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lusive tale, which they bring to this one point,-viz. That if they continue to believe in some peculiar way, they will assuredly at their death, immediately go to heaven. Now this impression once made on the minds of hearers, the next consideration is to learn the way. And here opens indeed a wide field for speculation.-Human ingenuity can find more ways than are points in the compass; and most of them, as absolutely diverse to each other as the points of the compass really are.-In consequence of this diversity, two-thirds of the population of this country will neither have any thing to do with them or with their ways. And of those who do, how many of them. have for their motive, either the forming a connexion for worldly advantage,—a compliance with friends, or with custom?—Now none of these must entertain ideas which differ from the creeds that guide and govern them, and, in fact, no difference between them could benefit the cause of real truth; because, none question the verity of the universally received opinion, that, such as they denominate the good, go directly to heaven at death. Their difference, therefore, could only be about the way, and if, on this point, any found a new guide more satisfactory, they would naturally attach themselves to him.-But I beg to ask every reflecting character, that dares to have an opinion on a point of such consequence, whether the idea of going to heaven at THE DEATH OF SIN, instead of at the death of individuals,would not far better serve, and more effectually promote the cause of true religion and universal good? This generally entertained opinion of necessity makes two distinct race of beings,- saints and sinners ;— the elect, and the reprobate. The one race is despatched above to glory; the other sent below, to gloom

and darkness, and even on this there is no agreement between any two bodies of professors. But Paul settles it very quietly, with all who died the first four thousand years of the world-he tells us, that not one had entered heaven,-Even Abraham, all the Patriachs, Prophets, and inspired characters, only obtained a claim to it," A good report." How then have they been disposed of?-Have we since had better men?Paul assures us, "that they, without us could not be made perfect." Heb. xi. If they did not then enter on the happiness, what is to be inferred of this "good report" of which he makes mention?-Was it for them to remain in a dormant state?-That would be contradicting the Lord's words, he declared that they were not dead, but living-for he expressly said "God is not the God of the dead," &c. If, therefore, they were living, according to Christ's positive declaration, yet not living, in what is considered heaven, agreeable to Paul's statement-it is no unimportant question to put to the man who holds himself ready to give a reason for the hope he possesses," where did, and where do they now exist?-for myself, I verily believe, in the world: and this gives a very clear understanding of the term, "a good report." By their obedience, faith, and conduct, they acquired a fair character, and obtained a good report, for some superior stage of usefulness, in the great work of man's recovery. They cannot be made perfect without us, therefore consequently not before us. But the dark usurper, Satan, must be driven from his seat of power, before man's recovery can be effected, or any be made perfect; and all that are to enjoy this perfection must have some share of instrumentality in his expulsion. This, however, will never be sought after, or expected, whilst

man is taught to slip out of his present state of trial of uncertainty and of trouble, into one of certain, never ending, never fading bliss-and that too without any other" good report," than has been gained from some fellow mortal, for the ample support which, whilst here, was afforded him.

After the shadow of the great and glorious reign of peace was given, under Solomon, in the Israelitish nation, the MERIDIAN OF TIME was passed, the nation then rapidly declined; and God's people were divided: Ten tribes, under Jeroboam, separated from Solomon's Son, and, instead of diffusing a knowledge of the revelation of God to others, they, through their love of evil, themselves became the slaves to heathen nations, and were blinded by marriage, customs, and maxims with them. The tribe of Judah, by divine power, was preserved from this mixture; yet they, by their wickedness, love to the usurper, yielding to his power, &c. were exposed to the tyranny of his agents, in Babylon, as captives for seventy years,-here they were most marvellously preserved, and from thence delivered, not by any struggle, or exertion of their own, but by the mighty power of their God, in a way quite unexpected and at a time, when their tyrants were most wantonly, most cruelly oppressive.

God then raised a Daniel, and other inspired characters, to keep dependence a little alive: he afterwards brought forth prophets, to strengthen and establish them in the rebuilding of their city and temple; and all to prepare for the Messiah's coming. their emancipation from slavery, and restoration to their native country, to their civil and religious privileges, made very little improvement in their moral or religious conduct. They appear to have degenera

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ted from bad to worse. They had more profession than before: but it was a profession that hardened them, gave them a greater hostility to the will of God, and a false confidence and security in themselves. They were divided into sects, and contending as now, who had found out the best understanding of the Messiah's coming. The Pharisees were very peculiarly distinguished for their learning and zeal, and were indeed in very high repute both with the careless and zealous.

Deity that was separated from humanity, was now about to be united with it again. 4000 years had passed away, in which the great work that was now about to be accomplished had been typified in the sacrifice of bulls, goats, &c. But that which David by inspiration sang above one thousand years before, was about to take place. "Sacrifice and oblation thou "didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened; burnt

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offering and sin offering hast thou not required. "Then said I, lo I come; in the volume of thy book "it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, oh my God; yea thy law is within my heart." Psalm xi. Here, Satan made a bold struggle. He knew the Messiah was expected,—and to prevent his reception into the world he set about saint making, and succeeded wonderfully. He produced a body of professors, although so very austere, yet they were numerous ;— and never was any body of worshippers in a higher state of popularity. They rigidly observed all ordinances, feasts, and fasts; and the traditions of all that had lived before were diligently collected, and numbers of their own added. These professors were by their external deportment, their speech, and dress, known from all others. But, who so severe against the Saviour of man? They took the lead of all: the

question, "Have any of the Pharisees or rulers be"lieved,"-silenced all.-This wonderful wisdom in man, this profound sanctity, and great learning have made them the staunchest friends Satan ever had.

Reason was appealed to.-A female to have a Son, without that son having a father. How preposterous! Yet they were told "a Virgin shall conceive and bring forth a son." And this was a sign from the Lord. Isaiah vii. 14.-Independent of all other information given, this, connected with time, which they ascertained from Daniel, and place, from Mich. it might have been sufficient to stimulate to a little candid inquiry. But, when a proud conceit of knowledge and learning has puffed up vain creatures, to a supposition of their competency to lead their fellow mortals, in all that regards time and eternity, it is hard to retract. To say we have been mistaken, very few would have strength to do. And the Being that fills them with such arrogance will vigilantly guard them from any suspicion of self.-How clearly Paul could see it, when self sufficiency was taken from him! "A body hast thou prepared."-Deity was to inhabit humanity; had it been a body after the ordinary course of generation it must have partaken of the corruption and defilement of nature: but it must be pure, or no such union could take place. Adam had no father, but God; and the regenerator of the world could have no father but God.

Here again, then, for ever glorified be the great name of God! Deity and humanity were again united, and subjected again to the assault of Satan. How restless was he during Christ's continuance on earth? How triumphantly did he exult, in having the rulers