light is shining more and more to the perfect day; so that gradually and successively, he is enlightening every nation, and every man; and when his great year is filled up, every nation of the earth shall be brought into the light and heat of this unspotted, uneclipsed, and eternal Sun of righteousness and truth. Wherever the Gospel comes, it brings salvation. * * * It is no objection to this view of the subject, that whole nations have not yet received the Divine light. When the earth and the sun were created, every part of the globe did not come immediately into the light; 'to effect this purpose fully, there must be a complete revolution, as has been marked above, and this could not be effected till the earth had not only revolved on its own axis, but passed successively through all the signs of the zodiac. When its year was completed, and not till then, every part had its due proportion of light and heat. God may, in his infinite wisdom, have determined the times and the seasons for the full manifestations of the Gospel to the nations of the world, as he has done in reference to the solar light; and when the Jews are brought in with the fullness of the Gentiles; then, and not till then, can we say, the grand revolution of the importani

YEAR of the Sun of Righteousness is completed. * * * * * * The great year, the (Gospel year) is rolling on, and all the parts of the earth are coming successively, and now rapidly into the light. The vast revolution seems to be nearly completed, and the whole world is about to be filled with the light and glory of God."

This is the light of the Son of God, "the true light which enlightens every man coming into the world." This is the light we should reflect, not in word only, but by example. Prospectively the light of immortality is beaming upon us, emanating from God, through the Redeemer. To Him, let us sing the warmest praises of our lips, yield the best powers of our minds, and give the purest affections of our hearts, now and forever.

AMEN.

PRAYER.

OUR FATHER who art in heaven, Thou, who art the Fountain of light, and the Giver of every good and perfect gift, we thank Thee or the gift of Thy Son, and the glory of Thy manifestations to the world, that through him

we have the revelations of immortality, and that he suffered and died to redeem us from moral darkness, and make us heirs of light and glory. Most devotedly do we adore Thee for his heavenly teachings, for his holy life, for his unchanging love, for his patience under wrongs, for his willingness to suffer for the cause of truth, and the good of man. May his wise instructions be as a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path; and his perfect example incite us to be actively and eminently good. That this may be the case, be it our care to amend whatever is amiss among us, and rise to the greatest perfection in virtue. O God, wilt Thou give us the spirit of Thy Son, that we may imitate Thee in Thy for bearance and forgiveness, and like him, whom Thou has sent for our Light and Guide, love those whose hearts are inflamed with hatred. Save us, we beseech Thee, from a revengeful spirit and help us to overcome evil with good. Be it our joy and happiness to support and comfort one another in affliction, with those strong consolations which the gospel affords. May our example and conduct in life prove a high recommendation, and a fair illustration of our principles, and reflect the brightest honor upon our profession and char

acter. And, that we may be happily instrumental in turning many to righteousness, may we have wisdom from above, and "shine as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars forever and ever!"

AMEN.

SERMON IX.

A REASON FOR MY HOPE.

BY REV. S. STETSON, BRUNSWICK.

I PETER 3: 15.

"BE READY ALWAYS TO GIVE AN ANSWER TO EVERY MAN THAT ASKETH YOU A REASON OF THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU, WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR."

CHRISTIANS in the Apostle's day had to pass through many trying scenes. They were persecuted by unbelievers on account of their

ith in Christ. But Peter encourages them o follow that which is good. Then if they uffered for righteousness sake, they would e happy in their minds, and would have no eed to be afraid of the terror, nor troubled t the opposition of their persecutors.