Discriminative preaching.

There are undoubtedly these two classes in every audience. And if the preacher does not keep his hearers apprized of this, and make them feel that they belong to one or other of these classes, and put them upon the business of deciding where they stand—his preaching will be of no account. Sermons defective in this particular have often led the impenitent to be soothed and self-satisfied with those scriptural promises and encouragements which belong only to those who have been truly born again. I cannot conceive of a more certain way to lull men to sleep, and spread over them a fatal delusion, than such a style of preaching as this. The line of demarcation between the people of God and those who are in an unconverted state, should always be drawn, and drawn with such breadth and distinctness, that every one will be constrained to see on which side he stands, and therefore to understand what part of the sermon belongs to him.”

This conversation was continued, and as it proceeded, the speakers seemed to gather fresh inspiration from the lovely night-scene around them. But I must hasten to tell you of a conversation in relation to parochial visiting. Often, after having spent a few hours with Mr. Hand witnessed the easy, natural, and delightful manner in which he engaged every individual about him in conversation upon personal religion, I have asked myself, Why is it that Christian people, and Christian ministers, so seldom converse upon a subject so noble, so glorious, so infinitely interesting?

The conversation to which I just alluded, took its rise from the following occurrence. A small party were dining with Mr. H-; the whole company consisting only of two clergymen, two theological students, and three ladies— unless we add the name of Henry H, Mr. H—————’s son, a bright-looking boy, about eight years old, who sat by the side of his mother.

Upon our first sitting down to the table, there was that

easy and unconstrained manner in our host, that put to flight every thing like reserve or embarrassment, and insensibly drew us into conversation.

The conversation was at first of a desultory character, but at length a subject was started that seemed to attract the attention of all, and one of the visiting clergymen, the Rev. Mr. Z―, became highly animated in the discussion.

The subject discussed was the character of some one of the ancients. His wisdom had been called into question. Mr. Z―, in the ardour of feeling, inquired, "If he was not a wise man, who is wise—yes, who is wise ?”

The earnestness with which this inquiry was made occasioned a momentary silence through the whole company. Henry, seizing the opportunity, whispered to his mother, "I can answer that question."

"Hush!" said his mother.

"Let him speak," said one of the ladies, who overheard what he had whispered to his mother.

"What remark have you to offer, my son?" said his father affectionately, who had taken very little part in the previous conversation.

Henry's countenance brightened up with intelligence, and with a trembling voice he said, "I can answer Mr. Z-'s question, for I was reading it this morning in the Bible."

"Well, let us have the answer," replied his father. "He that winneth souls is wise."

"A very good answer," replied his father, "and I hope you will hereafter understand and exemplify its meaning." This was the commencement of a very interesting and profitable conversation. The several means by which souls might be won were made the subject of copious remark.

At length Mr. H— observed, "That although none could hold in higher estimation the pulpit than he did, yet he was decidedly of the opinion, that more good could be done by religious conversation in the private circle-by thus 'preaching from house to house'-than by public preach

Parochial visiting.

ing in the sanctuary." It was a testimony borne in reference to the apostles, that in every house they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

"But," said Mr. Zobjections to this plan."

"there are a number of serious

The Rev. Mr. Z—, though an amiable, and, in many points, a truly estimable man, had not those deep views of religion, nor that conscientious concern about the faithful discharge of his duty, which characterized Mr. H

He was naturally of an easy disposition, and quickly deterred from any course where he perceived difficulties were to be encountered. He had hitherto scarcely attempted a course of parochial visiting, and perhaps the remark of Mr. H- though unintended, came to him as a sort of reproof.

"There are a number of serious objections to this plan," said he.

"What are those objections?" inquired Mr. H

"have we not consecrated we not therefore bound to

all our time to God? and are spend it in such a way as will tend most to promote his glory and the salvation of our fellow men? But really to attain this object, I do not think it necessary to infringe upon any portion of that time now appropriated to duties strictly professional. We may read and write, and preach and pray as much as we now do, and yet have abundant time to see all our people, and speak to them in private about their eternal salvation. How many hours, my dear brother, do we spend in receiving and paying mere worldly visits! How many hours do we spend in pursuits totally unconnected with the objects of our ministry! O, sir, if we carefully husbanded this time, and employed it, as the blessed Saviour did his life, in going about doing good,' I think your objection would have no validity, and we should find, to our inexpressible delight, in the day when

No insuperable obstacles in the way of a faithful performance of this duty.

Christ gathers together his elect, many additional gems in our crown of rejoicing."

"Even though we had abundant time," said Mr. Zre-enforcing his objection, "there are many individuals and families in our congregations, to whom we could not speak directly, upon the subject of personal religion, without giving offence, or at least without losing a portion of our influence with them, and rendering our visits at their houses less acceptable."

"Is there not in this argument," replied Mr. Hwith increasing animation, "is there not something of that 'fear of man which bringeth a snare?' I take it as a given and indisputable principle, that when our duty is made plain to us, there is but one course for us to pursuewe must do our duty, let the consequences be what they may. When God says to the wicked, 'O wicked man, thou shalt surely die,' we must warn the wicked from his way,' however much offence it may give, else his blood will be required at our hands.' And of what value, my dear sir, is that influence with our parishioners, which we lose the moment that we attempt to bring them to Christ? I think, however, that this is a mistaken view of the subject. Faithful admonition in the private circle, when it comes from a heart full of love and kindness, will not give offence. It will elevate the man of God who thus discharges his duty, in the estimation of those very persons who perhaps feel pained by his admonition. He may not be hailed with as much welcome in the circles of gayety; he may not be invited to those parties of pleasure where his presence would have been earnestly solicited, had he been less faithful; but in the hour of affliction, when sober reason is on the throne, and the judgment is allowed its legitimate reign, he, of all others, will be most earnestly sought. Yes, those very persons, who, while dancing the giddy and intoxicating rounds of pleasure, might have thought his godly admonitions impertinent and obtrusive, will, when stretched upon the bed of sickness,

An illustration.

desire him before all spiritual counsellors. I recollect an instance perfectly in point. Some years ago, I resided in L—. There was a very gay young man there, of immense fortune, who was a sort of patron to the place. There were two clergymen in the neighbourhood. The one a plain but faithful man. His congregation consisted of the lower and more ignorant class of people. He did his duty to all, and to this gay and wealthy young man he frequently spoke with all the plainness and faithfulness of the ancient prophets, though perhaps not always with the same prudence. The society of this faithful minister, of course, was not much sought: he was often spoken of as a sour, disagreeable Puritan. The other minister had more learning and refinement, and a more fashionable congregation. His society was much sought by this gay young man, and they at length became almost inseparable companions. This minister, though he often witnessed in his young friend immoralities plainly forbidden by the Bible, never presumed to reprove him; he therefore retained his attachment and esteem until he was suddenly seized with a sickness which proved fatal. Being fully impressed with the conviction that he should never recover, he began to think about meeting the Judge Eternal, and the agony of mind he now experienced no one can conceive. His friends proposed to send for the minister who had for so many years enjoyed his intimacy. No, no,' said the dying man, he can do me no good. He has feared to tell me my duty when in health, and I can have no confidence in his advice and instruction now. Send, send for that despised man of God, who has not been deterred, by fear or favour, from warning me through life, and apprizing me of my real character.''

"But," said Mr. Z-, still starting objections, "we should often find it impossible to introduce religious conversation, without the greatest abruptness and apparent incivility."

H.

'If we are at all disinclined to our duty," responded Mr. 'nothing is easier than to discover, or imagine,

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