whole, whose commencements seem but little and insignificant,-whose progress seldom strikes the eye, yet never stands still,—and the end whereof will be all-comprehending perfection and happiness.”

In the second place,-God has seen fit to draw an impenetrable veil between our view and the higher and future manifestations of his kingdom;— because our present powers are exclusively adapt ed to the peculiar arrangements amidst which we are at present placed;-but, at the same time, God has planted indestructible feelings and aspirations in the human heart, which we are entitled to consider as "his voice" forewarning men of the great arrangements on which they are destined yet to enter;-and all that we are authorised to conclude, from the present darkness of our view of these arrangements, is, that they will eventually be such as "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,—nor the imagination of man is capable of conceiving."

In the third place,-it is not consistent with any just conclusions from the present order of nature to believe, that the condition and powers of all creatures in the future world will be equal,—or their capabilities of influencing the progressive plans of Omnipotence the same. On the contrary,—God has

gifted every one of the countless myriads of his creatures with distinct powers,-with a definite place

in existence,—and with an appropriate share of discipline and duty;-and the obvious conclusion from this arrangement is, that God is providing, by this infinite diversity of the powers and capabilities of his creatures,—an equally-varied order of powers for the future places of his progressive kingdom;so that the plan of his dominion, which, as we at present behold it, consists in making the infinitelydiversified powers of his creatures to work together for the promotion of his purposes,-will continue to be conducted throughout eternity, upon the same principle,—and will for ever consist in making "the infinite host of creatures," with all their infinitelyvaried powers, co-operate together for the progressive melioration and happiness of his empire.

In the last place,—as we are here but preparing for a future and more enduring life,-which is to be conducted, indeed, on principles essentially the same, but under far higher forms, and with a more perfect manifestation of the tendencies of actions,-we have reason to conclude, that our present conduct, even in its minutest parts, will eventually be found to have had an influence on our condition in eter

nity, and springs of conduct that are at present operating within us, and forming our characters, though we are incapable of appreciating their influence, will have their effect in determining our place when the plans of Divine wisdom towards us shall have reached their consummation.

Hence the importance of devoting ourselves, during our present life, to a careful purification of every feeling we indulge,—and to a wise and virtuous direction of every action we perform ;—and hence also the importance of having such views of the duty required of us in life,—of the purpose given us to accomplish,-and of the best methods of carrying that purpose into accomplishment, as may enable us to labour on the wisest plan,-and with the greatest probability of success.

Hence the importance of those discussions which are to constitute the substance of the succeeding portions of this treatise.

PART SECOND.

OBJECT PROPOSED TO MAN

AS A SUBJECT OF

THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

ROMANS xii. 11. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."