+I. Let us distinguish between mere natural zeal and spiritual ardour.+--1. There is a zeal of _sympathy_ which is awakened by the zeal of others with whom we associate. It is only that of the soldier who, though himself a coward, is urged on to battle by the example of those around him. 2. There is _constitutional_ zeal, a warmth, an ardour, which enters into all we say or do, which pervades all our actions and animates all our services. This is not strictly religious but animal excitement and is no more allied to our soul-life than our arms or our feet. 3. There is a zeal which is merely _sentimental._ It throws a romantic glamour over our objects; but its exercises are too occasional, too random, to produce much effect. 4. There is a zeal of _affectation_ like that of Jehu (2 Kings x. 16). This is religious foppery and hypocritical vanity. 5. _Christian_ zeal is a fair demonstration of what is felt within. It seeks not the eye of man but acts under the conviction of God's omniscience. +II. Consider the objects to which Christian zeal should be directed.+--This "good thing" may be taken as including all true religion, and embracing: 1. The promotion of God's glory. 2. The extension of Christ's kingdom. 3. The salvation of men. 4. The conversion of the world. +III. The good that results from the exercise of Christian zeal to the persons that possess it.+--1. It renders them more Christ-like. 2. It furthers the Divine designs in the most effective way. 3. We become worthy followers of the great heroes of faith in the past ages.--_The Preacher's Magazine._ _True Christian Zeal._ +I. The Christian convert is zealously affected in a good thing.+--1. _All the teachings of Christianity are good._ They enlighten, guide, and sanctify. They are peculiar, harmonious, infallible, Divine. Their morality is sublime, their spirit heavenly, their effect glorious. 2. _The influence of Christianity is good._--It has created the sweet charities of national and domestic life, sanctified advancing civilisation, softened the fierceness of war, stimulated science, promoted justice and liberty. Sceptics have admitted this. 3. _All that Christianity accomplishes for man is good._--It saves him from sin, from the stings of guilt, from the eternal consequences of wrong-doing. +II. The zeal of the Christian convert is to be steady and continuous.+--There should be no diminution nor fluctuation in our zeal. 1. _Because no reason can be assigned why we should not be as zealous at any after-hour as at the hour of our conversion._ 2. _Because it is only by steady and continuous zeal that a proper measure of Christian influence can be exerted._ 3. _Because only by steady and continuous zeal can Christian character be matured._ 4. _Because only thus can success in Christian enterprises be attained._ 5. _Because steady and continuous zeal will alone bring Divine approval._