In the mode of operation also, the resemblance between the jubilee and the Gospel is remarkable. The trumpet must be sounded: and the Gospel must be preached. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." In reference to this we find very solemn language addressed to those who are entrusted with the proclamation. "O son of

man I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth and warn them from me. If, when the watchman seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet and warn the people, then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. his own head. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned: if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." And again, "I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine; meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them, continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and

them that hear thee." To this subject may be well applied the language of St. Paul concerning unknown tongues. "If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle." If the Gospel be not plainly preached, who shall understand and be saved? Accordingly, of his own manner of sounding this heavenly trumpet, the Apostle says, "I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech, or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified."

The joyful sound then is the simple declaration of Jesus crucified for the salvation of sinners. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. His name shall be called Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins. Neither is there salvation in any other: for their is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." This is what St. Peter sounded in the house of Cornelius among the Gentiles. "To him give all the Prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." This is what St. Paul

sounded in the Synagogue at Antioch, to both Gentiles and Jews assembled. "Be it known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you, the forgiveness of sins." Salvation is the sound: salvation in Christ Jesus: salvation full and free; everlasting salvation.

"In heaven, the rapturous sound began,

And sweet seraphic fire

Through all the shining legions ran,
And strung and tuned the lyre.

Swift through the vast expanse it flew,
And loud the echo rolled;

The theme, the song, the joy was new,

"Twas more than heaven could hold.

Soon to the confines of the earth

The gladd'ning accents ran,
And heralds came of heavenly birth
To bear the news to man."

"Fear not," said the heavenly herald to the Shepherds of Bethelem, "for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." A Saviour! This is the joyful sound. Whosoever preacheth less than a Saviour in the full and plain meaning of the expression, delivereth not the heaven-sent message. A Saviour which is Christ the Lord. "And suddenly there was with the Angel, a multitude of the

heavenly host praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

My brethren, in these philosophising days of ours, men very generally have become so cold and calculating in their religion, or as they are pleased to call it, so prudent, so judicious, so reasonable and accurate and moderate, that those few who give vent to a lively strain of scriptural devotion, are immediately accused of extravagance and enthusiasm: they are said to be led away by their feelings and passions and to do a vast deal of mischief, especially among young persons who are easily attracted and excited. And is then the Gospel of Jesus Christ a subject of prudential calculation only? and are the feelings dangerous? and must the warmest emotions of the heart be banished from our religion? Then surely these Angels we have been reading of, were much to blame: surely this multitude of the heavenly host were all enthusiasts. They did not repress their feelings, they did not address themselves to man's prudence or man's reason only. They spoke from the heart and to the heart: yea and their hearts were so full, they not only spoke, but burst forth into a song of praise, beginning with the anthem of their native skies, glory to God in the highest, and ending with the overflowing fulness of their affection for his fallen

creatures, on earth peace, good-will toward men. If sin had not tied our tongues, would we not rapturously join these angels in their glorious song?" Open thou our lips, O Lord, and our mouth shall show forth thy praise." It is true indeed that God hath given unto his believing children" the spirit of a sound mind" and we advocate no extravagance: but it is equally true that he hath given them" the spirit of love," lively, animated, earnest, devoted love; and we do advocate the unrestained exercise of affection toward heavenly things. Tell me, ye who rail against enthusiasts; is it nothing in your eyes to bear a resemblance to the inhabitants of heaven? and who bears the greatest resemblance to them: the man who disclaims all these warm emotions of divine love; and studies the record of a weeping, suffering, bleeding, dying Saviour, as coldly as a mathematical problem: or the man, who catching in the ear of faith, the dying accents of the Angel's song, endeavours to prolong the echo amongst his fellow men, that the joyful sound may vibrate upon many hearts as yet untouched, and wake their slumbering powers to join the chorus before the throne of God?

Blessed indeed is the people that know the joyful sound. Not merely with intellectual clearness or historical accuracy, though such clearness and accuracy, are earnestly to be desired,