,transcribed from the #ahgg ,hatchards edition by ,david ,price1 email ccx#jgdpglaf4org ,,conformity ,,to ,,the ,,world4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,by ,,the ,,rev4 ,e4 ,,hoare1 ,,vicar ,,of ,,trinity1 ,,tunbridge ,,wells1 ,,and ,,honorary ,,canon ,,of ,,canterbury4 99 99 99 99 99 ,second ,edition4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,london3 ,,hatchards1 ,,piccadilly4 #ahgg4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,london3 ,,printed ,,by ,,john ,,strangeways ,castle ,st4 ,leicester ,sq4 ,,contents4 ,,page ,,introduction #a ,,the ,,world #f ,,conformity ,,to ,,the ,,world #ba ,,general ,,principles #ba ,,recognition ,,of ,,the ,,distinction #bh ,,dress #ca ,,society #ce ,,friends #ci ,,amusements #da ,,conclusion #fb ,,introduction4 ,,there are few subjects of greater practical importance than that considered in these pages1 viz41 ,conformity to the ,world4 ,it is one that penetrates into the daily life of families1 and leads to questions of the most delicate character between those who are bound together by the most intimate relationships of life4 ,it is moreover a subject pre-eminently suited to our times1 for ,i venture to say there are few amongst us who have not reason to deplore a sad tendency to worldly conformity amongst those in whom we take a deep interest4 ,many of the young people of our day seem prepared to sweep away all barriers1 and to lose sight of all distinctions2 while others1 who1 we really hope1 are ,christian people1 who take an interest in ,christian objects1 and assist us generally in our parochial work1 seem to have forgotten the landmarks drawn out by our fathers1 and1 ,i fear1 have become in consequence weakened in their faith1 and paralysed in their ,christian peace4 ,they have become very much like ,ephraim as described in ,hos4 vii4 #h1 #i3 #8,ephraim1 he hath mixed himself among the people2 ,ephraim is a cake not turned4 ,strangers have devoured his strength1 and he knoweth it not2 yea1 gray hairs are here and there upon him1 yet he knoweth not4' ,thus in such characters there is a warm side1 and we acknowledge it with thankfulness2 but there is a cold side likewise1 and we deeply deplore it4 ,the cake has not been turned1 and the result is a thorough inconsistency of character4 ,there is sufficient religious interest to blind the eye to the discovery of decay2 but1 though they know it not1 the decay is begun1 and there are grey hairs stealing upon them1 the outward signs of inward weakness2 for they have mixed with the people1 and strangers are devouring their strength4 ,but we need not suppose that this is a new difficulty1 or that the temptation is now for the first time appearing in the ,church4 ,it was the same in ,cowper's day1 as we may gather from his poem3-- #8,renounce the world1 the preacher cries4 ,we do--a multitude replies4 ,while one as innocent regards ,a snug and friendly game at cards2 ,and one1 whatever you may say1 ,can see no evil in a play4 ,some love a concert1 or a race2 ,and others shooting1 or the chase4 ,reviled and loved1 renounced and followed6 ,thus1 bit by bit1 the world is swallowed4 ,each thinks his neighbour makes too free1 ,yet likes a slice as well as he4' ,but the difficulty reaches much further back than ,cowper's time4 ,it is in fact as old as the human heart1 for it is part and parcel of it1 so that #ahjj years ago the ,church of ,christ required the same warning that it does now1 and the ,apostle ,paul gave the inspired caution3 #8,be not conformed to this world2 but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind1 that ye may prove what is that good1 and acceptable1 and perfect will of ,god4' ,the word #8transformed' is alone sufficient to show the deep-seated character of the evil1 for it proves that nothing less than a transformation is required to enable us to overcome it4 ,let human nature go on unchanged1 and the result will be conformity to the world4 ,the world and the love of it are in the natural heart1 and1 unless there is a change1 there is sure to be worldly-mindedness in the life4 ,,the ,,world4 ,,before we can understand what is meant by conformity to the world1 we must first see clearly what is meant by the world itself4 ,there seem to be three senses in which the word is employed in ,scriptures4 7#a47 ,it is used to express all mankind4 ,i cannot doubt that this is the meaning of our blessed ,saviour in those memorable words of ,his3 #8,god so loved the world1 that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life4' ,i have heard a limitation put on that passage1 and seen #8the world' explained as meaning only the elect4 ,but such an interpretation ,i believe to be contrary to ,scripture4 ,the expression #8the world' is constantly used for those who are not amongst the elect1 but never1 ,i believe1 for those that are2 besides which1 the eighteenth verse of the chapter seems to me to prove conclusively that both classes1 viz41 those who believe1 and those who do not1 are here included in the one comprehensive term1 #8the world4' ,the words are1 #8,he that believeth on him is not condemned2 but he that believeth not is condemned already1 because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten ,son of ,god3' showing1 as ,i cannot but think1 beyond a possibility of contradiction1 that those who perish and those who are saved are included in the world1 which ,god loved in ,his deep compassion1 and for which ,he gave ,his only begotten ,son4 7#b47 ,the world stands for this earth and all that belongs to this present life1 or dispensation4 ,thus of the incarnation ,st4 ,paul says that our ,lord #8came into the world to save sinners4' 7#a ,tim4 i4 #ae47 ,so our ,lord speaks of ,his lifetime here as a time spent in the world3 #8,while ,i was with them in the world1 ,i kept them in thy name4' 7,john1 xvii4 #ab47 ,so1 #8,when ,jesus knew that the hour was come that he should depart out of the world1 having loved his own which were in the world1 he loved them unto the end4' 7,john1 xiii4 #a47 ,and this ,i have no doubt is the meaning of ,his prayer 7,john1 xvii4 #ae71 #8,i pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world1 but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil4' ,he did not desire that they should die1 or be removed from the scene of life's labour1 but that they should be preserved in it as a holy and consecrated people4 ,in the same sense ,st4 ,john says1 #8,the world passeth away1 and the lust thereof3 but he that doeth the will of ,god abideth for ever' 7#a ,john1 ii4 #ag72 and again1 #8,whoso hath this world's goods1 and seeth his brother have need1 and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him1 how dwelleth the love of ,god in him8' 7#c47 ,but there is a third sense of the term #8the world1' and one of more frequent occurrence in ,scripture than either of the other two4 ,it is used for the body of unconverted persons as contrasted with the children of ,god4 ,in this contrast there are many points clearly marked in ,scripture4 7#a47 ,the two classes are separated by the gift of ,god1 as we learn from the words of our ,lord in ,john1 xvii4 #i3 #8,i have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world3 thine they were1 and thou gavest them me2 and they have kept thy word4' 7#b47 ,believers enjoy a fellowship with ,god to which the world are strangers4 #8,how is it1' said ,judas 7,john1 xiv4 #bb71 #8that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us1 and not unto the world8 ,jesus answered and said unto him1 ,if a man love me he will keep my words3 and my ,father will love him1 and we will come unto him1 and make our abode with him4' 7#c47 ,the world has no real knowledge of the ,father1 of ,christ1 or of ,his people4 ,they may think they know ,him1 and may really know a great deal about ,him2 but as for that knowledge which our ,lord declares to be life eternal1 they are perfect strangers to it1 for ,his language is1 #8,oh righteous ,father1 the world hath not known thee3 but ,i have known thee1 and these have known that thou hast sent me4' 7,john1 xvii4 #be47 ,in like manner said ,st4 ,john1 when speaking of the ,father's boundless love in #a ,john1 iii4 #a1 #8,behold what manner of love the ,father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the children of ,god6 therefore the world knoweth us not1 because it knew him not4' 7#d47 ,the world has its origin in this world1 and belongs to it2 but believers have their life from ,god4 ,so the world are sometimes called #8the children of this world1' as e4g41 ,luke1 xvi4 #h3 #8,the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light2' and our ,lord puts the contrast very plainly when ,he says 7,john1 viii4 #bc71 #8,ye are from beneath1 ,i am from above3 ye are of this world' 7 72 #8,i am not of this world4' ,on the other hand1 of believers ,he says1 that their life is from above4 ,just contrast the passage already quoted with ,his language in ,john1 xvii4 #af4 ,of the world ,he says1 #8,ye are of this world4' ,but of ,his little flock1 #8,they are not of this world1 even as ,i am not of this world4' ,they have a life given them from above 71 ,john1 iii4 #c71 and therefore ,st4 ,john plainly declares respecting them 7#a ,john1 v4 #ai71 #8,we are of ,god1 and the whole world lieth in wickedness4' 7#e47 ,the world has its portion in this world2 believers have their portion in heaven4 ,the world are like the rich man described by our ,lord1 to whom ,abraham said1 #8,thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things4' ,the good things that he sought for were all connected with this present life1 and he received them4 ,thus there are few better definitions of men of the world than that given by ,david in ,psalm xvii4 #ad1 when he describes them as #8men of the world1 which have their portion in this life4' ,every person has his portion somewhere2 i4e41 we all have some treasure at which we are aiming1 something that we are pursuing if we do not all attain it4 ,now the portion of the men of the world is altogether in this present life4 ,i do not mean that they have no vague hope of going to heaven when they die2 but that they are practically living for the things of time4 ,it is for the things of this life that they are spending their strength1 and here it is that they really have their portion4 ,how different it is with those whom ,god has called out of the world6 ,they are in the world1 but their treasure is in heaven1 and they can say as ,david did 7,psalm xvi4 #e71 #8,the ,lord is the portion of mine inheritance and my cup3 thou maintainest my lot4' ,to them the world is a crucified thing1 as ,st4 ,paul said1 #8,by whom the world is crucified unto me1 and ,i unto the world4' ,they have a new hope and a new inheritance2 for1 being children1 they are heirs1 heirs of ,god1 and joint heirs with ,christ4 ,their conversation is in heaven1 because their ,saviour is there2 and1 while they are diligent in life's occupations1 they seek first the kingdom of ,god1 and ,his righteousness4 ,they are looking for a city which hath foundations1 whose builder and maker is ,god4 7#f47 ,but there is another point in which our blessed ,saviour has marked the contrast between the two classes still more clearly1 viz41 this1 ,the world does not love ,christ or ,his people4 ,i know that the first impression produced on many minds by such a statement would be that there is not this antipathy in our own times4 ,there is so much kindliness of heart amongst worldly people1 and in many cases they show so much friendliness1 that it is difficult to realise this hostility4 ,but our ,lord distinctly declares it1 and all ,his words are true4 ,in ,john1 xv4 #ah1 #ai1 ,he says1 #8,if the world hate you1 ye know that it hated me before it hated you4 ,if ye were of the world1 the world would love his own2 but because ye are not of the world1 but ,i have chosen you out of the world1 therefore the world hateth you4' ,so again 7,john1 xvii4 #ad71 #8,i have given them thy word2 and the world hath hated them1 because they are not of the world1 even as ,i am not of the world4' ,so ,st4 ,john echoes ,his ,master's words1 and says 7#a ,john1 iii4 #ac1 #ad71 #8,marvel not1 my brethren1 if the world hate you3 we know that we have passed from death unto life1 because we love the brethren4' ,in all these passages there is the contrast clearly marked between the world and those whom ,god has called out of it to be a separate people unto ,himself2 a contrast so marked that it produces enmity on the part of the world towards the separated people4 ,but still1 as ,i have already said1 there are multitudes of professing ,christians who are ready to deny the existence of any such enmity1 and most of ourselves have frequently met with generosity and kindness from those who we cannot but fear are still people of the world4 ,how then are we to explain this apparent difference between ,scripture and experience8 ,how is it that we do not find a greater hostility on the part of the world towards the people of ,god8 ,of course the testimony of ,god's ,word must be true1 and the explanation must be sought for in ourselves4 ,i would suggest to those brethren who think they see a difficulty1 three inquiries which may perhaps remove it4 7#a47 ,do we not sometimes mistake conformity to the externals of the ,gospel for love to ,christ8 ,in a ,christian country like this1 the most thoroughly worldly persons are induced1 by their sense of respectability1 to conform to the visible practices of ,christianity2 but it does not follow on that account1 that the real enmity of the human heart towards a blessed ,saviour is removed1 or that the offence of the cross has ceased4 7#b47 ,do we not sometimes mistake personal regard to ourselves1 for a love to the people of ,god8 ,men of the world have strong natural affections1 and those natural affections may happen to be fixed on the children of ,god2 but it does not follow on that account1 that they love either ,christ or ,his people4 7#c47 ,are the people of ,god thoroughly faithful in their intercourse with the world8 ,is not an exhibition of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ so greatly modified in many cases1 that the world is never brought into collision with the high standard held up by ,him8 ,if our ,gospel is softened down to meet the world's mind1 of course it will excite no hostility2 and ,i cannot but fear1 that the friendship we so often meet with in the world1 may arise from our taking low ground ourselves1 and not really shining forth as lights in the world1 or exhibiting with sufficient clearness the holy character to which ,christ has called ,his people4 ,but without stopping to dwell on these causes for the absence of the apparent enmity1 we must1 ,i think1 all admit the clear contrast drawn in ,scripture between the world and the people of ,god2 and must conclude1 that in the various passages referred to #8the world' includes all those who are not in ,him1 as contrasted with those that are4 ,there are two classes1 with a clear line between them--the world and the people of ,god2 the world consisting of those who are not in ,christ2 and the people of ,god1 of those who are given to ,him1 called by ,him1 justified in ,him1 born again through ,his ,spirit1 and preserved in ,him as vessels for ,his glory4 ,thus the world is not limited to profligate or notorious offenders1 but includes all those who are strangers to the covenant of ,god in ,christ ,jesus4 ,the world might almost be reckoned as a middle class between the profligate and the people of ,god2 a class having great charms1 and many excellencies2 a class having a wisdom of its own1 exceeding1 so far as this life is concerned1 that of the children of light2 a class including amiable men1 moral men1 influential men1 and intellectual men2 including the refined1 as well as the unrefined--the gentleman1 the statesman1 the philosopher1 and1 ,i must add1 even the clergyman1 provided only that one thing is wanting1 that one thing being a living union with ,christ ,jesus the ,lord4 ,,conformity ,,to ,,the ,,world4 ,,from this account of the world1 we may proceed to examine what is meant by conformity to it2 and in this examination we must begin with general principles4 ,,general ,,principles4 7#a47 ,conformity to the world is quite distinct from immorality4 ,it is a very common thing for persons to say that there is no harm in such or such an amusement2 by which they mean that there is no profligacy4 ,but conformity to the world is a totally different thing to profligacy2 and though there is no profligacy1 there may be the most thoroughgoing worldliness4 ,the world1 in many cases1 condemns open vice as much as the people of ,god do4 ,it is most unjust in its sentence2 as1 for example1 when it brands the poor woman with infamy1 and admits her abominable betrayer into the unrestrained enjoyment of society4 ,but in many cases it is extremely severe1 and it would not be just1 or true1 to identify it with debauchery or low-lived habits4 ,it is altogether far more refined in its character2 and though it may be perfectly true of a young man that he is quite steady1 and free from low vice1 it may be equally true that there is no love of the ,lord ,jesus in his heart1 and that he belongs entirely to those described by the ,psalmist1 #8the men of the world1 who have their portion in this life4' ,it may be quite impossible to lay your hand upon any one thing that he does1 and pronounce it immoral2 but equally impossible to discover in him anything that savours of the things which be of ,god1 or that proves him one of those whose conversation is in heaven4 ,i regard this distinction between immorality and worldliness as one of the utmost importance in the consideration of the subject2 for ,i have known many cases in which ,christian parents bring questions to the test of immorality1 rather than to that of worldliness4 ,if there be no immorality in any course of action they are satisfied1 without stopping to consider whether it is most in harmony with the mind of the world or with the mind of ,god4 ,but1 if immorality and worldliness are entirely distinct in their character1 it is clear that this latter test is the only one on which we can rely4 ,if the mind of the world were the same as the mind of ,god1 then1 of course1 we ought to be satisfied if there is nothing in a young person's conduct which the world condemns2 but if it be a fact that the mind of the world is opposed to the mind of ,god1 then in ,his sight we may be altogether wrong1 though the world can discover no harm whatever in our conduct4 ,a young person may be quite steady1 and yet altogether worldly2 quite free from habits of dissipation1 but conformed at the same time to the world2 perfectly moral1 but of the world1 and in it4 7#b47 ,again1 conformity to the world does not consist in diligent attention to the business of life4 ,the rule for the servant of ,god is2 #8,whatsoever thy hand findeth to do1 do it with thy might2' and we may be perfectly sure1 that ,god's name will never be honoured by negligence in a ,christian calling4 ,on the other hand1 the effect of the ,gospel on the heart will be to render the ,christian man pre-eminently effective in that state of life in which it shall please ,god to place him4 ,there is nothing in spirituality of mind to make a person a bad man of business1 or to give any apology for ineffectiveness in common life4 ,if a ,christian man is inaccurate in his accounts1 unpunctual in his appointments1 and muddling in his arrangements1 it is the effect not of his religion1 but1 generally speaking1 of his indolence2 for if his religion were properly applied1 it would lead him to act on the scriptural maxim1 #8,not slothful in business1 fervent in spirit1 serving the ,lord4' 7#c47 ,once more1 separation from the world does not consist in eccentricity4 ,christian persons are not called upon to look out for opportunities for making themselves different to other people4 ,our ,lord came1 it is true1 to redeem us to ,himself #8a peculiar people4' ,but that peculiarity is perfectly distinct from singularity1 or eccentricity4 ,it refers simply to the sacred position of the ,lord's people1 as redeemed by ,his blood1 and so made ,his own1 an especial people unto ,himself4 ,it is the result of the great truth taught in the text3 #8,the ,lord's portion is his people3 ,jacob is the lot of his inheritance4' ,if the blessed fact that we are ,his1 be consistently followed out in daily life1 the distinction will be quite sure to make itself felt2 and it is the duty of the child of ,god not to shrink from its being so felt4 ,if we be amongst the ,lord's people we must not be ashamed of it1 but must be prepared for anything that may arise out of the peculiarity of our high calling4 ,but the ,christian is not called to go out of his way to make the distinction conspicuous1 or to attract attention by anything of his own choosing4 ,if the ,lord makes him a marked man1 it is well2 but if he makes himself one1 though he may really desire to adorn the ,gospel1 he may by his own folly make it appear ridiculous4 ,what1 then1 is conformity to the world1 and what is the practical development of it in common life8 ,its general principles we have already ascertained4 ,it is living according to the mind of the world1 instead of the mind of ,god2 and1 as far as general principle is concerned1 there will probably be but little difference amongst ,christian persons4 ,the real difficulty lies in the application of this principle to daily life1 and in ascertaining where to draw the line between that which is desirable and that which is undesirable1 for those whose desire it is to be conformed to the will of ,god4 ,in many happy cases there is no difficulty at all1 for it disappears before the power of a new affection4 ,the new affection which ,god has planted in the heart is so strong1 and so warm1 that it settles all questions without discussion4 ,the new taste finds no relish in the old habits1 and the result is that they drop off of themselves1 like the leaves in autumn4 ,but there is not always this strength in the new affection2 and there are those who are thoroughly sincere in their desire to follow ,christ2 and who1 we hope1 have really begun to follow ,him2 who still want help in making up their mind as to the line they ought to take4 ,they have to decide on their course of conduct1 and sometimes without any counsel from their friends4 ,they wish to be faithful to their blessed ,saviour1 but they are anxious not to give needless offence4 ,they are afraid of paining those whom they respect and love1 and there is a delicate feeling of modesty1 which makes it extremely painful for them to make a higher profession than those around them4 ,for such cases1 a few practical suggestions may be an assistance4 ,,recognition ,,of ,,the ,,distinction4 ,there is conformity to the world when we ignore the distinction between the people of ,god and the world2 and this1 ,i believe1 lies at the very root of the subject4 ,there is nothing more unpopular to the world than this distinction4 ,the prevailing theory of worldly persons is1 that all are very much alike1 provided only that they are virtuous and amiable2 and there is nothing which they dislike more than the idea of a peculiar people1 separated unto ,god in ,christ ,jesus4 ,they would wish to be considered right in their opinion1 as their more religious friends are right in theirs2 and if the servants of ,god will only concede this one principle1 the men of the world will bear almost anything at their hand4 ,i am well aware of the practical difficulty of maintaining the distinction4 ,in many things the world conforms to the ,church1 as the ,church does to the world2 and the line is so shaded off on both sides1 that it is almost beyond man's power to trace it4 ,the state of things is very much like two dissolving views at the time when they are passing from one to the other4 ,there is a faint sketch of both1 but no clear outline to either4 ,then1 again1 the last thing that we desire is to see our young people assuming to themselves a spiritual superiority1 and saying to others1 #8,stand aside1 for ,i am holier than thou4' ,but still the distinction is drawn by ,god in ,his ,word1 and we are guilty of thorough conformity to the world if we set it aside4 ,happily1 we are not called to decide where each individual stands2 and ,i know few things more painful than to hear persons discussing whether individuals are converted or not4 ,but still the existence of the distinction in its broad outlines must lie at the basis of a great deal of our practical conduct1 and must not be allowed to disappear from our guiding principles4 ,if we are in ,christ1 adopted as ,his own holy family1 we must not be afraid of acknowledging ,him1 or ashamed of being identified with ,his people4 ,,dress4 ,we are conformed to the world when we adopt the dress and appearance of the world4 ,i do not mean to say that ,christians are called to make themselves eccentric in their appearance1 or altogether to ignore the changing fashions of the country4 ,i do not believe that worldliness is avoided by having a stereotyped dress like nuns or ,quakers4 ,the principle by which1 ,i think1 we ought to be guided1 is never to be either in the advance of the fashion1 or the extreme of it2 but1 when it has become the costume of the country1 to adopt it in moderation4 ,there is no risk of eccentricity if a person abstains from a new fashion until it has become so common as to be a part of the national costume1 and if it is then adopted in great moderation there will be nothing at any time to attract attention4 ,i know that some take a different line1 on the plea1 as they say1 that it is necessary to dress according to their station1 and that the style of the dress should be regulated by the income of the wearer4 ,thus1 ,i have known some cases of palpable inconsistency in mistresses1 and even ,sunday-school teachers1 who have gravely exhorted their servants or scholars against a style of dress which they themselves were wearing at the time4 ,but1 if the quality varies with the income1 which ,i quite admit1 does it follow that the style should8 ,what is not modest apparel for the maid1 is no better surely for the mistress3 and if it is wrong for the scholar to be showy1 it is wrong likewise for the teacher4 ,others ,i have known who have professedly dressed in the height of the fashion in order to increase their influence with worldly persons2 but surely this is a low and human policy1 and it would be far better for all parties simply to adhere to ,scripture4 ,human nature has always been the same1 and women loved smart dressing #ahjj years ago just as much as they do now4 ,the costume1 of course1 was different1 so that the actual directions of those days will not apply to our own2 but the taste was the same1 and the ,scripture teaches us plainly that ,christian women ought1 for the ,lord's sake1 to keep that taste in subjection and restraint4 ,the language of ,st4 ,paul is1 #8,in like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel1 with shamefacedness and sobriety2 not with braided hair1 or gold1 or pearls1 or costly array2 but1 which becometh women professing godliness1 with good works4' ,he considered modest apparel to be the true adornment of a ,christian woman1 and surely any deviation from it is a direct act of conformity to the world4 ,the words of ,st4 ,peter are to the same effect1 #8,whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair1 and of wearing of gold1 or of putting on of apparel2 but let it be the hidden man of the heart1 in that which is not corruptible1 even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit1 which in the sight of ,god is of great price4' 7#a ,pet4 iii4 #c1 #d47 ,surely such passages show that there is a sin in stylish dressing1 and that the ,christian lady will be distinguished from the fashionable world by the quiet modesty and becoming simplicity of her appearance4 ,,society4 ,we may be conformed to the world in our intercourse with society4 ,as long as we are in this life we are thrown into the midst of other men2 and1 as members of society1 we are bound by the duties of social life4 ,there are kind neighbours all around us1 many of whom1 we may fear1 are still men of the world1 but who are associated with us through business and the ties of neighbourhood4 ,how1 then1 should we act in society when we really desire not to be conformed to the world8 ,i do not think that the ,christian is to show himself an exclusive man4 #8,he that hath friends must show himself friendly2' and there are many things which he may1 and even ought to do1 to all around him4 ,he should be in all cases a friendly1 obliging1 and unselfish neighbour4 ,he should be open at any time to kind and friendly intercourse4 ,he should be ever ready to help his neighbours in all that concerns either them or their families4 ,he should be diligently seeking to promote the happiness of all who are brought into contact with him4 ,and all this without ever stopping to consider whether they are the children of ,god or not4 ,i believe1 also1 that he may safely join with them in social life4 ,our ,lord did it1 and therefore they who desire to follow ,him may do it likewise4 ,but let us all remember1 what we are sometimes apt to forget when we look to ,his example1 that we must be prepared to follow ,him throughout1 and go1 as ,he went1 wherever we go1 as faithful witnesses for ,god4 ,our ,lord accepted the invitation of ,simon the ,pharisee2 but ,he never forgot ,his character or mission2 and before ,he left the dinner-table ,he both reproved ,simon1 and saved the poor sinner that came trembling to ,his feet4 ,my belief is that this is the true solution of all the questions that arise respecting social intercourse with men of the world4 ,i see great difficulty in artificial rules2 but ,i believe that1 when ,christian men seek for ,god's grace to adorn the ,gospel wherever they are1 they will soon find that society sorts itself4 ,if ,simon the ,pharisee1 or ,zaccheus the ,publican1 ask them to dinner1 let them go1 and let them recognise the hospitality of their friend4 ,but let them be sure they first seek ,god's grace that they go as ,christian witnesses1 and they will find practically that1 unless their ,master is welcomed as well as themselves1 they will not be perplexed by many more invitations4 ,if they go on the principle of leaving all their ,christianity at home1 the case is of course different4 ,they will then be sought for by the world1 for the simple reason that they are conformed to it2 for nothing do worldly men prize more than the implied sanction of those who bear a high name as religious characters4 #8,we cannot be wrong1' say they1 #8for ,mr4 ,so-and-,so was here2 and we all know what an excellent man he is4' ,conformity to the world does not consist in going to the dinner1 but in changing our character as well as our dress1 and going there as men of the world1 without letting it be felt that we have sought the ,master's presence1 and are anxious for the ,master's glory4 ,,friends4 ,there is conformity to the world in our choice of friends4 ,i say #8our choice of friends1' because there are many given us by ,god without any choice of our own4 ,there are often dearly-beloved relations respecting whom we may feel a deep anxiety2 but that anxiety must not deaden the affections1 or take away the natural love which ,god ,himself has planted towards them4 ,but these are not our chosen friends1 not those whom we have sought out or made for ourselves4 ,but there is probably scarcely anything that marks a character more than its friendships4 ,nothing can be stronger than the ,scripture is upon this subject1 #8,know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity against ,god8 ,whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of ,god4' 7,james1 iv4 #d47 ,thus there is a direct act of conformity to the world in the cultivation of worldly friendships4 ,if the people of ,god are thought dull1 and are therefore disregarded1 while we seek our friendships from those who belong to the world1 it shows that there is no affinity with the people of ,god1 and ,i fear we must go one step further1 and say1 no real love for ,god ,himself2 for the words of ,scripture are perfectly plain1 #8,every one that loveth him that begat1 loveth him also that is begotten of him4' 7#a ,john1 v4 #a47 ,,amusements4 ,but now ,i come to that which1 ,i am inclined to think1 is the most difficult portion of our whole subject1 viz4--amusements4 ,we are conformed to the world when we go into many of the amusements of the world4 ,i say #8into many1' because ,i cannot say all1 as many do not belong exclusively to the world1 but are a legitimate source of recreation to the children of ,god2 and this it is that makes the subject so pre-eminently difficult4 ,there are1 however1 a few general principles which may help to guide us4 7#a47 ,the ,christian man has no place in those amusements which have become practically connected with immorality and open wickedness4 ,this principle will clear off a great many at once2 such1 for example1 as theatres1 operas1 and races4 ,there is no harm in racing a horse1 acting a play1 or the performance of beautiful music1 regarded in the abstract2 but in practical life they are mixed up with gambling1 fraud1 profligacy1 and the degradation of female character4 ,the mischief has become part and parcel of the system1 so that the ,christian man has nothing to do but to withdraw4 ,he is not called to reform the racecourse1 the ballet1 or the stage1 so that his only course is to have nothing whatever to do with them4 7#b47 ,but1 further still4 ,there is conformity to the world when we go into those amusements which are decidedly worldly in their character4 ,as ,i have already shown1 there may be thorough worldliness where there is no profligacy2 and in such a case it is for the people of ,god to keep clear4 ,on this principle1 ,i believe we should abstain from balls4 ,there is no denying that the fashionable ball is altogether of the world4 ,the dress1 the flirtation1 the excitement1 the late hours1 are all of the world2 and the moral sense is sufficient to decide that any thing savouring of the ,gospel1 or of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 is utterly out of place in such a scene4 ,if balls are not worldly1 ,i cannot imagine what is4 ,i went to some in early life--sober1 quiet1 well-conducted family balls1 and ,i do not hesitate to express my conviction that ,i never met with anything in which ,i have seen so complete a combination as in the ball-room of the three things mentioned by ,st4 ,john1 #8,the lust of the flesh1 the lust of the eye1 and the pride of life1' which are #8not of the ,father1 but of the world4' ,some dances1 such as polkas and waltzes1 ,i believe to be objectionable on moral grounds2 and ,i have known instances in which perfectly steady young men have been exposed to great temptation through them4 ,i can quite believe1 however1 that this is not the case with all1 and therefore it is not the point on which ,i rest my chief objection4 ,it is the thorough1 avowed1 open worldliness of all balls that ,i think should lead the ,christian to abstain4 ,the whole thing is of the world4 ,the conversation is of the world2 the gratifications are all of the world2 the excitement is altogether of the world2 the society assembled there is1 for the most part1 of the world2 and1 therefore1 ,i cannot believe that they are the fitting enjoyments for those who wish to carry out the ,apostolic precept1 #8,be not conformed to this world2 but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind1 that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of ,god4' 7#c47 ,surely the ,christian is out of place where he cannot reasonably hope to enjoy the presence and companionship of ,god4 ,if the whole scene is of such a character that it would be clearly out of place to speak of the things of ,his kingdom1 and if the effect of the whole is likely to be such as to forbid secret communion at the time1 or to unfit us for stated prayer afterwards1 it is surely a clear case that such is not the amusement for those whose earnest desire it is to walk with ,god1 and to do ,his will4 7#d47 ,so further1 ,i think we may conclude that1 as a general rule1 it is safer and wiser to be guided by the experience and common practice of the people of ,god4 ,i do not mean to say that ,christian people are infallible1 or that they may not in some cases draw the line too tight4 ,they are but men1 and they are liable to human failures4 ,but still they are much more likely to be right in such matters than those are who have never sought counsel from ,god upon the subject4 ,if therefore we see that the most decided ,christians have as a body been led to abstain from a certain class of amusements1 it is surely wise to believe that they have seen some good reason for doing so1 and the prudent course for the young ,christian is to endeavour to avail himself of their experience1 instead of relying on his own wisdom1 and so striking out a new course for himself4 ,this lesson is well taught us in the ,song of ,solomon 7chap4 i4 #g1 #h74 ,the ,bride there says1 #8,tell me1 ,o thou whom my soul loveth1 where thou feedest1 where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon3 for why should ,i be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions8' ,her desire was to be near to the ,lord1 and not to turn aside to strangers4 ,now mark well the answer3 #8,if thou know not1 ,o thou fairest among women1' if thou know not1 that is1 where to find the beloved1 #8go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock1 and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents4' ,in order to find the chief shepherd she was to trace the footsteps of the flock that followed him1 and tracing those footsteps1 she would be guided to her ,lord ,himself4 ,so if we want to live near to the ,lord1 ,i am persuaded we must not be ashamed of tracing the footsteps of ,his people4 ,we must be prepared to identify ourselves with them2 we must not set aside their experience as a thing of nought2 and must so far yield our own will as to be guided by their concurrent judgment4 ,when1 therefore1 a young person finds that all the most decidedly serious persons of his acquaintance have thought it best to abstain from any particular amusement1 ,i am persuaded that he is more likely to enjoy the presence of his ,lord if he decides on abstaining with them1 even though he may not see their reasons1 than if he sets aside their experience1 and follows in the steps of those whose boast it is that they make no profession4 7#e47 ,there is another practical suggestion with reference to amusements1 though ,i cannot urge it as one of principle2 viz41 this3 ,there is great risk in adopting1 or introducing1 an amusement1 if it is likely to lead on to something further1 and you cannot draw any clear line at which you mean to stop4 ,there are some things perfectly unobjectionable in themselves1 but which become most objectionable when carried to the extent to which the world carries them4 ,but yet the shades of difference are so delicate that it is almost impossible to draw any line that shall form a stopping point between the innocent beginning and the objectionable end4 ,take dancing as an illustration4 ,in itself1 it is a natural1 cheerful1 innocent amusement1 and a great deal better1 in my opinion1 than many others which are substituted for it4 ,but those others have this advantage1 that1 when they reach a certain point1 they cease of themselves2 whereas1 dancing leads straight on to the ball-room1 and you cannot tell your sons or daughters where to stop4 ,it is offensive to your friends to say that your young people may dance in your own home1 but not in theirs4 ,then1 again1 it is impossible to persuade a young person that the question of conformity to the world depends on whether the carpet is taken up or not4 ,you cannot turn the carpet into a test1 as ,i have known some attempt to do1 and say that it is all right if the carpet is down1 but wrong if it is taken up4 ,nor can you make the time of leaving off a test1 and say that it is right till eleven1 and wrong if it goes on till twelve2 or right till twelve1 and wrong if it goes on till one4 ,the result is that those who begin with what they call family dances find in most cases that their young people end in being habitual ball-goers2 and very frequently the parents themselves are so drawn along down the sliding scale that they give up most of their early principles1 and become with their young people1 in such matters1 thoroughly conformed to the world4 ,thus1 many a young person has been like those unfortunate travellers who perished when crossing the ,col de ,gant4 ,they found the narrow ridge of rough rock was difficult and fatiguing1 so they turned aside a few paces in order to find an easier path on the smooth surface of the sloping snow4 ,of course they had no idea of doing anything but keep safely along the upper part of the slope1 close to the rocky ridge4 ,but it was not in their power to choose their own path when once on the slope4 ,in a fatal moment one slipped1 and drew the others with him4 ,there was no stopping point then1 and they were dashed to atoms over the tremendous precipice below4 ,i am not surprised1 therefore1 that most ,christian parents have considered it wiser and safer for their children to keep strictly to the rocky ridge4 ,but in saying this ,i think we must bear in mind that it is rather a point of ,christian prudence than of ,christian principle1 and be therefore extremely careful in condemning the conduct of those who differ from us4 ,it is possible that a truly ,christian person may think that he has discovered a safe stopping place in the sliding scale2 and1 if so1 we must be careful how we blame him for conformity to the world1 if he goes up to what he considers the safe limit4 ,we may entirely differ from him1 and believe that he is walking on very dangerous ground4 ,but he may still be sound in principle1 and sincerely anxious not to be conformed to the world4 7#f47 ,but the next suggestion is one of principle1 and of the utmost importance to the practical consideration of the subject2 viz41 this3 ,that no amusement should be entered into by young persons without the full and hearty concurrence of their parents4 ,by #8full and hearty concurrence' ,i do not mean reluctant permission1 almost extorted from them by the fear of paining their children2 but ,i mean that real approval which makes the young persons' pleasure theirs4 ,i am persuaded that in such matters the young ,christian cannot well make too much of his parents' wishes4 ,i am prepared to adhere to this even in those cases in which ,i believe the young person to be right1 and the parent mistaken4 ,of course if a clear command from ,god were involved1 the authority of ,god must overrule that of a parent2 but if the question turn on some point which the ,word of ,god has left undecided1 then surely the young person is called to yield4 ,to take an example4 ,a daughter is convinced of the great ,scriptural principle1 #8,be not conformed to this world1' and on the strength of it wishes to give up balls4 ,but her mother wishes her to accept an invitation to one1 and there is a collision between the judgment of the child and the will of the mother4 ,how1 then1 should that young person act8 ,it is an open question so far as the ,scripture is concerned1 whether going to balls is conformity to the world4 ,the young person thinks it is1 as ,i do4 ,but after all1 this is human opinion2 whereas it is a ,divine command to honour the father and the mother4 ,but in all cases the human opinion must give way to the ,divine authority1 and therefore the right course appears to be for the young ,christian1 under such circumstances1 to say to her mother with the utmost affection and most dutiful respect1 that she wishes from a sense of duty to abstain from such amusements2 but that1 if her mother requires it as an act of filial obedience1 she is ready as a child to obey4 ,i have given this advice to many young persons1 and ,i never knew an instance in which ,i had occasion to regret it4 ,but surely the same advice must be given when it acts in the contrary direction1 and1 as long as young people are under their parents' roof1 even though they may differ from them1 the parents' wish must be held supreme4 ,we must not1 however1 forget that the same principle which calls for obedience in the young calls likewise for fidelity in the parent4 ,the parents have a responsibility laid upon them so long as the young people are inmates of their home1 a responsibility which the young person is bound to acknowledge1 and of which the parents cannot divest themselves4 ,parents therefore are bound to be faithful1 as well as the children to be submissive4 ,if they consider a particular course of conduct to be conformity to the world1 it is their duty as ,christian parents plainly to say so4 ,they should let their minds be known1 and let it be an understood thing that the course adopted is opposed to their judgments and their wish4 ,there are very few ,christian families in which the knowledge of the parents' wish is not sufficient2 and when young persons are ready to submit to the judgment of their parents1 it is clearly due to them that the parent should not shrink from the responsibility of decision4 ,it is an easy thing to get rid of a difficulty by saying that at their age young persons must do as they like2 but it is not fair to do so when the young persons are dutifully disposed1 and perfectly ready to yield to their parents' judgment4 ,in such a case the son or daughter has a right to look to the parent for a decided expression of his opinion and wish4 ,when things are as they ought to be in a ,christian home1 the parents' wish is followed at once4 ,if that wish is clearly expressed1 and then disregarded1 the blame lies on the young people2 but if1 from any motive1 the parents withhold the expression of their wish1 then they must be held responsible1 and they have no right to express regret at the worldly conformity of their children4 ,but1 besides the duty towards the children1 it is important not to forget the responsible position which the parent occupies in society2 for1 as a general rule1 parents are held to a great extent responsible for the amusements adopted by the young people under their roof4 ,if we could get behind the scenes we should often hear it argued that ,mr4 ,a4 allows his daughters to adopt a certain line of conduct1 or that ,mr4 ,b4 makes no objection2 whereas it is not impossible that they have both objected strongly1 but have not had the moral courage to take the responsibility of withholding their consent4 ,the result is1 that they are thought by their friends to sanction that which they disapprove1 and they practically throw the weight of their influence into the support of that which they think undesirable4 ,but let it not be supposed1 that in saying this1 ,i do not enter into the anxieties of parents1 for ,i have seen too much of life not to know how great they are1 and how strong are the considerations which sometimes make many waver when deciding for their children1 who would never hesitate as to their own conduct4 ,some are afraid of exciting a prejudice against their principles2 and their earnest desire to see their dear children living in ,christ makes them glad to soften down as much as possible the distinction between ,his people and the world4 ,i can enter most heartily into such a feeling1 and ,i am persuaded that no wise ,christian would ever wish to put a needless cross in the way of his family4 ,still we must make up our minds to the conviction1 that neither they nor we can follow ,christ without the cross4 ,there is a cross to be borne1 and we shall utterly mislead those who are guided by us if we suppose that it is melted away by modern improvements in society4 ,we have therefore plainly to face the fact that our ,christian principles involve a cross1 and we shall never really commend them to others by presenting them in such a modified form as to keep out of sight their true character4 ,if we succeed in persuading young persons to accept such a modification1 there is danger of our becoming the unintentional means of deceiving them as to their true position before ,god4 ,others1 who feel strongly themselves1 are afraid of drawing the line too tight for others1 and so causing a reaction when the tension ceases4 ,i can thoroughly enter into these fears1 and most fully acknowledge the danger4 ,but ,i do not believe it is avoided by the parent's departure from his own principles2 but rather by the prayerful and painstaking endeavour1 in accordance with those principles1 to make his home thoroughly cheerful4 ,it is the greatest possible mistake1 to suppose that exciting amusements and large parties are essential to the happiness of the young4 ,on the contrary1 ,i believe that1 when the collapse after the excitement is taken into account1 they will be found on the whole to diminish it4 ,the real happiness of a young man's vacation depends on the resources of his home2 and the best safeguard against the irritating effect of real consistency is to make the home so thoroughly cheerful that there is no desire for extraneous excitement4 ,this is not always easy1 and in all cases requires prayerful self-denial and painstaking4 ,if a family is left to itself1 to amuse itself as best it may1 who can wonder that the evenings often hang very heavily8 ,but when the dearly beloved mother throws her whole heart into the interests of all around her2 when she is always planning for that which may make the day pass pleasantly2 always on the look-out for good books and good friends2 always ready to deny herself so as to cheer away a dull half-hour1 and to throw herself with real interest into all the amusements of her family2 and when the father takes his share in all that is going on1 his share of interest1 if he cannot afford his share of time1 and so gives all the support in his power to her on whom the home life must mainly depend for its attractions1 it will seldom be found that the young persons crave after excitement1 for the simple reason that they are satisfied at home4 ,i need scarcely remark what a rich reward such parents reap for their painstaking1 and how deeply thankful they should be1 if the ,lord so bless their efforts as to make what some call the tightness of the line never felt by those who are gently guided by it4 ,,conclusion4 ,,but while these practical suggestions may be helpful to some who are doubtful as to their practical conduct1 it is important for us to remember well that the root of conformity to the world is not found in those practices which lie on the surface1 but in the deep affections of the natural heart2 so that whatever rules we adopt we are conformed to the world when we are living for the things of the world4 ,we found at the outset that the men of the world are described as those who have their portion in this life4 ,so we are conformed to the world when the portion in this life is the great end and object of our pursuit4 ,turning to the epistle of ,st4 ,paul to ,titus we find that the grace of ,god which bringeth salvation is to have a twofold effect on the character4 ,it is to wean1 and to attract4 ,the weaning process is described1 when he says1 #8,teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts1 we should live soberly1 righteously1 and godly1 in this present world2' and the attractive power in the words1 #8,looking for that blessed hope1 and the glorious appearing of the great ,god and our ,saviour ,jesus ,christ4' ,now we must not suppose that by the word #8lust' is meant only sensuality4 ,it is the old ,english word for desire4 ,thus1 worldly desires1 or desires after the world1 are placed side by side with ungodliness1 and both are to be denied by those who know the grace of ,god which bringeth salvation4 ,here lies the root of the matter4 ,if the affections are still fixed on the world1 and the desires bent on it1 it is in vain to tell a man that in practice he shall not be conformed to it4 ,where his treasure is there will his heart be also1 and where the heart leads the way1 the steps are almost sure to follow4 ,if1 therefore1 the affections be fixed on the friendships of the world1 and the desires are bent on the good things of the world--its wealth1 its honours1 its popularity1 its applause1 its high positions1 we must expect that questions which arise in practice will be referred1 not to the balance of the sanctuary1 but to the balance of the world2 and it is hopeless to look for any decided line of action4 ,but this must not be the case with the children of ,god4 ,if we be in ,christ we know the grace of ,god which bringeth salvation2 we have been redeemed unto ,god by the precious blood of ,jesus2 we are sealed unto ,him by the ,holy ,spirit of ,promise1 we are kept as ,his purchased possession until the day of ,his return3 we are looking1 waiting1 hoping for that happy time when ,he shall take the kingdom1 and all these earthly things pass away for ever2 and are we to be looking backwards instead of forwards8 ,are we to be fostering the earthly affection1 and losing sight of the heavenly8 ,no4 ,let the world seek its own1 and enjoy it while it lasts4 ,but it won't last long4 ,still1 while it does last men of the world are consistent in living for it4 ,no one can accuse them of inconsistency4 ,what we ask for is a similar consistency in those whose conversation is in heaven1 and whose desire it is to walk with ,god4 ,if we know ,him let us keep our eye steadily fixed on ,him2 let us not be afraid of going forth without the camp1 if only we can trace ,his footsteps in the path2 and let us never lose sight of the ,divine precept1 #8,if ye then be risen with ,christ1 seek those things which are above1 where ,christ sitteth on the right hand of ,god4 ,set your affections on things above1 not on things of the earth4 ,for ye are dead1 and your life is hid with ,christ in ,god4' 99 99 99 99 99 ,,london3 ,printed by ,,john ,,strangeways1 ,castle ,st4 ,leicester ,sq4 ,,advertisements4 ,,by ,,the ,,same ,,author4 #a4 ,palestine and ,russia4 #afmo4 cloth1 bevelled1 #as4 #f;d42 paper cover1 #as4 #b4 ,rome1 ,turkey1 and ,jerusalem4 ,sermons in ,connexion with the ,second ,advent4 ,twelfth ,thousand1 #afmo4 cloth1 #as4 #f;d42 paper1 #as4 #8,it is very difficult to deal with prophetical subjects in the pulpit2 but these five sermons may be taken as a model of this kind of teaching4 ,mr4 ,hoare argues on the broad1 simple lines of prophecy1 in a way which1 to our mind1 must bring irresistible conviction4'--,clergyman's ,magazine4 #c4 ,inspiration3 ,its ,nature and ,extent4 and ,edition1 revised and enlarged4 #afmo4 cl4 #as4 #f;d42 paper1 #as4 #d4 ,sermons for the ,day4 ,fcap4 #hvo4 sewed1 #f;d4 #e4 ,the ,communion and ,communicant4 #dth ,edition1 revised and enlarged4 ,fcap4 #hvo4 sewed1 #f;d4 #f4 ,baptism4 ,as ,taught in the ,bible and ,prayer-book4 #fth ,edition4 ,fcap4 #hvo4 sewed1 #d;d4 ,,standard ,,works4 ,turkey2 ,or1 ,,the ,,judgment ,,of ,,god ,,upon ,,apostate ,,christendom4 ,by ,rev4 ,,bourchier ,,wrey ,,savile1 ,m4,a41 of ,shillingford4 #afmo4 cloth1 #as4 #f;d42 paper cover1 #as4 #8,eminently interesting and suggestive 4 4 4 ,the rise and fall of the ,saracenic and ,turkish ,empire are events of such historic importance1 that a summary like that which ,mr4 ,savile has here sketched will be found useful to those who are able to appreciate the importance and the tendency of the events included within the limits of what is termed the ,eastern ,question4' ,record4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,also1 ,,by ,,the ,,same ,,author4 ,the ,bride of ,christ4 #f;d42 cloth1 #as4 #f;d42 paper cover1 #as4 99 99 99 99 99 ,i will ,sing of the ,mercies of the ,lord2 ,or1 ,,an ,,exposition ,,of ,,the #hith ,,psalm4 ,by ,rev4 ,,canon ,,bardsley1 of ,manchester4 ,sq4 fcp4 #hvo4 #bs4 #f;d4 #8,edifying and instructive4 4 4 4 ,the writer evidently speaks everywhere out of the fullness of his own heart1 and tells of truths which are the strength and comfort of his own inward life4' ,record4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,life after ,death1 and the ,things to ,come4 ,by the ,rev4 ,,john ,,cullen1 of ,radclyffe-on-,trent4 ,with ,memoir by ,rev4 ,w4 ,h4 ,m4 ,h4 ,,aitken1 ,mission ,preacher4 ,square fcap4 #hvo4 cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 #8,sober and serious1 as well befits its important theme4 ,in doctrine sound1 in argument convincing1 and in appeal powerful4' ,christian ,observer4 99 99 99 99 99 ,dies ,ir3 ,the ,final ,judgment and ,future ,prospects of ,mankind4 ,by the ,rev4 ,r4 ,b4 ,,girdlestone1 ,m4,a4 ,revised and ,cheaper ,edition4 ,sq4 fcap4 #hvo4 #cs4 #f;d4 #8,the topics discussed are solemn and important beyond all others1 and have been handled by the author in a very careful and reverent spirit4'--,christian ,observer4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,modern ,avernus4 ,,the ,,descent ,,of ,,england4 ,,how ,,far8 ,a ,question for ,parliament and the ,constituencies4 ,by ,,junius ,,junior4 ,third ,edition4 ,crown #hvo4 cloth1 #fs4 #8,romanism is dealt with in the aspects which it now presents2 and all the questions1 which are common topics of thought and conversation1 are reviewed in a plain and practical manner4' ,christian ,observer4 99 99 99 99 99 ,scripture and ,science ,not at ,variance4 ,by the late ,ven4 ,,john ,h4 ,,pratt1 ,archdeacon of ,calcutta4 ,seventh ,edition1 revised4 ,small crown #hvo4 cloth1 #cs4 #f;d4 #8,the ,archdeacon's reply is firm and candid1 and has one great quality which we earnestly recommend1 that it is decided in tone4' ,christian ,advocate4 99 99 99 99 99 ,christian ,certainty4 ,by the ,rev4 ,,samuel ,,wainwright1 ,d4,d41 of ,dalston4 ,author of #8,voices from the ,sanctuary4' #hvo4 cloth1 #ajs4 #f;d4 #88,a ,synopsis of the ,christian ,evidences0 would be no untrue title for this work4'--,christian ,observer4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the ,church in the ,cherubim2 ,or1 ,,the ,,glory ,,of ,,the ,,saints4 ,by ,rev4 ,,james ,,gossett ,,tanner1 ,m4,a41 of ,maida ,hill4 ,square fcap4 #hvo4 cloth antique1 #es4 #8,a very important monograph1 ripe1 scholarly1 and deeply devotional4'--,clergyman's ,magazine4 99 99 99 99 99 ,christ ,our ,example4 ,by ,,caroline ,,fry4 ,with ,preface by ,rev4 ,a4 ,m4 ,w4 ,,christopher1 ,m4,a4 ,fourteenth ,edition4 ,fcap4 #hvo4 #as4 #f;d42 paper1 #as4 #8,earnest and practical in its character1 this will long remain a favourite with ,christian readers1 and those who are yet unacquainted with it will do well to enter upon its perusal forthwith4' ,rock4 ,,works ,,by ,a4 ,m4 ,,james4 #a4 ,true ,consecration2 ,or1 ,,close ,,abiding ,,of ,,the ,,heart ,,in ,,god4 ,square fcap4 #hvo4 cloth1 #bs4 #f;d4 #8,a complete manual or illustration of the ,christian life in all its stages and aspects 4 4 4 ,we cordially recommend the volume as sound1 scriptural1 and edifying4'--,record4 #8,a holy book1 not leavened in any degree with modern perfectionism1 but yet setting before the believer the highest conceivable standard1 and wisely urging him to press forward4' ,sword ,trowel4 99 99 99 99 99 #b4 ,the ,covenant of ,love4 ,a ,,manual ,,of ,,devotion ,,for ,,the ,,sick ,,and ,,suffering4 ,being #bh ,readings1 with a ,prayer and ,hymn to each4 ,extra crown #hvo4 cloth1 #bs4 #f;d42 paper cover1 #bs4 #8,gentle1 soothing1 and at the same time ardently religious2 it supplies just the special groove of thought which is needed for the sick-room4'--,literary ,churchman4 99 99 99 99 99 #c4 ,the ,city which hath ,foundations4 ,or1 ,,thoughts ,,on ,a ,,future ,,state4 ,with an ,introductory ,letter by ,right ,hon4 ,sir ,j4 ,,coleridge4 ,cheaper ,edition1 revised and enlarged4 ,fcap4 #hvo4 #as4 #f;d4 #8,written to counteract some erroneous notions respecting a future state4 ,its tone is thoughtful and scriptural4' ,church of ,england ,magazine4 #8,introduced by a letter from ,sir ,john ,taylor ,coleridge1 which is as beautiful a dissertation upon the mourner's hope as we have ever met with4'--,guardian4 99 99 99 99 99 #d4 ,the ,service of ,love2 ,or1 ,,ministry ,,for ,,christ ,,in ,,our ,,daily ,,life4 ,new ,edition4 ,square #ahmo4 cloth1 #as4 #f;d42 paper1 #as4 #8,a really good book1 enforcing ministry for ,christ in our daily life4'--,guardian4 #8,a little book full of sweetness4'--,king's ,highway4 #8,young ,christians will find it especially helpful4 4 4 4 ,full of the truest help and encouragement4'--,christian ,progress4 99 99 99 99 99 #e4 ,a ,selection of ,prayers for ,family ,use4 ,with an ,address by ,e4 ,,james1 ,m4,a41 ,canon of ,winchester4 ,edited by ,a4 ,m4 ,,james4 ,new ,edition4 ,fcap4 #hvo4 #as4 #8,not only the well-chosen prayers1 but his practical address on the value of family devotion with which the volume opens1 will be acceptable in many cases4' ,churchman's ,shilling ,magazine4 99 99 99 99 99 #f4 ,my ,strength is made ,perfect in ,weakness4 ,second ,thousand4 ,square #ahmo4 #b;d42 or #as4 #f;d4 per dozen4 #8,a little tract on tinted paper1 in which is stated very simply and affectionately how ,christian people may fail to find their ,saviour's strength by not seeking more than ,his strength1 that is ,himself4 ,the strength is to come1 not from without1 but1 as the branch derives its strength from the vine1 by ultimate union with ,christ4'--,church ,bells4 ,,for ,,the ,,sick ,,and ,,aged4 #a4 ,songs in the ,night2 ,or1 ,,hymns ,,of ,,hope ,,and ,,trust ,,for ,,weary ,,watchers4 ,selected and ,arranged by ,,anna ,,clowes4 ,extra crown #hvo4 very large type1 paper1 #as4 #f;d42 cloth1 #bs4 #8,selected with good judgment 4 4 4 ,will no doubt prove a welcome companion to many of those who are afflicted or distressed4'--,record4 #b4 ,the ,sheltering ,vine4 ,selections by the late ,,countess ,,of ,,northesk4 ,with ,introduction by the ,most ,rev4 ,r4 ,c4 ,,trench1 ,d4,d41 ,archbishop of ,dublin4 ,ninth ,thousand4 ,two ,vols4 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,vol4 ,i4 cloth1 #fs42 ,vol4 ,,ii4 cloth 7on the ,loss of ,friends71 #ds4 #f;d4 ,the object of this ,work is to afford consolation under the various trials of mind and body to which all are exposed1 by a ,selection of ,texts and ,passages from ,holy ,scripture1 and ,extracts from ,old and ,modern ,authors1 in ,prose and ,poetry1 with a ,selection of ,prayers adapted to the same4 #c4 ,the ,name of ,jesus1 and other ,poems4 ,by ,c4 ,m4 ,,noel4 #adth ,thousand4 ,new ,edition4 ,square fcap4 #hvo4 cloth1 #bs4 #f;d42 roan limp1 #es42 mor4 #gs4 #f;d4 #d4 ,words of ,peace2 ,or1 ,,the ,,blessings ,,of ,,sickness4 ,by ,bish4 ,,oxenden1 ,d4,d4 #fast ,thousand4 ,fcap4 #hvo4 large type1 cloth1 #as4 #f;d4 #e4 ,the ,home ,beyond2 ,or1 ,a ,,happy ,,old ,,age4 ,by ,,bishop ,,oxenden4 #achth ,thousand4 ,fcap4 #hvo4 large type1 cloth1 #as4 #f;d4 7,bound with #8,words of ,peace1' roan1 #es42 mor4 #gs4 #f;d47 99 99 99 99 99 ,,hatchards1 ,,publishers1 ,,piccadilly1 ,,london4