A WORD IN SEASON.

“I cannot close my letter without previously remarking that many sublime truths developed in the scriptures resemble some eminently scientific pursuits, inasmuch as the same appear to be too far in advance of the intelligence and candour of the age, and cannot therefore be entrusted to the violent resistance of long established prejudices without subjecting those who advocate them to reproach and contempt; in fact, the people throughout Christendom are, in general, ignorant of the genuine principles of christianity, owing, I presume, to the great amount of heathenism incorporated with the religion of both Protestants and Papists, —for instance, —the “Immortality of the Soul,” is purely of pagan origin, and is not a christian doctrine. Christianity, as exhibited by our Lord and his apostles, regards a soul distinct from the body as an imperfect state of being; its characteristic doctrine of Immortality is “Eternal Life” through a body free from “Sin,” and it teaches Immortality in no other form whatever. But alas! how passing strange to hear advocated by all Christendom the meagre tradition of a soul, a thinking, rational, ethereal soul, distinct from the body, as if it verily were a christian doctrine; there is, however, about as much evidence in the scriptures in support of such a dogma as there is for papal infallibility, or the holiness of the Pope and his sordid cardinals. The redemption of the body, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is the only precious foundation and hope of christianity, unfolding the heavenly gift of eternal life, and clothing us with the rich robe of immortality.

“So again, in regard to the re-existence of man on earth, in his present probationary state, it may well be said to resemble the stream of a mighty cataract, alternately rushing down and anon returning to its primeval source, the grave, hell, or hades, being the abyss into which so vast a torrent of mortality is continually descending; and notwithstanding its depths may be unfathomable by finite man, or he may merely obtain a glimpse of the broad stream through the present dim vista, the foundation thereof is laid in infinite wisdom and mercy.

“Accept the united kind regards of myself and family and believe me to remain

Yours, very faithfully,

In Israel’s Hope,

RICHARD ROBERTSON.”

London, May 22, 1851.