this sort. I am aware that the Editor, who desires to give scope for free inquiring, and not confine the matter published to one side of a question, is placed in a difficult position: yet, I think, he should feel perfectly at liberty to exclude from publication what he thinks likely to have an injurious tendency; what is not likely to be profitable on controversial subjects; what is not to the point; and what has not some plausibility, in his estimation, to recommend it. For my own part, Mr. Editor, if you should think so of what I send, I would say, by no means publish it; and I think all should cheerfully submit to the same ordeal, considering that, utility or edification, is the end to be kept in view.

It is because I feel deeply concerned for the safety of my brethren, and for their edification, that I have taken up this question, fearing that the views alluded to might stumble some, by leading them to doubt unnecessarily, as to their safety. I will, therefore, with your permission, having in a previous paper, endeavoured to show the false application of the term "The Hope of Israel," Acts xxviii. 20, present for the consideration of your readers, what the New Testament, (which we conceive to be amply sufficient as our guide in this as in other matters), sets forth as the Christian's Hope, and the ground upon which we may expect to participate in this hope. I learn, then, from this "Light of Life,”

1st. That it is desirable for the saints, in their schooling, to become acquainted with the hope which they are called by the gospel to participate in. Eph. i. 18. Hence Paul prays that the disciples "may know it;" which teaches us by the way, that it is not necessary for them to know it before being baptised, or putting on Christ. Again, the passage only intimates that it was desirable to know it; not absolutely necessary.

2nd. From the same source, we learn, what the hope is to which we are called, viz. To glory. 2 Peter i. 3. To God's kingdom and glory. 1 Thes. ii. 12. To God's eternal glory. 1 Peter v. 10, To obtain salvation and the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thes. ii. 13, 14. In Acts xxiv. 15, Paul declares the resurrection from the dead, to be his hope, which is exhibited. In 1 Cor. xv. 19—23, 58, as the common hope of the saints; see also, 1 Thes. iv. 13, — 18, and Rom. viii. 22, which intimate the same. In 1 John iii. 2. we learn that the hope of the sons of God, is to see Jesus, and be like him, receive a glorious body like his for their regenerated spirits; see also, Phil. iii. 20, 21, and they are to be looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, whom the Apostle, 1 Tim. i. 1, terms our hope," because the saints desire to see him, and realise what he comes to bestow. In 1 Thes. v. 8, 9, it is designated “the hope of salvation," which will include, resurrection, eternal life, &c. In 2 Tim.

iv. 8, "a crown of righteousness" is declared an object of the Christian's hope, which we think illustrated by Mat. xxv. 21. In Titus i. 2, Paul shows that he was living in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began, and which he had manifested to mankind through preaching. This is called the hope, ch. iii. 7. In James i. 12; Rev. ii. 10, it is called a crown of life. And Rom. v. 17, it is said, the saints shall reign in life by Jesus Christ, which life shall be everlasting, John v. 24, 28; Rom. vi. 22. And in addition to a crown of righteousness and life, they are to look forward to a crown of glory. 1 Peter v. 3. The glory of God. Rom. v. 2. A far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor. iv. 17. Enjoyed with Christ. Rom. viii. 17; Col. iii. 4.

What is the Christian's hope, is further exhibited, 1 Peter i. 3, to be an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for those kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed at the last time; when they will receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. verse 9. It is further called, "the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter i. 11. "Prepared for the saints from the foundation of the world." Mat. xxv. 34. The territory is the new heavens and the new earth. 2 Peter iii. 10. The place of the throne, is the new Jerusalem. Rev. xxii. 3. Which is to descend from God out of heaven. Rev xxi. 2. To the new heavens and earth, which city was the abode of the saints. Gal. iv. 26. Composed of the true Israel who had ascended to God, whom the Apostle Paul, in his day, terms the mother of the church then in existence, the seed according to the promise. This we conceive to be the city, having foundations, for which Abraham looked. Heb. xi. 10. And which he, with all the faithful and patient are inheriting. Heb vi. 12. Which when the territory is prepared for its reception, will descend from heaven unto it, in the midst of which, Christ shall reign before his ancients gloriously. Isaiah xxiv. 23.

The inheritance, or kingdom, will not be corruptible, defiled, or fading, for the Son of Man will take out of his kingdom all things that offend and do iniquity, before the saints shall shine forth in the kingdom of their Father. Mat. xiii. 41, 43. When the Lord comes, the present heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter iii. 10. Nevertheless, we (Christians) look for a new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. The nations of the saved will constitute the subjects of the kingdom. Rev. xxi. 24. Over whom the Lord of lords, and King of kings, will place his distinguished saints. Mat. xxv. 21; Luke xix. 17. Whom, (as kings of the earth), along with their subjects, (the nations of the saved), will bring their glory and honour

to the place of the throne, in acknowledgment of the Saviour's supremacy, &c. The unrighteous, whether Jews or Gentiles, shall ⚫ not inherit this kingdom. Luke xiii. 28; 1 Cor. vi. 9; Gal. v. 19; Eph, vi. 3. The saints alone shall possess the new heavens and earth; they alone shall enter, possess and inherit the kingdom: and it shall be unfading, an everlasting kingdom—hence it must be established upon the new heavens and earth, not upon this corrupt, defiled, and fading earth, which is reserved unto fire, and the judgment of ungodly men. The hope of the saints, then, includes in it a place in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; or, a new heaven and earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, called a rest which remaineth for the people of God. Heb. iv. A heavenly country, which Abraham, when on the earth, looked for. Heb. xi. 16. A mansion, which the Saviour has gone to prepare, John xiv. 23, in his Father's house. In accordance with which, we are told, the hope and inheritance is reserved in heaven. Col. i. 5; Peter i. 4. Probably, according to these, some one of those glorious orbs, which shine in the firmament, is being prepared for the abode of the saints.

I am aware there are some objections to this view of the matter; but whether it will be this world we now inhabit, renewed by fire, or another world, we know this, that it will be suited to promote unalloyed happiness, for we are told, in this future state, all the former things shall pass away; and the redeemed "shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Rev. vii. 16. In that state there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for all the former things are passed away. In the new Jerusalem there will be no temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it and the city will have no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God will enlighten it, and the Lamb will be the light thereof; and the nations of the saved shall walk in the light of it, &c. Rev. xxi.

From the preceding, then, we gather concerning the hope of the Christian, that it is a hope of being raised from the dead,-of seeing the Lord Jesus,-of being made like him,—of receiving from him a crown of righteousness, life, and glory;-and of inheriting an uncorrupted, undefiled, and unfading inheritance;-a new heaven and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness;-the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, where they will live and reign with him in unalloyed happiness for ever. What a glorious hope the Light of life, the Sun of Righteousness, has given us! How

wonderful it is that men should regard this as insufficient, and go to comparatively imperfect and obscure predictions. Is this honoring to him, who is "the light and life of the world?" The word of God;" "God manifest in the flesh;" who declared "that he came into the world that men should not walk in darkness, but have the light of life,"—which neither he, nor his Apostles have given us, if it is necessary to believe in the return of the Jews to their own land, the locality of the kingdom of God, &c., in order to justification or salvation.

But I humbly think, if the Sun of Righteousness, the Lord from heaven, has not given us light sufficient for our guidance, we shall look in vain elsewhere; and if he has set forth what we are to hope for, then the inheritance is not the present corrupt, defiled, and fading earth, with its equally corrupt, defiled, and fading land of Canaan, Jerusalem, or Mount Zion; but a new heaven and earth, an eternal kingdom, a heavenly Jerusalem, and Mount Zion. The present land of Canaan, is no where in the New Testament set forth as the hope of the Christian, and consequently, the knowledge of, and faith in, such a hope, as necessary to justification or future salvation. Yea, the hope that is set forth, does not occupy this position, but is presented as a motive power, to protect the Christian from the assaults of the enemy, as an helmet. 1 Thes. iv. 8; Eph. vi. 17. To hold him steadfast to his profession amidst the storms of life, as an anchor. Heb. vi. 19. And thus save, or preserve him, while in this world.

If the Christian does not see very clearly the hope as revealed, yet if he knows sufficient of it to preserve him faithful to his profession, this we apprehend is all that is absolutely necessary for his salvation. But this we shall more clearly exhibit in treating upon the conditions laid down, in order to participation in the glorious hope.

A STUDENT OF GOD'S WORD.

THE HOPE OF ISRAEL.- No. III.

MR. EDITOR,-Dear Sir,-Having, I think, shown what are the objects of the Christian's hope, I will now proceed to show who can scripturally expect to participate in this hope. In doing which, I will state, 1st, what the New Testament shows to be necessary to obtain justification, salvation from condemnation, or the pardon of past sins, viz; faith in the anointed Prophet, Priest, Sacrifice, and King, of Jehovah; repentance toward God, and the becoming a disciple, or subject of Christ, by baptism. These are what is set forth throughout the New Testament in various shapes, as necessary to obtain the blessing named. The reader can turn to the following-Mark xvi. 16; Acts ii. 38, iii. 19, xxvi. 18; Rom. v. 1; Gal. iii. 27, &c., &c.

2nd, In order to participation in the hope of the gospel, we learn from the same source, that is not only necessary to turn from Satan to God, to become subjects of the Saviour's kingdom; but that we must continue faithful unto death, to obtain the crown of life. Rev. ii. 10; Heb. x. 37; 1 Cor. xv. 1, 2; 1 Peter i. 3, 9; see also, James i. 12, blessed is the man who sustains trial, for becoming an approved person, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to those who love him, (the obedient), see also Mat. xxiv. 13. Being made free from the service of sin, they have their fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Eternal life, Paul further shows, Rom. ii. 7, will be given to them who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality. So with "the crown of righteousness," when Paul had combatted the good combat, 2 Tim. iv. 6; 1 Cor. ix. 24; and finished the race, concerning which he said, 1 Cor. ix. 26, I so run that I may obtain, (perform all the conditions laid down), and continued faithful; he could say I am now ready to be offered, and "henceforth there is laid up for me, (having continued faithful,) a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge will give to me at that day; and not to me only, but to all those who love his appearing; and who are these, but his faithful people, who are ready like Paul to render an account of their stewardship. The approbation of the Saviour is only bestowed on those who have been good and faithful servants, Mat. xxv. 21, and these shall enter into the joy of their Lord; and the crown of glory will also be bestowed on account of faithfulness. 1 Peter v. 2. If we die with Christ, are buried with Christ, have the life of Christ, when he, who is our life, shall appear, we shall appear with him in glory. Col. iii. 1, 4. Yes, it is Christ formed in the believer that is the hope of glory, Col. i. 27; and to obtain the inheritance, we must be fitted for it, Col. i. 12; Acts xxvi. 18, and preserved faithful by the power of God until it is revealed. 1 Peter i. 5. In order to inherit the new heavens and new earth, Peter says, 2 Pet. iii. 1-4.-" Wherefore, beloved, seeing we look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, (the Lord at his coming,) without spot, and blameless," this being the abode of the righteous. Connected with the rest that remaineth, we read, Heb. iv. 11, let us labour therefore, (by performing the conditions,) to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. They were not to apostatize from, or rebel against Christ, for he is (only) made the author of eternal salvation, to those who obey him. Heb. v. 9. To secure an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of the Saviour, Peter says, "give all diligence to add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly