6E1 CHátsTÍA?5 DFSt «s1Ttott. ries of the majesty and mercy of God, but where the beams ó Jesus the Sun of Righteousness shine, there is not only a more glorious light to direct our steps, and to enliven our spirits, but there is a new lustre shed abroad over the psalms and the ancient . prophets, and thetypical ceremonies and promises of Moses. Sn that in Great Britain and in our age, we understand those an- cient divine writings much better than the Israelites in the land of Canaan could understand them, even better than Moses and the prophetsunderstood what they themselves were inspired to write. John the baptist was greater than all the prophets, be- Cause hecould point to Jesus the Messiah, Behold the Lamb of God; John i. 29-36. And since the death and resurrection of Christ, and pouring down of the Spirit, the least minister, or perhaps the least member in the kingdom of Christ, knows mach more of the Messiah and his kingdom than John did, and than all the former ages, and the writers that lived in them. Mat. xi. 11. II. " What abundant thanks and praises are due to the Messed God, who brought us forth into the world under this last and best dispensation, who bath trained us up in the christian doctrine, and not made us Jews !" We are not called to that troublesome, and expensive kind of worship, which consists in the killing and burning of bulls and goats, and the choicest Iambs of the flock, The bleeding flesh of animals, and fire and smoke, make no part of our religious solemnities. Jesus the Lamb of God is alreadyoffered as an all-sufficient sacrifice : there is no need of another atonement : He has by one offering for ever perfected them that are sanctified; Heb. x. 14. We are not obliged to travel three times a year to distant parts of the nation where we dwell, in order to adore our Maker, at one single tabernacle or a temple, for in every place, that God who is a Spirit is worshipped now, even by public assemblies, in Spirit and in truth ; John iv. 23. We are not forced to spelt out the mercies of God by types and dark figures ; but we see his overflowinggoodness, in the person and offices of his beloved Son Jesus ; we read the pardon of our sins in his blood, and our sanctification by his Holy Spirit. There is no such veil spread over the invisible world as covered the ancient dispensa- tion. Heaven and hell, and all the awful and eternal things that belong to them; are discovered in a clear and surprising light. We are not left to live upon the promises of temporal good things,' and to search out the spiritual blessings that are covered and wrapped up in them ; but the spiritual and everlast- ing mercies which are provided for the saints; stand open to sight, in the promises of the New Testament: They seem to tout our embraces, and invite us to rejoice in hope. We need
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