decided opposition, from some, were it not that I have often been surprised to see how Christians, who have been considered as entertaining views apparently the most diverse, will come together on a simple exhibition of the gospel, when it is not urged in a tone of challenge and defiance. A heated controversy drives men to such extremes in their expressions, that a calm bystander cannot easily tell what they really do believe. Should any persons, however, find anything in this volume to disapprove, I trust they will do me the justice to admit, that I have made this exhibition of the gospel, with reference to its moral effect on human hearts, and not for the purpose of taking sides in a controversy between different parties of Christians. The work is not intended to contain a complete system of religious truth. Like the "Young Christian," it is designed to be only one excursion into a field which is almost boundless; and in our progress through it, I call the attention of those who accompany me, to such objects, and to such moral scenery, as naturally come in our way. A system of theology is a map or a plan, in which every feature of the country must be laid down in its proper place and proportion; this work is on the other hand a series of views, as the traveller sees them in passing over a certain road. In this case, the road which I have taken, leads indeed through the heart of the country, but it does not by any means bring to view all which is interesting or important. The reader will perceive that the history of Jesus Christ is the clue which I have endeavored to follow; that is, the work is intended to exhibit religious truth as it is connected with the various events, in the life of our Savior. In first introducing him to the scene, I consider his exalted nature as the GREAT MORAL MANIFESTATION OF THE DIVINITY to us. Then follows a view of his PERSONAL CHARACTER, and of his views of RELIGIOUS DUTY. From this last subject we turn aside a little to consider the general CONDUCT OF MANKIND, its CONSEQUENCES, and the principles on which these consequences can be averted by PARDON; and then we return again to the history of the Savior, to the scenes at the LAST SUPPER, and at the CRUCIFIXION. His PARTING COMMAND, and PartING PROMISE, bring us to the CONCLUSION of the volume. 1* CHAPTER I.-THE DEITY. Address to the reader. Preparation of the heart. The caravan Studying God's character. Practical considerations. His works examined. An experiment. The ripe apple's stem. Juices. Bells. The vine and its tendrils. Contraction. The dew drop Its supports. Highly finished work. Water. The fleecy cloud. Snow storms and snow flakes. Perfect workmanship. The bub- ble. Its structure. Its wonderful mechanism. Intellectual and moral exhibitions. An imaginary walk in June. God is love The robin and his nest. God's care of him. The pair. The scene changed. January. Plans for protection. The winter home. The Chrysalis. The ant. God a father. A magistrate too. System. Firmness and decision. The suffering child. Its mother. Physical law sustained. God's determined decision. General laws. Moral law. The wretched dwelling. The inte- CHAPTER II.-THE MAN CHRIST JESUS. The Savior's first words. His last words. Perfection. Common illusion. Real claims of Christianity. Mahometanism. Pagan- ism. The worldly man. His character and habits. Seriousness. He is changed. One kind of religion. His great business. His final account. Consequences. Samuel's business. How a child may imitate the Savior. The glory of God. Acting as a stew- ard. Worldliness. Love of furniture. Dress. The work of God. Low pursuits. The arts and refinements of life. The en- The Savior's character. Energy. Mildness and forbearance. His story of the Samaritan. His rejection at Samaria. Plans. Bold and systematic action. His personal boldness. Nights of prayer. Style of speaking. Sermon on the Mount. The assembly. His missionaries. Results. Key to his character. Courage. The night in the garden. Suffering. Lights and weapons and armed men. Real courage. Three great traits. Love of nature. Kirk White. The Savior's metaphors. The lily. Insensibility of men. The garden. Its wonders. The Savior's taste and sensibility. 13 CHAPTER III.-HUMAN DUTY, or the SAVIOR'S MESSAG A difference between the gospels and the epistles. Wrong way to read the Bible. Right way. The schoolhouse. A stormy night. Trouble. The lost cap. Conversation. The Teacher's perplexity. The plan formed. Penitence necessary before forgiveness. Dis- tinction illustrated. A dialogue. Forgiveness of Joseph. The God's design in the creation. The ten commandments. Analysis of the moral law. Its character. Effects of obedience to it. Spir- itual obedience to it. The Priest and the Levite. Various ways of beginning to obey. The absent master. The disobedient boys. Expostulation. How to begin. Giving cold water. Holiness is submission. Various forms of piety. The conversion of a little child. Spiritual darkness. The way to remove it. The various CHAPTER IV.-HUMAN NATURE, OR THE SAVIOR'S RECEP- Human nature. The way to study it. The village. Morning. The wife and mother. Industry. Benevolence. Exceptions rare. Moral beauty. Night. The sick child. The proposal. Watch- fulness. Moral beauty. Human virtue. Its two foundations. The village examined. Real characters. The post office. Appa- rent virtue. A distinction. No real difference of opinion about human character. Alienation from God: settled and universal. The door of salvation open. Men will not enter. Insincerity among Christians. Open vice and crime. Salvation offered to children. Its reception. The little child. The wealthy merchant. message to him. Enmity against God. The amiable girl. Appa- rent attention. Real indifference. Almost a Christian. Univer- sal alienation from God. Dead in trespasses and sins. The real difficulty. Spiritual blindness. The ungrateful child. The dia- logue. Ingratitude. Moral insensibility. Spiritual blindness. The horse and his rider. Insensibility. The common case. The Soliloquy. Wandering thoughts. Reveries. The confession. CHAPTER V.-PUNISHMENT, OR THE CONSEQUENCES OF Character of the Deity. Efficiency in government. Different es- 71 96 |