nt, at Joppa, who is
often called the first fruits of the heathen, was a Roman centurion
likewise.

Surely, there must have been a reason for this. There must be a
lesson in this; and this, I think, is the lesson. That the
soldierlike habit of mind is one which makes a man ready to receive
the truth of Christ. And why? Because the good soldier's first and
last thought is Duty. To do his duty by those who are set over him,
and to learn to do his duty to those who are set under him. To turn
his whole mind and soul to doing, not just what he fancies, but to
what must be done, because it is his duty. This is the character
which makes a good soldier, and a good Christian likewise. If we be
undisciplined and undutiful, and unruly; if we be fanciful, self-
willed, disobedient; then we shall not understand Christ, or
Christ's rule on earth and in heaven. If there be no order within
us, we shall not see his divine and wonderful order all around us.
If there be no discipline and obedience within us, we shall never
believe really that Christ disciplines all things, and that all
things obey him. If there be no sense of duty in us, governing our
whole lives and actions, we shall never perceive the true beauty and
glory of Christ's character, who sacrificed himself for his duty,
which was to do his Father's will.

I tell you, my friends, that nothing prevents a man from gaining
either right doctrines or right practice, so much as the undutiful,
unruly, self-conceited heart. We may be full of religious
knowledge, of devout sentiments, of heavenly aspirations: but in
spite of them all, we shall never get beyond false doctrine, and
loose practice, unless we have learned to obey; to rule our own
minds, and hearts, and tempers, soberly and patiently; to conform to
the laws, and to all reasonable rules of society, to believe that
God has called us to our station in life, whatever it may be; and to
do our duty therein, as faithful soldiers and servants of Christ.
For, if you will receive it, the beginning and the middle, and the
end of all true religion is simply this. To do the will of God on
earth, as it is done in heaven.

SERMON V. CHRIST'S SHEEP

Mark vi. 34. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was
moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not
having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

This is a text full of comfort, if we will but remember one thing:
th