uniform, and constant. It does not define the time of this restitution of all parts of It does not exclude this apostate world. variations and vicissitudes in its outward It does not render visible development. defeats less possible than triumphs, nor retreats and retrograde movements less likely than onward progress and victorious enterprises. On the contrary, God revealed as what would certainly transpire, all the mutations, the decline, and fall, and rising again -all the disasters and defeats that have actually taken place. The present aspect and condition, the present dangers and duties of the church; the difficulties that exist within her from wordliness, and sectarianism, and error; and the difficulties that environ her on every side, from false Christianity, false religions, and temporal dynasties-these are all distinctly revealed. They are all depicted by the infallible pen of prophetic inspiration. They are, therefore, a confirmation of the decree and will of God. dindeed ef of e d r being any ground for unbelief, and disobedience, they are an additional ground for faith, and a powerful motive to obedience. They do not excuse, they condemn indifference. They make neutrality treason, and inactivity unfaithful stewardship-a base betrayal of our solemn trust, and of our plain and undeniable obligations. The law of the church is fixed. The instrumentality of the church is fixed. The duty of every Christian man and woman is fixed. The gospel is in our hands, and it is there that it may be put into the hands of every creature. The inheritance has been conveyed to us, and it is ours in trust to be imparted by us to the uttermost parts of the earth, until they too shall become Christ's possession, and those now heathen shall also have become his inheritance. This then is our duty as plainly as the result is God's will and decree. Our agency is as plainly God's appointed means for the fulfilment of his decree, as that decree is plainly revealed and visibly manifested dience is ours, and success and recompense are the Lord's. And whatever may be the result of our labours, and whatever may be the failure or success of missions in our day, of one thing the word and will of God assures us, and that is, that the gospel will yet be preached in all the world; and that every effort, every prayer, every sacrifice of money, of children, of time, of influence, and of talents, for the furtherance of this glorious consummation, will accomplish some present good; will encourage and stimulate others by example; will feed and fan the flame of piety at home, in our hearts, and homes, and churches; will sow the seed of future exertions and success; and will entail a blessed recompense in the world of light and glory. mi oh waves and clouds, and storms, |