much an affair of law and ecclesiastical scaffolding; and the continuance of public amusements on the Lord's day, as well as the moral state of the population, painfully testified that religion, in its spirit and power, had but little influence on the heart and life. The total absence of all aggressive evangelistic effort-the first Missionary Society being formed in 1835-confirmed the testimony. Spiritual life may, however, be traced in the past history of Sweden. God's blessing accompanied the sufferings of Charles XII.'s broken army, and not a few of his veterans obtained the grace of God in Russian bondage, and brought back this new life to their own land. Here and there since that time a truly converted clergyman has had seals to his ministry; and since the commencement of Tract Society and Bible Society operations (introduced in 1809 by English money and influence), there has been a gracious serving-time, which cannot be-is not in vain. The translation into Swedish of the works of Luther, Arndt, Spener, Rambach, Scriver, Franke, and the like, and their very extensive circulation in a country where every one can read, and where the long winter nights, and the amount of indoor labour necessarily performed, afford favourable opportunities, must be reckoned amongst the influences for good exerted on the Swedish people. The Revs. Dr. Steane, J. H. Hinton, and others, award to the Mission sustained at Stockholm for twelve years by the Wesleyan Missionary Society, a chief place amongst the instrumentalities honoured of God in promoting the great awakening in Sweden. That Mission, begun in 1826, and, after being for some time discontinued, resumed by the Rev. George Scott in 1830, was conducted undenominationally; the law did not permit Swedes to separate from the National Church, and the missionary did nothing during twelve years that could be construed into proselyting; but sought by Swedish preaching, meetings for Christian fellowship, journeys to various parts of the country, and a very extensive correspondence, "to sow beside all waters," leaving the result in the National Church as a godly leaven. The amount of direct spiritual good effected is known to be great; but its full extent will only be ascertained when "the books are opened." This, however, is not the most pervasive result of the Mission; being unsectarian, it secured the confidence of the pious communities throughout the land, who, formerly ignorant of each other's existence, were now brought into acquaintanceship, and, drawn out of their secluded hermit-like life, became organized and employed in aggressive effort. The Temperance Movement (much needed in Sweden), and vigorously prosecuted under royal patronage, gave occasion for immense gatherings in various parts of the land, in the years 1831-41; and the conductors of that movement sought to impress on their audiences that true conversion is the best guarantes for sobriety. About ten years ago Mr. Johanson, from Hull, a pious Swede, introduced Baptist views amongst his friends in his fatherland; and numerous Baptist churches have since arisen, all zealously engaged in promoting Christ's kingdom in their own way, without allowing existing laws to hinder them, and probably more than 5,000 Swedes are at this day members of Baptist churches, whilst numerous active Colporteurs, and an efficient Tract Society, give promise of further extension. By far the largest amount of labour of this kind is, however, carried on by Lutherans, connected principally with the Fatherland Society. Persecution was doubtless needed as an element in arousing the attention of the Swedish people to spiritual things, and this has not been wanting. Mr. Scott, after a serious riot in 1842, had to leave the country suddenly, and many godly Swedes have since that time suffered heavy fines and cruel imprisonments for righteousness' sake. That period, however, has passed away, -the churches have rest; and last year, when the banished missionary revisited Sweden, everything possible was done to obliterate all recollection of former indignities. The Spirit of God rests marvellously on this north country; and in a population of not more than three millions, it may with safety be said that about 200,000 are living in the experience and practice of vital religion. The work is steadily progressing, and it touches all ranks. Some of the most distinguished nobility are faithful and successful Gospel preachers. Great decision is manifested by those who become converted, and there is a coming out from the world, which in the social state of that land is remarkable. The theatre, the ball-room, the card-table are forsaken by high and low, with the frequent remark "These are worldly amusements, and those who are chosen out of the world can have nothing to do with them." A powerful movement in favour of Sabbath observance has been going on for some time, and the spiritual awakening has been accompanied by rapid advance in material improvements. |