CHAP. XII.

Mr. Warian pays a Visit, which is productive of unforeseen Consequences. He takes a Journey to London. Introduces himself to a Stranger. The Character of the new Acquaintance, and the Reasons which induced him to become a

Preacher. A few Remarks on improper Motives in those who take upon themselves that important Office.

R.Warian had not yet entered into any very

MR.

close religious conversation with the young preacher already mentioned. This evening he resolved to devote to that purpose. He put two or three of his favourite books into his pocket, and set off to the young man's lodgings; in the hope of spending a few hours in what he most delighted, controversial disquisitions, with one, who would meekly hear, not dispute his opinions.

Mr. Warian found his young friend seated at a small table with a Bible, pen, ink, and paper before him. "What at your studies, I perceive" (cried Mr.W. as he entered) "you make extracts, I suppose, from the books you read; a very good

plan; I am glad to see you so well employed; I have brought you two or three which will be very useful for that purpose; other peoples thoughts are often better than our own."

They are so sir,” replied the youth," and I frequently commit them to paper. But at present I have no occasion for any other than the best of all books. I am now considering the first sermon I intend to deliver, and the subject is so plain, and so easily to be proved from the sacred Scriptures, that I believe I shall need no assistance from any uninspired author.

"As to studying of sermons," said Mr. Warian "I see no use in it. Those who practice this method, can hardly be termed extempore preachers, and I am sure no others are ever made useful. Take no thought what ye shall speak, for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.' These are the words of Christ to his apostles, and what he said to them, is to be applied to all his ministers to the end of time."

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Certainly, sir," replied the young student; "were I, in the course of the divine providence, to be called before rulers and councils, as the apostles were, I make no doubt but that promise would be fulfilled to me, as it was in so remark, able a manner to them. But I cannot suppose

that this text refers in the smallest degree to the subject of religious instruction; and to wrest texts of Scripture from their plain and obvious connections, has, I think, a bad tendency. I hope I have a due regard for the doctrine of divine influences, and that I depend wholly on the Spirit of God for any good effects produced from my preaching. But so long as means are connected with ends, I cannot, I imagine, be too diligent in the use of them. Besides, sir, only consider the consequences of delivering crude and undigested ideas in public; our hearers have memories, though we may want judgment; and a mistaken sentence might be followed by very fatal effects."

"Your ideas on this head," rejoined Mr. W. will make you a very unaccommodating preacher. Suppose you were suddenly called upon to preach, from the illness of a minister, or many accidents which might arise. No, truly, you must neglect the work, because you are not prepared: and the seeking people must be deprived of the bread of life, for no better reason than your fears that the Spirit will forsake his own ordinance."

"I am sorry, sir," said the young man," that you cannot discriminate my meaning better. Under the circumstances you mention, I should have no objection to ascend any pulpit, and should deem the five minutes the hymn was singing before sermon, which I should spend in prayer for

a blessing, preparation sufficient. But, surely, where time and opportunity are allowed, the case is very different. What would be a blameable distrust in the one case, would, as I conceive, be a wilful presumption in the other."

The short sentences. "You are right: I was mistaken. I never considered the matter in that point of view before." Are very difficult ones for some persons to pronounce. They will make any shift, and revert to any subterfuge rather than attempt it." Mr. Warian turned over the leaves of the Bible on the conclusion of the last speech: "A good type," he remarked, “ a good size also; what might it cost?" Being informed of this important particular, he returned to his subject. "Well," said he, "what is the sermon, or the subject you mean to favour us with on the first occasion? The barn will certainly be ready by next Sunday week, and I expect it will be well attended."

"I intend, sir, (replied the young man) to preach from the text--- Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.'"

"And how do you mean to handle the subject?" "I shall first state in what respects the paschal lamb was a type of Christ. For that purpose I am collecting, from Exodus, the particulars of the institution of the passover. I shall then show how Christ, our passover, being sa

crificed for us, we should keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.' I propose then to state the most striking passages of Scripture which treat of the doctrine of the atonement (these you well know, sir, are numerous), to press them on their attention; and, lastly, to urge them in the most pathetic terms to accept of this method of deliverance from the condemning power of sin, which if they neglect to do, there remaineth no other sacrifice for sin, but they will be justly condemned for neglecting that Saviour," who was made sin (that is, a sin offering) for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

"Part of your plan I like very well," said Mr. Warian, "I mean that which relates to the typical branch of the subject. But I could wish you to offer a few conjectures as to the number of those persons who will be saved by the death of Christ. One of the books I have brought will assist you on this point. And as to pathetic exhortation, I cannot say I see any use in it, it is only the grace of God which can convert the sinner and cause him to come to Christ for salvation. And you may as well talk to dead bodies, and persuade them to live. I hope you have no idea that your reasoning, and powers of argument will make

converts.

The young preacher now fixed his eyes with