forsake his way, and the unright- | have mercy upon him; and to our eous man his thoughts: and let him God, for he will abundantly parreturn unto the Lord, and he will don." Amen. ON REVIVALS OF RELIGION. No. VIII. In enquiring what things ought to be done to promote a revival of religion, it may be proper first to enquire what things ought to be done to put the church in a proper state of feeling, to be prepared for such a work. It is certainly God's ordinary method to make use of the exertions of the church in the conversion of sinners. In reading the history of revivals, we usually find this to be the case in an eminent degree. And if in some instances we have no account of it, the omission of this fact in the narrative does not prove that it did not exist. But there is no reason to expect the church will make any suitable exertions for the accomplishment of this object, till they experience a revival in their own souls. It is only when they are awake themselves, and in the lively exercise of the Christian graces, that they act in character. The first object, then, is to produce a revival in the church. And no doubt God has instituted means to accomplish this. These means, however, they will not use, while in a state of apathy. While they are satisfied to remain as they are, and while they are contented to let sinners remain as they are, they will not be persuaded to use any means to promote a revival. And they are not in a proper state of feeling to use any such means, if they could be persuaded to make the attempt. They would not use them perseveringly, nor faithfully, nor systematically; and many of the necessary means they would not use at all. The first thing to be done, then is to rouse the church, and put them in a proper state of feeling, to be prepared for such a work. Among the means adapted to effect this, one of the first seems to be, that they should endeavour to obtain a suitable sense of the vast importance of having a revival. To attain this. let them consider its importance to themselves as individuals, its importance to the church to which they belong, its importance to their children and neighbours, and its importance to the church universal. I. Its importance to themselves as individuals. 1. Let them consider how much their present comfort depends upon it. Let them look back to the days that are past, when they were in the lively exercise of the Christian graces, and compare the comforts they enjoyed then, with those they enjoy now. Let them remember the time when the light of God's countenance shone upon them, and his peace filled their hearts. How sweetly then did all their moments pass-How closely did they walk with God-How intimate was their intercourse with heaven-How near were their approaches to a throne of graceHow refreshing were the seasons of religious worship-How sweet was their communion with GodHow animating was their Christian fellowship-How delightful were their foretastes of heaven. now-how distressing is the contrast-"How is the gold become dim; how is the most fine gold changed." How poor, how tasteless, how miserable, in comparison, are the best comforts which But weaken its influence. Self-denial, often repeated, would become easy. Obedience to the precepts, and conformity to the example of Christ, would grow into habit.Their conflicts with temptation would be less frequent; their victory more sure. this world can give. What Christ-Have they groaned under the polian does not sigh for the return of lutions of their own hearts, and those precious seasons? A revival earnestly desired to be thoroughwould restore them. ly cleansed? Have they discover2. Let them consider how much ed the beauty and excellency of their progress in divine knowledge holiness, as set before them in the depends upon a revival. Divine bright example of the Lord Jesus knowledge has been rightly called Christ? And do they desire to be the food of the soul. It is plain more and more transformed into that there cannot be any more en- his image? A constant revival in joyment of God than there is their own hearts would greatly knowledge of him; nor any more promote this work. The Christian right feelings respecting ourselves graces, by lively and vigorous exthan there is knowledge of our-ercise, would increase in strength. selves. The perfections of God, Habitual mortification of the flesh, as displayed in the works of crea-with its affections and lusts, would tion, providence, and redemption, afford matter of the most delightful contemplation to the angels. And as far as good men approach those holy intelligences, in the temper of their minds, they will delight in the same employment. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." But in the time of spiritual declension, other objects engross their attention, and the things of God are pushed from their thoughts. While they take little interest in these things, they will take little pains to enquire into them. If they make any progress in the knowledge of Divine things, it will be exceedingly slow. Indeed, it is to be feared, that many forget more than they learn. Is it desirable that Christians should, in this respect, be more assimilated to the angels in heaven? Then it is desirable that there should be a revival in their hearts. 3. Let them consider how much their growth in grace depends upon a revival. By growth in grace I mean an increasing conformity to Christ, in their temper and practice. Have they seen the odious nature of sin? Have they felt it to be vile and loathsome? Have they abhorred it in themselves, and longed to be delivered from it? 4. Let them consider how necessary is a revival, to keep them from falling into gross and scandalous sins. What security has the Christian when he has begun to backslide? What bounds can he set to himself, when once he has begun to comply with temptation? How easy and how imperceptible is his progress, when once he has departed from the path of duty. Having ceased to struggle with the current, and committed his bark to the mercy of the tide, how swiftly is he borne downwards towards the gulf of perdition.What multitudes of professors, in a time of declension, thus make shipwreck of their religious character, dishonour their Lord and Master, disgrace their Christian profession, grieve the hearts of their brethren, destroy their own hope, and plunge their souls in darkness and despair! And who that backslides from God, and sinks down into a state of stupidity and spiritual death, can promise himself an exemption from any of these consequences? Nothing can secure him but a revival of religion in his heart, and a speedy return to God. 5. Let them consider how necessary is a revival in their own hearts, in order to prepare them for usefulness. No man can sustain a Christian character and live to himself. And no man who is a Christian at heart can desire to live to himself. The real Christian desires to live to God. He desires to be actively engaged in promoting his cause. He desires men. to be instrumental in spreading his gospel, and saving the souls of But the strength of this desire depends on the state of his heart. When his heart is cold, his desire to promote the cause of God will be feebly felt, perhaps too feebly to prompt him to any exertions. Or if he makes any exertions, they will probably be irresolute, ill directed, interrupted and ineffectual. In a stupid and backslidden state, he is not qualified to do much good, were he so disposed. He cannot plead the cause of God with sufficient earnestness, for he does not feel its importance. He cannot prevail upon the sinner to give an immediate attention to the concerns of his soul, for he has not a sense of its amazing value. He cannot commend to the conscience and the heart of others the excellence of the Christian life, for he does not lead it himself. And were he qualified to do good, he would want the inclination. consciousness of his own backslidings would stop his mouth. If he should attempt to reprove sin in others, he would expect the retort, "physician, heal thyself.” Thus circumstanced, he feels compelled to be inactive, and he feels little inclination to be otherwise. It is well if he is not a block in the way of his more consistent The brethren. But, Oh, how different ly would he feel, should a revival take place in his heart.-How would he humble himself in dust and ashes for his neglects of duty, and address himself to the work of his Lord and Master, like one alive from the dead. 6. Let them consider how necessary is a revival in their hearts, in order to prepare them for the sorrows and afflictions of life."Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upwards." How numerous are the crosses and disappointments of this vale of tears. How often are our fondest hopes blasted, our highest expectations dashed with a stroke. How often do those things from which we had promised ourselves the highest happiness, inflict the deepest wounds. Whe, that has experienced the storms of life, does not feel the need of support and consolation under them? The lively and vigorous exercise of the Christian graces would furnish that support and consolation. All else is "vanity and vexation of spirit." 7. Let them consider how necessary is a revival in their hearts, in order to prepare them for the last trying scene of a death bed. To this we are all hastening. And when it comes, and we look back upon our past lives, what will there be then to comfort us in the review, but the good we have accomplished? And how very small will be the amount, unless we are more awake and active than we have been? How bitter, then, will be our regret, for all the time we have wasted in sloth and idleness? How cutting will be the reflection, that we have been as barren figtrees in the garden of our Lord? When we come to look into eternity, and see its awful realities in their true light, how will it fill us with shame and self-reproach, that we have treated them with so much indifference. When we feel ourselves about to be called to the judgment seat, and consider what account we can render for all our misspent time and neglected opportunities-when we consider how little we have done for God, and for the souls of men, in comparison of what we might have done; and how little evidence our lives afford of the sincerity of our faith; shall we not tremble with fearful apprehension, lest all our hopes should at last prove vain, and we should be thrust down to hell from the very gates of heaven? Would we make our death bed comfortable, and have the Christian's hope to support us, let us lead the Christian's life. Let us no longer sleep, as do others, but watch and be sober. blessed, we shall carry with us no preparation but that which we have made in this life. The manner in which every moment is spent will have influence upon our eternal state. Every vessel of mercy will indeed be full, but they will be of different capacities, according to their formation here. We are solemnly assured in the scriptures, that the reward of every one shall be in proportion to his works. They that have done but little for God, shall indeed be rewarded for that little; but "they that turn many to righteousness, shall shine as the stars forever and ever." How important, then, is every moment! How fraught with results, which eternity alone can enable us to comprehend! 8. Let Christians consider how How important, then, to each important is a revival in their individual, is a revival in his own hearts, in order to prepare them heart. And since we are so much for the enjoyments and employ-under the influence of those around ments of heaven. It is here that us, how important to each indiour preparation must be made for vidual is a revival in the church to the joys of heaven. It is here which he belongs. that our minds must be fitted for the employment of angels. If we ever reach the mansions of the A FRIEND TO REVIVALS. Utica Christ. Repos. the allotments of his providence; but when we ask for an effusion of his Holy Spirit, and for a revival of religion among us, we are to come boldly to the throne of grace, with no reservation, with no hesitation, for we know the will of God on this subject. He has expressly said, and with an oath, that he has no pleasure in the death of the sinner, but would rather that he should turn and live." He has said also, "that he is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than parents are to give good gifts to their children." We feel therefore, that there is no doubt upon this subject, but that we may pray for this immense blessing with full confidence that it will be granted; and we believe that it always will be granted where the prayers and the labours are accompanied with faith. Allow me to mention an instance or two among several which have come to my knowledge, where the blessing has been given. In a town, twenty miles north of this, a small number of the members of the church awaked a few weeks since, and agreed to meet for prayer occasionally, and make an individual, who was an influential man in the town, and opposed to vital piety, the particular subject of prayer. They met accordingly, and prayed for this man from time to time, and in a short period he became a subject of deep conviction, and is now rejoicing in hope that he has become a child of God. This little circle of believers then took a second person, and prayed for him, and he too became a convert, and both are now propounded for admission to the church. A third person was then selected and prayed for, and it is understood that he is becoming uneasy in his mind, and is enquiring what he shall do. Not only has the prayer of faith, occasionally offered, been blessed, but likewise the prayer of faith when accompanied with importunity. A mechanic of my acquaintance, who is a man of ardent piety, said to his wife, some time last winter, there are seven in our family, and among our journeymen and apprentices, who are still out of Christ. Why should they not be brought into the kingdom. Let us resolve that we will take one of them, and make that one a subject of prayer, and exhort him in conversation to flee from the wrath to come. The plan was determined on. They carried it into execution that very night. They spent almost the whole of the first night in prayer. In a few days the individual for whom they prayed became hopefully pious. He then united in prayers and efforts with those of the man and his wife, for the salvation of a second member of the family; in a few days this one became, as they believed, an heir of the promises; then the third, and fourth, and fifth, and sixth, and one only now remains out of the ark of safety." MR. EDITOR, In your last number, I found an extract of a letter from NewHaven, containing some remarks on the prayer of faith. I was pleased to see those remarks, because I think the subject is one of great importance, and of peculiar interest, especially at this day. I rejoice that the subject is introduced, and I hope it will receive a thorough discussion. I am not yet prepared to admit every thing the writer of that letter has said; but perhaps I shall be, when the subject has been fully investigated. I have no hesitation in rejecting the idea which was formerly very prevalent, that the principal design of prayer is to benefit the person who prays. To confine the influence of our prayers to ourselves, and to say that their principal design is to prepare us to receive or to be denied favours, does not appear consistent with the representations given in scripture of the prayers of good men of old, nor with the command that we should pray for all men. I am fully convinced, that prayer is designed to have a prevailing influence with God to obtain blessings. And in this view of it only, do I see a consistency in our praying for those who are beyond the reach of our charities, and those who are yet unborn. It has been made a question, |