IV.


The Tract found by the Way-Side.


"Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a
vessel for the finer." --Prov. XXV. 4.

Every one knows in these days what is meant by a _religious
tract_. It is a little printed pamphlet, which is sold at a very
low price, or is still oftener given away, or dropped in the streets
and lanes, that those who either purchase, or accept, or find them,
may read the truths of the Gospel, and the good advice which they
contain.

This is an old-fashioned way of imparting instruction, both to high
and low. It was in use, for instance, as early as the first days of
the Reformation, when some faithful Christians of Picardy, in France,
assembled together to read the Holy Scriptures, on which account they
were exposed to persecution, death, and above all, to be burnt alive.

These true disciples of the Lord Jesus composed and distributed,
with considerable difficulty, some little pamphlets, in which were
taught the doctrines of salvation by Christ alone, and in a form
which enabled the poor and ignorant to read and understand; for it
was impossible for them at that time to procure a Bible, which was
not only a scarce book, but cost a large sum of money: indeed, almost