result of all this conflict between truth and error before _ten more years_ have passed, it may not be easy to say. If those among us who are spared to outlive them are enabled to “_hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering_,” {17b} they may not only save their own souls, but lead others, who can only view Him now through the mists of their corruptions, to honour the holy name of Him by whom we are called. But surely, with these facts before us, there is the strongest inducement for us all, not only to examine ourselves whether we are in the faith, but why, and on what grounds we are in it; {17c} while there is a motive created strong enough to induce all who have the means at their command to promote any well-advised plans for arresting the evil, or turning it, through God’s blessing, to good. {17d} To conclude. The inquiry which will be going on to-morrow throughout the country is addressed to us all, as the heads of our separate households; each giving a return of the names, and ages, and birthplace, and occupations of those, who will pass this very night under his own roof. But surely the thought will occur to _some_ among us, I would to God that it might be brought home by His Spirit to the hearts of _all_, that there are several other points of inquiry besides these, upon which the great Head of the Church may be expecting, and really does expect, an account to be rendered by us. We may have no power to influence the character or to regulate the habits of those large masses of the people whose irreligion, in the crowded districts that surround us, we may deplore. The influence which is to affect a whole nation falls within the power of very few. But that which affects the character of any family or household, (and nations are made up of families) depends mainly on the principles, aye, and even on the tempers and way of life of those whom God places over them; for this also is an allotment of His providence. Let us then suppose for an instant, that it was desired to obtain, as on this same day, a return of what might be called the spiritual statistics of England. Suppose, that laying aside, or rather looking beyond the mere considerations of civil or political economy, it were wished to learn by such distinct and palpable records as might be furnished, the actual state of religion through the whole extent of our population. I well know, indeed, that there are signs and marks of which no earthly inquiries could take cognizance; proofs of spiritual growth in some, and of declension in others; secret concessions to the corrupt nature in one class, or inward aspirations after holiness in the other; hypocrisies which no eye can detect among “_the children of this world_,” and spiritual conflicts in the “_children of light_,” which can only be known to the Supreme Searcher of their hearts. But when all this is allowed, we might lay down some distinctions in every case, the existence or the