vance much more, not only on the enmity of man against man, but also on his enmity against God and divine truth. What I have written fully confirms the declaration of our ninth Article, that we are very far gone (quam longissime, as far as possible) from original righteousness.

MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS, RELATING PRINCIPALLY TO CHRISTIAN PROFESSORS.

1. It is so seldom we see temper distinctly treated as a thesis in any class of publications, that I felt gratified at the seasonable appearance of a paper expressly on this subject in the 'Christian Guardian:' the truths of which are too forcible not to meet with a response in the experience of many readers.

2. Permit me, Mr. Editor, to offer for your publication a few remarks on the Christian Temper, a subject of great importance to the young Christian in particular, the treatment of which I hope will prove useful to some of your readers. Religion meets in its progress with every diversity of natural character and disposition, with which it has to grapple, and either subdue or mould to its purposes. On the one hand, selecting an instance from the unconverted, there is the amiable disposition of the young ruler, whom Jesus loved, and on the other, the proud and unbending spirit

1 For 1834, p. 13.

of Pharaoh; also, we have, on the one hand, the endearing character of the apostle John, and, on the other, the impetuous temperament of St. Peter and St. Paul; and between these extremes are almost an infinite number of gradations, each presenting its peculiar barrier to the influence of the Spirit of Jesus, and attended with its own dangers to the possessor of it.

3. My observations at the present are intended for the benefit of those who may be classed under the latter description, as being perhaps more inimical to the progress of grace in the soul, and certainly more prejudicial to the interests of religion in its manifestation to the world. I would treat the subject with all the care and tenderness which may be practicable, lest any unnecessary pain should be occasioned to those to whom the observations may apply; but at the same time I must ask, where is the scene of that warfare which is spoken of in the scriptures as invariably to be carried on by the disciples of Christ, if it is not · observed in the subjugation of the high and headstrong passions of the human heart? What else are the motions of these tempers but some of those temptations against which we are enjoined to put on the armour of God, and to resist stedfast in the faith? Are not such high and proud imaginations to be cast down and brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ? This I conceive must be done if we would approve ourselves the disciples of Christ,

4. But let me speak of some of the indications and fruits of this temper. The man who has the unhappiness of such a spirit is marked by the extremely rigid observance which he demands of

certain rules which he has laid down, (say, for instance, the government of his family) and for the wrath which is awakened by the slightest breach of them. If any member of his family, though such an one be anxiously desirous to conform to the rules of the household, as well from a conviction of the general utility of such regulations, as to preserve peace, should through some unforeseen occurrence be compelled to deviate from rule on any occasion; immediately displeasure is shown or expressed; the peace of the family is in a moment broken up; a still but painful gloom is thrown over the mind; every act being viewed in a wrong light, is misinterpreted; when the evening arrives family worship is felt to be a painful exercise; the flow of the affections being interrupted, an innocent and trivial wish expressed by any one is harshly refused; even the proper commands of the mistress are sometimes peremptorily contravened; and in short, the whole family is as it were, disorganized, and the several members of it are driven to retirement to pour out their souls with grief and tears to him who alone can console the afflicted breast.

5. This picture is not overcharged. But then it will be asked, can the individual who on such a trivial occurrence, occasions so much painful feeling, be a Christian? Are not the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, temperance? Is not charity characterized by suffering long and being kind? She does not behave herself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, beareth all things. Čan variance, wrath, strife, have any place in the breast of a Christian? The case truly

seems an anomaly. But what says the apostle to the Corinthians? "I, brethren, could not, speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. For ye are yet carnal for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal and speak as men?" So then there may be a weak state of grace, with very unsubdued tempers. And I cannot but hope there is the principle of divine life in the souls of many whose case I describe. In the very same individuals are to be found many excellent qualities; and I think, in some of them unquestionable graces of the Holy Spirit.

6. The character I have described is scrupulously exact in an attention to divine ordinances, diligent in the use of means of grace. He embarks in many plans for promoting the cause of God, and the welfare of mankind; he pursues them with unwearied diligence and zeal; he is strictly upright in all his dealings, and eminently liberal in dispensing the gifts of providence to him; he deeply sympathises with the wretchedness and wants of his fellow-creatures though he is not careful to avoid needlessly paining the feelings of others in the manner of his administering to their relief. Persons of this character are generally confident in their own opinions, inexorable in their demands when they think they are in the line of duty-and almost implacable when they think they have been wronged or unjustly dealt with. A want of courtesy and urbanity marks all their deportment. In the treatment of their children or young dependants they carry their punishments to the verge of unreasonableness, thinking, with Solomon, that "he that spareth the rod