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 evil, and no happiness can exist in such a mind until the evil is removed; and the will, by goodness, reconciled to the understanding. Hence, then, it is expedient that we "agree with our adversary whiles we are in the way with him;" that is, while time is granted unto us, and that we exercise gentleness and forbearance, and strive to overcome the evil and remove it, by appeals from the Word of Truth. So shall we escape spiritual captivity.

HERE is one rule to be observed in all attempts to reconcile apparent contradictions in the Scriptures; and that is, that the author of them is a perfect being, and from him, therefore, nothing but perfection ought to be expected. Now, everything which is evil is more or less imperfect, and therefore cannot be ascribed to God. If it be a truth, that "out of the mouth of the Most High proceedeth not evil and good" (Lam. iii. 38), then, as evil certainly does exist, and must therefore have had an origin, the question is, had it its origin in God, or in man? and we answer unhesitatingly, in man. But it is asked, how is this compatible with the words, "I form the light and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I, the Lord, do all these things?" We admit that, according to the letter, this passage carries with