ness, we see how it must be, from what we witness of the effects of benevolence here now; for the benevolent Redeemer has had, in one sense, his kingdom already on earth his people have been here, born by the spirit back to the benevolent spirit of the heavenly world. There have

been, of these, in every age to manifest the excellent disposition begotten in them. Wherever they have moved with their hearts of charity to show friendship-help the needy-nourish the perishing-relieve the oppressed-do good to the prisoner-assist the widow and compassionate the fatherless-look to the ease of the stranger-visit the sick, and with a kind and tender heart sympathize with all; what an Eden seems to rise up as it were by enchantment—a holy and delightful scene is made to present itself to the vision! It is an angelic sight to behold individuals possessed with hearts of so much heavenly kindness, as to go every where, even to the ends of the earth, to do good to the bodies and souls of men ! We repeat, we see how it must be in the world which is to exist under the reign of the Messiah, in view of such specimens as have been named it will be a world all benevolence, consequently all loveliness. Yes, benevolence will give a charm to the whole scene will cause it to be inexpressibly pleasing and delightful to contemplate.-And it will not only cause it to be lovely, but happy. Benevolence is of such a nature, that as a matter of course, it kindles up life and blessedness wherever it exists and has influence: we see

ness

that it always is so now as far as it is manifested; and we see what the earth would be were selfishness entirely removed from it, and benevolence made to fill its place-a Paradise. It causes the breast in which it reigns to enjoy Divine happi-it makes him who feels and manifests it most blessed. Thus it must have been with our Savior, in doing what he did, with a generous heart, for fallen, ruined man. So with Paul as he went round the earth seeking the salvation of his fellow beings. So with the other Apostles and active Christians of that age. So it must have been with Howard. So with Elizabeth Fry, and so with all of like minds; such have been, and ever are, happy in doing good. And so it will be in the New Earth; all will be exercised, and ever exercised with the Divine spirit we are contemplating, will act it out, and by both will be made to be highly blessed. Thus it will be on the one hand, while on the other, each and every one will be constantly happified in witnessing this spirit, and feeling its effects. It must in that second creation prove to be a source of the richest enjoyment through endless time.

CHAPTER V.

LOWLINESS AND MEEKNESS OF THE NEW

WORLD.

THE New World will be remarkable for lowliness all tenanting it will abundantly possess and manifest it. Its King, the Messiah, will be lowly this is a prominent trait of character in him. It is prophesied of him "that he is just, having salvation, lowly, and riding on the foal of an ass. Thus he was not only meek, but lowly, as he expresses of himself-Mat. 11: 29. We find that he made his appearance on earth in the days of his flesh, plain, and without pomp and show, being of poor parentage, born in a stable, and cradled in a manger. How lowly he was during the time of his ministry, going through the country on foot, attended by humble plain followers, himself so mild and affable in aspect and manner, as to inspire confidence with humble and plain people. So lowly was he in his look and bearing, that a child could at any time have approached him without being op pressed in feeling. We repeat, this is a marked part of his character. Reigning in the regenerated earth, he will do it as the "meek and lowly" Prince, seen always to be open, mild,

and condescending, happifying his subjects by this manifestation of Divine disposition: it must make them joyful and blessed to witness, in connection with glorious majesty, the most pleasing simplicity and lowliness of spirit. But what we mention will not shine in the Prince alone.

The redeemed, his subjects, will all be lowly. They will be so, as this constitutes a prime feature of the divine kingdom of God: it reigns through all his holy dominions; it is revealed as a leading prominent characteristic in what is styled "the kingdom of heaven," as set up by our Savior on earth; without it none can be connected with the empire of the Almighty Creator, nor be the subjects of his favor. They will be so because they have sinned-been rebel transgressors against him, casting off his government and authority, trampling his laws under foot, and contemning and rejecting him. Ever in that world of redemption retaining a sense of their awful transgression and guilt, they will be humble, deeply so, and as holy mourners for sin feel contrite and be broken-hearted. With this strong sense of guilt and crime, they must there forever be entirely lowly in spirit. But meekness will reign in that state as we have already partly seen. Lowliness and meekness go together: indeed they are all but one and the same, they will be joined in one in that world; there, meekness will prevail, as we have said; the sacred Scriptures are expressive on this point; they speak upon it as though it was something on account of which it would be particularly distin

It is

guished. It is said in both Old and New Testaments, that then "the meek should inherit the earth," as see Ps. 37: 11; Mat. 5: 5. so mentioned in passage after passage, alluding to the future, as to show its prominence in the Messianic age.

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The reigning of what we have now been speaking of, in that renovated state of being, will in every respect tend to promote its blessedness, it will be a cause of its excellency. We will mention in part. The meek, lowly spirit and nind is inoffensive-is harmless: such a mind, the one possessing it can do no evil. We have spoken of it as inspiring confidence when it is. witnessed there can be no mistrust or suspicion : under its influence they are necessarily banished. It is ever to be realized that it is inseparably connected with tenderness of soul-every lowly being has a tender heart. How compassionate and tender was the Redeemer when amongst men! How tender in spirit the humble lowly Paul! How did this appear in him at Ephesus, when as he himself tells us, "He served the Lord with all humility of mind, with many tears and temptations," at Thessalonica, and wherever else he went. It is seen in the young convert, and every truly sanctified be. liever. Thus characterized, the occupants of that world will be "blameless and harmless."

Lowliness with meekness is amiableness; how charmingly lovely this trait of character! It is divinely beautiful, most happily pleasing to behold. Being always displayed and beaming

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