And when we remind ourselves that so much of this popular increase is from abroad, that Europe is in an "exodus" toward our shores-that its ignorance and vice, wave overtopping wave, rolls in upon the land-the danger assumes a still more startling aspect. In about forty-six years from this day our population shall equal the present aggregate population of England, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and Denmark. A step further in the calculation presents a prospect still more surprising and impressive; in about seventy-six years from to-day this mighty mass of commingled peoples will have swollen to the stupendous aggregate of two hundred and forty-six millionsequaling the present population of all Eu "In the mean time, the number of candidates for the ministry is diminishing, in all denominations, not only relatively, but absolutely. Nay, it is diminishing more rapidly than the figures indicate, for of the reputed number of candidates a considerable portion never enter the ministry; and of those who enter it, a greater and greater number are annually leaving for other pursuits. And what is the remedy proposed in this unusual crisis? It has been recommended, in order to meet this emergency, to reduce the cost of ministerial education, to extend the term of ministerial study, and to increase the pecuniary emoluments of the ministry. In other words, we are told to address stronger motives to the self-interests of men, that so we may induce them to enter upon a calling essentially self-denying. When the whole power of the adversary is thundering at the gates, and the crisis requires every man to stand to his arms, we content ourselves with offering large bounty to officers, and allow every citizen to retire from the conflict. Was ever a victory gained by strategy such as this? In According to the statistics of life, our own denomination, it is said that we have there are hundreds of thousands of our four thousand Churches destitute of preachers of present population-one twenty-ninth at the gospel. What is to be done to meet this least-who will witness this truly grand deficiency? Does all that we are doing furnish us with the shadow of a hope that this demand result. What have we to do within that can be supplied? Nay, multiply our present time? Our present intellectual and moral efforts to any practicable extent, and compared provisions for the people are, as we have with the work to be done, the discrepancy besaid, far short of the wants of our present tween the means and the end is such as to twenty-five millions, and in seventy-six awaken the feeling of the ludicrous. Is it not time, then, to examine the whole subject from years we must provide for more than two its foundations? May not some light be dehundred and twenty additional millions-rived from considering attentively the doctrine and these millions, to a great extent, composed of semibarbarous foreigners, and their mistrained children. rope. How are we to meet, in this comparatively short time, the national necessity for religious teachers, to say nothing of the number we should send into "all the world," in fulfilling the divine commission? Already the land suffers for want of preachers. The complaint comes from all its length and breadth. Every denomination utters it. The Christian ministry is unquestionably in a comparative decline throughout the country. Temporary causes may contribute to the melancholy fact-the absorption of our young men by money-making pursuits, through the recent excitements produced by the California mines, and the great consequent outbreak of all sorts of business. But independently of these interferences, how are we to provide, within seventy-five years, for the pulpits which which shall be demanded by two hundred and twenty additional millions of people? Look at the question pause over it. Dr. Wayland speaks with emphasis on this view of the subject: and examples of Christ and his apostles ?" Most inevitably must we adopt more immediate means of recruiting the ministerial ranks, and of bringing the popular energies and talents of the Church to bear in our evangelical labors, or not only shall we fail of our duty to the foreign world, but to our domestic field itself. We have said that the views of this sermon have been signally approved by God in the history of the Church. Dr. Wayland reviews the example of the early Church. We are all familiar with it : "No sooner had our Lord collected a little band of disciples, than he employed a large portion of them as missionaries to announce the approach of his kingdom. From his small company of followers, he chose first twelve, and then seventy, whom he sent abroad on this errand. If every Church among us furnished heralds of the gospel in like proportion, there would be no lack of ministers. Observe, again, the circumstances under which, after the ascension of our Lord, the Church of Christ commenced its victorious march over the then known world. Against it were arrayed not only the interests, and lusts, and pride of man, but the power of every government, and all the influences emanating from a luxurious, refined, and intelligent civilization. On what did Christ rely, as his human instruments, to pros trate this vast fabric of tasteful, venerable, and cultivated idolatry? He made no attempt to undermine and overthrow paganism in general. He published no discourses intended to prepare the public mind for the coming revolution. He sent abroad no schoolmasters, to instill the principles of secular truth into the minds of the young. On the contrary, he met the whole power of the adversary face to face, and brought divine truth into immediate collision with longcherished and much-loved moral error. He charged every disciple to proclaim the gospel at once to every creature. He selected those who were to be the first preachers of the word, the first ministers of his Church, from the lower and middle walks of life-men destitute of all the advantages of special intellectual culture, whom their enemies reproached as unlettered and ignorant. As cultivated talent was required, it was provided in the person of the apostle to the Gentiles. As the Church commenced, so, to the close of the inspired record, it continued. 'Ye see your calling, brethren,' said the apostle, 'how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called, but God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, and base things of the world, and things that are despised, hath God chosen, yea, things that are not, to bring to naught things that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence.' Under the conviction of these truths, Paul labored in the ministry. Though a welleducated man, who had profited above many that were his equals, yet when he proclaimed the gospel in refined and luxurious Corinth, although the preaching of the cross was to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness, he resolved to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ and him crucified. He did from choice, precisely as his uneducated brethren did from necessity. It is surprising to observe the entire simplicity of those efforts, by which, in an incredibly short period, the gospel was planted throughout the whole Roman empire. We can discover no means employed to accomplish this result, but proclaiming to all men repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, imposing on every regenerated man the duty, in turn, of proclaiming the good news to his brethren, always relying, and relying wholly, on the power of the Holy Ghost." Our author proceeds to argue that nothing peculiar to the times of the apostles justified this course-nothing that does not justify it now. There was learning, subtlety, philosophy, fashionable taste and fashionable pride then as now, and the same process is found powerful now as then. He instances some examples in the history of the Baptist missions : "Survey our missionary field, and observe the places where the preaching of the gospel has been attended with the most remarkable success. We number among the Karens, for instance, more converts than in all our other missions together. And how was the gospel preached to them? They live in scattered ham lets along the water-courses, in the jungle, whose miasmata are fatal to a foreigner, except for a few months in the year. During this brief interval the missionary traveled among them, preaching Christ to one, or two, or ten, or twenty, as he could collect hearers. The Holy Spirit was poured out, and sinners were converted. Small Churches were formed, and, from the necessity of the case, left for the remainder of the year to themselves. With the spirit of primitive Christianity, these rude men pointed their neighbors to the Saviour. Ministerial gifts manifested themselves among them as they were needed, and a large number became ministers of the word. The work of God was thus carried forward with remarkable power. The brother whose labors among them have been so eminently blessed, worn down by incessant toil, was obliged to leave his station for a year or two, for the recovery of his health. On his return, fearful that his flock had been scattered during his absence, he inquired with trembling solicitude concerning their condition. You may judge of his surprise, when he learned that about fifteen hundred persons were then awaiting baptism. This blessed result had been acaccomplished by men hardly elevated at all above their brethren, for they had no knowledge whatever, beyond that contained in the New Testament, and the few books and tracts which, within a few years, had been translated into their language. The contact of soul with soul was thus leavening the lump. Pastors, as they were needed, have been raised up among them; and these are now, in a large measure, supported by the voluntary effort of the brethren. Thus is the religion of Christ displaying through this whole region its power of self-extension, by the preaching of the gospel attended by the power of the Holy Ghost. If the question be asked, Could this work have been carried on without the aid of men of more cultivated minds and larger knowledge than the Karens? I answer, Certainly not. But I ask again, Could this work have been carried on without the labors of these rude and unlettered men, who went everywhere preaching the word? The answer is the same, Certainly not. Our conclusion, then, is, that God requires, and that he employs in his vineyard all classes of laborers; and the union of all is necessary to the accomplishment of his work." He turns to Germany-educated, readilar results have attended the same procing Germany-and shows that there sim Church is supplied with a pastor. Churches tion, and preparatory, we hope, to a uniand stations are established in Northern Ger-versal reform of the kind. many, eastward from Hamburgh to the borders of Russia; quite extensively through Southern Germany; and to some extent in Sweden and Denmark. On no other Churches in Christendom does the smile of Heaven so signally rest. They are, emphatically, a field which the Lord has blessed. And how have these results been accomplished? By following the example left us by Christ and his apostles, the little one has become a thousand, and a small nation a strong people. Every disciple acknowledged the obligation laid upon him by the last command of our Lord. The Holy Ghost bestowed upon the Churches ministerial gifts adapted to the work before them. These gifts were cherished, and called into exercise. Preaching was commenced wherever the Lord opened a door, Stations were established, and the men were found to occupy them. These stations grew into Churches, by which other stations were sustained. Thus Churches were multiplied in every direction; the Holy Spirit was everywhere poured out, and much people was added to the Lord. Some of these Churches now contain two or three hundred members. Almost all of them sustain stations, some of them as many as twenty or thirty; and, though it may seem incredible to some of us, all this glorious work has been accomplished, in classical Germany, without the aid of a single classically educated laborer. Would it not be possible for us to learn a lesson from our brethren in Germany ?" We have said that the views of this sermon are compatible with the Holy Scriptures, and the nature of the ministerial work. Important as the subject is, we would not impair the impression of these remarks by prolonging them too much, and can therefore only say here, that whatever may be the reader's personal opinions respecting the question of the divine authority and prerogatives of the ministerial office, we see not why he cannot indorse the utilitarian reforms proposed by our author. He does not deny a regular and stated pastorate-he affirms it. He only contends for auxiliaries to it; auxiliaries by which alone it can be, in any degree, proportioned to the exigencies of the world, auxiliaries which constituted, numerically at least, the chief agency that won, under apostolic control, the primitive conquests of the Church. In conclusion, we would urge the momentous suggestion of this seasonable discourse on the attention of our Christian readers. There has doubtless been, for some time, an increased tendency toward its opinions in some of the "evangelical" Churches; but they have been only incidental to the special religious movements of the times-they have not taken a sufficiently definite shape. They have needed the clear and emphatic enunciation which President Wayland has given them. Every day is adding to their urgency. "Within the lifetime," says our author, "of men who now hear me, the question will probably be decided, whether the kingdom of Christ is now to proceed to universal victory, or ages of intellectual and moral darkness are again to overspread the earth. It is for such a crisis as this that the disciples of Christ are now called upon to prepare." He contends also, that the history of the Baptist Church in this country is a demonstration of the doctrine. What may be called lay-preachers, pushed its progress everywhere. The same may be said of Methodism. Down to within thirty years, there were not six graduates in the Methodist ministry; nevertheless, these two denominations now constitute much more than two-thirds of the Protestantism of the nation. Transatlantic Methodism, in advance of all the other Protestant dissent of England, is another example. The great movement in Ireland, which, according to the papal papers of that country, threatens the overthrow of the Irish Catholic Church, is owing chiefly to lay-laborers- the Protestant Bible readers. Romanism itself has, in some instances, provided for lay-agency in its ecclesiastical system. The most energetic organization in its history, or in the history of the world-Jesuitism - was founded by a layman, and is still largely conducted by laymen. We have recently noticed attempts on the part of leading English Churchmen to procure the sanction of British prelates for a system of lay assistants. The colportage of tract ever. It is the extreme of selfishness and societies is a movement in the same direc- folly.-Hazlitt. CONCEIT.-Conceit is the most contemptible, and one of the most odious qualities in the world. It is vanity driven from all other shifts, and forced to appeal to itself for admiration. Conceit may be deemed a restless, overweening, petty, obtrusive delight in our qualifications, without any reference to their real value, or to the approbation of others, merely because they are ours, and for no other reason what [For the National Magazine.] GEORGE FOX AND THE EARLY QUAKERS. EORGE FOX! And who was he? brimmed hat, a rough plain coat, long hair, and piercing eyes; under whose fixed gaze many a stout-hearted sinner was made to tremble. We must not regard him, however, with too great an aversion, nor turn away from those immediately associated with him in disgust. They were all men for the age in which they lived, and served their generation well. They did more: they impressed the image of their thoughts and habits upon their posterity. Mr. Penn, an honored one among their number, thus describes them : "They were changed men themselves, before they went about to change others. Their hearts were rent, as well as their garments; and they knew the power, and the work of God upon them. And this was seen in the great alteration it made, and their stricter mode of life, and more godly conversation that immediately followed it." George himself became a reformer at a very early period of life. He had scarcely attained the twenty-second year of his age when he began to preach. How he was led into the work of the ministry may be inferred from his previous history. He was born in Leicestershire, in the year 1624, of respectable parents, who, he thought, possessed spiritual life. They gave him some instruction in his boyhood, and led him to the parish church, where he often listened to its minister, Mr. Stevens, and became interested in his discourses. He was naturally thoughtful-sometimes too serious for his companions. His conscience was tender; and when he looked out upon the world, and saw its gayeties and frivolity, its forgetfulness of God, and its deceit and miscalled accomplishments, his soul recoiled within him. He would not choose it as the place of his rest. He turned his eyes toward the sanctuary; but the shadows of sin had gathered so thickly there, that he could discern but little light. The church buildings were steeple houses," the ministers were "hirelings," and the people were worldly-some of them sensual and devilish, so he thought. The Dissenter envied the Churchman, and the Churchman despised the Dissenter. He knew not therefore whether he could find ease, even near the acknowledged altars of God. But he sought for it-for ease of conscience and rest of soul. He did not desire to be educated for the pulpit, as some of his friends wished; and he was, more consistently with his own views, his business. While thus engaged, he did employed with a shoemaker in learning not lose sight of his spiritual interests, but persevered in a serious conduct, such sin. Indeed, he could not be enticed into as became one who was struggling against dissipation. An instance of his firmness in this respect, occurred during his nineteenth year. He then attended a fair, where he fell into company with two of his youthful relatives, and as they were happy together, they resolved on prolonging their enjoyment over some drink. Beer was ordered, and the first draught taken. This was enough for George; but his two companions were not so easily satisfied. They called for fresh mugs, and resolved that the one of their number, who first ceased to drink, should pay the score." But they spread this net in vain. Their intended victim took them at their word, threw down a groat to pay for their excesses, withdrew himself from their company, and thus escaped the disgrace they had intended for him. Soon after this little occurrence, he left his home and commenced his itinerant career. As yet he was without any satisfactory experience of the work of God within him. He only saw the light as it shone-alas, too feebly !—in the dark places of his heart; and knew, through it, that his condition was not a safe one: but he did not see with clearness into the depth of his sin, nor how he might be healed. He knew something of Christ, but he did not know him as the great physician. He was sometimes in despair; for while his lap-stone, hammer, and awl seemed to employ his attention, thoughts of eternity weighed down his soul with unspeakable sorrow. This was the true cause of his restlessness. He wandered about, not as a preacher of righteousness, but as a lost spirit seeking salvation. This, the outward world cannot give. The discourses of eloquent divines could not furnish it. The conversation of friends could not bestow it. He was not able to find it anywhere. He went to Sutterworth, to Northampton, to Buckinghamshire, to Barnet, and to London, and came back again; but still sadness was at his heart. Hoping to divert his thoughts, his family wished him to get married; but he replied, "I must first get wisdom." The expedient failed. Several things transpired about this time which transformed his character and changed the entire man, Wearied with his efforts to obtain peace of mind through his spiritual advisers, he turned his soul to Christ-to Christ only; for as though a voice had spoken to him, these words were impressed upon his mind: "There is one who can speak to thy condition." This impression always followed him it was continually in his thoughts, "There is one Christ Jesus, who can speak to thy condition." He sought that one. He looked to the crucified, and lo! he was comforted. The true light shone in his breast, and all gloom was dispelled-the living word was there, and diffused life throughout his spiritual nature. How insignificant did a mere parson (such as many parsons were in that day) now appear unto him! He had found many of them to be very feeble aids to a sin-sick soul. Though trained to the ministry from their boyhood, they had been proved to be unqualified to lead even a poor shoemaker to Jesus. With all their learning, he had found them unfit for their work. This experience was the occasion of the discovery of what seemed to be a new truth, and one almost divine. It was this, as expressed in his own words: "Being at Oxford or Cambridge is not sufficient to fit and qualify a man to be a minister of Christ." He began to preach. He felt himself to be deficient in education; but had he not the Bible, the great book-the only perfectly reliable book on theology in the world? He made it his companion. In fields, and orchards, and hollow-trees, ne took it and studied its contents, until he became perfectly acquainted with them. One lesson particularly in the words of Jesus arrested his attention. The state of the English Church seemed to be at variance with it. It was this: "Freely ye have received, freely give." He seized upon it as his motto. It was also an offensive weapon, almost irresistible, when he wished to attack the established usage of his day, which he frequently did: not, however, because he did not esteem the laborer "worthy of his hire;" but, in the language of Penn, he, and "they, the Quakers, refuse to pay tithes or maintenance to a national ministry, and that for two reasons: the one was that they believed all compelled maintenance even to gospel ministers to be unlawful, because expressly contrary to Christ's commandat least, that the maintenance of gospel ministers should not be forced;" and because the national ministers generally lacked the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But what did Fox preach? Many things which perhaps we do not approve of. In our judgment, he did not sufficiently respect the Christian Sabbath, nor treat persons of consideration with proper deference. His abandonment of the sacraments was perfectly inexcusable, only on these grounds: he was a layman, and lacked the human authority to administer them; and being surrounded with Churchmen, was driven into the sentiment, that our blessed Lord never instituted any observances designed to be perpetual in the Church, whose continuance depended on human interference alone. It was an unfortunate error; and one from which the position which Mr. Wesley occupied as a minister afterward preserved him; for though he employed lay-preachers, he held on to the institutions of Christ our Saviour, which are still preserved among his followers. In other respects who will dare to say, that he was not a true preacher of righteousness? The immortal John Bunyan objected to many of his views concerning Christ, but ignorantly; for it is evident from Fox's own writings that he did not hold them. He preached Christ as an atonement for the sins of the whole world. His youthful confession in respect to his sufferings was declared by a Church minister to be "good" and "full;" and the testimony of one of his hearers, who listened to him toward the close of his ministry, was: "I perceive you exalt Christ, in all his offices, above all that I ever heard before." But he did not only represent Christ as an outward atonement, but as the inward word, which speaks to the very heart; and as the light within, which reflects itself through every part of man's moral nature. And he held, that "Christ within" us is not a dreamy un |