first discovered it to the mind, keep up its fading impression on the soul, by continually renewing it, and brooding over the ruins of our nature, as over the chaos of a former world, bring back all into order, and separate the light of truth from that darkness, which, in the mind of man, is so continually mingling with it.

PART EIGHTH.

UNIVERSAL CHRISTIANITY.

́ 1. CHRISTIANITY, LIKE EVERY OTHER SYSTEM, HAS ITS ESSENTIAL DOCTRINES.-II. THE RECEPTION

OR REJECTION OF THESE DIVIDES THE WORLD INTO
TWO CLASSES. -III.
AMONGST THOSE WHO ARE UNITED IN ESSENTIALS,
-IV. ALL WHO RECEIVE THE BIBLE IN SINCERITY
HAVE ONE FAITH.-V. VARIETY OF VIEWS WITH-
OUT DIVERSITY OF FAITH.-VI. MISTAKE OF MEANS
FOR THE END.-VII. SECTS WILL CEASE WHEN NO
LONGER USEFUL.-VIII. WALKING TOGETHER AS
FAR AS AGREED.-IX. CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY.

THE FOLLY OF DIVISIONS

-X. THE UNION OF ALL BY THE BOND OF CHARITY.
-XI. REVIVAL FROM ON HIGH.-XII. INDUCTIVE
PHILOSOPHY. XIII. GENERAL AND RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION.-XIV. PURE STUDY OF THE WORD of
GOD.XV. STUDY WITH PRAYER OF THE WORKS
OF GOD.-XVI. PROMISES WITH RESPECT TO THE
PREVALENCE OF TRUTH.-XVII. GLORY OF THE

LATTER DAYS.

I. CHRISTIANITY, like every other system of truth, consists of a few general and essential principles,

and a variety of particular applications. One essential truth is connected with another, and may be easily deduced from it. They are all united with each other, and afford mutual evidence and support. Christianity is a religion addressed to sinners, it is entirely occupied about the removal of sin, and the abolishing both its guilt and its power. Hence, to enter into Christianity as a system of revealed truths, the disciple must be deeply convinced of sin, and this conviction of sin is the first work of our divine teacher, the Spirit. It is necessary that we have an intimate conviction of the guilt of sin, as well as of its danger, and not only of its contrariety to human happiness, but to the holy and unchangeable character of God. When we behold the wrath of God revealed against all unrighteousness of men, we shall flee without delay to the ark of safety provided for us. Conviction of sin leads necessarily, to a cordial acceptance of the atonement, and the Holy Spirit convinces us of sin, for the express purpose, that we may joyfully accept his testimony to the Saviour. The atonement, as necessarily, leads to the belief of a divine Saviour, who could alone fulfil that law for others, which all creatures are bound to fulfil for themselves. The deeper the conviction of sin the more steadfast will be the belief in the atonement, and in the Deity of the Saviour. A sense of guilt and inability to fulfil the divine commandments, as

power

it cuts the sinner off from all trust in himself, will cause him to place unlimited trust in the divine Redeemer, who is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Conviction of sin must further lead to an earnest desire to be freed from the of sin, and is as intimately linked with the faith which sanctifies, as with the faith which justifies. And since the warfare with sin must continue while the believer remains in the flesh, the more deeply he is convinced of sin by the Holy Spirit, the more earnestly must he long for the heavenly state of glory, and of complete salvation, when all enemies shall be put under his feet, and he shall be more than conqueror, through Christ who has loved him. Thus, whoever is convinced of sin by the Holy Spirit, is led into all essential truths by the same divine teacher, and however dark and indistinct his views may be in many minor points, and however imperfect his perception may be, even in respect to these essential truths, still he is led by the Spirit, and taught by the Spirit, the true light is shining into his mind, and the dawn of endless glory is begun in his soul.

II. The reception or rejection of these essential truths, the depravity of man, the atonement and Deity of the Saviour, and salvation by faith in its three stages, of justification, sanctification, and glory, divide the whole world into two classes,

which it is of essential importance never to overlook or confound. The first class, by receiving these truths, become the heirs of the divine promises, and of the heavenly kingdom; the second, who reject or neglect them, remain the heirs of wrath, and continue under the curse pronounced upon all flesh as transgressors of God's holy law. However similar they may be to each other for the present, they are as different as the twilight of morning from that of evening; the light of the one will grow brighter and brighter to the perfect day, while the gathering gloom of the other will deepen till it closes in utter darkness, unless they repent, and turn again to him, who is the light of the world. This great division among mankind, it is the chief object of the adversary of souls to obscure. If Christians recognised each other as belonging to the same great body, of whom Christ is the living head, and as the children of the same heavenly Father, they would act together and pray together. United with the force of moral union, and combined under their heavenly leader, no obstacles nor enemies could withstand them; they would go forth conquering and to conquer; but the enemy knows they would be irresistible if united, and taking advantage of their corruptions and lusts, sows strifes and divisions amongst them, knowing that if a house be divided against itself it cannot stand.