elegant accomplishment, and as furnishing a fruitful source of ra tional entertainment, while it polishes the manners, improves the understanding, and refines the taste, it would even then be worth while to possess it; for, as Cicero has justly, and very beautifully said," Hæc studia adolescentiam alunt, senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant, adversis perfugiam ac solatium præbent, delectant domi, non impediunt foris, pernoctant nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur;" and again, in the words of the poet,

Ingenuas didicisse fideliter artes, Emollet mores, nec sinit esse feros." These polish'd arts have humaniz'd mankind,

Soften'd the rude, and calm'd the boist'rous mind.

But I trust it has appeared, from the observations already made, that such an acquisition, besides being elegant and ornamental, equally becoming, and necessary to the character of a gentleman and a scholar,-is also fraught with utility and profit, especially to those who are called to sustain the honourable and important office of ministers of Christ. For let the thirst for learning in the schools of the prophets once be quenched, and their love for science be cooled, and a door will speedily be opened for indolence and sloth;-ignorance will soon occupy the place of knowledge, and folly the seat of wisdom;the bulwark of truth will ere long be demolished, and error, like a flood, will deluge the church, overspread the world, and envelop it in midnight darkness. The ages when popish superstition and pagan idolatry prevailed, when the very name of science was lost, and the inventions of art were unknown, in countries that were once civilized and enlightened by the lamp of divine Revelation, will speedily

return. And not still a Luther, a Melancthon, a Cranmer, or Knox, shall arise again upon Tour world, will the cloud be dispelled, and the mist disappear, and the light of heaven break forth with divine effulgence, to illuminate the nations, and to gladden thẻ hearts of the children of men.O

It has often been observed, and the observation is well worthy to be remembered, that the progress of Christianity, in its march through the regions of the shadow of death, since its first introduction, to the present day, has uniformly kept pace with the progress of literature and science; and while the one has achieved its victories, the other has shared in its tri umphs; and this, we firmly believe, will continue to be the case, till the day of the millenial glory, when all shall know the Lord from the least to the greatest, and none shall need to teach or instruct his neighbour. Until that glorious harvest arrive, we are called to break up the fallow ground, to sow the seeds of know ledge and virtue, that they may bring forth fruit unto holiness. But where shall we obtain these seeds, if not in the treasures of Divine Revelation? Where shall we seek for the veins of Gospel ore, more precious than silver or gold, if not in the mine of heavenly wisdom-a mine that is exhaustless, rich, and abundant? And what are the materials with which this mine is to be worked? Doubtless they are those faculties which God hath implanted within us; faculties which, by the assistance of the Spirit of grace, are capable of endless improvement, susceptible of an enlargement and expansion, to an almost inconceive able degree, provided propermeans be employed for the purpose. But these means, alas are too often neglected and despised by many,

as if they had found out some easier and shorter method of scaling the summit of wisdom, and robbing the temple of science.

Let us seek to be preserved from that fatal error into which too many have fallen, (and these even men of worth and piety,) -an error which has contributed to bring leanness upon their souls; which has blasted their efforts to do good, and rendered their labours abortive; besides necessarily circumscribing, if not altogether marring, their usefulness in the church of God. I allude to the error of despising, or, at least, neglecting, what they ought to prize and esteem; viz. the means of cultivating their intellectual powers, enlarging the capacity of their understanding, improving their taste, informing and correcting their judgment, and thus feeding the mind with food convenient for it.

By the neglect of these means, which classical learning in a plentiful measure can supply, in vain need we attempt to do justice to the beauty, the excellence, or sublimity of the Holy Scriptures.

But, as I fear I have already exhausted your patience, and wearied your attention, I must now draw towards a conclusion. In doing so, I shall only add, that, to be engaged in the pursuit of useful knowledge, of whatever kind it may be, is the noblest and most delightful employment for a rational and intelligent being. At present we have but little more

than entered on this pursuit; but, if we have only entered upon it in a proper spirit, and prosecute, with unwearied assiduity, the task which has been assigned us, our enjoyment now, and our reward hereafter, will assuredly be proportioned to our labour; and, if that enjoyment is to cease with the cessation of our work, when, I would ask, will that period arrive? shall distant ages and future generations be the witnesses of the event? No. If the love of the truth has been shed abroad in our hearts, and the power of the Spirit from on high hath visited us, then may the fire of the sun be extinguished, and his light no longer be enjoyed by the inhabitants of this terrestrial ball, the moon may wax and wane no more, the stars may withdraw their lustre, and the powers of heaven fall; but our souls shall continue to live, and through grace, continue to shine, through the endless ages of eternity, ever growing in knowledge, in wisdom, and holiness;-acquiring continually an increase of vigour and strength;-possessing a moral beauty more lovely and fair than that of the rosy morn, surpassing far the splendour and brightness of the meridian sun, or the glory of those orbs that bespangle our heavens, and which, in the touching language of one of our Christian poets,

"In reason's ear do all rejoice,

And utter forth a glorious voice;
For ever singing, as they shine,
The hand that made us is divine."

THE following letter was addressed by the Rev. Asahel Nettleton, of the United States, to the Rev. Dr. Beecher, of Boston, editor of The Spirit of the Pilgrims, in which American

periodical it was first published. It furnishes some salutary cautions to individuals who are accustomed to even a moderate use of ardent spirits; and contains some facts

My dear Brother, I hear frequently from many places where God has of late poured out his Spirit and revived his work. My friends residing in these places far and near, either visit me or write to me, and tell me all their joys and their sorrows. For a number of years, I have kept a list of the names of those who have hopefully experienced religion, and made a public profession of it, in these revivals. When far from them, in my retired moments, I have often read over their names, and pondered on them, and on the scenes they have awakened, with emotions too big for utterance. I have watched them with anxious solicitude, and have made particular inquiry about the spiritual welfare of each one, as opportunity presented. My heart has often been refreshed, when some Timothy has brought me good tidings of the faith and charity of these young converts. No tidings have been more freshing.' I have often had occa sion to adopt the language of Paul on this very subject; • What thanks can we render to God again, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God.'

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During the leisure occasioned by my late illness, I have been looking over the regions where God has revived his work for the two

years past. The thousands who have professed Christ in this time in general, appear to run well. Hitherto, I think they have exhibited more of the Christian temper, and a better example, than the same number who have professed religion when there was no revival. With hundreds of these I conversed, when anxious for their souls, and afterwards when rejoicing in hope. Some of them I have followed through life, and down to the grave. If genuine religion is not found in revivals, I have no evidence that it exists in our world. Some few, indeed, have dishonoured their profession, have opened afresh the wounds of the Saviour, and caused the hearts of his friends to bleed. Bunyan says, If at any time I heard of such instances of apostasy among those who have hopefully been benefitted by my ministry, I feel worse than if I had followed one of my own natural children to the grave.' I have lost near and dear relatives, but the tidings of which Bunyan speaks have sometimes struck me with a deeper sadness. Of the few who have finally apostatised, you may wish to know the cause. I have made particular inquiry, and find that the declension of some has commenced with an undue conformity to the world; but the sin of intemperance has caused more trouble, and done more dishonour to the cause of Christ, than any other crime that can be named. Though some have confessed, and doubtless repented of other crimes; yet few if any excommunications have hitherto taken place, for any crime except intemperance. I have heard from S county, that of the hundreds who professed religion there two years ago, a few only have been called to a public confession, and these have been restored. I have heard of but one excommunication.

rance.

He was an acquaintance of mine, a man about thirty-five years of age, in the town of M. He had been a little inclined to intempeHe was anxious with others; his conversion was considered interesting; and at the time he professed religion, it was thought that his habit was broken. But before I left that place, he ventured to drink a little. On a public occasion, he became boisterous, and charged one man with lying, and that led on to an angry dispute, in which all present considered him the aggressor. This was soon noised through the place. It gave a general shock to all the young converts. I well remember the effect. Each one began to tremble, lest he too should be left to wound the cause which was to him dearer than life. I shall not forget what tenderness of conscience the young converts manifested. Each one seemed to tremble most of all for himself. The next morning Mr. H became sober, and now he felt exceedingly chagrined on remembering what he had said and done. He told me, that his first thought in the morning was, that he had dishonoured religion, and he could not bear to be seen.

He was almost tempted to leave his family and friends, and abscond. He however confessed his fault, and appeared penitent. But, sad to relate, he drank again; and, as I have been informed, is now cut off, and utterly abandoned.

A Mr. T, in the town of Bwas under conviction, hopefully experienced religion, and made a public profession with about sixty others. He appeared well, with the exception of this circumstance, that previous to his convictions, he had been a little inclined to intemperance. In the judgment of charity he had reformed, and become a new man.

He forsook his wicked companions, prayed in his family, and appeared to be much engaged in religion, and continued for a number of months to adorn his profession. But he began by slow and cautious steps (as he thought) to sip a little, only for his health. Though not drunk, he became foolish, and this led on to other things, until he dishonoured the cause of religion. He made a public confession of his fault, and for a while appeared penitent. But he drank again, and this led to other unchristian conduct, which demanded Christian satisfaction. His brethren began, a few days since, their endeavours to reclaim him. But he removed in the night, with all his family, and has left the state to avoid another confession. We consider him a ruined man.

When I look back on revivals which took place ten or fifteen years ago, I have been agreeably surprised to find so many of the subjects of them, continuing to adorn their profession. Take the whole number who professed religion as the fruit of these revivals, and take the same number who professed religion when there was no general revival, and I do think that the former have out-shone the latter. I have not made a particular estimate, but from what I have seen, I do believe that the number of excommunications from the latter is more than double, in proportion to the former. And I find, all along, that more excommunications have taken place in consequence of intemperance, than for any other crime.

A Mr. H, a member of Brother T's church, was thought to have experienced religion in L— in the days of your predecessor. He was a promising, active young man; much beloved and highly esteemed by Christians, and never suspected of intempe

rance, until about a year since. The disclosure of this fact not only grieved Christians, but surprised and astonished every body. Though he was not suspected of intemperance, it was afterwards ascertained that he had been in the habit of drinking a little in private. This is one method of covering sin. Whoever does it, is privately working out the ruin of his soul. But Mr. H- made a public confession, appeared penitent, and all rejoiced in his reformation. This, I said, was about a year ago. When I was last in Nhe called at Brother Tan evening visit. It was evident he had been drinking. The next day Brother Twarned him in the most solemn manner, but all to no purpose. He was past fear, and past shame, and all have given him up as lost. He had accomplished his ruin by drinking in private, before his friends had any chance to prevent it. I could name a number of individuals, in different towns in this state, whose case is similar to his.

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Now, my brother, what shall be done? I do not ask what shall be done to reclaim those who have so grievously offended. For these, nothing ordinarily can be done. Their case is hopeless. My inquiry is, what shall be done to prevent the future disgrace of the cause of Christ? As for those who have confessed their fault, and have been restored to fellowship, they must remain where they are, until the next offence cuts them off. But a public confession for intemperance, I think, is about nothing, and ought to go for nothing. The only evidence of repentance in such case is, A CONTINUED COURSE

OF ENTIRE ABSTINENCE FROM ARDENT SPIRITS OF EVERY KIND.

As for those who think they have experienced a change, if their

N. S. NO. 58.

habits are bordering on intemperance, we ought to be cautious how we admit them to a public profession. If they have been in the habit of drinking freely, though not to intoxication, however clear in other respects, this circumstance alone renders the evidence of their conversion very doubtful. From what I have seen, I do believe that no class of persons are more likely to be deceived with false hopes, than the intemperate. If, while under conviction, a person allows himself to sip a little, or raises his sinking spirits in the least; he is sure to grieve away the Spirit of God.

During the revival at S two years ago, I witnessed an instance which, if you please, I will relate. Mr. A was one of the most respectable men in that village, about thirty years of age, who kept a large boarding-house. His wife was under deep convic tion, and soon was rejoicing in hope, and prayed with and for her husband. This was the means of his conviction; though at the time it was not known. Report said that he was confined to his bed, and dangerously ill. Hints were privately circulating that he was anxious for his soul, and was ashamed to have it known. It was late in the evening, when brother G

went to his house, and found him in a bed-room, in a remote corner, in the greatest agony. 'What is the matter,' said brother G. O, 1 am sick; I am in such distress!'-' But your pulse is regular, where is your pain?' He made no reply, but with violence smote upon his breast. He was asked,' Is it there?' is,' be replied. The next evening I called, and found him still in the same distress. His convictions appeared to be deep. But when I returned, I suggested to brother G a suspicion of the smell of

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