Page CHAPTER V. On the concurrence of all ferious minds, in No general revivals of religion on record, in 190 194 For bringing on this defired concurrence, there 196 Serious men of different fentiments fhould be ca- ... 198 There should be a careful avoidance of whatever CHAPTER VI. The qualities which the present times require to be united in them, to whom the management of religious concerns is chiefly entrufted. 204 208 Timid proceedings not equal to the occafion...... 209 mind.. CHAPTER VII. On cultivating a spirit of devotion; and of its How a fpirit of devotion would operate on them, With respect to truths held by fectaries;... 211 217 . 220 ... 221 In their ordinary intercourfe with the laity;... 222 .... 226 In the ufe made of any cenfures on the profeffion 228 CHAPTER VIII. Page On fome obvious means of ameliorating the state of religion. The means which the fuperior clergy poffefs for 234 235 The facilities which yet remain for carrying the 241 The parochial clergy in poffeffion of them....... 243 CHAPTER IX. Prayer for a revival in religion, recommended to devout Chriftians of every condition....248 SECTION I. A general effufion of the fpirit of grace upon The Scripture doctrine respecting the influence An encouragement to pray for a revival, drawn 250 251 253 SECTION II. Idea of a revival in religion, from this cause.. 256 269-273 What influence it would have in legiflation. 273-278 What characteristics, religious profeffion, in gene- 279 ••••280—283 The style of living that would be seen among the 284 The integrity, comfort, and usefulness, that would Page 285 be found in the labouring class... The effect of the whole confidered.... ... 286–290 ADDRESS TO YOUNG CLERGYMEN. 294 The neceffity of being heartily devoted to the PRINCIPLES. .. 295 The importance of being right with respect to 296-299 300-302 A juft view of effential doctrines, compatible with CONDUCT: .. 303, 304 Cautions against deviating from usage...... 306-308 ..... 309 310-312 On endeavouring to increafe the ftock of profef- PREACHING. 314 316 They should aim, not merely at procuring affent every thing predisposing to error. 328 Uninftructive effufions condemned. Preaching ex .... Page .... 330 tempore confidered ••••• 336 Low expreffions in the pulpit, have an ill effect on 339 On bringing controverfy into parochial difcourfes.. 340 ENTIRENESS OF CHARACTER. Preaching, though a most important branch of minifterial duty, not the whole of it........ 346 Much to be expected by clergymen from example alone. 347 Frequent reviews of their minifterial proceedings recommended, in order to prevent an imperceptible deviation from their right course.... 353 CAUTIONS IN RELATION TO NEGLECT, OR ILL TREAT MENT. Confiderations by which pious clergymen fhould be reconciled to the want of preferment........ 356 Advised not to indulge a melancholy view of their condition, if neglected••••. 360 Nor to be betrayed by unjust furmifes, into any CONCLUSION, ...... 363 363 Candid conftruction of thofe general cenfures, ip ...... 370 371 CHAPTER I. THE STATE OF THE TIMES WITH RESPECT TO RELIGION CONSIDERED. SECTION I. On the visible Decline of Attendance on Public Worship. THERE is, perhaps, in minds offended at vice, too great a difpofition to confider the wickedness of present times, as exceeding that of a former period. Left an error of this kind fhould be committed here, it will be adviseable to confine our obfervations to fuch circumftances, as admit of little doubt or misconception. Leaving it, therefore, to better calculators to fay, whether the balance on the entire account would be in our favour or not; I may fafely venture to affirm, that with refpect to one very important point of Chriftian duty, we have confiderably declined of late years: it is matter of fact, that our churches are not fo well attended as they formerly were. The entire apparatus of our B |