in the genius of the Gospel, but in the depravity of human nature, in the corruption of true religion, and in those distinctions which the separations of civil society produce. To these causes, we can satisfactorily trace the various denominations existing in the Christian Church. The real Church of God, the Spiritual Jerusalem, is but one, and never has been more than one. Thus she existed visibly under the law; thus she was actually in the commencement of the Christian æra; and thus she will be throughout the earth in the Millennial period. Then the Jew will belong to her communion as well as the Gentile.

The distinctions of names, of countries, of doctrines, and of government, will be done away. There will be but one fold as there is but one Shepherd; but one body as there is but one Head; but one spiritual community as there is but one Lord. The Reformed Dutch Church, the Church of Scotland, the Church of England, the Reformed Church of France, and the like, will not then be known; nor will believers be called by names derived from forms of government; for all division on this subject

will then be terminated.

The terms Armi

nian, Calvinist, Methodist, Lutheran, and others of the same nature, will be forgotten or lost in the term Christian, the only name which the members of the Church ought to bear.

Then the great principles of the Gospel will be received and defended by all within the Church, and that discipline which is best calculated to promote holiness of life, will be universally enforced. Believers will see, eye to eye and face to face, throughout the whole Church. As they will bear but one name, so they will avow but one system of truth, and yield obedience to but one form of government. Then the contest existing at present between the different parts of the Church will be brought to issue; and it will be proved to the satisfaction of all, which scheme is correct, or in other words, which accords with the Scriptures. The strife of ages will terminate, and they who have kept apart will unite. It will be delightful to see the descendant of Abraham acknowledging a Gentile as a brother, an Episcopalian taking a Presbyterian by the hand and vowing to walk with him. No liturgy or ceremo

nies, no clerical dresses or ecclesiastical formalities will be allowed, save those which accord with the simplicity of faith and the character of saved sinners. The distractions of party will not be witnessed, inasmuch as there will be no place for the leaders of party. The pride of system will be unknown; for there will be no diversity of opinion on the subjects which constitute the system.

Believers will speak one language; not that of unfledged Christian Sciolists, but that of experience; not that which the experience of one, two, or three years, but of many, will dictate. Children will then keep their place as children, and novices their places as novices. The visible unity of doctrine and discipline will not be touched by unhallowed hands, or impaired under the shallow pretext of maintaining it, whilst a language is used, which admits of disagreement, or opposition to established principles.

Nor will this unity be affected by the national prejudices of Church members; those prejudices which now so often blind and mislead good men. As all the nations of the earth will be Christian, so all

national feeling will be lost in the feelings which the truth produces. The human race will constitute one family, united in principles and in practice. They will regard each other as fellow-members, and as such, walk together in the bond of friendship and of love.

Secondly, The beauty and power of the Gospel will be displayed conspicuously in the conduct of those who are members of the Millennial Church; for we are told, "The "hand of the Lord shall be known towards "his servants, and his indignation towards "his enemies; all nations and tongues shall "come and see the Lord's glory; brethren "shall be brought as an offering unto the "Lord, to his holy mountain, as the chil"dren of Israel bring an offering in a clean "vessel into the house of the Lord. And "of them will the Lord take for priests and "for Levites. All flesh shall worship be"fore the Lord'."

As the hand of man is the chief instrument of his power and operations, so the hand of the Lord denotes his almighty power. The exercise of this power, saith

the prophet, shall be known.

i v. 14. 18. 20, 21. 23.

The glory of the Lord is his righteousness and grace combined, as manifested in the wonderful work of redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ; a work which illustrates the perfections of Jehovah more than his works of creation and providence. This glory shall be seen by the nations.

The brethren brought to the Lord as an offering from all nations, are converts, "turned to God from idols, to serve the

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living and true God." These in their moral and spiritual state, when presented in the holy mountain, will be acceptable as the oblations under the Mosaic economy, which were offered according to God's direction.

Of them God will take for teachers, as the priests and Levites were of old, to instruct the people.

The worship which will be offered up to the Lord, will be such as he has commanded and approves.

The different parts of this prediction, show that in the Millennial Church there will be among her members,

1. An universal light in the understanding. The knowledge which will then be

k 1 Thess. i. 9.