would spread throughout many a nation, | us all things. And if we ever read a book even to the uttermost parts of the earth? for any object, ought we not diligently to Why, then, were so many prophecies search the Scriptures, to see how clearly delivered? Why, from the calling of Abra- they testify of Christ? And ought not ham to the present time, have the Jews been every word of such testimony to be, like separated, as a peculiar people, from all the all Scripture besides, profitable for doctrine nations of the earth? Why, from the age and for instruction in righteousness? And of Moses to that of Malachi, during the space may it not be profitable "for reproof and for of a thousand years, did a succession of correction to all who mind only earthly prophets arise, all testifying of a Saviour things-who are eager to seek after unthat was to come? Why was the book of profitable knowledge Why was the book of profitable knowledge who could talk, with prophecy sealed for nearly four hundred all volubility, of the temporal concerns of years before the coming of Christ? Why others or their own who could expatiate is there still, to this day, undisputed, if not freely, perhaps, on the properties of a beast, miraculous evidence of the antiquity of all the quality of their food, or the beauty of a these prophecies, by their being sacredly garment — and who, although they have had preserved, in every age, in the custody and the Bible constantly beside them, have, for guardianship of the enemies of Christianity? many a year, remained ignorant of the value Why was such a multitude of facts foretold of the treasure it contains, or of the fulness of that are applicable to Christ and to him the testimony which God has given of his son? alone? Why?-but that all this mighty None surely would any longer wilfully refrain preparation might usher in the gospel of from searching the Scriptures to see how they righteousness, and prepare the way for the testify of Jesus, or from seeking the words kingdom of God; and that Christians also, of eternal life which may be found in them, in every age, might add to their "peace and were they to lay to heart the thought that joy in believing" the perfect trust, that the second coming of Christ to judge the however great the promises of God may be, quick and the dead, is as certain as that they still are sure; and that he who spared the prophetic tidings of his first advent not his own Son, but gave him up for us all, once heard afar off — have already proved will with him also, if his we be, freely give true.

THE historical part of the New Testament is contained in the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; and, in a very particular manner, claims the most serious attention of every person, as it conveys to us the blessed tidings of our recovering that happy state which our first parents forfeited in paradise. Indeed, the "New Testament is the best commentary on the Old. By a diligent comparison of both together, with all the parallel passages marked only in the margin of our common Bibles, an infinitely greater knowledge of Scripture will generally be acquired than is commonly either thought of or believed. The truth is, there is so great a unity in all the parts of the Bible such an intimate connection in its matter, phraseology, doctrines, facts, and the like so many allusions made from one passage to another, that there is scarcely a question connected with biblical interpretation that may not, by this means only, be very safely and satisfactorily determined.

ENTERS ON HIS MINISTRY.

bered with heathen altars, to pursue the open path marked out by the reforming hand of the Son of God.

From an early period after the fall of man, a gracious intimation had been given of God's intention to visit the world by a Divine Person, who should restore sinners from their ruined condition, destroy the power of death and hell, and lead his followers to eternal felicity. Promises to this effect were, from season to season, given to God's chosen people; this great object held a place in all the predictions of the prophets, and was shadowed forth in all the types and ceremonies of the Jewish law. The char acter of this sacred Messenger was drawn with sufficient clearness, to render him desirable with all the truly pious, and to distinguish him, when come, to the view of every humble and earnest inquirer.

It was about four thousand years after the creation of the world, and when the Roman empire having gained the ascendancy over all nations, a universal peace had In passing from the contemplation of taken place; while Augustus Cæsar was Jewish affairs to the glorious objects pre- emperor at Rome, and Herod, by Cæsar's sented to our notice in the New Testament, authority, had been made king of Judæa we seem to emerge from dreary and uncom- that the period arrived for the fulfilment of fortable shades, into the cheerful light of these gracious promises, in the birth of day; and leave, without regret, a road ren"the Prince of Peace." A general expecdered tedious by Jewish Jewish ceremonies, tation seems to have prevailed among the crowded with human traditions, and encum- Jews, that about this time the great Deliv

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