submission to the oracles of God. When nature is regarded as the only revelation of the Divine will, the errors of the speculative Deist are as numerous as they are dangerous. For while many of the beauties of creation are grand monuments of the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, many other appearances in the natural world would seem to contradict these attributes; and if they are not explained, they must lead to the most absurd notions of the Deity. "Why," asks the Deist," do I behold, in connection with the beauties of nature, many terrific and revolting scenes? What mean these rugged mountains, these broken cliffs, these barren wastes? Whence proceed these terrible storms, devastating countries and endangering the life of man? Such bewildering problems will ever arise to the mind of him, who studies the doctrines of Christ, unaided by the light of revelation. Led by the deceptive meteors of a vain imagination from one confused notion to another, till, lost in the intricate labyrinths of error, he will finally sink to Paganism, if not to Atheism itself. But there are others who profess all the doctrines of Christianity; and they regard the works of nature as a very imperfect revelation of the Divine will. They contemplate with profit and delight the expansive firmament above, and the verdant earth beneath. With scientific minuteness they examine the philosophy of the wonderfu} works of God, till they have obtained a summit of knowledge far transcending the conception of ordinary minds. Yet, while their philosophy fathoms the bowels of the earth, and rises to the glittering orbs of heaven, beaming on every step some new evidence of the Divine perfections; alas! how seldom is their knowledge applied to a spiritual use. In their scientific works, the name of God is scarcely ever mentioned; his power and wisdom are sel

dom magnified. There is a barrier between God and the natural man; and though every creature lives and moves, and has its being in him, his infinity seems hid from the carnal conceptions of mortals. Thus far, but no farther, can unsanctified reason proceed. But hand the book of nature to the true believer, and it will speak a language unknown to others. From it he will extract a testimony to the wisdom and omnipotence of God, utterly undiscernable by the darkened hearts of the ungodly. The knowledge it cannot supply, he finds in the inspired oracles; and the light it does reflect upon sacred things, beautifully illustrates the doctrines of Divine truth. Human reason is not strained beyond its proper limits; but guided by the lamp of that living word, and submitting all his opinions to its authoritative dictates, he steers a pleasing and a well-defined course. Science and religion go hand in hand; and the constant acknowledgment of his adoring spirit is, "O Lord, in wisdom hast thou made them all."

2. The Providences of God display his moral government to man. To a mind disposed to ridicule, few subjects will afford more ample scope than Divine Providence. Its mysteriousness.Did man delight in the knowledge of God, every circumstance in life would- -History and personal experience conspire to disclose his benign -But how seldomis Providence studied aright. The sceptic despises it as superstition. A life is savedit is a coincidence. The wants of man are regularly supplied-it is a mere accident. The arm of Jehovah is made bare at an important juncture, armies are defeated—it is by chance. So obstinate is unbelief. With a little more reverence does the Christian scholar-But "the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." But the true believer discerns wisdom and love with perspicuity and gratitude.

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His humble ascriptions of praise rise, "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." Thus circumstances which pass, elicit his moderation and gratitude.

3. We further remark, the authenticity of Scripture is established by the fulfilment of prophecy. This evidence is too decisive to be questioned by the most critical. Alas, how has the study been misapplied! The believer traces the fulfilment of prophecy, not only in the history of the church, and the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom, but in his own experience.

4. The divinity of Christianity is proved by miracles. Mark with what different feelings these are regarded by the mere scholar and the believer. Sinners study truth to detect error: believers, to discover the will of God, and adore the manifestations of his love.

II.-But practical righteousness contains evidences of Christianity peculiar to itself.

1. To him the justice of God is strikingly displayed. Rather it is felt in his heart.

2. He realizes the love of God.

3. The fulfilment of the Divine purposes, to a great extent, depends on the practical holiness of believers.

(1.) Spread of the Gospel.

(2.) Personal experience.

Well might an eminent

divine remark, "Were I to define divinity, I should rather call it a divine life than a divine science.

The facts of Church history, Christian biography, and our own experience prove.

PERORATION.

1. How flimsy and invalid are all objections to Christianity!

2. How important it is that we do his will.

INTRODUCTION.

The evidences of Christianity are adapted to the sinfulness of the human heart, as well as the ignorance of the human mind. Illustrate.

Yorkville, 10th August, 1850.

SERMON LVI.

CHRIST THE STRENGTH OF THE BELIEVER.

"I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.”—Phil. iv. 13.

The text naturally unfolds to our minds two important principles in divinity.

1st. That Christ is the strength of the believer; and 2ndly, That through him he is enabled to do all things.

I.-Jesus Christ is God; and being one with the Father,

possessed with all the Divine attributes, we can easily - ascertain that his power is infinite. It is out of the fulness of this power or strength, considered morally, that the believer "receives, and grace for grace." The impartation of this power is here ascribed to Christ, because in his priestly character and by virtue of his sacrificial offering, our saving strength has been procured, and is constantly communicated. "For when we were without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly." "As sin hath reigned in us unto death, even so does grace reign, through righteousness, unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." 1. Christ strengthens us by instruction. Ignorance is weakness knowledge brings confidence, rejoices and encourages.