retains in his own hands the prerogative of making this doctrine effectual to the salvation of them that hear it; and only eternity perhaps will fully explain why generations of missionaries were suffered to labour almost without success-why societies and churches brought all their energies to bear year after year upon the work of evangelizing the world without accomplishing the object, except to a very limited extent. But one reason of this-if we may without presumption suppose it, may be--that when the Spirit is at length poured out as floods upon the dry ground, and nations are born in a day, all the world may see in that glorious advancement of the kingdom of Christ a grand illustration of the principle, that it is "not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God, who sheweth mercy."

I am yours, &c.

G

A YOUNG man, whose mind is turning toward the ministry must think himself happy if he enjoys the privilege of having recourse for consultation and advice to a judicious friend; and tutors, ministers, and intelligent private christians ought to consider the influence they may possess over any young person of this description as a valuable talent. It gives them opportunities of usefulness which ought to be most anxiously improved; for the amount of good they may do in this way, may extend far beyond the immediate advantage which the young friend or pupil may derive from their attentions. I can scarcely conceive of any circumstances in which the christian solicitude of a minister or tutor is likely to meet with a richer reward than when it is employed in directing, encouraging, and watching over one who is aspiring to the ministry of the gospel, whether in a heathen or christian country. When a judicious christian friend takes such a young man aside, and enters with him into close, affectionate and instructive

conversation, incalculable is the good that may result to the individual from the views and impressions of his future work which he may thus acquire. I believe it is the complaint, in most cases, even of the most serious young men, that their minds are too little affected with the awfulness and responsibility of the vocation they have in prospect, and that they labour often, as they suppose almost in vain, to have their minds more deeply imbued with feelings and sentiments suitable to the solemn engagements to which they look forward. O how such minds would value the condescending attention and counsel of an experienced christian friend; how would the tender anxiety, suitable cautions, faithful admonitions, and stimulating exhortations of a venerated minister tend to awaken and keep alive the best impressions in the mind of the young candidate for the sacred office. But if such intercourse might prove so advantageous to the most serious and devoted, how much more needful to others of a lighter cast of mind. Besides, such private intercourse would afford the finest opportunities of acquiring an accurate acquaintance with the character of the individual, and enable the wise and experienced instructor to adapt his strain of address and general behaviour towards his pupil in the way most likely to profit him. Is the young man apparently light and superficial in his views of the real nature of his contemplated work-its duties-difficulties-dis

with this one thing which is as importaut as it is obvious namely, that when young men cease to be students, in the sense of residing at a seminary of learning, they are not to cease to be students in the sense of pursuing the study of every truly useful branch of knowledge as they have ability and opportunity. They must study to retain what they have learned, and be continually adding to their stores; and more especially they must consider themselves to be always learners in what relates to their ministerial work-the knowledge of the Scriptures-of their own hearts, and of the duties they owe to those over whom the Holy Ghost may make them Overseers. It was a most important, and to all ministers a most instructive, reason assigned by the apostles for the appointment of deacons in the church at Jerusalem-that we may give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. With this corresponds the charge of Paul to Timothy, "Give thyself wholly to these things;" and again," Give thyself to reading, to meditation, to prayer; continue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee."

It would be easy to say much on such a subject, but I close with one remark more as to the value and importance of a faithful and judicious friend to a young man of the description referred to in this letter. There are some points to be decided as to fitness for the work which the individual himself

is best acquainted with; such as the purity of his motives, the sincerity of his professions, the reality of his desire for the work, and his unreserved devotion to it. But most other things must be left with his friends to decide. He cannot be supposed capable of forming a correct estimate of his intellectual rank, nor of the view others take of his general character: self-conceit or true humility equally disqualify for judging correctly on all such matters.

It follows, therefore, that the duty of advising, encouraging, dissuading, reproving, should be performed by the minister, tutor, or other friend, with the most conscientious diligence and faithfulness. Nothing is more mischievous than the false delicacy or tenderness which withholds needful warning or reproof; and, on the part of the young pupil or friend, nothing is more likely to retard his progress in the acquisition of that which is of the first moment for his true advantage, than a disposition to despise or take offence at the faithful admonitions of an experienced christian. In short, these things ought to be matter of conscience both with the teachers and the taught. If the reprover is counted an enemy because he tells the truth, or if he be restrained from the performance of his duty from the fear of meeting with such a return-if the reproved is secretly convinced of the truth of the severe but friendly words of one who seeks his good, yet practically disregards them, in all these