the land of crystal founts and deathless flowers.  Philosophy searches earth; Religion opens heaven.  Philosophy doubts and trembles at the portals of eternity; Religion lifts the veil, and shows us golden streets, lit by the Redeemer’s countenance, and irradiated by his smile.  Philosophy strives to reconcile us to death; Religion triumphs over it.  Philosophy treads amid the pathway of stars, and stands a delighted listener to the music of the spheres; but Religion gazes on the glorious palaces of God, while the harpings of the blood-washed, and the songs of the redeemed, fall upon her ravished ear.  Philosophy has her place; Religion her important sphere; one is of importance here, the other of infinite and vital importance both here and hereafter.

Amid ancient lore the Word of God stands unique and pre-eminent.  Wonderful in its construction, admirable in its adaptation, it contains truths that a child may comprehend, and mysteries into which angels desire to look.  It is in harmony with that adaptation of means to ends which pervades creation, from the polypus tribes, elaborating their coral homes, to man, the wonderous work of God.  It forms the brightest link of that glorious chain which unites the humblest work of creation with the throne of the infinite and eternal Jehovah.  As light, with its infinite particles and curiously blended colors, is suited to an eye prepared for the alterations of day; as air, with its subtle and invisible essence, is fitted for the delicate organs of respiration; and, in a word, as this material world is adapted to man’s physical nature; so the word of eternal truth is adapted to his moral nature and mental constitution.  It finds him wounded, sick and suffering, and points him to the balm of Gilead and the Physician of souls.  It finds him stained by transgressions and defiled with guilt, and directs him to the “blood that cleanseth from all unrighteousness and sin.”  It finds him athirst and faint, pining amid the deserts of life, and shows him the wells of salvation and the rivers of life.  It addresses itself to his moral and spiritual nature, makes provision for his wants and weaknesses, and meets his yearnings and aspirations.  It is adapted to his mind in its earliest stages of progression, and its highest state of intellectuality.  It provides light for his darkness, joy for his anguish, a solace for his woes, balm for his wounds, and heaven for his hopes.  It unveils the unseen world, and reveals him who is the light of creation, and the joy of the universe, reconciled through the death of His Son.  It promises the faithful a blessed re-union in a land undimmed with tears, undarkened by sorrow.  It affords a truth for the living and a refuge for the dying.  Aided by the Holy Spirit, it guides us through life, points out the shoals, the quicksands and hidden rocks which endanger our path, and at last leaves us with the eternal God for our refuge, and his everlasting arms for our protection.