plan which is likely to promote the temporal-interests of their flock; nor can they devise any means better calculated to give them ac-. cess to the hearts and consciences of the people, than by taking a prominent interest in their secular concerns. When the labouring class (for it is of them I speak) see the clergyman taking active measures for their temporal comfort, they will not be so easily led astray by others in their spiritual concerns. The absence of such care as this has been one grand, cause of defection from our Establishment. An earnest and unceasing attention to the object of raising them from their state of miserable dependence on parish pay, will be a benefit for which they will be grateful.

Another advantage, not trivial, which may be expected from such a plan, is the increase of the congregation at church. How many among the poor excuse their nonattendance there, by alleging the want of clothes! Whereas, when decently clad, the desire of notice, low as it may be in the list of motives, will operate to draw them thither, and may thus prove the means of everlasting benefit.

It may be objected, that the scheme is scarcely practicable in some parishes, either from excess of population or from its being thinly scattered, from the indisposition of the people, their extreme poverty, or the want of respectable coadjutors. These objections may have force in some instances, but I cannot admit that they should, in any case, prevent the attempt. If the number of subscribers should be small in the commencement, the knowledge of the good resulting to the few will soon spread and augment the number, especially if the assistance of some honorary members is obtained; and let it be observed, that in proportion as the people feel the benefits arising from their own exertions, may such extraneous aid be dispensed with.

The establishment of such Associations as I have recommended, will prove also a bond of union in the political edifice. To separate, the interests, and disunite the social relations, of the lower from those of the other classes of society is the grand aim of the apostles of sedition. To frustrate their mischievous purpose, let every effort be used to emancipate the labourer from his abject dependence on others, and to make him feel that he has a stake in society worth preserving. Let him be encouraged by every kind word and work to begin to help himself. And when he has experienced the sweets and comforts of his industry, frugality, and foresight, he will require no farther insentive to persevere in this new course.

In the present depressed state of our manufactories, a further important benefit would accrue from the extension of such schemes. Multiply the sum of 1201., or half that sum, by one-eighth of the parishes in England, and see the mighty effect which such an accumulation of demand for our manufactures would produce. If it be asserted, that the sum thus husbanded would have been dispersed in a different channel, but in one equally advantageous to the revenue and the wealth of the country; I answer-If this were proved, yet no man who considers the moral bearings of the question could allow the account to be thus balanced.

Lastly, compare the benefits of such a plan as this with any scheme of a simply gratuitous kind. The mere giving of money, or of clothes, confers very little permanent benefit; and, instead of exciting gratitude and diligence, often produces very contrary effects; whereas, by calling forth those dormant energies, which have hitherto been overwhelmed with rubbish, in the mind, an invaluable and permanent benefit is conferred. The man is raised to a higher state of existence; and he feels himself,

instead of an useless incumbrance, to be one of the links in the chain of society, mutually imparting and receiving strength, security, and advantage.

Henbury, Gloucestershire,
December, 1816.

To the Editor of the Christian Observer. I AM very sorry to see, by a paper in your valuable miscellany for November last, that a countrywoman of mine has been cast by Providence into an embarrassing situation. After having, in the bosom of the Church of England, received the truth in the love of it," and for two years offered the sacrifices of joy in her tabernacles, she has been recalled to her native place, where the preaching of the Episcopal clergyman affords no nourishment to her soul; while she can derive no benefit from the lifeless forms of Presbyterian worship, although the clergyman, like the son of consolation, is" a good man." She requests advice and direction. I shall receive peculiar delight if I shall be made instrumental in comforting the heart of a country woman. My qualifications for the office I have assumed arise simply from having been placed in a great degree in similar circumstances with herself. I too, Mr. Editor, "under the teaching of an English clergyman, in an English church, and in the use of the Church of England's prayers," obtained, I humbly hope, the same benefit of which she speaks; and, after two happy years, was called to remove to my native land. I left the admirable Liturgy of your church, and one of the most useful and admired preachers of the day, to fill a place in one of the Scotch churches, and to join in what my fair countrywoman has called its "dull and uninteresting mode of worship." So far our circumstances almost completely agree. With your permission, Mr. Editor, I shall proceed to state my further pro

gress.

When I first attended public worship in Scotland, upon my return from England, I felt there was a considerable difference in the modes of worship of the respective churches. I believe, however, I was sincerely desirous of spiritual improvement, and therefore humbly resolved to make the best use in my power of the public means of grace with which I was favoured. Accordingly, I was solicitous to be properly prepared for the duties of the house of God. I prayed to God in private for his blessing, and continued with humble hope to wait upon him in the ordinances which I believed were of his appointment. I waited not in vain; and let your fair correspondent listen to the word of a Christian brother, when I assure her, that in a very short time, I derived fully as much satisfaction and enjoyment by engaging in the simple forms of Presbyterian worship, as I once received from the more imposing service of the Church of England. And yet from engaging in the latter I have received a happiness which I would not exchange for all this world has to give. But, blessed be God, through the Church of Scotland there also run streams of living water. Blessed, be his Name, that I have drunk of them and been satisfied; and that when I look round on those with whom I take sweet counsel, and walk into the house of God in company, I see many who derive still greater delight from the ordinances of public worship; whose language is, "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! Our souls long, yea even faint for the courts of the Lord." This is no fanciful or highly coloured picture. It is drawn with the pencil of truth. And why may not my countrywoman partake of these joys? I know of no reason to prevent her. The fountain is opened, and she has only to "taste and see that the Lord is good." With every feeling of respect, and desire for her spiritual good, I

would humbly advise her to examine herself to see if the error does not lie nearer her own breast than she has hitherto suspected. Those forms which she has termed dull and uninteresting have proved the comfort and joy of thousands in this vale of tears, who are now standing before the throne of God; and they constitute at this moment one of the chief joys of thousands who are treading in the same steps, and panting after the same glory. I have gone to the Church of Eng land with those I loved; and while my own soul has been refreshed, I have been made happy by the fulness of their joy. But I see continually the simple service of our Church producing, through the blessing of God, the same gracious effects. The reason of this state of things is obvious: the two flocks feed in different pastures; but it is the same Shepherd that leads them, the same staff that comforts them.

I will not attempt to trace the causes which may have operated on the mind of your correspondent, to turn away from those green pastures in this Church, on the borders of which she must have trod, while she wandered over "other parts of Scotland," or for neglecting, after so superficial a trial, that one which seems to be at her very door. This is not the object I have at present in view. I will, therefore, only repeat, that as those services which she despises constitute the delight of multitudes of Christ's flock, they are fitted to make her heart burn," not with "the recollection of past times," but with the possession of present enjoyment. Let her, therefore, humbly and fervently seek God in the duties of the closet. her pray especially for a blessing on the public ordinances of worship. Let her there mingle with the people of God, and enter with them into his sanctuary, humbly expecting the gracious influences of the blessed Spirit. If she wait upon God in this manner, I think

Let

I may say with confidence, she will soon find cause to adopt the language of the Patriarch, Surely God is in this place, and I knew it not."

But every one, Mr. Editor, who is at all acquainted with himself, or with the mind of man, must be powerfully struck by the lordly in fluence with which prejudice and preconceived opinion rule over us feeble worms of the dust. I have hitherto stated facts which I firmly believe to be true,-to the truth of which I could obtain thousands of subscriptions on earth, and with humble confidence I add, if we could pierce through the veil, in heaven too. But I know, if an opposite opinion has been previously rooted in the mind, the statement I have made will at best produce but a partial effect. It may be admit→ ted to be true to a limited extent; but in the mean time the mind will hold fast, in a great measure, the opinions which have been formerly strongly impressed upon it. should be particularly sorry if this should be the case, in so far as the individual is concerned for whose benefit I have taken up my pen.

With a view to obviate prejudice, allow me to observe, that the true Christian never, perhaps, experiences more satisfying and exalted enjoyment than in private communion with God. But in these exalted exercises forms are in general, I believe, never thought of Our ever-blessed Lord seems to have prayed much in the open air. To descend at once to the creature, and our own times: Colonel Gardiner enjoyed much of his most intimate communion with God on horseback; and the late excellent Mr.Cecil held his chief intercourse with the Father of his spirit while pacing his room. Much forma lity, therefore, in our private ap proaches to God, will be accounted an hindrance, rather than an assistance, to the most endearing and elevated intercourse which man can enjoy on earth.

Again: how sweet is family reli

instead of an useless incumbrance, to be one of the links in the chain of society, mutually imparting and receiving strength, security, and advantage.

Henbury, Gloucestershire,
December, 1816.

To the Editor of the Christian Observer. I AM very sorry to see, by a paper in your valuable miscellany for November last, that a countrywoman of mine has been cast by Providence into an embarrassing situation. After having, in the bosom of the Church of England, received the truth in the love of it," and for two years offered the sacrifices of joy in her tabernacles, she has been recalled to her native place, where the preaching of the Episcopal clergyman affords no nourishment to her soul; while she can derive no benefit from the lifeless forms of Presbyterian worship, although the clergyman, like the son of consolation, is" a good man." She requests advice and direction. I shall receive peculiar delight if I shall be made instrumental in comforting the heart of a countrywoman. My qualifications for the office I have assumed arise simply from having been placed in a great degree in similar circumstances with herself. I too, Mr. Editor," under the teaching of an English clergyman, in an English church, and in the use of the Church of England's prayers," obtained, I humbly hope, the same benefit of which she speaks; and, after two happy years, was called to remove to my native land. I left the admirable Liturgy of your church, and one of the most useful and admired preachers of the day, to fill a place in one of the Scotch churches, and to join in what my fair countrywoman has called its dull and uninteresting mode of worship." So far our circumstances almost completely agree. your permission, Mr. Editor, proceed to state my furth gress.

When I first attended public worship in Scotland, upon my return from England, I felt there was a considerable difference in the modes of worship of the respective churches. I believe, however, I was sincerely desirous of spiritual improvement, and therefore humbly resolved to make the best use in my power of the public means of grace with which I was favoured. Accordingly, I was solicitous to be properly prepared for the duties of the house of God. I prayed to God in private for his blessing, and continued with humble hope to wait upon him in the ordinances which I believed were of his appointment. I waited not in vain; and let your fair correspondent listen to the word of a Christian. brother, when I assure her, that in a very short time, I derived fully as much satisfaction and enjoyment by engaging in the simple forms of Presbyterian worship, as I once received from the more imposing service of the Church of England. And yet from engaging in the latter I have received a happiness which I would not exchange for all this world has to give. But, blessed be God, through the Church of Scotland there also run streams of living water. Blessed, be his Name, that I have drunk of them and been satisfied; and that when I look round on those with whom I take sweet counsel, and walk into the house of God in company, I see many who derive still greater delight from the ordinances of public worship; whose language is, "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! Our souls long, yea even faint for the courts of the Lord." This is no fanciful or highly coloured picture. It is drawn with the pencil of truth. And why may not my countwoman nake these

would humbly advise her to examine herself to see if the error does not lie nearer her own breast than she has hitherto suspected. Those forms which she has termed dall and uninteresting have proved the comfort and joy of thousands in this vale of tears, who are now standing before the throne of God; and they constitute at this moment one of the chief joys of thousands who are treading in the same steps, and panting after the same glory. I have gone to the Church of Eng land with those I loved; and while my own soul has been refreshed, I have been made happy by the fulness of their joy. But I see continually the simple service of our Church producing, through the blessing of God, the same gracious effects. The reason of this state of things is obvious: the two flocks feed in different pastures; but it is the same Shepherd that leads them, the same staff that comforts them.

I will not attempt to trace the causes which may have operated on the mind of your correspondent, to turn away from those green pastures in this Church, on the borders of which she must have trod, while she wandered over "other parts of Scotland," or for neglecting, after so superficial a trial, that one which seems to be at her very door. This is not the object I have at present in view. I will, therefore, only repeat, that as those services which she despises constitute the delight of multitudes of Christ's flock, they are fitted to make "her heart burn," not with "the recollection of past times," but with the possession of present enjoyment. er, therefore, bumbly and in the d

I may say with confidence, she will soon find cause to adopt the language of the Patriarch, "Surely God is in this place, and I knew it not."

But every one, Mr. Editor, who is at all acquainted with himself, or with the mind of man, must be powerfully struck by the lordly in fluence with which prejudice and preconceived opinion rule over us feeble worms of the dust. I have hitherto stated facts which I firmly believe to be true,-to the truth of which I could obtain thousands of subscriptions on earth, and with humble confidence I add, if we could pierce through the veil, in heaven too. But I know, if an opposite opinion has been previously rooted in the mind, the statement I have made will at best produce but a partial effect. It may be admit ted to be true to a limited extent; but in the mean time the mind will hold fast, in a great measure, the opinions which have been formerly strongly impressed upon it. I should be particularly sorry if this should be the case, in so far as the individual is concerned for whose benefit I have taken up my pen.

With a view to obviate prejudice, allow me to observe, that the true Christian never, perhaps, experiences more satisfying and exalted enjoyment than in private communion with God. But in these exalted exercises forms are in general, I believe, never thought of. Our ever-blessed Lord seems to have prayed much in the open air. To descend at once to the creature, and our own times: Colonel Gardiner enjoyed much of his most int communion with God on

; and the late excellent held his chief intercourse Father of his spirit while is room. Much forma refore, in our private ap sto God, will be accounted drance, rather than an asce, to the most endearing and ted intercourse which man enjoy on earth.

Again: how sweet is family reli