in it.

It suggests also a word or two of admonition to servants, a class which forms an interesting portion of almost every congregation. We wish to see you, who are servants, sensible of your privileges, as many of you as are favoured with masters and mistresses who care for your souls, and would bring you up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Are you situated in families where God's altar is reared for family prayer, and the reading of the Scriptures; and are you permitted to attend divine worship? What a mercy is this for you! Remember, "to whom much is given, of the same shall much be required." If you slight your mercies, and fail to profit by your advantages, God will require it of you. And you who

have a desire to go where Baal is worshipped, and not Christ, where the world and its sinful vanities are sought after, instead of "the kingdom of God and his righteousness," either for the sake of more time to consume in idleness and sin, or more wages to spend upon them; remember that the word of God declares, "the wages of sin is death." Think of this text when you are admonished to attend the house of God on the Sabbath, instead of wasting it in idleness, or profaning it by sin. Think of it when the Bible is offered you at a reduced price, by those who care for your eternal welfare, and whose desire for you is, that you may be made "wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." Think of it when you are told to avoid evil company, and to be separate from the vain conversation of the wicked. And, believe me, if you have, in the families which you serve, godly precept and example, family prayer, and the reading of the holy Scriptures, you possess what is of more