in the same road, and candidates for the same blessings; and which is so strongly enjoined upon us by the Saviour of mankind. In this manner might we maintain the unity of faith in the bonds of peace; rendering the topics concerning which we differ, the subjects of interesting and friendly enquiry, instead of rancorous debate; teaching us to practise the discipline of that charity "which suffereth long and is kind; envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." IV. As the great Creator has not placed the human race in a state of permanent perfection and happiness, but has furnished them with the powers of progressive improvement, and placed them in situations adapted to the gradual developement and exercise of these powers, it is very obvious that, although Death is inflicted as a punishment, and is universally dreaded as an evil of the greatest magnitude, yet it is an essential part of the divine plan, and will ultimately manifest itself to be a most important blessing. Immortal existence to sinful and imperfect creatures, would increase and perpetuate human wretchedness. We daily experience, to what an extent Individuals may abuse their power, during the term of a short life, and diffuse calamities over the globe, for a long series of years; what, then, would not be suffered, had they been immortal? Nor can the perfect felicity of the Righteous be secured to them, by the most exalted love and practice of virtue, while they are surrounded and annoyed by the vicious and depraved. How wise, therefore, is that constitution of things, by which, in due time, a total separation will be made! By the operation of which, the Righteous shall be removed into those regions where the wicked cease from troubling! Where every inhabitant, notwithstanding the gradations in moral excellence, shall possess the same spirit of piety towards God, and of love towards each other. By this happy constitution of things, shall the Virtuous and the Good of different ages, and different nations, be collected into one harmonious assembly. They shall form a glorious colony, in the kingdom of the Messiah: In a kingdom of righteousness; where "great multitudes, which no man can number, of all nations and kindreds, and people and tongues, shall unite in ascribing blessings, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, unto our God for ever and ever!" V. In our treatise, introductory to these disquisitions, we particularly analyzed those passions and affections, both of a personal and a social nature, the proper indulgence of which constitutes well-being or happiness. They were then considered in the light of powers seated in man; creating a possibility in his nature, to enjoy felicity, notwithstanding he is, in the present state of things, surrounded with incessant checks and impediments. In this our disquisition on the characteristic excellencies of Christianity, we have been contemplating that state where these possibilities will be realized; that future inheritance; that kingdom wherein dwelleth righteousness! We shall now take the liberty of transcribing a passage, which was then represented as containing a summary of those affections, the exercise of which constitutes the summit of human felicity, and, as it were, transplant it into those regions, where alone such an exercise can exist. It is the following; "Were the imagination commanded to paint the highest felicity to be enjoyed by created Beings, it would surely point out the union of the following emotions and affections: Ardent Love for an object worthy of our love; chastened with high Veneration: Astonishment, inspired by the contemplation of the number and extent of its excellencies, and at the unremitted k k exertion of these excellencies in the diffusion of good:-Admiration at the wise means adapted to the accomplishment of the interesting purpose:Joy and Gratitude for benefits already received:lively Hope of good incalculable, in reserve for ourselves, conjointly with others whose welfare we ardently desire; accompanied with a consciousness that we have contributed a something to the general mass of felicity, according to our ability! These are ingredients to constitute the perfection of bliss! Love, Joy, Gratitude, Surprise, Admiration, Complacency, Hope, and Benevolence unbounded, may thus occupy the mind in a transporting variety, or by exerting their united powers at the same instant, occasion inconceivable raptures !!!" The expectations of such bliss are implanted and encouraged by CHRISTIANITY; AND BY CHRISTIANITY ALONE!! THE END. |