ed." Over the grave they pronounced that all-powerful name, and the dead revived, came forth, and mingled with their friends. It is through this name that the world will, ultimately, be brought into obedience to God. "God also, hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow; of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil. 2: 9-11.

sun.

Many attempts have been made to build up systems of religion, without the name of the Saviour; but they have all proved abortive. We might as well attempt to erect a building without a foundation; to see without light; to heal the sick without medicine; to satisfy the appetite for food, without provisions; as well look for a stream without a fountain; as well expect fruit without a tree; a harvest without planting the seed; a spring without the light and heat of the The history of the world has demonstrated the truth of the apostle's affirmation. "Other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 3: 11. On this foundation we must rest all our hopes of the reformation of the world, and of immortal life; "For there is none other name under Heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4: 12. The records of His life, exhibit His power while on earth. The same power is still felt in the moral world. Untold myriads have felt its divine and life-giving influence. The mighty work is still progressing. Heart after heart is being touched by the reforming power of the Saviour's name. There is no name so dear to the Christian as "Jesus." Around

it cluster the most thrilling associations. It is the sweetest name on earth or in Heaven.

"Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

Sweetest sound in seraph's song,

Sweetest note on mortal's tongue,

Sweetest carol ever sung,

Jesus, Jesus, flow along."

John, Peter, James, Paul, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Chalmers and Channing, are names ever dear to the Christian; but the brightest, the sweetest among them all, is "Jesus."

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer's ear!

It soothes his sorrow, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,

And calms the troubled breast;

'Tis manna to the hungry soul,

And to the weary rest.

Dear name, the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding place;

My never-failing treasury fill'd,

With boundless stores of graee."

Mrs. Sigourney has recorded the following beautiful and touching incident:

"Among those who served at God's altar, was one who had faithfully discharged, through a long life, the holy duties of his vocation. He lingered, after his cotemporaries had gone to rest. By the fireside of his only. son, he sat in peaceful dignity, and the children of another generation loved his silver locks. In that quiet recess, memory was lulled to sleep. The names of even familiar things, and the images held most indelible, faded as a dream. Still he lived on, cheered by that reverence which is due to the "hoary-headed,

when found in the way of righteousness." At length his vigor failed. The staff could no longer support his tottering steps, and nature tended to her last repose.

"It was attempted, by the repetition of his own name, to awaken the torpor of memory. But he replied, "I know not the man." Mention was made of his only son, the idol of his early years, whose filial gratitude had taken every form and office of affection, "I have no son." The tender epithet by which he had designated his favorite grandchild, was repeated: "I have no little darling." Among the group of friends who surrounded his bed, there was one who spoke of the Redeemer of man. The aged man suddenly raised himself upon his pillow; his eye kindled as when from the pulpit, in the vigor of his days, he had addressed an audience whom he loved: “I remember that Saviour! Yes, I do remember the Lord Jesus!" There was power in that name to awaken the memory, to recall his wandering thoughts, to thrill his soul with emotions of love, gratitude and joy. Would that the spirit that dwelt in the heart of this dying man of God, might also dwell in every heart. My prayer is, that when I come to die, if I forget all other names, Ι may not forget the blessed name of Jesus! There is power in this name to disarm every fear.

"The Saviour! oh, what endless charms,

Dwell in the blissful sound!

Its influence every fear disarms,

And spreads sweet peace around.

Here pardon, life, and joys divine,
In rich effusions flow,

For guilty rebels, lost in sin,

And doom'd to endless wo.

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,:

Oh, the rich depths of love divine,
Of bliss, a boundless store:
Dear Saviour, let me call thee mine,
I cannot wish for more.

On Thee alone my hope relies,
Beaeath thy cross I fall;
My Lord, my Life, my Sacrifice,
My Saviour and my All."

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II.

CHRIST THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS.

"I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts." Haggai, 2: 7.

These words were originally addressed to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the residue of Israel, who were engaged in rebuilding the temple after the babylonish captivity; and were intended to encourage them in their great work. They were surrounded by enemies on every hand-great obstacles hedged up their way; and they needed such words of encouragement as these. This is strong figurative language, designed to represent great changes in the moral and political condition of the world. Isaiah uses similar language : "Go into the clifts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His Majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth." Isa. 2: 21.

Our text, evidently, refers to Christ. It cannot, with propriety, be applied to any other person. No other being has ever appeared among men, who can in any sense, be said to be the desire of all nations.