ls written in I\ VI\St, an open book-a book which tbe intelligent, and those capable of to.king I\ wirlo survey of human affairs, are at liberty to read. Secular historir1ns have traced the influence of Christianity upon society, upon the code of morals, upon slRvery, upon WRr, upon the position of womRn in society, upon the education of the youn~, upon the treatment of the poor, the sick, the afflicted. No doubt, exaggeration hRs often distinguished the treatment of these matters by Christian advocates. Yet, in all fairness e.nd candour, it must be admitted that a contrast between unchristian nnd Christian society yields results immensely in favour of our religion. Christ bas been the chief Benefactor of the human race, has done more than any beside to o.meliornte e.nd to improve the conditions and to brighten the prospects of mankind. . III. CoME AND BEE WHAT CHRIST WILL DO FOR YOU. This is not a matter of speculation, but of practical moment and interest. It is well to form a just estimate of the character, the mission, the work, of the Son of God. But it is better to take the benefit which he offers to every believing hearer of his gospel. 1. See whether he can give you peace of conscience, by securing to you the pardon of sin, and acceptance with the God against whom you have sinned. This he professes to do; this multitudes will assure you he bas done for them. If this is with you an urgent need, will it not be reasonable to put Christ to that test of experience to which he invites you? 2. See whether he can supply you with the highest law and the most sacred motive for the moral life. All human stRndards are imperfect, Rnd no human principle is sufficient to ensure obedience. What no other can offer, the Saviour claims to impart, and it is reasonable to test his ability e.nd bis willingness to fulfil bis promises. 3. See whether his fellowship and friendship can uphold and cheer you amidst the sorrows, temptations, and uncertainties of this earthly life. He says, "My grace is sufficient for you.n Verify the as~ertion in your own experience. If he cannot supply this want, certain it is that none else can do so. 4. See whether the Lord Christ can vanquish death for you, and give you the assurance of a blessed immortality. .Apart from him, the future is very dark; try his power t-0 illumine that darkness with rays of heavenly light. .APPLIOATION. 1. Defenders and promulgators of Christianity will do well to address to their fellow-men thll invitation Philip addressed to Nathanael. If they cannot always answer men's cavils and objections, and satisfy men's intellectual difficulties, they can bring men face to face with Christ himself, and leave the interview to produce its own effects. Let men be encouraged to come, to see, and to judge for themselves. 2. The undecided hearers of the gospel may well accept the challenge here given. Why should they shrink from it? It is an opportunity which should not be neglected, an invitation which should not be refused.-T.
Ver. 10.-The unrecognized Creator. We have here three facts briefly stated in the history of our Lord, which are full of interest and significance. I. His APPEARAN0E m THIS WORLD. This involves: 1. The greatest wondtn-. "He WRS iu the world." But we.she not ever in the world since its creation? Yes; in its laws, order, and beauty; in its conscience, reason, and religion; by his Word, Spirit, and revelations. But these words announce his special presence. He was in the world as one of its inhabitants, under its laws and necessities, in human nature, as "the Word made flesh." This is most wonderful. Think, who was he? More than human, else his having been in the world would not be a matter of surprise. He was the Son of God- the Word, which was in the beginning with God, and we.s God; therefore God was in the world in human form. This is the most wonderful fact in the history of this world, and, perhaps, in that of any other. So wonderful that it has engaged the interest and attention of good men of all ages, e.nd even of angels. Ono element of its wonder is its mysteriousness and apparent impossibility. We are ready to ask with Nicodemus, '' How can these things be?" But, although wonderful and mysterious, "he was in the world." 2. The greatest condescension. vVe see this when we consider who he we.a, and what is the world in which he was. Compared with his mansion, it is but a poor cot. In size it is hut e. particle of dust; in glory, but a flitting ray of the creative sun. And when we look al, it from a moral point of view, as fallen, our estimate is much lower still-a territory in rebellion, a valley of dry bones, full of desolation, disease, e.nd deRth. It would be a great condescension in an angel to come and live in such a world, but how much greater in him who is the Lord of angels I It 64 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING '1'0 ST. JOHN, [OH, I, 1-51,