is so, then the careful polishing of one of these will not excuse us for the neglect of the other.

In zoology the expression bilateral symmetry is much used, by which is meant that in the higher orders of animals there are two similar sides. There is a right eye and a left, a right hand and a left, a right ear and a left. A completed character has a bilateral symmetry. One of its sides is turned towards God, and one towards men. One of these is like the other, as the second commandment is like unto the first.

Whether we study the religious and moral instruction given in the Bible, or the composition of the human mind, we seem to meet the intention that neither religion nor morality should be neglected, that neither the right hand nor the left should hang unused, paralyzed and withering at our side; and we shall not attain to the rounded character for which we appear to be fitted till we adjust our relations both to God and to our fellow

men.

The great difficulty in the way of adjusting our relation to God is our desire to have

our own way, or an inclination to rebel against God's authority.

I can do no better, in closing this chapter, than to call attention to a few passages of the New Testament showing the steps God has taken towards the restoration of harmony.

I Timothy iii, 16, God saw fit to manifest. himself to men in the person of Jesus Christ, showing his interest in us. John iii, 16, 17: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

2 Corinthians v, 19, 20: "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." Seeing the effort that has been made to save us from the effects of our own rebellion, millions of rebels have laid down their arms. "We love him because he first loved us.

Many are dissatisfied with this method of

bringing men into harmony with God and his government because of the vicarious suffering of Christ; but whoever may be dissatisfied, Jesus is satisfied. The words, "He Ishall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied," are part of a prophecy concerning the Man of sorrows, the other details of which have been so minutely fulfilled that I can not doubt the fulfillment of this statement also. His satisfaction will be complete when a multitude which no man can number shall ascribe their salvation from a state of rebellion to his intervention.

Chapter V

Forgiveness and the Condition of Society

SOME, apparently mistaking forgiveness for rejuvenation, have said that forgiveness never occurs. There is, however, a joy accompanying restoration to the Divine favor which affects the happiness of both this life and that which is to come. Without entering upon the discussion of this point, we may consider the effect of the doctrine of forgiveness, which certainly is taught in the gospel, on the condition of society.

It is claimed that men are rendered less moral by the fact that they expect later to repent and be forgiven. It is true that Paul warns men against the folly and danger of this kind of presumption (Romans ii, 4, 5, 6): "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and im

penitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds."

The repentance which precedes and accompanies faith in leading to a Christian life is a change of mind accompanied by a change in practice; but where a bad man proposes to himself that he will live in sin for a certain. season, and will then repent, there is no change of mind in the so-called repentance. It was at first his purpose to circumvent his Creator, and he now proceeds to do it. I will not say that it is impossible for such a one to obtain forgiveness. It will, however, be impossible till he arrives at a state of mind in which he will loathe the scheme by which he had thought to gain an advantage of God. Gal. vi, 7: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." It has been thought that some may be "even in penance planning sins anew." A repentance, however, which does not contemplate and resolve upon a vigorous effort at right-living from henceforth, is a repentance unknown to the gospel, and of no