sume, in this generation will pretend that they have the experience of Paul, in building up the church of Christ; and yet, after his departure from the church at Ephesus, many, even of the elders, turned away from the truth; and what is almost always the case, sought to lead away disciples after them. Strange as it may appear, at first thought, yet it is no less so than true, that with all the professed determination to live godly, after turning from the faith of Christ, apostates have, unless they have speedily repented, sooner or later, fallen into the snares of the wicked one and been left destitute of the , to manifest their wickedness in the eyes of multitudes. From apostates the faithful have received the severest persecutions: Judas was rebuked, and immediately betrayed his Lord into the hands of his enemies, because satan entered into him. There is a supreme intelligence bestowed upon such as obey the gospel with full purpose of heart, which, if sinned against, the apostate is left naked and destitute of the Spirit of God, and they are in truth, nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. When once that ltght which was in them is taken from them, they became as much darkened as they were previously enlightened. And then, no marvel, if all their power should be enlisted against the truth, and they, Judas like, seek the destruction of those who were their greatest benefactors! What nearer friend on earth, or in heaven, had Judas, than the Savior? and his first object was to destroy him! Who, among all the saints in these last days, can consider himself as good as our Lord? Who is as perfect, who is as pure, and who as holy as he was?— Are they to be found? He never transgressed or broke a commandment or law of heaven—no deceit was in his mouth, neither was guile found in his heart! and yet one that ate with him, who had often supped of the same cup, was the first to lift up his heel against him! Where is there one like him. He cannot be found on earth. Then why should his followers complain, if from those whom they once called brethren, and considered in the nearest relation in the , they should receive persecution? From what source emanated the principle which has ever been manifested by apostates from the true church, to persecute with double dilligence, and seek with double perseverance, to destroy those whom they once professed to love, with whom they once communed, and with whom they once to strive, with every power, in righteousnes, to obtain the rest of God? Perhaps, our brethren, will say, the samo that caused satan to seek to overthrow the kingdom of God, because he himself was evil, and God’s kingdom is holy.