the history of 1832 shows that there is great danger, at such times, of being self-deceived. Only 20 out of 128 remain with us whose residence we know. Time will probably show that not all of these 20 even, will die in the bosom of the church. Let, then, the pastor and church earnestly pray for, and confidently expect, the converting and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit to accompany the ordinary means of grace. Let us strive together for that personal holiness of heart and life, and that living, abiding faith, which, with the blessing of our God and Savior, shall every week add to our graces and numbers. Let us not idly wait for a revival, and feel that nothing can be done for the conversion of souls except at periodical sea

sons.

Individuals can be named, who have hardly seen two months pass at one time, since they united with the church, in which they have not found themselves the acknowledged instruments of leading a soul to Christ.

Churches can be referred to, in which it would, for years, have been thought strange to have a week pass without a conversion among them. They looked for results from every sermon, to be developed in souls renewed and sins forgiven. In such churches and under such circumstances, habits of faith, prayer and holy living, are more extensively and permanently formed in the members than can be expected where the main dependence for increase in numbers and graces is resting upon periodical, temporary excitements.

I must not, however, be understood as denying that there is seed time and harvest in the labors of the pastor. Almost every minister, who is faithful and full of the Holy Ghost, will see seasons when the Almighty arms the truth dispensed by him with unwonted power. The most permanent, spiritual churches in the land have enjoyed seasons, termed revivals, in which an unusual religious interest has been manifested among the people, for three, six, or twelve months, or for several years. Their pastors have wisely adapted their labors to such a state of things. They have at such times, with unusual earnestness, sought immediate results. But they have mainly performed ministerial labors themselves, and without multiplying, to any considerable extent, the number or duration of religious meetings. At each returning revival of this description, they and their churches have permanently attained to a higher standard of holy living.

May the Lord in rich mercy grant us such revivals. But let us never curtail their duration, and destroy their permanent happy influence, and mar the work of the Lord by placing our dependence upon the number of ministers or mectings.

3. A review of the past has much in it to excite in us gratitude and

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humility. Few churches have been more harmonious in their assoociated action, or more respectful and affectionate in their treatment of their pastor than this. Of choice, this church has never sundered her pastoral relation. It has thus far been maintained with mutual confidence and affection. There have never been divisions or dissentions among the members.

In the character of the former pastors and prominent elders, the Lord has dealt with this branch of his Zion in great mercy. They were exactly the men for the time and place in which they labored.

The prospective prosperity and usefulness of this church were never more bright than at this moment. Many of the obstacles that stood in the way of undivided efforts for the spiritual interests of this church and people at the beginning of last year, exist no longer. At first, you were anxiously seeking a pastor. When he was obtained, much time and strength were necessarily expended in external or preparatory labor, in becoming acquainted with the church and congregation, already known to the session, and in searching out those who had become unknown during the three years you were without an installed pastor: then a month or two of almost incessant watching and toil was required to effect the organization of the 2d Church, and the erection of the parsonage. A few months since, our choir was nearly annihilated-now it promises to be permanently full, and highly useful in the worship of the sanctuary. With all this preparatory work done, the church and session-house well lighted, the pastor and his family permanently provided for, it certainly becomes us, as we look at the results of the last year, to return thanks to God for what he has done for us, and through us, and to enlist in the work we still have to do with increased courage and zeal.

On the other hand, let me say this review of days past and gone, should humble us all in the dust before God. No one has the slightest > occasion for self-exultation in view of what has been done here for the interests of Zion. Your advantages have been great: God's mercies to you have been boundless: Look at the returns you have made Him. Think of the number of years you have been a member of the church; of the faithful sermons you have heard; of the social meetings you have, or might have attended, and then estimate what should have been the result of all these privileges, and contrast that with what is the truth, and tell me if you have ought of which to boast. Look again at all that has been accomplished through the instrumentality of this church since you became a member, and deteromine how much of this has been effected by your contributions, efforts or prayers, If no one had given more according to his ability than you have, how much of the $13,205 contributed by this church the last year, would have been raised?

If none had labored or prayed with more zeal and faith than you have done, who, that has been converted in our midst, would have ever been reconciled to God?

On this ground, allowing that as a church we have done well, most who hear me will find occasion for deep humility.

THE SEPARATION OF PAUL & BARNABAS.

An extract from a Sermon preached in the Great Valley thirty years ago.

ACTS xv. 39. "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder, the one from the other."

1. That this contention and separation took place betwixt two good men: yes, good men in every sense of the word. The contention was betwixt Paul and Barnabas. Concerning the character of Barnabas we have this account: "Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch; who when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lork. FOR HE WAS A GOOD MAN, AND FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST, AND OF FAITH." Concerning Paul being entitled to the character of a good man, among the many passages which may be adduced, take only these words: "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood."

Good men-full of the Holy Ghost and of faith-separated from their mother's womb-called by his grace-the Son revealed in them, that they might preach him among the heathens: yes, these are the traits in their character as drawn by the spirit of inspiration. Yet these men, in the text, came to a sharp quarrel, and a quarrel which ended in a final separation.

2. This contention and separation took place betwixt two men who had hitherto been very intimate, and extensively useful in promoting the cause of their Master. Of the beginning of their intimacy and mutual labors, we have an account in the same paragraph which has already been referred to for the character of Barnabas. Barnabas being sent forth by the church at Jerusalem, to visit the Gentile converts, departed and went to Tarsus to seek Paul. Having found him, they both came to Antioch and continued a whole year laboring with heart and hand, and much success. It was under these men's minis

try, and at this time and place, that the disciples of Jesus received the name by which they have been since generally known. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Having been, by the divine blessing, of singular use to the church at Antioch, and also in a particular case, of singular use to the church at Jerusalem, (See chap. xi. 27-30, and chap. xii. 24, 25,) they were by a special call from heaven, sent forth in a more extensive and hazardous rout. "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrenne, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." An account of their labors and sufferings during this mission, would in any other language, but in that of the Holy Ghost, fill several volumes. There is a simplicity and conciseness in sacred history, which baffle description. The concluding part of xiv. chap. may serve as a spécimen of these labors. "And when they had preached the gospel to that clty, (Derbe) and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. And after they had passed through, out Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia; and thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled: And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples."

It must also be observed, that in fulfilling this mission, they were exposed to trials or sufferings of almost every kind. Of this you may take these verses as a specimen: "But when the Jews saw multitudes they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming-But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas; and expelled them out of their coasts.-But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil-affected against their brethren. Long time, therefore, abode they, speaking boldly in the

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Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when there was an assault made, both of the Gen tiles, and also of the Jews, with their rulers, to use them despitefulły, and to stone them. And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people; and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing him to be dead."

Nor was it solely from those who were without that these good men in fulfilling their ministry, had their troubles. They were also at times much distressed in keeping the peace of the church within.Of this we have a specimen in these words: "And certain men, which came down from Judea, taught the brethren, and said except ye be circumcised, after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.— When, therefore, Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question." This particular matter being referred to what we would call a general council or Synod, was amicably settled. It must, however, on the present occasion, be carefully observed, that in settling this very threatening dispute, Paul and Barnabas were sin gularly useful. We have just seen that they were the authorized commissioners from the church at Antioch, to this famous council; and in the minute which the Holy Ghost hath given us of its proceedings, we find these words: "Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them." Their names are also mentioned with singular honor in the decree which was passed on this occasion: "It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul; men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Behold, then, in this short sketch, how intimate and how extensive ly useful these two men were. How many places did they visit!What dangers did they encounter! With what abundant success were their labours crowned! How united were they hitherto in every part of their exertions! Yet, these two men, thus intimate, who had hitherto appeared to have only one heart and one hand-these men who had shared together and shared without a grudge so many dangersthese men who had been such an extensive blessing to the church and to the world at large-these two men, who had only a few days ago, been honored by the united voice of the highest ecclesiastic court-yes, these two men now came to a sharp quarrel, and a quarrel