countries, which are now covered with Mahometan darkness, shall again be visited with the light of the Gospel. t

[For the Monitor.]

THE VALUE OF REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

As in the natural world there are seasons, when the warm rains and genial influences of the sun conspire to crown with abundance the labours of the husbandman; so in the moral there are seasons, when there is an unusual growth in christian graces, and an unusual number are turned unto the Lord.

Religion in these is the same as at other times. The means employed, the effects produced, and the standard by which these effects are tried, are the same. The only difference is in the degree, extent, and influence of religion. These, therefore, constitute the proper test of revivals.

First, the degree and extent.

The best Christian is compelled constantly to struggle with the remains of his corrupt propensities, which often entice him from the path of duty, and cause him to tarnish his profession. By the aid of divine grace his efforts are sometimes increased, and he makes unusual advances in holiness. But in revivals these unusual advances in holiness are made by Christians generally. Their knowledge of God, of themselves, and of duty, is rapidly increased. "Their exercises of faith, love, and humility, instead of being occasional, become frequent," and almost perpetual. Thus in a little time their piety acquires unusual "strength and stability;" and their example shines with a corresponding lustre.

Again, the conversion of one sinner is an event, the value of which as much transcends our feeble comprehension, as the destinies of eternity. But in revivals many are converted. As much is done for the salvation of souls in a few weeks, as is ordinarily done in many years.

Secondly, the influence of religion in revivals.

The influence of religion on society has always been salutary. But in revivals, this influence becomes so powerful, that a reformation, which all other causes failed to effect, is almost immediately produced. This has been strikingly illustrated in our colleges. During those seasons when God has poured out his spirit, there have been an unusual regularity, sobriety, and industry in those, who were not converted-and the tone of feeling excited in favour of morality has continued long to produce the same effects. But it is not in morals, that this influence is chiefly felt. It breaks down those barriers, which separate different sects of real Christians; so that they dwell together as children of the same family, and heirs of the same eternal portion. It greatly increases the efforts of Christians to extend the blessings of civilization and Christianity to heathen lands; while a large portion of the churches in our own land are supplied with faithful and successful ministers, who are themselves the fruit of revivals.

Whether, therefore, we regard the degree, extent, or influence of religion in revivals, we are compelled to acknowledge, that their value is immense.

КАРН.

[For the Monitor.]

BIBLE CLASSES.

MR. EDITOR,

As considerable interest has of late been excited by the formation and instruction of Bible Classes, it may be interesting to your readers to learn what has been the result of the experiment; and especially as some account has been published in the Monitor, (Aug. No. 1823,) of the Class in Bridgewater, it may be pleasing to know the success with which it has been attended. If, therefore, you think the following account and remarks worthy of a place in your useful publication, they are at your disposal.

The evening of the 4th instant completed one year

since the formation of the Class, and the anniversary was observed with feelings of truly elevated joy. The number of constant attendants belonging to the Class, bas been about fifty. Several others have attended occasionally. The parents and friends of the youth have also found it a meeting where they might attend with interest and profit. The Class has usually met once in two weeks, in two divisions, reciting one and two chapters at a time. In this way the whole of Matthew and Mark has been studied. In addition to this exercise, for the last four or five months, subjects of a theological nature have been proposed to the Class for their consideration and illustration, one subject or question being proposed at each meeting, to be answered at the next in writing. To these subjects many of the Class have given their attention, and, in their answers, have exhibited an interest and a knowledge, which is not only commendable, but truly indicative of the benefit and improvement which have accrued to them from the study of the Holy Scriptures. These questions, which relate to doctrine, Christian experience, and practice, are calculated to put the youth upon thinking for themselves, cause them to search the Scriptures, and serve to try their powers of mind in the useful exercise of composition; and being read publickly, together with their answers, they form the theme of such remarks and observations as will make a deep impression, and be long remembered, because they come home to the feelings and business about which they are engaged.

The study of the Scriptures also has been found highly pleasing and useful. Instead of losing any of the attention which is often excited by the novely of a thing, it is found at the close of a year, that the subject is attended with a deeper interest and ardour. Though, like every other good purpose, the Bible Class was at first regarded with indifference by some, with suspicion or supercilious disdain by others, yet I believe it is now universally approved as an excellent method of imparting and acquiring religious knowledge, by all the sincere followers of Christ, who have been made acquainted with its design and success.

With the auspicious commencement, and the success which attended this Bible Class for a time, the public are already acquainted. And it may be here added, that there is to the present time no less reason to bless God for the goodness and mercy with which he has crowned these efforts to serve him. When we look at the wonderful change that has been made in this society, and especially among the members of the Bible Class, we are compelled to say, "What hath God wrought!" Of the fifty constant attendants, only five were members of any church at the beginning; now twenty nine are professors of the religion of Jesus Christ, and about forty, in the judgment of charity, are hopefully pious. Thus, too, now, instead of finding our youth assembled in groups for worldly pleasure and amusements, or standing at the toilet, and preparing for the next scene of folly, we can find them assembled for the purpose of seeking mutual instruction from the Bible; or, it they have retired, we can believe it is for private meditation, or secret prayer and communion with their God. The character and external appearance of our families and society are certainly changed, and it is acknowledged by the friends of sobriety and religion, that they are changed for the better.

I cannot close this article without expressing my full belief in the utility of a Bible Class. It must be considered as one of the easiest and happiest methods of imparting instruction of a religious nature, and of training up the rising generation in the ways of knowledge and virtue that can be employed. When the simplicity and benefit of the design are considered, our old people pertinently ask, "Why was not this plan adopted before, when we were young?" and they speak truly, when they subjoin, "This will be the means of causing all to know the Lord from the least to the greatest." Happy, indeed, would it have been for us, had our fathers, long ago, adopted this method of religious instruction. But as it is, let us see to it now, that no means are lost, and no pains spared, to train up the youth in the way they should go. They are "the hopes of the future church." If they are suffered to grow up in ignorance of the Scrip

tures, they will fall into some of the many errors which now abound, and our land will become a land of practical infidels. If due attention is given to them, and proper exertions are used, under the Divine blessing, we may hope to see the next generation far more distinguished for knowledge and piety than the present, and thus each succeeding generation will grow wiser and better, until the earth is filled with the knowledge of the Lord' as the waters cover the sea. It is, therefore, most devoutly to be hoped, that no settled Minister of the Gospel will neglect the religious education of the youth under his charge, and that none of the youth will fail to attend upon all the means of Christion instruction with which they are favoured. In this way Pastors may hope to see their churches enlarged by the gathering in of the lambs of the flock, or, at least, they will have the satisfaction of having discharged their duty towards the most interesting and endearing part of their charge; and in this way, the youth may hope to become acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, with their own hearts, and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, so that they may always be ready to give an answer to him who asks the reason of their hope, and, when passing through the trials of life, and the gloomy vale of death, they may lift up their eyes with peace and joy in expectation of the unspeakable glory about to be revealed. EBENEZER GAY.

Bridgewater, March 13, 1824.

[For the Monitor.]

THE DISEASE.

MR. EDITOR,

ALTHOUGH I possess little knowledge in the medical line, I am induced from feelings of humanity to submit to your readers a brief account of a very prevalent and distressing disorder, hoping that some of them may discover, and communicate a method of treatment, which shall either destoy it, or counteract its baneful influence.