the structure and capabilities of the human frame, but to some essential charac- | teristics of climate itself, to discover means wisely designed to modify and attenper their effects.

In the polar regions, where vegetable food is little required, and animal food is almost essential to existence, we find an ample supply of it. In tropical countries, on the other hand, where the demands of the system are just reversed, the luxuriant abundance of esculent vegetables and of cooling and delicious fruits are no less a token of the provident care of Him who "filleth all things living with plenteousness." The inhabitants of very hot climates live principally, often entirely, on vegetable food. Of esculent vegetables, the banana tree alone not only supplies the want of the corn-plants of temperate climates, but produces a far greater abundance of nutritious matter. Not that it equals wheat in this respect, or even potatoes, weight for weight, but the difference is more than compensated by its abundance. Humboldt estimates that a piece of ground planted with bananas will supply 25 individuals, whereas a patch of similar extent would supply only a single individual if sown with wheat. From 30 to 40 banana plants will grow and flourish in a space of not more than a thousand square yards. A cluster of fruit upon a single plant often weighs from 70 to 80lbs. ; but reckoning the average at 40lbs., such a plantation would produce more than 4,000lbs. of nutritive matter. The actual produce of the banana compared with wheat is as 133 to 1, and compared with potatoes as 4 to 1. The palm tree, and especially the sago palm, is nearly as prolific in food as the banana. A single tree sometimes furnishes in its fifteenth year not less than 600lbs. of sago. These statements alone may serve to convey some idea of the rich abundance with which suitable and wholesome nutriment is provided in countries where extreme heat precludes hard and incessant labour. The date palm is another tree worthy of mention, singularly calculated to mitigate the barrenness of one most forlorn and desolate territory. Throughout the whole desert of Africa, and the far-spread wilds of Arabia, with the exception of some particular lines of fertility to be found

and the tent of the Arab; but throughout every oasis of this wilderness it raises its trunk above the smaller and more profitless shrubs, as the sole, but a most valuable relief in this thirsty land.* Nor ought we to overlook the wise and provident manner in which this adaptation of food to climate is carried out in minor particulars. The vegetable food of tropical regions differs from that of colder climates by being constantly intermingled with productions remarkable either for their pungency or their acid qualities: the different species of the citrus, for example, the orange, lemon, etc., and the tamarind tree, and the various spices, clove, nutmeg, pepper, etc. Acids have a cooling effect, and are peculiarly grateful and refreshing in a burning clime; whilst vegetable food and the relaxed state of the stomach, oppressed with heat, alike require that particular stimulus which pepper and similar substances supply. Farina and sugar, two leading alimentary vegetable principles, with the aid of spices, form a nutriment well adapted to hot climates. "Often have I travelled," says Mr. Martin, "with the Arab over the burning desert, or with the wild African through his romantic country, and when wearied with fatigue and a noontide sun, we have sat down beneath our umbrageous canopy, and I have shared with my companion his travelling provender -a few small bits of sugar, mixed with spices, and hardened into a paste with flour. Invariably have I found two or three of these balls, and a draught of water, the best possible restorative, and even a stimulus to renewed exertion."

Another alleviating circumstance is, the supply of water which, by various expedients, is afforded to these otherwise dry and thirsty lands. In Egypt and other countries, periodical inundations from rivers or mountain snows supply the place of rain, and are the causes of luxuriant fertility. It is from the showers that descend from the lofty mountains of the Himalaya, that the plains of Hindostan and China owe their remarkable fruitfulness. In some places, rainy seasons occur with great regularity. After

In addition to the fruit, there is hardly any part of the tree which is not serviceable to man. The stalks are used for feeding cattle, the fibrous parts of the tree are made into ropes and baskets. The cordage of the ships that navigate the Red Sea

trunk. The trunk itself is converted into supports for the huts and tents of the natives, while the pith or medullary substance is farinaceous, and may be used as food.

part. The small outpouring of grace which was seen in some of the first Christians was not sufficient to perfect the fulfilment of this prophecy. That did not extend far, and the number of inspired persons was not large. Neither did it last long. Even before the deaths of the apostles, the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were become very rare. What was then seen was but a foretaste and a type of the general outpouring of the Spirit of God, which will take place in the last ages of the church; not that all men shall be prophets, or inspired; but that all will be guided by the working of the Spirit of God, in an extraordinary and powerful manner.

2. From this first mark a second will arise, great sanctification (or holiness), great in its degree and its extent. In its degree, because the saints of those days will incomparably excel those who are now regarded as holy. In extent, because their numbers will be large. Not that men in those days will be free from sin, for still they must be mortal. They will also have the roots of sin, as the apostles were still frail, though they were holy. It will be the same with men in the latter days. Yet it must not be expected that all men, without exception, will be saints; though it may be believed that the numbers of the godly will far surpass those of the ungodly, as in these days the bad exceed the number of the good. By good, I mean, not those who are called worthy people, of whom very many may still be found in the world, but such as are distinguished by great piety and unusual holiness. There are not many such now in the world; but then they will make the chief part of mankind, and those of another character will be as rare then as they are common at present. This is sufficiently proved by many prophecies, which certainly have never hitherto been accomplished.

3. A third mark is, purity of religious worship and doctrine. Declensions in religion and morality are always found together. God will not suffer a Christian church, in which the practice is thoroughly corrupt, to preserve continued purity of doctrine and worship. Therefore popery shows the natural connexion between great idolatry and great corruption of morals. Neither does God, in his wisdom, allow a church, eminent for holiness, to fall away from the purity of true religion. Therefore it is certain that the church of Christ, in the latter days,

will suffer no injury in the soundness of her worship, her doctrines, and her whole religion. No heresy will then be seen to reign. The Pelagianism (or self-dependence) now so common, will then be banished. All men will then be filled with the Spirit of God, and his influence will be acknowledged by all. Instead of which, now, the unhappy teachers, who are everywhere found, have never felt his working, and make an idol of man, treating him as an independent being. How far such men are from true views of the infinitely perfect Being! God dwells not in those who think so little of him.

4. The fourth mark of this kingdom is, great peace. This is clearly taught in many express statements, that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the sword shall be turned into the ploughshare, and that none shall hurt nor destroy. The art of war, that trade of hell, shall be sent thither. It is only needed now, because of the wickedness of mankind. Hereafter, the evil spirit of covetousness, ambition, revenge, and similar passions, will be cast into the deep. It will then be no longer cause for boasting to hear of slaughtered men, captured cities, battles gained, or wasted lands.

5. This kingdom will be one of humility. All the vain titles with which men now make a fair show will then vanish away. Brotherly love will make all men equal. Not that all distinctions or dignities will cease. This kingdom will not be one of confusion: there will be some to govern, and others to be governed. But their domination will be without pride, imperiousness, or violence. Subjects will obey their sovereigns in the spirit of humility, and rulers will direct their subjects in the spirit of gentleness.

6. All the arts which now are used by the vanity of men will then be abolished. It is a wonderful instance of the providence of God, that he has permitted the sway of vanity to make up for the want of charity, which is far distant. The reign of vanity now feeds an infinite number of men. How could the poor live without the vanity of the rich, who choose to have magnificent houses, superb furniture, showy clothing, gold, silks, laces, ornaments, delicate tables loaded with luxuries, and dwellings filled with servants? All this feeds a large body of workmen - upholsterers, jewellers, painters, goldsmiths, weavers of woollen cloth or silk, cooks, confectioners, architects, makers of lace, of clothes, etc.

These form three parts and a half of our world. And all these would die of hunger, if the various branches of human vanity were not as so many secret and underground channels, by which Providence distributes food, and sends it into the mouths of men. Those who wish to cut off all luxuries now, while charity is not fully restored, confound the ages and characteristics of the different periods of the church. These are the vanities of the world; while the world is supreme, these things must have their course; but assuredly they will perish, as soon as the reign of love shall be restored.

7. And this is the last mark of the kingdom of Christ upon earth; fervent charity or love will be restored, and will supply all the wants of the needy. It will open a thousand channels similar to those of vanity. Those who now live by the vanities of the worldly, will then live by the charities of the pious. In the present day the lower classes are vain, like the higher; their vanity is supported by that of their superiors. As Diogenes trampled on the possessions and pride of Plato, with greater pride of his own, the vanity of those enriched by the luxuries of others is often beyond the vanity of the rich and great. It will not be so hereafter. Then all the world will be contented with necessaries. Those to whom God has given large fortunes will not have much difficulty in supplying the wants of those that are destitute. There will be a community of wealth, like that in the earliest days of the church at Jerusalem. Not that wealth will cease to be private property, but it will be given liberally to those who are in want. What passed in the wilderness was not a mere emblem, but a real figure of what will then be done. Those who had gathered most manna had not more, and those who had gathered least had not less than their share. Thus, in the future age of the church, those who have more than others, as to their possessions, will not have more than others in the use of it.

8. Finally, the outward appearance of the church will then exhibit a harmony of worship, discipline, and ceremonies. The differences which now are manifest are not caused by the Spirit of God. This harmony may probably not prevent some slight variations, but not in things essential, or so as to be really objectionable. All the results of pride and tyranny will be banished from this kingdom; all mere outward pomp will be absent from its cere

monies. Such are certain marks belonging to the kingdom of Christ.

There are some points of a more doubtful character. 1. The coming of Jesus Christ, to reign on the earth, in a visible manner. The prophecies of Daniel and of St. John seem to foreshow this, Dan. vii. 9—14; Rev. xx. 1-6. I would not be too sure that this is to be understood of a visible appearance and abode of Jesus Christ. This is not even probable. But it is possible that this period may begin with some glorious and extraordinary manifestation of the Lord, after which, having withdrawn to heaven, he still will govern his prosperous church.

2. It is also uncertain whether the ruling powers of the earth will then be destroyed. But it seems probable that, as in ancient Israel, there will be a theocracy; rulers and governments will be established by God directing, in an especial manner, the choice of the people, and their leaders; and his will being taught them by ministers under his guidance, they will closely follow his direction.

3. It is not certain that the martyrs will rise again to direct the concerns of this kingdom. It may only be, that the authority of the apostles will be acknowledged in all directions, but especially by their own people. This is what appears most probable, from Matt. xix. 28, and other passages. But I give no decision, and am willing to wait in suspense.

4. It must also be left doubtful whether Jerusalem will be rebuilt, to form the seat of the kingdom of Christ. Truly if the Jews are to return to their own land, there seems no reason why they should not rebuild Jerusalem. If restored, it will probably be the most illustrious city in the world. If it is the seat of a universal empire, it will not be of an earthly dominion, with its armies and tributes, its taxes and fortresses, its deputies sent to all parts of the earth. But it may be the chief place from which the words of Christ are sent forth, by which the whole world will be ruled.

5. Neither is the length of the duration of this state of things to be determined. A thousand years is the time assigned, but often fixed numbers are to be taken for indeterminate ones. Yet there does not appear any inconvenience in adopting the natural signification of the number given, and so it may be left. After these thousand years, events of a very different description seem to be foretold. From Jurieu, a French Divine.

HOUSES OF THE OLDEN TIME.

No. II.

THE great halls frequently show, by their construction, especially in the roofs, that carpentry had arrived at a more advanced condition than might have been anticipated; but the joiner's work was often rudely finished, as is particularly visible in the internal doors.

It was in the reign of Elizabeth that staircases were first regarded as objects on which to display much architectural taste. Previously, they were generally placed in small towers, the steps of solid oak, or stone, winding round a large newel, or upright cylinder, the hand-rail being wrought in the material of the wall, and recessed. They were now made of substantial proportions, presenting a bold, picturesque, and secure appear ance; yet so variously and fancifully decorated, that their effect was always pleasing, and free from clumsiness. Aubrey informs us, for instance, that in Verulam House there was a staircase of wood, on the posts of every interstice of which, some figure, as a divine, with book and spectacles, or a mendicant friar, was represented, though there were not two of a kind. The east stairs at Wimbledon House, also, leading from the marble parlour to the great gallery and the dining-room, were richly adorned round the outsides with wainscot of oak, and gilded with fillets and stars of gold. The steps were thirty-three in

number, six feet six inches long, and decorated with five foot-paces, varnished black and white, the highest of which was benched with wainscoting, and garnished with gold.

There are a few excellent examples of beautiful staircases on a small scale, one of which, though neglected, may still be seen at one of the prebendal houses built by Jones, and attached to the collegiate church of Westminster. Though it only occupies a space of twenty-four feet by twenty-three, it has been designated as fit for a palace. The great staircase of Christchurch College, Oxford, affords a good illustration of the splendour of the style of that day; and is very superior to those of modern times.

"A good surveyor," says sir B. Gerbier, in reference to the construction of staircases, "contrives free access to the rooms, whereunto the well placing of the stairs contributes; the composing of a fit and easy stairs being a master-piece, fit, in respect of the place, convenient if the steps be deep, and low rise, for the straight ascending or descending (without bending of the sinews) gives most ease to the body, which doth rest better on his bones than on sinews."

The great chamber being devoted to the use of "the lord and his peers," the furniture was of the best order that the house could afford. The tables and cupboards were sometimes on trestles and folding, at others framed on massy turned legs, and always spread with

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