+III. The zeal of the Christian convert is not to be unduly influenced by the presence of others.+--While Paul was with the Churches in Galatia they were zealous, but after his departure their zeal ceased. To lose our zeal because we have lost the influence of another is to show: 1. _That we never possessed true Christian motives._ 2. _That our supposed attachment to Christ and His cause was delusive._ 3. _That our zeal had merely been an effort to please men, not God.--The Lay Preacher._ Ver. 19. _The Christmas of the Soul._--The apostle refers to the spiritual birth. The soul then rises into a consciousness of its infinite importance; its thoughts, sympathies, and purposes become Christ-like, and Christ is manifested in the life. The soul-birth were impossible if Christ had not been born in Bethlehem. That was an era in the world's history, this in the individual life; that was brought about by the Holy Spirit, this is effected by the same Divine Agent; that was followed by the antagonism of the world, this is succeeded by the opposition of evil, both within and without; that was the manifestation of God in the flesh, this is the renewing of man's nature in the image of God; that came to pass without man's choice, this requires man's seeking. Has this spiritual birth taken place in you? If so, you have a right to the enjoyment of a happy Christmas. Keep the feast as a new man in Christ Jesus.--_Homiletic Monthly._ Ver. 20. _A Preacher's Perplexity_-- +I. Occasioned by the defection of his converts.+--"I stand in doubt of you." +II. As to what method he should adopt to restore them.+--"And to change my voice." +III. Increased by the difficulty of effecting a personal interview.+--"I desire to be present with you now." _"I stand in doubt of you." Doubtful Christians._ +I. Persons whose religion is liable to suspicion.+--1. Those who have long attended the means of grace, and are very defective in knowledge. 2. Who profess much knowledge and are puffed up with it. 3. Who contend for doctrinal religion rather than for that which is practical and experimental. 4. Who waver in their attachment to the fundamental principles of the Gospel. 5. Who neglect the ordinances of God's house. 6. Who neglect devotional exercises. 7. Who co-operate not with the Church to advance the kingdom of Christ in the world. +II. The improvement to be made of the subject.+--1. Should lead to self-examination. 2. Shows the loss and danger of persons so characterised. 3. Should lead to repentance and faith. 4. While exercising a godly jealousy over others, let Christians watch with greater jealousy over themselves.--_Helps._ _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verses_ 21-31. _The History of Hagar and Sarah allegorical of the Law and the Gospel._