depository and guardian of the treasures of literature as well as of revelation. It shielded from barbarian violence, and saved from natural decay, the classic, as well as the evangelic records. By the patient hand of the christian monk were these precious documents transcribed and perpetuated. And let it be remembered, that the revival of letters was coeval with, and derived no small degree of its impetus and energy, from the spirit of religious reformation, which was then beginning to work mightily.'

The Sermon is accompanied with the Charge, Right Hand of Fellowship, and Address to the people, all of which may be read with interest and profit; and to the whole is appended a short sketch of the life and labors of the vneerable Elliot, which greatly enhances the value of the pamphlet. Gilman.

A PLAIN AND SERIOUS ADDRESS on the subject of the Christian Religion, urging the practice of it in a candid and charitable spirit. Published by the Society for the promotion of Christian Knowledge, Piety, and Charity. Boston, Gray & Bowen.

We are desirous of calling the attention of our readers, and especially of those who are in the habit of purchasing tracts for distribution, to the publication the title of which we have copied above. It is a small tract of thirty-six pages, issued by the Society for the promotion of christian knowledge, piety and charity; we

are happy to find that this society is resuming its benevolent labors. Of the publication alluded to we shall only say, that it is written with great plainness, simplicity and good sense; that it breathes throughout a christian spirit, and is well adapted, we think, for popular use. It is the production, if we are rightly informed, of one venerable alike by his years, and pious and useful exertions, and who with unabated vigor and zeal, is devoted to the cause of truth, and pure, scriptural religion.

NEW JUVENILE BOOKS.

BIOGRAPHY FOR YOUNG PERSONS; designed to illustrate the triumphs of Genius and Perseverance. No. 1. Boston, Leonard C. Bowles, 1830. pp. 149.-THE CHILDREN WHO LOVED INNo. 1 and 2. Boston, Leonard C. Bowles, 1830.

STRUCTION.

pp. 24, 29.

The first named work begins with a valuable history of the art of printing; in which we have the life of Guttemberg, the inventor of moveable types, and of Caxton, who introduced printing into England. Then follow biographies of Bishop Prideaux, Count Rumford, and Madame de Stael, which, though designed for youth, will be attractive and useful, we think, to all ages. The books, entitled, "The children who loved instruction," were written by a Sunday School Teacher, and are fitted to interest juvenile readers in the historical portion of the holy scriptures.

RELIGION, ILLUSTRATED BY A COMPARISON OF IT WITH OTHER QUALITIES AND PURSUITS.

NO. II. MEANS OF GRACE.

AFTER the principles of evidence, and of interpretation, have led us to the reception and understanding of the true religion, the next subject, in order, that arises for our consideration, is the cultivation of this religion; the cultivation of it in our own hearts, and the promotion of it in communities.

First; the cultivation of religion as a sentiment and feeling. I shall not need to dwell long on this topic; but the mode of illustration I have adopted, furnishes, I think, a very useful answer to many, who are inquiring 'What they shall do to be saved.' The question, in its leading import, is, 'How shall we obtain religion, and thus obtain the forgiveness and favor of God, and eternal happiness?' And the answer is, You are to obtain religion, just as you would obtain any other feeling; by methods and processes just as reasonable, ra18

VOL. 1.-NO. VI.

tional, natural, judicious, and wise. For let as much be granted as can be desired, with regard to the divine influence, still, that influence is not at war with our faculties, nor does it supersede one of them, nor one of their operations. It does not suspend nor derange our moral powers, but assists them. Religion, then, is to be acquired, just as other affections are acquired, by the proper influence of motives, of knowledge, of reflection. It ought to be formed in childhood, just as filial love, or the love of friends and kindred, is formed. But if it is not; if it is a neglected subject, as it too often is; if any one grows up an irreligious man; then, in this case, as in any other case, the first step towards a change of heart, is serious reflection. He must' consider his ways;' he must become convinced that the path of transgression is full of evil and danger; he must see that it is desirable that he should repent, and pursue a virtuous and religious course; he must strive to feel the repentant and holy desire; and that he may feel this, he must call to mind every serious and reasonable consideration; he must set before him the misery and sadness of his sinful condition, of his sinful passions; the glory to which he may rise, and the woe and shame to which he may fall; he must set before him the righteous commandment, the holy law of God, the bountiful goodness, the tender mercies of his Maker and Father, the patience, and pity, and suffering love of Christ, his Saviour; and upon these things he must think, and meditate, and pray,―long, if need be, and earnestly, and importunately,-till he becomes a changed man. Blessed change, indeed! which turns the misguided mind to truth, and the foolish heart to

wisdom; which turns the erring footsteps from the way of misery to the way of happiness, from the way that taketh hold on death, to the paths of immortality!.

I was about to add, that he who can cultivate a spirit of religion and goodness within him, should place himself in all those situations, and under all those external influences, which will be most favorable to that end. But this leads me to consider those institutions and means of religion, which are public, and which are designed for promoting the virtue and piety of communities.

And it is natural and conformable to our treatment of other subjects, let us observe before we go into particulars, that forms and institutions of religion should be adopted for the promotion of it. If you wish to cultivate an affection for any individual, you would seek for an intercourse with him. If you would cherish the family affections, you would not retire to a hermitage, but you would resort to the scenes of domestic life.. And so, for the strengthening of the social ties, you would enter into society. Now, religion possesses these various characters of affection. It is the love of the Supreme Being, and the love of one another, as bearing a common relation, or a common resemblance to that Being. That resemblance, all good men bear; and that Being, God, the ever blessed, the Father of goodness, it is our interest, and our duty to love. And, therefore, prayer, and prayer in the form of public worship, prayer, as the fellowship of saints, is but treating religion, as we should treat any other sentiment or affection, that we wished to cherish, or pro

mote,