such as there is in God himself, who may be said to be always happy, always joyful, and yet to be always serious and unalterably tranquil. This joy seems to me to be often expressed in the Scriptures by the word PEACE; and is probably the precise state of mind, the delightful legacy of all true Christians, which the Savior had in view, when he said to his disciples, "PEACE I leave with you; My peace I give unto you." Such a joy may be strong. In the language of scripture, it may be unspeakable and full of glory." But it is always calm and peaceful; and in this respect is entirely different from that excited and unprofitable intoxication of spirit, which is sometimes found to be experienced, and which so possesses and agitates the mind, that the will of God and our duty cannot be clearly perceived.

Finally, holy joy, being founded in the perception of the character, attributes, and will of God, is not necessarily liable to changes. He, who rejoices in God to-day, having a correct view of his character and will, will never find reason to do otherwise than rejoice in that character and will, in all coming time. And simply because God, in his character and his will, is always the same. In all afflictions and trials of whatever nature, there will still remain the basis of a serene and pure joy in the depths of the heart. But natural joy, being founded upon natural objects, which are frail, uncertain, and full of imperfection, necessarily partakes of the uncertainty and imperfect nature of its causes. And hence it is said in the portion of Scripture al

ready referred to. "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with JOY, [that is with natural joy.] And these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation, fall away." So that holy or spiritual joy may be compared to the sun, which always shines with its pure and beautiful light, even when wrapped in clouds; but natural joy is like a meteor, gleaming for a moment and then extinguished; rekindled again after a time, but destined soon and suddenly to sink in still greater darkness.

In connection with the marks, which thus separate natural from spiritual joy, we observe, in conclusion, that spiritual joy, being a truly Christian grace, is exceedingly valuable and desirable. And truly blessed is he, who possesses that state of mind, which is properly called "joy in the Holy Ghost." It is true it is a grace, both subsequent in time and inferior in rank to LOVE, which ought to be sought first as the reigning and controlling principle of the soul. But, it is, nevertheless, in its appropriate time and place,one of the precious gifts and graces of God. And hence the various expressions and commands, having a relation to this cheering state of mind, which are found in the Bible. "REJOICE in the Lord, O ye righteous; for praise is comely for the upright." Ps. 33; 1. "But REJOICE, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." First Peter, 4: 13. "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John, 15;

11. "Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1st Thess. 5; 16, 17,18.

Illustration of the subject from personal experience.

[In the following extract from the personal experience of a pious person of the Baptist church, now no longer living, the reader will notice an exemplification of that tendency to seek for joyous emotion, which is so common and oftentimes so injurious.]

"I trust I was enabled deliberately, not only in view of sickness and death, but of life and health, to make an unreserved consecration of my all to Christ, and to feel that in whatever situation I might be, holiness to the Lord must henceforth be my motto. I could now yield myself a willing subject to the sanctifying grace of God, believing he would work in me according to the good pleasure of his will. Soon a heavenly calm possessed my mind, a sense of the divine glory surrounded me, and my whole soul seemed in sweet harmony with the holiness of God. There were no rapturous

emotions, but I felt

"The sacred awe that dares not move,

And all the silent heaven of love."

How easy now seemed the divine requirement, to love Him with all the heart, and my neighbor as myself. I felt a peculiar tenderness of conscience, and feared nothing but to offend my Savior. Being still feeble in body, I could not endure strong mental exercises, and as the change in my feelings was not sudden, nor characterized by strong emotions, I was

soon tempted to doubt whether it was really what I had been seeking for. I prayed earnestly for A FULLNESS OF JOY, and an undoubted evidence, but the more I sought for this, the less my evidence appeared, until I was willing to leave all with God, to give either a crumb or a full meal. My peace then returned, and blessed be God, it has continued like a river, to flow broader and deeper to the present time.

Never before did I feel so much my entire dependence on all-sufficient grace, and such a confidence that it would be given in every time of need. Like a little child I have looked into the Bible for instruction, and O what an inexpressible glory has beamed therefrom! A new blessedness has appeared while receiving Christ as a Savior from all sin,a present Savior, a full Savior. How glorious the consideration to one, who has all her life in some degree been subject to bondage! Truly I can now say the Holy Spirit has led me into the truth, and the truth has made me free. I no longer feel like a wanderer, but like a child at home. My weary soul now rests in Christ, and finds "his yoke easy, and his burden light." With entire confidence can I now commit all my interests, temporal and spiritual, into his hands, and feel that they are safe. My greatest desire is to know and do the will of my Heavenly Father, and to possess all the mind of Christ. I feel deeply interested in the progress of holiness. With all my heart can I bid God-speed to those, who are engaged in promoting this blessed cause."*

* Guide to Christian Perfection, Vol. III, p. 39.

CHAPTER TENTH.

Some marks or characteristics of perfection of Love.

If the doctrine, which is variously termed sanctification, evangelical holiness, and evangelical or christian perfection, be true, then it will follow, that it is our duty and privilege, even in the present life, to realize in our own souls the fulfillment of that great command, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." In other words, it is our duty and privilege to possess what may properly be called perfect love. Accordingly it becomes a very important and interesting inquiry, When can our love properly be said to be perfect? It will be our object in the remarks which follow in this chapter, to endeavor to answer this inquiry.

But before proceeding, it may be proper to premise here, that perfection of love implies the removal or extinction of all selfishness. In other words, perfect love is always PURE love. We may probably conceive of love, which is pure in its nature; but is deficient, and therefore not perfect in its degree or intensity. But we cannot conceive of love which is acceptable to God, and is perfect in degree, which has any intermixture of selfishness.