offence and no reproach. You have heard of a

two-fold darkness in the East.

two-fold darkness in the West.

There is also a

There is the

darkness of Infidelity, and the darkness of a corrupt Theology. Infidelity has slain its thousands: but a corrupt Theology has slain its ten thousands.

Let every student of Theology inquire whether the religion he professes bear the true character. Instead of shunning the reproach of Christ, his anxiety ought to be, how he may prepare himself for that high and sacred office which he is about to enter. Let him examine himself whether his views correspond, in any degree, with the character of the minis. ters of Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the "Gospel." 1 Cor. ix. 16. Even the Old Testament arrests the progress of the unqualified and worldly-minded teacher. It is recorded that when Dathan and Abiram invaded the priest's office, with a secular spirit, "the earth "opened her mouth and swallowed them up," " in the presence of Israel. "This was written "for our admonition," that no man should attempt to minister in holy things until he has cleansed his heart from the impurities of life; and is able to publish the glad tidings of salvation with unpolluted lips.

If the Student desire that God would honour

his future ministry, and make him an instrument for preserving the UNITY of the Church, instead of his being an instrument of SECESSION from it, he will seek to understand that pure doctrine of which our Lord speaks, when he saith, "He that will do the will of God shall "know of the doctrine whether it be of God." This is an Era of Light in the Church. Men are ardent to hear the word of God. And if a thousand churches were added to the present number, and "enlightened by the doctrine of the Evangelist John," they would all be filled. Those who preach that doctrine are the true DEFENDERS of the Faith and the legitimate SUPPORTERS of the Church of England. If these increase, the Church will increase. If these increase in succeeding years in the same proportion as they have hitherto done, it is the surest pledge that the Church is to flourish for centuries to come, as she has flourished for centuries past. And there is nothing which forbids the hope that she will be PERPETUAL; if she be the ordained instrument of giving light to the world..'

I shall now conclude this discourse with de livering my testimony concerning the spiritual religion of Christ.-I have passed through a great part of the world, and have seen Christianity, Judaism, Mahomedanism, and Paganism in almost all their forms; and I can

truly declare, that almost every step of my progress afforded new proof not only of the general truth of the religion of Christ, but of the truth of that change of heart in true believers which our Lord describes in these words, "Born of the Spirit ;" and which the Evange list John calls, "Receiving an unction from "the Holy One." For even the heathens shew in their traditions and religious ceremonies, vestiges of this doctrine. Every thing else that is called religion, in Pagan or Chris tian lands, is a COUNTERFEIT of this. This change of heart ever carries with it its own witness; and it alone exhibits the SAME character among men of every language and of every clime. It bears the fruit of righteousness; it affords the highest enjoyment of life which was intended by God, or is attainable by man; it inspires the soul with a sense of pardon and of acceptance through a Redeemer: it gives peace in death; and "a sure and "certain hope of the resurrection unto eternal "life."

Let every man then, who hath any doubt in his mind as to this change in the state of the soul in this life, apply himself to the consideration of the subject. FOR IF THERE BE ANY TRUTH IN REVELATION, THIS IS TRUE. "What shall it

* See The Star in the East.

"profit a man, if he gain the whole world and "lose his own soul?" What avails it that all the treasures of science and literature are poured at our feet, if we are ignorant of ourselves, of Christ, and holiness? The period is hastening which will put an end to this world and all its distinctions; which, like a flood, will sweep away its applause and its frown, its learning and its ignorance. The awful glories of the last judgment will, ere long appear; when the humble and penitent inquirer, who has received by faith that stupendous grace which the doctrine of Christ reveals, shall be eternally saved; while the merely speculative student, whose secret love of sin led to the rejection of that doctrine, shall, notwithstanding his presumption of final impunity, be, for ever, undone.

I cannot permit myself to conclude, without expressing my thanks for the very candid attention with which you have been pleased to honour these discourses. I trust that every word hath been spoken with a just deference for the learned assembly before whom I preach: for I greatly covet your approbation, and I hope that I shall obtain it. But I have a solemn account to render; for I have had many opportunities, and I desire to say that, now, which my conscience shall approve, at that hour when I

shall be called to give an account of my stewardship.

I pray that "the Spirit of truth," which our Saviour promised should abide with his people for ever, may manifest his power amongst us, dispel the darkness of ignorance and error, and "guide our minds into all Truth." John xvi. 13.

To this Holy Spirit, who, together with the Father and the Son, is One God, be ascribed all honour and glory, power, might, majesty, and dominion, now and evermore. Amen.