we have only to compare it with the unerring word of God, and we shall find perhaps that where the one is exclusive, 'the other also excludes-where the one is comprehensive, the other also enlarges itself. Is not the very Gospel itself—that which was to be "glad tidings of great joy to all people," is not even this exclusive? Inasmuch as it provides the means of salvation to all "people, nations and languages," and to every individual of each, it is comprehensive as the universe. It is liberal, inasmuch as without money and without price, it has offered freely to all, that which the wealth of the universe could not have purchased. But salvation is provided and offered upon precise and definite terms and none can be partakers of the benefit but those who conform to the terms. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that believeth not, shall be damned'."—And is not this to be exclusive?-These terms, not all the wit, nor the power of man can alter.

1 Mark xvi. 16.

Need we fear to practise that inflexibility of which Christ himself has set us an example? Shall any false notions-however specious and however prevalent, drive us to a compromise which all the noblest of God's servants have resisted to the death? Surely if ever the emergency should arise, if ever we should be called upon to render our confession of faith conformable to the approved principles of the day-our course must be a plain one. All that may be yielded-we are ready to yield freely for peace'-sake.-But we cannot rob God, for the gratification of man. We cannot assert that, which we believe to be false-nor suppress or soften down that which we believe to be true. Should we be required to do this-whatever may be the rewards promised to acquiescence or the punishments threatened to denial-may the supporting aid of God's Holy Spirit inspire us with a due share of that devoted resolution which dictated the words of the text.

And as in this-so in all other cases, may we be enabled by the same Spirit

to walk the straightforward course of Christian integrity without turning to the right hand or the left.-May we hold us fast by God through Jesus Christ in all the difficulties, trials, and temptations with which it may please him that our path should be beset, following cheerfully in the footsteps, and offering up earnest prayers to the Throne of Grace, through Him our example and Lord, who "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down for ever at the right hand of God1."

1 Heb. xii. 2.

SERMON XII.

THE CHRISTIAN PARADOX EXEMPLIFIED.

LUKE vi. 10.

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man,-Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so and his hand was restored whole as the other.

THERE is no book in the whole world so full of insuperable difficulties as the Bible.-And the reason of this is obvious enough.―The Bible touches upon subjects which are in their very nature, above the comprehension of its readers,upon subjects, which the Author of the Bible is alone competent to elucidate, but concerning which he has purposely abstained from affording explicit informa

tion. It speaks for instance, of the Deity -and" who by searching shall find out God." It speaks of creation-and "where was man when the foundations of the earth were laid, that he should have understanding to declare whereupon the foundations thereof are fastened, or who laid the corner-stone thereof1?"-Redemption is proclaimed in it--And where is the human intellect equal to the task of unravelling that great mystery of godlinessGod manifest in the flesh ?-Who shall explain to us the judgment to come, the resurrection of the body, the glories of heaven, the fire and the worm of hell?-Upon these, and many such sublime subjects the Scriptures speak-but they do not speak fully, and therefore, we are necessarily beset by difficulties whenever we attempt to discuss them.

But this is not all. Insuperable difficulties on points like these, every reasonable man would look for. They are "heavenly things," and heavenly things

1 Job xxxviii. 4, 6.