shame," that he might accomplish both in an active and in a latent the salvation of the world. In re-state: and it does pervade the atmosgard to his human nature, his whole pheres and all the substances of the life might be termed a scene of whole solar system, above, beneath, enthusiasm, from its remarkable and around. No heights were ever commencement, to its yet more attained by man, where light, latent surprising close. and active, was not; no depths were

To this view of Scripture charac-ever explored, where latent it was ters some objections might be taken not more or less, a component part perhaps. It may be thought that those of the earth, and where it was not passages to which we have alluded, be capable of action the moment it was ing the subject of inspiration, cannot released therefrom; and no where properly be ascribed to enthusiastic has man yet voyaged or travelled feelings. In reply, we would remark, upon the earth's surface, where light that it is admitted by all the best was a stranger to his path. Faithful critics, that divine inspiration did to the stroke of flint or steel, even not alter the mental constitution of amidst the polar regions, where all the writers, and that the same pecu- around is ice and snow, and quickliarities of intellect and feeling dis- silver itself yielding to the stern tinguish them, as are found in the decree of all-binding frost, becomes writings of other men, of which a solid metal; faithful, I repeat it, there are evident traces in the sacred to the stroke, even there the spark records. springs forth, the tinder feels its It may also be objected, that the genial glow, and the well-tipped enthusiasm of the writer was deri- match communicates the flame; and ved from the grandeur of the theme. man, erst frozen man, invigorated, We admit it in part, but, after mak- yet endures the absence of the sun; ing this concession, the differences through the long night of polar winbetween the various writers are so ter breathes, and lives, while all is great, that they cannot be accounted death around. The summit of the for on any ground beside that we highest mountain, the bottom of the have mentioned; some have more lowest cavern, the floor of the deeppathos, others more sublimity, and est mine, all evince that light is others more fire and eloquence. there; resort on each to the accusThere is also a great difference in tomed means, and instantly an answer the degree of usefulness attained by comes; light rises up, and cries, Scripture characters. 66 be Behold my radiance."

It may worth while to consider whether enthusiasm be entirely a gift of God, or whether it be acquired by devoted application to any subject? We hope to take up the inquiry in

our next.

That powerful principle which is diffused in, and acts upon, every object, however minute, or however vast throughout the universe, called attraction, is in continual co-operation with light,-perhaps light is the immediate agent of the infinite, and attraction the sub-agent of light; for rarefaction and condensation, the effects which arise from the receiving in and the giving out of light, are even in abeyance upon attraction; and multitudes of its ef

fects arise out of this cause.

Many fall again and again, furnishing of the substances which are solids nutritive moisture to plants, to in the ordinary temperature of the beasts, and men. Mountains receive atmosphere, are fluids when treated the rains, and through long sinuous with fire. Several simple bodies, streams, water the ravines and vales, on being brought into contact with as well as plains below. other simple bodies, and treated with To animation, light is the genial heat, become fixed compound bo- pabulum of existence; for while dies, and cannot be restored to sim- warmth is hailed as the sign of life, ple bodies except by a like treatment; its opposite, cold, since sin introduand numerous compound bodies, ced into the world death with all its found in and upon the earth, can horrors, is pronounced to be the only be resolved into simple sub- sign of dissolution. Nor do the stances by the action of fire. Po- beauteous hues and loveliness of larity, attraction, and repulsion in animals depend less upon light than electricity, and affinity, cohesion, those of vegetables. What produthe polarity of particles in the act ces these but the powers of certain of crystallization, elective attraction, portions of their exteriors to decom&c., in chemistry, bear such a genial pose the solar beams, and send back subjection to light, that the relation to that wonderful structure, the eye, is apparent on most occasions. The light in various shades, associated attraction of gravitation and of the into loveliness, and fraught with magnetic needle to the north, seem, charms. however, more remote in their sub- Light, I conceive, is a simple subjection to the general agency of stance; because with whatever inlight, and more independent on se- tensity heat is pushed, it never fails, cond causes. To vegetation, light never exhausts itself, or becomes is the balm of life, the spirit- decomposed or dissipated. Water invigorating principle, which con- is decomposed at a certain heat, tinues to each plant its entity, and crowns the whole with that peculiar grandeur which foliage, buds, blossoms, flowers, and fruits display to the gazing millions of mankind. The verdure of the meads, the golden hues of harvest, the richness of the clusters of autumn, the luxuriant vegetation of spring, the full grown leaves of summer, and the yellow of the declining season, alike owe their loveliness to the ever-streaming light, which beams from year to year to renew the earth.

Nor do the rarefying energies of this powerful agent less contribute to the verdant feast. Vapours exhaled from oceans, lakes, pools and streams, arise in subtle forms, become mists and clouds, and descend in dews and rains; yet re-arise, and

being then resolved into its primitive gases, and ceases to be water; but light is always light, however intensely pressed, and it cannot be pushed by any extremity into either concretion or dissipation, or change of nature. It remains amidst the rust of ages unaltered, and by human means light is unalterable. This imperishable substance is reserved. to become the executioner of this sphere; for, "The earth and the works that are therein shall be burnt up."

Thus did the great Creator lay the foundations of this portion of creation, purify the matter created, and fill the space allotted to this universe in rich abundance with the loveliness of light. Not only do we behold in creation the substantial

and the useful, but also, in equal This assertion may to some appear proportions, the delicious and the both harsh and uncharitable, but it is, beautiful. Glory is inseparable from notwithstanding, so true, that none the self-existent, and its radiance can gainsay it, and so important, sheds loveliness throughout His that the writer trembles at the conworks. The beauty of holiness can- sequences which may be deduced not be beheld by mortal eye, the from it. excess of glory could not be seen, It is a statement which stands conbut at the expense of life: but the spicuous in every page of Sacred lovely emblems of these, dispersed Writ, and to its correctness the exthroughout creation, may be beheld perience of every individual, if conwith delight, for they are suited to science be allowed to exercise its the organs, and associated with the legitimate influence, will bear ready faculties of man. Who that beholds and ample testimony. these can withhold praise! Who that contemplates them in their original uses and perpetuity, can withhold adoration to the benign Creator! Glorious art Thou, O Jehovah, and lovely are Thy works! We also are the workmanship of Thine hands; O, touch our souls with a live coal from thine altar, and teach us adoration and praise. For Thine is the kingdom, Thine is the power, Thine is the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. WM. COLDWell.

In the solemn hour when the soul holds silent communion with itself, and that voice, which, though small and still, is irresistible and impressive, speaks with a faithfulness which lays bare the motives for every action, and penetrates into the thoughts and intents of the heart, then does it proclaim to the guilty transgressor, who is arraigned before its bar, that he is the slave of sin, the servant of Satan, and a worker of iniquity, then does it bear to the devoted believer, (who at times is doubtful whether he be the Lord's or not,) a welcome witness, that he is a servant of the Living God, and a worker together with him.

God's requirements of men are of the most beneficial tendency in themselves, and were he not "averse to all that is good, the willing slave of sin," he would find them easy of

MAN, AS HE IS, AND AS HE SHOULD BE. "A worker of Iniquity." "A worker together with Christ." EVERY inhabitant of this terrestrial sphere, capable of exercising his mental powers, is living either for the glory of God, the good of his fellow man, and consequently for the performance. enhancement of his own happiness, In his original state, combining both present and future,-or in a powers extensive and capacious, state of opposition to the require- with a mind pure and holy, he was ments of his Creator, and thereby capable of performing the perfect directly or indirectly, not only in-will of God, without the least deviajurious to the real welfare of all tion, and of receiving pleasure and around him, but by proving his own delight in rendering obedience to it. great enemy, subjecting himself to wretchedness and misery in this world, with a liability to its incalculable increase in another of eternal duration.

But now, so is he fallen from his high estate, that he not only loves evil, and hates good, but "when he would do good, evil is present with him."

much in that cause, for which Christ died and martyrs suffered.

Also, how does man in general respond to the requirements of his

Blessed be God for his infinite wisdom in devising a plan for the redemption of souls from such a condition, and worthy of universal reverence and love is that Saviour Creator? By spurning his offerswho has accomplished the glorious abusing his goodness-contemning work. his righteous threats, and, to the The angelic heralds of our Sa- utmost of his power, dealing out viour's advent preceded the an- wretchedness and misery on his felnouncement of his birth, by pro-low man. claiming "Glory to God, and good When Christ bids him take upon will towards men." Nor could a himself that cross, which he at the more appropriate introduction have same time assures him will be found been devised to the commencement easy, and that burden, which shall of His life whose entire period of be felt light;-and promises as incarnation was employed in the his reward, the sweetest pleasures execution of these glorious and be- during this life-solid comfort in nevolent purposes.

his dying hours-and an inheritance, eternal, ―a crown, uncorruptible, and joys as enduring in extent as inconceiveable in their nature,-how does he comply with this merciful

For the Glory of God and the happiness, both present and future, of the whole human race, it was, that the Father" spared not his own son." For the accomplishment of command ? the same gracious design, the Re- By enlisting himself under the deemer left his celestial throne, and banners of the powers of darknesspassed through that long scene of yielding himself a willing servant to trial and suffering which caused him that master, whose service is slavery to be designated, "a man of sorrows-whose wages are, in this life, the and acquainted with grief." And bodily pains attendant on a proflifor this it was, that he not only gate life, combined with the mental endured the utmost torture and in- pangs produced by a slighted condignity, that man, aided by Satanic science, and, in that which is to influence, could devise, but, forsaken come, the gnawings of the worm by his God, he bore the entire which never dies, and the burnings weight of his wrath,-the bare idea of that fire which consumes but does of which, could it be correctly not destroy. formed by man, would overwhelm him in blackness and darkness for

ever.

When He, whose love was unto death itself, says, "This commandment I give unto you,--that ye love one another; "the obedience rendered is envy, malice, strife, and all

And, under the influence of the same motives, have holy men in every age, submitted to ignominy uncharitableness. O, for right moand reproach, become a by-word tives to influence our every action, among men- "persecuted, afflicted, for more constant watchfulness and tormented." Nor is a single person born into this world of sin and suffering who is not required to bear a part in the furtherance of these glorious objects. And the most humble individual can do

more frequent prayer, that being found at our post, and the tempter resisted on every side, he may flee, finding no place unguarded.

But, though man, seeing, will not perceive, and hearing, will not under

Approved of his own conscience

stand, and persists in calling good all,-the smile of his Redeemer who evil, and evil good;-the laws of " sees, and while he sees, approves." God remain immutable, as do his Thus blessed is he, in this life, who, requirements of universal obedience. under the guidance of that spirit Man is naturally incapable of which leadeth unto all truth, is rendering this obedience; but, by enabled to yield himself a willing confessing and forsaking his sin, and servant unto the Lord. fleeing for refuge to Him who has already rendered it, and pleading the esteemed by good men-comimputation of His righteousness, he mended by angels-and beloved of may not only obtain peace of con- God, he quits this world to unite science, and joy in the Holy Ghost, with the spirits of the just made but become the recipient of that re- perfect, in ascribing all the glory to generating influence which shall en- Him who called his soul out of darkable him to surrender himself body ness into his own marvellous light, and soul to the service of the Lord, and redeemed him from the power and cause him to become perfect in of Satan, that he might be a partaker every good word and work. in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. J. C. W.

The surrender of our first affections to God, as the supreme and most worthy object, together with a principle of universal love with respect to all mankind, are strictly enjoined as the grand motive which should become the regulator of our thoughts the restrainer of our words-and the prime mover in all our actions.

PHENOMENA OF THE WORLD.

(Concluded from page 22.)

EACH kingdom of nature possesses distinguishing characteristics peculiar to itself; this induced one of our most celebrated naturalists to In its constant exercise is com- observe, that "stones grow, vegeprised the whole duty of man, both tables grow and live, animals grow, in relation to his Maker, and his live, and feel." As we pass on, we fellow creatures; and, while the may notice these distinguishing command remains the same now, as marks: and the first that we observe when at first given, it has the same in this description is the mineral rewards attached to its obedience. kingdom. Here we behold motion And, truly, these are far from in- in its lowest degree; for, unless the significant, comprising, not only that particles of the increasing substance internal satisfaction which accompa- be in motion, there can be no addinies pious and benevolent actions; tion to its bulk. The distinguishing -not only the silent voice of grati- feature between the mineral and tude, "louder far than words," as vegetable worlds is the vital princiexhibited in the eye which no sooner ple. If we break a stone, the agsees than it blesses, and in the heart gregate suffers no diminution of "too full to utter all its thanks; bulk from the fracture, nor are any not only the approving notice of of the properties of the mineral those guardian spirits who are sent destroyed; but if we break a vegeforth as ministers to the heirs of sal- table, the portion that is separated vation;-but what, to the devoted from the root, and deprived of the follower of his example, "who went benefit of the circulating fluids, soon about doing good," is worth them loses its freshness and beauty, the