Here then is avoidance of sin, or reformation from it, without the least alleviation of human depravity, and without being followed by the production of the least degree of good principle. We have before us also a nature, which, though capable of evil of every kind, (for our author will not contend that the "constitutional virtues" of which he speaks, are not vincible,) makes its evil capabilities manifest in some particular act or habit, just as the circumstances of temptation are arranged. Against that temptation, independent of the grace of God, it is in no case proof. It yields itself an easy and a willing victim. But when the temptation does not address itself, the vice lies dormant; the snake lies torpid in its retreat, because the sun does not happen to shine upon it with sufficient vigour ; but it is there. The capacity for evil does not therefore develope itself as to some vices, because the assault is not made in that quarter; but is that a proof of virtue? Is that an abatement of the corruption of the heart? Or to put this view differently. There may be a double temptation, addressed to opposite vices, as to covetousness and prodigality, at the same time; but if avarice overcome profusion, or the contrary, no virtue is produced by the process; one vice merely succeeds in overcoming another; or both may, for the moment, be neutralized, and the semblance of wise and prudent liberality may be created. How much variety of conduct and feeling may thus be effected, where neither "constitutional" nor any other kind of virtue exists? But, finally, we have the influence of the HOLY SPIRIT, and especially in Christian countries, accompanying the Gospel; and surely this is not inefficient. The morality of all Christian nations is higher than that of heathen nations; a kinder order of affections is introduced into the hearts of men generally; they are saved from many evils; they imitate many virtues; they take something of the character and the spirit of the system, even when, for want of faithfulness to its calls and influence, they stop short of the kingdom of heaven. Now that which the Gospel infuses into human nature, is not to be put to the account of human nature; nor can that be pleaded in abatement of the charge of its total depravity, which arises not from itself, but from the grace of CHRIST. On the contrary, that notwithstanding all these assistances, and the vouchsafement of all this influence, it should yet hold out against the motives of true religion, and remain unsubdued by its mercy, and indeed, as to any saving purpose, by its revelations of life and immortality, is one of the most striking proofs of its obduracy, its worldliness, and, in a word, its complete and emphatic depravity. Substantially, we believe DR. CHALMERS and we agree on this great point, which is the foundation of the whole Gospel system;、 but we think that his doctrine of "constitutional virtues" in our nature, is liable to mislead, and that it is false in fact. The phenomena which the characters of unconverted men present, may be sufficiently accounted for without such a concession; and whatever appearance of virtue there may be in the better kind of unsaved men, we are persuaded that it is to be attributed, either to the influence of GOD upon their minds, or to the various aspects which human corruption assumes, now working under the guise of moral excellencies, and now neutralized by the balancings of the vices themselves. On the remaining Sermons our limits forbid us to remark. The whole volume is worthy of the most serious attention; and we, with much satisfaction, strongly recommend it to our Readers. The Italian Convert,-a Narrative founded on Fact. This is an interesting tale, told in an interesting way, and interspersed with many useful and edifying observations. It describes the conversion to Protestantism and to vital Christianity of a young Lady, born in Italy, but sent for education to this country; where, at an early age, she became a victim to consumption, and died in the triumph of faith and hope. The great moral of the tale is correctly stated by the Author in the concluding paragraph: "If there be one sentiment, which more than any other is inculcated by this narrative, it is that of the supreme importance of the Holy Scriptures. By the sun of Revelation, the mists of superstition and the clouds of conscious guilt were dispersed; and she, who had been nursed in ignorance, was made wise unto Salvation." We take this opportunity of remarking, in reference to this little work, and to others of a somewhat similar character and title, that we scarcely know what we are to understand by a "Narrative founded on Fact." If that phrase mean, as we hope that it does in the present case, a Narrative of Facts, stated as they really occurred, and improved to the purpose of moral and religious instruction, it would have been better to have expressed that meaning with greater precision. If it be used to intimate, that, for the sake of effect, and in order to work up the story, facts have been interwoven with fiction, we own that we more than doubt respecting the expediency of such a practice. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. FURTHER ACCOUNTS OF REVIVALS OF RELIGION AT HOME. Extract of a Letter from CANTERbury. During the winter we have had a social meeting in our vestry,after the Friday evening prayer-meeting. About three weeks before Christmas, the friends who attended were too few in number for the meeting to be conducted in the usual way. MR. NEWTON observed, "It is a pity not to im* 3P 2* prove the hour; we will pray a little." Two worthy young men were there, who had not experienced a sense of pardon. One of them soon became deeply concerned; and prayer was offered up for, and by him, till the LORD broke in upon his soul: the other also became greatly distressed, and the six persons who were there, continued in prayer with him till he also rejoiced in GoD. When this matter came to be known, it caused a fresh feeling among the people; penitents became more earnest in their expectations; so that, at almost every prayer-meeting since, some souls have been set at liberty. We cannot calculate the whole number, but think it not less than 50 or 60 since that time. Strangers have come, and been deeply affected; they have obtained mercy, and returned rejoicing in GOD; and we have not known who they were, till we have searched them out. The prayermeetings in the Chapel have been concluded about the usual time; but the people often appearing unwilling to leave, Mr. Newton has said, "If any wish to continue a little longer, we will resort to the vestry." In a few minutes both vestries have been filled; and there the people have given vent to their feelings; and the fervent prayers offered up, through the divine influence, have been answered in, the conversion of many. A worthy woman, who has met in class ten or twelve years, the mother of ten irreligious children, mostly grown up, and the wife of a persecuting husband, has exchanged her tears of sorrow for those of joy. A few months since, her eldest son, a married man, was dangerously ill, and the fear of death wrought so powerfully within him, that he would give his mother no rest, till she went and called up one of our Local Preachers, to come and pray with him, in the middle of the night. He recovered from his illness, but his convictions were deepened, till he obtained pardon. Four days after, two younger brothers were in great distress, and both found peace in a prayer-meeting: and yesterday week another brother, in a prayer-meeting in a village, obtained the same blessing. The sons now began to talk with their father; reminding him how much he had neglected his duty, in never having given them religious instruction; and entreating him, as that time was now over, to receive advice from his children. The man was soon deeply humbled. A few friends went in the evening to pray with him, and at length he also rejoiced in GoD. The next day, a married daughter called on her mother; who said, Have you heard the good news? Yes, she replied; I am glad to hear how happy my brothers are, and what a change has taken place in them. Have you heard nothing more? said the mother. What more? she answered. Why, the LORD has converted your father: he also is happy in GoD! She exclaimed, "My father! my father!" Then stretching out her hands, cried out, O my GoD! shew mercy to me too. She then asked if her mother would get the same persons to pray with her in the evening? They were sent for; and she came with her wicked husband: her agonies were great for a long time: at length she rejoiced with joy unspeakable. Her husband was deeply convinced, and has since found mercy: and also the son's wife. The poor old grandmother, aged 82 years, was brought to the vestry on Wednesday night. I believe she did not know for what purpose: she was pretty well screened with a self-righteous cloke. When one and another began to pray, her attention was arrested; and it was whispered in her ear, They are praying for you. For me! she said, I have done no harm! At length, tears flowed from her eyes, her foundation tottered, and she prayed aloud for mercy. The LORD heard; and she also rejoiced in GoD her SAVIOUR. With tears in her eyes, and with uplifted bands, she exclaimed, “Now I know, now I feel, that the LORD has pardoned my sins."-I cannot attempt to tell you half: if so, I must send you two or three sheets. Jan. 6, 1821. Extract of a Letter from DURHAM. Since the last Conference, we have been favoured with a blessed revival of the work of God in this Circuit. At the Christmas Quarterly Meeting we had an addition to our number in Society of 38; and at the last, of 97; besides 51 persons who had been admitted on trial. This work commenced in a manner which precluded all human boasting. It began without the adoption of any extraordinary means on our part; though when once begun, we found it necessary to increase the number of the prayermeetings, to satisfy the mourning souls who were agonizing under conscious guilt, and longing for pardoning mercy. For many years, the good cause had been very low at Lumley. When Mr. Bramwell was in the Circuit, there was a revival in various other parts; but little or no good appeared to be done here; in consequence of which he was often heard to pray that GOD would have mercy upon poor Lumley. And so discouraging have been the appearances, that some of the Preachers, have been known to wish that the chapel were either taken down, or removed to some village where there was a more favourable prospect of usefulness. Near two years ago, however, it was found necessary to erect a gallery in the chapel, the whole of which was immediately occupied, and the expense soon defrayed. But though the chapel was crowded with attentive hearers, we saw but little of genuine conviction of sin, earnest application to the SAVIOUR, and an entire devotedness to the service of GOD. But in the latter end Extract of a Letter We have introduced "the glorious Gospel of the blessed GOD" into six villages, where no regular preaching was established. Some of them had been given up in consequence of the removal of our friends, and others for want of Ministerial help. But now, of last summer, this extraordinary work began in the following manner. One of our regular hearers was afflicted with the death of an infant. This natural affliction was made a spiritual blessing. It became the means of humbling him before his offended GoD, and of inducing him to seek pardon through the atoning blood: and like an earnest seeker of salvation, desirous to avail himself of every means to obtain and secure his object, he applied for Christian communion. When he joined our Society, he seemed to remove obstacles out of the way of others, who had long been attentive hearers of the Gospel; for many of these now sought admission. The consequence of this was, that many more hastened to the chapel; and these were soon touched with the sacred fire; and shortly there was one united cry for pardon, peace, and holiness. The chapel now became vastly too small again, and is therefore in a course of enlargement. This blessed work has been the means of increased exertion and prayer, and consequently, of considerable addition to the number of our Societies in other parts of the Circuit. "Glory to God, whose sovereign grace Hath animated senseless stones." May the Sun of Righteousness conthe planting of Paul, and the watertinue to shine upon our land, that with an abundant increase, to the ing of Apollos, may be attended glory of GoD, and the best interests of immortal man! May 21, 1821. from GISBorough. Extract of a Letter from BOSTON. I have the pleasure of informing you, that the good work is prospering among us in this Cirouit. We have not, indeed, any extraordinary revival, but we bless God that there does rest a good influence on our congregations generally; and that we have, if not a rapid, yet a steady increase in our Societies. Our places of worship are all well filled; and in several instances, the chapels are too small, and we are obliged to take immediate steps for their enlargement. During the Quarter ending with March, we gave upwards of two hundred notes of admission upon trial. The work appears to be still going on, and you will therefore at once believe me when I say, that a general feeling of joy in the prosperity of Zion pervades the Circuit. We are earnestly praying, that He who sends the blessing, may enable us always to rejoice in Him as the Author of all good, and to give him all the glory. Extract of a Letter from BRADFORD, Yorkshire. I think it is not well to say much about Revivals of Religion in print, till we have had an opportunity of seeing for a considerable time, whether the fruits remain. On that account I omitted writing any thing for insertion in the Magazine. At the same time the particulars mentioned from Maidstone, &c. &c. are so judiciously drawn up, that they cannot do harm, and may do good: I therefore give you the following particulars respecting the work of GoD in the Bradford Circuit. It appears that, for the two last years, the spirit of religion has been in a state of improvement; and, during that time, many sinners were turned from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to GOD. They who had through grace believed, were considerably quickened; and several obtained a full deliverance from inward evils. This growing spirit of piety manifested itself in different ways, and especially in fervent prayer for a revival of religion; and for the Preachers, as instruments in the hand of the LORD. Most heartily did many unite with their Preachers to observe the day of solemn fasting and prayer, according to the direction of the last Conference. GOD was in the midst of us; and from that time he more abundantly poured out his Spirit. To this cause we must attribute the present revival of religion, which extends to every place in the Circuit; more particularly in the vicinity of Bradford, Horton, ClaytonHeights, Dudley-Hill, Low-Moor, Wibsey, Manningham, &c. "In every place in the Circuit, the savour of the knowledge of CHRIST is spread abroad." Since September, 1820, not less than four hundred persons have been |