The expressions in the Bible are usually concise, but at the same time so exactly descriptive, that it is only upon a critical examination the great merit of the work is developed.-LABorde.

INTRODUCTION.

THE following pages are principally addressed to the votaries of the world-to those who think it profitable to read every work but the inspired volume-to seek after every knowledge but that which will make them wise unto salvation. It is indeed very possible that our treatise, like the clergyman's sermon on the neglect of church service, addressed to those who do not go to church, or like the French philosopher's epistle addressed to posterity, may never reach its destination; for we fear that our title page will prove a serious obstacle at the very threshold of our undertaking; but nevertheless we will take our chance.

Our object, then, is to shew that, even setting aside the divine origin of the Scriptures,

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it is a book which none ought to neglect, still less to despise. The moral philosopher should study it for the insight it gives into the nature of man; the poet should study it for its sublime poetry; the painter should study it for the scenes it represents-scenes far transcending the conceptions of uninspired genius.

We are aware that the scrupulous advocate for religious investigation will object, that those who take up the Gospel without the proper spirit—the spirit of prayer, without the proper motive-that of drawing near to God, "have their reward;" that they indeed find what they seek, the mere outward setting, but not "the pearl of great price."

We have two reasons, however, for differing in opinion from those who hastily condemn all motives but the right one in studying the Scriptures. First, we consider that with the worldly-minded man, who perhaps from infancy to youth, from youth to manhood, has never known what it is to receive a single religious impression, the study of Scripture (with God's assisting grace) may induce the spirit of prayer; and by acquainting himsel with God as He is revealed in the Gospel, he may be made to draw near to Him with peni

tence and faith. How then is it to be expected that the effect should precede the cause-that the fruit should anticipate the seed? Secondly, we dissent from this opinion, because the most favourable results have often been experienced from pursuing the course objected to. It has often happened, as in the congregation of the village pastor, that "Those, who came to scoff, remained to pray;" and many, who had taken up the Gospel with hostile intentions, have received life from that very instrument, which they were about to pervert into a weapon of self-destruction. It is well known. that one of the shining lights of our Christian church took up the study of the New Testament for the express purpose of vilifying its doctrines and traducing its Author: his infidelity was the effect of his ignorance; he spoke evil of the things which he knew not, and he erred, "not knowing the Scriptures." When, therefore, the light of spiritual knowledge beamed upon him, he did not attempt to combat the convictions which pressed upon his mind, but surrendered himself at once, like the great Apostle of the Gentiles,1 a willing

"I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision."Acts xxvi. 19.

and obedient servant to the Master he had

been preparing to traduce.

Conscientiously impressed with this view of the subject, we deem that every occasion and every motive should be made available; and we believe that he, who takes up the book of life with no better object than curiosity or cavil, is in a less hopeless state than the man who neglects it altogether.