we might both love and imitate; and most of the earlier converts to his doctrine were more moved by the "gracious words" of the Teacher, than the intrinsic excellence of the precept..

It is not easy for those who have never seen it, to form any conception of the fond affection with which these children regard their favourite teachers. In the B street school, the girls put together their little savings in order to buy materials for the working a pair of slippers, and other trifles, for the gentleman teacher from whom they had all experienced so much kindness; and they brought the work, when finished, to the lady superintendent to present. Mr.

offered to pay for it, but this they declined; he then asked the cost of the materials, that he might at least defray the expense; but this they refused to tell, and he was at last compelled to receive their present, in order not to mortify them.

The sharpness of observation and promptitude which a life of thievery makes necessary, has the effect of developing the intellect at a very early age; and thus the bane carries its own antidote; for these uninstructed lads receive knowledge much more rapidly than the less excited brains of the children of steady parents will al

low them to do. The B- -street school too has had an accidental advantage; for Mr. the teacher to whose especial exertions a large share of its success is owing, having himself at one time doubted the truth of Christianity, and satisfied his own mind by rational argument; he has been able and willing to answer questions on this head, which, perhaps many who have received what is called a more enlarged education would scarce trust themselves to grapple with. And here we come upon another great law of our nature; for the moment that a farther development of its powers is begun, the intellect claims its part, and those that were at first satisfied with the mere instinct of love, now feel that the understanding must be convinced ere they can be quite at peace. It was this which in a very short time led the first Christians to engage with so much vehemence in controversies relative to the nature of God, the mode in which he was present in Christ, &c. It is a necessary phase of progress, and cannot be avoided but by that dead sleep of the intellectual part which would leave man a mere gregarious animal.

We may now sum up the causes of success shortly as follows.

1. The preaching the gospel in its simplicity,

unincumbered with abstract dogmata; the very form in which the apostles and first teachers of Christianity presented it to the uninstructed multitude.*

2. The exemplification in the manners of the teachers, of that law of love; thus winning the hearts of their scholars, and showing that what they teach to others they themselves believe also.

3. The satisfying the intellect, as fast as it developes itself, no less than the instinctive affections; and thus engaging the whole man in the right course.

Had a philosopher been set to discover the best mode of influencing man, he could have devised no better plan: for, in the uninstructed, as in children, the natural instincts are strong, but the intellectual faculties weak: both therefore must be guided by instinct till reason gains strength. The social affections and the love of imitation are among the strongest of instincts, as we see in the animal world no less than among the human race: and thus the wish to please, and to resemble those we love, are the

That "we should love one another, even as God hath loved us." "The pure in heart shall see God," &c.

first motives to well-doing among such. As the higher faculties gain strength from the cultivation begun by the aid of the affections, they require something more; and then we must be ready to "give A REASON for the hope that is in us;" and carry the mind forward to objects which have awakened curiosity, with the reverent, yet free inquiry which alone can bring conviction, because it alone can elicit truth.

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To him who has believed on the mere ipse dixit of a beloved parent, or a favourite teacher, the time will come when he will say to himself, Mahommedans, Jews, Pagans, all believe they are right because they have been so taught by their parents and spiritual guides:- I have no more cause to know that I am right than they have;"-and when this thought arises, if the proof be not ready, the intellect overpowers the affections, and, however painful the wrench, he discards the belief which cannot be demonstrated or if that require too great an effort of courage, sinks into indifference, satisfying the of men with outward forms, in which his understanding prevents his heart from any longer taking a share.

eyes

Half the evils of our time have resulted from not duly understanding these laws of human

nature; and, with the best intentions in the world, many of our religious teachers have nearly extinguished religion among us, by forcing dogmata on children, and the uninstructed poor, who are in the condition of children, and need therefore to be led by their natural instincts and affections; and then requiring unreasoning submission and obedience from persons whose minds have been awakened by long intellectual culture. The first turn away from the cisterns which hold no water to comfort and refresh them, with parched lips and weary hearts—what are dry dogmata to them? they understand nothing of these things the second shrink from anything like thraldom of the intellect; too readily consider the call for unreasoning faith, a proof that the system will not stand the test of argument; and fall into the state of the philosophic heathen of the higher orders, who thought it good policy to support the state religion for the sake of the people, but considered it as not worth their own thought. Were the plan reversed-were the poor and the ignorant taught as Christ taught them, by moral apologues and short precepts, by ministering affectionately to their wants, and feeding them as babes, with