reference to the ordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit, is faith in the promise to the success of prayer. If any man implore the effusion of divine influences on his mind and heart, "let him ask in faith" if any number of Christians agree and unite together in supplications for this heavenly gift, let them ask in faith; let them urge their request with believing and persevering importunity, and they may rest assured that they shall not ask in vain.

When our Saviour affirms, that every one who asketh receiveth," he seems to make an appeal to matter of fact: he challenges inquiry. Let then the history of supplications and of petitioners be fearlessly consulted. Let the appeal be made in any number of instances, whether to individuals or to churches, whether in ancient or in modern times, and the result cannot fail to be the deepened conviction, that "He is faithful who promised." As recent verifications of divine promises are peculiarly interesting and encouraging, it will gratify the Christian reader to be informed of the remarkable and obvious connexion between prayer for the Holy Spirit and the actual effusion of the Holy Spirit, apparent in many of the late revivals of religion in the American churches.

In the "Narrative of the Progress of religion within the bounds of the Presbytery of New York," the attention of the reader is particularly invited" to the prevailing spirit of prayer which has been granted in some of the churches;" and a most striking instance is given of the connexion between meetings for prayer and the effusion of divine influences. In the congregation of Dr. Spring there were nearly a hundred instances of conversion during the course of last winter, and in his church there exist twenty-three praying societies! This alone speaks

a volume of excitement and encouragement!

In an account of the revival of religion in Wethersfield, Connecticut, the Minister thus writes to a correspondent: "There has recently been a more extensive awakening among the people of my charge than ever I had expected to see. I had preached almost sixteen years, as plainly, and I thought as solemnly and as boldly, as I could, without producing any noticeable effect. In the summer of 1820, several females of the church privately instituted a weekly concert in the closet, to implore an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In the year following, the present series of revivals appears to have commenced. Experimental religion became the great theme of reflection and conversation, and it seemed as though all my people were pressing into the kingdom of heaven! The solemnities of eternity absorbed every other concern. Numbers were every week embracing the hope that they had passed from death unto life. Sixty-eight persons have been added to the church, and there is a considerable number of others also, who are believed to be the subjects of divine grace. We are filled with wonder at the greatness of the work.”

In an account of the revival of Religion in Pittsfield, Massachusets, we have the following statement:-"For a considerable time, the church and people of this town have been favoured with the effusion of the Holy Spirit. The third Sabbath in September will not be forgotten by the present generation in Pittsfield, for that Sabbath was a high day. To see more than eighty persons, and one half of them heads of families, rising up to enter into covenant with God and with his people-to look round and see who they were to hear their

song-to witness their emotions, and to welcome them for the first time to the table of the Lord-Oh, it was a scene which I shall not attempt to describe! A solemn awe and stillness pervaded the great congregation, and some sinners were that day awakened by what they saw and heard in the sanctuary. We doubt not that there was joy in heaven!"

The writer of this narrative observes, that "A revival of Religion may begin where there is very little prayer, as a sinner may be awakened who neglects the means of grace; but these instances are exceptions to the general and established laws of God's kingdom. Till there is a spirit of prayer in the church, no out-pouring of the Holy Spirit can be reasonably expected. During the revival, I have been led to watch the little prayermeetings, with peculiar interest; thirty or forty of which I should think were attended weekly in different parts of the town; and I do believe it was pre-eminently in these meetings that" Israel prevailed."

One additional extract will be sufficient to confirm and to illustrate the remarks with which this paper commenced. It is from a letter dated Wilmington, Delaware, March 23d of last year, (1822.) "I will take up a theme which has caused joy among the angels in heaven. Could you see the joy of our young converts, and could you listen to their prayers, your heart would leap for joy. To behold their anxiety for their impenitent friends, to hear sisters pleading with sisters, brothers with brothers, parents with children, and children with parents, would cause the blush of shame in the face of old professors, who have for years been negligent of the souls of those around them. Meetings for prayer have been very frequent. They are held at each

other's houses, to beseech the Lord still to continue the out-pouring of his Spirit. Like Jacob they have wrestled, and like Israel they have prevailed; for the more prayer there has ascended, the more power has descended, bearing full demonstration to those words-" Prove me now, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Several Sabbath School scholars are the happy subjects of grace; and many of them hold prayer meetings, and assemble in little groups, to talk about the things which make for their peace."

Are not such facts as these equally instructive and encouraging? Truly "the Lord's hand is not shortened that he cannot save, neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear." Has he recorded a promise and shall he not perform it? "hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" "Ask me," saith Jehovah," of things to come con"of cerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. "Thus saith the Lord God: I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them." Let, then, our prayers for the Holy Spirit be more frequent, more fervent, and more importunate. Let us desire more, and expect more, than we have ever yet received. Let meetings for special prayer evince the earnestness of our longings after heavenly influence, and then it will be no presumption to indulge the hope, that an effusion of the Holy Spirit, bearing resemblance to that which has effected so glorious a revival in many of the churches of our transAtlantic brethren, may ere long descend, in all its vivifying and gladdening influence, upon the churches of Britain! H. F. B.

On Prayer for the General Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

It will be interesting to our friends to hear that we have received information, upon which we can rely, that this subject has engaged the attention of many of the clergy in England and Ireland, and in Scot land, and has also been highly approved of and adopted by other denominations of Christians.

Resolutions, recommending special prayer for the gracious effusion of the Spirit, have passed at many of the public meetings of the religious Societies. In several large towns and cities, courses of lectures have been preached by different clergymen in rotation, upon the Deity, Personality, and Offices of the Holy Ghost. In one of the counties the following topics have been preached upon :

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--

The Existence, Deity, and Personality of the Holy Ghost.

"The agency of the Holy Spirit as exerted through the instrumentality of the written Word.

"The work of the Holy spirit, in reference to the unconverted.

"The work and offices of the Holy Spirit as they respect believers.

"The characteristic and distinguishing marks of the sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit.

"A general view of the Scripture doctrine of the Holy Spirit, especially in reference to the latter period of the church.

"The importance of a practical regard to his ministration, in connection with the present state of the church and the world.

"The duty and benefits of special prayer for the general outpouring of the Holy spirit,"

In a populous city in another county, a still more extensive course on the following subjects has comenced:-viz.

"An introductory Discourse on the general importance of a larger effusion the Holy Spirit, and the encouragements to expect the bless

ing.

The Deity and Personality of the Holy Ghost.

"The Holy Spirit the author of regeneration;-the convincer of sin; -of righteousness;-of judgment; -the guide into all truth;-the glorifier of the Lord Jesus, John xvi. 8-15. The Holy Spirit the witness of the deity of Jesus, 1 Cor. xii. 3. The Holy Spirit received through faith in Jesus, Galat. iii. 14. The Holy Spirit the helper in prayer, Romans viii. 26. The Holy Spirit the Sanctifier;-the Comforter ;the Spirit of Adoption;-the Spirit of Promise; the Author of ministerial gifts, and Edifier of the churches.

"On the fruits of the Spirit. "The earnest of the Spirit. "The believer the temple of the Holy Ghost.

"The sin and danger of grieving the Spirit.

"Emblems of the Spirit :-The dove, fire, wind, water, air.

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The blessed effects of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and the duty of special prayer for that blessing.

"The reasonableness of humiliation before God for past sin, in grieving the Spirit; and in the necessity of application to God, through Christ, for pardon and for a more abundant outpouring of his gracious influences, attended by a correspondent walk and conversation."

In small towns and villages, where these united exertions could not be conveniently made, several of the clergy have called the attention of their different flocks to this subject, by a more frequent reference to the offices of the Holy' Spirit.

Ministers of other denominations have also been very earnest in pressing this subject upon their congregations. Stated times have been set apart for prayer for this grace, and courses of sermons upon the work of the Holy Spirit have been preached.

The importance of prayer for this. gracious effusion, has also been felt by many devout Christians on the continent; several of their religious publications have inserted papers. upon the subject, and prayer meet

ings have been established in different places.

Among other cities we record with peculiar pleasure and thankfulness, that at PARIS a Meeting on the first Monday of the month has been commenced, for prayer for the effusion of the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Some very pleasing effects have already followed these Christian exertions. Ministers have mentioned the increasing personal comfort they have found in their labours; greater seriousness has been visible in their congregations; their ministry has been more

blessed to the unconverted; several young persons, and, in some cases, whole families, have joined the communion; established Christians have been refreshed and edified; and a greater zeal for the spread of the gospel, and a more tender compassion for Jews and Heathens, have been manifested. Missionaries, also, have been particularly encouraged by hearing of this spirit of prayer, and have gone forth to their work with fresh ardor.

It is hoped that this gratifying intelligence may, by the Divine blessing, excite heads of families, and pious individuals, to more earnest prayer for the gracious influences of the Comforter; and that the clergy may be lead, with increasing zeal, to attempt to interest their charges in this all-important subject.

The commencement of a New Year is a most appropriate season for engaging with redoubled earnestness in this sacred work. When we contemplate the numbers constantly passing into an eternal world.--that ere another year closes, twenty millions at least of our fellow sinners will have passed hence,- that however extensive the outward means. used for their conversion may be, unless they have the Spirit of God, they cannot see his kingdomWhen we bear in mind also, that our Heavenly Father has connected the gift of the Holy Spirit with prayer for this blessing, and has promised to hear our petitions, by the most tender similes-Whoever seriously reflects upon these truths, will feel deeply humbled that he has devoted so small a portion of his time to direct application to a throne of grace. He will commence the year with these solemn inquiries-WHAT HAVE I HITHER

TO DONE TO PROMOTE PRAYER FOR:
THE COMFORTER? AND WHAT CAN
I DO MORE THAN I HAVE ALREADY
ATTEMPTED?

O! that these inquiries might be general; that in this New Year, the Church of Christ would say with the Patriarch, "I WILL NOT: LET THEE GO EXCEPT THOU ME!"

WILLIAM BLAIR, Esq. An eminent Surgeon, died at his house in great Russell - street, Bloomsbury Square, on Friday, Dec. 5, in the fifty-seventh year of his age. His health had long been in a declining state, and he was about to remove to a rural retirement near Colchester; but on the Monday preceding his dissolution he became worse, and was confined to his room and bed. On the Wednesday, perceiving the gradual approach of death, he, with his usual precision, set every thing in order in expectation of that event. He frequently called his servant to read to

BLESS

him several portions of Scripture, especially the 11th and 12th chapters of Isaiah, the ciii. and cvith Psalms; the 11th chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and part of the 12th, making occasional remarks.

On Friday evening, about ten o'clock, his friend and neighbour, Mr. Butterworth, called to see him, when he expressed his firm confidence in Christ "the Rock of Ages," and renunciation of every other ground of hope. When Mr. B. said, "He is your Saviour;" he added, "Yes; altogether precious! altogether precious!" and, referring to the word of God, he said, "I have

now done with every other book." On Mr. B.'s alluding to those words, "When flesh and heart faileth, God is the strength of your heart,”—he added, "Always-always!"

After Mr. B. left him, he desired that one of the chapters, which had proved so consolotary to him, should again be read, particularly Hebrews the 11th; after which, when just about to depart, he said, Charles, bring me the Bible, and let me lay my hand once more on that blessed book." The Bible was accordingly brought, and being assisted to place his hands upon it. he laid down, saying, "I rest in Christ," and immediately expired.

Thus peacefully has terminated the active and beneficent life of another distinguished member of the medical profession; in the exercise of which, wide as is its range, he could not be satisfied to limit his unwearied exertions in promoting the temporal, and, especially, the spiritual interests of his fellow-men. The cause of the indigent Irish, and the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, were among the extra-professional objects which most powerfully called forth the restless energies of his philanthropic heart. Valuing, as he did, "above rubies," the word of God, his greatest delight was found in aiding its general diffusion: hence he has been heard to allude to the hours engaged in the Committee-meetings of the British and Foreign Bible Society as to some of the happiest in his life.* We refrain from adverting more particularly to his character, hoping that materials may be afforded for a full and corrected Memoir. In the meantime, however, we are happy to have it in our power to add another striking example of Christian principle and conduct in a profession, which has so long laboured under the stigma of prevailing scepticism.

Our readers will probably recollect the opinion we lately expressed of Mr. Pearson's admirable piece of

Mr. Blair recently presented to that Society a numerous and costly selection of books connected with the various versions of the Scriptures and with Biblical

criticism.

VOL. I.

medical biography. It is remarkable, that several points of character therein so ably drawn, of the late Mr. Hey, are equally applicable to that of Mr. Blair, both these eminent surgeons having been bright examples of professional probity, ardent benevolence, and Christian intrepidity; men," who have dared to frown sternly on vice and wickedness, and have opposed the licentious manners of their age by the powerful eloquence of a life consecrated to the service of God, and an unwearied activity in promoting the welfare of mankind."+'

In the able work from which we have extracted the above eulogium, as applicable not less to the late surgeon of the Lock Hospital and Asylum than to the father of the Leeds Infirmary, Mr. Fearson was naturally led to make honourable mention of others of his brethren who have profes-ed their faith in Christianity. Passing over many learned men of the medi cal profession in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and coming nearer to our own times, "It may suffice, (says Mr. P.) to mention the names of the very learned Lennertus, the illustrious Boerhaave, Dudart, Morin, Hecquet, Winslow, Swammerdam, William Muys, Baron Haller, men who have left unquestionable evidence of their veneration of the Deity, and unfeigned submission to the voice of revealed religion."

"Among those whose claims to the honour of the Christian name in our own country must be admitted, it may suffice to mention the names of the very learned Linacer or Linacre, Grey, Willis, Mapletoft, Woodward, Sir Thomas Browne, Lobb, Cheyne, Hartley, Rutty; men, who, living and dying, have avowed their faith and hope in the revelation of Jesus Christ. It is with reluctance that the names of many worthy persons are withheld, whose exemplary lives have done honour to our profession within the last fifty years, but delicacy towards the living suggests the propriety of forbearance."

+ Pearson's Life of Hey, pref. p. 46. See M. Adam's Lives of Med. Men.

C.