is unity—" to gather together in one, all things in Christ," to make Him the Head over all to his Church. The Lord has also revealed our future blessedness to us by unity-one Father's house-one city-one country -one kingdom-one King over all, who is King of kings and Lord of lords; therefore, as we promote union, we are in our degree following the divine mind -using our endeavours to bring all into one bond of brotherly love.

3rdly. That whilst the Lord Jehovah delights in union, it is very dear to the heart of our blessed Saviour, he not only giving this as his new commandment, but making it the subject of his last prayer. Doing this in this very affecting manner, that if the belief and knowledge which are mentioned in John xvii. 21, 23, are saving belief and knowledge, then our Lord seems to suspend the blessedness of the world upon the love of his people. If it be only a belief and knowledge of conviction, then the glory of our Saviour is connected with it-the love manifested by his people being the proof to the world of his Messiahship. Whichever mode of interpretation, therefore, is adopted, it proves that the advancement of Christian union is of the first importance.

4thly. That the promoting Christian union is in perfect accordance with the ordination vows of the Church of England, and with her devotional liturgy. At our ordination for the priesthood, the Bishop asks will you maintain and set forwards, AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, quietness, peace, and love among ALL CHRISTIAN

PEOPLE.

Previously also to receiving the Lord's Supper, the first prayer which we offer to the Divine Majesty is Beseeching Thee to inspire continually the universal

church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant all they that do confess Thy Holy Name, may agree in the truth of Thy Holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.' When, therefore, clergymen are promoters of Christian union, they are carrying out their ordination vow, and all other members of our church are acting in conformity to their frequent prayers.

5thly. The great benefits which would follow such a scriptural union. It would put to silence the cavils of those who now speak so loudly against the party spirit of Christians. It would much lessen those angry strifes and contentions which alas! at present subsist between different members of the Church of Christ. It would promote a kind and courteous spirit in the ordinary affairs of life; remove the prejudices which distance and strangeness occasion, lead to an earnest desire that those conscientious differences which now keep them from a full union might, if possible, be removed, and produce friendly discussions upon such subjects, instead of hostile disputes each desiring that the Lord would give clearer light to his people, that they might at length have "the same mind in all things."

6thly. It would enable Christians more readily to realise their final blessedness-that happy day when we shall see 66 'eye to eye," and when clothed" in robes made white with the blood of the Lamb," we shall all stand before the same throne, and unite in the same song.

These are some of the reasons which I would respectfully offer to you, my beloved brethren, which should lead sincere Christians to use their efforts to promote the scriptural union of all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. And as this cannot be expected without an

abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it forms a very powerful motive for uniting in this concert for prayer, on the first day of the new year, the more especially as the spirit of brotherly love, mutual forbearance, and harmonious concord and unanimity, which, as I am informed by persons who were present, was manifest at the late meeting, at Liverpool, for promoting Christian union, warrants the pleasing hope that this gracious God, whose name is “Love,” and who is ever ready to hear the prayers of his faithful people, will vouchsafe a gracious answer to our petitions.

Bearing, then, in mind that the same general causes which have led to previous concerts for prayer, on the first day of the new year, in former years, still remain— Let me request you to reflect upon the various important events connected with the present period to which I have referred, as calling for special prayer for the abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit; and giving them the weight which I trust they merit, cheerfully accept this TENTH INVITATION FOR PRAYER, ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 1ST, 1846.

The following suggestions are respectfully offered, to assist those who are desirous of this union :

1st. Let Christians follow the example of our blessed Lord, (Mark i. 25) who rose up a great while before day for secret prayer. Let them thus secure the blessing of Him who says, "Pray to thy Father which seeth in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

2nd. Let them call upon the Lord in their families, for his Spirit to be poured upon themselves and their households, their neighbours, their country, including Great Britain and Ireland, and our Colonies, the ministers of the Lord, the churches of Christ, and more es

pecially the Jerusalem Mission, the remnant of scattered Judah and outcast Israel, and upon the Gentile world.

3rd. Where circumstances will admit of a morning service, let the congregation be assembled, and, in addition to the appointed prayers and a suitable sermon, let all who are devoutly disposed partake together of the Supper of the Lord-or, as may be more convenient, let the whole congregation meet in the evening for public worship, and let an appropriate discourse be preached.

4th. Let the Ministers of the Lord meet on the following day, with their brethren of their own communion, in earnest prayer for themselves, their flocks, the whole body of Christ, and the world at large; and then especially consult together upon the most effectual means for hastening the coming of the Lord's kingdom, and particularly for the continuance of such a general concert for prayer, that the year may proceed according to this devout commencement.

May the Lord accompany these means of grace, or such others as may be adopted, with his abundant blessing! Oh! may it indeed be a season of special refreshment from the presence of the Lord!

Let this be the prayer of all who read this paper ; and as the new year is now approaching, it would be a great kindness if those who approve the object, and have influence over the press, would republish and circulate this invitation, which any one, into whose hands it may fall, has full permission to do.

Peace be with all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity! Thus prays their affectionate Brother

and Servant in the Lord,

JAMES HALDANE STEWART.

St. Bride's, Liverpool.

THE BARGAIN.

[We met with the following in a Scottish periodical : it is well worth the attention of our readers.]

"May I trouble you to show me that dress-cap with blue trimmings in the window?' said a lady-like person as she entered a fashionable lace-shop.

The proprietor, with a polite bow, handed the lady a chair, and producing the cap alluded to, recommended it in the usual set phrases.

Pray, what is the price?' inquired Mrs. Mowbray with a dissatisfied air, after viewing it in every imaginable position, and scrutinizing its materials and workmanship with the most patient minuteness.

'The price is seven shillings, madam,' answered the shopkeeper, rubbing his hands.

'Seven shillings!' exclaimed Mrs. Mowbray; 'why, I have seen them marked up at a score of places for six, and at the bazaars they are cheaper still.'

'Excuse me, madam, replied the shopkeeper, ‘not such a cap as that, I think. Observe the fine quality of the materials, and the neatness of the workmanship. It is a first-rate article.'

'Oh yes, I see,' rejoined Mrs. Mowbray; 'but the caps to which I allude are quite equal to it in every respect. The fact is, I do not particularly want it; but if six shillings will do, I will take it.'

The shopkeeper hesitated. 'I suppose you must have