ing service, instead of four or five times, as it is on communion occasions in England; and the "Gloria Patri" is repeated but once, that is, after the last psalm for the day, instead of as many times as there are psalms read. The verbal alterations are numerous and judicious, as well as the correction of all the ungrammatical phrases which we, from long custom, scarcely perceive to be there.

Upon the whole, though the service has been much improved, the disadvantage of being confined to one set form of words still remains. Petitions can never be adapted to the subject pressed on the soul in the sermon. May it not, therefore, check the effect of a preached gospel, and place the mind in the attitude of feeling, that all that is required of it has been done, when a certain form of words has been repeated? This, surely, more than the external government of the Episcopal Church, is the damper which impedes the flame of love and zeal, and reduces even the good and faithful to a chilly level—a level which has no power to vary with the ever-varying circumstances and states of advancement of the people, and which, therefore, may pluck backward the aspiring spirit when it aims at a closer union with Christ, and a more uniform indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That this is the experience of some of her most zealous pastors, may be inferred from the fact, that in week-day lectures, when they have escaped from the "consecrated" edifice, they are apt to employ extempore prayer.

Notwithstanding these anti-form-of-prayer remarks, which may excite displeasure in minds that are often refreshed by the use of the Liturgy, let it be understood, that the Episcopal Church in America is enriched by some men who are not surpassed in holy zeal and ability by the men of any other denomination, and that the feeble soul who may be thought thus rudely or ignorantly to interfere with their ark many times found refreshment within it.

has

It appears as if the confusion of sects, which is ever found where many minds are interested in Divine truth, resembles the confusion of tongues, impeding the work it designs to promote, and exciting displeasure and disappointment, where it ought to cheer and harmonise. But in spite of all impediments, there is a spiritual kingdom in this evil world, and it makes progress in a wonderful manner in the very heart of obstacles.

The world is exceeding worldly; yet the spiritual kingdom rushes into it and plucks forth victims who seemed beyond the hope of rescue. The enemy is exceeding treacherous; but there are unseen guards over the newly-formed subjects, who prevent and preserve them in their allegiance. The gainsayers are full of contempt and mocking; but the feeble are made strong, and taught to stand forth with courage as subjects of the Spiritual Kingdom, and as advocates to enlist others under the Lord's Banner. "We are saved by HOPE." Well may the Church in any land say so; but how peculiarly may it be said where the

man of sharp speculation, of far-seeing enterprise, or of keen politics, is withdrawn from these which were his first objects, and, by a power which is hid from the wondering worldling, is fixed on an entirely new pursuit, which he professes as openly, and follows with as much energy, as ever he did his old ones.

He

They

The frankness and cordiality of the American religious professor is a great gain to him. confides himself to the sympathies and prayers and all the sweet influences of Christian intercourse, while we in Scotland tremble and shrink and carefully turn the bushel over our little candle, till its light is wellnigh expiring for want of air. commit themselves to a consistent walk, for they empower all lookers-on to say whether their conduct consists with their profession or not, while we sneak along, and are barely suspected to be perhaps Christians. What is there more honouring to God, or silently admonitory to the worldly, than the Christian life shining as a light in the world? Even Wall Street raised its head from its money calculations, and said, "Brewster dead! Ah, then, he is in heaven!"

That faithful man had, for more than twenty years, filled honourably his place in the Church, and met his death hastily by an accident. This, the world's unpremeditated testimony to his consistency, shewed that he had been as a "city set upon a hill," and had been observed by the careless.

Such a life is full of light, and such are the men who are sustained for service by hope, and who infuse hope into the bosoms of others. They press on, and exert themselves, for they are "saved by Hope." This strong power of hope may, in some degree, affect the settledness of pastors as well as others. It is not very rare to find a minister resting for a year or two from the charge of a flock, and occupied in other-sometimes even in secular -engagements.

When an enterprise is on hand, they are not used to regard any man as a fixture, not to be spared from his present station. They draught him off to take charge of a publication, or colportage, or new missionary scheme, feeling that their best men are most in their place in any new and important work. By such means they fill the eye of the public, and give an impulse that has a powerful effect on their first movement in any new scheme.

Preaching, though alike in its aims and objects, differs considerably in its method in Scotland and the United States. We are doctrinal-they experimental. We refer continually to Scripture for proof -they found on Scripture, but treat the hearers as if they knew the proof. We are solemn and objurgatory-they solemn and entreating. We draw our illustrations from Scripture, and from past ages— they, without compromising the dignity of the chair, gather illustrations from the events of the time. We feel it a duty to be textual, and often to explain

the connexion between text and context they frequently use a text but as a motto, or catch a collateral idea from it, and treat that with great spirit, as if it were the real subject indicated.

The

One sometimes longed for more Bibles in the pews, and more calls to refer to them. It is true the hearers are quick of apprehension, but they might be the better of having the scriptural foundation fixed more clearly in their minds. more quick and impulsive, the more need of solid instruction. They see the thing, but they do not want to dwell on it. One feels as if Hall's Contemplations, or Meikle's Solitude Sweetened, could not have been meditated by American minds. What a spring would be made in the Divine life if more of the contemplative, meditative, self-acquainting, and God-acquainting spirit were cultivated by a people so lively and ardent! The preachers who cultivate these may lack something in early popularity, but will gain in permanent weight and usefulness; while with regard to Scotch preaching, the remark may with equal propriety be reversed.

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Good specimens of the "motto" text were given by two of the excellent preachers who took share in the New York winter course of "Sermons to Young Men." Dr Cheever's was, Son, remember;" and Dr Tyng's, "Run, speak to this young man.” By this choice they were left at liberty to "remember" or to "speak" anything, and they used their freedom skilfully and usefully. Yet when, a few weeks