Singular instance of the effect of his preaching.

it appears very evident to me that the Lord smiles upon it, and when I consider how much has been gained in a few months, in its resources, and in the public estimation, I am led to say, 'it is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.'

Having paid a visit to Baltimore this spring, he thus speaks of it: "I have just returned from Baltimore, where I attended the Presbytery, and took my dismission to join the Presbytery of Winchester. I was pleased to find those who were brought into the church in our revival, generally walking in the truth, and bringing forth the fruits of righteousness. Some whom I left under impressions have since experienced a hopeful change, and one has died in triumph, and another is on her death bed in a sweet and triumphant state of mind. I was much encouraged by her conversation. She reminded me of what I had said to her, which she thinks was the means of her conversion. I had been conversing with her, and having reason to believe she was a stranger to experimental religion, although she had long been a professor, I said to her, 'Mrs. B, forget all that you have done in religion-let it go for nothing, and come to Christ as a lost sinner.' She shortly afterwards obtained 'joy and peace in believing,' as also her son and daughter, who had been professors, and they have sustained an exemplary christian character ever since, particularly the mother and daughter."

As it was ever the study and prayer of Mr. Walton to present the truth with as much point and power as possible, so various instances occurred of his success in the things so much desired. During the above visit, a gentleman went to hear him preach, and on returning home, so powerful was his conviction of the truth, that he shut himself up for several hours, and on emerging from his solitude, vainly endeavored to conceal the fact, apparent in his eye and on his countenance, that there was an inward struggle, relief from which had been sought in tears. But the stubborn heart

Different kinds of preaching.

resisted the truth it feared. He could with the utmost difficulty be persuaded to go and hear again so troublesome a preacher. "I can hear other men preach," said he, "without much uneasiness, but Walton troubles me so much, I cannot bear to hear him!" Yet he was not an orator. He was not endowed with the graces of a captivating eloquence. Still less did he wreathe the sword of the Spirit with gay and beautiful garlands. In the language of an able writer" he knew that the more an orator is intent upon gaining admiration, the less those who hear him are disposed to grant it, and that this ambition is the rock on which so many preachers have split, who being entrusted, if one may dare thus express it, with the interests of the Godhead, wish to mingle with them the insignificant interests of their own vanity."

There is a preaching which pleases the imagination, but never pains the heart; which informs the understanding, but moves not the soul; which, like the electric fluid, in its diffused and harmless state, plays round the intellect, but gives no shock to the conscience. On the other hand, there is that which, while it kindles the imagination, melts the heart; while it pours light into the understanding, stirs up the soul to high duties and to moral deeds that cast their influence beyond the limits of time. "It agitates without convulsing; alarms without appalling; penetrates without rending the heart." Of Massilon it is said, that Louis XIV. while he could hear others, and admire the preacher, never left his sermons without being dissatisfied with himself.

How do they mistake their high commission, and suffer themselves to be deceived by their own hearts, who would dismiss a hearer, rather delighted with their pulpit abilities, than distressed with the state of his own heart, or won over to the cause of Jesus Christ. This is not hiding behind your Master, so that "so much as your little finger cannot be seen." As a general fact, it must be admitted, that the

Character of the ministry in the United States. Times of trial would develope it.

evangelical ministry of the United States is a faithful ministry; faithful at least, so far as the intrepid announcement of the plain truth is concerned; whatever deficiencies there may be in the work of pastoral visitation. This fact, taken in connection with the consideration, that most of the pastors depend on their congregations for the support of themselves and their families, is highly creditable to them.

We have heard of the plain speaking of such men as Latimer, Baxter, and Bradford before kings, prelates, and judges, in times of deep trouble and of fiery trial, but who shall say that in our own country—if, unhappily, her civil foundations should ever be overthrown, her fundamental doctrines of religious liberty reversed, and the powers that now protect, should be converted into powers to oppress and persecute; who shall say, that such an emergency would not call forth from their peaceful retirement heroic men, who with unflinching nerve would boldly rebuke the wickedness enthroned in high places?

As a specimen of ministerial fidelity, I might quote the example of one of our distinguished preachers, mature in age, but still vigorous in intellect, who to the energies of natural genius, adds the treasures of a rich and varied experience. The occasion was that of a protracted meeting in the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington, of which the author was then (1831) pastor. The time was Sabbath morning-the audience large, and in the midst sat the present and the late President of the United States, undistinguished in dress, attendance, or elevation of seat, from their fellow sinners, that composed the rest of the assembly. Among the subjects of prayer, the President and the (then) Secretary of State were mentioned. To the sermon they listened with attention. As the feelings of the preacher rose in view of the moral grandeur of the sub

The minister who preached the truth to Gen. Jackson and Mr. Van Buren.

ject, he fixed his eye in solemn tenderness on the two eminent men before him, and spoke thus:

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"Where," he asked, addressing himself to those dignitaries, are the political men of our country? What are they doing? Are you qualifying yourselves for the kingdom of Heaven? If not, you must be undone forever. I know your excuses, but they will all be swept away. Who studied with greater humility than King David the government of God? It is my practice to study the Word of God every morning. I should long ago have lost my soul, if I had not done it; so full of cares is life, so drunken are we with cares. Gentlemen, turn into your study every morning the first thing, with the Bible, and don't let any one interrupt you, till you have finished this duty. How great will be your anguish, if you neglect this! God can't help your misspent life, when once it is lost. Away with your reputation. How can ye love God, who seek honor one of another? Gentlemen, your misery will be greater than that of ignorant men. Let me be plain, for I hold an office higher than any earthly office. I hold my commission from the King of Heaven. I would plead, and beg, and pray, and lay myself at your feet. In the name of my God! come, come, don't make light of it! if you do, you must lie down in hell forever!"

Deep seriousness pervaded the whole assembly. No heart there but seemed to pay homage to the dignity of truth, the sublimity of the Gospel, the elevated office of its messenger, and the imperative claims of God upon the con

science. Smaller men would have cavilled. The chief magistrate and his friend, it was understood, duly estimated, if they were not savingly affected by the plain dealings of the Lord's ambassador. It reminds one of the interview of Latimer with Henry VIII.* The anecdote is given

* It is related of Latimer, that when he once preached before that tyrant Henry VIII. he took a plain, straightforward text, and in his sermon assailed those very sins for which the monarch was notorious, and he was stung to the quick, for truth always finds a response in the worst man's conscience. He would not bend beneath the authority of his God, and he therefore sent for Latimer, and said, 'Your life is

Henry VIII. and Hugh Latimer.

below, simply to illustrate the boldness of that celebrated prelate, who closed a long and useful life with a violent, though blessed death at the stake, at the age of 85!

In jeopardy, if you do not recant all you said to-day when you preach next Sunday.' The trimming courtiers were all anxious to know the consequence of this, and the chapel was crowded. The venerable man took his text, and, after a pause, begun with a soliloquy, thus: 'Now, Hugh Latimer, bethink thee, thou art in the presence of thy earthly monarch; thy life is in his hands, and if thou dost not suit thyself to his fancies, he will bring down thy gray hairs with blood to the grave: but, Hugh Latimer, bethink thee thou art in the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords, who hath told thee, 'fear not them that kill the body, and then can do no more; but rather fear Him who can kill both body and soul, and cast thee into hell forever! ' Yea, I say, Hugh Latimer, fear Him.' He then went on, and not only repeated what he had before advanced, but, if possible, enforced it with greater emphasis. What was the consequence? Henry sent for him, and said, 'How durst thou insult thy monarch so?' Latimer replied, 'I thought if I were unfaithful to my God, it would be impossible to be loyal to my king.' The king embraced the good old bishop, exclaiming, 'And is there yet one man left, who is bold and honest enough to tell me the truth?'