thought, and this is the true solution most probably, that he knew too well the character of those by whom such information was sought; he was unwilling also that the fact of his being himself a Christian should in any degree offend his countrymen, and prove an obstacle and a stumbling-block in his ardent desire and prayer to do them good.

However, so far as is prudent and consistent with a sense of the propriety of what is due to others, your request shall be acceded to.

The following special motives have in great measure originated the present pages:

1. I trust the glory of God has been the uppermost feeling in my heart. It cannot be too much or too strongly impressed on the mind, that even the benefits and blessings of our common Christianity are not to constitute the principal motive even for diffusing true religion. Nothing short of love to Christ, and an eye to the divine glory, can sanction any undertaking: this is an evangelical principle, and would that it formed a rule whereby all men professing godliness were guided and directed—the gospel acknowledges no other: this is laid down for all classes of Christians, and ought therefore especially to influence every one of Christ's ministers: they are styled the lights of the world, but it is borrowed light in which they shine; and as the greatest light always extinguishes the less, so they shine most when least of their own effulgence appears.

2. While, however, I would ascribe the motive, the means, and the end, to the glory of God,

there are other considerations which deserve to be taken into the account: it is the duty of ministers of the gospel to look well to the results of things, whether good or evil: if good, what kind and degree of good is springing out of their labours among their flock? if any evil begins to manifest itself, and to appear as tares among the wheat, what is the present amount of it in individual cases? and what is likely to be the aggregate, if it be permitted to continue unchecked?

I feel that I have not paid sufficient regard to this point hitherto. It is by no means sufficient to preach the truth as it is in Jesus, we must also guard the truth: it is our duty to anticipate evils, and, by the grace of God, to be ready to meet them; to foresee the tendency of things, and to try to disabuse the minds of our people of them; to watch with extreme anxiety whatever misconstructions or perversions may arise from any scripture doctrine not rightly apprehended; to know what course to take to remedy prevailing evils in society and general intercourse by a timely interposition; and if we are unable to prevent them, at least we may, by using every suitable means, try to heal or expose them. Such was the pious conduct of the aged St. John, when he saw that some would take umbrage to sin from his doctrine; anticipating the evil, he immediately wrote to them the salutary caution," that they sin not." What a blessing were all ministers actuated by the like feeling and concern for their spiritual charge.

3. As far as observation and experience lead

me, there appears, in most instances, a striking analogy between the natural and spiritual man; in both, the whole system, or spiritual economy, must be attended to; and he who is wise to win souls will watch the progress of divine truth and the tendency of his preaching to the hearts and lives of those among whom his lot is cast; while, at the same time, he is by no means an unconcerned spectator of the openings of usefulness and beginning of grace in any soul.

How

often, if we look well to existing evils, shall we discover that some congregations are likely to suffer from fulness of privileges, no less than others from want of them! How often are the very benefits of a gospel ministry nominal rather than real! the reception rather intellectual than practical or useful! the light diffusive; and, like a flood, proportionally shallow! And whenever such effects appear, and they will appear more or less every where, they call for the utmost vigilance and wakeful energies of every faithful shepherd.

I wish to take no credit to myself in this effort. If, however, the Lord has bestowed on me any gift or grace-any wisdom or ability, it is only intrusted to me for a short season. Every such talent I would fain see put out to the best advantage, and would gladly return it to the Giver with some little interest: such as this interest is, you will find in several ways of grace in which I have lately been negotiating. How far this spiritual merchandize may suit the taste or meet the present feelings of the religious public, or how far it may hit the mark I have had

most in view, it is not for me even to throw out a conjecture; one thing I may say, that amidst other and still more important engagements, it has cost me no little mental anxiety and painstaking, not a few privations, and much economy of time!

And now, in a spirit of prayer and simple dependance upon God, I send it forth; being fully persuaded that He alone can procure it favour— give it acceptance-widen its circulation, and measure the full extent of its success.

SECTION II.

1

CONVICTIONS OF SIN.

TIMOTHEUS.-EPAPHRAS.

PHILEMON-Babe in Christ.

Timotheus.-Perhaps it needs some apology for my thus intruding, but I come in behalf of a dear friend I much wish to introduce to you; and it affords me real pleasure to do so, being fully persuaded we can never truly say—we have a Saviour in heaven whom we love, if we neglect any brother who is upon earth.

Epaphras.-You know how glad I am to see you, and all who deem it a privilege to co-operate with God in his great work of mercy of spreading the Saviour's name;-of assisting in the smallest degree in building up the walls of Zion; -of serving the sacred cause of God in the world, and of helping forward and strengthening the hands of his ministers.

Timotheus.-The case is singularly interesting: it is that of an individual who is full grown in nature, but now a little one in grace, (for I do hope the work is begun) but there requires much wisdom to discern, as well as a clear judgment to direct.

Epaphras. In such persons, I am aware there is usually great tenderness of spirit, which is to be gently dealt with; there is also not unfrequently great diffidence arising from their age