Christian Duties.

"He that hath my commandments and keepeth them," says the Son of God, "he it is that loveth me." Now it seems important that we should know what are the commands of Christ, which we are to observe and obey, in order to inherit the love of God. In looking over the New Testament, which evidently contains the whole of our Lord's commands, we find the following injunctions and intimations of duty, which are applicable to the present generation. Whoever neglects to obey them, is not a friend of Christ, and cannot see his face in peace, but is in danger of being rejected. His first command is, "Repent," which simply means to leave off sinning. "Blessed," said he, "are the poor in spirit (or humble); blessed are the meek; blessed are the merciful; blessed are the pure in heart; blessed are the peace-makers." He admits that the first and greatest commandment is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and all thy strength, and with all they mind;" but knowing that it is not in the power of a natural man to keep this commandment, he reaches a series of practical duties, the observance of which will lead us directly to the ability, to fulfil this great commandment. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Conceal not your faith nor your hope, but be ready to confess Christ before men. Be at peace with all; and if any person has any thing against you, go and passify him, and procure reconciliation. Abandon every thing in this world, even a right hand or a right eye, rather than offend God by sin. Swear not by any oath whatever. "Resist no evil;" but if any person injures, slanders or wrongs you in any way, do good to him in return. "Give to every one that asketh," and lend to him that would borrow; and that without hoping for any thing in return. If a man compels you to do any thing which is not sinful, do even more voluntarily than what you are compelled to do. "Love your enemies; bless them that curse you, and do good to them that hate you." Forgive freely and readily every one that injures or wrongs you. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." "Sell that ye have, and give alms." Be not anxious about things of this world, but believe that God careth for you and will provide. Take up your cross daily, (cross your natural inclination,) and follow Christ; that is, follow his example by doing good. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things needful will be given you. Humble yourselves before god, and pray earnestly and frequently for all the blessings you need, especially for faith, wisdom, love, humility, and truth: and give thanks for divine favours. "Beware of the leaven of the scribes and pharisees;" beware of the bigotry and traditional superstition of a formal clergy, which teach for doctrines the commandments of men; but search the scriptures to learn what the will of the Lord is. "Abide in me; continue ye in my love." "Love one another as I have loved you." "Let love be without dissimulation: abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour, preferring one another." "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; instant in prayer; given to hospitality; rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep: condescend to men of low estate; provide things honest in the sight of all men." "See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever follow that which is good." "Abstain from all appearance of evil." Is there any thing in all these injunctions, unreasonable, or inconsistent with our happiness here, or with good government regulations? Certainly not; but on the contrary, there is more peace and enjoyment, even in this world, in living in full obedience to the gospel rules, than in all the pleasures of wealth and luxury, with indulgence of sinful propensities.