settlement of many cases with which the agent is too indolent to trouble himself. It has been found, too, that he will work for a bribe, if prudently conveyed to his wife, whose influence, it is said, goes far in the management of the property since the noble owner became an absentee. Now, if arrears are cancelled, and leases are obtained on terms so easy as these, who would be so foolish as to go at once to the agent himself?

Again, if you want a favour from a lord, would it not be well to speak to the coachman, or the steward, or the housekeeper?

Once more, if a post or a pension be sought from the Government, would not the most successful plan be to commence with some subordinate officer, and thus let the influence ascend the chain of authority, link by link, until it touches the throne itself?

My dear Friend, you seem to think "that God is altogether such a one as thyself." He is pleased, in condescension to our ignorance, to set forth his own inconceivable majesty by allusions to the courts of earthly monarchs. But to infer from this accommodation to our weakness any real analogy, would be as unreasonable as to attribute to the great omnipresent Spirit, hands, and eyes, and ears, because these things are ascribed to him figuratively in the Bible. Has he

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not told us that his ways are not as our ways, nor our ways as his ways? And if ever this truth was applicable to any case, it is to those to which we have been just now alluding. If the "agent" were honest and did his duty-if the "lord" were just and affable—if the "Government" were righteously administered there would be no need of those selfish intrigues to which reference has been made. All influence operating through secret and corrupt channels, would be firmly resisted and indignantly repelled. What shall we say of the religious practices which seek support from such analogies? unworthy of God! how dishonourable to the character of the Redeemer!

How

But what if all appeals to intermediate advocates were strictly prohibited under the severest penalties? Would it then be proper or prudent to apply to them? If it were ordained that every candidate for favour should bring his case personally before the individual by whom, and through whom, that favour was to be conferred; then every application to a third party, would not only be a slight and an insult to him, but it would be a violation of law, involving serious guilt, and ending in utter disappointment.

This, dear Sir, is the true state of the question between the sinner and his God. That blessed

Being is so "glorious in holiness," the splendour of his throne is so overpowering, the thunder of his voice so terrific, the lightning of his eye so appalling to the guilty heart, that no sinner could dare to approach him without a Mediator. Therefore, God was manifested in the flesh-his glory was shaded and softened by the veil of humanity, so that we may come near and look upon it without being consumed. The convicted sinner needs encouragement; he is prone to shrink from the Divine presence. However powerful, therefore, the Redeemer might be, were he destitute of compassion and human sympathy, he would not be qualified for the work of bringing us to God. He could not enter into our case; he would not be alive to our wants. But look at the character of Jesus reflect on the whole tenor of his life, his discourses and actions, and his social habits. Do they not all breathe the tenderest compassion, the liveliest sensibility, the most encouraging condescension ?

The objections of Roman Catholics on this point are entirely obviated by the language of Scripture. Take, for instance, the passage referred to at the commencement of this letter. "There is but one Mediator between God and men, the MAN Christ Jesus." He is a man,

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and nothing that concerns humanity is foreign to him!* "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For, in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need," Heb. ii. 17, 18 and iv. 15, 16.

grace,

What can be more encouraging than this language? Does it leave room for a single cavil? What more can the sinner want? Is Jesus not able to deliver? Is he not willing? Is he not always present, attentive to our wants, our dangers, our desires, our sighs and tears? How cheering to the broken spirit are the gracious words which proceed out of his mouth!" If any man thirst, let him come unto ME and drink." "Come unto ME all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

* How appropriately might He adopt the words of the poet, and say " Homo sum, humani nil a me alienum puto!"

"Learn of ME, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me.

The whole of our Lord's intercourse with his disciples was an incessant illustration of this language. Now, let me ask you, is it possible to conceive of condescension more gracious, of friendship more tender, of familiarity more endearing? Can you turn away from such an Advocate, in search of some creature to intercede for you? Surely, my Friend, this is a work of supererogation! If" Jesus ready stands to save you;" if He is waiting to be gracious to your soul, what more can you want? The Prince stands at the door, waiting to lead you into the presence-chamber; will you reject his proffered hand, in order that you may obtain an introduction from some menial of the palace? Will you turn away from incarnate mercy Himself, in order to solicit the favour of some of those offenders whom He has freely pardoned, and who are engaged in unremitting adoration before the throne of Him who was slain, and has redeemed them to God by his blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation?