death. As it was the will of our Creator to make this a law of the human mind, so, in his word, we find frequent advantage is taken of this principle to bring home to our hearts a clearer perception and livelier sense of the things which belong unto our peace. Thus

in Isa. 51:6, "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished." With the same view, our Lord says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away." And thus the apostle Peter, "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away; but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word, which, by

the gospel, is preached unto you."

The

Let us then spend a few moments in contemplating the nature and glory of the gospel, in contrast with the perishable nature of

man.

In speaking of the nature of the gospel, it will be proper to exhibit briefly, but with clearness and precision, the peculiar truths of which it consists, and which entitle it, pre-eminently, to the character of "glad tidings to all people "" the glorious gospel of the blessed God." This is the more important, because it is well known that different opinions are entertained upon this point; and, above all, because of the inherent and infinite importance of the subject. For it is a solemn truth, that, in that specific scheme of doctrine, denominated the gospel, "God has comprised and distinguished by a very peculiar character, all the religion which he wills to be known or to be useful to our world. The gospel, so far from being merely one of the modes, or merely even the best of the modes of religion, is, as to us, the only and exclusive mode; insomuch, that he who has not a religion concordant with the New Testament, is without a religion."

That we may not be misunderstood, however, we should here observe, that every truth which is comprised in the gospel, and is essential to the perfection of the system, is by no means to be considered as of equal importance to our salvation. As in the construction of a building, there are some parts fundamental, and others essential only as contributing to the completeness of the superstructure, and the comfort of its inhabitants; and, as in the human body there are certain parts of vital importance, and others important, chiefly, as they contribute to the symmetry, strength, beauty, usefulness and activity of the whole; so is it in that glorious assemblage of sacred truths which constitutes the gospel.

Besides, we are inclined to believe there is, in fact, a distinction to be made between truths that are fundamental, and those which are vital. The term fundamental may be used to designate those doctrines which compose the basis of the Christian system; and the term vital, those, the belief of which, is radical to the formation of the Christian character.

To illustrate this distinction, we would observe, that the doctrine of the Trinity, or of the one only living and true God, subsisting and manifesting himself in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, each sustaining a distinct and important office in the work of our salvation, appears not to be a vital, though it certainly is a fundamental, doctrine in the system of Christianity. Without it, as a fundamental fact, we see no possibility of the salvation of sinful men; and yet there may be individuals who, without perceiving this truth, appear to have embraced the gospel, so far as to feel its vital efficacy in their hearts. Content to rest upon Christ crucified, as the foundation of their hope, they have never, perhaps, inquired what gave its inherent worth and stability to his atonement; and are not aware that it is the infinite dignity of the Redeemer's character on which their salvation ultimately rests, as on the Rock of Ages. We think the case is similar, also, with the doctrine of Election. It does not seem to be vital, in such a sense that no one can be a Christian without believing it, yet it is fundamental to Christianity. According to the Scriptures, no sinner would ever have become a Christian, but in consequence of the eternal electing love of God; yet we honestly think there may be, and are, multitudes of Christians who, from ignorance, or wrong instruction, do not acknowledge the doctrine of election. Satisfied with drinking of the water of life, as it flows down freely at their feet in the promises of the gospel, they have never taken the pains to trace the refreshing stream up to its eternal fountain in the gracious purposes of God. But while we thus distinguish between truths revealed, as touching their comparative importance -we would not for a moment be understood as countenancing the too common opinion, that nothing ought to be preached but what is absolutely vital, and essential to salvation. We are not of those who would mar the perfection of Christianity, or the proportion of its parts. We believe cordially in the beauty and utility of the whole. We plead for the integrity of the system. We would have no maiming and mangling of the body of divinity. We claim the right of declaring, as far as in us lies, the whole counsel of God. We would say with Paul, "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."

If the gospel is the richest of treasures, as the word of God affirms, then every truth contained in it is a part of that treasure. Every atom, therefore, which you take away from it, tends to make the soul poor. Every atom you take away, or rather cloud and conceal from the eyes of your brethren, you, as far as in you lies, diminish the legitimate property of the Christian church: you do more; you commit a sacrilege upon the unsearchable riches of Christ. In this view, we may apply to the doctrines of the gospel, the declaration of our Lord concerning the precepts of the law, "Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of

heaven; but whosoever shall both do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

The capital truth of the Christian religion, no doubt, is the great doctrine of justification by faith without the works of the law; or, in other words, that through the atonement of Christ, effected on the cross, God can be just, and the justifier of any sinner whatsoever, who believes the testimony he has given of his Son. Hence the gospel is often styled "the preaching of the cross; and the preaching of "Christ crucified." The cross of Christ is the central and radiating point in the plan of salvation. It is the point to which all the lines of revealed truth converge, and from which they all receive unity, life, lustre, and power. It is the living heart of Christianity, which imparts vitality, and omnipotent virtue, and an aspect of exceeding and ravishing beauty to every lineament. and feature of the entire system. Intimately connected with this grand truth, subordinate to it, dependent upon it, illustrated by it, are the important doctrines of man's universal and entire sinfulness before God; God's free and efficacious grace in regeneration, according to His eternal purpose in Christ; the certain preservation of the redeemed and regenerate, through faith, unto eternal life; their indispensable obligation to glorify God, by maintaining his cause, and walking together in visible church relationship, in the beauty of holiness, and in brotherly love; the aggravated guilt of all, who, by impenitence and unbelief, reject the only method of salvation; the ultimate resurrection of the dead; the final and righteous sentence; the everlasting punishment of the cursed in hell, and the everlasting inheritance and reward of the blessed in heaven.

These are the leading features of the doctrine of Christ-the form of sound words pervading the sacred pages-the principal facts embodied in the evangelical system, and alike essential to its character and its practical operation. The full assemblage of these grand and momentous truths constitutes the gospel, the everlasting gospel; the brightest display of the love, and purity, and power of God; the exclusive boast and treasure of the Scriptures; the hope of ruined man; the wonder of angels; the confusion of devils; the terror of scorners; the salvation of believers; the balm of life; the solace of death, and the high song of eternity among blessed souls. For every portion of this glorious scheme, we can produce a "Thus saith the Lord; " to the full and faithful promulgation of it we dedicate our ministry; and increasing multitudes, we trust, from genetion to generation, shall feel its renovating power, when we shall be sleeping the sleep of the grave. "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory thereof as the flower of the grass: the grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away; but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word, which, by the gospel, is preached unto you."

Only compare for a moment the weakness of man with the stability of this gospel: compare all that man naturally glories in, with the transcendent worth and excellence of the blessings of salva

tion; compare man sinking under the resistless sentence of decay and death, with the perpetuity of that truth which has God for its author, and everlasting life for its ultimate end; and who can fail to perceive and be affected by the contrast? It is the contrast of dust and ashes, with the glory of heaven. It is the contrast of all that is corrupt, and mean, and perishable, with all that is pure, and bright, and indestructible. It is the contrast of all that is painful, sickening, and dying, with all that is joyful, and flourishing, and immortal. Compared with the value of the gospel, "all the glory of man" his birth, genius, wisdom, learning, accomplishments, his wealth, magnificence and renown, his social affections, external moralities, and self-righteous deeds, however splendid in the world's esteem, are as the flower of the grass," withering and worthless in the sight of God.

It is an obvious, but important reflection,-if the gospel possess such transcendent worth and glory, what solemn reproof and warning should this consideration administer to those, who, up to this new year, have neglected and disobeyed it.

Every sinner who neglects it, ought to consider that he is voluntary in his neglect. It is his choice. God has thought it worth while to work the most astonishing miracles to confirm it, and excite the attention of mankind to it; but he, miserable man! does not think it of consequence enough to attract his serious attention. Angels have visited this world to congratulate its inhabitants on receiving such a treasure; but he, miserable man! does not think it a treasure worth his seeking. Millions of wiser and better men have esteemed themselves happy to suffer persecution and death for its sake; but he, miserable man! dares not look his fellow in the face, and tell him he is resolved to embrace the gospel. And yet he is a dying man; and all which he now prefers, and pursues so eagerly, will abandon him forever on a dying bed! "This is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil." Oh! impenitent reader, beware lest that come upon you, which is spoken in the prophets, "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish." And you, Christian, who believe and love this glorious gospel, whom this new year finds rejoicing in its cheering light and blissful hopes, think of those to whom this gospel is unknown, unwelcomed, and unloved! Deliberately compare, to-day, the condition of, the vast majority of your fellow-men, with your own, in the spirit of humble, thankful, melting tenderness. Crowned with light and privilege yourself, can you fail to exercise love and compassion for the dark and dying around you, and afar from you in heathen lands? You know that another year is cut off from their probation, as well as from your own. You know that ere another new year dawns on the world, thousands of them will be gone from the world, where alone the means of salvation can reach them. And you yourself, ere that period arrives, may find the close of all earthly opportunities. For all flesh is as grass; and both the giver and receiver of the everlasting gospel, have but a little space of fresh unfaded

vigor, in which to secure and to extend its inestimable benefits. And shall not that little space be vigorously filled up? Blessed be God, we can do something to make known the gospel of his Son, and to replenish that world of immortality and joy, to which we are looking forward, with the redeemed from among men! Our brethren, whom we have sent forth in this blessed work, look to us from Burmah, from Siam, from France-from the east and from the west. This year, at least, let us not forget them; let us not forget those among whom they labor.

That is a beautiful trait in the character of God, as described by the psalmist, that he taketh pleasure in the prosperity of his servants. This kind interest in the success of their labors is the more endeared to us by the reflection, that all their success springs from his blessing. If that blessing, then, be in any measure withdrawn, or even less apparent, should it not deeply affect us?

grace

In one respect, the Magazine of the last year has been less copious and interesting, than in some other years. Although God has not left himself without a witness in the work of his among us, yet it is a fact, that we have had fewer revivals of religion to record, than heretofore. May this painful fact be duly acknowledged before the mercy seat, with deep searchings of heart, and humble confession of sin, that it may please the God of all grace to return and visit his churches, and cause the vineyard which he hath planted in this lovely land, to blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

In the mean time, under a solemn sense of personal responsibility, we would entreat each pastor and member of our numerous churches, with redoubled energy and zeal to apply himself to the care of his own individual portion of the vineyard; to plant, to prune, to water, and to watch over it, that so the flourishing of vital piety at home, may promote its extension abroad, and a holy rivalry and healthy reaction may exist between our brethren living and laboring for Christ in the bosom of domestic privileges, and those whose high office it is to advance the same precious cause amid the privations and perils of the missionary field. Then may we be lawfully permitted to hope and believe, that every month, our Magazine shall record the triumphs of grace in all directions, and every monthly concert of prayer be made joyful by the announcement of fresh answers of salvation from a prayer-hearing God.