society, is, that the design, so excellent in itself, and in such strict accordance with the spirit and tendency of Methodism, should have been so long deferred. Time, once lost, is lost for ever; and as years of omitted duty, in this case, as in every other, can never be recalled, the only atonement which can be possibly offered for negligences and ignorances so inexcusable, is, to commence and extend a series of exertions, the object of which shall be, to wipe away a long-established reproach, and perpetuate the benefits which, under divine influence, must arise from the prayerful and diligent pursuit of sacred study and theological research. Such, at least, is the conclusion to which I arrive; but as my means for forming a correct judgment on the matter are limited, and may therefore be questioned, it is satisfactory to perceive that the approbation and good-will of the church at large has, generally speaking, been abundantly shown. Of this I desire no other proof, nor need you, that I know of, than the liberal manner in which the pecuniary demands of the Theological Institution have so far been met. This criterion surely deserves dependence. Approbation, thus expressed, is worthy of all acceptation and trust; and proves, better than a thousand verbal attestations, however well-uttered, that the design now referred to comports with the wishes, and is upheld by the sanction, of those who are best able to weigh and decide upon its merits. That the Institution has been opposed by some parties, I know; for the report has reached my home; but this need produce no alarm, either here or elsewhere. Did you ever know of a good design that was not opposed? Missions to the Heathen abroad have been attacked; so have Missions to the Heathen at home witness the early days of Me. thodism. Bible Societies have been opposed; religion itself is assaulted; and many fight against God, in the face of the most stupendous mercy. The most singular feature in the ob. jections raised against the Wesleyan Institution, is, that some of them have arisen in quarters whence one would have thought it impossible; that is, among persons who profess to appreciate the value of intellectual cultivation. It was my lot, not long since, to be thrown into the company of a person of this class. "The Institution," quoth he, "is just the place to spoil a good Preacher. Such innovations are ruinous. The dross of human learning is a sorry substitute for the fine gold of native simplicity." Other observations equally sagacious followed, in a strain of dictation so confident, as to set aside all controversy on the subject. It so happened that this gentleman was often engaged to speak in public; and, having an opportunity of hearing him, I was able to perceive how far his no-cultivation theory answered the end in actual operation. I found, that, apart from all reasoning on the subject, the good man exemplified in his own case the deficiencies that cleave to those who, whether from neglect or other causes, have never received the advantages of at least moderate preparation for ministerial exercises. The sermon he delivered was by no means of an original cast; neither can I venture to affirm that it was remarkable for very extensive range of thought, or unusual closeness of reasoning; yet it contained many just and unobjectionable observations, delivered with an earnestness of manner, likely to produce good impression; but the effect of the discourse, if not entirely ruined, was greatly weakened by a style of delivery so replete with inaccuracy and blemish, that, not only was the force of many tolerable passages destroyed, but the subject itself was lowered, by creating a feeling among the hearers bordering on levity, not quite unmixed with contempt. For instance in quoting several beautiful texts, words in which the aspirate ought to be pronounced were deprived of it, by which means truth became nonsense. We were informed that, on a certain occasion, a man filled his belly with usks; concerning another ancient person, that "the archers it im." We were reminded of orses swifter than eagles;" of some who fled to "the orns of the altar; " of an orrible tempest," the ouse of David," a "bunch of issop;" and the "ope of the ypocrite." We were then introduced to the nature of "umility, oliness, and appiness," and a notice or two relative to the barley-arvest; to eretics, who were to be rejected after the first admonition; and to Jubal, “the father of those who andle the arp." Then, on the other hand, the aspirate was perversely intruded where it had no business. There was "an hopen door" spoken of; several hoblations; lively horacles, and the "helders of Israel." Besides which, Herod made an horation." At last we arrived at the "hends of the herth." Sundry provincial delinquencies were also perpetrated, much to the disadvantage of the speaker, the great grief of serious hearers, and consequent amusement of such as had not yet become so. We were given to understand, that every walley shall be exalted;" that worldly enjoyment is "wanity and wexation of spirit; " that "the floods lift up their woice; yea, a mighty woice :' allusion was also made to those who "wowed a wow." These samples might, but they shall not, be multiplied. Enough has been produced to show how injurious such defects are; and with what solicitude and earnestness every man, who stands up to teach the most important science ever known, should so convey his instructions, that not only should truth be delivered, but conveyed in terms adapted for general reception, and, at the same time, so as to protect the speaker and his theme from jeer and derision. 66 or the precincts of a city; whether in the far north or far west; on the Sabbath, or a week evening; in a large chapel, or a small one; are questions which the reader will be so kind as not to ask, seeing the thing is a secret. The facts are genuine and authentic; and "further than that this deponent sayeth not." Some one may affect to assert, after all, that the language and manrer of pulpit elocution and address are unworthy of notice; and that whoever ascends the place of instruction in a right spirit will find that, independently of previous study, it shall be given him in that same hour or moment what to speak. That the Almighty will grant his Holy Spirit to those who ask for the shedding forth of its influences, is granted, whether in the pulpit, or out of it: but on those who thus wrest and pervert the meaning of Scripture, by intimating that human means are to be dispensed with in arriving at a certain end, all reasoning is thrown away. To impartial inquirers I may observe, that intellectual carelessness and true evangelical usefulness are for ever at variance. They cannot exist under one roof, or, at least, in one heart. The best truths ought to be conveyed in the best manner. "The Preacher," we are told, “was wise; he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and he set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words; and that which was written was upright, even words of truth." Can any one show why pulpit exertion, either in itself or the effects desired, is of inferior consequence to every other mode of public speaking? If a man wish to rise in his profession at the bar, or in the senate, or in the lecture-room, does he postpone the consideration of his intended speech or lecture to the moment of rising to deliver it? Nothing is clearer than that he who would thus risk his reputation is guilty of the rankest enthusiasm, and must expect to receive the recompence that is meet, in the defeat and disappointment awaiting him. As the pages of your Magazine are valuable, I will not encroach beyond a few additional lines. You, and the zealous friends so actively engaged in founding the Theological Institution at the village of Hoxton, may rest assured that it has the prayers, and will have the support, of the Methodist public. Asking pardon, therefore, for this long letter,-which I hope you will put in, some convenient day, I will simply quote an authority or two in support of the views now espoused: they are so uncommonly suited to us, that, were it not for the time that has elapsed since they were written, one would think the mighty dead-who, by their writings, still speak-meant to give us a lift on the occasion. "Till I come," says St. Paul to Timothy, "give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine; meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all.” Ministers," says Matthew Henry, on this very passage, "are to be much in meditation; they are to consider beforehand how and what they must speak; they are to meditate on the great truth committed to them, of the worth and value of immortal souls; by this means their profiting will appear in all things, as well as to all persons." Unwilling to spoil what I am unable to mend, I will only congratulate you and myself on this delightful harvest weather; and express an humble but fervent hope, that both Preachers and people, in great and increasing numbers, may be nourished in the word and doctrine, till gathered into the garner of eternal life. RUSTICUS. August, 1835. ITINERANT PREACHING. NOTWITHSTANDING the prejudices of mankind, and the indiscretions of individuals, an Itinerant teacher, if duly qualified and sent forth, is one of the most honourable and useful characters that can be found upon earth; and there needs no other proof, that, when this work is done properly and with perseverance, it forms the grand method of spreading wide, and rendering efficacious, religious knowledge, than the experience of the church in all ages; for great reformations and revivals of religion have uniformly been thus effected. It is especially sanctioned by the example of Christ and his Apostles, and recommended as the divine method of spreading the Gospel through the nations of the earth; itinerant preaching having almost always preceded, and made way for, the stated ministry of regular Pastors. But it is a work which requires peculiar talents and dispositions, and a peculiar call in Providence; and is not rashly and hastily to be ventured upon by every novice who has learned to speak about the Gospel, and has more zeal than knowledge, prudence, humility, or experience. An unblemished character, a disinterested spirit, an exemplary deadness to the world, unaffected humility, deep acquaintance with the human heart, and preparation for enduring the cross, not only with boldness, but with meekness, patience, and sweetness of temper, are indispensably necessary in such a service. They who engage in it should go upon broad scriptural grounds, and dwell chiefly upon those grand essentials of religion in which pious men of different persuasions are agreed; plainly proving every thing from the word of God, running nothing into extremes, and avoiding all disputes, however urged to it, about the Shibboleths of a party. In this way, itinerant preaching is a blessing which all that love the souls of men must wish to be vouchsafed to every part of every nation upon earth. And if those who are in authority were to employ select men of known and approved piety and ability, protected and countenanced by them, to go from city to city, and from village to village, through the kingdom, teaching in every place the plain, acknowledged truths and precepts of the Bible, immense good might be done. Those stated teachers who have been grossly negligent or profligate must either be disgraced or reformed; others might be stirred up to use greater diligence; and the instructions of stated faithful Ministers would receive an additional sanction, which could not fail of producing a happy effect. Thus it was in the days of Jehoshaphat; and thus it will be wherever or whenever God shall please to stir up the hearts of Kings, Princes, and Ministers, to teach the people in every part of their territories, according to the word of God. This is also the proper way of promoting public peace and prosperity; and it will prove a better protection of nations than an increase of powerful armies or navies; though it may very properly be connected with the ordinary methods of defence.-SCOTT's Practical Observations on 2 Chron. xvii. 7-19. LETTER TO A MINISTER ON THE DEATH of his wife. April 27th, 1835. MY VERY DEAR FRIEND AND BRO THER, THOUGH I had received painful accounts of Mrs. -'s state of health, yet I was startled and surprised, when I learned from a public paper of last week, that she was no more. You have indeed sorrow upon sorrow." It is a sorrow, too, which human appliances or emollients cannot easily soothe; and yet the affectionate sympathy of friends cannot be with held. not, into the bitter cup which he will infuse the ingredients of his has now placed in your hands, he heavenly comfort. that comfort, and feel that, though May you taste your earthly prospects are darkened, and your earthly joys fearfully diminished, you have yet light, and life, and peace, in your God! One source of grateful feeling you assuredly have, in the undoubted evidence that your dear departed wife is now "with God, in joy and felicity." She shall no more endure bodily pain and languor; no more lament that indescribable feeling of occasional depression which often marred her enjoyments. All this is now past. The once-suffering frame reposes in silence and peace; when it shall re-awake, at the voice and of Him who has redeemed our bo dies, as well as our souls, shall re-awake spiritual, glorious, incorruptible, immortal; exempt from the possibility of weakness or decay; fit vehicle and instrument of the glorified spirit; and itself rendered capable of the bright and unclouded presence of God. We sorrow not even as others who have no hope. The souls of our departed friends are with the Lord Jesus; and their bodies "sleep in him." "But it is an early removal." Alas! what is the longest life on earth? When our present being shall be viewed in the light of eternity, how trifling will be the difference between thirty-seven years, and threescore years and ten! It is not great even now. Besides, we are hastening after those who have gone before us. Yet a little while, and we shall make the same voyage; and, I trust, through the mercy of our God, gain the same peaceful port. How delightful to meet in the land of life and immortal being; and to know that we shall part no more! Excuse this not unfriendly obtrusion on your sorrows. I am not skilful in suggesting topics of consolation to myself; and I fear I fail in my attempts to suggest them to others. But you are my old and early friend; and I cannot refrain from writing to assure you that I sympathize with you in your griefs; and that I would impart comfort, if I could. Blessed be the God of all comfort! He can do it: I trust he My ever dear friend, RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST CONFERENCE IN IRELAND. THE Annual Conference of the Wesleyan Ministers of Ireland was this year held in Belfast. Eighty-six Preachers of the Irish Connexion were present on the occasion. Several lay gentlemen also, from various parts of the country, attended, agreeably to established usage, as members of several of the preparatory Committees, to assist in transacting the temporal business of the Connexion. The Rev. Joseph Taylor, President of the British Conference, presided; and was accompanied by the Rev. Robert Alder, (in the place of their highly esteemed friend Dr. Bunting,) one of the General Secretaries of the Wesleyan Missions, and the Rev. Elijah Hoole, Assistant Secretary, and Agent of the General Committee for the Irish Mission Schools. The Conference, and the persons connected with it, were cordially received and entertained with their characteristic hospitality, by the members and friends of the Methodist society in Belfast. On Friday morning, July 3d, at six o'clock, a public meeting was held in the Wesleyan chapel, Donegal-square, to supplicate the divine guidance and blessing; after which the Rev. Thomas W. Doolittle was, by his brethren, chosen Secretary, and the business of the Conference commenced. On the same day a similar prayer-meeting was held from twelve to one o'clock; and in the evening, at seven, the President of the Conference delivered to a large and attentive congregation, an excellent discourse, from Phil. i. 19, in which he explained and enforced the necessity and importance, to every good purpose, of "the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." The Rev. Robert Newton, whose distinguished services in the cause of his divine Master are so well known, had been appointed, by the previous British Conference, to accompany the President to Belfast; and it was generally expected he would preach there on the ensuing Sabbath. But, instead of his personal appearance, which was eagerly anticipated, a letter from Scotland, where he had been detained on official business, was received, communicating the afflictive intelligence of his sudden and very dangerous illness. The deepest sympathy was felt, and fervent prayers were offered to God, both by the Conference and congregations, for the preservation of his valuable life, and the restoration of his health, until a subsequent letter arrived, announcing the abatement of the disorder, and the cheering prospect of his speedy recovery; an event which has since been happily realized. On the arrival of this pleasing intelligence, prayer was accompanied by praise to the Great Head of the church, who had thus graciously heard and answered the supplications of his people in behalf of a beloved Minister. On the following Sabbath, the Rev. Robert Alder supplied the place of his afflicted brother; and, being evidently assisted from above, he |