We would here remark, that we should never judge of the genuineness of a conversion by any special, infallible process the individual may have gone through. It may have been a slow, gradual process, as would be likely to be the case of a naturally finely organised young person, whose moral and religious education had been well conducted; or it may be quiet or unobserved, as in an individual of a large organ of Reverence, and the higher sentiments generally, but of a sluggish temperament. It may have been violent, overwhelming, and attended by a remarkable experience—as the seeing of visions, &c.—if the individual have been of an ardent temperament, and with large perceptive organs and large Marvellousness. Equally diverse will be the growth in grace of different individuals. Some will be almost like ground by the way side, some like stony places, some like good ground covered with thorns, and some still like good ground. Aside from peculiarities of individual character, external circumstances, whether favourable or otherwise, may exert a very great degree of influence. They may be like the genial influences of a summer’s sun after refreshing showers, or they may be as the chills of the winter frost. Equally diverse will be the ultimately formed Christian character of different individuals. But all who are truly pious, will show some indubitable signs of it in their subsequent life and character; “By their _fruits_ ye shall know them.” Whether they have the same mind which was in Jesus in its general cast; whether they be changed in the general spirit and temper of the mind; whether they have love to, and faith in, Christ, meekness, benevolence, sincerity, tenderness, simplicity of life, love to the brethren, &c. The means that are rendered effectual in regeneration by the agency of the Holy Spirit are equally diverse. But your next enquiry is, how do we know that the Holy Spirit has any agency in the conversion of sinners? We answer, we only know by the Scriptures that He is the agent. The point is not strictly susceptible of any other proof. But this is certain, that the agency must be one beyond our own; no one could convert himself. We know, too, that persons who have resisted all the influence of a pious education, cogent preaching, example, the ordinary and extraordinary providences of God, &c., have, when alone, and without any apparent external influence, been suddenly brought to feel the great power and efficacy of religion. All must therefore acknowledge the influence to be mysterious. It would indeed be difficult, as we believe, to account for revivals wholly from natural causes. Still, however, this point rests upon Scripture; _and phrenology certainly contributes nothing to render the Scripture doctrine less easy of belief_.