Moses and the Prophets: Christ and the Apostles ; Fathers & Martyrs ...

sentation to the minds of people should continue to elicit new interest, and call forth a grateful reception from every one.

Visionary enthusiasts have sought models of beauty, and, by various ingenious methods, labored to produce their fair ideal; but, as often have they fallen below their original standard. Let such study the life of Christ, and see there the most exalted form of beauty the human mind is capable of conceiving. Let them observe how every quality and feature of beauty meet and center in this august personage, the lineaments of whose countenance are radiant with the unmistakable impress of divinity. Every where, through his whole career, from the manger to the cross, is the same ineffable sweetness, the same inimitable perfection.

Having accomplished his gracious designs in coming to the world, he leaves his work with his disciples, in sacred trust, and ascends to heaven, while it remains for us to follow after the divinely commissioned band, and witness the convincing power, the mighty energy of their holy doctrines upon the hearts and minds of men. In them is demonstrated the reality of Christ's religion. It gives a new impulse to all their thoughts and feelings, and carries such an irresistible conviction of its power to multitudes of others that they too are constrained to embrace the proffered good.

From this time the church, for a long period, continues to increase, and stands out a light to surrounding darkness, a joy to earth-weary pilgrims.

The history of the primitive fathers is full of interest. Their self-denying labors, their zeal for the cause of truth, and their efforts to preserve the purity of the church entitle them to veneration.

In those of the Middle Ages some may, perhaps, discern what seems a tincture of superstition, as they read of monastie vows and ascetic discipline; but, let such remember, that was a time when the light of truth was for a season obscured, and the best and holiest of men were more or less subject to the influence.

Dark indeed is the picture when we turn to see opposing forces marshaled against the church, and hear the cries of martyred hosts

from various parts of christendom. It sends a chill to the heart to dwell upon this portion of the church's history; but, where else could we gain such an idea of the genuineness of religion as here? Where else is shown so convincingly its power to sustain under the weight of accumulated suffering?

Theirs was a faithful testimony; a living argument. They triumphed over death in all its forms, and thus proved to the world the strength of the foundation on which their hopes rested; the certainty of their admission to the white-robed throng who reach the heavenly heights through the refining fires of earthly tribulation. Their spirits reflected heaven's own light, and mortal touch could not dim their brightness.

They might destroy the casket in which the jewel was kept, but the gem would only be transferred to a place where its lustre would never be tarnished, its safety never endangered.

These histories are not for a few, who, with sober interest in sober things, occasionally turn aside to wonder and admire the strength of character, loftiness of purpose, and singleness of aim often apparent; but, they are commended to every one as containing matters of highest moment, deeply affecting their truest happiness, and well worthy their most attentive perusal and careful imi

tation.

Collected and arranged in comprehensive form, the reader is presented with an outline of the christian church, its founders and supporters, from the early ages of the world down to comparatively recent times.

Viewed as a whole, it is a most sublime argument on the power of christianity as exercised on our sin-ruined race, and proclaims, in silent yet eloquent terms, the vitality, the energy of that heavenly principle infused into the heart of man by the regenerating influence of the Divine Spirit.

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