was shadowed forth in all their sacrifices, yet could they not comprehend the purposes of God which were revealed to them. They had the moral law, but knew not its spirituality and extent : they had the ceremonial law, but knew not its typical import : they had the prophecies, but knew not in what way they were to be accomplished. They saw a Messiah promised, but they altogether mistook the nature of the kingdom which he was to establish in the world.]
It prevails also, nearly to the same extent, at this time —
[" The princes of this world," though born in Christian lands, know, for the most part, but little of Christianity : nay more ; the very rulers of the Church itself are far from having that insight into the hidden mysteries of our religion which their general information might give one reason to suppose. As far as a knowledge of the languages in which the Scrip- tures were written, and a critical skill in interpreting them, and an extensive acquaintance with ecclesiastical history, will qualify men for the sacred office, there may be no cause for complaint : but, if we inquire into men's knowledge of the "hidden wisdom of God in the great mystery" of redemption, it is lamentable to think how few there are who manifest an acquaintance with it ; such an acquaintance, I mean, as has a transforming eflftcacy on their souls. We see somewhat of the feelings which are generated by a knowledge of this mystery in heaven : we behold, also, the effects produced by it upon the Apostles and martyrs upon earth : but where do we see these feelings excited, and these effects produced, in any considerable degree, in " the princes of this world" amongst ourselves ? I mean not to speak disrespectfully of any, or to judge uncharitably of any : but I simply ask, whether, in the public ministrations of men, or in their printed addresses, or in their conversation with each other, there be such a pre- ponderance given to this great mystery as might be expected, or such as would infallibly be given, if its excellence and im- portance were duly appreciated ? Of the secret transactions of men, and the intercourse which may take place between God and their souls, I presume not to speak. I speak only of what is manifested in open act : and of men's knowledge of this mystery, as tried by that standard, I am constrained to say, it is very partial and confined. Nor need I bring any other proof of my assertion than this, that, wherever this mystery is fully opened, and the different parts of it are inculcated with the energy which its importance demands, the doctrine draws attention as a novelty ; and excites odium, as differing from the common standard of the established ministrations. But could this be, if the mystery of the Gospel were so generally