INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

Importance of the Subject.—Test of a Religious System.

John Bunyan was not aware of the great work to which God had appointed him, when he was thrown into Bedford Prison. To that confinement we are indebted for the Pilgrim's Progress, which perhaps would never have been written but for the Author's interruption in the active duties of the ministry. The persecuted and imprisoned saint proved that the word of God is not bound. The little Book written in the solitude of a cell, has cheered a multitude whom no man can number on their way to glory. The Pilgrim's flight from the wrath to come, the anxiety of his soul till he had dropped his burden at the cross, his various conflicts, temptations, dangers, joys, with

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Introductory Remarks.

all the variety of his experience, till he reached the celestial City, will be read with thrilling interest by his fellow Pilgrims to the end of time.

The Pilgrim's Progress has probably done more than any other uninspired book to guide Christians to heaven. One great cause of its usefulness is its allegorical manner, which renders it most attractive to children; so that the nature, dangers, and all the peculiarities of a religious life are treasured in their memories, long before they have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the Pilgrim's hope. We remember that when we were young, he was the envy of the rest of the children, who had been before hand with them in secreting Pilgrim's Progress on Saturday afternoon, that he might have it for his Sunday's reading.—The "Rise and Progress," the "Guide to Christ," the "Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ," and other books of the like nature, are of immense importance to the church, in forming the religious character of young Christians, and bringing many sons and daughters to her privileges in this world, and hereafter to glory.

The book before us was written for a similar

Importance of the Subject.

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object. In our community, the number of those who are seeking to lead a religious life has of late been greatly increased. The spirit of religious inquiry has not been confined to those congregations, where the instructions are of such a nature as are usually followed by revivals of religion. An interesting portion of other congregations, by their intercourse with friends of a different persuasion, and by the pervading influence of religious interest, have had their thoughts turned upon their souls. This book was issued at a time of peculiar attention to the subject of religion, and as a guide to those who ask, "What must we do to be saved ?"

We have read the work with uncommon interest, as well from the reputed character of the Author who stands high in the clerical order of his persuasion, as from the important object of the book itself. It is intended to be placed in the hands of one, at the time when he is interested in the salvation of his soul, and everlasting consequences are depending upon the direction which may then be given to his feelings. Those who have themselves been in such a state, and have seen what awful in

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terests are in suspense during those hours when the soul is susceptible of the slightest influence, and those of us who are conversant with minds in this turning of the tide which flows through eternity, can feel that a book for such a purpose should contain nothing but the eternal truth.

There is another reason why it has attracted our attention. Such a book presents the best possible means of judgment, in regard to the religious system which forms its basis. Here is the result of a minister's religious belief, the practical fruits of the system of doctrine which he holds forth to men as the word of life. That which makes a system of religion of any importance may be expected to be set forth in such a book as this;--we mean its tendency to promote the present and future welfare of the soul. If the teachers and followers of this system had designated one of their number to exhibit its practical excellency, and the internal evidence of its being the power and wisdom of God to salvation, we believe that the Author of this book would have been selected, and that this book is such an one as he would have written for that purpose.

CHAPTER I.

Human depravity.-Difficulties of Unitarianism.-Cause of irreligion in the young.-The reason why a child does not love God.-Unitarian definition of a Christian.'-Superficial conversion.-Proof of Regeneration from facts.-Regeneration suited to the wants of the sinner. Power of Regeneration.

After a careful, and we trust candid examination of the book, our judgment is, that however it may abound in excellent prudential maxims, it can never turn an inquirer into the way of life. We view it to be defective, first of all, upon the great and fundamental subject of the natural character of man. The disease of the soul is overlooked; and as a physician's prescriptions are all wrong, if he has erred respecting the nature or even the extent of the disease, so the directions which are here given will be found inefficacious to the cure and salvation of the soul.

The title of this book would more properly