TO THE PATRONS AND READERS OF THE QUARTERLY REGISTER. This work has now been published for three years. The Public have had an opportunity to judge of its character, and its claim to patronage. The conductors of the Publication would betray an affected insensibility, if they should attempt to disguise the satisfaction which it has given them to learn that the work has been approved by distinguished men in widely distant portions of the United States, and by some in Europe. But it is incumbent to state, that the work cannot be continued upon the same terms on which it has heretofore been published, without a tax on funds consecrated to other objects. The collection of original statistical information is necessarily attended with very great expense of time and money; and cannot be published for the same price as ordinary information. The expense of printing a considerable part of it is more than twice that of common type work. The present number of Subscribers is less than 1,000. 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Sir, You inquire, What, in your judgment, are the principal hindrances to the cultivation of an eminent piety in young men preparing for the ministry; and how may they be most effectually overcome?" I feel this to be a subject of immense importance, and one which deserves the profound attention of all candidates for the holy ministry, and, of all who are already invested with the office; but especially, it imperiously demands the solicitous and unceasing attention of those, who are engaged in the selection and education of young men for the ministry. nature; In the general, I would reply to your inquiry, that young men preparing for the ministry, are subject to the same hindrances in cultivating eminent piety, as other christians. These are partly internal, arising out of the remaining depravity of their and external, proceeding from the temptations of the world, and the devices of Satan. These obstacles are greater in some than others, and assume a peculiar shape from the constitution, habits, circumstances, and employments, of each individual. No doubt, also, there are hindrances which peculiarly belong to whole classes of men; and concerning these, I understand you to inquire, as it relates to that class, who are occupied with studies preparatory to the ministry. The question seems No. I. to imply, that the obstacles are such, as, in many cases, to prevent the attainment of a high degree of piety, in those who have turned their attention to the sacred office. Concerning the fact, I think there is no ground for doubt. Many do become preachers of the gospel, who are not eminent in piety; and, no doubt, a large part of the evils which afflict the church of Christ, may be attributed to this cause. It is no uncommon thing for a pastor to fall below that standard of piety, which exists among the best of his own flock. It often happens, that obscure christians are so much farther advanced in the experience of religion, than their official teacher, that he might profitably sit at their feet and learn. I have often felt compassion for young men of small religious experience, who are obliged to be the teachers of fathers and mothers, who were in Christ before they were born. were born. But when the religious teacher is not only youthful-which is no fault-but knows very little of the various conflicts and trials of the hidden life of the christian, he must be placed, indeed, in an awkward situation, in relation to eminent saints, who may happen to be in his flock. This, however, is a difficulty which I have seldom observed any young man to feel, when preparing for the ministry; and, therefore, very little pains are taken to provide against it, by an earnest examination of cases of conscience, and the methods of treating them, which may be found in books; and especially, by a close and honest inquisition into the secret recesses of his own heart. But truth requires, that I should state a fact, far more deplorable and fatal, than the one mentioned above. It is, that many persons enter this holy office, who are entirely destitute of piety. What the hindrances in the way of such are, to the cultivation of eminent piety, it is needless to state. But perhaps some will be ready to think it uncharitable to suppose, that this is a fact; and altogether improper to mention it in this public manner. I know, indeed, that there is a sensitiveness in many ministers, on this subject; and while they admit and teach, that there are many hypocrites in the communion of the church, they are not fond of hearing that the same is the fact, in regard to the ministry; and to throw out such suggestions, they fear, will only lead the people to be suspicious and censorious. But if what has been stated be really a fact, it ought to be known, and very frequently brought forward to the view of ministers; for it seems to me, that of all men, they are, in some respects, in a worse condition for improvement in personal piety, than any other persons They are left, as it were, to themselves, and no one has it as his duty, to superintend their spiritual progress. If they are deceived, they commonly hug the delusion, until death breaks the fatal enchantment. As they are but seldom warned from the pulpit, they ought to be faithfully dealt with from the press. I do not wish it to be supposed, however, that I desire to become the censor of my brethren. I am truly very unfit for such an office, and would greatly prefer being a disciple, to being a teacher. But to return to the case of young men preparing for the ministry. If my observation has not deceived me, there are several classes of persons who seek the ministry, without possessing genuine piety. There are a few, and I hope but few-who prepare for this office, precisely, with the same views and feelings with which they would prepare to be lawyers or physicians. They think that the office is useful and honourable, and affords a decent competency, with more leisure for literary pursuits, and more seclusion from the noise and bustle of the world, than most other professions; or, actuated by ambition to appear as orators before the public, they imagine, that the pulpit is a fine theatre, to make a display of talent and eloquence. Such men never think of the conversion of souls, or the care of souls. They may, however, please themselves with the thought, that they will be able greatly to improve the moral character of the people, and communicate much religious instruction, which will be profitable to all classes. The next description of those who are found entering the sacred office without piety, are such as have received, what is called a religious education: who have been instructed in the doctrines of the Bible, and have been restrained from vice, and accustomed to the performance of all external duties. Young men of this class, are commonly strictly conscientious, and often more rigidly exact in attendance on outward services, than many of the pious themselves. But they have never experienced a renovation of heart. They seem to suppose, that regeneration takes place without any remarkable, or very perceptible change in the views and feelings of those, who have been brought up with care, in the church. Such, at any rate, are the practical opinions of many, who are correct in the theory of regeneration. There is still another class, it is to be feared, who seek the office of the ministry, without any real piety. They are persons who profess conversion, and often speak of their change, as remarkable. They are confident of their own good estate, and usually are disposed to be severe judges, in regard to the character of other |