THB CHRISTIAN NATURALIST. 21 



A feeling of this nature, is the best preparation for 

 the right reception of the humbling, yet ennobling 

 truths of the gospel. Until we feel our own littleness, 

 we shall not seek after true greatness. We must first 

 be sensible of our own ignorance and darkness, before 

 we can sincerely desire or discern the presence of that 

 omnific Word, which caused the light to shine out of 

 darkness, and which still *' Shines into the hearts of 

 men to give them the knowledge of the glory of God 

 in the face of Jesus Christ." Bright and glorious as 

 are the luminaries which now shine above us, and cheer 

 the gloom of a wintry night, they will shine upon a 

 fallen world in vain, if they do not remind it of that 

 Saviour who is, '* The Day Spring from on high ;" — 

 "The Bright and Morning Star ;"—" The Son of 

 Righteousness, with healing under his wings." ** He is 

 the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into 

 the world," — 



* Nature's immortal, immaterial Sun.' 



Enlightened and guided by his word of truth, we are 

 enabled to direct our way with more comfort and safety 

 through the wilderness of time, than the ancient mariner 



