young people, and especially females. Their minds are most susceptible of impressions, and their passions easily wrought upon. For this purpose, schools and academies have been visited, and pathetic and alarming addresses delivered to the students: and in one instance, I have been informed, a separation was caused to be made, resembling that which we are told shall take place at the day of judgment, as represented in the 25th chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel. Such an artifice, perhaps I ought to say, bold usurpation of the divine prerogative, would doubtless have an alarming effect upon young and ignorant minds and HE who sometimes causes the wrath of man to praise him, might indeed over-rule it for good; yet should it be so, this would not, in my view, justify a procedure so unwarrantable and presumptuous; and so far exceeding the powers given, and the limits prescribed, to frail and erring man.

The principle or passion in mankind, which many seem to think it peculiarly proper to address, on the subject of religion, is fear. But although wisely implanted in the human

mind, to serve the most important purposes; yet, when excited to a high degree, this passion, more perhaps than any other, deprives a person of the proper exercise of his reason and judgment. When this is the case in matters of religion, irregularities and extravagancies will ensue; and errors, sometimes the most absurd, will be as readily embraced as truth.

Our blessed Saviour, sometimes indeed, in cases of obstinate infidelity, and perverse impenitence, made use of severity of language, and alarming denunciations. But, except in such cases, his instructions and exhortations were mild and inviting. He endeavored to win mankind over to the ways of religion and truth, by arguments the most persuasive; by representing the Almighty in the most amiable light, and as standing in the most endearing relation to his needy and sinful creatures, "If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him."

"His exhortation mild,

"Bade the meek radiance of celestial hope
"Beam on the faded brow."

1.

I have already noticed the power of sympathy; and it is in no case, perhaps, more evident than in that of fear, especially upon the minds of young persons. When they see one of their acquaintance or friends, or even a stranger, whose mind is agitated by fear and terror, the same emotions are almost irresistibly produced in themselves; and ere they are aware of it, they find themselves trembling and in tears, they know not why. Now such emotions are not the effect of a rational conviction, or of genuine penitence, which (it will be allowed) should arise from a sense of the divine goodness and forbearance, and of our vileness and ingratitude.

One prominent measure adopted, to carry on and perpetuate these religious stirs, is what are called conference meetings. These, in the manner they are frequently conducted, are, in my opinion, highly objectionable. A particular account of them will be found in a subsequent chapter, under the head of Conference Meetings, &c.

Before I leave the subject of extraordinary awakenings, or religious stirs, I beg leave to

notice some of the consequences which usually result from them.

And here I shall not undertake to determine that no good effects are, in any respect, or in any instances, produced by them. On the contrary, I would hope, that at these times, and under these extraordinary excitements, impressions are made on the minds of some individuals, which are genuine and permanent. For, as I before remarked, to the same effect, God can bring order out of confusion; for he hath his way also in the whirlwind and in the storm; through his gracious influence are more usually communicated in a "still, small voice;" and when, with humble and penitent hearts, we modestly attend upon the regularly constituted means and ordinances of religion.

Another effect produced by these stirs, and which I consider a valuable one, is, that they lead many persons to examine more carefully into the nature of religion, and the constitution of the Christian church-its doctrines, government, and worship; the result of which has very commonly been, the addition to the

Episcopal church of a number of valuable members, who have become warmly attached to, and constant attendants upon, her pious and orderly service.

But there are some effects produced by these religious stirs, and some circumstances attending them, which are not so favourable to the interests of true religion. One is, an uncommonly active zeal in proselyting. This zeal, when properly regulated, and exercised with a spirit of candour and liberality, is not censurable; for while a person believes that the system of religion which he has adopted, is the best, he may, from the best motives, wish others to embrace the same system.*

* I confess I do not understand by what principle of religion those persons are actuated, who say, that if they were in another country, they would adopt a different system; or that, if they were young, they would unite themselves to a different denomination of Christians: but that, being advanced in life, and their connexions situated as they are, they think it not advisable to change. This, I should suppose, was trifling a little too much in the important concerns of religion : for every person, in whatever country he may be situated, and in every period of life, is bound to worship and serve God, in the way which, according to his best judgment, he thinks most agreeable to the Divine will.