Redeemer; but these works of benevolence were interrupted by Latimer being called before the cardinal for heresy.

He was, however, discharged at this time, and resumed again his wonted employment; but, he was allowed to pursue it peaceably but a short time, for, on very brief notice, he was summoned to Smithfield, whither he was conducted by an officer. He was brought before the council, patiently bearing all the mocks and taunts given him by the scornful papists, was condemned, and sent to the Tower, where, being assisted with the heavenly grace of Christ, he endured imprisonment a long time. So abundantly was he sustained by the Lord, that he was able not only to despise the terribleness of prisons and torments, but also to deride and laugh to scorn even the cruel proceedings of his enemies. He was very cheerful, and of a somewhat merry turn of mind, which manifested itself in his solitary confinement. Upon a certain occasion, when the lieutenant's man came to him and found him without fire in the frosty winter, and well nigh perishing with cold and hunger, he bade the man tell his master, "That if he did not look better after him he might, perhaps, deceive him." This remark was conveyed to the proper authority, whereupon an explanation was demanded of the strange speech. "I suppose," said Latimer, "you expect that I should burn; but, unless you let me have some fire, I am like to deceive your expectations, for I am like to perish with cold."

From the Tower he was sent to Oxford, where he met Ridley, with whom he was examined, and again had the sentence of condemnation passed upon him.

They were together remanded to prison, where they continued from April till the month of October, spending the time in brotherly conference, fervent prayer, and fruitful writing.

Latimer, however, wrote least of all, being very feeble, and somewhat oppressed with the infirmities of age.

As autumn drew near, with its fading, dying forms, the time of the execution of these holy men arrived, and they were led to the spot destined to be honored with their ashes.

Their tormentors, doubtless, thought to bury with them, in

a measure, the truth they had taught; but, their holy triumph, in the last agonies of dissolving nature, told a story of the mighty power of religion to sustain in the fearful extremity with more force than their words ever could have done.

As they stood side by side at the stake, the pious Ridley lifted his eyes toward heaven, and then, with audible voice and serene countenance, turned to his companion and said, “God is faithful, and will not suffer us to be tempted above our strength."

We forbear the recital of their severe and protracted sufferings, preferring rather to exalt that grace which so abundantly sustained them, and commend that principle of godliness which death itself hath not power to move.

They knew that faithfulness in the cause of Christ would only insure for them the flames of martyrdom, but these they lightly regarded, feeling that the sufferings of the present time were not worthy to be compared with the glory that should be revealed.

The scorching fire could well be endured for a little time, yea, even welcomed, when it opened for them the portals of heaven, and displayed the glories of the golden city.

Well might they subject their bodies to their merciless foes, when the Lord of Glory bent down from his throne to comfort them, and stood ready to receive their waiting spirits to his blissful presence, forever to sing the triumphs of redeeming love.

CHAPTER XL.

Christianity.

CHRISTIANITY; ITS NATURE, DESIGN, EFFECT AND FINAL ACCOMPLISHMENT.

T IS not our purpose at the close of this work to present an argument in support of the claims of christianity, for those who have followed the "cloud of witnesses" as they have moved firmly and steadily on through successive centuries, animated by the same hopes, impelled by the same motives, and cheered by the same ultimate good, need not the calculations of reason to become convinced of the reality of the christian religion, and its demands upon them.

It may be well for us, however, to take a brief survey of the comprehensive system which opens to us through the sublime revelations of christianity, and see in its various and attractive charms, its beneficial and widely extended influence, its power and excellency, how unmistakeably it proclaims itself to be of Divine origin.

It is the grandest, most extensive, and deeply interesting subject that can engage the attention of man. Its peculiar doctrines and mysteries, its tenets and institutions, are such as bear the very "foot-prints of Divinity." Every reason exists why it should commend itself to the favorable regard, and cordial reception of all classes, in every condition of life. Sublime in the antiquity of its recollections, which go back to the creation of the world, ineffable in its mysteries, interesting in its history, celestial in its morality, attractive in its ceremonies, it is fraught with every species of beauty and interest.

It is the most humane, the most favorable to liberty, and to the arts and sciences, of all the religions, that ever existed. The modern world is indebted to it for every improvement, from agriculture to the abstract sciences, from the hospitals for the reception of the unfortunate, to the temples reared by the Michael Angelos, and embellished by the Raphaels. It

encourages genius, corrects the taste, develops the virtuous passions, imparts energy to the ideas, presents noble images to the writer, and perfect models to the artist. In short, it is the great operative and diffusive principle, which has dispelled the shades of darkness, given to mankind clear and correct views of the Deity and His works, enlightened and refined every thing to which its Divine spirit has been communicated by the gracious providence of the Almighty, throughout the world. It is an emanation from the sourcethe only source of truth, beauty and perfection-nay! it is the very manifestation of God himself.

Stupendous wisdom gave birth to this radiant form of christianity, and imparted its distinguishing characteristic— the invariable introduction of man in conjunction with God, whereas the false religions have separated the Creator from the creature. It is a religion of two-fold meaning, making the mysteries of the Divinity, and the mysteries of the human heart, go hand in hand; and by removing the veil that covers the true God, it also exhibits man just as he is.

What if mystery does appear in this depth profound? we must not be astonished, if He, who causes millions of worlds to roll without confusion over our heads, has indeed infused delightful harmony into the principles of a religion instituted by Himself, though we fully comprehend it not. We need not be astonished at His making the charms and the glories of its mysteries revolve in the circle of the most convincing logic, as He has commanded those worlds to revolve in their orbits, to bring us flowers and storms in their respective seasons. We may not always discern the order and beauty that actually is, but rather let us consider our dull perceptions at fault, than to think the chain of infinite results is wanting a single link.

When we look at the wonderful character of the great Author of christianity, we not only have an idea of its nature as heavenly and forgiving, but also see the infinite superiority of the christian religion over the so-called creations of men. We see one of obscure parentage, coming from an obscure corner of Judea, nursed amid sorrows and indigence, and

passing through the successive stages of infancy, childhood and youth, and at last selecting a band of disciples from among the lowest of the people; preaching nought but sacrifices, nought but the renunciation of earthly pomp, pleasure and power; the slave, the poor, the destitute-all that mourn, all that are afflicted, all that are forsaken by the world, are His delight; but power, wealth and prosperity, are incessantly threatened by Him. He institutes new relations among men, a new law of nations, a new public faith; He thus establishes His Divinity, triumphs over the religion. of the Cæsars, seats Himself on the throne with them, and at length subdues the earth. He appears among men full of grace and truth; the authority and the mildness of His precepts are irresistible.

His bitterest enemies never dared to attack His Divine person, for the evidence was unquestionable that He came from above.

Had he descended from His celestial abode in all His power, it would certainly have been a very easy task to practice so many virtues, to endure so many afflictions; but herein lies the glory of the mystery; Christ was the " man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;" His heart melted like that of a merely human creature, and He never manifested any sign of anger, except against insensibility and obduracy of soul.

He appears the model of every virtue. Friendship beholds Him distinguishing John from the other apostles, or bequeathing His mother to his care. Mercy admires Him in the judgment of the sinful daughter of crime. Pity every where finds Him blessing the tears of the unfortunate; His innocence and His tenderness are displayed in His love of children; the energy of His soul shines conspicuous amid the torments of the cross, and His last sigh is a sigh of compassion.

If the purest morality and the most feeling heart; if a life passed in combating error and vice, and soothing the sorrows of mankind, be attributes of Divinity, who can deny that of Christ?