IF I should compare the natural state of man, I should conceive an immense grave-yard, filled with yawning sepulchres and dead and dying men. All around are lofty walls and massive iron gates. At the gate stands Mercy, sad spectatress of the melancholy scene. An angel, flying through the midst of heaven, attracted by the awful sight, exclaims, “Mercy! why do you not enter, and apply to these objects of compassion the restoring balm?” Mercy replies, “Alas! I dare not enter: Justice bars the way.” By her side a form appeared like unto the Son of Man. “Justice,” he cried, what are thy demands, that Mercy may enter, and stay this carnival of death?” “I demand,” said Justice, “pain for their ease—degradation for their dignity—shame for their honour—death for their life!” “I accept the terms; now, Mercy, enter.” “What pledges do you give for the performance of these conditions?” “My word! my oath!” “When will you fulfil them?” Four thousand years hence, upon the hill of Calvary.” The bond was sealed . . . and committed to Patriarchs and Prophets. A long series of rites and ceremonies, sacrifices and obligations, was instituted to preserve the memory of that solemn deed. And at the close of the four thousandth year, behold, at the foot of Calvary, the incarnate Son of God! Justice, too, was there: in her hand she bore the dreadful bond; she presented it to the Redeemer, and demanded now the fulfilment of its awful terms. He accepted the deed, and together they ascended to the summit of the Mount. Mercy was seen attendant at His side, and the weeping Church followed in His train. When he reached the summit of the Mount, what did he do with the bond? Did he tear it in pieces, and scatter it to the winds of heaven? Ah, no: he nailed it to His cross: and when the wood was prepared, and the devoted sacrifice stretched out on the tree, Justice sternly cried, “Holy fire, come down from heaven and consume this sacrifice.” “I come; I come,” said the holy fire, and when I have consumed this sacrifice, I will burn the universe.” The fire descended, and rapidly consumed the humanity—but when it touched His Deity, it expired. Then did the heavenly hosts break forth in rapturous strains—”Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and goodwill towards men!”—Christmas Evans.