sive; they will finally terminate in the benefit of others. Hence it is that Christ is denominated the Saviour of the World. "I am the light of the World," says its inspired Instructor; "I came not to judge, but to save the World. All the World is become guilty before God; "but he is reconciling the World to himself, not imputing to them their transgressions." It was ordained that the gospel should be preached among all nations, that all might be saved. When St. Paul was miraculously converted, he received an especial commission to go to the Gentiles, "to open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them who are sanctified."

The Jewish nation had been, for ages, intentionally separated from the Pagan world, not to be contaminated by them. While this importánt process was in continuance, there appeared to be a partiality and predilection not easily reconcileable with the character of a wise Parent; but in reality it was that a path might be prepared for the Gentiles: that "through them the Gentiles also might receive the ministry of reconciliation." "The middle wall of partition is at length broken down." All

enmity, which had subsisted in former days, is now abolished. They "are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God."

The Deity having thus openly assumed the parental character, the current of language, through the medium of all his ministers, is changed into a correspondent tone. Menaces are sparingly, and as it were reluctantly, denounced. Entreaties and encouragements are most abundant. Obedience to the law given by Moses, was fenced round by tremendous threats, because of the hardness of their hearts. Curses were solemnly denounced against every separate act of disobedience.* The mild Saviour of mankind introduces his ministry with Benedictions; and holds forth promises, according to the degrees of excellence in moral worth. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven: Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God:

* See the dreadful list in the 26th and 27th chapters of Deu teronomy.

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Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God, &c. &c. Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Saint Paul, who had imbibed so much of the genuine spirit of Christianity, delights to imitate the persuasive language of his Master; and he manifests the utmost solicitude that the beneficent designs of the gospel may be answered among all men. To the Corinthians he writes, "Now then we are embassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." To the Romans he writes, "I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." "Be ye followers of God as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us."

It is this mildness, this compassionate earnestness, for the spiritual welfare of all the children of God, which entitles the gospel of Jesus to the epithet evangelical, the good news, the gospel of peace. The Father is termed the God of peace,

The kingdom of God is said to be joy and peace. We have peace with God through Christ; and the favourite benediction pronounced by the apostle Paul in his numerous epistles is, "Now may the God of peace fill you with all joy, and peace, in believing." "Peace be with you, from God our father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

It is on account of the greatness and extent of the Divine Benignity, in receiving the disobedient into favour, pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin, that Christianity is exclusively termed a Dispensation of Grace. "The law was given by Moses, but Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ; and of his fulness we receive Grace upon grace." "We are justified freely by his Grace." "When sin abounded, Grace did much more abound," &c. &c. &c. Grace be unto you, and peace from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ,' is the usual salutation of Paul, at the commencement, and at the close of his epistles.

The word Grace, which is perpetually used by the apostles, with an obvious predilection, is necessarily borrowed from those peculiar acts of kindness and condescension, which are occasionally manifested by a Superior to an Inferior; and accordingto its application, it posses ous degrees of strength. But as all human beings

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are by nature equal; as the greatest distinctions among men are comparatively trivial, this term cannot, in any human transactión, possess the emphasis and energy which it possesses, in its application to the salvation of the human race. It is now consecrated, as it were, by the general consent. It is set apart to those objects exclusively. It is now used in the Scriptures, and almost universally by Theologians, to distinguish the manifestations of the Divine Benignity in the pardon and acceptance of his offending offspring, from every act of special favour, which one human being can confer upon another.*

When a wise parent pardons the offences of his offspring, it is always under the persuasion that, they repent, and that reformation will follow. No father can receive his son into favour, and love him with the love of complacency, which constitutes the happiness of the filial character, while he remains disobedient. Where a just cause of displeasure subsists, that cause must be removed before displeasure can cease. But in the mind of a judicious and benevolent parent, the chief cause of resentment consists in the perception,, that the conduct of his son is injurious to re

* See Note B.