this important topic are not in agreement with ours, yet what he says concerning the resurrection of man as a fundamental doctrine of the gospel, is worthy the deep attention of every Christian reader. May the Lord enlighten those who are yet ignorant on this mighty subject; and so direct the understandings of Christians, teachers and people, that they shall see and rejoice in that soul-inspiring hope which declares that death shall end, and that all shall live to God forever!

It is the intention of our heavenly Father in giving the doctrine of the resurrection to mankind, to deliver them from the fear of death. All feel something of this fear. The poet draws the true picture, thus:

The dread of something after death,

The undiscovered country, from whose bourne
No traveller returns,-puzzles the will;
And makes us rather bear those ills we have,
Than fly to others that we know not of.'

Ignorance of the future thus operates on the mind. Thousands have made life horrible in consequence of dark and dreadful views of an hereafter. And thousands now live who look on death with any other feelings than those of composure and satisfaction. To fill up this awful void, the truth of man's resurrection is proclaimed, through the Redeemer. Hear the apostle. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that hath the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage.' Such is the efficacy of gospel hope coming to the storm-beaten, sinking mariner on the ocean of life, and proclaiming in angelic strains, Fear not! for behold I bring you glad tidings!' Tidings of freedom from sorrow, sin, frailty, corruption and death, and exaltation to the ecstatic, unending bliss of the intelligences of heaven.

'Ye are dead,' saith the apostle, and your life is hid with Christ in God.' Here is asserted the same doctrine which we have just passed in review. Christ was the life of the brethren believers of the apostle. He is also the life of the world. 'As the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself,' and to quicken whom he will. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.' How interesting then to the true believer must the Son of God appear! What love in his mission to the world! What benevolence in his intended work! What almighty power and infinite glory in its accomplishment!

The great question, 'If man die shall he live again?' is thus answered in the gospel. To all the aspirations of man for power over death, and for life beyond the grave; to all the impulses moving within, and joining with numerous testimonials without; to the instructions of nature on the question of man's eternal progression in being, the voice of revelation lends its aid, and thus the evidence comes to us, full, deep, convincing, consoling and happifying-that man shall not slumber in the dust, but arise to higher, purer, and brighter abodes, where 'there shall be no more death,' but where existence shall be immortal, and the children of the resurrection enjoy the perpetual smiles of the love of God.

'Unfading hope! When life's last embers burn,
When soul to soul and dust to dust return!
Heaven, to thy charge resigns the awful hour!
Oh! then thy kingdom comes! Immortal Power!
What though each spark of earth-born rapture fly,
The quivering lip, pale cheek, and closing eye,
Bright to the soul thy seraph hands convey
The morning dream of life's eternal day!'

'For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord.' Rom. xiv. 9.

TRUE Christian hope is effectual in promoting the moral happiness of its possessor. It was so in the early days of gospel power. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself even as he (Christ) is pure.' It is so now. In the mind where living, gospel hope hath taken up its abode, is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.'

1. One advantage of Christian life is this; it sets the affections on things above. Few comprehend the meaning of this. The gospel believer best understands it. To him belongs the privilege of living not only in the world, but above it; so that while he seeks to discharge the various duties which devolve upon him, he forgets not that he is still to have his conversation in heaven. He forms a proper estimate of the things seen which are temporal, in contrast with the things not seen which are eternal. Thus he meditates. There are pleasures and joys on earth; but they are mixed with bitterness. Peace is found here; but contention breaks its holy calm. Innocent mirth is here; but sadness is brooding over it. Youth in its loveliness and bloom, is here; but old age and decrepitude follow. Riches and splendor abide here for a season; but suddenly they take to themselves wings and fly away. Virtue is here; but vice is lurking in ambush to destroy her. Life is here; but death is its sure successor. Be it

So.

The meditation ends not thus. There is an existence where imperfection cannot come ; where peace reigns undisturbed by contention; joy without sadness; and youth forever blooming in perennial bloom. Riches are there; the durable riches of the kingdom of God. Virtue is there; her name is perfect holiness. Life is there, the living principle of immortality; and death can never enter. Praised be God! In the midst of all the darkness and woe, the strife and confusion of this lower world, it is delightful to think on the order and harmony of heaven!

Thus he looks upward and onward- and thus he continues. Who can tell the limits assigned to the freed spirit of man, soaring above the reach of mortal imperfection, and reigning in the more immediate presence of the Eternal! And the joys revealed to its wondering vision! and its extent in knowledge! and its capacity for enjoyment, where death is known no more, and life is ever new! Well said the dying Hooker, 'I am going to leave a world disordered, and a church disorganized, for a world and a church where every angel and every rank of angels stand before the throne in the very post God has assigned them.' This is the way in which the I will of the Father is done in heaven. Above the reach of ambition, selfishness, vanity and pride -where love can create no envy, and humility no scorn where sects and divisions shall be lost in the one name of Him who died for us and rose again is everlasting light, unmixed truth, undisturbed order, perpetual peace! There, like the mighty rivers which in their progress visit different tribes and tongues, and at last unite their waters in the sea; so from every age of the world, and of every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, all will at last be seen flowing together, and the various sects, and parties, and ranks into which Christians have been divided, will be lost in the ocean of Infi

nite Love.' Blissful anticipation! the fire burns!'

While I muse

2. Another advantage of Christian hope is found in the contentment and resignation which it produces. As said the philanthropist Howard, so every true Christian believer will say My hope is in Christ.' Christ is the manifestation of God. He whose hope is founded on eternal holiness and truth, will have the advantage over all the unbelief of the earth. He cannot fail, if the gospel hope cheers him. He can say with Paul, I have learned in whatsoever situation I am, therewith to be content.' Faithfully using all the means given him to render this life a blessing to himself and others, he does not murmur at the allotments of Providence, if ills befall him. He seeks to turn all his adversities to a profitable account, and to come out of them the better instructed in the mysteries of the kingdom. Keeping 'a conscience void of offence,' he knows the truth of the apostle's saying, We which have believed do enter into rest.' Words of heavenly consolation reach him from the Scriptures; and he listens, and applies to himself their sacred truths. Cast thy burden upon the Lord; he shall sustain thee. He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the depths of the sea. heart and my flesh faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord

My