this Divine thought. There remains, after all these illustrations of the promise of rest, aomething yet to come. This is the method of Divine wisdom and mercy to go from one stage of revelation to a higher, until the types and facts of the past find their completeness and perfection in the blessings of the gospel "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual" (1 Cor. xv. 46). All Divine thoughts find their hi)?hest realization in our Lord, who said, "Behold, I make all thinga new." At first there was the tabernacle of the Divine presence, then the material temple built by Solomon, and then appears at last the spiritual and mystic temple against which the gates of hell shall not prevail .Amid all the changes of the present life this truth of the future r~st sliines with a steady and cheering ray. It is for the people of God, by which JJhrase we understand a brirf description of such as have undergone a spiritual change which forbids them to seek repose in the world, and have found true peace in Jesus Christ. They have acquired a spiritual habit of faith and hope, and are looking for a "city that bath foundations, whose Maker and Builder is God." "We who believe," saith the writer, "are entering into rest, and moving towarda its enjoyment, because it is an enterprise authorized by our Lord, gives dignity to our present life, and turns our brief earthly course into a pre- paration for eternal joy. They have ceased from their own works, which ori~inally were dead, and consisted of outward ceremonies, and were wrought without that faith which alone makes them acceptable to God; for they that are iu the flesh cannot please him. Being regenerated, their new works are prompted by the Divine Spirit, flow from love to Chrlit, and are filled with spiritual life; for 'if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are paseed away, and all things are become new."'-B. Ven. 11-13.-Succus. L THE EXHORTATION TO EARNEST ENDEAVOUR TO AVOID FAILURE ilTD SEOUBE SUCCESS. The believers to whom these words were addressed were haltin:f between two opinions. The question was whether they should go back tu the synagogue and the temple, and thus evade trial, or go forward in the brave and successful profession of Jeaus Ghrist, and each should say, " Let no man trouble me : for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." No other subjects could approach these in importance, because they related to the life of the spirit, its power and safety now, and its eternal happineBB in the life to come. The alternative is imaged by the fall and overthrow in the wilderness, and its lost labour, and the happy and successful entrance into the promised land. It was not a vain thing; it wae for their life. 'l'he writer urges believers to labour, which term sets forth the arduousness of the enterprise and involves the exercise of watchfulness against the approach of foes, resolute self- rcpression, frequent prayer, and an ample and constant use of all divinely prescribed means for the preservation and furtherance of the spiritual life. " The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." With this view agrees the counsel of Paul, who reminds us of the strife of men in the arena for an earthly and fading crown, and hints at the eevere training through which the runners pass, tile rigour of their effort, which taxes all their strength of limb and speed of foot; and therefore bolievers should, in view of an immortal prize, labour to gain the approbation of the Judge, and realize the blessedness of Divine success. II. TBE SOLEMN FACT WITH WHICB TBE EXIIOll'l'ATlON 18 ENFORCED. This is the weighty and all-concerning truth, that tbe Word of Gud with which ancient Israel had to do is the Word which affoclll the life and career of all Christians. It is believed by ablo expounders of the Scriptures that as every word must have a speaker, it is reasonable to apply this passage to Jesus Christ, who is the Word, and out of whose mouth there goes the sharp two-edged sword (Rev. L 16). It is quick, or living, because it is the abiding and unchangeable will of our Lord, and, when written, represents his mind concerning God, our sinfuln0BB, our opportunity of salvation by believing in him, and our prospects of eternal life. Men die, and the prophets, apostles, and confe11SOr11 are removed by death; hut the Word of the Lo I'd endurcth for ever. 1t is active and power- ful, and produces cho.nges of view and life. It awakens prayer, and elicits cheerful auc. efficient service for Chri11t. 'l'he Word which dwells richly in hclievers awakens melody in the heart as unto the Lord. It is diviuely penetrative, o.u<l enters into the secn,t places of the soul. 'fhere is an impressive example in 1 Uor. xiv. 24, where "ouc unlearned" enter~ the aSBembly and "he i.a coi.vincll,l ot· all, he iii judged of all : anJ BEDREIV::I. g 130 THE EPIS'l'LE TO THE HEBREWS. [CH, IV, 1-16,
thus tha secrets of his heart being made manifest; and so felling down on his face ho will W?rship God, and report that God is in you of a truth." This passage has nn ndmomtory aspect, which is drawn from the history of Israel, The word of con• decrnation was spoken, and the unbelieving generation died in the wilderness, and funeral after funeral passed through the camp to the wilderness beyond; and Moses said, "Thou hnst set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance" (Ps. xc. 8). It reminds of some truths regarding ourselves and our condition of exposure to the constant observation of Jesus Christ, with whom we have to do. It declares to thoughtful minds that while we are what we are only as we appear to him, and that we should be content with his perfect knowledge of us there is to be a final and solemn appearance before him to whom we must give I!~ account. Apostles, evangelists, pastors, and all Christians must appear before him, to present our life for his inspection and final decision. If we have sought first the king- dom of God and his righteousness; if we have been merciful to his poor and persecuted followers; if we have maintained our hold of the gospel amid changes of public opinion; if we have been faithful stewards of the manifold grace of God,-we shall give up our account with joy and not with grief.-B.