the meanness of its first preachers. Several of them were but fishermen; men of low birth, having little education; and, as such, generally very obsequious to the great. Yet such persons were boldly to state the truths of Christianity before kings and rulers. Among the number, Peter stands pre-eminent, not only for the conspicuous place which he holds, but for his forwardness. No doubt he was a blunt, warmhearted man; meant to do all that he said, not aware of the difficulties in the way of putting his resolutions into execution. Under the influence of this warm-heartedness, he asserted, that though all deserted his Master, he would not. But Jesus knew the nature of the fear of man, and seeing into futurity, warned him that he would deny him. Peter followed his Lord, who, after being betrayed by Judas, was taken before the Chief Priests. Peter attended; and, when warming himself by the fire, a person charged him with being one of Christ's disciples; he denied it. And so influenced was he by the love of the approbation of his fellow-men, that he even testified to his ignorance by an oath. Yet this same Peter, after being strengthened from above, and learning to put all his trust upon God, stood before the Jewish Sanhedrim, and, in spite of their threats, boldly stated, that he

was determined to preach the gospel; adding, "whether it be right to obey God or men, judge ye!" Here we see the same faculty, Love of Approbation, differently directed, and the effects are widely diverse. Indeed, I know no change more striking; when directed to man, Peter lied for fear of a menial servant; when directed to God, all the terrors of the Jewish Sanhedrim could not move him. Peter was Peter with his faculties misdirected in the first case; in the second, was Peter with his faculties in proper direction.

Who has ever equalled Paul? What sufferings he endured for the sake of Christ; and the almost miraculous labours that he performed in testifying to the truth in Christ Jesus; and the glory he took to himself in being so honoured, as to be permitted to suffer in defence of the truths he stated, are acknowledged by him to have sprung from faith. Indeed, in writing to the Hebrews, he gives a long list of those who had, through faith, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens, women received their dead raised to life again; and others were

tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.

Heb. xi. Many might be the instances adduced from those living in later times, but this is not necessary. The best reference is the part mentioned above. But if any wish others, I would refer them to Biographia Evangelica, by Myddleton, and to the History of the Waldenses, by Jones.

In coming to a conclusion, it is trusted, that the sixth proposition is completely proved; and that, so strict and so exact is the coincidence between Phrenology and Christianity, as to lead every unbiassed mind to conclude, that a series of evidences to the Christian system has been made out, quite satisfactory of the general statement, that the Bible is the word of God.

If some, however, do not think this, they must have the candour to allow that the views introduced throughout these pages have tended to show how science can be applied in the elucidation of Scripture; and to impress on the mind, that the only person who overcometh the world," is he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John v. 5.

Another important truth which this investigation has tended to show is, that adoration, unless guided by the intellect, and given birth to by the heart, is vain and unacceptable in the

sight of God. And it will, it is hoped, be seen, that that excitement of devotional feeling, produced by a solemn aisle, by grand music, or by the fervid eloquence of a preacher, is no more true devotion, than are the hideous noises with which the inhabitants of another quarter of the world welcome the visit of an eclipse. Indeed, if the reader, on rising from the perusal of this work, should be determined to cast aside all confidence in frames and feelings; to call no man master on earth; and to read the word of Truth for himself, the writer will not have laboured in vain. No; but will look forward in confidential delight, that the person so stirred up, will, from beholding "as in a glass the glory of the Lord, be changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. iii. 18.

To the Christian who may peruse these pages, the author begs to point out how much is dependent upon each one exhibiting the influence of that belief which he professes. The gospel, if believed, must, as has been shown, produce the effects stated. If it does not, then it may with certainty be concluded, that the life is not by faith. From the blinding influence of established religions, it happens that many assume the name of Christians, who do not believe in

Jesus Christ; they believe another gospel, or else do not understand the one to which they have assented; for, in the parable of the sower, only those brought forth fruit that understood the word preached. This may anticipate an objection, drawn from the deficiences and even flagrant wickedness of professed Christians, that the gospel does not produce the effects stated. The followers of Christ should be living epistles, known and read by all men.

Theophrastus remarks, "that the whole aim and credit of philosophy consisted in obtaining a happy life." This may be the aim of philosophy, but it is the credit of Christianity to induce and secure happiness. Indeed, the belief of the gospel, the first step in Christianity, brings man into reconciliation with God, the Father of mercies, and the God of all consolation. And thus secures him joy, both in life and in death.

To conclude: Christians are reminded, that their great Exemplar desired his contemporaries, if they would not credit his testimony, to believe him "for the very works' sake." And to the person not a Christian, a kind voice would hint, that as every truth testifies to Christianity being divine, it becomes him to study and to attend to this revelation from God.

J. Haddon and Co., Doctors' Commons.