lation, that should be offered in the fullness of time for the sins of the world. How else shall we account for the "coats of skins" wherewith they were clothed? Animals were not then slain for the purposes of food; but, like the firstlings of Abel's flock, they might be presented in faith," in obedience to God's appointment, and in expectation of promised deliverance by blood.

We do believe, therefore, that the Gospel was thus preached to our progenitors in a figure, and that from this intimation, however obscure, they derived hope and consolation. But whatever they might understand by it, we behold in it a description of our gracious Redeemer, of his incarnation, sufferings, and triumph. We likewise learn from it, what must be the character and experience of his people: they must oppose the same adversary, which their master combatted, and expect to suffer, like him, in the same arduous conflict; but they may also exult in the firm persuasion that they shall partake of his victory, and that " the God of peace shall bruise Satan under their feet shortly," (Rom. xvi. 20.)

Thus, in this short sentence, is contained the history of Christ and of his church, and of the principal events which shall take place in the world to the end of time.

Christian Guardian, vol. i. p. 14.

Moses has not specified the place of our

- first parents' exile. From the circumstance of the flaming sword being placed at the east of the garden of Eden, we only know that they journeyed towards that quarter of the globe: nor at this distance of time, would it be worth the reader's while to peruse the speculations of ingenious critics, or the fabulous narratives of the Jewish rabbins, or of the superstitious Mahommedan doctors.

Where infinite wisdom appointed their ha bitation, there questionless they tarried; and at this spot it was, that, in process of time, Adam became a father; and enjoyed "the satisfaction of seeing the blessing which was pronounced upon him in his better state, notwithstanding his apostacy, taking effect.-Be

hold the first parents of mankind exulting in affections unknown, unfelt before; exulting in this fresh proof that God had not forgotten to be gracious. Behold the nuptial tie

strengthened and confirmed; the voice of upbraiding is turned into the language of gratulation, complacency, and love* "

Among the dire consequences that resulted from the fall of our first parents, was this, namely, that having themselves become guilty, they became the progenitors of a guilty posterity. The tragical conduct of one brother towards another (which we have speedily to record) affords a melancholy proof of the truth of this observation. Alas! it was not the last time that children, whose birth has occasioned transports of joy to the authors of their existence, have proved to be the source of anxious cares, and have embittered the whole of their lives.

As soon as the infant was born, "I have gotten a man from the Lord," exclaimed the

joyous mother; or rather," I have gotten the man from the Lord," as the original may also be rendered. And she called him Cain (which signifies possession), fondly hoping that this son might prove the seed of the woman who was to bruise the serpent's head.

When our imagination is powerfully impressed by any great object, we easily persuade ourselves that every one else must be struck in like manner. Such appears to have been Eve's state of mind on this interesting occasion; but she was greatly mistaken in her fond prospects of futurity, for holy writ has expressly asserted that Cain " was of that wicked one,"-" the devil," who "sinneth from the beginning,” (1 John, iii. 8, 12.) That is, he introduced sin into the creation of God, and still continues to promote it to the ut1 most, by his powerful influence in tempting mankind to sin.

"And she again bare his brother," who was called Abel.-Various reasons have been assigned for his name, according to the different translations which have been given of the