THE RAT. 249 



order, imperfection, and weakness would appear. And 

 hence all are present, and wondrously balanced, to se- 

 cure the ends which God contemplated when he breathed 

 into the nostrils of Adam the " breath of life, and man 

 became a living soul." 



And what are these ends 1 They appear in knowing, 

 enjoying, and glorifying the great, all-wise, and bene- 

 volent Author of our being. The Gospel comes to us, 

 containing an ample revelation of his character and 

 designs, the offers of his mercy, and exceeding great 

 and precious promises to all who accept his invitations. 

 Here is the great instrument through which alone we 

 can become partakers of that knowledge which is life 

 eternal. When this is our character, we shall have 

 communion with the Father, and fellowship with his 

 Son Jesus Christ ; all our powers will be devoted to his 

 honour, and the service now rendered shall be the ear- 

 nest of that which is productive of unspeakable happi- 

 ness before the throne of God and of the Lamb. It 

 behoves us, therefore, while pursuing human knowledge, 

 to consider the knowledge that is divine and supremely 

 important, and that this can only be possessed as we 

 promptly and gratefully receive " the glorious gospel of 

 the blessed God." 



" Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory 



