The importance of example, who does not under-
stand ? How much do most of us suffer from the pres-
ence, conversation, spirit, of men of low minds by
whom we are surrounded ! The temptation is strong,
to take as our standard, the average character of the
society in which we live, and to satisfy ourselves with
decencies and attainments which secure to us among the
multitude the name of respectable men. On the other
hand, there is a power (have you not felt it ?) in the
presence, conversation, and example of a man of strong
principle and magnanimity, to lift us, at least for the
moment, from our vulgar and tame habits of thought,
and to kindle some generous aspirations after the excel.
lence which we were made to attain. I hardly need say
to you, that it is impossible to place ourselves under any
influence of this nature so quickening as the example of
Jesus. This introduces us to the highest order of vir-
tues. This is fitted to awaken the whole mind. Noth-
ing has equal power to neutralize the coarse, selfish, and
sensual influences, amidst which we are plunged, to re-
fine our conception of duty, and to reveal to us the per-
fection on which our hopes and most strenuous desires
should habitually fasten.

There is one cause, which has done much to defeat
this good influence of Christ's character and example,
and which ought to be exposed. It is this. Multitudes,
I am afraid great multitudes, think of Jesus as a being
to be admired, rather than approached. They have
some vague conceptions of a glory in his nature and
character which makes it presumption to think of pro-
posing him as their standard. He is thrown so far from
them, that he does them little good. Many feel that a
close resemblance of Jesus Christ is not to be expected ;

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