of the Scriptures among them in their native tongue, and the faithful preaching of the Gospel throughout the length and breadth of the land. These are the only means that ought ever to have been adopted to bring the people under the power of the truth. No other have been appointed by the God of the Bible, nor will they ever be successful. These will ever be so in proportion to the diligence, simplicity, and faithfulness with which they are used. But instead of having recourse to such measures as these, the people were left uninstructed, the doctrines of the reformed faith were attempted to be forced upon them, clergy came among them, easily seen to be actuated far more by a regard to the fleece than the flock. And it is thus that the cause of truth and righteousness suffered in the hands of unenlightened and unfaithful men. Some noble exceptions, no doubt, there were. The names of Bale, and Ussher, Sydney, and others, must be honourably excepted from this censure. But as for any general right measure for the extension of the truth in Ireland, it never was adopted, no, nor has it been even up till the present hour. On all these topics the Introduction to Dr. Reid's work will be found to abound in the most valuable information; but it is time that we proceed to direct the attention of our readers to the more immediate subject of his History.

The entire period embraced by the volume, is from the accession of James I. in 1603, till the signing of the Solemn League and Covenant in 1643. Within this period are comprehended the introduction of Presbyterianism to Ulster, many vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity through which it passed, its permanent establishment and subsequent history. Its introduction had its origin in one of those political measures which the reigning sovereign had devised for the support of his government, and the improvement of his people, but which was over-ruled by a gracious providence for much higher purposes than appear to have been at the first contemplated. The province of Ulster, by reason of intestine wars, had become " almost depopulated and wasted in all its resources. Six of its counties were at length forfeited to the crown. And it became the wise policy of James to people these with settlers from England and Scotland, who, it was hoped, would bring along with them their industrious and peaceful habits. Various encouragements were held out to induce such to settle in the country; and, at the same time, many wise conditions were enjoined upon such as might choose to come. "In the year 1610, the lands began to be generally occupied. Owing to the vicinty of

Scotland to Ulster, as well as to the hardiness and enterprise of its natives, the principal part of the settlers came from that kingdom; and notwithstanding many hindrances, peculiar to such an enterprise, it flourished amazingly." The impression hitherto has been very general, that these settlers were persons of the most devout and exemplary habits, and that it was by their means the blessings of religion were extended over the province. But Dr. Reid has satisfactorily shown that the reverse was the case, and that the settlers were generally persons of vicious and dissolute lives. He writes

"This province was now occupied by settlers, who were willing enough to receive and respect them (the ministers) when sent; but who were far from being generally characterized by a desire for enjoying religious ordinances. On the contrary, a great number of those who accompanied the original proprietors and who occupied their lands, were openly profane and immoral in their conduct, and were generally inattentive to the sacréd institutions of the Gospel. The following description of their conduct and character, though probably a little overcharged, is given by Stewart :-'From Scotland,' he says, came many, and from England not a few; yet all of them generally the scum of both nations, who, from debt, or breaking and fleeing from justice, or seeking shelter, came hither, hoping to be without fear of man's justice in a land where there was nothing, or but little as yet, of the fear of God. And in a few years there flocked such a multitude of people from Scotland, that these northern counties of Down, Antrim, Londonderry, &c. were in a good measure planted, which had been waste before. Yet most of the people were all void of godliness, who seemed rather to flee from God in this enterprise than to follow their own mercy. Yet God followed them when they fled from him. Albeit at first it must be remembered, that as they cared little for any church, so God seemed to care as little for them. For these strangers were no better entertained than with the relics of popery, served up in a ceremonial service of God under a sort of antichristian hierarchy, and committed to the care of a number of careless men, who were only zealous to call for their gain from their quarter; men who said, 'come ye, I will bring wine, let us drink, for to-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.' Thus on all hands atheism increased, and disregard of God, iniquity abounded with contention, fighting, murder, adultery, &c. as among people who, as they had nothing within them to overawe them, so their ministers' example was worse than nothing; for 'from the prophets of Israel profaneness went forth to the whole land.' And verily at this time the whole body of this people seemed ripe for the manifestation, in a great degree, either of God's judgment or mercy. For their carriage made them to be abhorred at home in their own native land, insomuch, that going for Ireland' was looked on as a miserable mark of a deplorable person. Yea, it was turned into a proverb; and one of the worst expressions of disdain that could be invented was, to tell a man that 'Ireland would be his hinder end.' While thus it was, and when any man would have expected nothing but God's judgment to have followed this crew of sinners; behold the Lord visited them in admirable mercy, the like whereof had not been any where for many generations.'

"This account is also cenfirmed by Blair, who says: 'Although

amongst those whom divine providence did send to Ireland there were several persons eminent for birth, education, and parts; yet the most part were such as either poverty, scandalous lives, or at the best, adventurous seeking of better accommodation had forced thither: so that the security and thriving of religion was little seen by those adventurers, and the preachers were generally of the same complexion with the people.'" P. 96-8.

But while these adventurers thought little of God, his eye rested in compassion upon them. "I am found of them that sought me not; I said, behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name," is language which was first used with reference to the calling of the Gentiles, but which might be applied to their case. Encouraged by liberal and charitable measures, adopted to induce ministers to settle in the province from Scotland, as well as by an extensive field of usefulness opened up before them, a faithful band of ministers came from that country and entered upon a series of labours most extensively blessed at the time, and the effects of which reached to remote generations. Among these the most distinguished were Edward Brice, who settled in Broadisland, Mr. Hubbard, a Puritan from England, in Carrickfergus, James Glendinning, who succeeded Mr. Hubbard, John Ridge at Antrim, Robert Cunningham at Holywood, Robert Blair at Bangor, and James Hamilton at Ballywalter. Under the ministry of these faithful men, "the word of God had free course, and was glorified." From the first the mighty power of God seemed to accompany their ministrations. And in a short period the province was visited with one of those rich and plentiful effusions of the Spirit of God, such as first took place on the day of Pentecost, and such as God is now graciously bestowing, in no small measure, on the churches of America. The circumstances of this revival are so interesting and important, that we cannot withhold them from our readers. And while we thus see what has once been in the Presbyterian Church of Ulster, and what was once counted its glory and strength, let us learn what we should look, and long, and labour, and pray for in our own day.

"The singular circumstances connected with the origin of this religious revival, the first important incident occurring in the history of the Presbyterian church in Ulster, deserve to be noticed, and are thus fully narrated by Stewart. 'Mr. Blair coming over from Bangor to Carrickfergus on some business, and occasionally hearing Mr. Glendinning to preach, perceived some sparkles of good inclination in him, yet found him not solid but weak, and not fitted for a public place and among the English. On which Mr. Blair did call him, and using freedom with him, advised him to go to some place in the country among his countrymen :

So.

whereupon he went to Oldstone [near the town of Antrim] and was there placed. He was a man who would never have been chosen by a wise assembly of ministers, nor sent to begin a reformation in this land. For he was little better than distracted; yea, afterwards, did actually become Yet this was the Lord's choice to begin with him the admirable work of God; which I mention on purpose that all men may see how the glory is only the Lord's in making a holy nation in this profane land, and that it was 'not by might, nor by power, nor by man's wisdom, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.' At Oldstone God made use of him to awaken the consciences of a lewd and secure people thereabouts. For seeing the great lewdness and ungodly sinfulness of the people, he preached to them nothing but law-wrath, and the terrors of God for sin. And in very deed for this only was he fitted, for hardly could he preach any other thing. But behold the success! For the hearers finding themselves condemned by the mouth of God speaking in his word, fell into such anxiety and terror of conscience that they looked on themselves as altogether lost and damned; and this work appeared not in one single person or two, but multitudes were brought to understand their way, and to cry out, men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved?' I have seen them myself striken into a swoon with the word; yea, a dozen in one day carried out of doors as dead; so marvellous was the power of God smiting their hearts for sin, condemning and killing. And of these were none of the weaker sex or spirit, but indeed some of the boldest spirits who formerly feared not with their swords to put a whole market-town in a fray; yet in defence of their stubbornness cared not to lie in prison and in the stocks; and being incorrigible, were as ready to do the like the next day. I have heard one of them, then a mighty strong man, now a mighty Christian, say that his end in coming to church was to consult with his companions how to work some mischief. And yet at one of those sermons was he so catched, that he was fully subdued. But why do I speak of him? We knew, and yet know, multitudes of such men who sinned and still gloried in it, because they feared no man, yet are now patterns of sobriety, fearing to sin because they fear God, And this spread through the country to admiration, especially about that river, commonly called the Six-mile-water, for there this work began at first. At this time of people's gathering to Christ, it pleased the Lord to visit mercifully the honourable family in Antrim, so as Sir John Clotworthy, and my lady his mother, and his own precious lady, did shine in an eminent manner in receiving the Gospel, and offering themselves to the Lord; whose example instantly other gentlemen followed, such as Captain Norton and others, of whom the Gospel made a clear and cleanly conquest,'

These religious agitations continued for a considerable time. The ministers were indefatigable in improving the favourable opportunities thus afforded for extending the knowledge and influence of the Gospel. The people, awakened and inquiring, many of them desponding and alarmed, both desired and needed guidance and instruction. The judicious exhibition of evangelical doctrines and promises by these faithful men was, in due time, productive of those happy and tranquillizing effects which were early predicted as the characteristics of Gospel-times. Adopting the beautiful imagery of the prophets,-the broken-hearted were bound up and comforted; the spirit of bondage and of fear gave way to a spirit of freedom and of love; the oil of joy was poured forth instead of mourning; and the spirit of heaviness exchanged for the garment of praise and thank

fulness. As the people emerged from the anxiety and alarm produced by the stern preaching of the law, and gradually experienced the hope and joy of the Gospel, they would be naturally led to maintain among themselves a closer religious fellowship than they had done in their previous state of unconcern. This proved to be the case. In addition to the stated exercises of the Sabbath, a day which they strictly observed, they assembled for devotional purposes at other special seasons. Hence originated those monthly meetings at Antrim, which afterwards attracted so much attention, and which, in the mean time, tended materially to strengthen and consolidate the good work that had commenced. Stewart, in the last portion of his narrative which has been preserved, thus details the origin of these meetings.

"When, therefore, the multitude of wounded consciences were healed, they began to draw into holy communion and meeting together privately for edification, a thing which in a lifeless generation is both neglected and reproved. But the new life forced it among the people, who desired to know what God was doing with the souls of their neighbours, who, they perceived, were wrought on in spirit, as they had been. There was a man in the parish of Oldstone, called Hugh Campbell, who had fled from Scotland; him God caught in Ireland, and made him an eminent and exemplary Christian until this day. He was a gentleman of the house of Dukethall. After this man was heated of the wound given to his soul by the Almighty, he became very refreshful to others who had less learning and judgment than himself. He therefore invited some of his honest neighbours who fought the same fight of faith, to meet him at his house on the last Friday of the month; where and when, beginning with a few, they spent their time in prayer, mutual edification and conference on what they found within them: Nothing like the superficial superfluous meetings of some cold-hearted professors, who afterwards made this work a snare to many. But these new beginners were more filled with heart-exercise than head-notions, and with fervent prayer rather than conceity gifts to fill the head. As these truly increased, so did this meeting for private edification increase too; and still at Hugh Campbell's house, on the last Friday of the month. At last they grew so numerous that the ministers who had begotten them again to Christ, thought fit that some of them should be still with them to prevent what hurt might follow.' -'Accordingly,' says Blair, who fortunately carries on the narrative from this period, at which that of Stewart abruptly terminates, Mr. John Ridge, the judicious and gracious minister of Antrim, perceiving many people on both sides of the Six-mile-water awakened out of their security, made an overture that a monthly meeting might be set up at Antrim, which was within a mile of Oldstone, and lay centrical for the awakened persons to resort to, and he invited Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Hamilton and myself to take part in that work, who were all glad of the motion, and heartily embraced it. Mr. Glendinning was also at the first glad of the confluence of the people. But we not having invited him to bear a part in the monthly meeting, he became so emulous, that to preserve popular applause, he watched and fasted wonderfully, Afterwards he was smitten with a number of erroneous and enthusiastic opinions-and embracing or error after another, he set out at last on a visit to the seven churches of Asia.'" P. 107-111.

As might be expected, the noise of this work of grace soon spread far and wide. It attracted attention both at home and