to original and bold inquiries, but that now, probably to a greater degree than at any former period, a similar disposition pervades the whole community. An ambitious desire to hit upon something new, may be traced down through every rank, even to the lowest classes of society. Hence every man seems studious to learn not how he may arrive at correct conclusions; but how he may be able to differ from his neighbor. And we cannot doubt that in no small degree, to the influence of such feelings on the minds of christians is the fact to be attributed, that the plain, spiritual, lifegiving writings of Baxter, Doddridge, Newton, Fuller, Scott, and others of a similar stamp, have fallen into comparative neglect. The relish for substantial food, on which the soul may feed and be invigorated and refreshed, has given place to a fastidiousness of taste, which rarities alone can gratify. Far be it from us to repress, or in the least degree to discourage, that spirit of investigation which closely scrutinizes whatever it receives, and thus establishes its belief on the firm basis of intelligent and enlightened views. But there is a wide difference between believing every thing without discrimination or inquiry, and believing nothing after a great parade of laborious examination. And we fear that the latter will be found to be by no means an uncommon case. Again, it is easy to see how the spirit of enterprise which is abroad, and which so far as properly directed and controlled, is the glory of our age, may operate to the neglect of personal religion, and consequently of the means adapted to its promotion. The mind must have some one predominant object of pursuit ; and when this is once determined, towards it all the habits of feeling and of action spontaneously converge. At former periods, before the church had begun to put forth her energies in benevolent exertion;-to array her forces and lead them forth to wage offensive warfare upon the dominions of the prince of darkness;-professing christians, as such, had no other object of engrossing interest, but that of training themselves for glory and immortality. But now the case is otherwise. Action-action is the watch-word which everywhere, "The dwellers in the vales and on the rocks The attention of christians, instead of being limited to themselves, or their own immediate sphere, is incessantly called abroad to watch the progress of the general cause. Would it then be singular, if they should find themselves governed by the prevailing spirit of the day; and inadvertently substituting a mechanical for a spiritual religion; and perusing accounts of the accounts of christian enterprise with deeper interest than the book which relates to the cultivation and growth of piety in the heart. Lastly, the entire freedom of opinion, and the religious tranquility by which our age is preeminently characterized, may, in some respects, exert an unfavorable influence on personal religion; and consequently induce a distaste for devotional reading. The time has been when he who assumed the garb of religion, must almost of necessity be a thorough-going christian. The disciples and primitive professors, and after them the persecuted Waldenses, and later still the Huguenots, and last of all the Puritans; called as they were to stand up against an opposing world to encounter danger, priviation, and death, in their most appalling forms, acquired as a consequence a holy intrepidity, an unblenching fortitude, a burning zeal, and an elevated purity of character, which we shall seek in vain amid the bowers of peacefulness and ease, in which christians repose unmolested at the present day. How could the faith of such men be weak, when, having renounced all for Christ, and having their names cast out as evil, they were called to a daily and implicit reliance upon God alone. How could their hope be otherwise than glowing, when, surrounded by peril and distress, all their joys were in the future, and were rendered doubly delightful in the prospect, by the sufferings to which they were here subjected. How could their love decline, when they felt themselves hated and despised by the world, and then turned to their Father in heaven, as their only, their unchangeable friend. But now, when the professing christian may recline in the lap of luxury, or delight himself amid the groves and streams of philosophy and science, and thus glide down the stream of life upon untroubled waters, is it not easy to conceive that he should suffer his graces to decline—that he should lose his relish for spiritual food, and lightly esteem the fountains of devotional literature? If the But how greatly is a result like this to be lamented. christian of the present day, does come under the influence of circumstances unfavorable to his growth in vital piety, ought he not to use more diligently every means which promises to warm and animate and purify his heart, instead of suffering his incipient distaste for them to become predominant? That such is in an eminent degree the tendency of well selected practical works, is the united testimony of the wisest and best of men. Says one distinguished for his piety and talents, "Resolved; that I will daily read attentively one or more pages of some practical religious book, believing that it will serve to quicken my heart, and promote my growth in holiness." We wish a similar resolve were adopted by every christian. Then would those gifted minds, who are willing to devote their powers to him who gave them, have opened to them an inviting field. The fires of genius would be employed in lighting up the path to heaven; and we should ere long possess, what would prove an invaluable blessing to ourselves and to our children, an extensive sacred literature. ART. III.-REVIEW OF PRESIDENT WAYLAND'S SERMON, IN BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. Encouragements to Religious Effort: a Sermon delivered at Philadelphia, at the request of the American Sunday School Union. May 25, 1830. By FRANCIS WAYLAND, Jun. President of Brown University. Philadelphia. Am. S. S. Union. pp. 36. We do not introduce to our readers the discourse at the head of this article, for the purpose of remarking at large on its contents, or with the expectation of materially extending its influence in the religious community. The character of its author, and the circumstances under which it came before the public, have already secured for it a wide circulation. In this we rejoice, for it sustains, we think, the established reputation of Dr. Wayland, both for ability as a writer, and for evangelical sentiment as a minister of Christ; and we should think very unfavorably of that christian, who could rise from the perusal of its impressive statements and powerful appeals, without feeling the pulse of benevolence moving within him at a quickened pace. And here we will offer a passing remark, on the general character of sermons recently preached on anniversary and other occasions of great public interest. They have afforded us high gratification. They have been able, dignified, evangelical. They have breathed elevated christian feeling, and enlarged christian philanthropy. Whether we consider them as specimens of effective pulpit exhibition, or as embodying the peculiar spirit of the age, we are made to feel that our march is onward. Go back half a century, and we find no such anniversaries of benevolent action, as we are now privileged to celebrate, no occasions equally fitted to call forth the highest exertions of the intellect, and the warmest feelings of the heart. And we will venture to add, that how much soever the clergy of an earlier age, may have excelled those of the present, in some important respects, they were not as thoroughly versed in the philosophy of human nature; nor did they know as well how to embody truth in those forms, which are best suited to move the heart, and control the life. We refer not here to the amount of matter or compass of investigation: but to directness and power of appeal, and to all the grand elements of mental and moral excitement. When we consider the pre-eminent importance of the cause, which President Wayland's discourse was designed to promote, and the noble efforts, which immediately after its delivery, were made for the furtherance of this cause, we would gladly linger here, and inhale ourselves, and endeavor to impart to others, the inspiration of so exalted a theme. But having dwelt on this subject in a late number of our work, we shall now call the attention of our readers to another topic briefly touched upon, but not particularly discussed in the sermon before us; we mean the peculiar call, at the present period, for a more elevated tone and standard of piety in the christian church. Every year brings with it increasing evidence, that the great enterprise of publishing the gospel to every creature, must be carried forward by the labors and sacrifices of the church itself, with but little aid from those nominal believers who attend on its public ministrations. This fact, with the duties which it involves, ought to be deeply engraven upon the minds of all who bear the Redeemer's name. A new era, apparently, is opening upon the world-more rich in promise, more simple and efficacious in the means for its advancement, than the church has ever witnessed since the age of the apostles. At such a period, how pre-eminently important is it, that the professed followers of Christ should lift their views to a level with their station; and exhibit before the world that elevated spirit of piety, which the circumstances of the age demand. 1. This is necessary, in the first place, to produce in others a just and salutary impression of the true nature of evangelical religion. The church is composed of those who profess to believe and obey the gospel. They stand forth, therefore, in the view of those around them, as a living representation of the gospel itself. Christianity is identified with the character of its professors; and however unreasonable it may be for men to form their estimate of its character, not from that image of excellence exhibited in the person of Christ, but from the imperfect copy presented in the lives of his followers; yet in this manner, will their estimate be in fact formed. It cannot be questioned, that those who are themselves strangers to vital piety, are far more influenced in their views of its worth, and in their convictions for or against its reality, by what they see, than by what they read or hear. Is the religion of Christ, then, in reality, pure and undefiled? Are its doctrines and precepts bright emanations from Him who is glorious in holiness? How utterly does the church fail of a just practical exhibition of the religion she professes, when she falls short of a high standard of universal holiness! On the other hand, in proportion as vital godliness increases, and the standard of holy action is VOL. III. 5 raised, the resemblance between the divine original above, and the living representation on earth, becomes more close; and the glory of the gospel shines forth in a fairer, and more attractive light. The conviction of its heavenly origin and intrinsic excellence, of the sacredness of its claims and the infinite value of its hopes, takes a firmer hold of the minds of men; and thus its influence is increased, and its triumphs multiplied. Every faithful minister of Christ knows, and feels the truth of these remarks. He anxiously looks for the fruit of his labors. He narrowly observes the various influences which are exerted, either to promote or hinder his success. He can feelingly appreciate the force of that appeal to the consciences of men, which is derived from practical holiness,-from the daily conduct of the heavenlyminded, the self-denying, the benevolent, and devoted in his church. He can readily enter into the feelings expressed by Paul (and so often manifested by modern missionaries of a like spirit) when he says to the Thessalonian converts," now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." It is from feelings of the liveliest sensibility on this subject, that we find all the apostles urging their disciples to a conversation which becometh the gospel, 'to set their affections on things above,'' to walk circumspectly, to walk in wisdom towards them that are without,' 'holding forth the word of life,' and 'adorning the doctrine of God, their Savior in all things.' When they learn that their converts continue faithful, and stedfast, they rejoice over them with the liveliest joy; when they hear of the apostasy or backsliding and disorderly conduct of any, they mourn and weep. "Brethren be followers together of me, and mark them that walk so; for many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ." This co-operation of churches with ministers, by leading lives of eminent holiness, is peculiarly called for by the exigences of the present day. Ministerial duties are now greatly multiplied and peculiarly urgent, and the responsibilities of the pastoral office are of course proportionally increased. Every faithful ambassador of Christ, feels a constant and pressing need of the sympathy and prayers, and active co-operation of his church. If, through the prevalence of a Laodicean spirit, this co-operation is withheld, his burdens and anxieties are doubled. Nothing is begun, nothing is effected, without his presence and aid. His efforts are demanded constantly, and in every department. The consequence is, that he either labors beyond his strength, or sinks under discouragement; and with impaired health, and a broken heart, is early compelled to retire from a field of labor, already white for the harvest. We do not speak at random when we say, that not |