isfy the claims of justice, he died as man and for man, "the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.” 1 Pet. 4:18. In this mystery of the atonement we have "the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." Cor. 2:7, 8. On this marvelous event, the most stupendous in the history of the human race, the whole structure of Christianity rests, and herein lies the secret of the wonderful power of the gospel which transforms the hearts of men. While the Jews sought for signs, and the Greeks were proud in their wisdom, we find both signs and wisdom in the Christian system, and exclaim with the apostle, "We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:23, 24, 18. In this doctrine of the cross lies the most characteristic feature of Christianity. It gives it a rank infinitely superior to all other forms of re ligion. Do other systems define sin? So does Christianity; and in the teaching of our Savior exceeds them all. Do they prescribe a standard of human duty? So does Christianity; and it holds before mankind the strongest incentives to rightdoing. Do they exhibit a model of excellence as an object of worship? So does Christianity; and in the person of Jesus we have the purest and noblest example of faultless and spotless virtue that has ever trod the earth-his enemies being the judges. But we have seen that no other religion is capable of changing the moral disposition of men from sin to holiness; whereas this transformation is effected in Christianity through the "cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom," says the apostle, “the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Gal. 6:14. It is this manifestation of divine love that draws out the soul's affections to God. Who that comprehends the infinite character of sin and its direful consequences, and reflects upon his own wretchedness and helplessness, can behold this noble example of the self-denying Jesus and not experience a feeling of appreciation springing up in the soul? When we see him in the garden weeping under the load of our sins, that we might go free; when we behold him enduring the cruel stripes, that we might be caressed with his love; when we look on his lovely brow bear ing the crown of thorns before Pilate, that we might wear a diadem of praise; when we view him staggering under the cross to Calvary, that we might be borne on angels' wings to glory; and when we gaze at the awful tragedy of Golgotha-the suspended body, the agonized look, the flowing blood-the Son of God dying, that we might live forevermore-O God! can we contemplate such scenes without exclaiming, "WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US”? 1 John 4:19. "When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, "Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, "See, from his head, his hands, his feet, "Were the whole realm of nature mine, Demands my soul, my life, my all." -Isaac Watts. So completely has this manifestation of divine mercy captivated the affections, and transformed the hearts of men from the love of sin to the love of the dying yet ever-living Savior, that from that moment until the present time millions have been bound by its holy charm. Nor have the powers infernal that have been turned loose on the humble followers of the Nazarene been able to sever this sacred connection. Though stretched on the rack, stoned, beheaded, devoured by beasts, hanged, drowned, buried alive, and burned at the stake, yet to their last dying breath they have clung to Jesus with supreme affection, rejoicing because counted worthy to suffer shame for his sake. Miracle of the ages-God dying for man! Substitution! At once Sacrifice, Mediator, and Reconciler! "In the cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time; Gathers round its head sublime." -John Bowring. CHAPTER XI. PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Christianity is its adaptability to the universal needs of mankind. Although the seed of this divinely revealed religion was planted and nourished in Jewish soil, it was designed to spring up into a tree of immortal life whose luxuriant leaves should be for the healing of all the nations. The atonement of our Savior, upon which the gospel system is founded, can not be limited to one tribe or nation only. "Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also." Rom. 3:29. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." Heb. 2:9. In order to understand the object and the general application of Christianity to the work it is intended to accomplish in the world, it is essential that we comprehend its fundamental principles; that we discern, so to speak, its innate character. What is the nature of Christianity? Of what does it consist? What does it take to constitute a Chris |