his power though secret in its operation, is as efficient as ever, in converting the water into wine, if the vessels prepared to contain it are filled according to his purpose and command. Without the communication of his living virtue, the purest elements of human instruction, comparable to elementary water, would remain like water still; capable of supplying natural, but not spiritual wants.

The writer would willingly draw the attention of that class of readers she is addressing, to the importance of their continually seeking a growth in the ROOT of religious knowledge; for if this be not proportionable, and in some degree antecedent, to an expansion in the branches, the latter will infallibly wither and become fruitless; and will be susceptible of restoration to vitality only by some humiliating process, comparable to that of being cut down even with their parent stem, as to the very ground: whereas if the root is suffered and encouraged to shoot deeply downward, so as to derive its nourishment from the well-spring of Divine Life, the plant of the Lord's right hand planting will be preserved green and

TO YOUNG PERSONS.

RUSSELL ST

13

fruitful in its season; able also to sustain, without injury, times and dispensations similar to those of external drought and heat.

Corresponding with these distinct characters, will be the difference between speculation and experience; even among those who may have been equally desirous of entertaining a right theory. The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge, originally placed in Paradise, the former representing a fountain of soul sustaining blessedness to man in his primeval state-the latter furnishing a test of his obedience-are virtually accessible to the ransomed race during their present probationary condition. The first, which is described in the apocalyptic visions as the Tree bearing all manner of fruit, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations, is the true emblem of Him who is the immediate Author of soul restoring virtue; "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." The latter having its growth in the unregenerate nature, is characterized only by that knowledge which is held in a state of disobedience, and of alienation from "the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ

Jesus;" and therefore is productive of corruption, sin, and death.

It is not assumed that the simple, literal knowledge of that Inspired Record which Divine Wisdom has committed to a portion of mankind, is to be considered as any part of this forbidden fruit, unless such literal knowledge is maintained to the exclusion of that which is spiritual; or is so perverted by the inventions of men, as to exemplify something of that mixture of good and evil which is the distinguishing property of the Tree of Knowledge.

Hence the letter of Scripture, or the more literal meaning of its words and phrases, though not necessarily comprehending essential goodness, is good in its appointed office, as a medium to convey spiritual nurture and intelligence under the illuminating Influence of the Holy Spirit, by which it was dictated; but if received independently of this holy Influence, the letter of Scripture will cease to present the words of Christ, as He hath declared them to be, even as "spirit and as life." It is in this sense that "the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life:"

Knowledge maintained without this life, may prove to be that food which nourishes the evil propensities of fallen nature, fitting the mind for nothing higher than a participation of those things which will perish with the using; and leaving it destitute of that which only can sustain and satisfy an immortal spirit.

What have been just described are not the only dangers which may be incident to every class of disciples. To a class of a more numerous and diversified character than has been already addressed, dangers and temptations are manifold and multiform; yet merciful preservation from them may be witnessed, by all who having tasted that the Lord is gracious, are engaged to come unto Him, as unto that "Living Stone, disallowed indeed of men but chosen of God and precious;" to Him who has been revealed in their soul as the Way, the Truth, and the Life-the only sure Foundation of reconciliation and acceptance with the Father. Being not only instructed where to seek and wait for his appearance, but quickened by this good Word of Life, may such desire to be continually fed with the sincere milk of

that pure Word, both as immediately and instrumentally administered, that they may grow thereby; and may they be no further solicitous for stronger meat, than as it is afforded them according to the appointment of Him, who "feeds his flock like a shepherd; gathering the lambs with his arm and carrying them in his bosom, and gently leading" along those in whose hearts are raised living, though feeble desires after the knowledge of Him and his Truth.

To such a state as this, doctrinal information may not be thought food most convenient; yet seeing such is copiously mingled with practical precept, and with historical and miraculous fact by the sacred writers, it is presumed that it may be administered also through inferior instrumentality, in such selected portions as will be found, on attentive comparison, entirely harmonious with the undivided testimony of Sacred Scripture; and that these 66 Meditations" may, therefore, be found to promote in some degree, that health and strength of the spiritual understanding, which it is certainly designed we should acquire from the knowledge of revealed truths.