Man when he fell did not cease to be an intelligent creature. The revelation of God's will to our rebellious race is, therefore, necessarily suited to our nature, not merely as rebellious, but as intelligent. Hence we find that righteousness encourages the cultivation of our mind, by commanding each one" to "take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her for she is thy life';" by constraining us" to know, and to search, "and to seek out wisdom and the reason of things";" by exhibiting to our view "wis"dom as a defence"," and folly as ruinous: for "he that refuseth instruction despiseth "his own soul." Moreover, it enlightens our reason, being " a lamp unto our feet and "a light unto our path";" affording information upon subjects, in the knowledge of which our present happiness and our eternal salvation are involved. The perfections of Jehovah, the character of man, the state of the world, creation, divine providence, redemption by the blood of the cross, the mediatorial kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, a general judgment, I Prov. iv. 13. o Prov. xv. 32, m Eccles. vii. 25, n Eccles. vii. 12. future rewards and punishments: these are the subjects unfolded to us by righteousness. Nobler subjects, or more interesting to us as men and sinners, cannot be presented to our minds. They are directly calculated to produce the evolution of human faculties to a degree and in a manner which nothing else can do. Here we find all that is sublime in power and magnanimous in condescension; fearful in justice and attractive in grace; infinite in wisdom, and adorable in the stoopings of that wisdom to our ignorance: in a word, all that is calculated to excite in our bosoms the liveliest fears and the most animating hopes. Here the understanding finds aliment suited to its nature, which not only satisfies it, but invigorates its powers; the imagination has a field as boundless as her desires, through which she may wing her flight, and for ever find new matter for admiration and delight. Here that thirst after knowledge, which is so natural to us, is cherished with care, and directed towards proper objects. These objects are to be found in the various departments of science, as well as in the subjects of revealed religion: for let it be remembered, that this religion not only promotes the cultivation of science, but furnishes information in many of its branches. It is true that we do not find systems of science in revelation; but it is as true that the scientific notices which it contains are all correct. Assuredly He who " moved upon "the face of the waters"," who " who“ garnished "the heavens'," who gives life universally', cannot be mistaken himself, or be capable of misleading us, in the work of his own inditing, concerning any, even the most minute part of the constitution of nature'. This righteousness produces the improvement of our minds by the cultivation of knowledge. Like the sun, who gives light and life to creation, it calls forth into exercise our faculties, and guides them in the paths of usefulness. It forbids the gratification of mere curiosity, or of feverish ambition, prescribing love to God and man, as the motive and limit for the exercise of mental faculties. Hence they who act under its influence, whilst they ardently and perseveringly seek after knowledge, never will seek for it by methods which give useless pain to any creatures, or in speculations q Gen. i. 2. r Job xxvi. 13. s Ps. civ. 29, 30. t See Scripture Illustrated by means of Natural Science. which are frivolous or pernicious. Revealed religion forbids many experiments that some of the most celebrated naturalists have performed, and frowns indignant upon the mass of novels and romances. It suffers not the vigour of the faculties to be wasted in acts of cruelty, or upon uncertainties and trifles. 2. Righteousness exalteth the moral state of a nation. Mankind are by nature the children of wrath and heirs of destruction, dead in trespasses and sins. Hence they are the slaves of unrighteousness, and the victims of a tormenting conscience. Destitute of the favour of God, they are also destitute of peace of mind, because without hope in the world. Righteousness, however, by its power, whenever that is experienced, changes the heart, and transforms men into the glory of the Lord. It unfolds the foundation of genuine morality, and affords the ability of conforming to its precepts. Without the righteousness of faith there is no obedience to the divine law, such as it requires. Sinners, as such, are immoral in a strict sense, because unrighteous, i. e. disobedient to God's law. Through an interest in Christ the Redeemer, they become obedient. They are taught the nature of holiness, and its extensive requirements, including the heart, the motives for conduct, and the manner of life. They are enabled to love God supremely, and their fellow men as themselves. This love, like an ocean, swallows up the selfish feelings of men, and paralyzes revenge, malice, hatred, and all the baleful passions which render us miserable. They who experience its power, are constrained to the observance of truth and the practice of honesty, humanity, patience, humility. Their appetites are subdued; intemperance yields to sobriety, wantonness to chastity, self-indulgence to self-denial; and mortification of inordinate desires is cherished. Their pride is humbled; they recognize all men as brethren, and do good to all men. Their natural indolence is followed by industry and application. The reign of sin has ended; that of holiness has commenced. Civilization, with all its blessings, is introduced among men, and happiness prevails. Thus it is that righteousness, by drawing forth into proper exercise the faculties, |