But are there not many minds who are more given to dwell in a low state, and in somewhat of that sombreness which is cast over nature when the _sun_ is more or less _eclipsed_, to whom it is more congenial to look at the doubtful or dark side of things, than to indulge in joyful anticipations? If such be our condition of mind, should we not strive against it, and examine whether there be not cause for joy? If through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus our sins are forgiven; if we have passed from death unto life; if Christ, who is the appointed “Judge of quick and dead,” be OUR _Intercessor and Redeemer_, who is he that can harm us? If by means of His redemption we are made joint heirs with Him of the heavenly Kingdom and glory, ought we not to rejoice and be glad? To have passed from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God is surely matter for joy and rejoicing, and the feeling is one that it is the duty of all such to encourage, and seek by prayer and meditation on the promises of God in Christ Jesus—promises which are _not yea and nay_, but _all yea_ in Him—all unconditional—absolutely certain to all who believe in, love, and obey Him, and persevere to the end. Footnotes. {6} These were the three grand divisions of the Old Testament, according to the Jewish arrangement, and comprised the entire volume. {12} Cruden says that sacrifice was offered by Adam and his sons. {20} May we not learn from this the duty of expressing our thankfulness to the Giver of every good and perfect gift before partaking of it? so also, at Feast of Pentecost. {21} In Lev. xxiii. 18, it is stated _one_ bullock and _two_ rams, but in Numbers, just before entering the Promised Land, some alterations were made. {42} Mark here the dignity and quality of the teacher—“the brightness of the Father’s glory and express image of His person,”—come to teach men the things which He had seen and heard with His Father in heaven—John iii. 32,—and so completely representing the Father that He could say, “If ye have seen Me ye have seen the Father also” (John xiv. 15). See also Col. i. 15. {46} See terms used in the account of the daily and other sacrifices (Lev. i. 9; iv. 31, &c.), p. 16. {48a} The blood of goats and calves (Heb. ix. 12–14). {48b} The blood of Christ (Heb. ix. 14). {66} See in “Horne’s Introduction to the Critical Study of the Scriptures” a full account of the prophecies of the Old Testament, with their fulfilment in the words of the New Testament, from which several of the above are extracted. Vol. i., Appendix No. 6.