deeply on this subject, meets this objection in a very able manner: 'Without discussing the question, whether God could really suspend, or positively command, the violation of any of the moral precepts embodied in the decalogue, either for the purpose of benefitting or punishing any of the creatures whom he has made, we meet the objection by saying that, whatever may have been the excellences or defects of the Mosaic code or dispensation, it prophesied of a time when it would be superseded by a higher and holier covenant; and, having now vanished away, it is no longer to be put on an equality with the new one, or to be referred to as of binding authority. Whatever was morally good in it, or in accordance with the moral nature of man, is, of course, embodied in the new covenant, and carried to perfection. Now let the objector point out where, in the latter, permission is given to take away human life, in any case, or for any object whatever. To whom shall we go but to Christ? What were his teachings on the subject of violence, and in regard to the punishment of enemies ?* What did he say about taking the sword? What about coming to save men's lives? What in regard to his ability to defend himself? How did he feel towards those who crucified him between two thieves? They who appeal to the old covenant are bound to give heed to the voice of the new. They who bid us think highly of Moses, must concede that far greater reverence is due to Christ.'t

But let us turn from Moses, and from every other prophet, to Him who came from the bosom of the

* See Sermon on the Mount.

† See Hebrews iii. 1-7.

Father,' the Light of the world, the Physician who came to remove the moral maladies of the human soul; the Morning Star who came to usher in a day of quietness and repose; the Good Shepherd who is to bring home the last wanderer to the fold of God.

15*

ESSAY IV.

TEACHINGS OF CHRIST.

Sermon on the Mount-Law of retaliation-Present law-Story of an executioner-The adulteress-Law of Moses-Feelings to be entertained towards the criminal-Anecdote-Request to call fire from heaven-Peter's request-Forgiveness-Moses and Christ - Objection—Sentence of Christ-His precepts—-Objection of Hudson-Reply--Duty of the church—-Objection--New covenant-The crucifixion-Eulogium upon Howard—Prayer-meeting in a murderer's cell-Death of Christ.

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. JESUS CHRIST.

AFTER wandering among the types and shadows of the Mosaic dispensation, it is refreshing to come to that more excellent ministry; to him who is the Mediator of a better covenant. We feel as though we had crossed the desert, and were about entering Canaan. As we approach, we hear the song, not of Moses and his host, but of angels uttering, in strains unheard before, PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO MEN. We place our feet on the plain of Bethlehem, beside the cradle of the great Christian Legislator, with an illuminated sky above us. Here are no gibbets, no ruthless desolations, but all is lovely and refreshing. We stand upon the Rock Christ Jesus, looking back to the first covenant,' with its ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary;' and forward to that 'new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us through the vail.' 'Let us draw near with a

true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.'

As the great Mediator enters upon his work, what a flood of light and consolation does he pour upon the soul! He looks back on Moses and all the prophets. He shows that they pointed to him as the true Messiah. He collects their scattered rays, like the light of ten thousand suns, into one focus! And while he speaks, the multitudes hang upon his lips, 'wondering at the gracious words that proceeded from his mouth.' He began by revealing God as a Father, and as a being requiring spiritual worship. And when God was thus brought before the mind, every idolatrous temple on earth shook to its very centre. It was like the sun appearing in the midst of storms and tempests, gilding and beautifying every object. A flood of light and joy poured upon the world. Man claimed kindred with the skies. His soul leaped for joy. He looked to Heaven, and, for the first time, he felt that he could say to the Creator of worlds, MY FATHER! What a kindling, mighty thought! A richer truth, God could not have conferred on man. Let us hear his first sermon: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute What a sermon ! Like dew upon the tender plant; like broad rivers in a desert; like the bright

you.'*

*Matt. v. 3, 5, 7, 9,44.

morning star ushering in a day of righteousness and peace. The very wilderness budded; the desert rejoiced and blossomed as the rose. From that hour to the present, the blessed influences of this sermon have been felt by the wise and the good. It has been to the world 'like rain upon the mown grass, and as showers that water the earth.'*

Had Jesus been governed by human wisdom, he would have pronounced blessings upon the proud, the rich and the popular. His first labor was to abrogate forever the law of retaliation. 'It hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy, but I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.' But can we love another, and put him to death? How much love does the government feel when the unhappy culprit is forced from his cell to the place of execution? It is the spirit of retaliation. There is no feeling for the offender. One great object must, from necessity, be excluded; which is, the good of the unhappy culprit. Indeed, the great ends of punishment are entirely set aside. The community receive no reparation, nor would they if ten thousand lives were taken. The example, instead of being beneficial, brutalizes and hardens the heart.† The law is wholly subversive of any good, and entirely contrary to the spirit of Christianity. This we shall

*See Names and Titles of the Lord Jesus Christ: Boston. Published and sold by the Author. Fifteenth edition, pp. 297, 363.

† See page 65, where will be found one of the most lamentable proofs of this remark. The executioner himself actually, after strangling seven men, coolly sat down to smoke his cigar and quaff a bottle of wine, before he proceeded to cut off the heads of his victims, previous to the burning of their bodies!