gation; so, through the Word, in the fulness of spiritual efficacy, the waters of grace distil to the individual soul. In either case there is a human instrument with a Divine commission; but in either case also the loving and reverent heart ascends through the instrument to God. And as our faith and love should rest on Christ, it may be that our knowledge also is safest when turned to Him. The researches of history, the apparatus of criticism, the theories which we bring to bear upon the whole or part of His Word, may be innocent and useful in their place. But their proper place seems to be after, not before, the Divine knowledge. That knowledge, we doubt not, is possible to the unlearned and ignorant as well as to the wise; that knowledge, in the wise, must rest on the same foundations as it does in the unlearned and ignorant. Its root is faith, a faith which clings humbly and hopefully to the foot of the Cross, and, having found its home there, cares not to wander from it. It is because the Old Testament tells of this as well as the New, that it is profitable for doctrine, for

reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It is because the Scriptures have been framed by the Spirit for these holy purposes, and serve through His operations to that holy purpose still, that we pronounce them, with the Apostle, inspired.

Holy Scripture has been compared of old to a musical instrument. If we follow out the hint supplied by the Greek word, we may perhaps compare it to an organ. One in its purpose, it is yet most complex in its structure. Its different portions, fashioned by divers hands, working for the most part independently, combine to a common purpose, because the operation of each and all is directed by one presiding mind. All the parts may not appear in themselves equally essential or elaborate: yet we dare not declare any of them imperfect, because they have been placed where they are by Him who has designed the whole. Some notes seem by comparison thin and feeble; but they have doubtless their place in the Divine harmony. Much of the vocal machine is often silent: as we listen, a single note streams forth in the sim

plicity of clearness; or a gentle breath of sound is heard in front of a deep and muttering harmony; or a whole flood of music bursts forth in triumphant joy. We hearken in wonder and in awe; for no common will moves in the mighty Instrument. He who fashioned the world and our souls, has made it by the hand of His creatures; He, the Lord of spirits, has poured His Spirit within it. Through it He speaks, in the condescension of Infinite Power, to our spirits. He has placed it where it stands, to fill with its mighty music a temple older than itself, the Church of the living God.

SERMON II.

THE UNITY OF HOLY SCRIPTURE TO BE LOOKED FOR IN ITS SPIRIT AND PURPOSE.

Preached at St Mary's Church, 18 March, 1860.

JOHN VII. 17.

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

IN a former Sermon from this place, I endeavoured to describe a manner, in which the soul of the Christian, guided by the providence of God, might, without any disturbance of the attitude of Faith and Trust, be taught to connect the present with the past, and explore its own intellectual position, without departing from the Cross of Christ. The inspiration of Holy Scripture was referred

to in this connection. Holy Scripture was viewed as the instrument through which the Holy Spirit works on the heart of man now, and records His work in former ages. The evidence of its inspiration was sought, not in any examination of the state of mind in which individual men wrote the several books, but in the connection of the Bible with the entire structure and organism of Christianity. The nature of this inspiration would, on the same principles, be a matter not of previous assumption, but for after enquiry. "This book, as well as the Gospel which it records and perpetuates, is from God:"-such is the verdict of the ordinary human judgment. "The Divine element in this book is traceable in these particulars, may be ascribed to these secondary causes, necessitates this or that peculiarity in its composition:"-such questions as these latter with regard to the Bible, ordinary people, happily, can do without, though a strong necessity may urge a few to investigate them. The important truths contained in the former and simpler positions are not dependent