ster is considered as a builder, and warned to take heed what kind of materials he uses. Should he add hay and

5. Persevering and earnest, prayer for the influences of the

66 Unity of exertion naturally results from unity of heart. Ah, my brethren, what might not be effected for the prosperity of our churches by the cordial and united exertions of many? Could I present to you all the Baptist churches in this happy land, united in their congregational assemblies by Christian love, and to each other as churches by the common bond of brotherhood, all anxious to unite their energies for the cause of Christ, I could show you a power that might move the world. No longer should we see indigent churches struggling with pecuniary difficulties too mighty for them to contend with. No longer should we meet the pastors of these churches strolling from town to town, in the character of beggars, soliciting a scanty assistance from a comparatively uninterested people. Christian benevolence, from such a united and powerful body, would spontaneously pour its contributions into the common treasury; and the abundance of the rich would be a supply for the wants of the poor. Then could I show

you a power, that would remove many of our chapels from the obscure lanes and alleys, where they are shrouded from the public view, and place them in the most inviting situations. The church of Christ is a light for the benefit of the world; and should it be covered with a bushel? It is a city not to be placed in a valley but on the summit of a hill, that the world may behold its glory, and desire to enjoy its privileges. Wisdom takes her stand in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates, and invites sinners to Jesus. then desire prosperity on a large scale, let our numerous churches be united in love and exertion."--pp. 28, 29.

Do we

Mr. James's "Pastoral Letter" is intended as a precursor to a distinct treatise on the subject before us, and which may shortly fervour, the fidelity, and the point be expected from his pen. The of Mr. James's compositions will always recommend them to general perusal. This tract is in his usual manner, and is well calculated to stir up attention to the subject. He puts many pungent and searching questions, and urges several most necessary and all-important duties.

He seems to have kept continually in view the first Northampton revival under Mr. Edwards; at least its commencement and early progress: the conclusion he has not noticed; that will, doubtless, be reserved for the larger work, which may be cxpected to discuss the great topic with more extent and accuracy than can possibly be done in a pastoral letter. We believe Mr. James would be as far as ourselves from encouraging a mere meteoric revival; and, therefore, while we perceive that he proposes the Northampton revivals, as a model for our churches, we are quite sure he would be as solicitous as ourselves to guard against any causes which might have operated in that case, to produce the melancholy catastrophe with which it closed. In proof of our conviction, we quote the conclusion of his Letter.

"Permit me then, my dear friends, to call your most anxious attention to this great, comprehensive, and important subject. You have been the witnesses of my solicitude in reference to it. Like many of my brethren, I have called you to special meetings for prayer, to implore a more copious effusion of the Divine Spirit: these meetings are multiplying themselves in all parts of the country; and it is a good sign: but I am afraid that the matter will rest here; I am

I am

afraid that many will think their obligations and their efforts at an end, when they quit the prayer-meeting. jealous over you with a godly jealousy, lest you should satisfy yourselves with these associated and public exertions, instead of entering each one into his own soul, and conscience, and life, with the desire and the determination, by God's grace, to seek after personal improvement. If this be the case, we deserve all the ridicule and contempt which the ignorance, profanity, and malignity of many, are ever ready to cast upon the professors of evangelical religion. Remember, I beseech you, that we are commanded, not only to ask and to knock, but TO SEEK. We must combine means with prayer-efforts with dependance. We must remember that, as rational creatures, we are to use means; as feeble creatures we are to ask for assistance. We must live, walk, pray, in the spirit, as well as for the spirit; but still we must live, walk, pray. I am delighted to witness the present attitude of our churches I hail this excitement about an increase of our piety; but I cannot forget that it is necessary not only to look up to heaven, from whence the blessing is to descend, but into our own hearts, and houses, and churches, where it is to be received. A revival in religion is a great thing, which neither finds nor leaves the subjects of it in a state of indolent expectation. The first sign of its approach is increasing personal activity; the second sign of its approach is still a greater activity; and the nearer it comes, and the more fully it is possessed and enjoyed, the greater and greater is the vigour, and watchfulness, and self-denial, of individual Christians. Each one is seen stirring up himself, and then seeking to stir up his neighbour. Each begins with self-improvement, but no one ends there. There is first an awakening of personal religion, and then a bright emanation of it, in the way of ardent zeal.”—pp. 38

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can Revivals. The whole volume bears the character of that precision, accuracy, and good taste, by which Mr. Burder's productions are distinguished; and, superadded to these recommendations, it forcibly presents to our view the great subject of revival as worthy of our highest and best regard. By extending the inquiry to personal, domestic, and social religion, all the most important points of the subject are comprehended. The whole is adorned and recommended by a spirit of fervent piety, and zealous concern for the accomplishment of the desired end.

Mr. Burder's volume consists of three discourses on the revival of personal, domestic, and social religion. To these are appended, the "Letter from the Ministers composing the Congregational Board in London to the Churches of their own Denomination;" a Letter from the Rev. Dr. Peter, relative to a recent revival in South Wales; and certain Facts and Documents relative to Ameri

The appendix is highly important, as affording a view of the present state of religion in various connexions, on both sides of the Atlantic, and more particularly among Christians of our own denomination. Indeed it contains materials for the gravest and most edifying consideration. Mr. Burder has, for some time, we understand, been engaged in communication with several American ministers, from whom he has derived much important information respecting the state of religion in New England: and we are particularly obliged to him for the very interesting paper drawn up Dr. Griffin, of William's College. We think it highly judicious, while we make that deduction which appears to us requisite, for the nationality which it displays. Dr. Griffin's statements very much illustrate and confirm the views which we have candidly offered in the former part of this article.

by

Mr. Burder very properly lays much stress on the use of suitable means, in dependance on the blessing of God, for the accomplishment of revival among ourselves.

To the manner of conducting "BIBLE CLASSES," and their effects, we are anxious to

direct the attention of ministers, students, teachers of schools, and Christians in general. In the appendix to this volume, they will find suitable directions, as well as arguments, for commencing the work. This ancient form of scriptural instruction we have long been solicitous to see more generally revived. The most happy effects must arise from the just performance of the duty. Those who engage in this service for God, will find themselves abundantly repaid in their own pleasure and improvement, independently of the good done to others; and, in proportion to the study of the Holy Scriptures, shall we enjoy a security against all error and fanaticism.

We take this opportunity of earnestly recommending this mode of instruction on as extended a scale as possible; and, most especially, on behalf of youth of both sexes, from the age of fifteen to twenty -a time of life when the greatest transformation of character is effected; and a time, also, most lamentably neglected by those whose duty is, to conduct the young immortal to maturity of religious knowledge and Christian character. Some are, indeed, awaking to a conviction of these truths, and are acting on that conviction: others need to be roused to action. We want, in fact, a system of instruction supplementary to that of the Sundayschool; one that shall connect that invaluable institution more immediately with the church of Christ. At present, there is "a great gulf between, in which many, many souls are for ever lost our duty is to throw a bridge across this gulf of worldly vanity and Satanic malice, that we may conduct the tender, inexperienced youth, with all possible care, to a place of happy security. Let

pastors, deacons, churches, "rise up as one man," to perform this paramount duty toward the rising generation: then shall" the temple of the Lord" be filled with enlightened, spiritual, and holy worshippers. The more speedily and effectually this duty is performed, the sooner will that prophecy be accomplished, which declares, that "they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord."

We are happy, after an interval of more than seven years, to enjoy a more favourable opportunity of urging this duty, which we hope is about to be undertaken in good earnest.

Such powerful means of revival as these require the agency of powerful men; at least in the commencement of the work; and we feel it incumbent on us to direct attention to the highly interesting description of those American ministers who signalise themselves in the promotion of religion, as given by Mr. Burder in the appendix. They are men of "great personal piety;" of "unwearied labour;" of "great moral courage;" of "singular simplicity of character;" and of "vigorous and masculine minds." The times require such to be the character of all ministers of the Gospelespecially of those in more public stations; and we trust that, our dew, the times will produce the

men.

Many extracts from the work of an author, less known and approved than Mr. Burder, should we feel bound to present to the notice of our readers. We shall

*See Vol. IV. Review of "Hooper's Addresses to the Young."

therefore content ourselves with one, commending itself much to our minds by the sobriety of judgment displayed by the author on a subject which, in the warmth of their zeal, has transported men of the best intentions beyond just and lawful bounds.

By a revival in religion, I understand the effect of the powerful operation of the Holy Spirit, in enlivening and invigorating the principles of the spiritual life, where it already exists, and in giving that life to many of the 'dead in trespasses and sins.' In other words, if in any church, or in any district, prosperity of soul becomes the general characteristic of believers in Christ, and there are also very nume rous instances of conversion to God, there is unquestionably a revival in religion. Now, in order to this, it is not necessary that there should be any sudden or strongly marked impression upon a congregated multitude, in any particular place, or at any particular time. A genuine revival of religion cometh not always, in the first instance, "with observation. Much may be passing in the heart, which is not indicated by external manifestation, or divulged to any human being. In the state of society in which we live, we are accustomed greatly to repress and studiously to conceal the indications of powerful feeling, and especially of religious emotions. The utterance of the deep-toned language of the heart, we are but little prepared to expect, and still less disposed to indulge. It is to be presumed, therefore, that the commencement of a revival of the life and power of religion, in such a state of society as ours, would have an aspect of greater tranquillity and less sympathetic excitement, than it would be reasonable to expect under other circumstances, or in some other countries."--pp. 15, 16.

Let "Paul plant, and Apollos water," and let us pray earnestly that God would "give the increase."

We have been much impressed with the Sermon by Mr. Hinton, entitled, "The Means of a Religious Revival." With our views of the close approximation of revival and reformation, we adopt Mr. Hinton's work most cordially: not that we think it reaches the

extent of the subject, or sets forth the sole means to be used; but as holding up to view one particular class of means too long neglected, and yet carrying in its bosom an unknown power, viz. "A habit of personal and individual effort among the disciples of Christ, for the conversion of the ungodly." We must do Mr. Hinton the justice to quote his own views on this point, as expressed in the preface to the discourse. He says:

"It may perhaps occasion surprise, that he should have thought it necessary to dwell on such a topic, in a day which claims to be regarded as pre-eminently characterized by Christian exertion. The writer is not wholly ignorant of the kind or the degree of activity which prevails in the religious world, in which, indeed, he has borne some humble part, and to which he wishes to do ample jus tice; but his deliberate opinion is, that, while, in the kind of activity which exists, the degree is far from being just matter of complacency, there is a large sphere of obligatory effort criminally and almost totally neglected. He is ready to allow whatever can be justly said of the pecuniary liberality of the present period; he acknowledges the zeal which is shown for the maintenance and extension of an official ministry; and, with still greater pleasure, does he contemplate the incipient labours of those who go ' into the streets and lanes of the city:' but, to say nothing of the very partial and inadequate execution of these sacred duties and blessed enterprises, what are the professors of religion doing individually to save sinners? Let any man, in a spirit of the most fervent charity, make the inquiry respecting those whom he personally knows, and with whose general habits he is well acquainted: in what method, or to what extent, do these persons appear to try to rescue a soul from death? The answer to this question could scarcely be far from the truth, since efforts of such a character are not

easily concealed; but, inasmuch as they may be so in part, let every professor by carrying it into his own bosom, and make the scrutiny perfectly accurate, seriously asking, What have I ever done, or what am I in the habit of doing, for writer has a strong conviction, that in the conversion of ungodly men? The comparison with its resources, almost nothing is done in this direction, through

the whole church of Christ. Amidst all the activity of the age, the direct means of conversion are for the most part resigned to professional hands, and the care of men's souls almost as completely left to the ministers of the Gospel, as that of their bodies to the apothecary. With even the awakened anxiety of the present moment respecting the progress of religion, there is associated to a great extent the mistaken and injurious sentiment, that the only thing wanting is a divine blessing, and that the only means to be used is prayer; or that, if any persons are to be more laborious, it is only the ministers. The Lord help his ministers to be more laborious! We have all need to be quickened in our work, and no faithful minister wishes to shrink from it. But this cherished feeling of exemption on the part of Christians at large is a great evil; it is one of the greatest evils of the present age. It lies like a mountain on the bosom of the church of Christ, and it oppresses the heart which would otherwise heave with far mightier throes for the salvation of the world. It stifles her voice; it paralyzes her hands; it induces a sluggishness of the general circulation, and with it a morbid want of sensibility, which renders it impossible to elicit even the existing signs of life, except by a system of excessive and unhealthy stimulants. Nor can any rational hope be entertained of what seems to be so ardently longed for, namely, a revival of religion, until this vast slumbering body is aroused to throw off its incubus, and bend its whole energies to the effort."--pp. viii.

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The text is from Matt. v. 13. "Ye are the salt of the earth :" &c. and we give the former part of the exordium, as a most suitable peroration to the day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, which has lately occurred.

"Our attention has lately been directed to the very serious and affecting fact, that the progress of religion, at the present period, is by no means rapid; far less so than must be desired, and might be expected. On this account we have engaged in an exercise of extraordinary prayer; an occasion on which your attendance was gratifying, and on which we are assured that the God of Zion accepted graciously whatever of real prayer was presented at his footstool. Ever since that day, however, I have seemed to have ringing in my ears the

words of the Lord to one of his ancient servants, 'What doest thou here, Elijah?" Was it then wrong to pray? No: but it will be wrong to content ourselves with prayer. The question addressed to the prophet was designed to turn him from his lamentation over the idolatrous state of the Jewish nation, to his duty as its destined reformer; and we need equally to be directed from our supplications to our labours. We have presented our petitions at the throne of grace, for the conversion of the world. Here is the answer to them: YE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH.' As though the Lord had said, 'The conversion of the world lies not only with me; it lies in part with yourselves. If it is mine to pour out a blessing, it is yours to employ the means upon which alone a blessing can rest. Depart, therefore, to your labour; and see that you are as faithful to your obligations, as you have implored me to be to my promises.' Such ought to have been our spirit and our purpose while waiting at his throne; and if indeed it were not, we could expect little else than to be driven from his presence, with the indignant rebuke, 'Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Bring no more vain oblations; the calling of assemblies I cannot away with.'"-pp. 1, 2.

To give an adequate idea of the merits of this Discourse, we should be almost guilty of a reprint; and all we can do is to request that every reader of our pages will endeavour to procure a sight of it. We hope, indeed, that few persons will satisfy themselves with our account of this, or either of the works at the head of this article. Something important may be learned from all; and this is not a common subject—not one theoretical or amusing, but one of deep practical importance, in which every Christian is individually concerned.

Of these 'publications we come now to the next in order, but, in our estimation, not the least in value: nay, so much to the contrary, that we think it really crowns the whole. ceding works have taken up the subject analytically; this takes it

All the pre