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oriental manner) by a beautiful assemblage of exquisite and expressive imagery; comparing its effects in reconciling the most hos-tile, and reforming and taming the most savage dispositions, to a softening of brutal natures; to "the wolf and the leopard, no longer fierce, lying down with the lamb and the kid; the calf and the young lion led in the same peaceful band, and that by a little child; the heifer and the she bear feeding together, and lodging their young, of whom they used be so jealous, in the same place; and all the serpent kind becoming so harmless that the sucking child may safely put his hand on the basilisk's den, and play on the hole of the aspic."* Finally, it was promised that the Messiah should come to publish peace,† and to establish with mankind "the covenant of peace."‡

CONCURRING with these predictions, his religion is styled, in the New Testament," the gospel of peace." He indeed came and "spake peace to the people," He consoled

*Isai. xi. 6-9. "The Greek and Latin Poets have painted their Golden Age in very beautiful colours, but the exquisite imagery of Isaiah stands unequalled aud inimitable."

SMITH'S Summary View of the Prophets, page 39.
Isai. lii. 7. Nahum i. 15.

Isai. liv. 10. Ezek. xxxiv. 10. § Rom. x. 15..

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his disciples by assuring them that in him they should have peace.* And he left them a legacy in the same strain.†

So remarkable a frequency and agreement, in the use and application of this word and sentiment, naturally excites our curiosity to know in what sense he brought peace on earth, and produced good will among men.‡ This is the subject of our present inquiry.

1. THE words of our text may be considered as a proclamation of SPIRITUAL PEACE.

CHRIST, who came to restore the human race, alienated from Gon by wicked works, made our peace with the justly offended DEITY and thus procured us that peace of mind which the world could not give, nor we otherwise obtain.

"HE is our peace, saith the Apostle, that he might reconcile us to GOD." "He came and preached peace to you (the gentiles) that were afar off, and to them (the Jews) which were nigh." "Being justified by faith, we have peace with GoD through our

* John xvi. 33. † John xiv. 27.

§ Ephes. ii. 16.

Bishop PORTEUS.

Ephes. ii. 17.

Lord Jesus Christ."* These expressions, and the many others of the like import in the christian scriptures, shew us that the primary sense in which this peace is procured, is that, of a spiritual nature. But,

2. OUR text may be considered as announcing peace on earth in a

SENSE.

TEMPORAL

THE life, the character, the instructions of Jesus, all exhibited and recommended benevolence and peace. And his religion is eminently calculated to promote "peace on earth and good will towards men," not only by restraining or destroying every passion which is unfriendly to human happiness, but by exciting every virtue, and cherishing every disposition conducive to the mutual interests, and conciliatory of the mutual regards of mankind.

ONE great object of christianity is to open the heart, improve the social affections, and render man benevolently disposed towards all his fellow beings; to promote the most friendly intercourse and kind offices establish human society in peace and good

* Rom. v. 1.

F

; to

order; and to contribute to the security, comfort, and true enjoyment of this life, as well as to lead men to eternal happiness and glory beyond the grave. The system itself is universal benevolence and philanthropy. Its pacific nature and amicable tendency will clearly appear, if we examine its general structure, or consider the spirit of its laws. It recommends an affectionate temper and demeanour, represses ill will and injuries of every kind and degree, and forbids every act by which the peace or enjoyment of our neighbour may be interrupted. "Follow peace with all men ;"*"if it be possible, as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men; "have peace one with another;‡ study the things which make for peace ;"§ are familiar and frequent injunctions, are lessons which perpetually recur in the writings of the New Testament.

By enjoining it upon us to do unto others as we would they should do unto us, it regulates the practice of all the known social duties; prescribes the proportion and ascertains the measure of justice, mercy, or benevolence which we ought to mete out to others upon all occasions, and makes even the prin

*Heb. xii. 14.

Rom. xii. 18. § Rom. xiv. 19.

Mark ix. 5.

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ciple of self-love the most effectual means of pointing out and prompting us to acts of honesty, humanity, and justice. By bidding us love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who despitefully use us, and pray for those who persecute us, it restrains the resentful passions, prevents retali ation and revenge, and leads to reconciliation and peace.

So that in this religion there is nothing hostile to the peace of society, or the happiness of mankind: But, on the contrary, all its influence is on the side of human felicity. And it is certain, that, the more christianity is known and followed, the more will men become improved, and the fewer will be their contentions, corruptions and crimes: The more mild will be their governments, the more equitable their laws, and the more secure and lasting their national prosperity.

In every country over which christianity has spread its peaceful and conciliating influence, it has meliorated the whole constitution of society; rectified its general codes and institutions; mixed with the civil arrangements and social habits of life; and displayed its effects in common transactions and private intercourse, in every scene of public engage

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