ch and free is the mercy of Jehovah! Hath not he
"chosen the weak things of this world to confound the things which are
mighty?" Let no flesh glory in his presence: but "he that glorieth, let
him glory in the Lord."

PART VI.

The truth and excellence of the religion of Jesus Christ appear to be
remarkably established by the union of similarity with variety, in the
effect which it produces on the hearts and lives of true believers. In
the grand and essential features of Christian experience, the whole
household of God possess an universal sameness of character, a family
likeness, which distinguishes them from all the world besides: yet, in
numerous particulars, there also exists a beautiful variety.

On the one hand, in the aged and the young, in the wise and the
unlearned, in the rich and the poor; in those of stronger and weaker
degrees of mental capacity, in more sanguine or more sedate dispositions;
and in a multitude of otherwise varying circumstances, there is a
striking conformity of principles and feeling to Christ, and to each
other. Like the flowers of the field and the garden, they are "all
rooted and grounded" in the soil of the same earth; they are warmed by
the same sun, refreshed by the same air, and watered by the same dews.
They each derive nourishment, growth, and increase from the same life-
giving Source. As the flower puts forth its leaves and petals, adorns
the place which it inhabits with its beauty, and possesses an internal
system of qualities, whereby it is enabled to bring forth its seed or
fruit in the appointed season; so does the Christian.

But, on the other hand, like the flowers also, some Christians may be
said to grow on the mountain tops, some in valleys, some in the waters,
and others in dry ground. Different colours, forms, and sizes,
distinguish them from each other, and produce a diversity of character
and appearance which affords a delightful variety, both for the purposes
of use and beauty. Yet is that variety perfectly consistent with their
essential unity of nature in the vegetable kingdom, to which they all
equally belong.

In another particular they likewise resemble. They both die a natural
death. The Lord ever preserves "a seed to serve him," from generation to
generation; for as one disappears, another springs up to supply his
place. But "it is appointed unto all men once to die."--Man "cometh
forth like a flower and is cut down: he fleeth also as a s