guishes the religion of God in Asia from the religions of men. In every part of the earth, where I, myself, have been, this doctrine is proclaimed, as the hope of the sinner and the glory of the Saviour. And again, in every place it is opposed, in a greater or less degree, by the same evil passions of the human heart. In rude nations, the same arguments are brought against it, in substance, which are used here in a learned country. Among ignorant nations a term of reproach is attached to serious piety, even as it is here among a refined people; thereby proving what our Lord hath taught, that the superior goodness inculcated by his Gospel would not be agreeable to all men ; and that some would revile and speak evil of his disciples, "for righteousness sake; thereby proving what the Apostle Paul hath taught, that "the Cross of Christ is an "offence" to the natural pride of the human heart; that "the carnal mind is

66

enmity against God;" and that "the "natural man receiveth not the things of "the Spirit of God, because they are spiritually discerned.'

I have thought it right, my brethren, to deliver to you my testimony at this time; to assure you that the Gospel which

*The late learned and judicious PALEY has given his dying testimony to the truth of this doctrine. (See his Sermons, p. 119.) "A change so entire, so deep, so “important as this, I do allow to be a CONVERSION; (he "had said before, there must be a revolution of prin"ciple; there must be a revolution within ;') and no one "who is in the situation above described can be saved "without undergoing it; and he must necessarily both "be sensible of it at the time, and remember it all his "life afterwards. It is too momentous an event ever to "be forgot. A man might as easily forget his escape "from shipwreck. Whether it was sudden, or whether "it was gradual, if it was effected (and the fruits will "prove that), it was a true conversion; and every such 66 person may justly both believe and say it himself, that " he was converted at a particular assignable time."

Paley here speaks the language of the true Church of Christ, in all ages and nations.

The Star in the East.

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begins to enlighten the East, is not "ano"ther Gospel," as the Apostle speaks, but the same as your own. There is one Sun; there is one Gospel. "There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism ;" and there is one JUDGMENT. May we be all prepared to give our answer on that day!

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sent "

You are now invited to contribute some aid towards the extension of the religion of Christ. You are now, to preyour gifts" before Him who was born Saviour of the world; and to send back those 66 'glad tidings" to the East, which the East once sent to you, namely,

that the Light is come, that "the Desire " of all nations is come."

who prays with his lips,

66

Let every one "Thy kingdom

come," prove to himself, his own sincerity, that he really desires in his heart that the kingdom of Christ should

come.

242

The Star in the East.

If

a duty, but a privilege, to dispense "the "word of life." It is, indeed, a privilege, and so you will account it hereafter, when you shall behold all nations assembled before the judgment-seat of Christ. you be then numbered with his people, you will reflect with joy that you were enabled, at this time, "to confess His name before 66 men," and to afford some aid for the "increase of his government," and of his glory upon earth. And let every one who lends this aid accompany it with a prayer, that the act may be blessed to himself, in awakening his own mind more fully to the unutterable importance of the everlasting Gospel.

THE END.

G. SIDNEY, Printer, Northumberland-street, Strand.

Published by T. Cadell and W. Davies, Strand.

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By the Rev. J. B. S. CARWITHEN, M. A.