clines, and that never sets; a light that cannot become dim, and a light that cannot go out. Wicked men, and evil spirits, who live in open rebellion against God, hate this light; but still it shines, and will for ever shine. It was the light of our forefathers, it is our light, and it will be the light of our children. "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the Word of our God shall stand for ever." Isai. xl, 8.

By the light of Divine Revelation we discover the whole system of sacred truth. It teaches how the world was made; and how it has been governed by a wise and unerring Providence. It gives the history of man in his original perfection; in his shameful apostasy; and in his recovery by grace. It discovers the being and perfections of God our Father; opens the character, undertakings, and works of God our Saviour, and gives us the character and operations of the Holy Ghost. opens the invisible world; asserts the resurrection of the dead; assures us that there will be a general judgment; warns us to shun the torments of hell, which was prepared for the devil and his angels; and encourages us to prepare, by repentance, faith, and holiness, for the happiness and glory of the heavenly world."

It

The Word of God is the only safe guide of our youthful days; and those who follow it in youth are saved from many dangers, both seen and unseen. That it was the guide of David when he was young, appears from the following inquiry: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy Word." Ps. cxix, 9. Bad company is the bane of youth; there they are led into infidelity, licentiousness, and disobedience to parents and governors; but while they love the holy Scriptures, they "walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous." Prov. ii, 20. Thus their reputation is established, their minds are kept in peace, and their prospects in life are hopeful.

The Bible is our best companion in the bloom of life. Amidst the busy scenes of labour, trade, and commerce, it directs us to every thing which is fit and proper to be done. Let us read it in our closets, introduce it into our families, think of it in business, and talk of it in company. But if we venture into a busy and bustling world without this lamp and light, we shall miss our way in every thing, and end our days in sorrow. A man of business without the Word of God, is like a mariner on the great ocean without a compass; he may expect to be driven out of his course; and it will be a mercy if he is not dashed against the rocks.

A pious man finds the Word of God a lamp unto his feet, and a light unto his path in old age, and in the solemn hour of death. In old age infirmities crowd upon us, and we lose our relish for the comforts of life, but then the Word of God is sweeter to our taste than honey, or the honey-comb. It points out our path in every trial, and cheers our drooping spirits by its refreshing light. Our eyes are dim, our hearing fails, and our strength departs; but we walk in the light of the Lord, we hear the voice of his Word, and we are strengthened and encouraged by the precious promises of his holy Oracles. In death, the world recedes and disappears; but our eyes being opened by the Word of light, we behold

the glories of our heavenly inheritance. The promises of the Word, which are faithful and true, remove our fears, and enable us to meet our last enemy with Christian courage. With this lamp and light we pass safely through the dark vale of death, and enter into the promised rest. Upon the whole, let us set a proper value on this Word, and prize it more than gold or silver: let us quote it as authority in all matters of doubt and disputation; let us bless God for placing it in our hands; let us conscientiously follow its wise counsels in all our works and ways; let us be thankful for a ministry which explains and applies it with fidelity; and let us earnestly entreat God to open our eyes, that we may see wondrous things in his law! Amen.

SERMON LXXXI.

ALL THE EARTH SHALL KNOW THE LORD.

For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. ISAIAH XI, 9.

SIN has greatly abounded in our world; but grace shall much more abound. How will this be accomplished? By Judaism, or by Christianity? The religion of the Jews, with whom God entered into a covenant of peculiarity, was never widely spread. There were a few proselytes, both of the gate and of the covenant; and with these exceptions, Judaism was confined to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But Christianity, which includes all the excellencies of Judaism, with the addition of every other excellency, is wisely calculated, and graciously designed, for the whole world. And the time is not distant, when the encouraging prediction of our text will be fulfilled, and all the earth shall know the Lord.

But what is implied in the prediction? What means are likely to be employed in its accomplishment? And what will be the results?

I. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THE PREDICTION OF OUR TEXT?

By the earth, we may understand all the nations of the world, whether they reside on the great continents, or in the islands of the sea; for the knowledge of the Lord shall be spread over the whole earth, as the waters are spread over the bottom of the sea; and every human being, from the least to the greatest, shall know the Lord. Cast your eyes over the vast continents of Europe and Asia, Africa and America; and then survey the islands of the sea. What a vast field! But this field, which is now full of briars and thorns, shall be cultivated; and then "the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." Isai. xxxv, 1.

But what is meant by the knowledge of the Lord? Knowledge is either theoretical or experimental. Here both ideas are included; for

all men shall know the Lord both in theory and by experience. The first is the foundation of the second, and both are essential to that knowledge which brings salvation.

The nations shall know the being and perfections of the Lord. There are many millions of the human race, who are grossly ignorant both of the one and of the other; but his being will be revealed to them, and his attributes will be displayed before their eyes. And then they will acknowledge, that "God is a God of Gods, and a Lord of kings." Dan. ii, 47.

Jehovah will be known in his wondrous works, both of creation and providence. Every eye shall see him in the heavens above, in the earth below, and in the great deep; and it will be clearly understood that he governs all things, whether animate or inanimate, by wise and equitable laws. Then all men will view him as the Creator and the Governor of the universe.

And the Lord will be known in his holy word. That blessed book, which reveals the plan of redemption and salvation by Jesus Christ, will be circulated to the end of the earth; and no man will be found in any place under heaven without a Bible in his hand.

This knowledge, when sanctified, will lead the nations into all the depths and heights of religious experience. They will know the Lord as their reconciled Father, their covenant God, and their everlasting portion. When they view him as their Creator, and adore him, they will experience all the pure pleasures of a spiritual worship; when they acknowledge him as their Redeemer and Saviour, and put their trust in him, they will know, by happy experience, that he is able to save to the uttermost; and when they know his laws, and obey them, they will experience all the joys of practical religion.

The earth shall be full of this knowledge. Jews and Gentiles, wherever they are found, shall have a saving knowledge of the Lord their God. Barbarous and civilized nations, in every part of the habitable globe, shall equally share this high privilege, and see those happy days. It will then be known that religion is the glory and perfection of man; and all will taste and see that the Lord is good.

The proofs of this important state of things may be drawn from the nature of God, the real character of religion, and the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments.

God is all-wise, all-powerful, and transcendently holy. And can we suppose, while such a Being holds the reins of government in his own hands, that ignorance and sin, misery and death, will ultimately triumph? Such a thought is dishonourable to the Governor of the universe. Does he not know how to correct all the evils of the moral world? Has he not sufficient power to correct these evils? And is he not the Patron of holiness, and the Friend of man?

But what is the character of religion? Is it a system of gloomy superstition, or wild enthusiasm? Is it a system of priestly tyranny, or the practice of ridiculous and idle ceremonies? Far from it. Religion is every thing that is wise and good. It is wisdom, purity, rectitude, and truth; it is meekness, patience, gentleness, and love. In short every

thing that is excellent, every thing that is lovely, and every thing that is praiseworthy, is included in religion. And will not the best of things ultimately prevail under the government of God, who is the best of Beings?

The prophecies afford ample proof that all the earth shall know the Lord. In addition to our text, we produce the following predictions of that event: "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Ps. ii, 8. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow into it." Isai. ii, 2. "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; and all dominions shall serve and obey him." Dan. vii, 27. "From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles: and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts." Mal. i, 11. "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." Rev. xi, 15. And then it will be said, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." Rev. xxi, 3. All these predictions will be accomplished in due time.

II. WHAT MEANS ARE LIKELY TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE PREDICTION IN OUR TEXT?

We may venture to say, that hinderances to the spread of the Gospel will be removed by Divine Providence. These are, principally, heathenism, Mahomedism, and popery; which, in all probability, will be thrown down by the dreadful scourge of war. Our conquests in India have removed insurmountable difficulties, which for ages prevented the successful introduction of pure Christianity to that dense population. China, Turkey, and the papal dominions, may be thrown open to Chris tian Ministers in the same way. All the governments of those countries are obstinately opposed to the Gospel of God our Saviour; and, while their strength remains, will prohibit the preaching of Jesus and the

resurrection.

When a door is opened, Missionaries will be sent to preach the everlasting Gospel. And it is worthy of remark, that wherever there is a providential opening to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, suitable Ministers are called to the work by the Holy Ghost, and ample sup port is provided for them by the church of God. This has been the case to a great extent in our day. But we hope that the time is at hand, when native Preachers will be raised up in every country under heaven. to preach the word in their own tongue. But, in the mean time, let the whole Christian world cheerfully co-operate with the plans of Divine Providence, in sending out labourers into the harvest.

When hinderances are removed, the holy Scriptures will be sent to all

nations, as the only standard of faith and practice. The British and Foreign Bible Society has commenced this good work on an extensive scale; and, through its instrumentality, the word of life has been translated in many languages, and circulated widely in many nations. And when that word is fully known, the folly and absurdity of paganism, Mahomedism, and popery will be apparent to all men.

Previous to the general diffusion of religious knowledge, there may be a general revival of religion in the hearts of professing Christians. This will awaken their attention to the heathen world; promote a spirit of devotion for those wretched wanderers; and enkindle an ardent zeal to promote the glory of God. Till this takes place, but little can be expected from any human effort; but already we see the work begun, and it will spread and greatly prevail. Missionary exertions which spring from pure principles, are generally followed by a revival of religion.

Perhaps God may work in some way unknown to us, in the accomplishment of the prophecies. There may be a greater effusion of the Holy Spirit than that of the apostolic age. This promise, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh," may not yet be fulfilled in its vast extent. Certain it is, that no work of grace can be carried on, either in the hearts of individuals or in the nations of the earth, without his Divine agency. When all the Gentiles become obedient to the faith, and are converted to God, the Jews will be brought into the fold of Christ, and all Israel shall be saved. Then there will be "one fold, and one Shepherd, and God will be all in all." Rom. xi, 25, 26.

III. THE HAPPY RESULTS OF THIS GREAT WORK.

When all the earth knows the Lord, painful and destructive religious controversies will terminate, and angry sects of every name will unite, and live together in a state of sweet peace and harmony. We cannot suppose that any one will be absolutely perfect in knowledge, for God only knows all things; but love will predominate in every breast, and every man will view his fellow-man as a friend and a brother.

Then wars shall cease in the earth. These are the sad effects of covetousness, pride, envy, hatred, and malice; but when the nations. are wholly sanctified, they shall "beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Isai. ii, 4. Desolating armies and hostile fleets shall be unknown in that happy age; but they "shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree, and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken it." Micah iv, 4.

The rebellion of the brute creation, which is an effect of human apostasy, will then come to an end; and when man becomes obedient to the Lord, the inferior creatures will pay him homage, as they did in paradise. "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid: and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lay down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the