These are melancholy reflections. Have we, then, no more encouraging thoughts
with which to conclude this article? Have all our efforts been thrown away,
and our cause nowise advanced? God forbid! for, amid discouragement, we can
discern pleasing tokens of progress. And first, our friends, it is evident,
are closely and carefully examining the Scriptures; the simple fact,
therefore, of the perusal of the Word of God is a step gained, and one which
will, we yet may hope, lead to favourable results. Again, as the controversy
advances, and books on the subject are spread abroad, the mistaken views
hitherto entertained of our leading doctrines, will be removed, and scriptural
knowledge substituted in their stead. This should sweep away many of the
strongholds built on erroneous notions of Christianity;—and then rejection
of our faith will be in the face of the clearest light. We trust, too, that
Christian character is now more generally exhibited to the view of our
adversaries; and its excellencies and graces cannot fail (if we are but true
to our profession) to aid their conviction of the truth of our religion. And,
lastly, we look with anxious hope, to the influence of the native Christians
from amongst our Orphan