about the room,

but could not tell whence they came, or whither they went. And as he was for examining every thing with his own hands, in order to assure himself there was no juggling in the case, he met with knocking-down arguments from every quarter, to the great amusement of the by-standers."

Now, if this were recorded of Paul and his companion, what would be our instinctive impression in relation to it? Why, that by some singular carelessness it had become incorporated into the annals of the church. It would be so obviously different from the prevailing tenor of the apostle's labors, that it would be deemed, manifestly, an interpolation. We could not at all bring ourselves to recognize it as one of his measures. This would be an

instinctive suggestion of our reason; and, however much might justly be urged in favor of the natural sciences, this impression would remain. And yet this extract is copied verbatim (with the exception of exchanging one capital name for another) from an official missionary journal recently published.

This train of discussion may not be unworthy of further notice; and we will suppose that a modern missionary should lay before the heathen world, an accurate and well-defined knowledge of the steam engine; with a clear view of the philosophy of the power of steam. That this information is desired by some among the heathen is well known. In March, 1833, Lord William Bentinck, then a resident of Calcutta, received an application from a Rajah, who had heard that, "a boat had been sent out from England, which is capable of being navigated from Calcutta to Benares in eight days, and against the stream;"

that, a copy or epitome of the boat might be given him, that he might send it to Gratior with an explanation, showing how such things, incredible to others, can exist through the agency of British knowledge and science."

Supposing that a missionary had seized this seemingly advantageous opportunity to advance the spiritual objects of his embassy; and had communicated to the entire satisfaction of the rich native dignitary, the desired knowledge; what possible bearing could it have upon th e spiritual welfare of the heathen? None: as seems to us. It might, we admit, cause our intellectual and scientific attainments to be more respected; and it might create surprise and wonder. Perhaps it would lead to the introduction of similar machinery into that nation. But, as a means of evangelizing the individual who sought the information; or, with any show of directness of tending to that end; no one who fully understands the genius of the gospel would dream of its being appropriate.

As regards China, it is possible the position last advanced may not be so tenable as of most other heathen nations. By a stroke of policy on the part of the Destroyer, entirely unique and unprecedented, that nation has around it a sort of cordon du mort, which, for ages, has frowned upon the attempts of foreigners to penetrate the interior, and mingle with its people, whether for purposes of commerce, research, or philanthropy. Such a case may afford a legitimate field for the plan considered; and great honor is due to those whose efforts are now that way directed. Still, is it not probable that even there, it would be better to leave to educated laymen, those plans which contemplated the extension of true nat

ural science, and the education of the heathen youth? Leaving to the ordained missionary those duties which more immediately pertain to the ministerial office.

The history of the world may be adduced to prove that the extension of the knowledge referred to, has had little to do in aid of evangelical religion. The brightest era of learning was that in which the least pure religion was existent. We refer to the period just anterior to that in which the gospel of Jesus Christ was announced to the world by himself and his successors. An incomparable author, (from whom it were almost presumption to dissent) we are aware, takes a different view of this historical fact; or rather, he draws a different inference from it. He thinks, that, in the learning of that age, there was a sort of preparation for the reception of the gospel. But, in reply to that, it may fairly be asked, whether it was the general diffusion of knowledge of the nature under contemplation, or the peculiar simplicity that marked the presentation of the message, and the radiant personification of its spirit in the persons of the apostles and their leader, that was the secret of the success of the gospel at that time?

This question may be tested by further inquiring, whether the learned of that age as quickly yielded to the claims of Christianity, as did those of different intellectual standing?

In fact, who are those on the pages of the past, that have seemed the most readily to understand, embrace, and with their lives, defend, the gospel? Not to select illustrations on this head, we will instance the first that come to mind; and point to the fastnesses of France,

and to her halls of learning for an answer, in that day when the unlearned Waldenses wandered about in dens and caves, pursued by Louis XIV and his accomplished, erudite, scientific court, with a hellish cruelty.

And where has the light of the various liberal branches of knowledge shone so brightly, as in Germany; (that land of genius!) and yet where has Christianity received so subtle, malignant and dangerous an attack as there? The naturalism—the rationalism-the supernaturalism—the blasphemous doctrine of accommodation-of that nation; stand out in sad confirmation of the principle under notice; for, be it remembered, they had their origin in a period of the most profound intellectual attainments; and were the result of "a vain confidence in human reason."

And if science have a tendency to lead the unregenerate to the Cross, where are the savans of France now; and where were they, when, in the capital of the finest nation of Europe, the belief and worship of a Deity were solemnly renounced; and a prostitute installed as goddess? And, when all the institutions which had their origin in the christian scheme, were trampled beneath the feet, not only of the rabble, but of the better orders of men?

Most earnestly and feelingly do we deprecate the charge of being unfriendly to the promulgation (by proper persons) of true science. In itself considered, such knowledge is of untold value; whether it relate to the practical purposes of life, or to its tendency to expand and elevate the mind. And, at this day it is especially valuable; inasmuch as there is rife in community, an alarming tendency to materialize our natures, so to speak ;

consequent upon the unprecedented ardor with which commerce, and other secular pursuits are followed.

Nothing has, as yet, been adventured, in our remarks, touching the seductions of science. This feature of the subject should have its weight in our present investigation. It is merely hinted, in order to lead the reader to pursue a point, as it appears to us, of some importance. The heathen literati-with the enthusiasm and fancy which attach to the minds of Orientals-may crowd the scientific lectures of the missionary, and greatly desire his society; because, in the new ideas which the missionary promulges, they find great mental delight. And, notwithstanding all this, they may turn with hearty disgust from the spiritual advice the christian minister might attempt to impart. And thus, much valuable time of the missionary might be the same as lost. While essaying to gain the respect of the learned and the better conditioned; thousands of wretched, ignorant, dying idolaters are on every side; to whom, it may be, a course which should palpably embody the benevolence of the gospel, would prove the means of leading to the Cross! Ah! let there be on the banner of all who labor for souls "to the Poor the gospel is preached." If there is a choice, let us ever begin at the bottom rather than at the top of society, when we institute means for the conversion of a community. Too long have we pursued a mistaken policy in this respect. We have, innocently perhaps, counted too much on the good-will and influence of those who occupy the higher seats of human condition. On no page of our inspired directory do we find a syllable of precept or injunction; or a single example to imitate that