test; he made a trial of his faith. In the sense of soliciting one to sin, it is elsewhere declared, "Let no man say, when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." *

With respect to those passages which speak of the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, and other passages of a similar description, the difficulty here results from overlooking the fact, that by a very common usage of the sacred writers, the Lord is often represented as doing that which he permits to be done by others. When we say "permit " we do not mean "sanction or approve, " but we refer to events which he allows or suffers to take place in the course of his providence, since nothing can happen except either by his appointment or his permission.-When therefore it is said, that the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, it is by no means intended that he exerted any direct agency to accomplish such an end, for this would be contrary to the whole scope and design of the writer. So far from this, God had wrought a variety of the most astonishing miracles, which were admirably fitted to soften and subdue his heart. But Pharaoh obstinately resisted all the means which were used for his reformation, and at last when he had gone on from one crime to another, the Lord in his justice withdrew those restraining influences which he had hitherto thrown around him, and left him to act out his long cherished purposes of iniquity, and thus the heart of this wicked king became hardened, agreeably to what we are elsewhere told, that Pharaoh hardened his own heart.

As a last resort the objector may tell us, that the Bible represents David, as 66 a man after God's own heart," when

* James 1: 13, 14.

he was in reality of a cruel and sanguinary disposition, and guilty of the most atrocious crimes.

In support of this allegation, we are referred in the first place to the imprecations contained in the Psalms. But these passages which in our version appear to be imprecations, may with equal propriety and correctness, be translated as predictions; and in that case they are to be regarded as solemn warnings, foretelling what would be the fate of those, who persevered in a course of injustice and impiety.-Again; granting them to be imprecations in the strictest sense of the term, it must be recollected, that the persons to whom they referred, were violent and wicked men, and if David were an inspired author, as we maintain him to be, it was surely not inconsistent for him in that character, writing under the guidance and direction of the Spirit of God, to denounce the vengeance of heaven against all the workers of iniquity.

But we are told still further, that David was guilty of the most atrocious crimes. We do not deny the fact. But then it must be remembered, that it is not with reference to these crimes, that the Bible represents him as a man after God's own heart, but with reference to the general excellence of his character, which for the most part was one of genuine piety. Again; although they were committed in an unguarded moment, and under the influence of powerful temptation, so far were these transgressions from receiving the approbation either of Jehovah or the sacred writers, that a prophet of the Lord was sent expressly to reprove him; and though the monarch of Israel wept like a child, though the tears of his repentance were bitter and lasting, as a chastisement for these offences he was followed by trouble and calamity all the rest of his days.

And in speaking of the sins of David, we may here remark, that while the Bible is a true and impartial history of the world, and as such, represents human nature as it is,

recording the vices and the crimes of men by whomsoever committed, it never sanctions or approves them. And this so far from furnishing a ground of objection, should be regarded as corroberating the truth of the sacred writers; for these writers never conceal even their own failings, as artful impostors most assuredly would have done. Oh no; for they were entirely free from that crooked policy, that wisdom of the world which knows not God.

We conclude these observations, by reminding you of the character and spirit of the Bible. It is the earliest of authentic histories-it is the fountain of jurisprudence—it is the model of poetry and eloquence-it is the text-book of civil and religious liberty :-it shews how we may be useful and happy in the present life, and leads to glory and immortality in that which is to come.

Brethren, the case is before you. You have heard the evidence, and also the objections by which an attempt has been made to impeach that evidence. The final decision must rest with you. But remember the Christian religion is either true, or it is false. If it is false, the belief of it can never injure those who have embraced it; but if it is true, what, oh what must become of those who reject it ?Are you prepared for this alternative! Can you put faith in a cold and heartless skepticism? Will you listen to the song of the enchantress? Will you be the voluntary victim of her spells and incantations?-Will you-because you have not the knowledge or the ingenuity to solve every difficulty-will you sacrifice, at the shrine of infidelity, the most important of all your interests? If you are so resolved, it will not be from the want of evidence in favor of the Bible. That evidence is written in sun-beams. could as soon doubt my own existence, as doubt the truth of Christianity. If we cannot be certain of this, we cannot be certain of anything.-But blessed be God, we are not left a defenceless prey to the fury of skepticism. The

I

church of Christ is an impregnable fortress. Though often assailed, it has never been overthrown. I survey its massive walls-its solid columns-its lofty turrets-its beautiful proportions—and when I reflect, that within that tower of strength are centred the best hopes of man for time, and for eternity, I thank my God, that it is founded on a rock, and that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Brethren, the door is now open. We invite you to enter. Time is rapidly flying.-Eternity is near. THE COMING OF THE LORD DRAWETH NIGH. But you may yet vanquish all your enemies in the day of Christ Jesus, if you will only enter the city of refuge, and looking to "the light of the Gentiles and the glory of Israel," rest for support on that Almighty arm which sustains the universe. *

We trust that no one will impute to us the opinion, that men can be saved through mere external church-membership. THEY ARE SAVED THROUGH These are the PROCURING CAUSE of their

THE MERITS OF CHRIST ALONE.

justification. The first duty of a sinner is to repent and believe, and then make profession before the world, in the ordinances of the Church.

"For

with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confes sion is made unto salvation." Rom. x: 10.

LECTURE IV.

THE BLESSINGS OF REDEMPTION.

A LIGHT TO LIGHTEN THE GENTILES, AND THE GLORY OF THY PEOPLE ISRAEL." Luke ii. 32.

Introduction.-The nature of the atonement--its origin-its extent.-The condition on which its blessings are suspended.-The meritorious ground of justification, the alone righteousness of Christ.--Faith, the instrumental condition. The nature of saving faith.-Practical exhortation.-The case of heathen and of infants.-The means by which redemption is carried into execution.-Justice and mercy reconciled in the atonement of Christ.--The grand object on which redemption terminates.-Conclusion.

Ir has always been the custom from time immemorial, both among rude and barbarous, and also among enlightened and polished nations, to commemorate important events intimately connected with freedom, ascendency and glory. On such occasions of joyful festivity, the imagination of the poet has often kindled, in reciting the exploits of martial heroism; and the genius of the orator found ample scope for his powers, in recalling to the recollection of a magnanimous people the splendor and renown of their ancestors, and inciting them by every motive which can influence the heart of man, to transmit unimpaired to posterity the blessings which they themselves enjoy. But my brethren, at a time like the present,* when the walls of our temple are adorned with these festal decorations, our hearts are ready to leap with transport, for we are at once

* Christmas.