Among other declarations of Christ, in accordance with the foregoing, are these: "I am the Light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John, viii. 12.) To some of the Jews, who, through unbelief, were in danger of having this divine gift taken from them, he said, "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you. While ye have the light believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light," (John, xii. 35, 36,)—by witnessing, through the powerful operation of this divine gift, the great work of regeneration effected in them.

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It may further be observed, that all who believe in the light, and walk in obedience to its dictates from day to day, fully participate in the benefits procured by the sufferings and death of the Redeemer. If we walk in the light," said the Apostle, "as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John, i. 7.) Hence it appears, that the being cleansed from all sin by the blood of Christ, is the blessed result of walking in the light; and this walking includes faith in the divine gift, and obedience to its monitions.

It has been the practice of the wicked one, to endeavour, by various stratagems, to induce the children of men to shut up their hearts against the influence of the light of Christ; and as far as he has succeeded in this design, so far has he maintained his evil power and dominion in the world. Christ is the gift of God unto mankind, not only in respect to his outward or personal appearance, sufferings, and death, but also in respect to his spiritual appearance in their hearts. His salvation is freely offered unto all; and it is partaken of by those only, who in humility of mind receive this divine gift, and, embracing the faith which is its fruit, are baptized, not in outward

water, but in, or into the name, that is, the life and power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit :-as it is written, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark, xvi. 16.) The faith of these will necessarily embrace the testimony of the Scriptures, should they be favoured with this invaluable record respecting the birth, life, sufferings, and death of our Holy Redeemer; inasmuch as this divine gift, especially in respect to the increased measure in which it is bestowed on mankind under the Christian dispensation, is altogether to be ascribed to the efficacy of that which Christ in his appearance in the flesh did and suffered for the human

race.

If the subtle adversary can so far beguile any of the professors of Christianity, as to instil into their minds a secret aversion to the idea of an internal manifestation of the light of Christ; and if, by following up the advantage he has gained, he can induce them to affix the stigma of enthusiasm or fanaticism on the doctrine, it becomes easy for him to persuade them to disregard and reject the admonitory dictates of this divine Teacher in their own minds. Were they disposed, on the contrary, to believe in and to obey this free gift or grace of God, which, the Apostle Paul declared, "bringeth salvation and hath appeared unto all men," (Titus, ii. 11, 12,) it would enlighten their minds, it would teach them " to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." By submission to the further manifestations of the divine gift, they would gradually obtain an increase of that spiritual discernment, without which, we are expressly told, the things of the Spirit of God cannot be known. (1 Cor. ii. 14.) And thus, continuing fully to yield themselves to these operations of the Spirit of Christ in his various offices upon their souls,

they would know him to be made unto them, " wisdom, ighteousness, sanctification, and redemption." (1 Cor. i. 30.)

The great importance of this heavenly gift to mankind, may be in some degree estimated by the characters under which it is described by our blessed Lord and by his Apostles. Besides that significant appellation of "the light," the rejection of which by them who do evil is the cause of their condemnation; and "the grace of God, which bringeth salvation," and "hath appeared unto all men;" it is set forth as the "Spirit of God" or "of Christ," (Rom. viii. 9,) "a manifestation whereof is given to every man to profit withal;" (1 Cor. xii. 7;) -as "the Spirit of truth," promised to "guide into all truth;" (John, xvi. 13;)—" the word nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart,"—"the word of faith ;” (Rom. x. 8;)-"the word of God,* quick and power

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*As the "word of God," "the word of Life," "the word nigh thee, in thy heart," "the word of faith," "the engrafted word,” form a part of those numerous designations by which the sacred writers describe the divine gift, it may be proper to state, that not one of those phrases is by them used to signify the Holy Scriptures. The first chapter of John commences thus: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Now, if instead of "the Word," we were to substitute "the Holy Scriptures," the misapplication would be placed in a clear point of view. The same Apostle also, in the Revelation, speaking of Him who is "called Faithful and True," who is "King of kings and Lord of lords," says, "His name is called the Word of God." (Rev. xix. 30.) How great then is the impropriety of giving to the Scriptures that name, which the Scriptures themselves assign to the Son of God!

The conferring on the gift that appellation which belongs only to the Almighty Giver, the Fountain of grace and truth,

ful;" (Heb. iv. 12;)—" the engrafted word, which is able to save the soul;" (James, i. 21 ;)" the anointing," which teacheth all things necessary to salvation; (1 John, ii. 27 ;)—“ Christ in you, the hope of glory;" (Col. i. 27;)" the incorruptible seed;" (1 Pet. i. 23;)—" the Word of life," (1 John, i. 1.)

In publishing this concise view of the redemption of man, the writer wishes to observe, that probably it may fall into the hands of religiously disposed persons of different denominations; some of whom may be ready to say, "This doctrine does not accord with that which we have been accustomed to hear from our ministers; it is a doctrine which, in many material points, as far as our observation has extended, is seldom heard from the pulpit in the present day." Should objections of this kind arise in any, who are sincerely seeking that knowledge which is life eternal; the writer entreats them to consider, that this doctrine is founded on the very words which were spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ; and that the Apostles evinced themselves his faithful ministers by preaching substantially the same truths; of which assertion, abundant proof will be found, by reference to the texts quoted in the preceding paragraph.

While investigating this momentous subject, with an earnest desire, that the light of Christ may enable you to ascertain and to acknowledge the truth; if you are enabled to see clearly, that the doctrine preached by men whom you have esteemed as ministers of the gospel, is in any wise at variance with that which was proclaimed by Jesus Christ himself, surely eternal happiness is involved in

has led to conclusions respecting the Holy Scriptures, which have greatly obstructed the spreading of that knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent, which is "Life eternal.”

your faithfully embracing the latter. And should this course prove very contrary to your inclinations, so as to be indeed a cross difficult to be endured; yet, remember who it is that said, "Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke, xiv. 27.) Be encouraged, then, to bear this cross, and faithfully to follow Christ. It is one of the greatest privileges held out to you by the Christian dispensation, that He is given to be your "Leader," your spiritual Guide: (Isai. lv. 4:) and if, in humility of mind, you obey the monitions of his holy light revealed in your hearts, you herein follow Christ.

The writer is inclined again to repeat the assertion, that he who truly believes in and follows the light, is a believer in, and a follower of Christ. On the contrary, he who disregards and rejects the light, disregards and rejects Christ; and thus deprives himself of that salvation which those who believe in and follow Christ enjoy. These are furnished with the needful supply of that "wisdom which is from above;" (James, iii. 17;) for the light, or Spirit of truth, leading them "into all truth," becomes a sure director in the exercise of every religious and social duty. Through faith, they receive power to fulfil its requisitions; and the obedient are abundantly rewarded with peace and joy. "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (2 Cor. ix. 15.)

May the attention of those now addressed, be turned day by day to this inward monitor, the true spiritual guide. May the secret aspirations of your souls, under the influence of his Holy Spirit, frequently ascend unto your Heavenly Father, with fervent desire, that his kingdom may come, and be set up in your hearts; and that his holy will may be done in and by you, even in all things. And when the light of Christ shall expressly point out what