natural or acquired powers, would simple definition. Much of the be any thing but acceptable prayer. war of words is a war about Besides, as it would be very in-words: and men might as profitdecorous and even ungenerous to ably employ their steel on windshow in a closing prayer our feel-mills. ings of dissatisfaction towards a minister who has just spoken; and as we might do him the greatest injustice by thus publickly censuring his performance, so it would be equally indelicate to praise him to his face, and in the presence of a large congregation. There is nothing good in this practice. Its origin is not good. Its appearance is not good. Its effects are not good. Let every minister then, at least by his own example, discountenance the thing. Were I in that sacred office, I would not ask any one to pray at the close of one of my discourses, unless there was good reason to believe, that he would not so far forget the object of prayer as to offer to me the unprofitable and noxious incense of adulation.

SCRIPTURE TYPES.

X. Y.

THROUGH the poverty of language it happens, that there are few words of importance which are not used in a variety of significations. Hence it becomes necessary, when special stress is laid on any word, to define it and to make known the precise shade of meaning attached to it by the speaker or writer. Unless this be done, it is impossible to communicate clear ideas on any moral or abstract subject. The mischief is, every man supposes he perfectly understands terms in common use, when in reality he may attach no distinct meaning to them, or one quite different from his neighbour. Many, very many of the warin disputes in politics and religion, in morals and metaphysics, might be laid asleep by a

These thoughts occurred to us, when reflecting on the subject of types, as often brought to view by preachers and theological writers. When we have been told, that such a patriarch or Jewish saint was a type of Christ, or such a rite in the old Testament, a type of some one in the New, we have often found ourselves at a loss to know whether the assertion were true or false. If by type, is meant a thing which bears some resemblance to something else, the assertion may be very true, though not vastly instructive. For in that case, every man is a type of Christ; and few rites, divinely instituted, are so entirely dissimilar, as to afford no resemblance whatever to each other. But what may thus be made to prove any thing, proves nothing. Something more, then, than a bare resemblance, between two things, is necessary to constitute one a type of the other, in the Scripture sense. We undertake to say, that the resemblance must be designed, in order to authorize us in making one event or character typical of another. But the question may return upon us, how shall we know when there is a designed resemblance? You may know it, when the inspired writers inform you of it: and you cannot possibly know it in any other way. Here must the landmark be fixed. Here must the line of demarkation be drawn, which is to separate the region of truth from the region of conjecture. All beyond this boundary is dark and uncertain.

That there must be some standard to guide us on this subject, is evident from the discordant and endless variety of types, which are palmed upon us as scriptural.

They are varied and multiplied, according to every man's fancy. In this way, a grievous tax is imposed on honesty and good nature and this tax operates as a bounty upon scepticism. Many are hence driven off to the ranks of infidelity. Those who handle the sacred oracles, are bound to do it with modesty and reverence. They should not treat them, as is sometimes done, with a license, which would be unpardonable even in human compositions.

the knowledge of what is such, is to be drawn, not from our imagination, but from the Bible.

Now as to the examples above cited, where is the evidence, that the former part of the example, in each case, was designed by God to be a type of the latter, and was made to exist for this purpose ?

There is another necessary caution : even where there are rites in the Old Testament, which are designed to be typical, it does not Thus a respectable writer makes follow that they were so underGideon's victory and Sisera's fall stood by the ancient Jews who both typical of the spiritual victo- practised them. These rites ries of the Church, because, for- were undoubtedly designed to ansooth, this victory and this over- swer present important purposes throw are afterwards incidentally as well as to point to something alluded to (Isaiah ix. 4. Psalms future. It is to be observed, also, lxxxiii. 9.) as instances in which that real types are generally carriGod had afforded help to his peo-ed too far. One thing is typical of ple. The healing of Naaman, the Syrian, and the merciful visitation of the widow of Sarepta, are made by him to typify the admission of the Gentiles to the blessings of the gospel, because those facts are referred to by Christ, (Luke iv. 25-27) though for a very different purpose. All the most eminent saints of ancient times are made types of Christ: the histories of Cain and Abel, of Jacob and Esau, of Isaac and Ishmael, of Ephraim and Manassah, are made to prefigure the rejection of the Jews; and the fall and temporary banishment of Nebuchadnezzar, to prefigure the present state of this people. Such is a specimen of the types (and these not of the more extravagant kind) which are sometimes furnished for our edification. The general fault in the cases adduced, is converting mere examples, illustrations, and resemblances, into types and antitypes.

But we have advanced the position that a Scripture type is a designed representation of some future character or event; and that

another, in a particular respect. But the visionary interpreter carries the parallel throughout. Because there is a resemblance in one quality, he makes a resemblance in all. Thus a man preaching from this text " As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up," makes the serpent a type of Christ, and then proceeds to show how much Christ resembles a serpent! In the first place, there is no type here ;nothing but a comparison: and, secondly, the comparison extends merely to the manner and design of being lifted up; i. e. for healing and saving purposes.

[R. 1. Relig. Mess.

ON DEFICIENCY IN ACCOUNTS OF
REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

We have lately understood, that it has been mentioned as a matter of complaint against the American Baptist Magazine, that it contains but few records of Revivals of

Religion.

It has, indeed, sometimes been the case, that churches in our own denomination have been blessed with numerous additions, and we have not given a particular detail of circumstances connected with these events; and for this very

If we did not feel mortified that we are surrounded by such a fault-finding world, we should be amused with the communications which we receive, and with the remarks which we hear are made concerning our editorial labours. We are some-weighty reason, that we were not times scolded for not inserting information which we have never received; and should we dare to borrow intelligence from our more favoured brethren who send forth a weekly publication, then we are censured for making our readers pay twice for the same thing. Placed, not between two bundles of hay, but betweer two fires, we should be extremely Our object in making these reglad if we knew how to avoid the marks, is to leave a distinct imdifficulties to which we are exposed.pression on the minds of our reaWe really are desirous to the utmost of our abilities, of pleasing all; if we may do it in a way that we think will profit all.

To be serious. A few explanatory remarks in vindication of ourselves as editors, may not be unseasonable. We are the more inclined to offer them because we know, that the nature of this case is not understood.

furnished with them. In some instances interesting narratives of the work of God have enriched the columns of other religious publications, and we simply abstained from copying them to avoid giving offence. We felt a reluctance to be frequently and significantly told, we have read that account before."

ders, that such articles of religious intelligence as are alluded to in these remarks will receive prompt and grateful attention. So far as there may have seemed to be a remissness on this subject, we beg leave to say, that in most instances, at least, it has been occasioned by circumstances beyond our control. And we do now earnestly request from our brethren, such mis-statements of the progress of religion in our churches throughout the country, as may serve to animate and gladden the hearts of the people of God.

If we have not altogether taken the character of our own feelings, there is nothing which affords us greater pleasure than the prosperity of the churches of Christ. To hear of the displays of divine grace, in the conversion of sinners, at a distance, is, to us delightful; and to witness the working of his mighty power in our own Congregations, is the most gratifying recompense that attends our ministerial labours.

Under the influence of these sentiments, no articles forwarded to us, have been more readily inserted on our pages, than well authenticated statements of Revivals of Religion. It is believed, that no communication of this kind was ever written and sent for our Magazine, which did not receive a place there.

11.

"Be merciful to your beast; not only ride moderately, but see that your horse be rubbed, fed and bedded.

10. "Beware of clownishness. || sition. Remember that admiraBe courteous to all. ble advice, given by the greatest preacher God ever made, to a young man just setting out in the work: The servant of God must not strive, but be gentle towards 12. "Every where recom- all; apt to teach; patient: in mend cleanliness. Cleanliness is meekness instructing those who next to godliness." oppose themselves. 2 Tim. ii. From these excellent docu- 24, 25. From an indescribable ments, I forbear to make any far-law in the economy of the intelther quotations, and come imme-lectual world, the spirit that acts diately to the general object which upon another, begets in it its own I had in view; and to which, I likeness.-You will get a profutrust, you will, in the fear of God, sion of light on this subject, if seriously attend. you take care to carry the Spirit and unction of Christ with you into all your publick ministrations; and preserve them in all your private communications with the people. I have known ministers, and of no mean note either, who seldom have a soul comforted under their ministry, merely because of their harsh, austere manner of preaching the gospel. Others, far their inferiors in point of ministerial qualifications, get souls for their hire wherever they come, principally (under God) through their affectionate manner of recommending the gospel of the grace of Christ. Of the former it has been justly said, They make even the promises of God too hot to be held.

Remember, God is the fountain of all good: whatever comes from him will lead to him. His blessing is on his own productions, and his curse on every thing besides. Son of Man, saith the Lord, receive the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. Deeply consider that, to be successful in bringing souls to God, you must bring the spirit of the gospel into the work of the ministry. In order to this; see that you retain a clear sense of God's mercy to your own soul, and of your call to the work; and while you feel his love in your heart, it will not only support you in all trials and difficulties, but will induce you cheerfully to spend and be spent for the salvation of those for whom Christ has died.

3. Beware of discouraging the people; therefore, avoid continually finding fault with them. This 2. You preach, not merely to does very great hurt. There are explain God's word, but to save some, whose sermons impress souls whenever you forget this, nothing but terror: and though you go astray. Now, as no man they point out the heights and can see the worth of the salvation depths of holiness; yet they leave which God has provided for him, the hearers no courage to follow till he be convinced of his want on to know the Lord. There are of it; therefore, preach the law others who become Censors generand its terrors to make way for al of the different societies to the gospel of Christ crucified. whom they preach. This (imperBut take heed, lest while you an- ceptibly to themselves) spoils their nounce the terrors of the Lord, in own tempers, begets a spirit of order to awaken sinners and pre- uncharitableness, and greatly inpare them for Christ, that you do jures their usefulness. If you not give way to your own spirit, find a society fallen or falling, especially if you meet with oppo- examine as closely as you can to