him for future happiness and pleasure. Precisely thus is it with the requirements of God. Self-denial is required, but strength equal to the exigency of the case is imparted; pleasure is experienced in the act itself after the trial is past, and shall be more especially felt in the world of unmingled felicity, where selfdenial is unknown. To that state the pious David referred when he said: "Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in thy presence is fulness of joy, at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

CHAPTER IV.

HAPPINESS ARISING FROM THE PRIVILEGES AND PROSPECTS OF EVANGELICAL RELIGION.

"Tis Religion that can give
Sweetest pleasures while we live;

'Tis Religion can supply

Solid comfort when we die.

After death its joys will be
Lasting as eternity;

Be the living God my friend,
Then my bliss will never end.

Ir is a just remark of the pious Matthew Henry, that "Interest is the Governess of the world." That religion ought to be loved for its own sake is a fact which cannot be denied; but that men are regulated in their conduct by the advantages, real or imaginary, which may accrue to them is equally undeniable. The sacred writers very frequently exhort to the fear of God, and to the discharge of every holy and relative duty, by representing the advantages resulting from

such a line of conduct. And there is no subject more interesting to the Christian himself, or on which he dwells with greater pleasure when recommending religion to others, than the privileges she confers, and the prospects she discloses. In our former chapters, we have examined the nature of evangelical religion, and investigated its doctrines and its duties, and have seen that they are calculated to impart the highest satisfaction to the mind; we now propose to consider its privileges and its prospects. We are aware that it cannot be disputed that these tend to the happiness of man; but we would do more than raise the subject above dispute ;-we would excite in the mind of the reader an ardent interest in the theme, and a holy resolution to embrace the religion of Jesus.

In examining the privileges of religion, we cannot but advert to the tranquillity and peace of mind it imparts to its possessor. It is a fine expression of the evangelical prophet to Jehovah, "Thou wilt keep him in

perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee, because he trusteth in thee." How beautifully has this statement been exemplified by believers in every age! The world of nature presents to us a scene of warfare; man rises against man, and brute against brute; and in the moral world it is the same. The passions of the soul are found conflicting with each other; foes internal and external are seeking the destruction of our peace; evil tempers and disappointments of various kinds constantly destroy our serenity, and beset our paths; our enjoyments fly from us, and we resemble the waves of the sea when in violent agitation. Hence it is said, "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." But who needs to be told that the religion of the gospel calms the conflicting tempests of the soul, and enables the believer to triumph even in the midst of the greatest trials? The man who has become sensible of his rebellion against God, must needs be unhappy to see the Governor of the universe about to exert his vengeance against him.

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But behold in the gospel a way in which we can flee from his wrath. Jesus makes an atonement; faith leads us to repose on his sacrifice; and "being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have received the atonement, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Are we the subjects of poverty, affliction, and disappointment? Revelation exhibits Jehovah as our friend, and reposing on its statements we may sing, in the hour of sorrow, with the pious psalmist, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble! therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God." It is the happiness of the Christian to be interested in the favour of Him who made the earth, and who upholds all things by the word of his power. Possessing this privilege, he