interests, and, to a great extent, seek our own happiness; and if we
barely obey the suggestions of natural sympathy, and manifest common
generosity, it is enough. They would bring down this exalted standard
to our own diminutive stature, so that we can measure ourselves by it
without inconvenience. But all such efforts are high-handed rebellion,
and will prove utterly vain. God has placed it on a pedestal high as
the eternal throne, and there it will stand and burn forever. We must
bind our consciences to this standard; they must rise to its height,
and shine with its radiance. If to our selfish hearts it appear a
blood-stained cross, we must nail them to it, and let them bleed and
agonize there. To gratify our selfish desires, God will never lower
his claims. We must come up to them. If unwilling to do it in time,
we shall meet them in all their solemn realities at the final bar; if
we have been obedient, there receiving the smile of our Judge; if not,
his everlasting frown.

Secondly, we should keep ourselves informed of the spiritual wants of
our race. Every one is bound to be in earnest in this work. He should
strive to enstamp on his heart a full-drawn image of the world scathed
by sin. We should realize how great a portion of our globe is yet
untouched by the vivifying light of the Cross; that the desolating
systems of idolatry, of Mohammedism, of Romanism, and other false
religions, are now overshadowing and blasting the nations. We should
search for distinct knowledge of the intellectual degradation, of the
moral corruption, of the oppression, wretchedness, and woe, of the
groans uttered, and the tears shed, by the millions now subject to their
galling sway, "as for hid treasures." Ignorance on these topics, at the
present day, cannot be excusable. The organs of the various benevolent
societies come weekly or monthly to our doors, detailing scenes of
sottish ignorance, of pollutions and misery, which cause philanthropy to