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but to "leave them an example" of a life led according to his will: then what might be thought an inconsistency in his history, becomes an additional testimony to its truth. Had he assumed a situation of worldly splendour, had he been invested with the dignity of royal honours, he might have furnished an example of moderation in affluence, and of humility in power, to that very small proportion of mankind to whom riches or honours can ever belong. But to the vast majority of what mankind are and always must be in all ages, he could have left no lesson. They could not have trodden in his steps, for he would have walked in paths very different from theirs.

Philosophical teachers, indeed, have commonly bestowed little thought upon the poor and uninstructed classes, who were neither able to appreciate nor repay their labours. But in the sight of God we cannot possibly imagine that one of his creatures is more valued than another, however different their earthly conditions. The probability is, therefore, that the

interests of the majority would be consulted. And to how great a degree they are consulted by the poverty and humility of Jesus, is seen by daily experience. No consolation is more frequently recurred to, or more gratefully received,` than the reflection that he came, not "to be ministered unto, but to minister," and often "had not where to lay his head." The evils of life lose much of their bitterness, when we believe that similar evils were actually experienced by him" who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven;" and who having himself suffered human trials, and known human infirmities, is able to succour them that are tempted." For it was no temporary character that he assumed. His office was not finished, nor his mercy exhausted, when he left this world. The Christian enjoys an additional encouragement in the difficult warfare which he must needs maintain in his progress towards eternity, from the assurance that he whose compassion was first attracted by the state of man, still extends his care over all who apply to him; still watches their spiritual interests, and inter

cedes for their many failings; so that enlivened by his

presence, and strengthened by his support, they may go on their way rejoicing, and fulfil the course of probation allotted them.

It appears, therefore, that the Christian doctrine of redemption through a Mediator, is intelligible, as well as original; and is recommended to our reason no less than to our faith. Considered as it ought in all fairness to be considered, according to things as they exist, and in connexion with the actual state of the world and of mankind, it derives additional probability from its adaptation to the purpose for which it was professedly devised. It finds mankind in a condition of moral ruin and spiritual ignorance; whatever be the cause, this fact is indisputable; and it brings to their restoration a deliverer, who is God, with power to save;-who is man, with tenderness to pity;—who has assured mankind of his love, by a proof the most uncontrovertible and endearing;—who is with us to animate our exertions in his service;-and is with God to "make intercession" for our infirmities.

Can we suppose a reasonable man to have been asked, what would best enable him to pursue a religious course in his passage through this world, he could hardly have required less, and certainly he could not have expected more.

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CHAPTER X.

First Promulgation of Christianity.

I HAVE shown, in the preceding chapters, the strong internal evidence which supports the divine authority of the Christian Scriptures. And yet a great deal of internal evidence must always remain, which it is not possible to draw out into actual proof. The attentive reader of the New Testament will find this at every turn; and the best use he can make of the arguments which have been urged, would be to employ them as hints according to which he might examine the Gospel for himself.

I come now to consider the first propagation of the religion. We have indisputable proof that it was actively and successfully propagated, and made its way with surprising rapidity, when we know that there were multitudes of Christians of both sexes and of all

ages,

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