Kindred hearts eagerly seek each other's company, and find their chief delight in such communion, as permits the near observation of each other's excellencies, and the interchange of mutual admiration This disposition, purer and more intense, pervades also the bosom of the Christian, and enters deeply into his devotion to his Saviour. But while he remains in the body, it can only be partially gratified. The intercourse of the soul with God here is necessarily limited. We are constrained to behold the great Object of our adoration "through a glass darkly." We cannot raise our minds to the full contemplation of his infinite perfections, and are forced to content our selves with an obscure and imperfect vision of his glory. But in that rest which we are taught to anticipate hereafter, all these impediments will be removed; and with enlarged capacities for estimating the Author of our being, and the Redeemer of our souls, for appreciating his glorious attributes, for understanding his marvellous doings, we shall be permitted to "see him as he is," to "behold him face to face," and, with distinct perceptions of his nature, to "glorify and enjoy him for ever." "Father," said our Saviour, "I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me." This prayer, offered for his immediate disciples while he dwelt on earth, our "all-prevailing In tercessor" offers in heaven for those who love and serve him now; and it is answered to their unspeakable joy. "When the Christian dies, he goes to be where Christ is; he goes to be with him there; he goes to behold the glory which the Father has given him; and he goes in consequence of the express will of his gracious Master," who has constituted this privilege the principal enjoyment of that kingdom which he has prepared for the faithful. Leaving this abode of sorrow and of sin, the disembodied spirit, borne on the wings of ministering angels, is ushered into the courts of light, and dwells for ever with the Lord. There, released from corruption and infirmity, he enjoys that perfect and blissful communion

with God, after which he so ardently aspired, and so unweariedly strove. There, purified from sin, he walks with God as with a friend-beholds the full manifestation of his glory, and penetrates the stupendous mystery of his ways and works. There, his spiritual perceptions are quickened; those things which faith presented in prospect, are merged in perfect vision; and resting from those duties and those exertions which were indispensable to their attainment, he engages henceforward in the holier and more delightful service of adoration and praise. Redeeming love, of which he is the blessed partaker, furnishes an untiring subject of thanksgiving-and, overwhelmed with gratitude to him who is the Author and Finisher of his faith, and through whose mercy and whose grace this "inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away," is given to him

he enters on the blessed employment of the inmates of heaven and joins in that ceaseless song which angels, and the spirits of the just made perfect, chant around the everlasting throne— "Alleuia; salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."

Such, my brethren, is that rest which the Gospel of Jesus Christ presents to the eye of faith, and promises to the righteous. They who are privileged to enter it, "behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Placed beyond the reach of evil-beyond the flight of temptation-beyond the snares and allurements of the world-they dwell in peace. Released from sin, and pain, and death, their difficulties and struggles are over for ever. Theirs is the palm of triumph, and the crown of victory. Their enjoyment knows no bounds; their happiness no imagination can adequately conceive, and no tongue describe. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which

God hath prepared for them that love him."

"There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people of God !" Transporting thought-glorious prospect-animating motive-how ought it to invigorate our faith, enliven our hope, incite our obedience, and alleviate our sorrows! To the virtuous and the good there is rest in heaven, but to them alone. The wicked and impenitent-the lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God-the contemners of a Saviour's love-the despisers of his grace-have no part nor lot in it. It is the devoted Christian's privilege-it is a promise which shall be fulfilled only to those who, by the "sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart"-by the exercise of a living faith in Jesus Christ, and by habitual obedience to him, have made their peace with an offended God. Its glories and its joys are limited to those who, through "sanctification of the Spirit," and through" the blood of atonement,' are purified from sin, and "made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light." And there is reason in the limitation. God's justice would be impugned, his truth violated, and his holiness impeached, by permitting polluted, wilful, and persevering transgressors, to enter into his rest. And, besides, if it were possible for those who die in unrepented sin to enter the abode of peace, which the Scriptures assure us it is not, they could not enjoy it. Heaven, fruitful in happiness to the Christian, could not be so to those whose affections are not set on the things which are there; whose present employment, and desires, and conduct, are not adapted to that beatified state; and who are unprepared, by the renovation of their hearts, resulting in the holiness of their lives, for its elevated pleasures, its pure delights, and its unsullied glory. Living here in forgetfulness of God, in opposition to his will, in exclusive devotion to the world, and the things of the world, we should feel ourselves lost in the regions of purity, and the mansions of bliss. Unaccustomed to praise and adoration here, our unchastened, corrupt, and sensual af fections, would disincline us for such employment there. The unhallowed

lip would be motionless, and the unsanctified tongue dumb, when the wonders of redemption, the compassionate love of Jesus, and the glory of Jehovah, were celebrated in heaven by cherubim and seraphim.

"There remaineth a rest to the people of God”—it is certain, it is glorious, it is eternal. It is the exclusive portion of the Christian-the wicked have no part in it-it belongs alone to the humble, faithful, sincere, devoted followers of the Lamb.

Into that rest, so sacred and so peaceful, we indulge the hope, nay more, we confidently believe, that that lamented friend and brother hath entered, whose unexpected summons to the world of spirits we all deplore. A life so holy as his, a piety so sincere, so ardent, so pure, and so habitual, and a death so tranquil, and yet so triumphant, could only end in rest and peace. Distinguished for his virtues as a Christian, and for his fidelity as a minister of Jesus Christ; exhibiting an ardent and untiring zeal for the glory of God, and the salvation of men; devoting himself, in no ordinary manner, to his immediate charge, and extending his willing and steadfast aid to the church at large; instant in season and out of season in his Master's service—with great truth might he, in his departing hour, have taken up the language of the apostle, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforward there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." And with not less truth may we, who knew his exemplary life, and witnessed his quiet departure, apply to him with emphasis the words of the Psalmist, and say,

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace. But I need not pronounce his eulogy before you who knew and loved him; it is written in your hearts. His virtues are associated with your tenderest recollections. Rather let me set before you his brilliant example, and admonish you to follow it. "Remember him who had the rule over you; who spake unto you the word of God," and imitate his fidelity to his Saviour-his habitual devotion

his deep humility-his unostenta

tious piety-his close and holy walk with God. Like him, be diligent, active, and unwearied in duty; " always abounding in the work of the Lord;" earnestly engaged in the culture of holiness, and in preparation for eternity. Like him, "set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth;" let "the world be crucified unto you, and you unto the world;" and, amid the fascinating scenes of the present life, its honours, and its pleasures, "glory in nothing save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." Like him, brethren, present yourselves, your souls, and bodies, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God," and deem the oblation a delightful and "a reasonable service" Be ye in your respective stations "faithful unto death," that ye also may receive "the crown of life.". "Press towards the mark, for the prize of your high calling of God in Christ Jesus," with assiduity and zeal; that, when your pilgrimage of sorrow is ended, you also may ascend with triumphant hope to the bosom of paradise, and rejoin your sainted pastor in that glorious "rest which remaineth to all the people of God."

That prize, my brethren, awaits your acceptance. That rest is offered to all in the Gospel of Christ. Oh! let it serve as an incitement to your obedience, as a stimulus to your exertion, as a beacon to your path, as a point on which all your desires may concentrate. Convinced of the necessity of such a state to your everlasting happiness, regard it not with indifference, nor delay to walk in the only way in which it can be attained. Taught that Christ Jesus is your only sure refuge, your only enduring portion; and that an interest in his precious blood is the only foundation of hope to perishing sinners; postpone not the search after that pearl of great price to a more convenient season. "Now is the accepted time, and now is the day of salvation." It is dangerous to procrastinate. Eternity is at hand! Soon will all opportunity for "working out your salvation" be lost in death, and buried in the grave. The king of terrors is making conquests all around us. His arrows

are scattered abroad with an indiscriminate aim. Every day we hear of some new victim to his power. Every day affords some new memento of our own mortality. That mysterious Providence, which has deprived this congregation of a faithful, zealous, and highly gifted minister-the church at large of a most attached and useful servant-and an afflicted family of a most kind, affectionate, and devoted father, brother, and friend, speaks a monitory language which none can misunderstand "Be ye also ready," for ye know not the day nor the hour when your change cometh. Oh! let this lesson, so afflictive and so solemn, be deeply impressed on every heart, and sedulously improved. Ye, who have profited by the instruction of our deeply regretted friend, and given yourselves up in faith and obedience unto your Saviour and your God, be incited by it to watch with renewed diligence for the coming of your Lord-to seek after greater attainments in holiness and virtue-and to keep your "loins girded about, and your lamps burning." And ye, who have enjoyed his ministry with out deriving from it any benefit, without desiring or seeking to profit by it, let this sad proof of the uncertainty of human life lead you to "consider your ways." Your faithful monitor, your affectionate guide is gone. He who warned you of your danger, and urged you with such earnestness to flee for refuge to "the hope set before you in the Gospel," is removed from you for ever. As far as you are concerned he has lived to no purpose. Shall he also die to no purpose? You turned a deaf ear to his remonstrances while living-will you remain obdurate and insensible now, when he speaks to you from the tomb? He is gone into the world of spirits, and you must soon follow him. A few short years at farthest will terminate your probation, and usher you before the judgment-seat of Christ. If you die in your sins, he who so anxiously desired to be the instrument of your salvation-so fervently prayed for your reformation-so importunately besought God to forgive and bless you

and with such fidelity pointed out the way to heaven, and entreated you

to walk therein and live, will be a fearful witness against you at that dread investigation. Would you avoid such a scene of woe? Would you be happy in the world to come? Would you meet your minister, and his Master, in peace, at the great day of account? listen to the impressive admonition which his departure affords, and endeavour to improve it. Neglect no longer the duties of religion, the means of grace, and the spiritual culture of the heart. In the exercise of true repentance for sin, humble yourselves before an offended God, and implore his pardoning mercy. By faith in Jesus Christ "lay hold on eternal life," and by obedience to his will, "make your calling and election sure." Supplicate the promised influences of the Holy Spirit, and cherish and improve them to the renewing of your minds after the divine image to your transformation from sin to holiness, and from the power of Satan unto God-and to your sanctification and meetness for future glory. Then you may look forward without fear to the hour of death, and depart in peace, conscious of your Saviour's protecting presence, and rejoicing in the hope of a glorious resurrection.

Christian brethren-It is with emotions of no ordinary kind that I proceed to discharge the duty requested of me, this morning, of administering to you the sacred symbols of redemption. The last time this holy supper was celebrated here, he, who now reposes in the tomb beneath, ministered at this altar. Those lips, now sealed in death, besought the God of heaven to bless and sanctify these "holy mysteries" to the spiritual strength and sustenance of his beloved flock. Those hands, now cold and lifeless in the grave, distributed to you the "bread of life," and the << cup of salvation." That voice, now hushed in unbroken silence, discoursed to you of the love of Christ, and of the riches of his grace-of the vanity of life, and of the joys of heaven-and teaching you, "that here we have no

The Rev. Mr. Duffie was buried in a vault beneath the chancel, and the last duty he performed in St. Thomas's church was the administration of the communion, on the eighth Sunday after Trinity, the 5th of August, 1827.

continuing city," counselled you to "seek one to come.' How changed the scene!-but, to him, how glorious and how joyful! While we kneel over his inanimate remains, let us picture to ourselves his beatified state; let us indulge the thought, delightful in itself, founded on the recollection of his holy life, and his triumphant death, and sanctioned by the word of God; that, whilst we are partaking of the sacramental pledges of a Saviour's love, he is enjoying its fruition, and "drinking of the fruit of the vine new in the kingdom above"-that, whilst we are engaged in distant adoration of the Author of our being, and the Redeemer of our souls, he is uniting in that loud cho rus of praise which angels and ransomed spirits continually sing in the presence, and to the glory of God and the Lamb. Contemplating his blessedness, while we deplore his loss, let joy be mingled with our grief, and let our sorrow be chastened and subdued by the remembrance of his virtues, and the assurance of their reward. He is gone, but his example remains. Animated by that, while we drop the tear of friendship over his grave, let us resolve to walk in his steps, that when we are summoned hence, we may meet death, as he met it, without dismay; and, confiding exclusively in a crucified Redeemer for acceptance and salvation, with submission and hope commend our departing spirits unto God, and enter into rest. Amen.

For the Christian Journal.

Greek printed Editions of the New Testament.

THE following account of the most celebrated Greek printed editions of the New Testament is taken from Butler's Hora Biblica:

The first of the GREEK PRINTED EDITIONS of the New Testament, in point of time, was that of Erasmus, with a new Latin translation. He published five editions of it, in the years 1516, 1519, 1522, 1527, and 1535. The edition of 1519 is most esteemed.

* Mr. Duffie's text on the morning of the communion.

The two last were altered in many places, especially in the Revelation of St. John, from the Complutensian edition. A brief to Erasmus from Pope Leo the Xth is prefixed to it. Albertus, Cardinal and Archbishop of Mentz, writ him a most obliging letter, upon his edition, highly commending it, and desiring to see him. He sent him, with the letter, a golden cup, "amplum et grave," says Erasmus, "et opere spectandum. Quin et nomen indidit. Ait vocari poculum amoris, ex quo, qui biberint, protinus benevolentiâ mutuâ conglutinari. Si vera sunt hæc, utinam theologi Lovanienses ex eâ mecum potassent ante annos duos!" It is observable, that the Greek text of Erasmus latinises, or, in other words, is made to conform to the Vulgate translation, even more than that of Complutum, against which he strongly urged the charge of latinising. This edition involved Erasmus in a quarrel with the divines of Louvain, and with the Spanish divines, employed on the Complutensian Polyglott. The principal of these was Stunicâ, a man of real learning. The controversy between him and Erasmus is instructing and interesting. In many instances Stunicâ had the advantage over Erasmus: but Erasmus had greatly the advantage over Lee, his English antagonist.

We have mentioned Erasmus as the first editor of the Greek New Testament. The Complutensian edition was printed in 1514, two years before the first edition of Erasmus: but it was not published till 1517; and Erasmus did not get a copy of it till 1522, after the publication of his third edition. De Missy, in his unfinished Essay on the Complutensian Polyglott, published at the end of the second edition of Bowyer's Origin of Printing, suggests that the Complutensian New Testament was antedated, "from a jealousy of the editors of appearing as earlier editors of so notable a work than Erasmus." This appears to deserve examination.

The next edition of the New Testament in Greek, is that inserted in the Complutensian Polyglott. The learned agree in wishing the editors had described, or, at least, specified the manuscripts they made use of. The edi

tors speak highly of them; but this was, when the number of known manuscripts was small, and manuscript criticism was in its infancy; so that, without impeaching either their candour or their judgment, their assertions, in this respect, must be understood with much limitation. It has been charged on them, that they sometimes altered the Greek text, without the authority of a single manuscript, to make it conform to the Latin. Against this charge they have been defended by Goeze, and, to a certain extent, by Griesbach and Marsh. The strongest proof in support of the charge is, that after Stunicâ had reproached Erasmus in the bitterest terms, with his omission of the celebrated verse of The Heavenly Witnesses, and Erasmus, with equal vehemence, had challenged Stunicâ to produce a single Greek manuscript in its support, Stunicâ did not cite one Greek manuscript for it, but persisted in arguing from the authority of the Latin. This, the late Dr. Travis, the zealous defender of the verse, owns himself unable to account for satisfactorily. The fate of their manuscripts has been already mentioned.

The edition of de Colines, or Co- ́ linaeus, Paris, 1534, 8vo., formed from manuscripts collected by himself, as we learn from Mill and Griesbach, in his Symbola Critica, was considered, by the late Dr. Harwood, an excellent judge, to exhibit a more perfect text than any other edition.

The editions of Robert Stephens are next to be considered. It is observable, that, while almost every other art has, from the time of its first invention, been in a state of gradual improvement to the present time, the art of printing, very soon after its first appearance, attained a degree of perfection, in many respects superior to its present state. Of this, the Greek editions of the New Testament by Robert Stephens, are a striking example. For exquisite beauty and delicacy of type, elegance and proper disposition of contractions. smoothness and softness of paper, liquid clearness of ink, and evenness of lines and letters, they have never been surpassed, and, in the opinion of many, never equalled. Four editions of them were