CHAPTER XVI. PAGE PAGE The labors of Joseph Pike and others in Ireland, Samuel Bownas comes forth in the ministry—ac- count of his early life- Friends' peaceable testi- THE JHE religion instituted by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and spread abroad in the world by his blessed Spirit accompanying the labors of his inspired apostles, was beautiful for its simplicity and adaptation to man's spiritual need. The preceding Mosaic dispensation, while it enjoined devotion of heart to the Creator, according to the measure of light vouchsafed, was nevertheless characterized by a multitude of outward observances, suited to the state of the people, which did not make the comers thereunto perfect, yet pointed to the substance of that which was to follow. But when our blessed Lord, in his coming, sufferings and death, had fulfilled and abrogated the ceremonial requirements of the law, he introduced the more glorious dispensation of the Gospel, in which life and immortality, and the mysteries of redeeming love, were brought to light. The former dispensation was outward and typical, the latter inward and spiritual; in which, through the regenerating power of divine grace, the heart was to be made the temple |