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OF RELIGIOUS ENTHUSIASM.

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acceptance with God, and that in consequence of such assurance, joy had kept her awake for a fortnight, at the end of which she diedwhat would the world have said then? How rife would have been the imputations of extravagance and fanaticism! And why would the censure, withholden in the one case, be awarded in the other? Simply, because, in the first instance, the facts are admitted, and in the second they are disbelieved. And such, in truth, amidst all the reverence which they pretend to pay to religion, is the infidelity of a large portion of the unconverted.

But while "he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God," John iii. 18, those who are exempted from that condemnation must show their faith by their works, James ii. 18. Their holy zeal must prove their godly sincerity, 2 Cor. i. 12, and convince the world that the Christian faith is not a matter of opinion, or speculation, or conjecture, but of plain, demonstrable truth, of which they are quite as certain as of their own existence.

Till self-denial ceases to be so accounted, and personal sacrifices are thought unworthy

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EMINENT PIETY ESSENTIAL.

of that name, the world will continue to disbelieve our creed, and mock our exertions. In vain shall we preach that the ways of wisdom are pleasantness, and that her paths are peace, Prov. iii. 17, while we ourselves account the service of God a weariness. Our whole character must bear out our testimony. Risen with Christ, we must seek the things which are above; and while we offer to conduct men to brighter worlds, we must lead the way. Our families will then become nurseries for the church, and the church a nursery for heaven. Our general intercourse will constantly bear on the salvation of souls, and the pleasure of God will prosper in our hands.

But whether we will do the work or not, it must be done. The world is to be converted to Christ, and sooner or later the required agency will be found. Brethren, it remains for us to say whether we will lead the onward movement, or be trodden down by its pressure; whether we will impart a new character of fidelity to the rising age, or content ourselves with the selfish piety which has so long been current in the church, until the merciful providence of God, in pity to the next generation, shall thrust us aside to make room for men of firmer mould.

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Yet why should our firmness, our zeal, or our piety, be inferior to theirs? Will the men of any age owe more to redeeming love than

we, or have more powerful reasons for setting forth the great salvation? Have we feelings?

-so will they. they. Can we find excuses ?-so might they. There will be no motive for them which is not available now; no promise for them which may not be pleaded now; no aid for them which may not be granted now; and no success for them which may not be expected now. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work B of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor. xv. 58.

Have we infirmities ?-so will

W. Tyler, Printer, Bolt-court, London.

CRITICAL NOTICES

FROM

REVIEWS, &c., OF THE FIRST EDITION OF

"DECAPOLIS."

"The object of 'Decapolis' is clearly indicated by its title. The tone of the composition is in perfect keeping with its character and object."-Patriot, August 27, 1840.

"This essay can scarcely be read without profit."-Watchman, September 23, 1840.

"We lean decidedly to the author's ideas of useful preaching, and only pray that his little volume may be instrumental in giving currency to them. Many fail to do good, not by their want of devotedness, but by their wrong notions of the manner of adapting the appeals of truth to the conscience. Mr. Ford has done good service to the church by publishing this spirited essay, which is eminently fitted to revive the spirit of primitive Christianity, unfettered by human systems and scholastic theology."-Evangelical Magazine, August, 1840.

"The sincerity, the earnestness, and the deep-toned piety which pervade every page are likely to arouse the slumbering, encourage the timid, and animate the already active Christian to yet nobler efforts in the cause of Christ. We earnestly recommend the rich to purchase largely for gratuitous distribution."Christian Reformer, August 15, 1840.

"This little cheap volume is all it pretends to be. It is a heart-stirring appeal to selfish and lethargic professors on behalf of the unenlightened and perishing; and it deserves to be read by every Christian."-Eclectic Review, November, 1840.

"Decapolis' is the title of an exceedingly striking little volume from the pen of the Rev. D. E. Ford, of Lymington. It tells truth forcibly, affectionately, and with great candour: we wish, therefore, to introduce it to the favourable regard of all who would be zealous and useful Christians."-Revivalist, Sept. 1840.

"The writer of this essay has of late been blessed in his work with seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. He has been favoured to witness a mighty' shaking among the dry bones.' We heartily rejoice at his success. His design in the essay before us is to stir up the minds of his brethren, and of Christians in general, to labour more earnestly in the work of saving souls."Congregational Magazine, September, 1840.

"The object of this little work is to impress upon Christians the fearful weight of obligation under which they lie to rescue from eternal death every human being with whom they may come into contact. The topic is of no small importance, and we feel thankful to the author for having brought it prominently and pointedly before the public. So excellently, indeed, has he illustrated his positions, and so solemnly brought them home to

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