of Cecil's memorable words: "Faith is the
master-spring of a Minister," as well as of every Christian. "Hell is
before me, and thousands of lost souls are shut up there in everlasting
agony. Jesus Christ stands forth to save men from rushing into this
bottomless abyss. He sends me to proclaim His ability and love. I want
no fourth idea."

THE MIND WHICH WAS IN CHRIST JESUS.
REV. GEORGE WOOD.

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."
PHILIPPIANS ii. 5.

The Saviour left His followers an example that they should tread in His
steps; and His example in everything that appertains to His human nature,
is not only practicable but essential. We cannot imitate His power, or
His wisdom, or His miracles, or His sufferings, or anything in which His
Divine nature was manifested or employed; but we can imitate His
meekness, His patience, His zeal, His self-denial, His superiority to
temptation, His abandonment of the world, His devotion to His Father's
will, in short, all those habits of mind and life which distinguished His
earthly career. And with this perfect example before us, we need never
be in doubt or perplexity as to what is our duty; we may test our motives
and our conduct by the teaching and example of Christ, and if we possess
His mind we shall endeavour to copy His life--to "walk as Christ also
walked"--to be in this world as Christ also was.

This Epistle was addressed by the Apostle Paul to a Church which he
tenderly loved, and for whose prosperity he constantly prayed. He had
suffered much in the establishment of Christianity at Philippi, and the
Philippians had suffered much in the maintenance of their profession of
faith, chiefly from their fellow-citizens who continued heathen. The
Apostle was a prisoner at Rome, with the prospect of martyrdom as the
termination of his glorious career. Undaunted by the prospect, he
declares his readiness--nay, more--his "desire to depart and be with
Christ." He exhorts the Philippians to steadfastness, fidelity, and
patience amid the sufferings to which they were exposed from without; and
to simplicity and "lowliness of mind" amongst themselves. He sets before
them the conduct of Christ in His condescension, and the glory of Christ
in His exaltation; and exhorts them to imitate the Saviour's humility,
that they might share His triumph. "Let this mind be in you, which was
also in Christ Jesus."

This text is of universal applicatio