prisoners rest together, they hear not the voice of the oppressor. Another mark of true religion is, it seeketh not its own profit or advantage only. Not its own honour, but the honour of God and the advancement of his cause. Men of the world, and formalists in religion, can look with complacency on whatever goes not beyond their own standard; but speak to them of things which would imply that they are defective, and you will look in vain for their friendship and approbation. Perhaps there is no one passion of the human breast more difficult to be concealed than envy; who indeed can stand before it? But the subjects of God's grace will be disposed by it to esteem others better than themselves, and to rejoice in the advancement of religion, whoever God may honour as his instruments. Another effect produced by religion on the heart, is, that a regular and constant attendance on christian duties, without feeling more or less of the power and presence of God in these duties, will not satisfy those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Whoever can be contented with the bare performance of religious duties, however exact and regularly attended to, may justly conclude that he has only the form of godliness without its power. If we would carefully inquire, in our calm and settled moments, into the direction and bent of our thoughts and desires when they are freed from the influence of outward attractions, we might ascertain with tolerable precision, what manner of spirit we are of. Would we think it possible, that a person who has experienced the evils of sin-is aware of the power and subtlety of his enemies-the necessity of watchfulness, and especially, the inestimable privilege of praying without ceasing, should not frequently, nay, generally, feel his thoughts and desires tending towards God and the word of his grace, in his hours of retirement, and often amidst the busy throng. If we may judge from appearances, we are ready to conclude that there are, comparatively, few who think or believe that there is any thing in religion which is known and enjoyed by the christian only; yet the scriptures are very explicit on this subject. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned; but he that is spiritual judgeth all things." The near affinity into which modern religion has taken the world, (since the world refuses to embrace religion,) induces those who wish to be the friends of both, to conclude that the connexion may be drawn still closer, and that in this way religion 'may become respectable and popular. But like Joab in the case of Amassa, though the world may put on an aspect friendly to religion, and say "art thou in health my brother?" yet there is a dagger concealed, which will be used when occasions serve. We might proceed to enumerate many other marks of a work of grace—such as love to the brethren, growth in grace-hatred of sin, &c. but our prescribed limits have already been transcended. We now intreat all, who, on weighing these important matters, may have cause to doubt the truth and reality of what they may have considered their religious experience, to reflect on the danger of a mistake in a work of so much importance, and to admit the light of conviction which may shine upon their minds. If we have heretofore been in error, shall we still pertinaciously cling to our delusions, and refuse to let them go? God forbid. "To know ourselves diseased is half our cure." There is balm in Gilead, and a skilful Physician there, for all who are sick and wounded; but the whole need not his aid. Cry mightily unto God for the aid and influence of his Holy Spirit, and in reference to this important point, adopt the language of the Psalmist, "Search me O God, and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." A PRACTICAL ESSAY, &c. Ir the truth were generally received, and suitably felt and applied, that "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," how different would be our views and apprehensions of the gospel of our salvation!-How daring and preposterous would it appear for a rebellious worm-a condemned sinner, to "reply against God," and call in question his right to the government of the universe. We would at once see the unreasonableness and absurdity of "the thing formed saying to him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus ?" The sin which hurled from their seats the angels who fell, was pride and rebellion against their rightful sovereign; and one of the fatal baits which the Tempter so alluringly and successfully displayed to our first parents, was, 66 ye shall be as Gods." And may we not assert, that it must appear obvious to every observing mind, that the general tendency of the human heart, in its natural estate, is in direct opposition to the law and government of God-as saith the apostle, "The carnal mind is enmity against God, it is not subject to his law, neither indeed can be." The mind of an unrenewed man resembles the world in its chaotic state; and it may therefore be said with truth, "That darkness covers the face of this great deep," and before any saving change can be effected, "He that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, must shine into the heart, to give |