is meant,) giving a combined view of ecclesiastical history suited to the general reader.

Closely connected with the study of ecclesiastical history, is the study of the evidences of Christianity. The internal evidences are the strongest, yet still, assailed as our "most holy faith" continually is, by the open attacks of infidels, and sapped as the principles of truth are at the very foundation, by men who unblushingly hold that sincerity is all that is necessary, be a man's religious opinions what they may, it does appear highly necessary that we should" be thoroughly furnished unto good works," by being able to prove even to unbelievers, that we "have not followed cunningly devised fables." Mr. Wilberforce, in his inestimable work, the 'Practical View,' remarks with great acuteness, upon the confirmation afforded to the truth of Christianity, by the variety of the kinds of evidence which have been adduced in its proof. In a field so much and so ably trodden, I can only point out those works, which having interested my own mind, I consider likely to be of use to others. Among these are Soame Jenyns' View of the Internal Evidences of Christianity,' short, plain, and unanswerable;Paley's Evidences of Christianity,' and what is con

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sidered by competent judges to be his masterpiece, his Hora Paulinæ,' a work equally remarkable for originality of plan, acuteness, perspicuity, and sagacity. I may mention another work well suited to young persons, Keith's Evidences of the Christian Religion from Prophecy,' which lays hold, in a very interesting manner, of visible geographical proofs, shewing the truth of prophecy, from things now existing in the world. A little tract, the Test of Truth,' by Mary Jane Graham, is very satisfactory, proving, that if infidels will but ask and seek, they will, in conformity with the divine promise, find. I cannot help adding Pascal's Thoughts,' as containing a great variety of evidences most ably stated.

In advising the study of evidences, you will not suspect me of confounding two things so different as historical belief, and saving faith. A man may be thoroughly convinced of the truth of Christianity, and may be able to argue plausibly in its favour, while his heart remains unaffected by its doctrines, his life uninfluenced by its precepts; and orthodox as he may be in his opinions, he lives and dies a practical atheist, "without hope, and without God in the world."

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I have spoken of the study of Ecclesiastical History and of evidences. It is highly desirable to have some general but clear idea of the present as well as past state of the Church of Christ;-I mean especially with regard to missionary effort and the spread of the Christian religion. The follower of Christ is looking forward to the time when" the glory of the Lord shall cover the sea," and he is bound to use his utmost exertions for bringing the heathen to the knowledge of Christ, as their Saviour. A combined view of what may be called Missionary History, and a clear idea of what has been called Missionary Geography, will be found, in this point of view, extremely interesting. The light is gaining on the darkness; shall we close our eyes to its bright effulgence? The everlasting Gospel of the blessed God is winning its way among the heathen; shall we, the professing servants of Christ on earth, be found ignorant and careless respecting events for which the angels in heaven are rejoicing?

I cannot at present enter into further particulars; I can only say that the study is stimulating to the Christian's spirit, as well as cheering to the Christian's heart.

LETTER III.

GENERAL reading is a wide word, and I feel as if I had undertaken more than I shall be able to accomplish, in promising you directions respecting it. A wiser head than mine has informed us, 'Who does his best, does well;' and, in honestly endeavouring to do my best, I may be convicted of incapacity, but shall not, I trust, be even accused of disinclination to assist you.

I might refer you for very valuable general directions to Bacon's Essays; Locke's most excellent little treatise on the Conduct of the Understanding; Mason's Self-Knowledge, and Watts on the Improvement of the Mind. The last work I mention the more willingly on account of the well-known opinion of Dr. Johnson respecting it, viz.—that 'no teacher of youth can be said to have fulfilled

his duty, if he does not recommend this treatise to the perusal of his pupils.' You will find from Dr. Watts, that reading is only one means of acquiring knowledge; that there are other means which are not to be disregarded; and that the acquisition of knowledge is not the sole, nor indeed the chief end of reading.

Are you disposed to question the truth of this last statement? I assure you that the memory may be exercised at the expense of the other faculties, and in the present day, it very frequently is So. The memory has been well styled the storehouse of the mind, but small indeed is the advantage of having it filled with a confused mixture of other people's ideas. You must not only have your materials well arranged and ready for use. but you must be able to draw them into exercise and turn them to account.

I premise these remarks, lest after having collected together a goodly heap of ideas, you should think your work is done. There is such a thing as learned ignorance; there is also such a thing as learned folly. The most valuable powers of the mind may be cramped and enfeebled, and even be debarred of the opportunity of being exercised at