to ask blessings for the world. The Spirit never descends upon the world but through the church; and the church is never a successful intercessor for the world, but when she is filled with the Spirit of God. But while this healthful piety indicates the indwelling of the Spirit, it is always attended by a certain oneness, and hence it is needful again to inquire,

3. Whether ye be of one accord? This unity is vitally essential to the attainment of the ends of Christian worship and of Christian fellowship. It is

the only satisfactory proof of the real indwelling of the Spirit. Wherever there is the Spirit in his unquenched, unresisted power, there is a manifested unity. All in whom he dwells are thus enabled to fulfil the injunction to keep the "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." The peace comes out of the unity, and forms a munition round the fountain whence it flows. This Book of the Acts once and again testifies to the fact of this oneness: "The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul." This unity is compatible with great diversities of tastes, temperament, intelligence, attainment, rank, and condition. It is a unity of spirit rather than of attributes, and can only be preserved by such a power as results in the exercise of the charity set forth in the thirteenth chapter of the 1st Corinthians. Wherever it exists, there will be a large spirit of mutual forbearance in all matters which do not affect principle. And this unity will be maintained by not carrying real or imaginary rights too far,-by not exaggerating the importance of minor matters, by not unnecessarily publishing brotherly imperfections,-by not making anything public till all private means of rectifying evils have failed,-by taking heed that, in no case, ye injure one another, by losing no time in repairing injuries when such have been inflicted, -by rigorously walking according to the Royal Law,—by doing to others as ye would have them to do unto you,-by seeking every one, not his own, but his brother's welfare,-by looking every one, not upon his own things, but the things that are his neighbour's ;—in a word, by each identifying himself with the other. Where this is done all is well, and the church, be it less or greater, is prepared for the blessing. It remains only further to inquire,

4. Whether you be ready, waiting, anxious to receive this celestial baptism?

It is proper rightly to understand the Pentecostal outpouring. It has been customary to look upon it simply as a spiritual baptism, quickening the dead, enlightening the dark, convincing, converting, and stablishing the faithful in the truth; but this is not by any means the distinguishing features of the outpouring of that eventful day. The Spirit rested upon converted people. On such people the symbolic flame burned. The gifts conferred were special, peculiar, and appertained to language. Therefore it is preposterous to pray, in this sense, for the return of Pentecostal seasons. The great thing that should occupy the mind of the churches is, the matter which grew out of the Pentecostal outpouring, -the discourse of Peter to his countrymen, and the effects of that discourse in the conversion of several thousands. The same power which manifested itself in fire and in gifts, rested upon the speaker, and also upon his auditory; but, in this respect, it was the common work of the Spirit affecting the common salvation. On the heads of those converts no flame lowered, and to the minds of those converts no gifts of language, so far as we know, were bestowed. This latter sense, therefore, was that in which the church is required, and permitted, to pray for the return of Pentecostal seasons. If the Spirit come he will come as the Spirit of prayer and the Spirit of Gospel proclamation, so that the Gospel will be preached" with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven,"-power resting upon the speaker, power upon the hearer, and power clothing the word, breaking down every barrier, and carrying all opposition before it.

The

This blessing, needful at all times, is specially so at the present season. great want of the day is spiritual influence. Never among British churches was the apparatus of conversion so complete. There is, in this respect, indeed, comparatively little wanted; but the celestial power is indispensible to render it efficacious for it is being distinctly proved, on every hand, that it is not by human might, nor human power, but by the Spirit of God, that men are saved. complaint is general, and it is deep. Ministers long for more of the Divine energy, and churches require it. Far be it from us to croak, and to deal in melancholy generalities and conjectural lamentation, in the absence of facts which statistics alone can supply, and of which it is exceedingly difficult to procure such

The

an amount as to authorize any very distinct conclusions. There is in the land, doubtless, a vast amount of true piety. There never was so much since England was a nation; and that piety, moreover, is very enlightened and healthful. Never was there less of false doctrine-never less of spurious experience. But the population is increasing, and the church of God constitutes but a small minority,a minority which is becoming yearly smaller, from her not keeping up to the population, still less getting in advance upon it. On these grounds, then, there is need for revival,-deep, universal, and pure. The question of the divine character of such revivals is not now to be settled; that point has been determined ages ago. The history of religion in our world is a history of revivals, or, if the term is preferred, a history of recessions and advances, of defeats and discomfitures, of aggressions and of conquests upon the world. Such movements are assuredly of God.

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

"Who are these that fly as a cloud?" ISA. lx. 8.

IN the preceding chapter the prophet describes the miserable state of the Jewish nation before the coming of Christ; and, as we conceive, the general corruption of the so-called Christian world previous to the millennial glory. In reference to the latter, the Lord is represented as inflicting punishments on the apostate professors of the truth, and then as exercising power, wisdom, and mercy, to save the world from absolute desolation. This united display of vengeance and compassion is represented as operating a stupendous effect: "Men shall fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.' The enemy will come in like a flood-his assault will be terrible, but ineffectual; for the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. To lift up a standard is to muster a force, and to marshal a host. "The Redeemer will also come to Zion, and to them who turn from ungodliness in Jacob;" that is, the Lord will appear for the protection and encouragement of his servants, and to ensure their success. Then will the covenant of mercy be carried into complete execution. The Spirit of the Lord and his Word will remain in his children's hearts, and the hearts of their seed, throughout all generations. The prophet's heart being on fire from

the contemplation of these mighty revolutions, he launches forth on the wings of inspiration, and, passing over many ages of wonder and anxious expectation, he alights amid the scenes he has been describing with such warmth and grandeur, and calls upon the church to arise and shine. While she slept, he was awake and watching. He now intimates that her light is come, and the glory of the Lord is arising upon her. Darkness has covered the earth, and gross darkness the people: no matter, there is in the Sun of righteousness sufficient body and power fully to dissipate both. The effect will be, that the nations of the world, as if enraptured at the sight of this light, shall rush to it from all parts, near and distant. It will operate as a mountainfire to the lost traveller, or a beaconlight to a wrecked sailor in a dark and tempestuous night. He now invites the church to look, and see, and satisfy herself: "All they are now gathering themselves together; they come unto thee." This is the reason of their assembling; they, the entire family of Adam, are borne impetuously along on the tide of one mighty impulse. Once were they strangers; but now are they sons and daughters, and as such they come, as to a mother, to be protected and cherished at her side. Mark the effect of all this on the church herself: her heart shall fear, and overflow with joy. The riches of the sea shall be poured in upon her, and the wealth of the nations shall come unto her. All the most powerful beasts of burden shall come to her in multitudes, bearing gold and frankincense; and they shall joyfully proclaim the praises of Jehovah. All these animals, which had heretofore been offered as sacrifices, are represented as coming in masses, of their own accord, and ascending the altar of the Lord with acceptance. The same impulse bore these creatures along which had wafted their masters. Instigated by one common and irresistible instinct, they take the road to Jerusalem, and press on to the Temple, all panting to glorify the Lord. The prophet has hitherto been a guide; he now becomes an inquirer. In the distance he beholds dense bodies of men moving rapidly onward and pressing forwards to the Holy City, and eagerly asks, "Who are these that fly as a cloud?"

Such is Isaiah's description of the glory of the latter times, when nations shall be born in a day; and the lesson taught by it is the following: that

AT SOME FUTURE ERA GREAT BODIES OF

MANKIND WOULD BE GATHERED INTO THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

These bodies will be composed of men of whom, humanly speaking, there was not much hope that they would ever turn to God. Heathen, Mohammedans, subjects of the Greek and Romish superstitions, Jews, Infidels, and those who have extinguished the light of the Gospel, and made it to suit their pride and passions, all these will turn to God. The hardened, blaspheming Jew will become a penitent believer. The prophet of the Mosque will be renounced and abhorred, and the Koran will be cast into the flames. The ablutions of the East will give way to the washing of the blood of Christ, and journeys to Mecca will give place to daily journeys, spiritually, of the soul to the Cross. The disciples of Brahma and the votaries of Fo, the cannibal New Zealander, the fierce Indian, all will be touched by this mysterious power. They will shake off their chains, and turn to God. The sorrowful exile of earth will be ended. The voice of praise will be tuned in every tongue, and the house of prayer found in all lands. In the deserts of Arabia, in the wilds of Tartary, in the vales of Siberia, on the barbarous shores of Nootka, on the banks of the Nile and the Niger, shall the table of the Lord be spread, and the house of God be found wherever there is the house of man. It is also taught that

THESE BODIES OF CONVERTS WILL, WITH INTENSE ANXIETY, SEEK THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE SAINTS.

They will come to the church, presenting to her themselves and their treasures, and both as a free-will offering. They will spontaneously build up her walls, and abundantly minister to her necessities: they will do all that man can do to compensate her past wrongs. Paul tells us that this mighty movement among the Gentiles will be as "life from the dead." They will throw off their past character as a filthy rag, and assume the garments of salvation, in a manner so remarkable as to bear a strong resemblance to a resurrection of the body. How great a change this will require to be effected in the souls of men! How extensively must the Gospel be preached, and what an outpouring of the Spirit of God must there be, before it can be realized! But provision is made for securing all this, and it will be effected. What a new aspect will then be borne by this

world of sin and sorrow! Fraud and robbery, despotism and war, all that has promoted misery and death in the world, will pass away! Paradise will seem as if restored, and God the Lord once more to dwell with men! The sight will then be worthy of Heaven to look down upon. Jesus shall see that which will contribute to satisfy his soul, and compensate for his suffering and sorrows. He will behold the Father's will done on earth as it is done in heaven, and the whole earth filled with his glory.

1. This state of things will assuredly one day prevail over all the world.

This prevalence will constitute the millennium, which will be realized by the increase of spiritual men. We have only to find a man of exalted piety, and fill the world with such, to form a faint representation of the millennium. The world will be made happier simply through being made holier. All the bliss by which that period will be distinguished will be the result of holy love brought out in character. A revival means always two things-the increase of the life of God in the pious, and an augmentation of their numbers through conversion. These two results always go together. The world operates powerfully on the church, as well as the church on the world. The latter brings up the standard of morals; the former brings down the standard of piety: else what means that scripture-"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold?" The diminution of iniquity will be preceded and accompanied by a stronger flame of holy love.

Since

This great event will mightily enhance the happiness of the universe. there is joy in heaven over one sinner repenting, a larger measure of penitence will cause a larger measure of joy. The diffusion of truth will establish the reign of renovated and sanctified reason. Men now choose sin, and with that misery; then will they realize happiness by cultivating holiness. This will alter the whole aspect of society. The gibbet will rot away; the prison will moulder; the forms of trial and the apparatus of death will be forgotten. Individuals, families, cities, nations, will be clothed in the beauties of holiness; old things will have passed away, and all things will have become

new.

The present aspect of the earth is afflictive to behold. All things are full of disorder. Society is ever on the verge of rebellion against itself. The wealth

of nations is largely expended in attempts to prevent crime or in punishing it, or in maintaining an attitude of defence. England spends annually some Twenty Millions in matters appertaining to the Army and Navy!

2. Expectations of this great change are to be cherished.

If our souls be in a healthful condition, we shall be always intent upon the progress of salvation in the earth. The depth of our disorder is strongly indicated by our indifference to the spiritual welfare of others. The forms and exercises of religion are apt to be allowed to go round as a thing of course. Did we see the sword of justice hanging over the souls of the lost-did we behold the dark and awful cloud that rests on the heart of the unbelieving, on the house of the wicked-did we connect with their present character their future lot, how should we feel? What, then, should be the anxiety of all saints concerning their perishing relatives!

Not simply the world, but the church of the living God itself, is full of unbelief. But a small measure of faith in the facts of revelation would work a change inconceivable in the spirit, conduct, and proceedings of godly men, Christian families, and churches. How tenacious, and properly so, are all of a sound creed! But, alas! how little are the bulk affected by its tenets!

Is it so

in very deed, that "he that believeth not shall be condemned?" Is it actually so, that he is "condemned already," and that the "wrath of God abideth on him?" If these things are so, and if believed, what emotions would the facts excite! What efforts would these emotions

prompt! What teaching, preaching, prayer, would then appear! Now, the time comes when these facts will be believed these feelings excited-that teaching, preaching, and prayer exemplified. The present dreary cloud that still rests upon the general church will not prevail for ever; it will be rent and dissipated, and the light of heaven will shine, filling the church with the mind of her Master, and filling the world with the knowledge of his work. God hath said it, hath willed it, and he will perform it. It is for his people to be labouring and praying,-to use the appointed means; but in order to this, the first consideration is, a fresh baptism of the churches with the Spirit of the Lord: for nothing is more certain than that it is "not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit;" and for his Spirit, therefore, his people must look, and long, and pray -pray on, and on, with increasing humiliation, faith, and strong desire, till, at length, they obtain the blessing which shall qualify them for diffusing truth and light, life and joy, throughout all

nations.

AN AMERICAN PRAYER-MEETING

ANECDOTE.

PRIVATE individuals, who would never have been heard of by us but for their Christian zeal, have effected that which entitles them to honourable notice. A revival was brought about by one who well deserved the title of an "honourable woman." Religion was at so low an ebb that it was determined to give up the prayer-meetings. The evening which was wont to be set aside for prayer arrived. It was dark and tempestuous. All adhered to their eventful resolution except an old woman, who lived at some distance from the house of prayer. She could not give up the privileged hour, but threw her cloak about her, took her lantern, and made her way to God's deserted altar. There she spent the hour alone; yet never less alone. On her way home she called on a sister in the Lord, who, in astonishment, exclaimed, "Mother, where have you been in such a stormy night as this?" "I have been at the prayermeeting," replied the mother in Israel. Why, I understood the meeting was given up." No, nor shall it be," rejoined the good old woman.

"But who could be there?" continued her friend. "Well, I read, and prayed, and meditated, and there was present God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; and we have had such a delightful meeting! It will be held again next week, and I hope the place will be full." It was so; her prayer was accepted; the heavenly assurance was registered, "From this time will I bless thee." "That which this woman hath done shall be spoken for a memcrial of her."

THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE
FERRYMAN.

A PHILOSOPHER stepped on board a ferry-boat to cross a stream. On his passage he inquired of the ferryman if he understood arithmetic. The man looked astonished.

"Arithmetic! No, sir, I never heard of it

before."

The philosopher replied: "I am very sorry, for one quarter of your life is gone."

A few minutes afterwards he asked the ferryman, "Do you know anything of mathematics ?"

The boatman smiled, and again replied, "No."

"Well, then," said the philosopher, "another quarter of your life is lost."

A third question was asked the ferryman; "Do you understand astronomy ?"

Oh, no, sir; never heard of such a thing!" "Well, my friend, then another quarter of your life is lost."

Just at this moment the boat ran on a snag, and was sinking, when the ferryman jumped up, pulled off his coat, and asked the philosopher, with great earnestness of manner, " Sir, can you swim ?"

"No," said the philosopher.

"Well, then," said the ferryman, "your WHOLE life is lost, for the boat's going to the bottom." Moral: LEARN TO SWIM.

AN AFFECTING LESSON FROM
ANCIENT HISTORY.

WHO can fail to be saddened, and yet gratified, with an incident of peculiar interest related by Herodotus, introduced by one of our public speakers on a recent occasion?" When Croesus was taken captive by Cyrus, and placed on the funeral pile to be burned, the latter overheard the other saying, 'O Solon! Solon!' Cyruз asked him what god he was calling upon. To which Croesus answered, that he was not calling upon any god, but was calling to mind a saying of Solon, that no man ought to be called happy till after death. Upon which Cyrus directed him to come down from the funeral pile, and asked him why he had made war upon him. To this Croesus answered, that he would not have done so but for what the god had said through the Delphic oracle; for he knew that peace was better than war; since in peace children bury their fathers, but in war fathers bury their children."

PINEL-LUNATICS AND IDIOTS. It was my happiness to know, as an humble student might be supposed to know, and to visit, an illustrious professor, the great Pinel; he who first freed the insane from their manacles. Long afterwards, Esquirol, his successor, pointed out to me the very hall where Pinel, having first ordered the keepers to unbind the infuriated demoniacs, boldly went in among them, and said, in effect, "Peace, be still," and they obeyed the voice of kindness and intrepidity. Thus began a new era in the treatment of the insane. It was this same Pinel who, when the people of Paris were worshipping the Goddess of Reason, was accosted by a celebrated literary man, who said to him, “I am writing an Encyclopædia of Atheists, and intend to give you a place that shall be worthy of you."" Thank you," replied Pinel," for the honour you design for me; and, in return, let me say, that, in the second edition of my work on lunatics and idiots, which will soon be published, I shall not fail to insert your case."-Dr. Stevens' Annual Address to the New York Medical Society.

SLEEP RHYMING.

A MEMBER of the Society of Friends, in England, who is no poet when awake, communicated to the late Bernard Barton the following verses, with the introductory note, as the fruits of his mental activity when asleep:

Once, and once only in my life, I was in the royal presence; at some courtly festival, I

opine; for I 'sate at meat' with unwonted company, and surrounded by regal splendour. Chide me not, gentle reader, with presumption; for it was-in a dream! and I am sure no waking thoughts of mine led me there. In this most strange conjunction, I was called on for a contribution to the Royal Album! Awake, under such circumstances, I feel certain I could not have written letter or line; in my sleep I was bolder, and actually perpetrated two stanzas, which I subjoin as a literary curiosity, having been veritably composed in a dream :

A blessing on thy crowned head!
My country's youthful Queen!
If such may be or sung or said,
Amid this courtly scene!

And if a poet's loyal love

Might more than this impart,
Oh! may that blessing from above
Sink deep into thy heart!"

IMPURE AUTHORS. MACAULAY, in his History of England, speaking of certain writers who flourished immediately after the Restoration, says: "The influence of these writers was doubtless noxious, yet less noxious than it would have been had they been less depraved. The poison which they administered was so strong that it was a long time rejected with nausea. None of them understood the dangerous art of associating images of unlawful pleasure with all that is endearing and ennobling. None of them was aware that a certain decorum is essential even to voluptuousness; that drapery may be more alluring than exposure; and that the imagination may be far more powerfully moved by delicate hints which impel it to exert itself, than by gross descriptions which it takes in passively." Vice in the garb of virtue is always most dangerous. The author quoted developes a principle of great importance to all who have the care of the young -important, indeed, to all who are striving to lead lives of purity. Authors who understand "the dangerous art cf associating images of unlawful pleasure with all that is endearing and ennobling," are not wanting to our age. Neither are those who understand how to take advantage of the same principle in leading their fellow-being to the drunkard or debauchee's ruin, wanting to our age.-Morning Star. DENOMINATIONS IN THE UNITED

STATES.

THE Christian Almanack for 1850, just published by the American Tract Society, gives the following estimates of the different denominations in that country:

The regular Baptists are put at 667,750, and churches at 8,205; more than 250,000 likewise are embraced in anti-mission Campbellites, Free Will, &c. Methodist Episcopal, 629,660; South, 465,533; Protestant and others, 81,000; Presbyterian, Old School, 192,033; New School, 155,000; Congregational, 127,196; other Presbyterian sects, 140,000; Dutch Reformed, 32,840; German Reformed, 69,750; Protestant Episcopal, 67,550; Lutheran, 163,000; Roman Catholic, 1,231,300; Christian Connexion, 325,000. Papists include every body belonging to them, men, women, and children; and most of the others only communicants.

WHAT LONDON IS. LONDON, which extends its intellectual, if not