But even in this state of ignorance, whether of the heart or understanding, and more especially in every successive degree in which the mind may be emerging from it, the outward knowledge of Christ and Him crucified for our sakes -of His gracious words-His beneficent deeds His unparalleled example of the Beauty of Holiness-together with those prophetic notices of His appearances in the flesh and in the Spirit which are left on sacred record, comprises subjects to which all would do well to take heed; and that whatever may be their state of ignorance, ́or advancement in the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus.

As all have borne the image of the earthly man, even fallen Adam, so all are designed to bear the image of the Heavenly Man, Christ Jesus. And those who are in any considerable measure transformed into this image, by having yielded to the visitations and operations of Divine grace in the soul, and are thus become subjects of that kingdom which consisteth in "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost," will assuredly love the appearing of Christ, in all his manifestations, external as well as internal. Hence will they contemplate his most sacred character, as delineated

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by those who were eye-witnesses of his glory, with deep reverence, gratitude, and love; being enabled to behold Him, both as the Living Temple, in whom "dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily," and also as that unparalleled, yet animating example of a perfect man, to which human nature is designed to be assimilated, through the reception and effectual operation of that redeeming virtue and power, of which He is the Author and the Administrator.

Salvation by Christ, and the outward knowledge of the Christian Dispensation as offered to our contemplation in the Holy Scriptures, appear, however, to have been too generally confounded by the supposition of their being essentially identified but while it is sorrowfully observable, that the knowledge of the latter may subsist, without the experience of the former; so it is to be hoped that the former may be happily effected, in an initial and progressive manner, independently of the latter. Yet is this outward knowledge, not only highly conducive to the formation of that which is essentially saving; but peculiarly adapted by Divine appointment, to the perfecting of the man of God; in the establishment of that kingdom, which though originating within, will

extend its blessed government over the outward man, both individually and collectively, until "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever."

When therefore it is affirmed, that the outward knowledge of the Christian Dispensation in its utmost extent, is not essential to the final Salvation of those to whom such knowledge has never been afforded, let it not be forgotten, that, according to all the evidence exhibited in the course of Divine Providence, it is essential and clearly adapted to the purpose of supplying to mankind, an adequate capacity of glorifying God, of manifesting the perfection of his nature, and the influence of his government, by doing his will on earth as it is done in heaven. Yet such a blessed result will be exhibited, even through the medium of the most extensive outward knowledge, only as it is accompanied by the experience of that Almighty power, that all-healing, all-restoring virtue, that Divine authority which is comprehended in the Name of Jesus. Those who thus know this Name, will know it to be as precious "ointment poured forth;" and being, through its efficacy, saved from their sins

redeemed from the inordinate love of perishable objects and from the corruptions of fallen nature, they will be fitted for the beatific vision, and everlasting enjoyment of His glorious presence, who is the adorable object of transcendent beauty and loveliness!

Lecture XH.

THE EXTERNAL MANIFESTATION OF THE REDEEMER.

"Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed."

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God."

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His Grace, through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

The doctrine of mediatorial atonement rightly understood and impressively applied, though involving mysteries incomprehensible by human wisdom, exhibits not only a most important, but the most universally attractive and influential truth that can be held forth to fallen man; when convinced of his sinful state, and desirous of reconciliation with his offended Maker. Accordingly it may be observed to form a prominent feature, both in the testimony of prophecy, and that of apostolic communications; and though not identified with every view of faith in Christ, which