tices, the principles, the institutions, the creeds, and the religion of the people to whom they ministered; and in fact seeking, without offering any worldly recompense, to new-model the whole of society. How then is their success to be accounted for? The inspired writers tell us that an invisible agency was at work,-that "the hand of the Lord was with them,"-that they were workers together with God,”—and that "they went forth preaching every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word, with signs following." If it be denied that God was with the Apostles, we cannot on any known principle whatever account for their success.

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66 'Divine agency in the promotion of conversions is as necessary as it was in the days of the Apostles. The blindness of the human understanding is the same; the perverseness of the will is the same; the alienation of the mind is the same; the enmity of the heart is the same; the pollution of the imagination is the same; the opposition of the devil is the same: nor has any change taken place in the nature of religion, or in the terms upon which it is to be received and enjoyed. It is true that Christians may now have their splendid sanctuaries, their liturgal services, their pealing organs, their eloquent Ministers, their endowed colleges, their theological institutions, their Bible associations, their Missionary societies, and as beautifully organized instrumentality operating under a variety of forms and modifications for the diffusion of religious knowledge and the extension of the Saviour's kingdom; yet they can do no more without God, than could the fishermen of Galilee when they went forth without either "scrip or purse" to overthrow every form of superstition and error, and revolutionise the whole world. This sentiment must be deeply impressed upon the minds of all who attempt to promote the conversion of sinners, and direct them in all their movements; or they will labour in vain, and spend their strength for nought. It is true they may excite, but it will be but the excitement of animal feeling; they may draw tears from those to whom they speak, but they will be but the tears of human sympathy; and they may even occasion a noise, but it will not be the sobbings of broken and contrite hearts at the foot of the cross, or the bursting joy of victorious faith as it takes hold of the covenant of God, and triumphantly tramples upon the world, the flesh, and the devil. Never should it, therefore, be forgotten that all the good which is done upon the earth, it is the Lord that doeth it; and that means for the conversion of the world, however diligently used, and well adapted for the accomplishment of that important end, will be totally insufficient without the Divine blessing."

As the conversion of the world is an object of such surpassing and unspeakable importance, it must be most desirable to ascertain what are the obstacles impeding its accomplishment. Christians frequently pray for the extension of Christ's kingdom, and lament that so large a portion of the human family remain under the power of satan, in ignorance and misery; it must therefore be to them most desirable to ascertain, what are the hinderances obstructing the spread of the Gospel. Among others, we may doubtless enumerate-the not giving sufficient prominency to those doctrines of Christianity which offer a present salvation from sin through faith in the atonement of Christthe defective characters of Christian ministers and members of churches-the continuance of those in communion with the church, and even admitting to offices in the church, those who by their life and conduct manifest that they belong not to Christ; who, although they call him Lord and Master, yet imbibe not his spirit, and obey not his word; worldly-mindedness and covetousness, lordliness of spirit, and the exercise of unscriptural authority on the part of Christian

ministers; insubordination and factious resistance to lawful authority and government; party spirit, producing discord and divisions among brethren. These things cause hell to laugh, and souls to perish; they keep the church in feebleness, hinder a glorious ingathering of souls; keep the world in darkness, in sin, in unbelief, and death. Let every one inquire-Am I guilty of participating in the perpetration of these direful evils? In reference to some of these topics we have some forcible statements in the volume before us. They are so appropriate, that we are glad to have the opportunity of laying some of them before our readers:

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"A defective exhibition of divine truth is one of those obstacles. The word of God is the great instrument employed by the Holy Ghost in the salvation of souls; for "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God:" and although a very limited portion of divine truth, when accompanied by the Spirit's influence, may lead to conviction and salvation, yet, as "all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness," I conceive that a faithful exhibition of its various doctrines, duties, promises, and threatenings, is essential to an extensive and permanent work of grace. Nor are the truths of God's word to be exhibited merely, but presented to the mind with judgment and fidelity, and made more or less prominent according to their relative importance. Consequently, that ministry is defective which gives not prominence to the Atonement as the foundation of the sinner's hope, and the source of every spiritual blessing: that ministry is defective which deals in mere general statements, and does not discriminate character, or detect and assail vice, under all its forms and modifications: that ministry is defective which is abstruse and metaphysical; for, although it may be what is called intellectual preaching, it seldom affects the heart, and few, comparatively, can understand it: that ministry is defective which is not applicatory, and deals not closely with the conscience; for although it may be orthodox and eloquent, yet, being without point, is not that new sharp threshing instrument, having teeth, by which the mountains are to be beaten small, and the hills made as chaff: that ministry is defective which offers not a present salvation, and urges not upon the hearers an immediate acceptance of it; for persons sitting under such a ministry are likely to trifle with their souls, and postpone the great business of life until a more convenient season that ministry is defective which is exercised as an end instead of a measure to accomplish an end, or which is not solely exercised with the view of saving souls and bringing glory to God: and that ministry is defective which honours not the Holy Ghost as the Agent in man's salvation, and confides not in him for assistance and success.

"The inconsistency of Ministers is also an obstacle to the conversion of the world. Persons sustaining the high and important office of the Christian ministry should be men of blameless character and of deep piety; for, independently of this, they cannot possess that zeal for the Redeemer, that love for souls, that power with God, that unction with the Holy One, so essential to the success of their undertaking. It is not enough that the truths of the Gospel be presented to the mind with clearness and fidelity; but this should also be done with an earnestness of spirit and manner becoming their importance; and enforced by a consistent walk and conversation, as this will prove more effective than the loftiest strains of unhallowed oratory, or the soundest deductions of the profoundest erudition. A Minister may be richly decorated with all the ornaments of human and divine literature, but will still be a despicable creature, of no authority or service in the church of God, but a hinderance to the Gospel, if he be not also clothed with righteousness,

and adorned with the lovely graces of the Spirit. If men, therefore, enter into the solemn office of the sanctuary with no conviction of duty, or love to souls, but for the purpose of displaying their talents, or to procure a morsel of bread; or if it should be apparent by the character of their preaching, or their spirit and conduct out of the pulpit, that they aim at some other object than the glory of God in the salvation of men; they cannot but greatly impede the progress of the Gospel, as their inconsistency will prevent them from being "accounted of as the Ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." The fact is, if the ambassadors of the Gospel would prepare the way of the Lord, they must be humble, self-denying, watchful, zealous, prudent, heavenly-minded, and deeply devoted Christians; always about their proper work, and in all their intercourse with society seeking the salvation of souls. The character and importance of the work to which they are solemnly pledged, and the influence connected with the ministerial office, require their maintenance of this conduct. But if, instead of their doing so, they should be intemperate politicians, or violent partisans; if they should excite the spirit of levity by pitiful witticisms or ludicrous anecdotes, and encourage vain, foolish, and trifling conversation; if they should depreciate the talents, services, and characters of other Ministers, or hold them up to ridicule, and thereby prevent their usefulness; if they should sacrifice to their own net, and burn incense to their own drag, by coveting human applause, and seeking in their intercourse with people to be complimented, rather than to promote the glory of God; or if they should so far forget themselves as to evince a haughty, irritable, peevish, fretful, or vindictive spirit, instead of the gentleness of Christ, they cannot but greatly oppose and injure the work of the Lord. When the Priests under the former dispensation made themselves "contemptible and base before the people," we are told that they "caused many to stumble at the law;" and there can be no doubt but inconsistency in Ministers of the Gospel will render them contemptible also, and lead to a similar result. No very extensive triumph of divine truth can be reasonably expected, unless Ministers take an elevated stand in society, and by a meek but inflexible piety oppose every form of vice that may present itself before them. May the Lord purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness!"

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"Hypocrisy in the church is likewise an obstacle to the world's conversion. God requires truth in the inward parts. His word enjoins sincerity in all things, and denounces in the strongest terms every species of deception and guile. There was much hypocrisy in the Jewish church, and it is greatly to be feared that many are under its influence in the Christian church. Such persons appear in false forms, and mimic characters and virtues not belonging to them their religion is mere acting, and their service therein nothing better than masquerading. They may frequently, and even ardently, engage in public prayer; but they draw nigh unto God with their lips only. They may in appropriate language, and with becoming demeanour, confess their sins before the mercy-seat; but they feel no contrition of heart. They may intercede for a perishing world, and profess much love for souls; but they will make no sacrifice to promote their salvation. They may enumerate the blessings of which they are partakers, and thank the Lord for his lovingkindness; but their bosoms heave not with grateful emotion to the benevolent Author of all their benefits. They may profess faith in Christ, and to be accepted in the Beloved; but they live under the influence of known vice, and make no struggle against it. They may say they love their brother, and would do anything to serve him; but they injure his character by retailing misrepresentation and slander. They may declare the deep interest they feel in religious charities, and even contribute to their support; but it is to obtain human applause, as they would not do the same thing were they fully

persuaded that none but God would ever know of it. They may avow their experimental acquaintance with the deep things of God, and declare themselves to be entirely sanctified; but they still yield to the influence of impure motives, and are often governed by unholy tempers. That many such instances of hypocrisy are found in the Christian church, is a fact that will not be denied; and they certainly form a powerful barrier to the progress of piety, and of course to the conversion of the world. No class of sinners were so severely reproved by our Lord as hypocrites, whom he invariably represented as powerful obstacles to his glorious cause; for they "shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: not going in themselves, neither suffering them that were entering to go in." When hypocrisy was in the camp of Israel, the Lord refused to go with his host to battle, and hence they were defeated, and the proud foe exultingly triumphed over the fallen sons of Israel; and there can be no doubt but the people of God in the present day are often led to flee before the enemy, because of the hypocrisy which exists among his professed followers. Men should be sincere: do the things which God commands, or cease to say, Lord, Lord!" get oil in their vessels, or cast away their lamps; be Israelites indeed, in whom there is no guile, or immediately leave Jehovah's camp; fight the good fight of faith, or put off the Christian uniform. Hypocrisy in the church is a more powerful obstacle to the spread of religion than infidelity in the world: the one is a treacherous foe within the citadel, the other an open foe without; and I have no doubt that hypocrisy has done more than infidelity in corrupting the church and impeding the progress of piety in the world. ***

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"Disunion amongst Christians is an obstacle to the conversion of the world. Christians are to be one; and not merely in their belief in the great truths of the Gospel, but in affection; for they are to be of one heart, striving together for the hope of the Gospel. This, according to our Lord, is a mark of general discipleship; for "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another:" and according to St. John, it is an evidence of spiritual quickening; we know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." But is this the character of the Christian church generally? I fear not. For whence come the envyings, and strifes, and censoriousness, and evil speakings, and bitter controversies amongst the different religious denominations? Undoubtedly from the spirit of disunion, the want of brotherly affection. And to the same evil source may be traced the various schisms in the church, which are of so frequent occurrence, and attended with so much asperity and unholy strife. Whilst such a state of things exists, no very extensive revival of religion can be expected, as the way of the Lord is not prepared. The Saviour in his admirable prayer intimates that Christian union is essential to the conversion of the world. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through the word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." The disciples were together with one accord, of one heart and of one mind, when the Holy Ghost came upon them on the day of pentecost, and converted about three thousand souls ; and so long as they maintained this spirit, the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great multitude believed and turned unto the Lord; but no sooner did they yield to unsanctified tempers, and suffer "envyings, strifes, and divisions," than their moral power was perceptibly weakened, and the progress of the Gospel greatly retarded. Christian professors should do all in their power to preserve the "unity of the spirit in the bond of peace," and not only with their own denomination, but with others also that hold the Head, but in a few subordinate things agree not with them. They should cultivate that "Charity which suffereth long and is kind, which envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemingly,

seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, and which thinketh no evil." They should put the best construction upon every thing they see or hear of their brethren, and be willing to make any sacrifice which does not imply the compromise of principle, rather than sow the seeds of discord amongst them, or give the occasion of offence even to a weak brother. In thus making the crooked path straight and the rough places plain, they would prepare the way for the world's conversion."

Mr. Young offers some most important suggestions on the subject of exertions by individual Christians to bring their relations, friends, and neighbours to the knowledge of the truth. He proposes a method, and we really see no insuperable difficulty as to its adoption, which, if generally acted upon, and fairly carried out, would be productive of the most glorious results. The method to which we refer is, that each converted person should fix his attention upon certain individuals, for whose salvation such person should use special efforts to bring them to the means of grace, and by exhorting them to turn to God, and praying for them, perseveringly endeavour to bring them into a state of salvation. By these means it is supposed that each Christian might succeed in bringing at least one person every year to the possession of salvation; and then, if every new convert adopted the same methods, in a very short period the world would become converted. Mr. Young states that if fifteen hundred persons were now thus to engage in the work of the Lord, and succeed in the conversion of one sinner every year; and then, if they and every person thus converted, were to continue the same means with the same measure of success, in twenty years the whole population of the globe would be converted. We confess we were somewhat startled at this statement, and had recourse to figures to ascertain its correctness, and found it to be demonstrably true. The following recommendations are so valuable that we must be allowed to lay them before our readers.

"I would therefore recommend the truly pious of every Christian denomination to meet together in their respective churches for the adoption of this plan; and if not more than two or three can be found in each church or religious society willing to undertake the proposed work, let them not be discouraged, but act upon the following suggestions, most affectionately submitted, and I fear not the result of their systematic exertions:

"1. Let them in each church or religious community, in conjunction with their Minister, wherever that is practicable, form themselves into a class or classes, for the purpose of working out, by all legitimate and practicable means, the aggressive and benevolent principles of Christianity.

"2. With the view of inducing and fixing the feeling of responsibility, and securing various, vigorous, and persevering efforts, let the members of each class fix upon an equal number of individuals, whose conversion they resolve specially to seek; and let the selection be made according to providential intimations.

"3. Let the persons so uniting feel their own insufficiency to accomplish any good independently of Divine aid; and in earnest prayer let them commit their cause to God, that his blessing may fully qualify them for the successful prosecution of their important undertaking.

"4. Let each person seek intercourse with the individual assigned to his care, and by affectionate treatment, by seasonable conversation, by putting into his hands suitable books or tracts, by embracing every opportunity of