draw all men after him; by which this world might become worthy of its Creator, anticipate the joys of heaven, and finally attain to honour, glory, and immortality.

Having treated of the principal doctrines of the Christian religion separately, it may be expedient to conclude with a brief historical review of the plan and process of redemption. Thus we shall see, that it is a consistent scheme, carried · on from the creation to the dissolution of all things here, and consequently divine; and be able to take a comprehensive view of this magnificent train of dispensations.

This wonderful series of supernatural events opens with the creation of the world, and the preparation of it for the abode of man, a creature, rational, moral, accountable, and capable of immortality. Left to himself, he yielded to the first temptation; and every generation became more and more depraved. When the spirit of God could no longer "strive with man," that wicked race was swept off the earth by a general deluge. Lest succeeding generations should incur similar ruin, Abraham was selected as a stock, from which a chosen race should spring, to be the immediate subjects of their spiritual king, to preserve the knowledge of their origin and their Creator, and, in fulness of time, give birth to the Messiah. They were first removed to Egypt, the

native country of religion and learning. There they lived for a time, in such favourable circumstances, that their knowledge of God might be diffused among that people, and through them to the world at large. Being afterwards reduced to bondage, they were rescued by the power of the Most High. On their way to their final destination, they spent forty years in the desert of Arabia; till all, who could remember the idolatry and superstition of the Egyptians, had died. There they were prepared for the important part they were to act in the divine economy. They were sustained and governed by a special providence; instructed in the principles of pure religion, and in a ceremonial, calculated to separate them for ever from the Heathen nations. Their law was delivered in such an awful manner, as to make an indelible impression on their minds. Such means were prescribed for perpetuating it, that it could never be abolished. Though in the highest degree burdensome, costly and inconvenient, they would not consent to be released from it, on the publication of the Gospel. Ever since that time, they have clung to it with invincible tenacity, under greater persecution than was ever endured by any other people. They survive to this day, a dispersed nation, the wonder of the world, a standing miracle, a perpetual memorial of the truth of their history, two thou

sand years after their task-masters of Egypt and Babylon, and the Persian and Grecian empires, have become extinct, and many centuries after the fall of immortal Rome.'

Being now prepared for entering on their peculiar province, they were employed in extirpating a savage and cruel race of idolaters, who occupied the land promised to Abraham. This country was so peculiarly circumstanced and situated, that we cannot doubt, that it was purposely selected. It is the centre of the civilized world. It has Egypt to the south, Assyria and Persia on the east, Greece and Italy, with their islands, on the west; and the north was occupied, in turn, by each of these great monarchies. It was also in the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, chief cities of the Phenicians, who were the most adventurous navigators, and opulent merchants in the world; having connexions in every country bordering on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. No spot on earth can even now be pointed out, so well calculated for the dispersion of religious knowledge. In this country they resided till the appearance of the Messiah, having frequent intercourse with the great empires, by wars, captivities and dispersions. Meanwhile the Almighty, or his chosen servant, exercised a vigilant providence over that stubborn race, instructing them by his prophets, rewarding their piety

with unexampled prosperity, and chastising their infidelity with the most formidable judgments.

As there was no country so well adapted to the purpose of Providence in selecting this people; so there was not any period in their history adapted to the appearance of Christ, previous to that in which he was manifested. During the times of the Judges and Kings, they were continually engaged in foreign and intestine wars, till Israel, and-afterward Judah, were carried into captivity. This era was succeeded by the rebuilding of their temple and city, in which they were delayed and obstructed by the Samaritans, and the desperate struggles for independence by the Maccabees. But though they had been sooner in a condition to receive the Messiah, there was no nation in the world, in which his religion would have obtained a hearing; and if his appearance had been some years later, he would have found Jerusalem trodden down by the Gentiles, and the inhabitants carried into captivity.

At the auspicious era pre-ordained by divine wisdom, the Son of God appeared. He walked among his chosen people, full of grace and truth, without blemish and without spot. He instructed them by his benevolent precepts, and edified them by his example; cured their diseases, removed their infirmities, and forgave their sins.

He announced a life to come, and the conditions on which it might be secured. Every thing on earth attested the reality of his pretensions; and heaven itself bore witness to his origin and mission. He was declared to be the well-beloved of God, yet he was the scorn and derision of a base and cruel generation. He, who lay in the bosom of the Father, had not on earth where to lay his head. The brightness of the divine glory, and the express image of the Almighty, became the companion of the poorest of the poor. He, who was in the form of God, took on himself the form of a servant. The future judge of the living and the dead was despised and rejected by his own people, whom he came to redeem; insulted as an outcast; deserted by his chosen friends; betrayed and sold for a vile price by a confidential servant; arraigned as a malefactor, and crucified between two thieves. But he rose triumphant from the tomb, renewed his affecting intercourse with his disciples, and in their presence ascended into heaven. There he was exalted to the right hand of God, as a Prince, and a Saviour; there he was invested with power to forgive sin, judge the world, and confer eternal life and thence will he come to receive the righteous and the pious of all nations, tongues, and languages, into the joy of their Lord, and the presence of their God. Having pronounced the