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About Google Book Search Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web at http : //books . google . com/| The Bible Christian magazine, a continuation of the Arminian ... Bible Christians R^r. Dflflf,^, nys Google Digitized by Google Rw. D/lflf.^. !d by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google THE BIBLE CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE. FOR THE YEAR 1878, BEING A CONTINUATION OF THE ARMENIAN MAGAZINE. VOL. XIV. OF THE FIFTH SERIES. VOL. LVII. FROM THE COMMENCEMENT. LONDON: \: P '^i' V BIBLE CHRISTIAN BOOK ROOM, 57, FAIRB3a*» StWEET, EAST ROAD. MOCCCLXXVIII. Digitized by Google LONDON: X. Huicpa&XYS & Co., P&intk&s, 38, White Hoask Lamb, Mile End, £. Digitized by Google PUBFAOB. Thb jear 1878 opened gloomily and, as far as present appearances go, notwithstanding the conclusion of peace between Russia and Turkey, so it will end. " Peace with honour," as the result of the Treaty of Berlin, is a happy phrase but an empty boast. Innumer- able suspicions and rumours are afloat, and all the nations of Europe are still armed to the teeth, — 2l bitter commentary on the peace which has for the time been patched up. Trade and Commerce and Agriculture are in our own country more depressed than for many years past, and yet in the face of this fact and all that it implies, a declining revenue, popular discontent, increasing pauperism, the Government are needlessly spending more money than any previous Government has done when the country has not been actually engaged in war. At the time we write an Afghan war, needless and wrong in the opinion of the very highest authorities on Indian questions, — Lord Lawrence, Lord Northbrook, and Mr. Fawcett need only be mentioned, — is seriously apprehended. And all, we fear, on purpose to gratify the ambition of our Prime Minister. The North-Western Frontier of our Indian Empire is, by his confession, sa/e, but it is not sdm/tfic ; and so the wise policy of successive Governments is to be reversed, and the enormous responsibility which wrong-doing always involves is to be incurred, and the people of England, by the irony of fate, are at the present moment all but helpless to avert it. The Rev. J. Baldwin Brown has said, with much force, that "the most notable instance, and the one, alas ! most in point to our present policy is that of Ahab, whose garden frontier needed scien- tific rectification at the expense of Naboth's vineyard. God grant that we may not repeat on a great scale that fatal precedent, for if Digitized by Google IV t»REFACfl. we do the Word of the Lord will sooner or later surely find us, and drive its chastisements quivering home." Accidents and famines and pestilences of a most searching and painful kind have been also doing their work, filling all men's hearts at times with a great horror. But let us not forget the great gains, the signal triumphs, and the sure mercies of the year almost brought to a close. Several millions of Bulgarians have been set free from the hateful Turkish yoke ; the prospects of a good liberal government being firmly established in France are perhaps brighter than at any previous time ; and the voice of truth and justice has been again and again heard above the clamour and rage of the " people who delight in war." The progress which most of the Churches in this country have of late been making, has received a temporary check ; but not, we hope and believe, such a check as to produce despondency ; but only to teach all true followers of the Lamb not to trust in themselves, in their organizations, in their best-concerted schemes, or in their noblest and most self-denying efforts, but in Jesus Christ alone, their gracious Saviour, their glorious King, and the destined Ruler of the whole earth. The commercial depression has affected the finances of our Church, and lessened the resources of our friends at a time when we had embarked on several large and expensive undertakings ; but by the exercise of a rigid economy, by the grateful liberality of our people, and, above all, by the blessing of God, we shall surely sur- . mount all difficulties, and gratefully acknowledge in the near future that God has led us by a way that we knew not, made darkness light before us and crooked things straight, and in all and throughout all has been proving Himself to be our Loving and Unchangeable Friend. London, November i6fh, 1878. Digitized by Google THE Bible Christian Magazine. •:o:- THE MAGI ANDJHE BABE. Matthew ii. i — ii. It is a unique characteristic of the story of our Lord's incarnation that it brings lives and acts that would otherwise have passed away unhonoured and unremembered, within the perennial circle of its own surpassing glory. Every circumstance, every person linked to that divine event is, as it were, transfigured and immortalized. They stand before the wondering eyes of men for ever. This is emphatically true of the grand old Orientals to whom we are here introduced. We know nothing of their previous — ^nothing of their subsequent history. " They come like shadows, and like shadows they depart." There is a brief moment of intense light in which their personality is photographed with marvellous clearness, but on either side there is a thick gloom which we vainly seek to penetrate. Our curiosity would like fuller information concerning them. Each had a history. Each, too, possessed some special and peculiar excellence. But the Spirit of Inspiration does not bring them forward that they may ostentatiously exhibit themselves or to monopolize our attention, but specifically to direct to that wondrous Child whom they sought, and to the Infinite love which guided their pilgrim-feet towards the grand object of their search. A hurried glance, however, at the nature and history of this mys- terious class may be indispensable to a thorough appreciation of their exemplary deportment graphically delineated in this chapter. January, 1878. b Digitized by Google 1 THE MAGI AND THE BABE, Herodotus, the celebrated historian, refers to the " wise men " or Magi as one of the six tribes of the Medes— corresponding to the Levites among the Hebrews, the Brahmins among the Hindoos, and the Druids among the Celts. They were a sacred caste, the coun- cillors of the ruling classes, and the spiritual advisers of the great mass of the people. Very early, they secured a conspicuous place amongst the Chaldeans ; for we see in« the new kingdom of Baby- lonia, under Nebuchadnezzar, an organised caste of priestly scholars, called the "wise men." Daniel was associated with this school. He so far sympathised with the order in which he was enrolled, as to intercede with the king to spare the lives of the Magi. He event- ually became supreme President of the college of the wise men of Babylon — ^the chief of the order. Dr. T. W. Upham has well said, — " The Magi were learned ; but their spirit was not distinctively the scientific. They were philosophers ; but their spirit was not distinc- tively the philosophical. Science seeks for law in natural phenomena, and, finding this, seeks no further. Philosophy seeks for abstract truth, — a, mere notion of the mind. There is a spirit that avails itself of science and philosophy for an end beyond either ; a spirit that would pierce into the secrets of the Being who is above nature, and who gives to truth reality. Something of this spirit was the distinguishing characteristic of the Magi. In nature they ever sought for revelations of the supernatural ; in human affairs, of the superhuman." We cannot fail to regard the Magi of the far past with the most respectful veneration. They were so many stars in the intellectual night which then brooded over the world. But, in New Testament days, their creed and their practice had slidden into one common degradation. This once illustrious class had sunk to the rank of magicians, sorcerers, necromancers, and wandering fortune-tellers. That which had been the confidence of kings became both a bugbear to frighten the ignorant, and an instrument of trickery in the hands of the fraudulent. The history of Simon Magus illustrates this decline. The books of sorcery burned by the converts at Ephesus, doubtless, contained the false science of these pretenders. " Magianism had degenerated into magic." Perchance, the "wise men" in the text occupied a position about mid-way be- tween the ancient splendour and the subsequent debasement, or rather nearer to the latter. Matthew says they " came from the East " — ^the vagueness of the description leaves their nationality undefined. It is, therefore, vain to indulge in fruitless conjectures ; let us rather contemplate the three suggestive features that stand out prominently in the ever- memorable narrative : — ^The wise men's wonderful quest, rewarding discovery, and symbolic homage. Digitized by Google THE MAGI AND THE BABE. J I. — ^THE WISE men's WONDERFUL QUEST. Far back in the grey past, there was a man who seems to have been a progenitor of the Magi of a later date. His life shows that there is no inevitable connection between gifts and graces. But though his were unpurged lips, remarkable prophecies fell from them. We see the recreant prophet stand on Peor's proud crest, with his white locks floating in the wind, and we hear him say, '* There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth." The prophecy of such a wise man might well go on reverberating in the memory of the East. But ere the rever- beration of Balaam's prediction ceased, the great bell of divine intimation tolled again. This time it tolled in the court of Babylon, and the hammer was in Daniel's hand. The echoes of Daniel's prophecy are still heard (in the year of grace 1877) amongst the Parsees. The tradition lingers of four empires from one root, after which the Saviour is to come. Nor were these solitary predictions. Unconscious prophecies of a coming redemption pulsated in the heart of the most widely different nations. They were partly dim memories of a long past age still glimmering in the present, like the last streaks of twilight gilding the darkened sky after the sun's departure ; partly the pre- sentiments of yearning, seeking hearts, like the stars which faintly illumine the night and announce the coming day. Certainly, there were always souls, if not nations, on the outlook for a Redeemer. The great masses of men, sunk in moral stupefaction, had but a dull sense of misery, and knew not how to tell it — but a vague and dim idea of what would bring relief, and hardly knew how to raise a desire in longing for it. Yet every age has had its interpreters — men endowed with knowledge, genius, sensibility — who, while thinking only of themselves, gave voice to the sorrows of the multitude, and sent up the unuttered yearnings of a people into a mighty cry. Socrates embodied the undefined longing of all thoughtful heathens. "We must wait," said he, "till one shall come and teach us our duty to God." Virgil sang, on the banks of the Tiber, of the birth of some child of heaven, who was to restore the long- lost purity, fruitfulness, beauty, and blessed calm of the world's golden age ; and we read his enchanted strain as if a leaf torn from the grandest of the Hebrew prophets had been bound together with those Sibylline oracles whence he drew his inspiration. _Very signi- ficant, too, is that oft-quoted statement of the pagan historian, Seutonius, that all over the Orient there prevailed about this time an ancient and deep-rooted opinion that Judea, by the decrees of fate, was to rule the destinies of the world. How far the migratory B 2 Digitized by Google 4 THB MAGI AND THE BABE. Jews, who were dispersed in every city and nation, had a material influence in creating the general presentiment, it is not possible to determine. It was inevitable that voices from the synagogues should steal out into the streets of Gentile cities ; and there were unques- tionably relics of patriarchal belief floating about in the world's unrestful sea like fragments of a wreck, still faintly marked with the letters of the Saviour's name. And now, a supernatural calm overspread the boisterous surges of the world. The wheels of time passed on their heated axles, and a weary humanity listened as on tip-toe, if, perchance, it might catch but a chime of the new and glorious jubilee. As Milton so vividly paints the scene : — " No war or battle's sound Was heard the world around ; The idle spear and shield were high up hung ; The hook6d chariot stood Unstained with hostile blood ; The trumpet spake not to the ann6d throng ; And kings sat still with awful eye. As if they surely knew their Sovran Lord was nigh I " By some means, inexplicable to ^us, the Magi, in their remote Eastern home, had heard of Him who was confessedly " The Desire of all Nations^'* They shared keenly in the big and growing expec- tation of the time. They were on the outlook for the advent of this Prince who should "have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." In their nocturnal vigils, they discover a strange star. Night after night they watch it, till they conclude it heralds a royal birth. It hangs in the West towards Judea, (the very land in which the king of men was universally expected to appear) and the radiant and luminous messenger seems to beckon them on. They look upon the sign as a Divine call, and resolve to obey. No more will they watch the Pleiades, till they have followed this new star. Arcturus and his sons may, for a season, measure their zone, the crooked serpent sweep through his orbit, and the sworded Orion lie along the sky unheeded, as to any prophetic signs in their spheres. " The Star of facoh " is now in the ascendant. Linking the appearance of this strange orb to the traditional voices which clearly syllabled Jesu's name, and drawing their own inferences, a company of them ventured on a novel pilgrim-quest. Grand old men ! We admire them as we follow their caravan in its dreary way along the beaten road or pathless wastes. None ever braved the desert for an object grander than that which stimulates their faith and zeal. Even Christopher Columbus, who was the first Digitized by Google THE MAGI AND THE BABE. $ that ever dared to cross the vast Atlantic, was not more worthy of honour than were these spiritual heroes with their unquenchable faith in the conclusions of science and the over-ruling hand of God. Under the inspiration of this almost peerless faith, by night and by day, through strange lands, and among strange people, on they went ; and heaven watched the movements of this little caravan as it proceeded in its long and wearisome journey. Perhaps some to whom they disclosed the object of their quest simply wondered at the enthusiasm of the pilgrim-strangers, and that was all ; and thus with a secret and potent force guiding their hearts, they travelled on unknown and by themselves. They naturally directed their steps towards Jerusalem, the Hebrew metropolis. Here their faith was sternly tried. No doubt, they expected to find the city ringing with the fame of this glorious nativity, and that all men should know for what intent they had come. With breathless eagerness, they ask, " Where is He that is bom King of the Jews ? for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him.'* Jerusalem knows nothing of the un- paralleled event. There is no indication of the birth of an heir to the throne. The proud priests are offering polluted sacrifices in the temple. The prouder Pharisees are addressing the multitudes in the courts of the Lord's house, and at the comers of the streets vociferating long prayers, with the precepts of the law and the tra- ditions of the elders inwoven upon their garments, and wom in phylacteries upon their foreheads. While the Messiah is actually bom — ^bom, moreover, within six miles distance, Jerasalem seems to get her earliest intimation of the glorious fact from these Gentile strangers, whose home was, probably, more than a thousand miles away. The wise men's startling question would soon be carried to the king. It would ran like a shock of electricity through the palace, — and Herod's conscience smote him with craven dread. He was an alien and a usurper ; he knew how worthless were his pretensions to an historic throne, which he held solely by successful adventure. He ruled, not by the will of the people, but by the will of the Roman Senate, and when he heard of a 5om King of the Jews, visions would instantly rise up before him of the advent of a legiti- mate prince who would only too easily fan into a flame the national aspirations of the Hebrews. A babe in a manger made the proud Herod quake upon his throne. The Incamate Word and the Written Word have ever ** troubled ^^ the godless man. It is easy to account for Herod's unrest, but what occasion have the men of Jerasalem for disquietude ? Why should they tremble in their homes, and talk in the streets with bated breath of this Digitized by Google 6 THE MAGI AND THE BABE. portentous event ? Were they suffering from no tyranny ? Were there no abuses to be reformed ? Were there no doubts to be solved ? Were there no wrongs to be redressed ? Yet, instead of welcoming their long-expected Deliverer, a deep pang of sorrow shot through their hearts when they heard of the new-bom King. They were painfully familiar with Herod's character for indiscrimi- nate slaughter, and were apprehensive that they themselves might be the next victims of his jealous ire. Whatever disturbed the equanimity of their despotic ruler, would fill Jerusalem with fore- bodings of political revolutions and inhuman massacres. Herod suddenly convenes the Sanhedrim, — the supreme legisla- tive body of the nation, — composed of seventy-two persons. He called together the theologians of the nation because he wanted a theological response. You are to imagine them assembled in their hall in the temple. The royal missive is read. Herod wishes to know out of their holy books where the Christ is to be born. The sacred parchments, traced by fingers long mouldered into dust, are drawn forth from the gold-plated ark of cedar. Some venerable priest recites the words of Micah, which tell how out of Bethlehem Israel's Ruler was to come. " Thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah " — having no superb buildings, no vast population, no historic fame — " yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel ; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting,'' and who shall give to thee a lustre and a glory that shall outshine the brightest stars ! Fruitful, vine-clad Bethlehem, which signifies " the house of bread," becomes the representative of that living Bread which came down from heaven, of which if a man partake he shall never die. Contentious, war-loving Bethlehem sends forth a song of peace which shall be sung in all the languages of men, and shall resound through all the ages of time. Royal, king-nursing Bethle- hem, becomes the birth-place of a Prince whose glory shall fill the earth, and whose dominion shall endure throughout all generations. Proud, beautiful Bethlehem, nestled among hills and smiling on the desert, sends forth a message of mercy, to comfort all that mourn, to lift up all that are cast down, and to gladden all the waste places of the earth I There is a timely lesson to be gathered here. Science needs the commentary of a revelation from God ! Doctors of philosophy must go to Jerusalem to the doctors of Theology for enlightenment on the greatest problems. They come with a question on their lips. They can only ash it, they have to look to Theology for the answer. Science and Philosophy must submit to be illumined by the Word of God. Some of our modem scientists expatiate eloquently on Digitized by Google THE MAGI AND THE BABE. ^ the moral and the spiritual lessons of creation. How many of those lessons would they have acquired but for the light of the Bible I Nature is a splendid picture, but the Book of God is the lamp which flings most light thereon. Dr. Stoughton has told us that when Archbishop Usher grew old, a book was dark to him except beneath the strongest light of the windows. And the aged student would sit against the casement, with his out-spread volume, till the sun- shine flitted to another opening, when he would alter his position, and put himself again under the brilliant rays. So would he move about with the light until the day was over. God has written strange and beautiful messages on the page of nature, but our weak eyes cannot decipher the hieroglyphics unless we hold them up in a divine light — ^unless we get near the window of Scripture, where God pours in upon us the radiance of His Spirit. Science is an invaluable boon ! She may teach you the wonderful mechanism of the heavens. She may put a telescope into your hands and disclose to your wondering gaze new worlds in the starry depths of space. She may put a microscope into your hands, and discover unsuspected mysteries which lurk in the leaf and the flower. She may reveal to you worlds of life, where your unaided vision had failed to see aught save material textures. She may convince you of the lavish- ness of creative power and the merciful wisdom of the vast design. Our imagination fails to grasp the almost infinite treasures put before it through the ministry of science. But there is no Gospel in it. It has its Genesis, and Exodus, and Psalms, — sweet, plaintive, and beautiful, but there is no Gospel— not a single word of recovery for the lapsed, not a solitary announce- ment of pardon for the erring. Science may teach a man all about the rocks, and his heart remain as granite or adamant. She may teach a man all about the winds, their causes and their currents, and yet he may be the sport of passions as fierce and turbulent as they. She may teach a man all about the stars, and yet his be the fate of a meteor that blazes for awhile and is then quenched in eternal night. She may teach a man all about the sea, and his soul re- semble its troubled waters which cannot rest. She may teach a man all about herbs and plants, ** from the hyssop that springeth out of the wall to the Cedar of Lebanon," and yet he may not know the " balm that is in Gilead/' and may never have seen the " Rose of Sharon." "The light of Reason's dim, uncertain ray Discovereth but the gloom in which we stray ; And Superstition's dubious mirage-gleam But mocks us with a dull, delusive beam* Digitized by Google o THE MAGI AND THE BABE. But there hath risen in the midst of night A Star, that, shining with no fitful light, Offers to bid our doubtful wanderings cease, * And guide our feet into the way of peace.' " Well, Herod, the subtle, fox-like king, has so far succeeded in his murderous design. He has tracked the spot where lies his vic- tim, an unconscious babe. But unless he can also learn the date of his birth, his wily and malicious scheme may be defeated. The one item of information he had got from the Sanhedrim : the other he will seek from the unsuspecting sages. And, lest the secret should ooze out, to his inglorious failure, he arranges for a secret audience with the foreigners, and, from ascertaining the time of the star's appearance, gathers a clue to the age of the child. We can see the crafty twinkle in that cold, serpent-eye, as he says, " When ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also." What is this ? It is a lie trying to make itself look like the truth. A lie can hardly get along the world's highwajrs if it is dressed in its own garb, and so garrulous as to tell everybody exactly what it is. It has always to undergo a process of transfor- mation. It seeks to cling to the sun-skirts of truth, and make a favourable impression by its veracious appearance. A man who is true need not trouble himself about appearances. He may go for- ward, and tread boldly, his footing is sure ; while " the wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips." Herod was a cunning and bloodthirsty hypocrite. He veiled the basest designs under the holiest words, — he dyed a monstrous wickedness in the colours of godliness. He told the Magi he wished to go to " worship " the Babe, but the angel of Jehovah spoke a truer word, when he said, " Herod would seek the young child to destroy Him." He was one who could with literal- appropriateness adopt the language of England's great dramatist : — " Why, I can smile, and murder while I smile ; And cry content to that which grieves my heart ; And wet my cheeks with artificial tears ; And frame my face to all occasions ! *' Let US now accompany the Magi through the second stage of their eventful journey. ** When they had heard the king, /hey departed." How easily men may evade or blunt the force of divine truth I The Scribes and Herod knew all that the wise men knew, and more. All that they had seen and heard precisely harmonised with the historic and prophetic records which they studied and taught. And yet, not a single scribe goes with the Magi from Jerusalem to Beth- lehem, or will so much as walk a half-dozen miles, in order to verify Digitized by Google THE MAGI AND THE BABE. 9 the fulfilment of a prophecy on which the hopes of the whole nation were based ! On kings and priests of an evil heart all the resources of heaven are lavished in vain ; while simple shepherds may learn more from a single song than the Scribes from the whole canon of Scripture ; and wise men may stake more on a peradventure than they would on an admitted certainty I In our Lord's ministry we have a singular illustration of the same principle. When Christ had, by a miracle, provoked the hostility of the Pharisees, He gave utterance to these ominous words, ** For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see ; and that they which see might be made blind." The spiritual was here figured by the corporeal ; the blind man had been made tD see, while the Pharisees, who would not see the fact before them, became blind with their eyes open. The beggar, spiritually blinded by involuntary ignorance, but conscious of it, humbly accepted the spiritual light that was offered him, and became a seeing man. The Pharisees, on the other hand, had knowledge enough, but would not use it ; and, in their pride of knowledge, shutting out the Divine light, they became more culpably blind. A man may be thoroughly skilled in the science of arithmetic, but if he has no possessions upon which the operations of arith- metic may tell, the fullest knowledge of the power of an infinite multiple can never make him rich ; but let him possess that which is capable of multiplication, then his arithmetical certainties will enable him to determine to a nicety the actual cube of his wealth. We make this almost self-evident remark because in these days a desire for religious knowledge is certainly on the increase, and intelli- gent persons are not ashamed to confess that they are interested in the pursuit of it ; out of which may grow up — ^perhaps is already grDwing up — a danger of resting in the knowledge without going up to the experience of the power of the truths known, without which they are like splendid flowers blossoming over a sepulchre. It is, we conceive, a message which needs in these days to be frequently and urgently reiterated, that men may be well read, well versed, and well skilled in the Bible, and yet be no nearer the Way, and the Truth, and the Life than he who has trusted in the punctuality of church-going, or in the frequency of his communions. Knowledge of the Saviour is worse than useless unless it be followed by appli- cation to Him for salvation. Hence there are many most familiarly acquainted with the technicalities and facts of the Bible who are, in God's estimate, practical strangers to the Gospel. They are like one who should pore over a map, mastering its geography ; marking each sea, lake, river ; understanding the position of every range of mountains ; learning the names of all the localities indicated, but Digitized by Google 10 THE MAGI AND THE BABE. never visiting them. Ministers, teachers, parents, and others should see a salutary warning in the conduct of the Sanhedrim. These priests directed others to a Saviour, yet would not go to him them- selves. Men may become pilots, and yet castaways. As Augustine has tersely expressed it, " Like in this to those who built the ark for Noah, providing others with a refuge, while themselves perished in the flood ; or like the stones by the road that show the miles, but themselves do not move." The Magi were not diverted from their laudable quest, by the mysterious torpor of Jewish ecclesiastics. Seeing the priest's doc- trine concurs with the star's dumb directions, though Herod will not leave his court, nor the Scribes their learned leisure, nor the people their lucrative business, these men are willing to pursue a solitary path till they find the Christ of God. Quaint old Thomas Adams says, " When thou art to embrace religion, it is good going in company, if thou canst get them. — for the greater blessing falls upon the multitude, — but resolve to go, though alone \for thou shalt never see the Lord Jesus y if thou tarry till all Jerusalem go with thee to Bethlehemr "And, lo, the star, which they saw in the East, went before them." It would seem that the luminary had not been visible to them during the former part of their journey ; but now, it re-appeared and moved on horizontally ^ as if a torch had been borne " before them** by some good angel. There was peculiar fitness in this method. God saw fit to speak to the Magi in their own way : they were seeking light from the study of the stars whence only physical light could be gained, and He guided them to the source of Spiritual light, to the cradle of His Son, by a star miraculously made to appear to them, and to speak intelligibly to their precon- ceptions. If astrology be ever so absurd, there is nothing absurd in the supposition that astrologers should be led to truth even through the gateways of delusion, their spirit being sincere and earnest. Superstition has often paved the way for faith. God ever and anon condescends to the platforms of men in training them for belief in the Redeemer, and meets the aspirations of the truth-seek- ing soul even in its error. It were better to adore than to cavil at the self-devotion of His Spirit, who, unrepelled, even by guilt, merci- fully follows men, as they wander away from Him, down into the drear waste of error and sin. The fact that God led star-gazers to the place of Christ's nativity by the instrumentality of a star shows the subserviency of Science to Religion, Nature testifies to Christ. As sure as that eastern star pointed to the Saviour so does each of her sister-stars. Wm. Arthur has elo- quently said, — " The evil genius of infidelity wooed all the sciences ; Digitized by Google THE MAGI AND THE BABE. II but they have cast him off. He sought to make a home among the stars ; but from every sphere there issued a voice having in it a tone of Christ, and evermore repeating, *When He prepared the heavens I was there.' Scared from the sky, he betook himself to the depths of the earth, intent on rearing a fortress, founded on the primitive rock, built up with all the strata, and garrisoned by monster inhabi- tants of former worlds. But as he proceeded with his imagined citadel, ever and anon sounded forth the same voice, echoing amid the rocks, * When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water ; before the moun- tains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth.' Driven from the depths, he turned to Ethnology, and from the woolly hair of the negro, the wild nature of the Indian, the wretched visage of the Australian, and the distinctive types of Mongol and Caucasian, of African and Malay, tried, in his coldness of heart, to construct an evidence that mankind was not a race of one blood and one brotherhood. But Physiology tracking his path, sends us to-day from every tribe, the testimony as to man's body that * God has made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on the face of all the earth.' Religion, too, has tracked his path, and now places before us a few out of every nation, and people, and kindred, who join to testify the oneness of the human soul, each repeating in his own tongue the one law written on their heart, — * The first com- mandment is. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart ; and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' Then he betook himself to Orientalism, sure of finding in the tomes of Eastern sages brilliant demonstration that the in- spiration of Scripture was a fable. But now from Shastra and from Veda, from the lore of Bhuddism, from the Zendavesta and the Adi Grunth, from the statutes of Confucius and Menu, we hear coming a voice, which, abashed by their spotted morals and crying absurdities, is compelled to murmur, 'All Scripture is given by in- spiration of God.' Driven from every other scientific retreat, he sought a rest in Archaeology, boasting that he would find in the Pyramids of Egypt, in the ruins of Nineveh and Babylon, of Jeru- salem and Rome, dust enough to blacken the brow of Christianity for ever. But this day we hear from the banks of the Nile, the Tigris, and the Euphrates, an ancient voice, proclaiming, * God at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past to our fathers ;' and at the same time the stones of Jerusalem and of Rome lift up their voice, and cry, 'Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.* That Jesus whom, less than a century ago, scientific Infidelity threatened to expel from the regards of man- kind, now appears before us all sitting enthroned on the science of Digitized by Google 12 THE MAGI AND THB BABE. the universe. Every star of the firmament sparkles in His diadem ; every ray of heaven's light flows in His vesture ; and the whole earth dutifully presents herself as a footstool, which her mountains and her monuments adorn. At that footstool all the sciences meekly bow, hail Jesus as the Light of lights, and loyally proclaim, * We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.* " Science is becoming a grand auxiliary to Religion. It is not merely a secular, but a divine power — an inspiration from on high. It is either a messenger to man, proclaiming God, or a servant coming down from God, to prepare the way of the Lord. The paper manufactory is allied to the Bible Society, and both to the Gospel. Steam shall move before the ark of the Lord, like a pillar of cloud by day, along the Bosphorus, the Tigris, and the Caspian Sea. The giant oaks upon a thousand hills shall yet move beneath the swelling canvas across the ever-sounding ocean, and carry to distant lands the unsearchable riches of Christ. The electric tele- graph transmits the glad message of Calvary to imperilled souls. Who indeed can conceive the magnificent part science will yet play in the evangelization and conversion of the earth ? Is the increased velocity of communication taking place generally no preparation for missionary success ? Is the spread of civilization, and of social elevation, and intellectual culture, no contribution to the extension of the Redeemer's name ? The growing popularity and prevalence of the English language — ^that storehouse of profoundest science and of purest literature — ^what is it, but a paving of the path, a lay- ing down of the rails, for the outgoing of the everlasting Gospel — the more full and glorious recognition of our Saviour Christ ? It will be more and more manifest as the years go on that the progress of scientific research and discovery, so far from being fatal to the authority of Christ's Gospel — will no more discredit that Divine Revelation than the finding of new planets can extinguish the sun or prove that his light is superfluous. Investigate the material world, and read the book of nature to the last sentence in the Wondrous Volume. Analyse matter, and resolve it into its first elements ; dig among the rocks and make them tell the story of their formation ; ** Lift up your eyes on high," and study the re- volving heavens ; enter the temple of the mind, and read the mystic hieroglyphics engraved upon its walls ; but the Gospel of Christ shall not be disproved or displaced by the revelations you may get in these or in any other regions. God has not dropped an inad- vertent thought, or penned an inadvertent sentence in — <* The dearest of Books, that excels eveiy other, The old family Bible that lies on the stand." Digitized by Google THE MAGI AND THE BABE. 1 3 The crowbar of the geologist will never upheave the Rock of Ages, and the telescope of the astronomer will never discover a speck on the Sun of Righteousness. In no strata of the earth will any fossil remains of a departed age be found older than the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob ; on no coast or reef will ever be wrecked that freight of life and light, and love and beauty, which the Book of God carries sublimely across the waves of ages : dissection will only disclose its supernatural treasures, opposition will only give impulse to its needful spread ; it will mount with a wing that will not be numbed amidst the regions of polar ice, or relaxed amid the fervour of equatorial suns, for " Tnith is truth, as God is God, And tnith the day shall win ; To doubt would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin." The sciences may become the handmaids of the Gospel, but never its successors. They may take their place around it, like planets round the sun ; but the Gospel will continue to outshine them all, as the sun outshines the stars. Therefore, let us welcome scientists as our friends and allies. Many of them are serving a Master they know not. Cyrus, though ignorant of Jehovah, did a grand work for the ancient church ; and not a few men of science, who utterly ignore and despise our Divine Christianity, as the mere spawn of superstition, are unconsciously doing it great and solid service. And, by-and-bye, it will be seen that the wise men have been taken in the craftiness of their hearts, and that they have been, if not themselves journeying towards Bethlehem, inevitably preparing the way for others to travel there. Religion should, therefore, say to Science, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between thee and me ; " and Science should say to Religion, " Thou art the eastern star that leads to Christ : Soon shall thy broad circle Reach round earth's wide circumference, Revealing to all nations What the heavens but shadow forth — The gloiy of the Lord ! »* (To he concluded in our next J Digitized by Google THE LESSON OF HISTORY ON CHURCH AND STATED Many of our readers are doubtless aware that the Rev. J. B. Heard was formerly a clergyman of the Church of England, that awhile since he resigned his living and seceded from the Establishment because he could not any longer conscientiously remain in it ; and no one can read his speeches or the books he has written without discovering that he is a gentleman of scholarly attainments and great ability. Mr. Heard showed that he had the courage of his convictions by leaving the Established Church ; and such a step entitles a man to a hearing when he has anything to say on the Question of Church and State, in relation to which he has taken up so unmistakable and uncompromising an attitude. We were much struck by the address Mr. Heard gave in the early part of last sum- mer, on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Rev. Edward White's pastorate at Kentish Town, which we thought the clearest summary of the principles at issue in the controversy we had seen ; we now find that that speech was really the introduction to the book Mr. Heard has just published on " National Christ- ianity," to which we would call the attention of those of our readers who desire to keep up with the latest aspects of a question that is " in the air," and thereby qualify themselves to judge of the bearings of the different stages of the controversy through which we shall pass before the country is ripe for decisive action. Mr. Heard's mind was full of the material we now know him to have been shaping into a Treatise that is, we believe, a highly important contribution to the side of the controversy on which Nonconform- ists are found ; and he gave very effectively and appropriately one instalment of his book as a platform speech at Mr. White's chapel. We have read the book through line by line twice, and in every chapter of it we trace the hand of a master. It impressed our mind as being, more than anything else, a skilful and luminious general- ization of Church History in its bearing on the relation of the Church and State to each other. It is a philosophical grouping of the lessons which the history of the Christian Church all down through the centuries teaches on this subject. The treatise pre- supposes that the reader is pretty well acquainted with the events and facts of Church history ; these are only cursorily given when given at all. Nor was it necessary that they should be given more fully ; for have we them not once for all recorded in our older and recognized authorities ? The mere record of facts and description of events is by no means the highest department of history. His- tory is of greatest service when its materials are so grouped as to furnish us with an induction of principles and truths that may guide our action, and that may disclose what is the best course to follow. What experience is to the individual, history is to a nation. It is ♦ National Christianity, or Caesarism and Clericalism, by the Rev. J. B. Heard, M.A. Longmans and Green. 1877. Price los. 6d. Digitized by Google THE LESSON OF HISTORY ON CHURCH AND STATE. 15 the material from which, by a wise combination and grouping of its multifarious elements, he is to gather helpful lessons for the control and guidance of his course in the future. The chief value of his- tory, therefore, is not to be found in the fact that it posts us up in, and satisfies us concerning, what happened during the centuries that are past ; but in this — ^that we may know from what our ances- tors did what it is best for us to do, or what it is best for us noi to do. The highest purpose of history is to teach us how to avoid the folly of repeating what by the after-light of history are seen to be errors ; and to do, the more firmly, in our day whatever was done well once, and by the train of results is shown to have been worth doing. This is we hold the true rationale of history. History as a science is comparatively modern. It was not until the influence of the Baconian philosophy became widely felt that history rose to a science. In fact, history became a science when other departments of learning became sciences, — when alchemy became chemistry, when astrology gave way before the approaching light of astronomy, when ancient nostrums yielded to the true, though slowly moving, science of therapeutics. In the days of scholasticism, history was little more than a crude and unskilful assemblage of facts, if the facts were always discriminated from legends, which is doubtful ; historians, such as they were, were styled chroniclers ; and they were rightly named. But by and-bye came the reformation of letters, which should be studied in connection with the reformation of re- ligion as in some sense its first-born, and which should be con- sidered equally the child of providence. Bacon should be set over against Luther — by the way, the question as to their relation to each other would be a fine study, and how far the position could be shown to be tenable that there could not have been a Bacon if there had not been a Luther first. But — we were going to say — ^the inductive philosophy sprung up and fused the facts and events loosely strung together by the chroniclers that, like cold pieces of metal would not combine, into one glowing mass that was welded by the skilful hand of science, and received its impress. Or — ^to change the figure — Philosophy, like a skilful worker, began to group and distribute the heterogeneous materials till she produced — ^as she has done in numerous cases — combinations, effective and artistic, far-reaching principles and great truths being seen to be the product of a nation's experience. This is the way of God's providence, — He teaches nations as He teaches individuals. Our characters are formed by the lessons taught through the failures, the reverses, and the achievements of the past of our life — " we rise on stepping- stones of our dead selves to higher things." So it is with nations : the " dead past " is rehabilitated by the hand of "divine " philosphy ; bone comes to bone, flesh covers the bones, the whole becomes in- stinct with life and beauty ; and history is introduced as science — the efiicient tutor of " the living present ;" as against the chronicles of the scholastic historians that were little more than dead men's bones — ^a heap unarranged and mouldering ; all the parts of the framework of history were there, 'tis true, but what was wanted was the presence of science to arrange them, and that subtle infusion Digitized by Google 1 6 THE LESSON OF HISTORY ON CHURCH AND STATE. of life that makes history a form fair to look upon and articulate of voice to all who have ears to hear. This we have been led to say — though we confess our pen has carried us somewhat further afield than we at first intended — in order to show wherein we conceive the strength and value of Mr. Heard's book lie. The book belongs to the highest department of history. It marshals the materials at the author's disposal as could be done only by one well versed in the phases through which the Church and State have passed in their attitude toward each other. The author shows how uneasily the relation has sat, whether on the State or on the Church. Neither party has been comfortable in the union, because from first to last both have loved the pre-eminence, and each in turn has succeeded in gaining it. In the mediaeval age the Church dominated the State. At the reformation the change principally consisted in a reversal of this order ; the State took pre- cedence of the Church. As Cecil said to Elizabeth, when two ride on a horse, one must sit on the pillion behind ; and at the reforma- tion it was determined that the State should take the saddle, and the church ride on the pillion behind. Generally speaking, this is the history of the Church from the fourth century to the present. Clericalism, or the ascendency of the Church over the State, pre- vailed during many centuries, much to the detriment of the state and to the interests of the people. At the commencement of the sixteenth century, the burden was felt to have become intolerable. Caesarism, or the supremacy of the State over the Church, asserted itself, and has kept its place till now. Of the two evils, the latter is preferable ; it is better that the State should be supreme than that the Church should ; it is better that kings should reign than that priests should rule ; Erastianism is less objectionable than Ecclesi- asticism ; though there is something better still, and that is — neither^ And doubtless, in the providence of God, these two elements have been allowed to exist side by side that they may prove a wholesome corrective of each other, and by their rivalry neutralise the worst evils of either. They grew up together ; and the history of the Church is little more than a record of their quarrels and mutual jealousies. Mr. Heard shows that the one runs into the other, that Clericalism leads to Caesarism, that history proves that the former ultimately plays into the hands of the latter. If clericalism had not first grown up in the Church, the Church could never have been received into organized relation to the State. If it had remained pure it would have continued poor ; and all that the State has ever done by way of taking notice of a church which has been both pure and poor has been to persecute it. The evil grew, in its earliest stages perhaps insensibly, in the Church of the second or third cen- tury ; a distinction of rank between the clergy and laity was first notified, then a gradation of officers sprung up among the clergy, the more influential ofiicial positions came to be looked upon as a great dignity, and therefore more desirable than subordinate posts of service ; the Church passed from the Greek or republican to the Roman or imperial type of organization, when it caught the eye of politic Constantine, who patronised the Church and took it into Digitized by Google THE LESSON OF HISTORY ON CHURCH AND STATE. l^ friendly alliance with the State in order that he might use it to prop up, and give a new lease of life to, the crumbling Empire. The names of state officers were given to the clergy, and governmental territorial divisions of the Empire assigned as their prescribed spheres ; the Church became, in point of fact, an imperium in imptrio ; and quickly enough its little remaining vitality was overlaid and stifled by imperial splendour and wealth, pretension and patronage. Then came the fall of the Roman empire, which left behind it as the residuum a hierarchical church. The Church of Rome was, accordingly, as has been splendidly said, " the Ghost of the Empire sitting crowned on its grave." The Church of the middle ages was a Christian imperium laid down on the lines of the defunct pagan empire, in which withal was traceable a considerable revival of the old pagan pride and pretension, as, for example, may be seen in its claim of universal empire. The Church of mediaeval times was but a sucker grown out of the stump of the deceased empire called by a Christian name ; and what wonder that many should think that the 3tunted after-growth suffers by comparison with the ancient tree of long and large growth, that was not cut down till it was hollowed by decay, and only perishes after a long and gradual "decline ? There were those who all the while held the truth of the Gospel in its integrity ; but they were not to be found in the high places of the earth ; they were sheltered in the deep valleys of Piedmont, the remote parts of Bohemia, the villages and scattered hamlets of France and England. But these the State took no cognisance of save to persecute them, or the hierarchical Church either, except for a like purpose. A simply-organized society after the republican type made up of spiritually-minded men was not tangible to the state. It is only when the Church has taken shape as a corporate clerical body that she has become sufficiently like the State to lead the State to recognize the family likeness and to form an alliance with her. When this has been done, the state has had little reason to congratulate itself on the union. The lesson of the alliance, and of the arrogance that has grown out of it, is this, — ^that the Church and the State cannot get along well together. They do not get on well in the same house ; it is bad for the resident family as well as for themselves ; the Church and the State have not accorded with each other, and it has been very unpleasant for the people. It is better that they should part ; and instead of the present compromise — ^for it is that — the existing state of things should give place to a Church which is purely spiritual, and a State which is purely secular. These are among the things that first recur to our mind as we endeavour, in our own language, to afford our readers an idea of the drift and purport of Mr. Heard's book. There are many subjects of greatest interest as related to the Question that we have not space to refer to at all, which are discussed by the author with skill and expressed in felicitous language ; such as, for instance, the latest aspects of the controversy in our own country, and how we are — ^to come to business — ^to deal with the English State-Church. But we must refer those who are sufficiently interested in what we believe to be one of the foremost questions of the day, and — ^what c Digitized by Google 1 8 THE LIFE BEYOND. must be gravely remembered — that touches the interests of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ at so many points, to keep abreast of the age, to the work itself ; and we believe they will not, as we have not been, be disappointed. As we have travelled through it we have had a peep at many an interesting period in Church History, and have passed a way branching out of the main road that appears to run thf ough a rich country, to which we feel we must return at our leisure, and which we must look at and traverse more deliberately some day. The book quite sharpens our appetite for Ecclesiastical History, and sends one back to his authorities with a keener relish than ever. We are once more suitably re- minded that God teaches nations and kingdoms by their own ex- perience, and the Church, too, by her own ; the lessons that God would have us learn are palimpsest-like written over the page of history, and happy is the people to whom the lessons are legible, and that have skill to decipher the later hand-writing. We have thought it best to cursorily point out the lie of the country Mr. Heard maps out for us rather than attempt a summary of the content;^ of the book. We shall have attained our purpose if We send some of our readers to the book itself. The subject is one many of us must investigate, if we would count as factors in the day we live in, and not be ciphers. No minister, or intelligent member of the Christian church, can afford to ignore the question ; and who would do so unless he were satisfied with repeating words, and reproducing ideas that took shape under other conditions than those that now obtain ? If one wishes to have thoughts and phraseology indigenous to the place he occupies, and up to the day he lives in, then must he be at the pains to keep the Church and State Question in its latest aspects before his mind ; and we know of no book more efficient for this purpose than the one that this paper is designed to commend to the attention of our people. Hichi Mill. J. H. Batt. THE LIFE BEYOND. We live in an age marked by intense mental activity. In the arenas of science, literature, and religion, great advances are being made as to knowledge, whilst ancient prejudices and errors are very swiftly vanishing before the fierce light of truth, and the dispelling power of proved discovery. A record of the past as compared with the present demonstrates that this onward march is a glorious one, for the race has soared higher than the dreamers of old could have imagined ; towering to heaven with grand and awful aspirations ; piercing with keen interest into those problems surrounding the very universe itself. Science^ especially, of late years, challenges Digitized by Google THE LIFE BEYOND. 19 the notice even of the most careless, for its bold assertions, and unsparing attacks upon dogmas once held irreversible, have scared the timid, converting at the same time the determined into uncom- promising foes. In the world of nature, science has searched out the abstruse and mysterious ; torn the veil from the unknown ; un- ravelled the intricate, and explained in a great measure the conflict- ing voices that start up in the realms of created life. Contributing the results of its restless brain power to the general welfare of man- kind, it has yet directed bitter attacks upon those priceless truths which in life and death are held dearest. Probing so much of the misty darkness of the material world, it has now arrogated to itself the position of having reached the deepest secret that lies hid in the unseen and immaterial. Scaling so many of the mountain peaks of human knowledge, it has at length boasted that once for all its grasp has fixed upon everything to he known ; and by the instruments of some foremost men within its influence, has the hardihood to declare there is no life beyond the life we pass here, no principle in man undying, and beyond the reach of decay ! Of this vast expansion of mental power in the capacities of our race, in the ever-gathering experience of rolling years, is bom the monstrous heathen theory that there is no "life beyond." Recently this miserable philosophy has come out fearlessly from the writings of many who are considered typical men of science. It is useless to blink the truth that the theories of evolutionists and kindred thinkers lead only to atheism and materialism ; with no ray of spiritual light to illumine the blank darkness of such doctrines. Tracing back the history of the earth, with elated egotism fancying they have weighed and measured, probed and mastered all of that past necessary to found their philosophy upon, men of science now coolly view as fanatics those who raise the standard of Holy Writ against the utterances of fallible and erring humanity. Such a subject merits the eloquence and withering sarcasm of a Paul or an Ezekiel, but the life beyond rests steadfast despite the assaults directed against it, and can never be rooted out from the ethics of religious belief. Once obliterate the faith that holds to it, and all is lost that can elevate us above the ** beasts that perish." Let us briefly throw out a few thoughts in connection with the life beyond — assured by revelation, attested by man's inner consciousness and the world in which he is placed. Meanwhile, it is a singular fact that the two extremes of mankind agree in treating with frivolous contempt the idea of immortality. The scientific philosopher, gifted mentally so as to rise colossally above his fellows, pours derision upon the notion that we can have any other existence excepting that seen and recognized upon earth. Indeed, it is said in plain terms that when death closes the scene, man is no more. All that his career can do is to influence in some measure his brethren, either for good or ill. But surely this is far from being a life in the future, in any proper sense. We are, therefore, requested to reject the Bible, and embrace the latest doctrine evolved by scientific analysis. Yet, what warrant have we for this ? Evolutionists may cavil and dispute ; geologists may c 2 Digitized by Google ZO THE LIFE BEYOND. bring their strong records to enforce their arguments ; but though we will admit the value of their discoveries in their special fields of knowledge, we fail to see why there should not lie beyond their vision and power the vast realities of spiritual truth. Granted, they may analyse and weigh, demonstrate and prove in the material world, but we submit, no inference holds good from their discoveries in this sphere to that other and unsearchable sphere which hides the spiritual and eternal — spoken of in Holy Writ. We have, however, the fact, that these disputants, skilled in mental combats, gifted so as to astonish and delight the world, are yet disgracefully seeking to lower themselves and their fellows by the assumption that no higher life is hidden within them than that witnessed by their fellows ; no subtle, imperishable attribute that dissolution of the body is powerless to touch ; no soul, and no hereafter for its fuller life. From the pedestals occupied by such men we descend to the low depths traversed by the gross sensualist, the ignorant, and depraved ; and here, too, we find commonly a lack of faith in a life beyond. The present life is to^uch all in all ; they have no desire, no hope, no aspiration to live in this state so as to be fitted for a hereafter. ;The gross sum total of enjoyment is to them, now. Thus the two extremes meet, presenting a very unedifying spectacle. The votary of science with all his imperial qualities comes down to the level of the low and ignorant sensualist, whose grovelling taste knows no hope beyond the grave. Both stand upon the same principle, asserting there can be no future life for man- kind. What then avails the life now given up to intellectual re- searches, when there is no beyond ? Equally might the sensual hedonist pride himself upon his clever adaptation of external things to his comfort, and the adroit manner in which he extracts the honey out of the brief span he has to pass on earth. What a spectacle ! Surely it conveys a bitter rebuke to those who glory in brain power ; since, after all, the highest exercise of it brings the philosopher with his wisdom no nearer to our Maker, than the gross liver with his folly, whose God is his belly, and who neither fears nor longs for a life beyond the present ! Is there, then, no other world than that which yields its story to the keen scientist ? Was the faith of ages of our race which have, slept the last mortal sleep in peace, owing to the calm hope of a glorious awakening, baseless, and a dreaming phantasy, only des- tined to be shattered and lost in eternal oblivion ? Is the brain of man, after all, the noblest thing he possesses, that faculty which, accepting the dogma of annihilation, robs him of all hope, and leaves him to sink despairing into the gloom of night everlasting ? We answer, there is a sphere of existence that lies outside the grasp of the materialist, a power that lurks hidden within our mortal bodies, eluding discovery, and fleeing from all that would understand its nature. The soul, the spiritual principle in man, allies him to the Author of his being, and is a sublime refutation of this most pernicious doctrine. Like the hermit in his cave, who presumes to judge of the world he has never seen, while his limited vision is confined to the miserable precincts that hold his form, the dogmatic Digitized by Google THE LIFE BEYOND. 2t atheists of to-day seek to appraise the universe and its contents from the small comer of it they are able to see and examine. But beyond their puny sight, far away from human ken, and, even, it may be, close to every one of us, exist the realities of the spiritual world, and the proofs of soul and spirit are so obvious that it is simply absurd to think there can be nothing other than is known to mortal experi- ence. The life beyond rests not only on eternal evidence, for we have in our own breasts testimonies to its truth, while every breathing aspiration Godward is another argument in its favour. Yes, the proofs of our immortality are inherent, and dwell within man himself. A secret but certain feeling binds every heart in the faith that life is but the preparation for a career of endless joy or woe beyond the grave. It is useless for Science to demand of us logical proof in a material sense for things that are immaterial. We cannot produce them, but we point to the indestructible truths mirrowed forth in the Word, which speak their old story — a story that through the lightning blasts of centuries of scorn comes as sweetly and solemnly true to our spiritual senses as ever it did of old. Mankind have internal evidence that nothing can shake off the life beyond. Our lives here are incomplete, and need that completion which eternity alone can afford. The ever- varying phases of our existence ; its many temptations and trials ; the in- equality and injustice so prevalent, all speak unmistakably of a hereafter. We see the good debased, the profligate and vile raised and glorified by men. We often see the struggling virtue that is found in poverty suppressed and scorned, while the perverted baseness of the rich meets the plaudits of that partial judge — Society. All these incongruities tell us that God, being Justice itself, will hold the balance, and adjust with perfect equity the lots of mankind in the world to come. What here was unequal, we know will there be made equal, and every eye sh^ll see it. The grand heroism that was hidden in the obscure and lowly will be called out to the view of assembled millons, and the lofty ones whose spiritual lives were depraved and base shall be lowered and put to shame. Whatever of inconsistency we find here, speaks with impressiveness to the sure foundation we have of a trust in life renovated and purified in a future state. The restless heart of man, which no material luxuries will appease or gratify, is another thrill- ing testimony to the life beyond. A spiritual nature cannot be satisfied with materialism. A soul gifted with moral faculties, judging between right and wrong ; alive to tender sensibilities and touching affections, cannot reach its highest stages in this world, simply because it has to face so much alien to its nature, and is thwarted in its noblest impulses by the fettering of the mortal con- dition in which it dwells. The thirsty, panting spirit pierces the future, and, with faith sublime, holds to the life beyond. Not all the subtle reasoning of sages nor the arguments of materialists, can displace the conviction that has been planted by God himself in the very constitution of him who was made in the image of that holy Being from the first. But the Word of God vouches for the certainty we feel of a life Digitized by Google 22 THB LIFE BEYOND. beyond. And who could desire a grander testimony to its truth ? That Book of Revelation is surely worth more than all the libraries of Science or the orations of its exponents. We take our stand on its brave and indomitable words, and ask who shall ever unsettle the doctrine of immortality from its sure basis ? What system that Science has ever devised can compare with the inspired teachings of that Holy Book ? Has science ever aided in the purification or the exalting of moral life ; has it ever whispered sweet words of love Divine into man's longing ear, or urged the claims of holiness, justice, and mercy upon our notice ? Has its voice ever sounded the clear and noble strains that characterize this mouthpiece of the Christian religion ? Science, indeed, may revolutionize the world, and its work may be a boon to human life, but the teachings of the Bible alone can fit man to perform his duty to his brother, and cause him fearlessly to look forward to the tribunal of his Maker, before which he will be summoned. The Bible gives no uncertain sound about the fact of life everlasting. Its statements are terse and unmistakable. The soul is spoken of as of priceless value, compared with the body, from the fact of its grand capabilities in the future, and its awful doom if prostituted and given over to neglect of spiritual things. The " life we live in the flesh " as the expression is, evidently is considered to be the lowest state ; the animal life, and it is the undying spirit that glorifies human nature, and lifts it to participation in joys and occupations through the future which cannot now be realized. No amount of cavilling can efface the plain and self-evident theology of the Word Divine upon this subject ; nor can any deductions from nature to grace be per- mitted when we have authority so sacred for a faith evidently trans- cendent and unearthly. The life beyond, is, then, a reality, demonstrated by man's in- herent aspirations and capabilities, and proved by the Word of our God Himself. It is this doctrine that elevates the species above the animals and the creation of which he is constituted lord and master. As Richter says — " Man upon earth would be vanity and hollowness, dust and ashes, vapour and bubble, were it not that he felt himself to be so. That it is possible for him to harbour such a feeling, thisy by implying a comparison of himself with something higher within himself, this it is which makes him the immortal creature which he is." Here, in a noble passage lies the kernel of ^ the subject. The certain assurance of man that something within his form reigns supreme, independent of his mere animal power, is conclusive evidence of the life beyond. Dispensing, as it were with the body, he has before now risen to such heights of self-denial and heroic endurance, that the spirit has seemed to spurn and rule over the mortal frame that held it. The courage of the martyrs of old, was not mere brute courage, but moral bravery, and could not have been displayed unless fed by a confident hope of the life be- yond^ the suffering present. It was the souFs triumph over the body, for the scorching flames and tortures that could not daunt the deathless spirit bore witness then and there to the existence of im- mortal life, on the borders of which the dying ones liad touched Digitized by Google THE LIFE BEYOND. t$ when the faltering mortal breath left them, and they passed away. The grandeur of a faith in future life can be seen in the history of our earth, for men live here with an eye ever fixed forward, and endure, suffer, and seek to aspire as sentient beings whose noblest career yet awaits them in the world to come. The barren creed of the materialist leaves no opening for the display of such moral and religious qualities, — suggests no elevated ideas of social and domes- tic life, but bases its philosophy upon the advisability of certain methods of conducting society, and prates about the " survival of the fittest." But the firm rock of hope that animates the Christian's creed, the certainty that our pathway, whether directed by Divine light, or a mere devious track of our own planning, must determine our future, tends to prompt that earnest cultivation of the inner man by the aid of the Spirit of God which no other creed ever proposes to effect. Could the empty dreams of Science be univer- sally diffused and believed in, chaos would speedily appear in social and intellectual existence, whilst all the poetry and tender grace of the world's history would be blotted out for ever ! We have firm conviction, then, on all grounds, that there is a life beyond. What its nature, and where its locality, it is not necessary to enquire. The gorgeous imagery of the Bible is evidently in- tended merely to pourtray spiritual realities. We know that there, the human race having passed its probation time, will emerge into a state where sin, sorrow, and defilement of all kinds will be totally unknown. The thunders that sound from the world about us, and the still small voice of conscience within us, alike testify to its reality. Were it not so, could we bear to lose our loved ones, and yet live in the light from which they vanished ? But the Unsearch- able Jehovah who first raised our planet to a habitable condition, left us not without a guide to immortality, and His words, grand and sublime beyond all human conception, tell us of the life beyond, and how to secure its happiness in the life that now is. These holy words outweigh all the babble of inflated intellects, which mystify while they attempt to propound. One simple utterance that un- mistakably comes from the Throne of God surpasses all human theory and fallible judgment. To that evidence let us cling like grim death, and in these days of doubt and unbelief let us cherish the doctrine which of all others stands forth most transcendently as the characteristic of the Christian religion — ^the firm, unalterable belief in a *' life beyond " — either of a being ennobled and purified, or terrible to remember, of a career condemned to be passed in the blank solitude of an alien existence, whose character has been deter- mined by the probation upon earth mis-spent and abused. E. J. S. C. Digitized by Google 24 CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. ROLLING STONES; or, MODERN " REtJBENITES.'' << A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." — James i. 8. If every " first-bom " be a ** Reuben," without roots to his character or decision in his ** make," — "unstable as water," — so that he can- not " excel," then I am extremely thankful I happened to be a lakr ** born /" a link farther down in the family-chain, and not the No. i of the genealogy or tribe ! To be told by the "Pater" that One is the "beginning of strength " and the " excellency of dignity and power," may sound very flattering and fine to the lover of " soap " that is " soft,^^ and " seasoning" that is " high ;" but it's very paltry compensation for the after-speech, which, like a " night-mare," must crush a poor fellow almost to suffocation, or a ghastly "spectre" scare one almost into the No-land of extinction : — ^the after-speech which brands eternal instability and non-success on the bone, and brain, and all of the sad unfortunate. I presume (don't think me presumptuous) that every " rolling stone" which gathers no "moss" in society, secular and sacred, to-day, is, as in the days of patriarchal star-light, a rambling " Reuben," a non-excelling " first-bom." If they are " round " stones and life is a perpetual down-hill course to them, so that they . cannot help rolling, then certainly they are commendable objects of pity. But if they are " rugged and ridged," and might be stable if they would ; having a self-propelling power which keeps them in fitful motion — ^the everlasting victims of " Fits-and-Starts " — ^here to-day and gone to-morrow, without any occasion for transit what- ever, then, " sure enough," as " Pat " would say, they are deserving objects of contempt. feut, either way, my sympathies are too aristocratic to go out in generosity and love to them, or my prejudices too settled and untempered to give these " Reubenites " even standing room in my bettermost feelings. I would it were otherwise, but I cannot help myself. They make themselves so utterly repulsive that an anti- Reubenite recoils from them with a majestic disdain, of course offering no apology for such conduct. You can repose no more dependence in them than in a rotten reed, and get little more from them for benevolent purposes than from a Comish "spar" or a Kentish " flint." And as to actual practical service to society, why, if they were suddenly removed from its midst, they would no more be missed than a solitary star-point from the infinite wildemess of star-globes. No octavo volume will be required to chronicle and proclaim their " works of faith and labours of love," for they never continue long enough at one thing to make it either a success or a failure 1 They accomplish nothing. They are always deciding but Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. 25 never decided. They are fussy but fruitless. They conceive a plan but miscarry. They begin but are not able to finish. They are a bundle of beginnings without endings — endings in the sense of completion. Unstable, unstable, they cannot excel ! I find a fag-end of the ancient tribe pitching their tents at intervals within the bounds of my ecclesiastical territory ; and it is really an amusing though unprofitable recreation to watch their •* ins " and " outs," and " ups " and " downs " I I often measure people (you see I am a dangerous character to come in contact with) without " tape," " foot-rule," or *' yard-stick," and weigh them without actual scales ; but these " Reubenites " need neither the one nor the other, for fickleness being the inevitable law under which they " live and move and have their being," it is stereotyped in brazen capitals upon them, that he who " runs may read." They hear the report (not by telegraph or telephone) of a remarkable display of elocution by the newest Reverend arrived in their locality, and, being the victims of a curious spasm, they hasten at the earliest opportunity to gratify their inordinate novelty-loving faculty. Next Sabbath there is a little extra business at the particular sanctuary, the pew-openers have more to do, which covers their faces with angelic smiles. All the furrows which a sad and un- prosperous past had ploughed deeply are filled up and filled out, and from the seeds of gloom and grief has risen a harvest of sun- shine and delight. By the next " Lord's-day " there is a rush for sittings ; and pew after pew, long sitting at " ease in Zion," staring with uneloquent and unsympathetic vacancy at the brother departed, now become burdened with *• flesh and blood," and inhabited by listening eyes and " itching ears." They never miss an oportunity of hearing their eloquent " Apollos," and seem never to tire of im- posing on you volley after volley of " interjections," and " adjec- tives,'' and " adverbs " relative to his pulpit performances. They appear so happy, if a peculiar twist of the face means that : and so pious, if spasmodic ejaculations (startling to Squire Nervous and his family) indicate it ; and so feasted, if close attention signifies such. « « « « « We leap the gulf of a few months, and find that inquiries are made by the R.E.V. (so much admired) as to the whereabouts of Mr. So-and-So, and So-and-So, etc. He has noticed, as every earnest minister would, their pews empty for some short time, and naturally wonders at the " why " and ** wherefore." But before he gets a response they are present again, just once in the day, some- what late in their arrival, and evidently listless in attention. Again there is an interval of absence for three or four successive Sabbaths, and so they come and stay away, till at length the sittings are given up, and the once favourite resort and unequalled ** Reverend" abandoned. On investigation it turns out that another Mr. New^ come has captivated their ears and won their presehce ; and that this has been their invariable practice from time out of date^ No loss, however, is sustained by their exit ; perhaps their room is better than their company, for they refuse union with the church Digitized by Google 26 CHIPS PROM MY WORKSHOP. (though they like admission to all its religious ordinances and means), it may be for the little quarterly contribution they would be supposed to dole out ; while the boxes at the doors seldom or never resound with the fall of coin from their purses. Being of the "tribe of Reuben," they are "unstable as water," hence, cannot " excel'*! From such "wandering stars," "Good Lord," ever " deliver us." But there is another branch of the same family who relinquish not the " tenure " they have in our territory, and yet are seldom found at home. They are well up in the Almanac of the Church, i.e,y are familiar with the " times and seasons " when they expect an extra dish of dainties, provided by some " hired cook " for the occasion. Of course at such periods you may be sure to see them in their places, with outward indications of an appetite as voracious as a crocodile's, as if they had been feeding upon " husks " for a long spell (prodigal-like), through not keeping at home. They are religious gossippers, preacher-hunters, novelty-seekers, gadders about I Resembling little children who think everybody's victuals are better than their mother's; who loathe a dinner of venison at home for a dish of herbs abroad. Or like poor, silly sheep that wander away from the " green pastures " into which the shepherd leads, to the brown and barren slopes of the mountain- side ; from the " still waters " of the emerald meadows to the parched and thirsty desert-land 1 Such sheep are always lean. Such children are always fretful. Such unstable hearers are akin to Pharaoh's " poor and very ill-favoured kine " he saw in vision- hours. They lack robustness of intelligence, masculineness of spirituality, muscle, sinew, stamina of character and soul ! And what marvel, seeing they prefer to feed on other peoples' ^^ greens " from home, to feasting on grand old " roasi-heef^* at their own table. Now, this unhealthful gadding about from one place of worship to another, fosters a restlessness of spirit which intensifies by time, and creates a dissatisfaction and querulousness which grow (unchecked) into an utter disrelish for all truth, and an utter loath- ing of all worship. People of such impulsive material, who float on the surface of Emotion, and are carried " hither and thither " by the vacillating wind of "feelings," generally make a desperate plunge in the end from one extreme to another. A case in point. A certain brother for a time identified with our " household of faith," a local preacher, &c., became restless at home, then gradually dissatisfied, anon crotchety and queer, and finally took his departure from us. We were too straight-laced and quiet, (according to his broad out-look) and not sufiiciently earnest^ meaning by that " ranting." He threw in his lot with a " party" of modem growth, pre-eminently noted for " noise " and " rant," and uproarious meetings. He had reached his ideal. Zeal ate up his reason; ungovemed impulses swayed his judgment; and before them he was driven like a fragile barque before a tempest. Nature had seriously to remind him that a throat and chest not made of galvanized iron, could not endure such excesses. Raised as it were from the mystic river's brink,— «" deatb'^ cold sullen stream"— hQ Digitized by Google GLSAKINGS FOR ALL READERS. ^^ sought the " quiet resting place," and " peaceable habitation,'* and hushed decoram of the songless fratemitv — " the Friends " I And there to-day (for how long I wont predict) his footsteps wend, when Sabbath-caim its heaven-like atmosphere the "round globe" wraps. Thus men of temperamental religiousness veer from one point of the "compass" to another, and rush from "boiling point" to "Zero'' by a bound. Such fickle characters are a minister's living grief, and a church's saddest drag. They have the wings of an "angel " but the talons of a " vulture," which tear and bleed the heart that so much needs the sympathy and encouragement of all. Gentle reader, whatever others may do, be sure that you always dine at your own tables ; sit under your own ministry ; be found in your own place at home ; and so by your presence, and smile, and stedfastness, and words of commendation and encouragement (let not these be lacking) "lift up the hands'which hang down," confirm the "feeble knees," cheer the oft-dejected heart of him who ministers to you in " holy things." Have a Home and stick to it, for they shall prosper thdX thus love Zion ; while the " Reubenites " being " unstable as water" shall not ''Excel:' I might give you a chip or two of another order of the same " tribe," to whom every new thing in the church, the school, the choir, etc., etc, has a " silver fail,*' burnished and magnetic, into which they enter for a time with zest aflame, and ambition on fire ; but which ere long consumes the fuel and extinguishes the life, and is left to other and steadier hands to manage and carry on. I sim- ply throw out the hint ; and let the curtain drop on this old-time tribal **jemnant," wishing them a nobler future-experience than their past-history has been. Adieu. GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. THE IMMORTALITY OF BOOKS. The old books remain while everything else passes away. The chances and changes of this mortal life do not touch them. The fields in which we plucked wild-flowers and played cricket when we were boys are covered with dreary streets. The houses in which we lived have been pulled down, and there are unfamiliar buildings on the site of our old homes. The churches in which we wor- shipped have been enlarged or rebuilt. The preachers to whom we listened are dead, and the faces we remember so well are no longer seen in the old pews ; or, if they are there still, they are greatly changed. The brilliant and romantic lads of pur youth have become Digitized by Google 28 GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. hard and prosy men ; the bright, wild girls have become very un- interesting matrons ; the aged people, whose sorrows and loneliness we pitied, or whose sanctity we reverenced, have all passed away. We ourselves are conscious, as the years drift by, that our strength is not what it once was ; that there is less elasticity in our step ; that we are more easily tired ; that our sight is at times a little dim and our hearing a little dull. But we open our books and the vanished years return. Time has run back and fetched the age of gold.* The fancy of Jeremy Taylor is as free and as fresh, and the wit of South is as keen, and the fervour of Baxter is as intense, as when we first heard them preach. Charles James Fox is still speaking with undiminished energy and fire on the Westminster scrutiny. We knew old Lear when we were boys ; he is no older now. Most of the young men and maidens whose love passages entertained us when we ourselves were young are old married people, and oc- casionally wrangle over the expenses of their housekeeping; but Romeo and Juliet are courting still : " For ever he will love and she be fair." f — Dale's Nine Lectures on PrecuJUng. THE DOOM OF PLYMOUTH BRETHRENISM SEALED. It is . . . all but certain that a sect which strives merely ** to gather churches out of churches," and does not aim at the evange- lization of the masses, is not destined to any long reign. This was the very charge brought against the separatists of the seventeenth century. Many of them took up the position that the Church of England was- not a true Church at all, while others, not so extreme, found themselves, notwithstanding, compelled to leave her com- munion. They did undoubtedly use all their efforts to draw disciples after them, but they all aimed likewise at the masses who were outside all Church-relations. The powers of Baptist preachers like Denne and Bunyan lay in their melting addresses to the masses, gathered in the open air or in private houses. Now, the narrow sects of our times are not distinguished in this way, for they aim at the best people in all our churches, and " own no corporate respon- sibility to the masses." They sit down on other men's foundations. — British Quarterly Review-. THE ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE. AN INCIDENTAL ARGUMENT FOR INSPIRATION. The Bible is a most wonderful book, because it contains the most ancient, interesting, and trustworthy histories that we possess. In it we read respecting the creation of all things ; the Antediluvians ; ♦ For if such holy song Inwrap our fancy long, Time will run hack and fetch the age of gold, — Milton*s " Hymn on the Nativity." t " For ever wilt thou love and fihe be fair."— Kcats's " Ode to a Grecian Urn." Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. 19 the Deluge, of which we have many other evidences and traditions in various parts of the world. Here, too, we have valuable and important information respecting the Jews, the Egyptians, the Babylonians, and other nations of antiquity. Many of these records are confirmed by other histories, or by facts which have subsequently come to light. There was, however, a little apparent discrepancy between the Bible history and that of Herodotus, who wrote above two thousand years ago, and who is generally styled " the father of history." He says, Labinetus was king of Babylon when that city was taken by the Medes and Persians. Daniel says, Belshazzar was their king. Again, in the Bible history we read that Belshazzar promised to make Daniel th^ third ruler in the kingdom ; and it could not be explained why he did not say the second ruler, when he evidently intended to bestow upon him the greatest honour he could. Recently, however, the ruins of Babylon have been dis- covered, and, in exploring them. Sir Henry Rawlinson found a column with an inscription upon it stating that at the time when Babylon was taken, two kings jointly reigned, and that Belshazzar was in the city, and Labinetus was outside trying to get an army to raise the siege. Here was the solution of the varying accounts. A similar difficulty arose in reference to the " Song of Solomon," ii. 15; because Heredotus said, that neither the fox nor the grape- bearing vine were known in Svria or Egypt till hundreds of years after Solomon lived. But, within the last few years, the explorers of Egyptian antiquities have discovered walls and galleries more ancient than the times of Solomon ; with representations on them of trellised and festooned vines ; while the nose of the fox is depic- ted peering among the branches to get its favourite repast ; thus proving that the anachronism^ or mistake in time, is not on the part of Solomon, but rather on the part of Herodotus. And thus the difficulty which may appear to-day may be fully explained to- morrow.— The Breakfast Half-Hour. ROMANCE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY. There is not a single question touched upon throughout this book which will not yield a rich reward to anyone who will pursue the investigation further still, and follow it up with the same earnest attention which is so freely given to literary pursuits of other kind. I have but just turned the surface. There is gold there ; but there are far richer reefs below. The researches of a Tregelles are as full of interest as those of a Darwin, and the history of a Tischendorf is as full of interest as that of Sir Samuel Baker himself. All the romance of the middle ages gathers around the manucripts and palimpsests by which the text has been handed down ; and the story of our English Bible is one of the most brilliant chapters in the history of the Tudor and Stuart dynasties of our own land. As one of the first systematic attempts to crush the Church is seen in the edict of Diocletian to burn the Christian Scriptures ; so the first attempt to stamp out the Reformation was inseps^rably connected with the constant bonfires in which Tyndale's Translations were Digitized by Google jO MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES* burned. But as the Scriptures rose from the ashes to reign supreme in the empire which had sought their destruction, so did the version which was the glory of the Reformation in England survive all fires in which it was consumed, and, in a slightly altered form, command the homage of every throne by which at first its fate was sealed. — MartitCs Origin and History of the New Testament. ^ THE RIGHT MOMENT. Have you ever seen a man who, having nerved himself for days for some great stroke in life, is suddenly betrayed into striking at the wrong time — too soon for success, or too late for honour ? He has put all the concentrated passion of his heart into one blow at the wrong time, and the blow exhausts him utterly. He has no power left. He is thenceforth the prey of circumstances. Strike as hard as you like at the right time, and everything assists you. The blow, instead of diminishing, redoubles your force ; success is parent of success. Strike at the wrong time, or in the wrong manner (and Peter's impetuosity and self-conceit were sure to lead him wrong), and all the virtue goes out of you ; you fail, and failure gives birth to failure ; your chance is lost, and you become fearful, unbelieving, the victim, for the moment, of any dishonour which may cross your path. So it was with Peter. As high as had been the excitement, so entire now was the exhaustion in the reaction. Fear came in upon him ; he turned and fled ; and oh ! miserable, the brave man becomes a coward, and the loyal friend a base deserter. — Stopford A. Brooke^ M.A^ MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. MR. THOMAS WOOD, " Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace." Of Br. Thomas Wood, of Sewdley, in the Dean Forest Circuit, it may be said, that his character is worthy the appel- lation of the perfect and upright man, and that his end was peace. Mr. Wood was bom Dec. 8th, 1808, at Bream, in Her Majest/s Forest of Dean. His father, who was a woodman in the Forest, removed from the neighbourhood of Bream to a lodge near Sewdley, when Thomas was quite a child. In this lonely spot, Thomas spent his childhood and youth. Owing to his excellent moral training, he grew up a sober, steady, and industrious young man, but a stranger to piety. He was naturally reserved and pensive, but full of thought and inquiry* Digitized by Google MBHOIRS AK0 OBITUARIES. 3 1 When the Bible Christian Ministers first visited Sewdley, to bring the message of God's love to sinners, about which little was then known in many parts of the Forest, Mr. Wood attended their min- istry, but several years passed away before he obtained the pearl of great price. He received a measure of light, and he was convinced that it was his duty to give his heart to God, but he remained un- decided for some time. He became more deeply impressed by attending the opening services of a new Independent chapel in the town of Coleford ; he began earnestly to seek the Lord, and shortly afterwards, in a prayer-meeting at Sewdley, he found peace with God through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, with Christ in his heart and heaven in view, he exclaimed,— *' Testis, thy blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress : 'Midst flaming worlds in these arrayed^ With joy shall I lift up my head.** This change, which occurred about thirty-five years since, was evident to all, but it was greater within than without. From this time to his death he never wavered in his Christian course ; he started for heaven with the intention of going all the way, and henceforth he walked before the Lord in holiness and righteousness. Strong attachment to God's people and cause, and love to perishing souls, were at once the fruits and evidences of Mr. Wood's piety. Having given his heart to God, he united in church-fellowship with the Bible Christian Society at Sewdley, in whose welfare he ever showed the most lively interest. Liberal in his views and acts to Christians of every name, he was particularly attached to the people of his choice — ^the sentiment of his heart being, " This people shall be my people, and their God my God." Our society and congregation formerly worshipped in the house of the late Mr. and Mrs. Davis, the parents of Mrs. Wood, but soon after Mr. Wood's conversion, a new chapel was erected, largely through his efforts, and though a considerable debt was incurred, fiuch was the interest taken in the matter by our dear brother and others, that in a few years the whole amount was paid. At Mr. Wood's house, the servants of Christ always met with a hearty welcome. Frequently he has been heard to say, when the family were seated around the hearth, and the toils and exercises of the day over, " Now, if we had a preacher here our family would be complete." For many years, the second preacher had his principal home at Mr. Wood's, going in and out as one of the family, with very little expense to the circuit. Mr. Wood was very earnest in his prayers for Zion's peace, and rejoiced greatly in her prosperity. The conversion of sinners to God was one of his greatest pleasures. At the family altar — ^and worship in the family was a duty he never neglected---as also at the public prayer-meeting, he has often wrestled with God in prayer for souls until his utterance has been suppressed with sobs and tears. And sometimes on rising from his knees with the tears trickling down his cheeks, he would take the hand of some poor sinner in the congregation, saying, *' Are you Digitized by Google 32 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. going to give your heart to God to-night ? " or, " I should like to see you converted." Not long before his death, he came home one day in a very joy- ous state of mind, and informed his daughter that he had met with a person, whom he had not seen for some years, who told him that, through his example and conversation, he had been induced to give his heart to God. " Praise God ! " said Mr. Wood, " He has per- mitted me to know that I have been the means of winning one soul to Christ." A little later, our dear brother became seriously unwell. In his affliction he needed surgical aid more frequently than it was prac- ticable for him to obtain it, as he lived a considerable distance from any medical man, and he suffered in consequence great agony. Advised by his attendant, he went to an infirmary at Gloucester, where, in a little more than a week, he was relieved of all his sor- rows by being taken to that country where there is no affliction, but where all tears are wiped away from all eyes. Br. Wooldridge, a late pastor of the Dean Forest circuit, says, — ''Br. Wood was a man whom the thoughtful, penetrating, and spiritually-minded were compelled to respect. His calling necessi- tated his being much from home of late years, but among strangers he showed the same steady and consistent walk as he did at home, buying up the precious time in reading some good book, or in thought and meditation. He sometimes told me that he has been puzzled, tried, and even pained by the doings of others, but without mentioning their names, and thus he avoided poisoning a wound he could not heal. Often have I found him in the villages away from home, at tea-meetings and other special services, while others, more directly concerned than himself, would remain at home. He steadily cherished and displayed a hungering for the Word, orally delivered, ajid when at all practicable, he would gratify his desires at the Father's banqueting house. But few among the working-classes would analyze a sermon better than he. Br. Wood had trials of a peculiar character, though he said nothing, or but little, about them save to his God. All hail to his memory I " The following extract from a letter of Mr. Wood's daughter, 9hows the state of his mind during his affliction ; " Several times when suffering severe pain he said to me, * Never mind, Alice, if I die, your loss will be my gain.' Once he said, * The Lord will take care of you, and it will be well with me, for I know whom I have believed.' Upon going to him on one occasion, I heard him saying, 'Another gem in the Saviour's crown ! and another soul in heaven ! Yes, bless God ! I shall be a gem in the Saviour's crown!' On another occasion, I heard him repeating these lines, 'When I tread the verge of Jordan,' &c., and several times he repeated, ' Songs of praises 1 will ever give to Thee.' On going into the room where he was, I found him in agony, but he said, 'Alice, have you not heard of persons singing when they were dying ?' Upon my answering in the affirmative, he said, while a heavenly smile rested upon his countenance, ' Yes, bless God ! and I feel as though I could sing now, to think that Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 33 heaven with all its joys is so near/ When about to leave home for the Infirmary he said, * I shall place myself in the doctors' hands, asking God to direct them, and if it is His will to restore me, I shall return to you again, but, if not, all will be well.* The doctor at first thought he would get better, but we found on visiting him, that he was in a dying state, suffering much, but calm and peace- ful, trusting alone in the merits of the Lord Jesus. On being asked, by a friend who accompanied me, if he had any message for the Sewdley friends, he said, * Tell them to prepare to meet their God.' At parting he said, * Good-bye, my dear, you will all come, and we shall meet again up yonder,' meaning in heaven. To a friend, who visited him on the previous day, and who asked if he could still trust in Jesus ? he replied, ' O yes ! O yes I what should I do now if I could not trust in Him ? ' The nurse informed us, that for some time before death, he said but little, but seemed to be engaged in prayer. When, however, she asked him what she should tell his friends when they came ? he said, ' Bid them good-bye, and tell them all is well.* " And thus died, on the 27th day of July, 1877, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, a very affectionate husband, a kind and loving father, and a true and faithful friend. ** Let me die the death of the righteous.** " Forgive, blest shade, the tributary tear That mourns thy exit fi-om a world like this ; Forgive the wish that would have kept thee here, And stayed thy progress to the seats of bliss. No more confined to grovelling scenes of night. No more a tenant pent in mortal day ; Now should we rather hail thy glorious flight, And track thy journey to tne realms of day," R.V. JOHN WILSON Died at Seaham Colliery, in the Durham Mission, February 15 th, 1877, John Wilson, aged thirty-three years. Our dear brother was bom at Sedgfield, near the city of Durham, where he lived until he was about nineteen years of age, when he removed to Seaham Colliery. He was in the habit of attending the Primitive Methodist chapel in this place. He lived, however, a stranger to converting grace until about twenty-three years of age. During a series of revival services held in the Primitive Methodist chapel, he became deeply concerned about his soul, and after leaving the chapel one evening he was so distressed for salvation that he went to a secluded Elace in a field and sought forgiveness. Some persons, knowing is state of mind, and hearing his cries for mercy, went and prayed with him until he found the Lord. Those who knew him best could not doubt his conversion, for his daily life testified that he was bom of God. About five or six years ago, Br. Wilson had occasion to D Digitized by Google 34 MBMOntS AND OBITUARIES. leave the Primitive Methodist church. Shortly after this some per- sons who had been members with us in the west of England were anxious to have one of their own ministers, and arrangements were made for Br. J. Hender to pay them a visit. A society was formed at Seaham Colliery, and at two or three adjacent places, and Br. Wilson was one of the first that joined the infant church. Before joining us he had read our Digest, in order to satisfy himself that he could be comfortable with us, as a section of the Church. His attachment to the Bible Christian Connexion was very strong in- deed; he read our literature, observed our rules, respected the ministers, and it is not too much to say that he did all he could to extend the work of God among us. We wish there were more like Br. Wilson, ready to perform any duty, or to make any sacrifice to save souls and glorify God. At the Christmas Quarterly-meeting, 1876, he was appointed one of the circuit stewards. It was evident at that meeting by the unanimous vote, that he enjoyed the full confidence of his brethren, and many wishes were expressed that his life might be spared for many years. Such, however, was not to be, for in about two months afterwards, the Master called this faithful servant to enter into rest. A fortnight before his death, he travelled about eighteen or twenty miles and preached twice ; the day was very wet, and on rutuming home he was not only wet and tired, but unwell. He went to his business on the following day for the last time. In- flammation was doing its work, and all that medical skill and kind friends did, could not arrest the disease. During his short illness — ^when conscious — ^he gave very blessed evidence that he was " not afraid to cross the tide," for the Lord was his light and salvation. We miss him much in the Mission, especially at Seaham Harbour, where his labours were so abundantly blessed in the formation of our cause at that town. Br. Wilson was held in high esteem by the churches and public generally. The secret of this was, " He was a good man," and ready to do good at all times. His services as a local preacher were much appreciated ; the people always expected something good when Br. Wilson preached, for his sermons always indicated that he had taken great pains to prepare them. His funeral was attended by several hundred persons. The service was read by the Rev. W. A. Scott, M.A., vicar of Seaham Harbour. The vicar delivered an excellent address, extending to forty minutes, in which he feelingly spoke of his acquaintance with the deceased. Reference was made to his being comparatively a young and rising man. Among other good things Mr. Scott said, " Br. Wilson was not a Churchman, but he was a Christian. He travelled a long distance only two or three weeks ago to preach the Gospel, and through getting wet and taking cold, no doubt hastened his death. He died a martyr in the work. On whom shall his mantle fall ?" He was buried in the Seaham Colliery Churchyard, there to await a glorious resurrection. He has left a wife and two young children to mourn his loss. May the God of the widow and fatherless bless them ! His death was improved by the writer at Seaham^Harbour, Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 35 also at the Lady-day Quarterly-meeting, and by the writer or Br. Cory throughout the Mission. We hope and believe good was done. Our prayer is that we may meet him in heaven. Farewell, Brother Wilson, Thou art gone to be at rest, From the struggle and the conflict, To lean on Jesu's breast ; Gone to see the heavenly city, With its jasper walls so bright, To dwell with Christ for ever, In the land of love and light. Thy voice we hear no longer In our circles here below. Preaching Christ the Saviour, Thy heart with love aglow ; Teaching little children In the paths of peace to tread, Speaking words of comfort. In the hour of need. We mourn thy loss most deeply, But the gain is great to thee. We will not vnSi thee back again. But strive thy face to see. And with thee sing of Him, Who came the worid to save. And magnify the love and power^ That lifts beyond the grave. E. Rogers. MISS POOLY, Was bom at Boyton, Devon, in 1856. Although she lived a moral life from her childhood, she was not led by the Holy Spirit to fully see the need of a change of heart till she was about twelve years of age. She was convinced of sin and of the need of a Saviour in the Bible Christian chapel, Holsworthy, during some special ser- vices held in 1868. She attended the class-meeting, yet she was not satisfied with her condition, because the witness of the Spirit was not clear respecting her adoption into the family of God. There were doubts that, like sombre clouds, dimmed the full serene light of the upper heavens about to shine upon her soul. She had glimpses of the true light, but she could not with open face behold the glory of the Lord in the face of Jesus Christ. During this time she wrestled hard, with a determination to find the great blessing she so much needed. Advice and encouragement were given, and after much earnest pleading the assurance of pardon came, and sweet peace and abundant joy filled her soul ; the thunders of a guilty conscience were hushed, and with full confidence she could say, " My God is reconciled." From that time imtil she left Hols- D 2 Digitized by Google 36 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. worthy, her conduct was such as became a true Christian. She glorified Grod by living a genuine consistent life. The testimony of her class-leader is, " She was a regular attend- ant at the class-meeting, and her experience was always fresh and to the point. My class missed one of its most valuable members when she removed, and if she Continued to live after she left us as she did while with us, I have strong faith that she is with Christ, where I hope to meet her." One writes as follows, " Her character was every way consistent. She was very even tempered, cheerful in disposition, very firm in adhering to what she knew to be right, and always anxious to attend her class-meeting." Mrs. Batten, of Holsworthy, writes, " My dear Annie came with us at the age of thirteen, and remained with us till she was twenty- one, and we always took her as one of the family. I greatly missed her when she left, she being one on whom I could always depend. . . . Her Bible was well read in her bed-room, and on leaving 1 presented her with a copy of the Sacred Scriptures, which she prized more than all her other presents." When she came to Plymouth, she joined our church at Zion- street, and continued to maintain and exhibit those virtues that had made her beloved at Holsworthy. Her stay with us was short, for the Master soon called her from us to meet Him in His kingdom. We have only the testimony of her life respecting her safety for the great future. Taken with bronchitis, she retired from the world of business to the chamber of affliction, to rest awhile, and to use means for restoration, and then to again enter on her usual employ. No danger was apprehended by any one till a few hours before the end came. The doctor was sent for, and in that brief time she had so changed that her speech was gone, and in a few hours she entered into rest. May nth, 1877. "Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh," JOHN WILLIAM ELLIS. Died on Tuesday, November 13th, at Lambeth, London, after a few days' illness, John William Ellis, for upwards of forty years a member of our Society at Waterloo Road. His end was peace. S. Allin. Digitized by Google The readers of our valuable Connexional Magazine know that a new chapel is in course of erection at Bedminster. The old chapel in Princess-street had become altogether inadequate to the increasing demands of the congregation and school ; and therefore the building of a new one has been thrust upon the friends by their actual needs. The most eligible and commanding site in Bedminster has been secured, and in June last the foundation stone of Uie school and class-rooms, which are to be underneath the chapel, was laid. The chapel will be about 66 ft. by 43 ft. in the clear, and, as the engraving shows, will have a main central entrance with a lobby, approached by a night of six or seven steps from the curb level. Side lobbies will be provided for access to the galleries, and also as secondary lobbies to the chapel. In order to better meet the requirements, both of platform meetings and preaching services, the architect has combined in his design, a rostrum and pulpit. It wH be entirely of pitch- pine, with steps from each chapel aisle, and a railed communion space in front. A vestry will be placed near the rostrum. The galleries, three seats deep, will be ranged along the waU on either side, with a choir and organ gallery facing the minister, underneath a lofty organ archway. The chapel, with galleries, will seat together 750 persons, although many more could be accommodated upon special occasions. The interior of the roof will be barrel-vaulted, with curved and moulded ribs at the principals, which stand nine feet six inches from centre to centre. Wrought-iron tie and knee-rods will show underneath the ceilings. Intersecting transept bays — ^formed in the roof only — ^will cut the main roof at each angle of the building. The floors, galleries, and roof are to be carried principally upon Digitized by Google 38 REDCLIFP CRESCEKT CHAPEL, BEDMINSTER, BRISTOL. cast-iron pillars with foliated caps and bases. This way of distributing the loads has been considered by the architect desirable, considering the nature of a part of the foundations. The height of the school-room floor is about 12ft. The height of the chapel, from floor to the springing of the ceiling, is about 20 ft., and from floor to apex of vault, about 31 ft. The exterior walls are to be of dressed pen- nant stone, with freestone quoins, arches, and other mouldings. Red Mansfield stone will be intermixed in some cases. The treatment of tne sides and back is simple in its character, being chiefly confined to single-light windows, except in the transept gables, where large three-light windows are introduced, surrounded by an enclosing arch. The crescent elevation is somewhat more ambitious, and a free use has been made of early French Gothic — the central features being the main entrance double doorway, and large "four-light plate" tracery window, rising high into the gable above. The architect is Mr. Jas. Crocker, of Exeter. Mr. Crocker, of Be(Sninster, is the contractor. Four memorial stones were laid on Monday, October 22nd, by Mrs. Terrett, Mrs. HoUins, Mr. T. Hopper Baker, and Mr. G. G. Babbage. Three o'clock was the time announced for the ceremony. Large numbers of friends felt much in- terested in the proceedings of the day, and at half-past two, people began to crowd to the site. Our hearts were glad and joyous. We were all in high expecta- tion of a great success. But lo, the clouds gathered, and just before three, the rain came down in torrents. Though cast from the top of Pisgah to the valley of Achor quick, when we saw the friends running in all directions, drenched with rain, we could hardly refrain from a smile. Smile ! Why not ? All things work together for good. After a little delay, the stones were duly and properly laid by the honoured persons whose names are given above. So much done, the fiiends proceeded to Princess-street chapel, where the afternoon meeting was held. The Rev. John Dymond presided, and in his opening address spoke of the rise and progress of the Denomination. God had opened fields of labour before them — many of which they had entered. And almost in every instance where the agents of the Society had gone, success had been realized. Some might ask, How is it you have not done more in Bristol ? And thev might be told that none knew what had been done. All who have been saved oy our instrumentality are not meeting in church-fellowship with us to-day. Many of them are in heaven. Some have joined other churches. More might have been done, no doubt ; but we are thankful for the past. To-day, we make a fresh start. We take a bolder stand. We lay the memorial stones of a church which, when com- pleted, will be equal, in comfortable accommodation and in architectural beauty, to neighbouring churches, and therefore we shall be better prepared to do our part of the great work needed — viz,, the up-lifting of fallen humamty. Mr. Dymond then called on Mrs. Terrett, who said : — " Much time, labour, and money have been spent to promote the improvement of the moral and social con- dition of mankind, 'and for the alleviation of their sufferings. And while the Gospel is the great moving power for good in every respect, is it not a fact much to be deplored, that an overwhelming majority of our fdiow-men are dead to their best interests, both as regards this l^e and that which is to come ? The reason for such a sad, sad state of things as exists to-day, is supplied in the Saviour's words, * Ye will not come to me that ye might have life,' Jonn v. 40. And never can man be renewed, regenerated, and again restored to the favour of his Maker until he comes to Christ in the way made known in the revealed Word of God, * For there is none other name under heaven among men whereby we must be saved.' Therefore, we are ' not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of (jod unto salvation to every one that believeth.' And being fully per- suaded, that to diffuse this Gospel abroad on the earth, and thus to care for the souls of men, is philanthropy of the highest and truest type, are we met this afternoon to lay the memonal stones, and otherwise to promote the building of another Evangelical Church. There are many of its kind in Bedminster already, but not enough to accommodate more than aoout one third of the population. This startling fact concerns us all ; but especially would I commena it to the attention of my rich and cultured neighbours of Bristol and its vicinity. If I had the revenue of a Coutts, of a Rothschild, or of others that I could mention (some not far from this spot), I could do much to alter this state of things ; but as I have Digitized by Google REDCLIFF CRESCENT CHAPEL^ BBDMlNSTER, BRISTOL. 39 not, shall I be at ease and do nothing ? €rod forbid ! but rather, knowing that soon, veiy soon, I shall have to render an account to my Lord and Master, as to how I have improved and appropriated what He has entrusted to me, be it little or much, let me be faithful. " But to return to the new building. "Within its walls, the glorious Gospel of the blessed Grod, in all its purity, will be preached, under the sweet but powerful sound of which, hearts that are broken will be pointed to * the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.* Not to the priest nor to the crucifix, but unto Him who * is able to save to the uttermost ail that come unto God by him.' There, too, God*s own people will be revived and cheered, when the times of re- freshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. In the school and class-rooms beneath, by no means the least important part of the work, the children will be taught tiie grand but simple plan of salvation. Total Abstinence, too, that angel companion to Christianity (and a companion that no Christian can afford to be without), will be inculcated. We look upon Uie youth of our country as its future rulers, and those that shall make its laws, both municipal and imperial ; and we think that men with clear heads, clean hands, and pure hearts, are the best pre- pared to do this. Therefore, while we cannot but feel grateful for the facihties aiSbrded for secular education, yet the teaching of the Sabbath-school is of a still higher order, and must not be neglected, and the two can be beautifully blended together. I am glad to tell ygu tiiat we believe our teachers are qualified for this work ; that they possess that qualification that Christ was satisfied Peter possessed, when He said unto him, < Feed my lambs.' Let me take this opportunity of asking the parents of the children of our Sabbath-schools generally^ to co-operate with us in this great work. It has been beautifully and rightly said, < The arm that rocks the cradle rules the world.' Then how important is it that parents should be faithful to their stupendous charge I And oh ! what encouragements we have thus to labour. The present noble Earl of Shaftesbuiy has told us how much he is indebted to the faitmul labours of a pious nurse. «* And now a word or two about the Bible Christians. Who are they ? and how came they by their name ? It was first given to our forefathers in derision, when they went forth in the streets, by the hedges, and highways, or from house to house, as the case might be, witn their Bibles in their hands (in some instances almost the only book in their library). I can fancy I hear the clamorous mob ex- claiming, * Here come these Bible-men 1 * or, * There go the Bible Christians ! * at the same time pelting them with stones or rotten eggs. Sisters, too, have been treated in this way ; one of whom, with others, was the means of my conversion. Privation and imprisonment have they also had to endure for Christ's sake and the Gospel's. Oh, yes, * the servant is not above his Lord.* Faithful souls ! many of them have heard the welcome * Well done ! * from the lips of their Saviour. But there are still some few among us — ^Tabb, Kemeys, P. and M. Robins, Kynon, Brown, Hinks, Wooldridge, and, last but not least, J. Way, now in South Australia, whose son is Chief-Justice of that colony. And while listening to thrilling tales from the lips of some of them of their early labours, I have felt as if I should have liked to nave lived then, to have contributed something (if onl^ a smile or a-word of cheer in the name of the Lord) in tiying to smooth their paths. And there is plenty of room for the exercise of our sympathies (however large) in connection with the cause of our Redeemer now, and while our beloved ministers may travel in somewhat beaten paths, I have yet to learn that human nature is any better than it was fifty years ago. Consequently they have all the evfls of the carnal mind to deal with, pride, prejudice, avarice, &c., and to have to deal with &ese in a cultivated is even more difficiilt than in an uncultivated mind. The spirit of persecution, too, still survives ; but there is no bitterness to the faithfril Christian minister hke Uie bitterness of non-success ; and, in conse- quence, he is often bowed down before God in tears. Let us, then, as members of their flock, be always ready to help them by our sympathy and prayers. If we would strengthen their hands and' cheer their hearts, we must always be found ' scattering seeds of kindness ' with a patient hand, removing all the briars from the way, so that the work of the Lord prosper, and the name of the Lord Jesus be magnified. " To return for a moment to our name. Prior to this name — ^Bible Christians— bdng given our people, they were known as Bryanites^ William O'Biyan being Digitized by Google 40 REDCLIFF CRESCENT CHAPEL, BEDMIKSTER, BRISTOL. one of our founders, but not wishing to be called after any man, the name * Bible Christians ' was thought preferable, and was therefore adopted. Some of our younger brethren, not feeling very comfortable when on platforms with other Christian ministers because they fancy their name seems to ignore the fact that other ministers and people are Bible Christians, have tried, unsuccessfully, to get the name altered. The fomders of the Denomination, although not distinguished for wealth or soci^ influence, were nevertheless men of deep piety and sound judgment. They commenced their operations in the lower part of Devonshire, on the borders of Cornwall. The charter of their enterprize was the command of Christ to his disciples, < (to ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel unto every creature.' They have not yet gone into cdl the world, but they are doing so, as fast as men and means will admit. We have already churches in America, in South Australia, in Victoria, and in Queensland, and a Missionary, the Rev. W. H. Keast, is now on his way to New Zealand. We have also had loud calls from Ceylon and other places, and though no practical answer has as yet been given, tney are not forgotten. Let us, therefore, * pray the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.* While we have reached the antipodes, I am glad that the work at home has not been neglected, and the four persons that have laid the memorial stones to-day are fruits of that work. « I think I am right in saying we were among the first to recognize the impor- tance of home Missionary exertions, and to actively engage therein ; for while we believe it is right to attend to colonial and foreign work, we also believe that charity should begin at home. The success, both at home and abroad, has been great ; but bright as our past history has been, we are expecting a brighter future. To-day we number over thirty-thousand actual members, but if we include our Sabbath-school teachers and scholars, and regular hearers, we must number over one-hundred-and-fifty-thousand. These are on earth : how many we number in heaven we cannot ten. Not only have many gone up from our own churches, but from other churches also ; our niends having migrated and emigrated to places where we have had no cause, they have join^ other churches, and in Bristol to- day, as in many other places, you will find persons converted with the Bible Christians, in fellowship with otner denominations. To God be all the glory ! << They found me in a dark and benighted village in the north of Devon ; still a lovely spot to me, although my dwelling-place to-day may be more desirable, yet my heart, amid all changes, * Where'er I roam never loses its love for the old house at home.' One incident that will serve as a fair representation of the spiritual darkness that prevailed in that locality I may give. The wife of one of the principal farmers passing the cottage door at the time a meeting was being held, attracted by the singing, stopped to listen. Eight or ten young converts were singing the good old hymn about * The union,' and some of you know how they will sing when their hearts have been just set at liberty. The hymn has reference to the blessed union that takes place between the new-bom soul as the branch, and Christ the living Vine. She listened to her heart's content, and then on reaching home she called her household together and said, < Zoos ! Zoos ! all they vokes up ta Betsey Cook's be gwine to Yewnyim thfey be ! they be I ver I yerd em zinging Yewnyim ! Yewnyun ! " and her regret reached its climax when she said how sorry she was to tnink I, the speaker, was there. That dear woman's highest idea of becoming a Christian was that we had become poor, and were going to the workhouse. I am glad that I was at the meeting, and although the next four years of my life were worse than wasted, yet the day I entered that cottage, my fortune, both for this world and the next, was made ; but I am sorry to teU you that through the death of the much to be revered Sir Humphrey Davy, (the manor falling into other hands) in course of time a new steward was appointed, and the decree went forth that u any cottager or fanner allowed the Meuodists (all religi- ous bodies have the credit of being called Methodists there) to preach in his house, notice to quit would be served, and so the Bible Christians had to leave the neu|h- bourhood. Is not this bigotry of the deepest dye, and the blackest type ! Oh, that hideous monster I You smiled just now at tne darkness of that dear woman's mind, but darkness of a similar nature to hers is to be found in our midst to-day, and so, alas ! is bigotry to be found also. As I was passing through one of the streets of Bedminster not many months ago, at his door stooid an old man, bent and tottering with age ; ^ I passed him my heart was drawn toward himi and the Digitized by Google REDCLIFF CRESCENT CHAPEL, BEDMINSTER, BRISTOL. 41 thought occurred, whether the dear old man's soul was as ready for heaven as his body for the grave. I passed on, but the monitor within told me I must speak to him. And, cm, if we always listened to the monitor within. I retraced my steps, and introduced myself by asking, *Are you well this evening ?* * Yes, thank you, I am prettj well.' Are you trusting in the Lord ? I said. *£m, em,' he said, and thinkmg he did not hear me, in louder accents I said, * Do you love the Saviour ?' * The Saviour, who's he ? ' The state of his mind you can guess. In course of conversation, he told me he had been to church in his younger days, and had been christened. I tried to show him the inefficacy of water to cleanse the soul, and also tried to show him the all-deansing power there is in the blood of Christ, and how that blood might be applied to his heart. I had a tract in my pocket which I gave him, and as I bade him good-bye, he said, < Where's the minister? ' thinkmg it strange, I suppose, that any one besides the minister should preach the Gospel, so I said, * Would you like to see a minister ?' and he said, * Yes, I should,' so I sent him the Rev. A. H. Goodenough, and I have the con- solation of knowing, that that aged man was pointed to the Saviour at the eleventh hour. The question may be asked as there are city missionaries as well as other agencies in connection with all our places of worship, how is it people are still to be found that are not even acquainted with the name of a Saviour, to say nothing of His power and willingness to save ? I think I can give you the reason, my friends. (It is a good thing to know our faults, but a better thing to mend them.) There are too many missing links in the chain of our Christianity, and the greatest and most important, and the only one I shall stay to mention is this — unity. If this were in its proper place, I tmnk all the others would follow. We all know that • Unity is strength,' and * Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.' I verily believe, that if all the religious sects in Bed- minster were to join hands, and every Christian man and woman did their duty, in a very short time the Gospel would be carried to every house in the parish, and not only in Bedminster, but in Bristol, and indeed throughout the whole of Chris- tendom. And if the Redeemer is to have the heathen for His inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession, how is it to be brought about ? In no other way than by united Christian effort, and in that way soon, very soon, might the knowledge of the glory of God cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. I know there are many mighty and fierce opponents to Christ and His holy religion ; but what are they all when compared with the Almighty and Omnipo- tent power of Jehovah, and His conquering Son ? If the Christian Church, to whom the conversion of the world is entrusted, buckle on the whole armour of God, the kingdoms of this earth would soon become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ, and He should reign whose right it is, from the river to the ends of the earth. The sooner we organize and begin our campaign the better. * Say not ye there are yet four months and then cometh harvest, Behold, I say unto you lift up your eyes and look on the fields ; for they are white already to harvest.' *' And now, my dear friends, most of you know I have promised to get ONE THOUSAND GUINEAS, and if I do there will be a large sum for you to obtain. I should like you to understand that it is my own proposal to get this sum. Neither Mr. Dymond nor Mr. Goodenough ever mentioned to me the sum they would like me to get, or that I must get, towards this building. They only asked me to get as much as possible. Well, now I believe I shall get a thousand guineas, although some of my dear friends think me a little too sanguine in the matter. I do not think I go beyond what is scriptural, while the words, * According to your faitli be it unto you,' remain on record. In the eleventh chapter of the Hebrews we read of what was accomplished through faith in the days of the prophets ; and is nbt God the same to-day as he was then ? And have we not monuments of living faith now in our midst ? Just turn your eyes to Ashley Down for a moment, and look at the Orphan Houses. And results of the same-like precious faith you may find throughout the whole of Christendom, though not pernaps on so gigantic a ' scsde in any other particular case. I will ask you, is not our position as a commu- nity to-day, the result of the humble but living faith that was given to William O'Bryan and James Thome, when they went forth to preach the Grospel ? * All things are possible to him that beUeveth.' Ah, yes, we must beUeve as well as work and pray. And shall I tell you what I believe ? It is, that we shall open Digitized by Google 4.2 REVIVALS. this building (if not free from debt) in a manageable condition, and that the debt shall soon disappear, and I should like to be able to retain the old chapel, and soon to erect another in some other part of Bedminster. In^ conclusion, my dear friends, I would say that, with a good foundation, good materials, a good architect, and a good builder (all of which I am happy to tell you, with but Sttle difficulty, we have succeeded in getting), we shall witnout doubt have a good building. But massive and strong as it may be, it will pass away, and while this material struc- ture is 'going up and one stone is being skilfully laid upon another, let us see to it that we truly lay the stones of faith, hope, and charity, upon Christ, the sure foundation, the chief comer-stone, and so shall we rear a structure that will not only stand the storms and trials of this life ; but one that will stand the test in the last great day, when every man's work shall be trtgd by ^re; and then shall we lift up our heads with joy, and receive the welcome from the lips of our dear Redeemer, * Well done, good and faithful servants, enter ye into the joy of the Lord.' In the meantime, thus living and thus acting, let death come at smy moment, it will onlybe the welcome messenger to conduct us from the church- militant to the church-triumphant above, into that buildin? * not made with hands — eternal in the heavens,' there to take our stand amidst the ranks of the shining ones, and the spirits of the just made perfect, many of whom are our own kindred and friends, and none of them will be strangers, for .we are all one in Christ. * And so shall we ever be with the Lord.* Amen, so fet it be." ♦ Mrs. Rollins on being called on said, " I shall not attempt such a lengtiiy speech as my friend Mrs. Terrett has given you. Not but what I am as much interested in this great undertaking as she is, or any of you can be. The humble work I have performed to-day in la3dng a stone in God's house has laid fresh obligations upon me. After this day I shall feel more than ever my responsibility to Grod, and those around me. I only desire to glorify Him in body and spirit." A liberal collection was taken up, and the meeting closed with prayer. At five o'clock, a public tea was provided in Zion Chapel school-room (kindly lent), and notwithstanding the unpropitious state of the weather, about 300 friends came together and partook of the " cup which cheers but not inebriates." A public-meeting followed in Zion Chapel (Congregational). In the absence feet out of the sea, behind a series of most picturesque hills, beneath the town and the sea. We sit awhile and refresh ourselves with the breeze.' The descent is not very easy as these lava rocks are loose and crisp. Strange feelings come over me as I reflect that I am standing upon a chain of mountains flung up by volcanic agency — ^that there was a time when they were not ! We return to tne " Cuzco " in time for dinner, having thoroughly enjoyed the morning's excursion. We leave a passenger behind in the little cemetery at St. Vincent. How sad for his aged mother in England ! May she. take her hard trouble to the Lord in prayer. We left at 9.30 p.m. 7th. — Sunday. It is very wet to-day and dull. The Rev. Mr. Chaplain preached. There are six dissenting ministers on board. 8th. — ^Another passenger has died, and one of the crew has become insane. The heat has been so intense, that many fell ill, but lately there has been a good breeze, and the general health of the ship is now very good. Yesterday we crossed the line. I never felt the vastness of creation as now. A head wind is checking our speed, but the voyage thus far has been unusually propitious. 14th. — ^The third Sabbath on boaijl — a disagreeable place in which to spend the Lord's-day. Here indeed, confusion is worse conGounded. There has been no lack of religious services to-day. Prayers by the captain at 10.30. I conducted service at 2.15, Mr. Chaplain at 3, and Mr. Cory at 7.30. Each of the services was well attended, and we hope and pray that some good may follow. After the afternoon service a bullock was slaughtered ! This, incongruous as it appears, was less objectionable than the gamming by some Freethii^ers, so called, one of whom I overheard say to a lady that Christianity had failed even to " civilized What a barefaced falsehood ! thought I. . Can anyone, not utterly blinded by pre- judice, fail to see that the Christian countries are the most civilized ? 17th. — The weather is magnificent. We have been three weeks on board with- out seeing a wave! The "Cuzco" is a noble ship. With a head wind and adverse currents, she is making nearly 300 miles a day. Night is surpassingly grand here. A cloudless sky, bespangled with stars (amongst the rest, the Southern cross), a moon (half full, with curve downwards), and a sea as smooth as a pond — the effect is simply entrancing. i8th. — ^To-day, four sailing ships passed us homeward bound. The wind sprung up this afternoon, and for a time we were running sixteen miles an hour. Such Digitized by Google MORE NOTES FROM THE " CUZCO." 87 progress is all the more gratiiying, as I have no doubt that I am in the path of dn^. 19th. — To-da^ we have seen some whales and albatrosses. 20th. — ^Last night we passed the Cape of Grood Hope, but not near enough to sight land. The weathen is perfectly charming. Here, where so many storms have been encountered, we have an almost undisturbed sea. This afternoon I have been in the steerage to see a young woman who is ill. She is an orphan. Delicate in health, and without a friend in England, she resolved to embark for Australia, where she has a brother. He, alas ! has not written her for months, and she is by no means sure she will be able to find him. Thank God, she is a Christian, and is trusting in Jesus with beautiful simplicity and confidence. The visit was rendered a great blessing to my own heart. Mr. and Mrs. Cory have also visited her. 2 1 St. — Services the same as last Sabbath. Mr. Haggar, Mr. Robertson, and Mr. Green, the preachers. The Freethinkers want to break up our meetings that they may play cness. They are so selfish that they would monopolize the whole seven days. 25th. — Some one has stolen my Bible ! which I deeply regret ; not so much on account of its worth, but because of its history. To turn over its well-marked pages was to awaken some sad but more joyous recollections. I feel that I have lost a part of my very self. There have been many thefts on board. 26th. — ^With tnankful heart do I record the goocmess of God to me since I have been on board, in being even more than usually accessible. I never felt Him to be more precious, or praver more enjoyable than now. I have many times knelt in my berth unspesUcably sad and weaiy, but have risen greatly soothed and strengthened. Blessed be the name of Jesus. I have vowed again and again that I wiU do my best in the new sphere to which I am called. 27th. — The captain said, when we were having a head wind for several days, that « the parsons must have brought his satanic majesty on board." What ne sm now, when we are having a fair wind enabling us to run 332 miles in a day, I know not. About four p.m. we were caught in a sudden squall. The people frantically rushed down the stair-ways, and we below began to shout " What's the matter ?" The top main-gallant yard is smashed in two, and the fore top-sail, and the fore top-gftllant s^ are blown off. Frightened, I rushed up on deck, and am just in time to receive my first baptism in the southern hemisphere. A moun- tain wave — the first I have ever seen — sweeps over the deck, and to me, who have never seen a rough sea before, this is by no means a pleasant time. I will not attempt a description, but for two hours the scene was surpassingly grand. The waves were indeed like mountains, but they seemed less venement than majestic, less angry than mighty. Our noble ship was carried along as though she were cork. Towards night the wind slightly abated, and the damiess is rendered more visible by faint flashes of lightning. 28th. — ^A lovely Sabbath morning. The winds are stilled, and the sun shines brilliantly. What a contrast ! and how like much in the history of the human spirit ! Mr. Chaplain and Mr. Cory, the preachers to-day. Mr. Cory spoke about the disciples upon the sea of Gallilee. A weU attended and interesting service. Mr. Haegar and I ended the day profitably in conversing on the revelation of the Father 3ie need of the human spirit. " Only one Sunday more before we reach Melbourne," is the jubilant utterance of nearly everyone on board. Now that the voyage is nearly over I am beginning to enjoy it. All being well, we reach Adelaide next Wednesday week-— forty sailing days from Plymouth. 30th. — Beautiful weather. We are signing a testimonial to the captain. The greatest travellers on board speak of the vessel as the best they ever sailed in. Nov. 1st.— Five weeks to-day we left Plymouth, I am bu^ preparing an ad- dress to deliver upon my arrival in New 2^aland. 4th.— The last Sunday on board the ** Cuzco " for me. Mr. Robertson and myself, the preachers to-day. Both services well attended, and pronounced very good. I was very graciously helped by the Spirit, and the influence realized was rich. Mr. Haggar effectively concluded with prayer. 6th.~A magnificent mormng. The horizon is almost worth coming from Eng- land to see. The intending Colonists are akeady exuberant in praise of their Digitized by Google 88 liARIANNE FARNINGHAM AT CARDIFF. adopted country. I am delighted with the prospect of ahnost immediateljr sight- ing Adelaide. 7th. — ^Arrived at Adelaide this morning at 8.44. Aetna! steaming time from Plymouth, 39 honrs and 25 minutes. The quickest passage ever made. We have beaten the mail. It is said by the officers to have been an unprecendented passage. Mr. J. Thome has now come alongside in a tug. Weather glorious. All wdl. We are now oflf for the shore. Great excitement. Red-letter-d^ to describe in my next. W; H Keast. (To be continued,) NEW ZEALAND. Christchurch, N, Z., October 18/A, 1877. M? DEAR Br. Bourne, — ^I this evening received your kind letter, enclosing one from Br. Gilbert, and also one from Br. Keast. I thank you for this and your former letters ; it greatly encourages us to know that we are thought of and cared for by dear friends at home. Our dear Br. Keast will receive a hearty welcome, and I have no doubt will have the loving and hearty sympathy of aU. Our prayer is, that his appointment may be a blessing to us as a church. You will be glad to learn that, both numeri- cally and finand^y, we continue to grow. After deducting four who have left, we nave thirty-two full members, wim one on trial, and after meeting all expenses we have a surplus of £1^ 15s. 3d., making with what we have in hand invested, £$2 15s. od. Our second tea meeting was held on Monday, September 24th. 250 present. Profits, £1^ 5s. 4d. The members had contributed £^ 15s. od., so as to secure all the proceeds as a nucleus for a building fund. So, dear brother, you see we intend to carry on this work, with God's help, to a happy consumma- tion. Our class is well attended; generally about twenty present, and veiy delightful meetings they are. We are hopeful that our future operations will greatly exceed the past, and that a good and permanent cause will be established here. ICindest love to yourself and all friends, and believe me to be, My dear Brother Bourne, Yours truly, Edward Reed. BREAGE CIRCUIT. On Stmday, December 16th, 1877, one soul was converted to God here, and on Wednesday, the 26th, at our quarterly meeting, in the evening, another sought and found mercy. Since then I have been holding special services, and about twenty have found mercy through faith. Many more are powerfully wrought upon ; may they be saved. On account of the depression of mining in this part, there are but few men left with us to labour ; but these have united and laboured with commendable earnest- ness for souls. May the whole circuit catch the flame of love* E. Turner. MARIANNE FARNINGHAM AT CARDIFF. Marianne Farningham's name is familiar to all readers of the Christian World, Her charming contributions to that paper have deUghted tens of thon- fiands in Britain and America. Her books have done goc^ service. As the Digitized by Google NORTHLEW CIRCUIT. 89 teacher of one of the largest Bible classes in the kingdom, she has been — and still is — emmently usefiil. Of late she has lectured in various parts to the joy of multitudes. Healing of her fame in this capacity, an effort was made to secure her services in aid of our building fund. The invitation was readily accepted. The largest chapel in the town was kindly lent, and in it on December 12th, 1877, she de- livered her celebrated lecture on " The rush and the hush of life." Joseph Elliott, Esq., ex-mayor, presided. The following extract from the South Wales Daily News will give some idea of the quality of the lecture. It «* exhibited abundant evidence of considerable thought, a surprising flow of language, and a graphic power of drawing pictures of Kfe, with a reality that made them particularly attractive Her allusions to the peacocks, the crows, and the nawks of human society, followed by the opposite pictures of the dove, and the skylarks, drew forth repeated bursts of applause." The audience comprised the elite of the Christian public of CardiiF. At the close, the writer made a brief statement of our Denominational origin and present position, our work in Cardiff and Llantrissant, with the general results secured since the opening of the mission a little over three years ago. Marked attention was paid. Our own friends and scores of members belonging to other diurches nobly exerted themselves in selling tickets. Proceeds, £^i 14s. 4d. Profit, £10 2s. 7d. W. F. James. SEAHAM HARBOUR, DURHAM MISSION. It is now a little more than two years since the Bible Christians commenced preaching in Seaham Harbour. Although the beginning was small, we rejoice that God has crowned His servants' labours with success.- The church and con- gregation have so increased that the need of a chapel is much felt. A very good site has been selected, and we have already commenced canvassing for subscrip- tions. On Sunday, December 23rd, 1877, special sermons were preached by our pastor in the morning and evening, and by Mr. Alford in the afternoon ; on Christmas-day we had a tea, which was weU attended ; the public-meeting that followed was presided over by Mr. J. Richardson, and ably addressed by our preachers, and also by Messrs. H. Pellew, W. Pugsley, and J. Harriman. We obtained £^ los. for the building fund. As a churcn we are united, and the congregation and sabbath-school are gradually increasing. While we address ourselves to the important work of building a house for God, we hope some of the readers of the Magazine will kindly send us a donation, however small. The treasurer, Mr. Edward Wray, Francis-street, Seaham Harbour, will thankfully receive and promptly acknowledge any donation that may be forwarded to him for the building fund. J. Harriman, yanuary I2th, 1878. Secretary* NORTHLEW^ CIRCUIT, Chilla. — ^The anniversary was celebrated on Christmas-day. The writer preached in the afternoon, when a very blessed influence prevailed. A well-attended public tea followed. At the evenmg meeting the chapel was densely crowded. The chair was taken by Mr. Down, of Portgate (formerly of Chilla), and addresses given by Messrs. Saunders, Datson, and Coles. Appropriate pieces were sung between the speeches, Miss Maynard presiding at the harmonium. The meeting was very enjoyable, and God certainly was in the midst of His people. The debt on this chapel, as on most of the others in this circuit, is gradually disappearing. Two or three more such anniversaries and it will be entirely gone. Digitized by Google 90 CHAPBLS. Bridestowe. — ^The anniyersary was held on New-Year's-day. Mr. W. Rowe, of Bideford, preached an excellent sermon in the afternoon, m>m ** Ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance," (Heb. x. 34.) The preacher had a good season and a capital audience. The tea was held in a school-room, bdonging to J. G. Newton, Esq. The room was beautifully decorated for the occasion, and a grand sight it was to see the well-spread tables crowded with persons thoroughly enjoying themselves. What a contrast to some of the scenes in the East, and elsewhere ! Mrs. Routly and Mrs. Voaden got up the tea, the cost of the pro- visions being more than met by Miss Routly collecting ;^2 13s., and Miss Stevens £1 I2s. About 170 persons took tea. Such a gathering on such an occasion has not been seen at Bridestowe for many a long year. Mr. W. Voaden presided at the public-meeting. Addresses by Messrs. Datson, Coles, and Rowe. Several members of the choir from Bratton, and a few from Northlew, added to the enioyment of the services, Miss Richards and Miss Wood alternately presiding at the harmonium. The surplus of the day amounted to something over £S, Bridestowe chapel is a somewhat peculiar affair. I am not prepared to give its history, but I believe that it was built during the pastorate of Br. Roberts, when he had Br. R. P. Tabb for his colleague. For some reason or other it was not made Connnexional, and nothing has been done since. At that time Bridestowe was connected with the Brentor (now Tavistock) Circuit. We have paid, as rent or interest, £6 14s. a year, and we have still to pay that amount, besides keeping the chapel in repair. It is true Mrs. Newton, the mother of the present Squire, paid;^2 a year, until her death, towards thej^6 14s., and that amount was to be continued for ten years after her decease ; but soon the whole amount will have to be met Iw the very few friends connected with the place. Our Cause is very small, only at)Out a dozen members, and but few sittings are let. The Wes- leyans. Baptists, and (I think) the Brethren have had their turn at the village ; each have had, through one circumstance and another, at last to leave it ; and what we •specially want to retain our standing is a better holding on the chapel, and a good revival. Unless these two are secured we shall have, I fear, to follow the example of others, which would be a very regrettable circumstance, as I know of no place where the Gospel is more needed. The Br. Roberts referred to I believe is dead. Perhaps Br. Tabb, or the general chapel secretaiy, can furnish some useful information respecting the chapel. Application has been made to Mr. Newton, and though nothing satisfactory is at present known, I hope better things are in store for us at Bridestowe. Dear Mr. Editor, I have something a little more encouraging to communicate. Within the last few weeks we have had a revival at Bratton, and Highampton. The work commenced at the formerplace the Sitnday evening Br. Cufiiforci was Present as missionary deputation. Four in distress tnat night, and the following nday night seven or eight more. Since then we have had some blessed meet- ings, and several have professed to find the Lord. About twenty-five have been admitted into the society. Among the converts we have had several men and their wives. Some gracious seasons, too, have been experienced at Highampton. About a dozen have been added there. The revival has done much good in stir- ring up the old members. We are about to commence special meetings at Boadey, and otner places in the circuit, and hope that God will vouchsafe to us greater prosperity m the future than He has in the past. About forty have been admitted mto the society in the past quarter, for which " we thank God, and take courage." J. Coles. West End, Southampton Circuit.— The anniversary of this chapel was held on Sunday, October 7th, 1877. Sermons were preached by Mr. Tremelling and J. H. Cliff. On the following Monday, the annual public tea and meeting were held. The tea was well patronised, and in the evenmg the chapel was wS Digitized by Google CHAPELS. 91 filled. Mr. Smith presided; apprm)riate addresses were given by Messrs. T. Othen, T. Nicholson, A. Gumbnll, J; Tiemelling, and J. H. Cliff. Select pieces were also sung by the choir of the Independent Chapel of Bitteme, under the direction of Mr. Blandford. The proceeos of the anniversary were £1$ los. od., which left a debt of ;f 21 los. on the chapel. tXhis the frien' distinctly taught by Christ in John xvii. 17, " If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself." Our first mental act, viz., attention, is determined by our feelings rather than by the intrinsic importance of the subject itself. Are not questions of acknowledged impor- tance often dismissed from the mind with scarce a moment's reflec- tion ? Nay, is it not true that sometimes almost exclusive attention is given to the search for difficulties and objections, and a morbid satisfaction felt in finding them 1 A state in which it is a moral impossibility to apprehend spiritual truth, to believe in and accept Jesus as our Saviour. ** Our passions resemble prisms which divide every ray, and colour every object." The ambitious thirst for social religious distinction was the fatal barrier to those to whom Christ said, John v. 44, ** How can ye believe who receive honour one of another "t " We notice further, that as the obtuseness of our moral and spiritual nature is proportioned to the want of purity and culture, so also the clearness and power of our spiritual discernment is accord- ing to the degree of intelligent faith and spiritual sympathy. ** The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned," i Cor. ii. 14. If the soul's interior eye be closed, or, as the apostle expresses it, " if the veil is still upon the heart," 2 Cor. iii. 15, '* the mind is blinded," there is no spiritual vision. As poetry or music requires the appropriate organ and capacity to appreciate its advantages, and enjoy its charms, so must there be appropriate subjective affinity to receive the revelation of God. The sun may so shine as to reveal the amplitude and glory of his own creative beauty and blessing ; but to the sightless eyeballs all is a blank and cheerless void. The w^oods may be resonant with the melody of the birds, but their notes are inaudible to the deafened ear. A dull, prosaic soul comes to a poem, and straightway the poetry disappears. A coarse, vulgar, sinister mind sees no grace or beauty in the noblest act ever mortal did ; while to another, through the spirit which he brings to it, the lowest drudgery is divine. Thus the manifold and indescribable beauties of nature and genius, as well as those of virtue and religion are seen only in proportion to the receptive power we possess. Our Digitized by Google THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. 10$ estimate of goodness is not determined by the power of the intel- lect. The common experience of life is that virtue is most lovely, and vice most odious to those whose minds are most pure. Nor is this relative sense of beauty communicable by any form of words. Words are inadequate to express it. Language is the medium of instruction only as it awakens, or is provocative of thought. I must love if I would know what love is. Moreover, the purity and intensity of the feeling will be the standard or measure of my knowledge respecting it. "Experience teacheth knowledge." And thus it is that knowledge of moral qualities is from within rather than from without. It is to their power of suggestiveness that the works of nature and the words of Scripture are so precious and invaluable in teaching divine things, and faith in their genuine and authoritative expression of spiritual truth is the readiest, indeed it is the only way in which its truth can become known. ** He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father/' is true to those only who with open hearts love and believe in Jesus. Our sympathies quicken the innate fecundity of the mind, and give clearness to our apprehen- sion of spiritual truth. Thus God comes near to those who desire Him, and will commune with those who reverently listen to the Spirit's voice, uttered in the inner chamber of the soul. ** Draw nigh to Me, and I will draw nigh unto you," is the gracious invita- tion and promise (and there is no unfaithfulness in Him). It is when in pure and holy aspiration we rise to an altitude above the clamourings of sloth, of pride, and of perverse bias, that we get our clearest conceptions of duty, hear the voice of the Eternal, and enjoy the ineffable delight of a divine communion. Then, like Jacob in the village of Peniel, and Edwards in the w^oods of America, there are visions of the Holy One that are invisible to the morally calloused and unsympathetic wOrld. Those manifestations are vouchsafed to particular moods, and adapted to the felt wants and cravings of our spiritual nature, as when in the solitude of the chamber, or the loneliness of the field, the associations of home, and the companionship of friends being cut off, the mind turns its thought upon itself, while the past, with its sunshine and clouds, its successes and failures, its follies and sins, pass more or less rapidly before our mental gaze, fraught with a deeper significance than we had ever before realized. And those visions of the past, followed by strange imaginings concerning the untrodden future, awakening anxiety with its vague uncertainties, and anon the thought of destiny unbidden forces itself upon our attention, till, in our isolation and loneliness, our bitterness, our helplessness, our unworthiness is felt. And then, too, like the needle turning to the magnet, or the child to its Digitized by Google I06 MRS. HANNAH PEARCE REEVES. mother's bosom, the soul stretches out its hand unto God, and in effect says, " Let me come to Thine arms. Compassionate my weakness. And according to Thy great mercy, forgive my sin ; " and, bless His name. He makes His goodness to pass before us, and we know, have some (not unworthy) conception of. His mercy, His long-suffering, His kindness and forgiving love. Thus cheered and comforted, our love and trust increased, we go on rejoicing in the assurance of His loving smile and protecting care, and we are all the while being meetened for fuller and more perfect revealings yet to come, for we are not straitened jn God. The law of grace not less than the law of nature is, " To him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance." To the cultured intellect, and loving, trustful soul, there are ever fresh unfoldings of matchless majesty and loveliness, and even the darkness of mystery conduces to a profounder reverence. Nay, to realize the awfulness of the mystery belongs not to the ignorant, but is the offspring of culture, and when accompanied with loving devotion, is favourable to divinest revelations, while each ray of light that breaks in upon the soul exalts and sublimates our knowledge of God's infinite power and glory. To have this loving disposition to obey the Divine will, this ardent longing for the manifestations of the Divine, is to possess the capacity for knowing God, and the germ of an endless life — a life resembling but more glorious than that of the intellect, knowing no assigned limit, but ever expanding and stretching on toward the perfection of the Infinite. Dcvonport, A. Stephens. HIB8. HANNAH PEARCE REEVES. PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL f Continued from page 67.^ Those singular manifestations that our early itinerants regarded as evidences of the divine power upon the organism of man were not wanting in the course of her ministrations. At a meeting she attended a maiden, falling in a trance, emptied the grate of glow- ing coals with bare hands, and experienced no harm. Mrs. Reeves witnessed this phenomenon, and testifies to the piety of the young woman, who subsequently, in single and married life, exemplified the power of the faith so strangely attested on this occasion. Again, when many were stricken down, and ** lay like corpses,'' a young man fell in a trance that continued for a fort- night. Friends, physicians, and others examined the case, but- Digitized by Google BIRS. HANNAH PEARCE REEVES. I07 could not explain it. During this period he took no food, yet preserved a healthy pulse. In a brief interval of consciousness he sent a message to a lady who had striven long and without avail for the consciousness of pardon, bidding her be of good cheer : the suffering for sin would shortly be dispersed by " the blessing." She took heart at the word, and soon entered into the liberty wherewith Christ maketh free. When consciousness at last re- turned he was dumb, like Zacharias of old, but signified that he would regain his speech at a specified time. On the day mentioned his lips were unsealed, and he spake, praising and glorifying God. Though reticent of his experience during this partial suspension of physical functions, as if he had seen that which is unlawful for a man to utter, he did, nevertheless, relate things " marvellous in- deed " to those that stood by. Various theories are entertained regarding such instances of physical suspension and spiritual vision. Those simply of suspension are explicable physiologically ; some are psychological, some may be spiritual in their origin. Be this as it may, such phenomena do actually occur ; they are factual, to use a positive term, if not invariably explicable. Mrs. Reeves herself once or twice ** lost her strength," and recovered it with shoutings. But her mental structure was too orderly and compacted to admit of frequent demonstrations of this sort. With her, though spontaneous — for they could not have been made or forced — they were resultant, doubtless, from the character of her work and that of the class among whom she laboured. The benign fruits of the Spirit, manifested with peculiar grace in Christian womanhood, in her spread a soft radiance over a character that other\vise might have been too sharply salient on its vigorous sides. The impelling motive of her life lay in a faith that in its active phase is evinced as an enthusiasm for humanity. "Friends, kindred, dear brotherhood of all the world," were greeted by her sympathies and amenities. Wherever she lived or journeyed she found her parish, and all within it might feel the winning influence of her love. By her tender persuasions not a few of her kindred and personal friends were reclaimed from in- temperance and irreligion. Over and again her presence and her winning words disarmed the prejudice of those who had regarded women's preaching as a monstrous error. The sweetness of her influence illustrated her name, Hannah — the gracious, the merciful. When typhoid fever spread among her charges, and she perceived that the medical men of the rude settlements were incompetent to treat it, she used her own knowledge and skill, which must have been considerable, and went about as nurse and physician in one till the disease was conquered. She herself suffered from a partial attack of it after all her patients were recovered. With a Univer- salist she conversed much on the divine beneficence, instead of thrusting at her with controversial weapons, as a less wise person would have done. Thus, by the allurements of gentleness, she drew her friend over to her own belief and communion. Among the Friends she announced that she was deeply impressed to make an appointment for the early morning, that the working people might Digitized by Google I08 MRS. HANNAH PE.VRCE REEVES. have opportunity to hear the Gospel before their toil began. The Friends approved the proposal, as made by one moved of the Spirit. A Church member, somewhat staggered by her extra- ordinary influence with the people, was led to fear for masculine domination in the councils of the Society. " Mrs. Reeves would sway her husband," he said ; " Mr. Reeves would rule the church ; the denomination would suffer ; the result might prove a gyneocracy — a woman-rule." Troubled with this apprehension, he set himself as watcher over the object of it ; but after several weeks of scrutiny could find no fault in one who went about intent on naught but works of healing and consolation. He went to her in private with confessions of his error, and constituted himself thereafter her re- doubtable champion. A ruffianly man living within her husband's circuit had openly threatened him with violence. Mr. Reeves, to avoid a brawl, passed by " on the other side " from the man's abode, being con- vinced that overtures in this case would be useless if not provoca- tive. But Mrs. Reeves, yearning for this alienated soul, went alone to him, •* entreated him kindly," and led him, changed in a right mind, to the feet of Him who cast out evil and clamorous spirits. Truly one might lawfully pray for more of such preachers, whether they be men or women 1 The fact that the most desperate cases, and the most vicious classes, can be reached by the influence of womankind, often, it would seem, only by this power, is worthy of consideration by religious philanthropists and organisers. Felons, convicts, lunatics, adjudged to be utterly unreclaimable by the authorities of Newgate, became obedient to the gentle sway of Elizabeth Fry. And souls lost in the b^ck slums of the Five Points, souls that neither policemen nor ministers of the Gospel could reach, were brought to light and humanised by the group of Methodist ladies who, with no exterior protection, penetrated the place some twenty years ago. This wonderful power of Christian womanhood was evinced .not in the deeds alone, but in the daily life of Mrs. Reeves. Living upon a spiritual plane of existence, free from vexations and con- fusions, she drew to herself whoever looked to her for relief. Without descending from her own serene altitudes, she lifted other souls from their cloudier ones. Skilful to heal the body and to illu- minate the spirit, influence also went forth from her to restore the diseased mind. Being for a time under the roof with an insane woman, she took her in charge, and following her trustworthy in- stinct, or sense, adopted the same regimen that a physician would prescribe in like case. Soothing words, apt replies, tact in yielding to the patient's whims, suitable employment interchanged with diversion, allayed the fever of the brain, and restored the sufferer to calmness and peace. She lived a number of years thereafter, ever abounding in gratitude to this handmaiden of the Healer of man. A good brother, whose wife had been led to Christ through her influence, unable to procure any other gifts, offered her their infant daughter as the dearest sacrifice their hearts could make. It received in baptism the name, Hannah Pcarce. Mrs. Rcc\x's, Digitized by Google MRS. HANNAH PEARCE REEVES. I09 who had lost an only child, pressed the little creature to her bosom, but refused to bear it away from the maternal one. The biography adds, as a last touch to this picture, that the babe's mother covered it with kisses, and held it as if it should leave her clasp no more. She comprehended, perhaps, something of the feeling that shook Abraham's heart when, after the supreme moment of sacrifice, Isaac lay unharmed and smiling in his embrace. Thus, blessing and being blessed, the ** Mother *' of her people approached the close of her life. In her sixtieth year, impaired in health, she performed a Sabbath's services for a Church in Cincin- nati, and accepted an appointment for the next evening to preach from the same pulpit. Unable to absent herself from her over hospitable friends through the day, and longing for an hour of repose and meditation, she repaired towards evening to the church, and leaned her head upon the front of a pew. But she had scarcely fallen in a light slumber when the hour of service was announced, and, unrefreshed, she ascended the pulpit stairs. In the first prayer she was so wrought upon by exhaustion and fervour that she thought to " have gone home then and there." Yet she arose to preach from the text, " When I am weak then am I strong." The force of this deep truth, proclaimed by one who was upheld in that hour not by her own, but by the divine strength, was felt with solemnity by the assembly. The presence of Him whose' power is made perfect in weakness was with the people, and many were turned from their sinfulness to His salvation as the result of this sermon. It was her last in the regular course of her labours, though she con- tinued abundant in good works and in afflictions to the end, which came nine years later. She helped in raising funds for the churches, in the Sunday-school, and occasionally in the pulpit. Her last dis- course from it was made in her sixty-eighth year, upon a text full of significance, as uttered by an aged teacher of sacred truth and an exemplar of a holy life: ** Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.'* Like nearly all her co-labourers in the first fields of the Church, she died well. Long before the last day of life she had learned to think of the grave simply as a place of grateful rest. She gently corrected her friends when they spoke of the gloom of the dark valley, and encouraged her husband when he trembled at their separation. She thought on Saturday it would be **good to go home on Sunday." Her tranquillity is strongly contrasted with the distress of her "true yoke-fellow," who, being in an agony, be^ sought God for support in the coming trial. Toward the last her utterances passed from tones of serenity to cadences of triumph. "He is with me; He has told me He would abide with me to the end; He has kept His word. Open the door wide; let it be seen how happily a Christian can die!" she exclaimed, repeating the words of another illustrious Christian in his latest hour. "All is well," she affirmed often, and murmured, as if meditating upon the sustaining thought of the hymn : — Digitized by Google no MRS. HANNAH PEARCfi R££VSS. " When languor and disease invade This trembling house of day, 'Tis sweet to look beyond my pains, To heaven's eternal day." On the morning of November 15, 1868, sitting in her arm-chair, her head reclining against a pillow, her hands folded, she fell asleep, the sleep which is an awakening to the life immortal. So passed the strong, heroic soul away. The actual results of Mrs. Reeves' ministry cannot be given in words or numbers. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of souls were led by her from darkness to the true Light. But her influence on the multitudes whose minds and hearts were quickened by contact with her own, her influence upon the social elements gathered and combining in newly-opened tracts of country, is altogether beyond estimate. It is vital to day in the lives of those who dwell in the region of her labours. It will pass onward in silent waves through the years to come, nor will the breadth or depth of the stream be measurable in time. In the consummation of time it may be seen, perchance, intermingled with the tide of service allotted to this ardent spirit, excelling in strength, eternally fulfilling the Will that created it for blessing and honour in the kingdom of grace. "And they shall reign for ever and ever. . . . And his servants shall serve him." Mrs. Reeves' personal appearance was in keeping with her character. A working woman, she was invested with native dig- nity. Without beauty in the common acceptation, she always seemed beautiful, because the beautiful virtues of strength, steadfastness, courage, tenderness, emanated from her presence. Looking upon the transcript of her face, serene, kind, touched with the sadness of hmrianity. and with the compassion of the Son of Man — and upon her hands, scarcely less significant than the face — soft, shapely, maternal hands, that brought gifts to men ; whose touch conveyed healing, benignity, goodness, — looking upon these, one is con- strained to think this was, of a truth, a chosen messenger, a servant obedient to the heavenly will. Humble as were the surroundings of her lot, lowly as was her spirit, intent upon tasks that were wrought in all humility, and that would often have been repugnant to an unconsecrated ambition, we can but say, looking backward from the closing of this life, " Thou to woman's claim And man's didst join besides the angel's grace Of a pure genius sanctified from blame." Not many are like her; yet some may approach to her sem- blance. Hence this example, thoujg^h absent and voiceless, claims encouragement and opportunity for the woman of excellence in whatever class or place she may stand, waiting for an open way ; until her province shall be enlarged, even as he whose consort she is ; until in the world, as in the ideal Church, there shall be neither male nor female, save for the divine ordering, in the mutual duties of Digitized by Google " EXCELSIOR ! " n I the family, — ^but both shall be as one in the universal service of Him who has created all existences to obey His will with ardour, and to live in the liberty of His love. "EXCELSIOR I" The " strange device " that gleams from the warrior's shield, the cry that bursts from his determined lips I Fierce is the conflict, bloody the fight, but the heart is brave and the arm is strong, while the breeze echoes from a thousand voices, the clarion sound — ^Excelsior ! Onward rushes the foe ; and the clash of arms, the groans of the wounded, and the harsh and fearful scenes of the field mingle in one awful though impressive panorama ; where actors and spectators alike are possessed by the enthusiasm of battle, and changed to beings unlike themselves ! Terrible is the fight, but the banner with the strange device wields its power, and not the thunders of the cannon even can drown that shout — Excelsior 1 It nerves every arm to strike, every heart to pant for success, when the toil and trial of the day is over and done. Higher ! still higher ! is the soldier's motto ; onward, still onward till the day is won ; — either the life ebbing out on the ground so fiercely contended — or, victorious and blood-stained, marching on to further conquests ! No stagnation ! No halting ! No loitering ! Poltroons and cowards may waver and fly, but noble heroes never must recede, till they meet the death-blow and sink to the soldier's grave I And if this be so in these tragic exhibitions of brute courage, what about the battle, more desperate by far, which is waging be- tween the powers of good and evil ! Does the motto which the poet has interwoven with his stirring lines apply only to animal bravery, and not to moral firmness — that heroism born of nobility of soul, and God-sustained trust ? Surely not. We have seen of late in the terrible war Jn the East how astonishingly careless of life men may be, who yet are morally and sensually depraved ; and we had proofs of the fact that courage in the battle-field is not in- compatible with deeds of shameless cowardice and horrible cruelty. The hero in the poem who struggled unflinchingly to defy the elements and reach the heights beyond, is indeed a fit type of that far grander spectacle — a soul fighting, not against things seen and temporal, but against shadowy though real foes, the suggestions of an evil nature, the temptations that harass from tlie world, the flesh, and the devil — the whole army of unseen enemies in the spiritual world ! " Excelsior" is multiform in its use, as the motto of various lives around us — each with a different ambition, each with a goal set be- fore the upward toiler, but all alike aiming to be higher, never satisfied, never content. Those only who are stagnating ; those only who are drawing their sympathies and desires within the little circle of their Digitized by Google Hi "excelsior!** daily existence, can be said to heed not the inspiriting tones of that secret monitor urging men on, — Excelsior ! With some the banner with the ** strange device" lures on to gold, and power, and position. Glittering in the sunlight of prosperity, the letters blaze forth like fire, and the superficial ones who build their castles of future joy on the shifting sand grasp it and struggle madly on and up — some- times losing all that is most precious to immortal beings in the race for riches ! How fearful is the spectacle ! There is something positively awe-inspiring in the sight of those who have succumbed to the gold-fever, and who are using this necessary blessing not as the means to an end, but as an ultimate good to be eagerly pursued for its own intrinsic value ; to be earnestly toiled after day and night ; scraped together by every paltry device imaginable, and gathered by every miserable subterfuge of which their dwarfed and sordid souls are capable. What a wreck does the noblest part of a man become when thus possessed of that evil demon — the lust for riches ! How terrible the prostitution of that grand word — ^Ex- celsior ! when muttered to encourage the griping miser in his folly ! ** Excelsior " ! Tis the secret voice that urges men to strain every nerve to gain power and position. Though the longing for influence over other men is in many a worthy and pure aspiration, how often does it degrade to the level of the tyrant and the corrupt despot ? Higher and higher do some determined spirits struggle — not by means of honest industry and exertion ; but by the base use of opportunities which they turned to selfish account, at the expense of those they should have sought to aid and protect ! How petty and contemptible do some of these tyrants who have risen to power, show themselves to be I Not a grain of generous manly feeling characterizes them, not one sentiment exists that can call forth any admiration or sympathy from the true-hearted or the elevated. They maybe said to have crawled or wriggled themselves up into their height of power, and the standard with the stirring watchword never floated over a more unholy cause than theirs ! But from the realms of literature and science the shout comes with a ringing cheer and a thrilling force — " Excelsior " ! Victories of the nobler and the better sort are being won ; triumphs over prejudice, ignorance, and superstition. Still as the march goes on and up the steep ascent, the cry swells with sounds of triumph, and bursts upon the listening world — Excelsior ! No rest, no halting in the growth of thought ; the grasping of discoveries ; the unfold- ing of nature's mysteries ! Each year that goes its round is pro- ductive of something that was unknown ; is the parent of some group of beautiful, holy or sublime thoughts, which the race will cherish till its career on earth is over and finished. Excelsior ! No lingering in the bowers of ease and indulgence, but ever on to further glories and more splendid victories ! Grand is the spectacle of that band of pioneers marching on under the banner that shows aloft the motto of advance and progress ! Their efforts are directed not to luxury of life, nor to base use of power, but to the higher and transcendent employment of God-given faculties of mind and soul ! Digitized by Google "excelsior!" 113 Yet, hush ! for not only in the martial strains of the world's heroes in knowledge and genius comes the stirring appeal of this watchword to our hearts, — we may hear it in the sweet soft voice of the philanthropists and the benefactors of humanity. Come where the battle has waged fiercest, tread gently where the ground is red with human stains, and the fair moon looks calmly down, as if in silent pity at the cruelty and rage that have wrought such fearful work. Look where the holocaust of a strife between nations has obliterated the features of God's world, turning the flowery pastures into vast shambles for living victims ! See you not the pale figures that flit noiselessly to and fro, holy pity and compassion on their features, and the symbol of oik Saviour's agony marking them out as the angels of peace and good will ? Amongst the demons of hate and rage, glide the sweet spirits of mercy and love ; and the wounds of the suffering are softly bound and tended by those who are fulfilling the primary maxims of our Christian faith. Hark ! there comes the clarion, clear and sweet — Excelsior I Floats the sound about the silent, patient ones, and cheers their fainting hearts with courage from on high. That banner with the " strange device" is ever present where these unselfish, noble souls have congregated ; and above the roar of conflict, as if speeding from some distant sphere of love and hope, there comes the cheering thought — ^Excelsior ! Ah ! God be praised we have such sterling, tried, and faithful hearts in the midst of us, like the salt that preserves the mass — otherwise doomed to corruption and ruin ! May these brave ones — indomitable in their clear and holy purpose — who have sacrificed all they held dearest to travel into those far lands, and carrying life in hand, have tended the dying and the sorrowful, meet their reward — if not here, in that world beyond to which they look with the certainty of a trust in their Father, ** Who doeth all things well." Alas ! that so many of them have been found, like the youth in the poem, with the banner grasped in icy hands, never more to wave the word " Excelsior " ! this side the grave. Yet they fell in harness, and perished that others might be comforted ; so that the very silence of death calls forth followers to press on- ward after their noble example, while the standard that fell from their lifeless fingers is eagerly caught up and borne aloft by a host of heroes and heroines ! Excelsior ! Young men ! Let the watchword of your lives be — Excelsior ! Let not the sophistry of the enemies of progress beguile you into an indolent acquiescence with things " as they are." Never rest satisfied with your attainments, especially those which relate to your moral and mental culture. Oh ! struggle onward more and more, cling desperately to the upward path, and follow after good- ness and purity ! You cannot put forth too much power ; you can- not clutch the banner with the thrilling words too tightly, nor too sternly wave it as the signal of your life ! It is impossible for you to plant your feet too firmly upon the snowy heights, nor can you turn too deaf an ear to the seductive voices that would woo you away from duty and God ! Be sure life is no child's play, and you must not expect to go easily along it without jolt or jar to an easy I Digitized by Google 114 " EXCELSIOH ! " and peaceful end. Hard will be the conflict ; bitter and protracted the efforts you will be compelled to make, if you fight the Master's cause. Display that banner with the startling motto before your eyes, — hearken to the cheery voice that calls you on ! Life is before you, full of its promises and hopes ; dark with its shadows of sorrow, brightened also with its gleams of joyful kindness. Let the secret motives that nerve you to the strife be those that spring from a conscience God-taught, and Bible-strengthened to know right and wrong, and then, nothing shall harm you — no, not even the shafts of the Evil One himself! Do you want encouragement, do you wish to be sustained and cheered in the upward weary march ? Look where the martyrs have left their glorious track — in the histories of noble lives and sublime sacrifices for principles of right and godliness ! Look where the Holy One who offered Him- self for you has left His blood-stained foot-marks over the thorny path He trod on earth ! Trace the agony of heart and soul that broke forth in the cry — " My God, my God, why hast Thou for- saken Me ? " and gain heroism by the contemplation of that mar- vellous sacrifice ! Listen also, to the voices that, like " falling stars," come from the land of the departed, all alike echoing for your encouragement— Excelsior ! Again we say, let the only shibboleth you acknowledge be — Ex- celsior ! Our foes are at their work, and we must be up and doing. Enemies of truth, enemies of goodness, purity and justice are at work, and even amongst the " polished and respectable'' circles of society shall we find deadly foes to the best and grandest aspira- tions of our race — progress and increasing holiness — increasing fitness for a noble life beyond the present. There must be no rest then, or at least no halting for ignoble idleness ; no giving way to the enemy in any shape or form. Surrender not the citadel of your hearts to the insidious approach of counsels contrary to God and the Bible. Hurl the whole force of your natures against infidelity, no matter how or when it seeks to assail you. Put on the invinci- ble armour, and you are safe ! Be sure no device of man's imagin- ing can ever supplant the maxims of that Book of Ages, which has shone with the undimmed light of the Shekinah through years of hate and unbelief, and even now is as sure a guide to the stumbling feet of fallible humanity as ever it was ! It calls you on and up to victory — Excelsior ! Away with all false delusions, and to the front rank in the battle between good and evil, purity and vice, God and the foul taint of sin, and may the banner with the "strange device" lead you on to glory ! Some who have read the exquisite lines of Longfellow may think the end of the youth — who thus nobly struggled but to perish at his task — sad and sorrowful. But there is a touch of wondrous ten- derness in the closing scene. ** Lifeless, but beautiful he lay," with the one desire of his life, to reach " higher and higher," yet speak- ing from the cold and stiffened hand that clung to the standard even in death ! So in the battles of spiritual life. There is a mar- vellous beauty in the lifeless form, when its last efforts have been made in the cause of truth and godliness, and the floating of the Digitized by Google THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD. II5 ensign over the hero that succumbs, stirs up the ardour in en- thusiastic followers, who from the dead one's side spring forth to battle afresh with vigour and courage ! The cold fingers may then loosen from the tightly-held banner, since earth is exchanged for heaven, and the brave soul can no higher go I Excelsior ! is breathed from the closing lips, and the passage of the soul from conflict to rest — from the cross to the crown — is made once for all. The racked and weary frame has sunk into peaceful stillness, the ^ anxious, distracted spirit is becalmed with hope realized, and the battle-cry "Excelsior" is needed no more ! E. Clifford. THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD,'' " And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me. Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." — Rev. xiv. 13. The religion of the Bible is altogether unique. The teaching of the Scriptures excels all other teachmg, as light excelleth darkness. Where within the compass of human literature shall we find such teaching as in the Sermon on the Mount ? " Blessed are the poor in spirit "; " Blessed are they that mourn "; " Blessed are the meek"; ** Blessed are the pure in heart," &c., &c. The teaching of the New Testament, in relation to death, is as unique as its principles of ethics. It is natural to mourn the loss of friends, and '^ Jesus wept '* when his friend Lazarus died. But Christianity teaches us to moderate our grief, and to sorrow not as ** others which have no hope." "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting." " The day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth." " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." The future eternal blessedness of the pious dead is beyond all controversy. A "voice from heaven" proclaims it, and the ever- blessed infallible Spirit solemnly affirms it — "Yea, saith the Spirit." Serious doubts concerning a matter of such intense importance must inevitably produce great disquietude of soul ; but we have here the clearest certainty. "From henceforth." The Apostle John had been speaking of great tribulation yet to come, but those who died in the Lord were "blessed," being "taken from the evil to come." Then to soften our distress, and raise our aspirations heavenward, as set forth in the text, let us contemplate the perfect and eternal blessedness of the dead in Christ in relation, first, to its nature; secondly, its preparation ; and, thirdly, its certainty. I. Its Nature. — It is a blessedness based on two very impor- * A sermon preached at Penzance, on Sunday, February 25th, 1877, occa- sioned by the comparatively sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. W. Lee, one week after her confinement, aged 43 years. I 2 Digitized by Google Il6 THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD. tant considerations ; "they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." ** They rest." Rest! Sweet word to the weary and heavy laden, to the disconsolate and the afflicted. Sweet word, we well know, to Baxter, and to thousands of sufferers besides. Rest! blessed word to represent the sweetness, the consolation, and the attraction of eternal life. And how does the assurance of rest hereafter refresh the soul, amidst the anxious cares of life } It will be rest from fatiguing ioily from suffering, and from sin, 1. They rest from fatiguing toil, — Fatiguing labour is one of the sad consequences of sin. From the time the words were uttered — "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return into the ground " — the every-day duties of life have been, still are, and ever will be fatiguing to man's fallen nature. But the dead in Christ not only rest from physical fatiguing labour, but from all fatiguing »^^«/a/ labour also. They rest from the fatigue arising from all the anxious cares of our secular life, and those mental and moral struggles which often arise out of the difficulty of harmo- nising the infinite concerns of the immortal spirit with the exigencies of the present state of existence. These, though in- visible, are not less real, and are often more terribly intense, in- asmuch as they cannot be either divided or shared by our fellow- men. 2. They rest from suffering, — Suffering is the common lot of all, and some are so pressed by pain and weakness that life itself is but one continuous struggle and burden. Days and nights are all too long. Their experience is thus expressed: "Wearisome nights are appointed to me. When I lie down I say. When shall I arise, and the night be gone ? And I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day." But physical suffering is not all. There is often in life severe mental suffering, arising out of the great number and variety of our trials. Among the greatest of these must be classed the affliction or death of our dearest friends, and specially their spiritual condition of alienation from God. Jesus Himself %vept bitter tears over the grave of Lazarus, his friend ; but far more heartrending His sorrow, and bitter His tears, over the wickedness of Jerusalem, which was only preparing them for their terrible doom. 3. They rest from sin, — Sin is man's heaviest burden. Of all struggles to an enlightened, thoughtful, religious mind, that of sin is the fiercest. Sin is the great enemy which we have incessantly to fight. The conflict may sometimes be "even unto blood." In Scripture it is represented as a " crucify ing of the flesh," a "cutting off the right hand," or of the "right foot," or "plucking out the right eye." Its burden is like a "body of death," but which clings to us, nevertheless, as with convulsive grasp, and "who shall deliver us } " No sooner is the head of this terrible hydra crushed than another instantly appears ; and thus he continues to fall upon us like a ravenous beast upon his prey. However, through grace divine, some progress is being made in the conflict ; and the vic- tory, blessed, complete, eternal, is at hand. " Thanks be to God Digitized by Google THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OP THE PIOUS DEAD. II7 which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ." But constant vigilance, earnest prayer, and determined efforts arc in- dispensable, in order to realise this complete and eternal victory — this perfect rest — " Where pure enjoyment reigns, And God is loved alone." Those who "die in the Lord" are for ever freed from fatiguing labour, from physical, mental, and moral suffering. They are taken homey where sin can never come, and all tears are for ever wiped away; where their desires are all satisfied; their hopes all realised; and their struggles all over; their moral nature is perfectly renewed, and they arc raised above all temptation "and of fear to fall ; and consummate holiness is the very element of their joy and life." " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours." ''Aiid their works do follow them^ — lih^y follffiv them, not precede them, as so many works of supererogation or merit. Their works follow them as an evidence of their faith, and as an element of their eternal happiness. Christian work should be viewed as inclu- ding more than outward acts of righteousness and piety. A large portion of Christian work is altogether hidden from mortal gaze; but it is all recognised by Him who reads the heart. This moral, spiritual, invisible v;ork is that of faith. "What shall we do," the Jews asked, " that we might work the works of God } Jesus answered and said unto them. This is the work of God, that ye be- lieve in Him whom He hath sent." God regards the outward action, how much more the sentiment from which it springs. But what works follow the pious dead in the world to come } All their works of faith manifested in their sweet submission to the will of God, their love to the spiritual brotherhood, their genuine humility, holy zeal, spiritual holiness, and their earnest devotion. Yes, their faith follows them, to be changed into the bliss of a glorious realisation. Here, at best, we only " see through a glass darkly," but there we shall see "face to face." Here we know only "in part," but there " shall we know even as we are all known." "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." That which we here see with obscure vision, we shall there see with transparent clearness in the brightness of the Sun of Righteousness. The apparently darkest dispensations of Divine Providence here, will shine forth in brightest splendour there. Then shall "the ransomed of the Lord" be able to read clearly, as from " the book of life," written in characters of love, "For we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who arc the called according to His purpose." And what harmony, what moral beauty, what abundant happiness, shall be everywhere seen and enjoyed from such clear manifestations of the power, the wisdom, and the love of God ! " Their works do follow them " in their rich and precious fruits. What joy, to find in heaven sinners converted from the error of thoir ways, and turned from darkness to light through their instru- Digitized by Google IlS GLEANINGS FOR ALL R£AD£RS. mentality ; the afflicted whom they have comforted, the poor whom they have relieved, the sick whom they have visited, and the mise- rable whom they have saved from despair and from perdition, for ever among the glorified in the presence of Jesus Christ. " Their works do follow them^' — their genuine Christian virtues to he ev joyed in all the perfection of eternal happiness in the glorious presence of God, the source itself of the joy and life of heaven, "They shall see His face." "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." Then add to this the happy association and fellowship with nearest and dearest friends, and with the great and good of all ages, and who will attempt to describe the blessedness of such as ** die in the Lord ? '* How inadequate, even, the best efforts to describe what " eye hath not seen," nor ear heard. In the Bible, even, we only have a partial view, on account of our feeble, im- perfect finite capacities. When God Himself speaks to man it needs be in the language of man, and that language is utterly in- adequate to fully represent it. Hence such figures as a crown of glory that fadeth not away, a throne of dazzling splendour with beauteous encircling rainbow, harps of gold, songs of gladness, fountains of living water, light so pure and bright as to render un- necessary the light of sun, or moon, or star, and all other imagery whatsoever which the human soul can appreciate can only convey a very imperfect view of the eternal blessedness of " the saints in light." Everything, " henceforth," in heaven infinitely surpasses all that charms us most on earth. ** Their works do follow them,' yet in another sense ; that is, the life of devotion to God and cheerful activity in his service commenced on earth will be continued in heaven. The happiness of heaven is surely not merely that of pure contemplation, "They serve Him day and night in His temple." God has made us for active service. We know not the precise manner in which the countless myriads of "spirits of the just made perfect" shall for ever be employed, but those who have been " faithful in few things" shall rule "over many things : " by which we understand that the sphere of their activity shall be indefinitely enlarged, and throughout the boundless future there will doubtless be ample and suitable employments for the diversified talents of the vast "multitude which no man can number ; " and this increased, and ever-increasing activity, shall be an important element of their consummate happiness. "They rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." (To be concluded next month.) GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. HAPPY SUNDAY. A FAMILY PICTURE. Early in the morning I was aroused by the voices of children in the adjoining room to my own. Listening, I caught the following words. Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. It 9 *^ The morning sun shines clear and bright ; With joy we hail his cheerful light. In songs of love Praise God above : It is the Sabbath day ! " The family bell summoned us to the breakfast-room just as the children had finished their hymn. The little breakfast-parlour had been swept and garnished expressly for the day, and a vase of beautiful flowers, which the children had collected, adorned the centre table. The door of one of the book-cases by the fire-place was thrown open, presenting to view a collection of prettily-bound books, over the top of which appeared in gilt letters the inscription, " Sunday Library." It was legibly written on every face in the house that the happiest day in the week had arrived. It was still early when the breakfast and the season of family devotion were over, and the children eagerly gathered round the table to get a sight of the pictures in the new books which had been reserved as a Sunday's treat. The volumes were very expensive ones, and I made the remark to the father. He re- plied— ** Indeed, they are so ; but expense here I do not withhold. In all that concerns making a show in the world I am perfectly ready to economize. I can do very well without expensive clothing or fashionable furniture ; but in all that relates to the cultivation of the mind and the improvement of the hearts of my children, I am willing to go to the extent of my ability. Whatever will give them a better knowledge of or deeper interest in the Bible, or enable them to spend a Sunday profitably and without weariness, stands first on my list of things to be purchased. I have spent in this way one third as much as the furnishing of my house cost me." I looked over the library : it was most complete. Two large drawers below were filled with maps and Scriptural engravings. Some of the books, I found had been donations from the children themselves, " You know,'* said the father, " people always feel interested for an object in which they have invested money." And so the day went on. One part, after evening church, was spent by one or both parents with the children in a sort of review of the week. Their attention was directed to their own characters. The various defects or improvements of the past week were pointed out ; they were stimulated to be on their guard in the time to come ; and the whole was closed by earnest prayer for the heavenly aid the temper and faults of each particular one might need. The Sunday closed as it began, with the happy songs of the chil- dren ; nor could I notice a single anxious eye peering to the win- dow to see if the sun was not almost down. The tender and soft- ened expression of each countenance bore witness to the subduing power of those instructions which had hallowed the last hour, and their sweet, birdlike voices harmonized well with the beautiful words, — Digitized by Google I20 GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. ** How sweet the light of Sabbath eve ! How soft the sunbeam lingering there ! Those holy hours this low earth leave, And ri^ on wings of faith and prayer." —Mrs. H. B. Stowe, THE VATICAN. This word is often used, but there are many who do not understand its import. The term refers to a collection of buildings on one of the seven hills of Rome, which covers a space of 1200 feet in length and 1000 feet in breadth. It is built on the spot once occupied by the garden of cruel Nero. It owes its origin to the bishop of Rome who, in the early part of the sixth century, erected a humble resi- dence on its site. About the year 1 1 60 Pope Eugenius rebuilt it on a magnificent scale. Innocent II., a few years afterwards, gave it up as a lodging to Peter II., King of Arragon, In 1305 Clement v., at the instigation of the King of France, removed the papal see from Rome to Avignon, when the Vatican remained in a condition of obscurity and neglect for more than seventy years. But soon after the return of the pontifical court to Rome — an event which had been so earnestly prayed for by poor Petrarch, and which finally took place in 1376 — the Vatican was put into a state of repair, again enlarged, and it was thcncefon^'ard considered as the regular palace and residence of the Popes, who one after the other, added fresh buildings to it, and gradually encircled it with anti- quities, statues, pictures and books until it became the richest depository in the world. The library of the Vatican was commenced 1400 years ago. It contains 40,000 manuscripts, among which are some by Pliny, St. Thomas, St. Charles Boromeo ; and many Hebrew, S3Tian, Arabian, and Armenian Bibles. The whole of the immense buildings composing the Vatican are filled with statues found beneath the ruins of ancient Rome ; with paintings by the masters, and with curious medals and antiquities of almost every description. When it is known that there have been exhumed more than 70,000 statues from the ruined temples and palaces of Rome, the reader can form some idea of the richness of the Vatican. SIN FINDING THE SINNER OUT. ** Be sure your sin will find you out."— Num. xxxii. 23. In the most mysterious manner does the providence of God some- times expose crime. A train of events, which no human being could have set in operation, leads to the most sitartling developments ; and criminals who have eluded the pursuit and even the observation and suspicion of the most vigilant police, are discovered ,and punished after all hope of detection had died out. The most trifling circumstances will be connected with a scries of events which deve- lopc and bring to light deeds which have for years been buried from all human scrutiny. The singular movements of some domes- tic animals ; the words written upon the wadding of some dis- Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. 121 charged gun ; the caving in of banks, in the sand of which dead bodies have been buried, and other things as trivial, lead to the detection of men, who suppose they have concealed all tokens of guilt in the graves of their victims. And this providence will assist in the detection of all other criminals of smaller or greater guilt. God is pledged against sin ; He abhors crime, and is resolutely determined to punish all who commit it. His providence, like a key, will unlock the secrets of darkness, and, like a skilful hand, will unravel the thread of life, and expose* when least we expect it, its follies and crimes. Nor can the sinner control these mysterious workings of the Divine Mind and purpose. What we may deem best calculated to hide, conceal, and cover up our sins, may be the very thing which shall expose our faults, and bring shame and disgrace. Letters written and disguised ; remarks made to direct attention to another quarter ; weapons thrown into the bushes by the wayside ; all, instead of proving innocence, become proofs of guilt, and arc used for a pur- pose the reverse of what was intended. It is related of an eminent clergyman, that on one occasion, while walking in a graveyard, he saw the sexton throwing up the bones of a human being. He took the skull in his hands, and, on examina- tion, saw a nail sticking into the temple. He drew it out, placed it in his pocket, and asked the sexton whose skull it was. On re- ceiving the necessary information he went to the widow, now an aged woman, and entered into conversation with her. He asked her of what disease her husband died, and while she was giving an answer drew the nail from his vest, and asked her if she ever saw it before. Struck with horror at the unexpected question, the wretched woman confessed that she had murdered her husband, and that her own hand had driven the nail into his temple. INCREASE OF THE NATIONAL WEALTH. At a late meeting of the Statistical Society, Mr. Robert Giffen, a well-known economist, who is now at the head of the Statistical Department of the Board of Trade, showed that at the beginning of the present century the national property assessed to income tax in Great Britain amounted to 115 millions ; in 1 815 it had risen to 130, in 1843 to 251, and in 1853 to 262 millions. In 1855 the returns for the United Kingdom showed the assessed property to amount to 308 millions, and in 1865 to 396 millions. 13y the end of the following decade of years the increase amounted to 44 per cent., or 175 millions sterling ; so that in 1875 the property assessed to income tax amounted to 571 millions. Adding to this the esti- mated increase of other kinds of capital, ]\Ir. Giffen comes to the conclusion that in ten years of average prosperity the countr}^ has been amassing a sum equal to three or four times the amount of the national debt. In other words, the United Kingdom could pay off the national debt three times over in ready cash and yet jcmain more wealthy than we were in 1865. Digitized by Google 122 €)0mim0iml gjeprtmntt. MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. MISS POLLY PARKER. ** The flowers die sweetly ; wet by evening dews, They sigh out their fragrance ; their rich souls Breathing away in balm, and one by one The delicate petals shrink and fold, and fall Silently on the grass ; struggle is none ; But even as if the finger of peace. With fond and tender touch, dissolved the flower, So doth it die. How sweet to die like this ! The soul outbreathed as incense on the breast Of its Redeemer, softly, silently. Love melted in the heav'n-flood of his smile." Thus died Mary Parker, of Beeralstone, Devon, on Monday, August 20th, 1877. Her death was a fit sequel to a holy life. Miss Parker was born at Aveton Gilford, in the year 1845. Several years ago she came with her parents to reside in the parish of Beer Ferris. In 1867, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, she yielded her heart to God, and was divinely regenerated at Beer Town. Soon after that, she became a member of our society at Beeralstone, where for awhile she grew in grace, and assiduously served the Lord. Her character was so transparent that her sincerity was obvious ; her conscientiousness was so scrupulous and consistent that it secured confidence ; her deportment was so unassuming that her professions were ever respected; her spirit was so amiable that among persons who knew her she was a general favourite. There- fore, when, about four or five years ago, she expressed her convic- tion that she ought to preach, she was appointed to the office of local preacher. That this appointment was right was demonstrated by the results of her preaching. The following is just a single specimen of her usefulness. On a Sunday evening about four years ago she preached in one of the chapels in this circuit. The next morning a lady hurried in eager haste to Beeralstone, startled the young preacher from her slumber, and after telling her that the sermon she preached on the preceding evening had caused unrest which the night had failed to allay, humbly asked to be led to Jesus. Rather more than three years ago, Miss Parker was constrained to leave her secular profession, and devote herself to the work of soul-winning. In this and other ciicuits she conducted special services for revivals, and was so successful that when dying she expressed a hope of meeting in heaven two hundred persons who had been turned to the Saviour in the special meetings she had held. Her sermons were neither gorgeously beautiful, correctly exegetical, nor anccdotally sensational, but they were truths earnestly preached by a young Christian whose meekness was charming, whose con- Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 12J sistency was convincing, whose earnestness was genuine, and whose influence was powerfully divine. Last winter her bodily strength so declined that in the spring of this year she was compelled to desist from public toil, and to return to her home to die. While disease was doing its work, she was patient and, generally, cheerful. In health, in sickness, in death, she beautifully showed the spirit of Christianity. Her relatives say, '* She was truly and deeply pious.'* Several local preachers, and a large number of friends who live near her home, say, ** If ever there was a Christian, Miss Parker was." Several persons with whom she occasionally lodged, say, ** We never knew a better young woman than Miss Parker." She was so conscious of the presence of the Saviour that she was not afraid to die. When convinced that the time of her departure was near, she said, ** I am not afraid to die, but I sometimes feel a desire to live to lead sinners to Christ." She was " in a strait betwixt two," though " having a desire to depart and be with Christ." When thinking about death she said, ** Death ! Yes, it is when one comes face to face with death that Christ becomes exceeding precious." Jesus was very precious to her. More than once we noticed that when we mentioned the name of Jesus in her hearing, the sound of that name illumined her pain-worn features with a smile that re- minded one of a snowy lily lit with a golden sunbeam. Although she sometimes rejoiced over the results of her evangelistic toils, she ever ascribed the glory of them to God. When reminded of the reward promised to persons who "turn many to righteousness," she looked up and very sweetly but earnestly replied, " Yes, but it (al- luding to her salvation) is not for what I have done." Immediately afterwards she repeated the well-known chorus, ** Jesus paid it all," &c. When dying she whispered, ** I'm very ill, but very happy." Perceiving that what Jesus had done and was doing for her was being noticed she said, '* And Jesus will do the same for any poor sinner who comes to Him." Thus one who preached Christ while she lived, died preaching Him, and recommending the only reli- gion that can cause a person very ill, to feel very happy. Callington, J. Crewes. MRS. BRAYLEY. I BECAME acquainted with Mrs. Brayley at Newport, Monmouth- shire, in 1 86 1. I had suffered much from a throat affection for several months before the Conference of that year, and, by her appointment as my helper, I was not only to have partial relief from preaching, but it was hoped that the good work in the town and neighbourhood would in consequence receive an impetus. That work was languishing principally from two causes — the deep poverty and distress of many families dependent on the iron trade, which had, owing to the American war, almost collapsed at the time; and the instability, and, in some instances, a harsher term might justly be used, of several persons, of whom great expectations had been formed. The anticipation then cherished respecting the Digitized by Google 124 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. good effect which would result from the labours of Elizabeth Ann JOLLOW — for that was her maiden name — was based, not so much on the excitement which w^ould be produced by the comparative novelty of a female occupying our pulpits, as to the report which had reached us of her possessing, in a bountiful degree, all the virtues which are a woman's special inheritance, all the graces which ornament and beautify the Christian character, and many of the best elements of a successful preacher of the glorious Gospel. The friendship begun in these circumstances was pleasant and life-long. She became an inmate of our house, and, I might add, from henceforth almost a member of the family. She soon secured the warmest affection of myself and wife, and enjoyed our fullest confidence. She was most tender, and considerate, and respectful in all her intercourse with us, and it is scarcely possible to con- ceive of any one being more constant and earnest in efforts at self- improvement, more devout or prayerful in spirit, or more diligent, and devoted, and active in labour than she was. The effects which which followed her preaching were, in some instances, wonderful to behold. The sermon, as a whole, or some part of it, seemed to have a special adaptation to persons of whose character she could have known nothing, often strangers hearing her for the first time. This pertinence, as well as the power with which she spoke, we connected at the time with that fervent prayer for which she was so remarkable. Her custom, I believe, all that winter, was to rise, at the latest, between four and five, and spend, at least, two or three hours before breakfast in reading the Scriptures and in prayer. ]\Iany a morning have we been awoke between three and four by her strong crying and tears in behalf of the Zion she loved so well, or some individual, whose special hardness or deep sorrow of heart had moved her own with a divine sympathy and com- passion. She would come down at the breakfast hour, not only with her face glowing with a divine radiance as if, like Moses, she had been ** talking with God,'' as a man with his friend, but all over in a perspiration even on the coldest frosty mornings. Under happier circumstances, more of the fruits of her labours would doubtless have remained ; but the Mossgvl has rarely been more beautiful or plenteous than we then witnessed. Just before this appointment, the beginning of her short regu- lar ministry, Miss Jollow had visited the Aberavon and Swajisea Station, attracting large congregations, and making impressions on most, at least, who heard her. Before this, in her own village and neighbourhood, she had, by the calm, good sense and beautiful freshness and force of her appeals, won the consciences and hearts of many of her fellow-creatures. She was born at West V/andford, Milton Damerill, Devon, September 4th, 1842. Her parents, who still survive, have been members of our denomination from an early period in its history. Her father has been for many years a useful and much respected class-leader. In meeting his class he has often said that it was his daily prayer that the whole of his family might be brought to God, and that it was his firm belief that his prayer would yet be Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 1 25 answered. The dear old man has lived to see several of his chil- dren join the Church militant, and two of them have gone to join the Church triumphant. Whoever may cherish doubts, the writer cherishes none, that in all such cases the parent will at last ap- proach the eternal throne with the boldness and joy in the heart which the delightful utterance on the lip will fully justify — ** Here am I, and the children thou hast given me.*' "Elizabeth was remarkable in childhood for her love of the Holy Scriptures. Hours that other children spent in play she spent in reading God's Word. In the Sabbath School she distinguished herself among her schoolmates by the correct and ready answers which she would give to questions on almost any part of the Bible." But conversion is the turning-point in life. The great change in the case of Elizabeth Mr. Thomas Braund thus describes, to whom we are indebted, indeed, for many of the particulars of this brief sketch. In the spring of 1858, when she was about fifteen or sixteen years of age, Mr. George Gill — a young man full of faith and Christian zeal, who afterwards went to Australia as a missionary and there soon died — conducted a series of special services at Milton. There were not many conversions at Milton then, if any, but some souls were awakened. IMr. Gill then went to Gitcott Cross, and conducted special meetings. There had been no revival there for many years, but numbers of people from Milton, Thornbury, and other places went, and scores were converted. Elizabeth went from Wandford to Gitcott, a distance of three miles, nearly every night of the week for weeks in succession. She would often go up to the penitent's pew when she entered the chapel, and remain on her knees until the end of the service, which would not be till ten or eleven o'clock. But though so many others lost their burden, and went home re- joicing from these meetings, she found no peace, and the anguish of her soul was very great. When the meetings were concluded at Gitcott Cross she went to every place within reach where she could hope to find comfort, but several weeks elapsed before the clouds broke. '* Her sister, who kept a school at Milton, was unwell at the time, and Elizabeth kept the school for her. In the evening after she had dismissed the children she was sometimes heard in the school-room sobbing and crying aloud for mercy. Few persons have felt the bitterness and the exceeding sinfulness of sin as she did. I think I have heard that the Lord at length spoke peace to her soul when she was walking in her father's orchard." Mr. Braund continues, " Soon after her conversion she began to pray with so much appropriateness and fervour, that several friends thought that she possessed gifts for extensive usefulness. But it was not without much solicitation that she consented to enter the pulpit. In the early part of 1859, three young persons connected with the congregation died very unexpectedly within a few days of each other. It was felt that all who could speak a word for God should do so, and Elizabeth, greatly pressed in spirit, preached her Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 1 26 first sermon in Milton chapel, on Sunday evening, January 30th. Her name soon appeared on the circuit plan, and the addresses and sermons which she delivered were characterized by so much Scrip- tural truth, and such thrilling appeals to the unconverted, that crowds of people followed her wherever she went, and conversions generally took place before the service was over. Persons who had not been to a place of worship for years, went to hear through curiosity, and in many instances curiosity led to piety. Her services were in great demand. She conducted revival meetings at many places in the Shebbear, Holsworthy, and Kilkhampton Circuits, and scores of sinners were brought to Christ." Her visits to Wales, to which I have already briefly referred, were made after this. Of them, Mr. Braund says he knows no particulars except this, " That some friends remarked on her return that she scarcely said anything about the great congregations that attended her preaching. Though she was young in years, and not long converted, popularity produced no injurious effect. I believe the only effect that it had was, to lead her nearer to Christ, It did not in the least degree interfere with her Christian simplicity or her ardent piety." In 1862 she was appointed to Portland with Mr. W. Beer as her pastor, She returned home unwell, and Br. Braund who went to Portland for a few months to supply her place, says that she was universally respected and beloved. The people expressed them- selves as having been much profited by her preaching, and several conversions were realized, especially at Wakeham. It was, I think, at this period that w^e received a visit from Miss Jollow at Stonehouse, to which place we had removed. I w^ell remember how nobly she bore herself in a trial which she felt most acutely, a fierce attack being really made on the Saviour Himself in the presence of His follower. Her sensitive nature was wounded to the quick. The details could not then or even now be made public, but the effect upon two or three of her intimate friends was, that their warm affection for her became henceforth almost reveren- tial in its character. With Mr. Bray she spent the next two years at Southmolton. His willing testimony is as follows : " Mrs. Brayley was my helper in preaching the gospel for two years in the Southmolton station. She was greatly respected and loved by all who made her acquain- tance. She possessed more than ordinary gifts for public speaking : had clear perceptions of Divine truth ; was deeply pious ; an earnest worker to win souls : and she had the happiness of turning many from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God. Her preaching was in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power." Her state of mind at intervals during her stay at Southmolton may be gathered from letters of hers which are still extant, which will cause a deep feeling of regret in many minds that those she wrote at other periods are not also available for the purpose of this memoir. ** I think I can confide more fully in Christ now. I hope I shall more than ever trust in Him. I can truthfully say, that from the Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 1 27 time that Christ spoke peace and pardon to my heart, it has ever been my most earnest desire to trust Him with all and for all; and to feel that if He should see fit to withhold any desired joy from me, that I don't want to have it; or, if the heart be bleeding, bow in perfect submission to His will. And God has blessed me with this submissive spirit in many trials. * Thy will be done,' has been the language, not only of the lips, but the surer, truer language of the heart." **I had a pretty good day yesterday, but none converted. I want to feel a deeper love for the people, and to be more sorry than I am when there are none saved. My language is — * Jesus, I fain would find Thy zeal for God in me.' O may the Lord help me, that I may live for Him. I will trust Him for grace, I will endeavour to be more faithful. I long, long to be all that God would have me be, and all that my friends wish me to be. I can't bear the thought of falling short of that per- fection and nobility of character that they court for me. I want for them all to help me to become as noble, as gentle, as pure as I myself wish to be, and as they also wish me to be." "O how 'sad to see' Christ's professed followers at ease when they have the noblest work in the universe to do. I am glad, though, that a few are struggling hard for the victory. We have the promises on our side, and they should make heroes of us all. O how kind of our Saviour to promise the blessing, the victory to two united, believing souls. During the revival at Bakewell I preached almost every night for six weeks. I wish to preach every night if I could, because I am anxious to have as many meetings as possible." ** Yesterday I preached on *Mary pouring the ointment on Christ's head.' I love to see this pure, noble woman pouring out her costliest and most precious offering on the head of her gentle Master. She did it unto Him, Pure love was her only motive. And O, I love to see the gracious, pleasant way in which He re- garded it. And may we not all pour precious ointment on our Redeemer's head ? Christ has brethren here on earth, and He says, ' Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' I have been thinking that kind, soft, gentle words to the mourner ; sunny smiles and pleasant words for the little ones ; and efforts put forth to make our neigh- bours, like Christ, are ointment poured forth. I wish I were like Mary." ** I slept but little on Saturday night: just as it was coming to my relief, a voice seemed to say to me, You have to preach in the Music Hall (Barnstaple) to-morrow, and that was enough to banish sleep. I wish I could tell you how I felt on Sunday. The feelings of responsibility and anxiety were inexpressible, and so, also, were the confidence and peace. The conflict was sharp, and the victory blessed. Christ stood by me and strengthened me. I had blessed seasons in prayer and in speaking. The promises were inexpressi- Digitized by Google 128 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. bly dear to me all day. I thought, when night came, I would never more doubt, I would try when God should put me in front of the battle again, to stand there calmly, bravely, and trustingly. I am glad, very so, to think that I have spoken a word for Jesus,. glad in the hope of having gained the least honour for his brow." " Of late I have had such calm trust, such sweet peace, such pure joy in Christ. I am trying daily to be more grateful for the blessings that I have, and more willing to stay without those, that, in mercy and love, He withholds. I am more than ever convinced that if we would be happy we must have implicit confidence, per- fect resignation, and deep gratitude. I feel I have much — very muchto.be grateful for. There is ever * the unspeakable gift^ I cannot reckon up all His mercies ; they are so numerous ! " ** I have just been thinking how unspeakably precious it is to have Jesus for our Friend. How blessed to feel that His eye is ever on us ; His reconciled, loving presence always with us ; His strong arm ever around us ; and His bosom continually our resting- place. Precious and strengthening is the promise — * Lo, I am with you always ' — with you in the sad and lonely hours of life, as well as in the bright and joyous ones ; with you in every trial and temp- tation ; with you all through life ^nd in death — ^yes, with us, then, will He be to make us triumphant. I long to be more fully like Christ. I long for the perfection, independence, and nobility of character, that characterized God's people of old, but I fall far, very far beneath the standard of perfection that I covet." It was while Miss Jcllow was in the Southmolton Circuit that she (I believe) became acquainted with Mr. A. Brayley, and formed a marriage engagement with him, which was consummated at Hols- worthy in August, 1865. She entered into this new relation with a sense of responsibility sufficient to chasten and purify, but not sufficient to repress her bounding joyfulness of heart. She had a true an(f noble idea of that relation, and to glorify God by being a true ** help-meet " to her husband she made her chief care. With the birth of her firstborn her maternal joy seemed to know no bounds, but chiefly because little children have their place and in- heritance in the kingdom of heaven. Other children were born subsequently ; six in all, ^\q of whom survive their dear mother. She was not exempt from severe trials and afflictions during her married life. If her happiness had depended on immunity from trouble and care, soon indeed had it dried up ; but the inevitable ills of life she contemplated with serenity, and rejoiced in its blessings with an " exceeding great joy." ^Ir. Braund further remarks : " It should also be stated that when she ceased to labour as an itinerant preacher, and was located at Milton, that there was no abatement of Christian zeal ; that as often as she had opportunity she went to the places within her reach to engage in her much-loved work ; that she was often invited to preach school and chapel anniversary sermons in her own and other circuits ; and that she was always ready to assist when it was practicable. And even when she became the' mother of three or four children she would walk several miles on a Sabbath morning, Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 1 29 sometimes in very stormy weather, rather than the place should be disappointed ; that though she had the cares of a numerous family, her sermons were often characterized by much freshness of thought, and were always very scriptural. And what must be regarded as the most valuable testimony to her piety and intelligence, at no place were her services more acceptable than at Milton, where she most frequently preached ; that she was often requested to visit the sick and the dying, and that she has been known to leave her home at midnight and walk to a distant part of the parish to point the dying to Jesus ; that to the last she took great interest in revival services, and that having experienced so much distress herself, she had great sympathy with penitents, and that she would kneel down with them for hours, and as far as possible enter into their struggles. When the funeral sermon was preached, the preacher remarked that there were probably many in the congregation at whose side she had knelt in the penitents' pew, and whom she had been the means of leading to Christ. *• A few months before her decease she attended a missionary meeting at Sutcombe. One of the speakers expected was absent through illness. At the request of several friends, Mrs. Brayley went on the platform, and delivered an exceedingly earnest and appro- priate address, which will long be remembered. Before the next missionary meeting was held at Sutcombe, Mr. W. Allin, the chair- man, and Mrs. Brayley had met each other again in the better land. " All who were acquainted with Mrs. Brayley knew that she was very upright and truthful, and that she would not indulge in herself or encourage in others anything that approached deception. She was respected and beloved by the people generally, especially by the poor, to whose wants she often ministered according to her limited means; and very many years will pass away before her name or her works will be forgotten." Her conflicts with sin and doubt were at times prolonged and intense. Sometimes, for weeks she would wrestle ifi prayer for overcoming grace and assurance of eternal life. She would often say she wanted to feel sure of heaven. She was, I believe, con- stitutionally inclined to distrust; but she al way tried, and invariably succeeded, in rising abeve her fears, and the sympathising Saviour was very precious to His truthful and conscientious disciple. She passed away on Sunday, January 2nd, 1876; eight days after her confinement. No danger was apprehended till three or four days before she died. Before delirium came on she spoke of trying to live a nobler life; and as she should not be able to go to preach often, she should try to do more for the spiritual welfare of her children. ' From this brief and imperfect sketch, it will be perceived that a life of much excellence and usefulness came to an end, so far as this world is concerned, when Mrs. Brayley passed away from earth to heaven. The loss to her husband and children must be irreparable. And there are very many that we, in our short-sightedness, naturally suppose might be more easily spared. As Mr. Bray says: — "It is among the hidden mysteries why one so useful should be taken away K Digitized by Google 1^0 THE REIGN OF CHRIST. from the Church and her family; but, no doubt, the fittest for earth are the meetest for heaven. The ripest fruit first falls; 'that life is long which answers life's great end.* And it is a great consola- tion to know that our sister reached the mark and prize of her high calling in Christ Jesus by fleet, sure, and unfaltering steps." F, W. Bourne. THE REIGN OF CHRIST. Hk the bands of death hath broken, Who hath suffered for our race ; And the word of triumph spoken, And hath reached the holy place, Where the noble host of martyrs Praise their Maker day and night ; Where the pure and balmy zephyrs Float around " the saints in light." He in righteousness doth reign ; Mighty foes before Him bend. And the heathen rage in vain : While His Gospel doth extend. Monstrous wrongs before it vanish, Hoary evils do decay ; Christ shall sin and satan vanquish, Ush'ring in a brighter day. High upon the throne supernal, He doth sit as King supreme ; Giving peace and rest eternal. Saving souls from woe extreme ; And His victories shall increase. Till the world is fiU'd with joy ; Christ, the glorious *' Prince of Peace," Shall all wrong and sin destroy. All the host of heaven see Him, Robed in matchless majesty. See ! in ranks they fall before Him ; Hark ! how sweet their melody. They have come from ev'iy nation, From the islands of the sea, From a scene of tribulation, With their Lord for aye to be. From their eyes the Lord hath gently Every tear-drop wip'd away ; While around them He has fully Flung the light of endless day ; And their number is increasing. As the minutes pass along : They are waiting for our coming. They who sing the victor's song. Ev'ry trial brings us nearer To our Father's house above ; And the hope of heav'n grows dearer, As we read that " God is love." Now the voice of Jesus speaketh, ** Let my servants faithful be. Until death to them appeareth ; Then My glory they shall see." R. IiA^\^wE\^ Digitized by Google PERCY ROAD CHAPEL. KILBURN. Nearly three years ago an iron chapel, which had been used by the Independents, and the freehold site on which it stands, was bought, by direction of the Missionary Committee. At the ensuing Conference Br. W. Luke was appointed to the place, certain repairs having been effected in the meantime, a portion of the chapel partitioned off to be used as a school-room, and the place re-opened for worship. Br. Luke has been labouring at Kilbum now for over two years and a half with great diligence and de- votedness, and with a gratifying measure of success. The streets and pathways not having been completed, though laid out, made the chapel very difficult of access in the winter, and under such circumstances it is not at all surprising that the attendance in bad weather was somewhat fluctuating. But this difficulty is removed ; and a church of about seventy members having been gathered, a good congregation and Sunday-school also, the friends think it time to make some preparations for the removal of the present iron chapel, and the erection of a permanent building. They seem determined to help themselves to the utmost of their ability, and it is therefore a case in which friends at a distance will be disposed to render them assistance also. Mr. Ranger has furnished plans and specifications which have been approved, and the word will be given to ** arise and build" as soon as sufficient funds have been collected to warrant such a decisive step being taken. Digitized by Google A CHEERING W^ORD FROM ABERAYON. Dear Brother Bourne, — Last night at our chapel at Aberavon, nine persons came forward to seek for pardon and peace, and returned to their homes rejoicing in the Lord. It was indeed a delightful season. A few also have been converted at our new chapel at Briton Ferry. I have written this thinking you might wish the readers of our Magazine to know this good news. I pray that God may save many more in our midst, and throughout the Denomination. Yes, and through the world. I remain, yours in Christ, J. Jeffkry. Here is one also from Br.W. B. Reed; "About twenty persons have been con- verted at Marhamchurch during the last fortnight — a very interesting work. Here and there in other parts of the circuit there have been * signs following * the preaching of the word. But the work is greater than two of us can properly accomplish." And here is another from Br. Braund : "Revival at Ebenezer, Lake, Shebbear Circuit, — Special prayer-meetings have been held here during the past fortnight. Several of our old friends have renewed their youth like the eagle, and between twenty and thirty sinners have professed conversion to God. The good work still goes on and as many persons come almost every night from the surrounding societies we hope that it will spread to other places. There has not been such an awakening at Shebbear for several years. Praise ye the Lord. Feb ^th, 1878. T. B. Dear Br, Bourne, — ^You will be glad to know that a good work is going on here at Looe. Eleven souls have found mercy, and several more are seeking. At Trecangate fifteen or sixteen have lately joined the little church. We are continu- ing the special services here, and hope that many more will be added to the Lord, West Looe, H. Werren. CRAMLINGTON MISSION. Dear Mr. Editor, — ^I think you and other friends will ,be pleased with a fur- ther brief account relative to this mission. This is the eighth week of the lock- out of the colliers in this county, and their condition is lamentably serious, thou- sands of them being in a state of want and suffering. The notice of \2\ per cent, reduction of their wages, they refused to accept. All the cash they have received from the Miners* Union since the lock-out, is seventeen shillings per man, and two shillings per child. Those who are not members of the Union have not received any pay. I hope the matter will be settled this week. We have been holding special services at Shank House for four weeks, and are continuing them. God has given us " showers of blessings." The meetings have been well attended, and four persons converted in the last two weeks. The divine influence in one of the meetings last week was so powerful, that an athletic man, about thirty years of age, sprang over the seat in front of him, and fell upon his knees at the penitent form, and cried aloud for mercy, for about half an hour, when he obtained a sense of pardon, and rose up shouting repeatedly, "Praise God I Glory to God ! " There was much joyful excitement in tne meeting. The man's wife was converted the next evening. Hallelujah ! Shank House^ February 6th, 1878. J. Banwell. LISKEARD CIRCUIT. Dear Brother Bourne,— Through the Magazine it is thought the best way of acknowledging the libexxJity of numerous friends, both of our own and other Digitized by Google TRURO CIRCUIT. 1 33 Denominations, who have kindly responded to our appeals in behalf of chapels in this circuit. At Tredinnick repairs were needed, and the proceeds of a bazaar (held in a bam kindly lent by Mrs. Kent) enabled the friends to meet the requirements, and pay off ;f 20. At Dohwalls certain improvements have been effected, door altered, singing seat, &c. The expenditure has been met. I am glad to add, that we have a nice working society. Our congregation is doubled, a good Sabbath-school formed, also a Band of Hope Mrith over eighty members. Trenant. — ^A bazaar was held in October (in a bam kindly lent by Mr. Higman), and with the amount raised and some jf 10 previously in hand, the frien<& pur- chased a new harmonium, and paid £2^ off the debt. Liskeard. — In November, the chapel choir gave an entertainment in the Tem- perance Hall, which was highly appreciated by a large audience. The sum realized, with some donations, was sufficient to purchase a beautiful harmonium. It is with pleasure we record that our congregation is much increased, and an idea is cherished of increasing the number of trustees, and of greatly improving the premises. Br. Sampson Rogers, an old devoted servant of God, and ever true to our society, and who died some two months since, out of his hard earnings saved and left to this place the sum of £6, St. Cleer. — The chapel has undergone extensive alterations, costing ;f 45, and including a new rostram, enlargement of singing seat, &c. A bazaar was held in the large school-room (kindly lent by the School Board) on the 26th and 27th December, which produced the noble sum of ;f 58. Pensilva, — The terrific storm in October, stripped one side of the roof, doing damage to the amount of £10. A new set of lamps costing ^^15 has also been provided. The whole expense has been met by the friends. As they have forty guineas per annum to pay to a Building Society, this fact reflects great credit on them. It is pleasing to know that if the payments are continued for four years the premises will be free of debt. The times are very depressing, and great numbers are constantly removing ; yet our friends are hopeful, and anxious that our funds should not be behind (particu- larly the missionary) any previous year. Our best thanks are hereby tendered to the many kind-hearted friends who have helped us. Our prayer is, that all their needs may be supplied, and that all, through Christ, may meet at God's right hand. Liskeard, February ^th. J. DiXGLE. TRURO CIRCUIT. Dear Br. Bourne. — As I have been repeatedly requested to complete the report (January, 1877) of Traro Chapel re-opening, I have taken my pen to do so. Br. Courtier, the secretary, would nave done so, I presume, had he not left the circuit. Br. Hocking's sermons on the 3rd December, 1876, were followed by two very excellent sermons on the loth by Br. Gilbert, and on the 17th by two from the pastor. On the latter Sunday morning the Foresters attended service en masse, which has resulted in the attendance of several of them since, as their regular place of worship. From that time all our public services have been well attended, and on Sunday nights the chapel is generally pretty well filled. There was never such a demand for sittings as at present, and' tne necessity for enlarging the chapel is greater now than ever before. If God continues to prosper us, something will have to be done ere long to meet the demands of the congregation. Some three months since we formed a Young Men's Mutual Improvement Class, which now consists of about seventy persons, and is regularly well attended. We have also recently formed a Young Women's Bible Class, which is well attended and is lilcely to prove a great blessing. Several persons have joined the society, and but for such a large number of Digitized by Google 134 NEWTON ABBOT TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. removals, a considerable increase would have been reported. Our Sunday-school is in a flourishing state, and requires more accommodation than the new schoolroom affords. The total cost of the alterations, and the new school-room, including working expenses while the work was in progress, and a new harmonium, is £9oS 2s. 7 Jd. Total receipts, through bazaars, contributions, &c., ^418 17s. 3d. Our present debt is jCsS^ J o^ that amount ;f 50 will be paid this week, and jf 50 more we " expect at the close of this year's accounts in April next. To God be all the praise. At Grampound we have a good society, but a very poor chapel. I should be glad if the friends would arise and build to the glory of God, and the good of the neighbourhood. At Goonhavern, notwithstanding the worst mining depression ever felt in the neighbourhood, God has prospered us in our chapel affairs. The old debt of ;f 60 has been paid off, and the interest of the debt (;f 500) on the new chapel reduced from 5 to 4 per cent. A new company of trustees has been appointed, and several old bills discharged. Some of our old and leading friends are leaving for America and other places. What the result will be we know not. Our prayer to God is for help. At Penhallow we have greatly improved our chapel, and we hope by the time the accounts are closed to pay the whole cost. At St, Allen Lane the society is doing pretty well; but the chapel needs improvement. At Gloweth we have formed a new society, and built a new chapel, to be opened on the 15th March. Particulars will then be given. God has been pleased to call away two of our trustees and principal friends (Messrs. Holman and Gilbert) at Gloweth ; but we thank God they realized His favour before they passed away. Through God's blessing we are prospering in every department. We never felt more at home in any circuit, and were never supported by a heartier and kinder circle of friends. To God be all the praise ! T. E. MUNDY. NEWTON ABBOT JUBILEE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY AND BAND OF HOPE. Not quite four months ago the Bible Christians of this town formed a society in connection with their Church and Sabbath School, giving it the above title, the primary object being to enlist under the banner of Temperance as many of the Church, the congregation, and the Sabbath School as felt it their duty and privilege to unite. Meetings have been held every alternate Tuesday evening from the commencement, with most encouraging results. On Tuesday evening last, January 29th, a public entertainment was given in the school-room ad- joining the chapel. The arrangements of the committee, and the carrying out of those arrangements were all that could be desired. An excellent tea was pro- vided for the juveniles at five, and for the adults at six o'clock, numbering together over 120. The tables being removed, a public entertainment was giver, which, we are bound to say, was one of the most successful of the kind that it has been our privilege to attend for a long time past. It consisted of readings, recitations, and speeches, interspersed with appropriate melodies by the choir. Mr. Kelly, a warm-hearted gentleman in the Temperance cause, very ably oc- cupied the chair, and proved himself to be well adapted for the position. The room was packed from end to end, and the whole proceedings were of such a nature as greatly to promote the Temperance cause. The choir sang a number of cheerful and appropriate melodies selected from the "Crystal Spring," all highly appre- ciated, as was evident from the repeated rounds of applause. The meeting ter- minated about ten o'clock. We could not help thinking how much good may be accomplished when pastor and people are so thoroughly united. — The East and South Devon Advertiser, Digitized by Google ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES. To the Editor of the Bible Christian Magazine, Dear Brother, — The Magazine for February has afforded us all real pleasure in learning through Br. Keast's communication that he, and Brs. Haggar and Cory — with Mrs. Cory — ^had reached Adelaide in safety. Br. Hosken, writing November 28th, 1877, referring to the arrival of the "Cuzco" at Melbourne, says, " Yours of September 5th to hand. Not in time to inform us about the snip *Cuzco,' in which the brethren were coming. The *Cuzco' outran the mail. S. J. Way, Esq., chief-justice of South Australia, called on me and said he had heard that the missionaries were coming by a fast steamer. The * Hankow * ar- rived on the 8th inst. I went on board, but no missionaries. * Cuzco ' came in early on the loth. I went to Sandridge, took boat, and boarded the steamer, three miles from the pier. Found the men. Took Mrs. Cory home with me ; the men attended to the luggage. All met in the evening at my house. Brs. Cory and Haggar preached on Sunday — Br. Keast on Monday evening. Br. Haggar left at noon on Monday, and Brs. Keast and Cory about noon on Tuesday. I am very favourably impressed with the young men. How greatly we need the three ! Let nothing but impossibility prevent your sending us a man or two at once." Br. Teague also writes, same date, pressing for two or three men at once. The health of Brs. Down and Webber is delicate, and another brother likely to leave the ministry at their coming district meeting, in addition to other circumstances, making the appeal necessary. The following deeply interesting letter from Br. Haggar will speak for itself in regard to him and Queensland Mission. W. G. ^ Brisbane f Queensland, December ^th, 1877. My Dear Sir, — ^You will be glad to hear of my safe arrival here; the journey was concluded at 6.30 a.m., November 19th. The morning was charming. As we sailed up the Brisbane river my soul was quite enchanted ; above, a cloudless sky, from which the cheering rays of a tropical sun poured down ; beneath, the calm, placid river, smooth as if of glass ; around on every hand nothing but beauty and loveliness. The monotony of the ocean made me pensive, this gave me a poet's rapyture. My anticipations were not of the most cheering character. But instead of meeting a shrivelled, grey-headed, decrepit old man, as ex- pected, in Br. Woolcock, on the wharf stood a robust, healthy, strongly-built gentleman, accompanied by Mr. Woolcock, junr. A hearty greetmg, and we were pointing our steps toward the Oval, where a hearty welcome and a good breakfast awaited me. Like StaiJey and Livingstone when they met at Ujiji, Br. Woolcock and I spent most of the day telling news, asking and answering questions innumerable, asking and telling of old friends, I unburdening myself of " congratulations,** " compliments,'* *• kind regards," &c., of which I had a large number. For days nothing struck me as being particularly un-English ; unless the bush, the residence of the natives, is taken into account. These aborigines are perfectly uglyi frightfully degraded, and lazy ; inveterate and impudent beggars ; every effort to moralize them fails. Here is a conversation between Br. Woolcock and one : " Why do you let white man take your land ? this is your country.** •' Ugh, me no want land — plenty big — ^white feller confounded .fool. 1 Black feller used to camp in scrub (bush), swim across river, shoot kailgaroos, opossums ; hunt and no work. White feller come, cut down scrub, plough, work hard. Black feller gentleman, he no work. White feller build bridge ; black feller walk over. White feller give black feller money ; he buy rum, tobacco, get drunk. White feller fool." What barefaced impudence ! Chinese are plentiful here ; their chief occupation is gardening, at whicn they are adepts. They have no Sabbath, are grossly immoral, and are likely to remain so, no efforts being made to reclaim them. ' The city of Brisbane covers an immense area, though in some parts the houses Digitized by Google 136 ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES. are not closely built. Its principal streets would not dishonour any English town. while for busmess it may be favourably compared with some of the most flourish- ing of the midland counties. Education, which is of a good character, is free. There is a museum, school of arts, large and beautiful botanical gardens, always open to the public. The surrounding scenery is romantic as Wales, and the entire flora of the country evergreen. The Oval is just outside the city ; one of the most flourishing suburbs ; houses are going up on every side, while the population is increasing rapidly. Judging from existing circumstances, should fortune smile, our new site, where we hope soon to build, is in the best position possible. It has a government road on one side, the main road into the city, and a street on each of two sides. It overlooks the city, besides enabling us to sweep the country for miles. Our social standing here is good. The cause is not large, but well consolidated, supported, as it is, by friends of moral power and sterling worth. The congregation is most respect- able— composed of well-educated, deeply-intelligent persons, capable of appreciat- ing the richest thoughts, expressed in the most chaste and beautiful language. It is qui^e a mistake to suppose that anything in the shape of cant phrases or thread- bare thought will go down. Throats are small here. In the cottages of working- men many of the best books are found, and these well-read. One good friend advised me to leave my books- behind ; the advice was not good. Bi. Woolcock has a splendid theological library, to which I have freest access— a blessing un-an- ticipated. My first Sunday was spent at the Oval, preaching two sermons and teaching twice in the Sunday-school ; and a happy day it was. Collections for the support of the ministry are made twice every Sunday — to-day finances were doubled. November 28th, a tea and public meeting was held, to welcome the new minis- ter ; speeches telling and enthusiastic, full of dear thought and original wit, indicatmg the mental power which supported me, were delivered by five out of six of the local preachers, and three other sympathizing friends belonging to other churches. A better reception one need not wish. In harmony with the orthodox usage, we passed three resolutions, which are enclosed. The friends have often asked here, "Who hath found the mantle of the fathers ?" where is the mission zeal of other days ? Doubtless, many opportunities and openings are gone from us for ever ; to places, now occupied by others, we were invited, but which invitations for want of a man could not be accepted. If we extend, as we hope to soon, for we are on the alert, we must go to places at a distance now. My opinion of Br. Woolcock at present is that he is kind, fatherly, sympathetic, and devoted to God. As a legislator I believe him shrewd and far-seeing. Let me say in conclusion, that no young brethren need stay home since I have left. My courage is not cooled down. In the determination to be brave and true I am unchanged, and am readj^ at any time to go into the bush, or into the town and preach the Gospel of Christ. Bro. Woolcock is almost young again : his vigour is renewed as the eagle's. >^With very kind regards from Br. Woolcock, and myself. I am, Dear Sir, faithfully yours, Resolutions — C. ri. Haggar. 1st. — That this meeting desires to express unfeigned gratitude to Almighty God for, that He in His good providence has preserved our beloved brother, the Rev. C. H. Haggar, dunng his voyage from England, and that he has had such a comfortable and speedy passage. 2nd. — That as Br. Haggar comes to us as a duly accredited and highly com- mended minister of the Bible Christian Church, this meeting hereby resolves to give him a most cordial welcome, and earnestly prays that his life, health, and reputation may be prcsei-ved, that he may labour long and successfully amongst us as "a good minister of Jesus Christ." 3rd. — That this meeting desires to express thanks and praise to the God of heaven for what has been accomplished among us in His name at the difierent places where we preach, and believing that there is a work for us to do in this Digitized by Google MORE NOTES FROM BR. KEAST. 1 37 Colony, while we give the right hand of fellowship to all the disciples of Jesus Christ by whom we are surrounded, we resolve to use all legitimate and honour- able means in order to the extension and consolidation of the cause of God with us as a branch or section of the Church of Christ in Queensland. MORE NOTES FROM BR. KEAST. ** If haply in thy travels thou dost meet A rare, noteworthy object, Make me partaker of tny happiness." Early on Wednesday morning, November 7th, we cast anchor just off the Semaphore Jetty, Adelaide. As might be expected, our excitement is intense. It is a perfectly charming morning. Mr. J. Thome has kindly come on board to take myself and brethren ashore. I am more than glad to see my highly-esteemed friend, and feel the " sharpening " effects of his " countenance " upon my own. Upon the jetty wemeet Messrs. Piper and Richards, who have also kindly " come down to give us a hearty welcome to tlieir shores." The first exclamation, "O how utterly un-English ! " In the streets, houses, shops, fields, railway stations, and social address, there is little to remind one of home. This, I confess, has at first a prejudicial effect. We all dine at Mr. Beaches. The cup of tea we are now drinking is the first Mrs. Cory and I have " relished'^^ since we left Plymouth. Dinner over, Mr. Thome drives us to the residence of His Honour Chief*^ Justice Way. Here we meet, for the first time, dear Mr. Way, sen. with whom, together with Mrs. Way, I feel it no little honour to shake bands. They have a kind word and warm wishes for each of us. They both look well, and bid fair to live many years longer as yet.* His Honour is having a new house built, which, for beauty of situation, will scarcely be excelled in Adelaide. Having been shown over the house and gardens, the carriage is ordered, and we set out to ^'tf^ " the city in agreeable style ; Mr. and Mrs. Way accompany us. We call at Mr. Thome's, where we see the Miss Thoraes. Adelaide is a beautiful city. Both its size and its loveliness greatly surprise me. One would never dream that such a place could have spmng up in so short time. It is perfectly flat, with a series of hills of striking architecture for its immediate background. What instantly favourably impresses me is, its uniting the city and the country in one. Unlike the cities at home, it is built in the midst of gardens, in whicn are the choicest fruits and flowers innumerable. The public gardens are splendid. In the evening, Mr. Thome drives me to Kensington, where I conducted service, returning to Dr. Campbell's to supper. We leave Dr. Campbell's about 1 1 o'clock, and Mr. Thome accompamed us to the "Cuzco," wnich we reach about 2.30 a.m., de- lighted with our reception, and with what we have seen. Allow me, Mr. Editor, to say one word about the exceedingly urgent need for more missionaries in South Australia. The brethren here are saying, with almost exasperating pathos, " The harvest truly is great, and the labourers are few." Our very existence in this colony is imperilled through lack of men. A splendid site has been purchased in Adelaide, on which it is intended to erect a fine church ; but what is the use of bulding'chapels, advantageous as may be the opening, iinless men can be got to preach in them ? At Semaphore, a rapidly developing township, the cause is gone down through want of a man to look after it. In the Colonies, we must ^im to establish ourselves early in all the new and promising townships; but this can- not be done in South Australia, a fact which must be a perpetual irritation to the brethren there. They must have an immediate reinforcement of men. And I may as well say that just anybody won't do. We leave Port Philip on the 8th, about six a.m., arriving in Melboume early on Saturday morning. It is getting late in the forenoon, and no one has come for us as yet. Mr. Hosken has now arrived, * A later mail brings the sad intelligence that Mrs. Way was so seriously ill that slight hopes, if any, were entertained of her recover^'. — Ed, Digitized by Google 138 MORE NOTES FROM BR. KEAST. and we are pitching into him wannly; but he soon takes the steam out of us by saying he had received no information as to what yessel we were coming by, and that his coming down to the " Cuzco " was simply on speculation. " In fact," he says, " I came down a few days ago when the "Hankow '* arrived, thinking you might have come by her." Of course we ** take back " all that we have said. It seems that both yourself, Mr. Editor, and Mr. Gilbert, had written all particulars to Mr. Hosken by the mail which left home about a week before us. We, how- ever, outran the mail,and got into Melbourne two days before her, and this explains the whole affair. It is a source of elation to all of us that our magnificent ship should have made such an extraordinary voyage. She is the fastest ocean steamer afloat. Given a fair wind, I quite think she will yet make the voyage in 35 days. It is with some emotion that I now take farewell of so faithful a friend. Having disposed of the luggage, we are now off to Mr. Hosken's. On our way we *♦ eople. Like Melbourne, it is all alive, and rapidly extending in every direction. It is perfectly flat, with a range of hills sheltering it on the south side, and looked down upon by the majestic snow-capped alps, 40 miles away to its west. The climate is not equable ; it is some times very warm and very cold in the same day. I think there is plenty of room for the Bible Christian denomination in Christchurch, and I think it only requires time and effort to establish a good cause. I am resolved to do all that I can. I have told the people that I am come into their midst to worky and I hope that each week will record a redemption of my pledge. I never enjoyed the work more than since I have been here. I do not for a moment doubt that God is with me. I know this, and I am certain He is going to use me for His glory. All my friends at home will be pleased to know I am very comfortable. I like the dear friends very, much, and I see they are resolved to do to their utmost for me. As I intimated, for over a fortnight I was the guest of Mr. Reed and his excellent family, and was treated with great kindness. It would be superfluous to say Mr. Reeci is an excellent man ; that is already well known. He, and the dear brethren who gathered round him, must have had great courage and devotion. I am now in my lodgings — with a Mr. and Mrs. Hodd, members of the church ; and I am well pleased and quite comfortable. It was thought " I should be sure to bring a wife with me," and a large sum of money was laid aside for the pur- chasing of furniture. I have a host of other things to say, Mr. Editor, but not another word now. I must send my best respects to all my dear friends, and ask them not to forget when the mail is leaving ; the "San Francisco " I mean. The arrival of the English mail here is the occasion of truly pathetic anxiety. Let me ask for the prayers of all in our behalf. I think we shall soon have a cause here of real worth. ' W. H. Keast. Aldrid Street^ Christchurch, Canterbury, Neiv Zealand, Dec. 15, 1877. WEEK ST. MARY CIRCUIT. POUNDSTOCK. Our friends at this place have made a second effort since Conference to get rid of the debt on their old chapel. On Thursday, December 13th, 1877, they held a small bazaar and tea-meeting. Their old friend, Mr. R. Blackmore, from Hart- latid, visited them on the occasion, preached in the afternoon, and gave a short address in the evening. Proceeds of the day, ;f 23 is. 8d., which, with the effort in September last, and a few donations yet* to be received, will enable the treasurer to pay the £^0 debt on the chapel. The tea and bazaar were held on the premises of Mr. Shepherd, to whom we are much indebted for the success of the day. Eden. • The friends at this place celebrated their anniversary on Wednesday, December 26th. Mrs. Bice preached in the aftemoon ; a public tea (the provisions given by the friends) and meeting followed. Crowds attended the evening meeting, ad- dressed by Mrs. Bice, Br. Carvath, and the writer. A bazaar was opened at two p.m. Proceeds of the day, j^44 2s. 3d. Mr. W. Moyle having kindly offered to Digitized by Google PORTLAND CIRCUIT. 14I pay his yearly* subscription in advance, the trustees have decided to pay off£so of the chapel debt— a step in the right direction. Maxworthy. The anniversary was held on Tuesday, January ist, 1878. Mrs. Bice preached in the afternoon ; a public tea followed, which was well attended. At the meeting addresses were given by Mrs. Bice, Br. M. Chapman, and the writer. A very blessed influence prevailed. As the chapel here is free of debt, the proceeds are to be applied chiefly to the fund of the contemplated new chapel. All of tde above services were well attended, and the friends aid their best to make them a success. The Sixth Annual Sunday-School Teachers' Conference Was held at Canworthy Water on Tuesday, February 12th, 1878. All the schools were well-represented at the Conference with the exception of Providence and Poundstock. After singing and prayer, the president and secretary were appointed, and the discussions of the Conference were conducted in a profitable and inter- esting manner. On going through the schedules it was found that we had 195 teachers, 599 scholars ; 141 teachers members, 12 scholars ; 108 teachers teetotal- ers; 283 scholars members of Baud of Hope ; 6 scholars converted in the year ; 206 volumes in the library ; 55 hymn-books, 73 Bibles and Testaments, and 373 other books given away during the year. Receipts, jf 7 1 lis. 5d. ; disbursements, £S^ 13s. 8Jd. Brethren were appointed to visit the different schools during the ^ year, and report to the next Conference. It was also arranged for a sermon to be preached to the young once a quarter. A public tea and meeting followed, which were well attended considering the unfavourable weather. After singing and prayer, Mr. P. Pethick, senr., was called on to preside, who did his work in his usual happy style. The following brethren addressed the meeting : — E. Gimblett, on "How to secure success in schools"; J. Paynter, on "The desirability of having pious teachers"; J. Carvath, on "The relation of the school to the church " ; J. Bendle, on " The motives that should influence persons to engage in school work." Br. Tucker, who was present and prepared to speak, wished the prayer-meeting to commence at once. The meeting was very excellent. Ofte penitent. A few souls have been converted at this place. To God be all the praise, J. Bendle, PORTLAND CIRCUIT. The amount to be raised in this circuit, by special effort, during the year, is about /'30 — a large sum for the few friends. But some of them give liberally towards the circuit and missionary funds, and who, whenever a special effort is to be made to meet a deficiency on the circuit, are ready to help. Br. J. Tremelliug readily consented to preach and lecture on behalf of the circuit on January 20th and 21st, 1878 ; and thus gave a proof of his " brotherly kindness." He preached three excellent sermons on the Sunday, and on the Monday evening delivered, with much energy and eloquence, his lecture on " Lu- ther, the man for his times." The audience was large and enthusiastic. Though the lecturer was talking for two hours, he well sustained the attention and intere&t of the meeting to the close. The lecture was a great intellectual feast, which we thoroughly enjoyed. At the close a unanimous vote of thanks was given to the lecturer. After meeting the expenses, we paid off£s los. of the circuit debt. I oaght to have said that the chair was taken by the Rev. J. S. Robinson (Wes- leyan), and prayer was offered by the Rev. T. Brown (Primitive Methodist). On Tuesday evening, February 7th, 1878, the Rev. W. M. Fell (Congregational) delivered a lecture in Zion Chapel, on " New Zealand, past and present." The lecturer illustrated his subject by diagrams, and spoke for an hour and a half. But the lecture was so interesting and instructive, that the attention of the audience was good to the end. A cordial vote of thanks, proposed by the Rev. J. S. Robinson, and seconded by Br. W. Coombe, was given to Mr. Fell. The same kind friend delivered an eloquent lecture in Wakeham Chapel, on " Excelsior," in December, 1877. The pastor's health is gradually improving, and we hope that it will soon be established. R. H. Digitized by Google 142 ^flmspiihiia. BRIDESTOW^. To the Editor of the Bible Christian Magazine. My Dear Br. Bourne, — Br. Coles' report of the successful effort in behalf of Bridestow chapel affords me great pleasure. But his reference to me is not quite correct. I was not the colleague of our esteemed and now sainted Br. Roberts, but his successor in the pastorate. I entered on the work of the circuit in the year 1831, at which time the chapel was built and opened, and attended by a full and attentive congregation. The name of my predecessor was spoken of with great respect. He was gone elsewhere, but his influence remained. To obtain a site for a chapel, and money to pay for its erection was not so easy then as now, for the friends of Jesus who supported us were few and poor. Had not Br. Roberts been a man of some tact, and of unusual zeal, we should not have had the chap>el, nor even a hold on the people of the place so early in our history. Bridestow, like many other places in those days, was difficult of access to nonconformity. Occasionally a service would be held by some lover of souls in the open air, but this made no favourable impression. If the messenger of mercy was not badly treated, he was annoyed or trifled with. Hence, when one good man attempted , to preach, attempts were made to fill his pockets with stones and dirt. And when a young woman went there, impelled by the love of Christ, to offer them salva- tion in His name, she was humed off to the house of a magistrate. He was not at home, however, and his good lady gave orders to set the sister free. Moral darkness had long reigned at that place, and around it. Some years before, about six miles therefrom, a Wesleyan preacher had been thrown into a river for preaching the word of life. In his efforts to open preaching at Bridestow, Mr. Roberts was happily assisted by John Pearce, brother of Mrs. Hannah Pearce Reeves. They got into the favour of one of the inn-keepers of the village, who let them a stable for twelve months for the sum of £^. When this place was fitted up for the worship of God, the people crowded into it to listen to the Gospel news. And this novel thing in their midst caused much excitement. To some, the Gospel message came not in word only, but in the Holy Ghost, and with power. Among those who were thus benefitted were the parents of one of our ministers in Canada, Br. Ayres. At the end of the year the place being required for some other purpose, our friends knew not what to do. Br. Roberts was not the man to be driven away. No 1 he would — " Dare to be a Daniel.** He would not leave the place or people without a struggle to get some place. To the inquiry what should be done ? a person of the name of Samuel Lantern said. Go to Squire Newton, Mr. Roberts, and ask him to let you have a site for a chapel. This would be a bold step, as any one that knew the Squire, who had not great faith that God would in some way or other interpose, would say, You go to him in vain. But James Roberts had faith in God, and well knew that He had in His hands the hearts of all men. But when he reached the residence of the Squire, he found him sadly out of temper. For though he was generous, and in the main a good master, he was troubled with a hasty temper, and was just then speaking some hard words to one of his servants. Ihe moment appeared to be very unfavourable. And when Mr. Roberts had stated the object of his visit, he had some hard words said to him also, and told him to be gone. The Squire then said to a servant present, "The old man took it well. Did he not ? Call him back." The gentleness of the preacher told in his favour. Well hath the apostle said, " We count them happy that endure." A haughty spirit on the preacher's part would have lost the chapel. But our brother stooped to conquer, and did conquer, for he went back to his friends having obtained the promise of a suitable piece of land for a chapel. But now came another question, What shall we do for money } The circuit, Digitized by Google RRIEF NOTICES OF BOOKS. 1+3 as a whole, was poor, and there was no prospect of collecting much. Samuel as be- fore answered the question, "Go again to the Squire." To the Squire the preacher again went, and his second request was readily granted. The money thus obtained is that for which the interest of £(> 14s. a-year has been paid till now. Perhaps some portion of it, however, has been for ground-rent. As in my time, the pastor had to call on Mr. Newton with the interest, it afforded opportunities of seeing him at his house. He was friendly and kind, but often very jocose on the subject of religion. He once went to the chapel to hear the late Mr. J. Thome, who saying something against Romanism, which dis- pleased him, he left the chapel in haste. Mrs. Newton attended at times, and I found her much disposed to talk of divine things. I had the pleasure of getting for her Wesley's Sermons, which she evi- dently read to advantage. She became a pious Christian lady, and felt an interest in the Lord's cause. This is seen in the fact that she not omy afforded assistance financially while at Bridestow, but when she had left the place, and she even made some provision for ten years after her death. Other brethren know more than I do of subsequent events ; but I have heard it said that Squire Newton in the time of his affliction, by the pious efforts of his excellent wife, was led to look unto Him who is mighty to save, and whosoever to the uttermost all that come unto God through Him ; and that there was hope in his death. So that we may hope that from his pleasant earthly home, he has gone to the house of many mansions. More than forty years have gone since I was at Bridestow, and most of those I knew have passed beyond the river, yet I should like to see the place, and the present generation. Br. Coles wants help both from God and from His people. May both be realized. R. P.T. IrM ^olias 0f §00lis. Didshury Sermons, Fifteen Discourses preached in the Wesleyan College Chapel, Didsbury, near Manchester. By John Dury Geden, Tutor in He- brew and Classics. London: Wesleyan Conference Office. (Price 7s.) This is not a volume of ordinary discourses. We suppose Mr. Geden may be here seen at his best. At any rate, if he has not put forth all his strength, he has given us something very different to the common run of sermons. There is a thoroughness and completeness in the way in which the several trains of thought are worked out, that is very satisfactory, and the style, though refined and scholarly, and even elaborate, is clear and forceful. Nestleton Magna : A Story of Yorkshire Methodism. By J. Jackson Wray. Cheap Edition. Tenth Thousand. London : J. Grose Thomas 8c Co. (Price 3s. 6d.) We have derived so much pleasure from a second perusal of this story that if it were not unnecessary, we would employ warmer terms than we did formerly in recommending it to our readers. Ing/e Nook ; or. Stories for the Fireside. By the Rev. James Yeames, Author of " Life in London Alleys," etc., etc. London : F. E. Longley (Price is. 6d.) Four stories capitally told, this little volume contains. They all end happily ; we do not conclude therefore, that they are not true to life, but the author evi- dently sees everything colur-de-rose. If we might venture to remonstrate with the publisher, though we know that authors and publishers have a perfect right to cnarge what they please for the books they write and publish, it surely cannot be wise to charge is. 6d. for a book of this size, done up in paper boards, neither strongly nor attractively. The Seveft Topics of the Christian Faith, A Manual of Theology, Orthodox and Unsectarian, For Classes or Private Reading. By the Rev. P. Mac- LAREN. Londoa : S. W. Partridge & Co. This work faithfully answers to that part of the title page which describes it as Digitized by Google 144 NOTABILIA OF THE MONTH. orthodox and unsectarian. This will be a satisfactory annoucement to our readers when they know that Mr. Maclaren is the Professor of Systematic Theology, in Union College, Adelaide, — (that college which our friends in South Australia have decided on joining, a fact which, by a prefatory note, we learn, is evidently appreciated, the Bible Christians forming in that colony *^ a large and important body,") and furnishes an additional reason for their making themselves acquainted with this meritorious volume. My Text RolL or Daily Remembrancer. A Text for each Day of the Month. (Price 2s. 6d.) llie Bible Picture Roll, With Engraving and Text for each Day of the Month. (Price 3S.) These are both published by Messrs. S. W. Partridge & Co., and are much su- perior to anything of the kind we have before seen. Tlie Bride and her Dream, Translated from the German. London : R. D. Dickinson. A STRANGE and improbable story ; but in the preface we are told *' it is a narrative of real life." Hypocrisy and intemperance the writer paints in vivid colours, but no pen can set forth all the mischief and ruin they work in families ; the other chief lessons taught are, that lasting domestic happiness must have virtue and genuine religion as its foundation, and that Jesus can save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. NOTABILIA OF THE MONTH, Jan. 17th. — Parliament opened. Gratifying assurances on the Eastern Ques- tion given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which secured warmly-expressed thanks from Mr. Gladstone. 1 8th. — Funeral of the late King Victor Emmanuel. 2 1 St. — Cleopatra's Needle arrived off Blackwall. 23rd. — Marriage of the King of Spain to his cousin, the Princess Mercedes. 24th. — Lord Carnarvon sent in his resignation as Minister for the Colonies, in consequence of the decision of the Cabinet the day before to send the fleet to Constantinople, which decision was subsequently countermanded. Notice of a Vote of Credit for six millions. 28th. — ^Important statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on proposing the Vote of Credit. 29th. — The Liberal candidates returned for Perth and Leith, by very large majorities. 31st. — Great Debate begun on the Policy of the Government on the Eastern Question in connection with their demand for a Vote of six millions. Amendment proposed by Mr. Forster. An Armistice and the bases of peace agreed to by Turkey and Russia, though not made public at the time. Feb. 7th.— Pope Pius the Ninth died. Ignoble conclusion of the great debate, and the withdrawal of Mr. Forster*s amendment in consequence of an alarmist telegram from Mr. Layard that the Russians continued to advance on Constantinople. Ninety-six liberal members only voting on the question that the speaker leave the chair, all the liberal leaders being conspicuous by their absence from the division. 8th. — Announcement in Parliament that a portion of the British Fleet had been ordered to Constantinople for the protection of the lives of British subjects and property. 1 2th. — Debate in the House of Commons, at the instigation of Mr. Leatham, on the traffic in church livings. 14th. — Part of the British Fleet passed the Dardanelles, notwithstanding the protestations of the Sultan and his ministers. Rumours that the Russians will, in consequence, occupy Constantinople. 15th.— Mr. Osborne Morgan's Resolution in favour of a Reform of the Burial Law rejected by a small majority of fifteen, in the House of Commons. Digitized by Google THE Bible Christian Magazine. -:o:- VICTOR EMMANUEL, LATE KING OF ITALY. A Funeral Sermon y delivered in Toller Lane Chapel ^ on Sunday Evening, February lofh, 1878. " Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel ? " — 2 Samuel iii. 38. Rome ! Italy ! ! What illustrious names I With what annals and associations they stand connected ! "^ Consider their civil history. History, poetry, and myth blended. iEneas and Antenor. The voyage to Latium, and the colony there. Romulus and Remus, and the rude settlement on the banks of the Albula, since called the Jiber. The government of the Consuls. The contests between the plebeians and patricians. The reign of the kings. The glory of the emperors. What were the conditions of a society that gave the world a Caesar with his vast empire ? The city, and little state extending their triumphs east, west, north and south, from Britain to India. A Cicero with his eloquence. A Virgil with his beautiful and im- perishable numbers — singing of the man and arms — the shepherd and the agriculturist banished from their fields. And perhaps, more wonderful than all, Seneca with his wisdom. Then Rome itself, extending till it covered seven mountains, from which it has since received the epithet — the seven-hilled city. With a population said to be seven millions. With its Pantheon consecrated to all the gods and goddesses in the wo.rld — encased April, 1878. l Digitized by Google 146 VICTOR EMMANUEL, LATE KING OF ITALY, with marble, roofed with silver, and fronted with burnished brass. Its circus Maximus, capable of holding 260,000 spectators at its pagan and savage games. With its theatres, Coliseum and Cata- combs. Its sculpture, paintings, and libraries. Its orators, painters, poets, statesmen, warriors, and philosophers. Its statues, pillars, columns, porticoes, baths, groves, lakes, and avenues. Its gladi- ators, &c. Where cruelty and refinement, baseness and dignity met. Ah ! we are ready to say, if they had had the Gospel of Christ ? Let us look at the religious history of the Roman people. One of the most interesting histories of the New Testament, is that of the great Apostle Paul's voyage to Rome. One of the most sublime and profound books is the Epistle to the Romans. They need that Epistle now. Strange that a people who found a temple for all the gods would not have the true God. They guarded the wood and the stone gods. The true God they rejected. They tolerated or adopted the false religions, and persecuted the true. What a tale is the persecution of the Apostle Paul ! The persecution of the saints — the hiding in the Catacombs. What multitudes suffered from the Neros, Tra- jans, Domitians, Valerians, and Dioclesians. But the " Galilean " conquered after all. "Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings ; be in- structed ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and re- joice with trembling." " Yet have I set my king on the holy hill of Zion." Deferring the notice of the. papacy, ** that master-piece of the devil," let us look at once at the life and deeds of the noble king who has lately been removed by death from Italy. " Know ye not that a prince," &c. I observe — I. — God RAISES up great men when He has purposes for THEM TO EXECUTE. Abner is here called a great man. From what is recorded, he is so only, relatively, from the office he filled, and the times in which he lived. Various are the instrumentalities Providence employs to bless the nations. The chief and principal are great men. Some lonely thinker muses — becomes stirred by some great idea, and then com- municates the impulse to the multitude. They have given us our theology, our literature, our science, our art, our laws, our philoso- phy, and our institutions. They are the true nobility of earth. The aristocracy of society. They may have been called poets, philoso- phers, statesmen, warriors, patriots, artists, astronomers, machinists, engineers, or philanthropists. Cyrus delivered the Jews from Baby- lon. Who called the wise man from the east, and brought him to His footstool ? The call of Abraham illustrates the wisdom of God Digitized by Google VICTOR EMMANUEL, LATE KING OF ITALY. 147 in a remarkable manner. His founding a nation to receive the law given by angels, — to be the depositaries of the law and ordinances — the conservators of divine truth — from whom as concerning the flesh Christ was to come — so that the law might go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Moses in his preservation in infancy, his education in youth, his qualities in manhood as leader and lawgiver, mark him as a prodigy. David being raised up when he was — shepherd, warrior, musician, poet, and king ; delivering his people from the Philistines ; so that when he came to the army first the enemies had invaded the land, and his people were distressed and weak ; yet when he departed leaving his country feared, honoured, and respected, pointing a mighty contrast between the beginning and the end of his life — shows that nations are guarded by Providence. Isaiah the sublime poet-prophet, teaching all times the grandest truth. Paul^ whose life, conversion, character, preach- ing, success, apologies, revelations, martyrdom, and writings, in- structing hundreds of millions, and teaching for all time, has been thought a vindication of the truth of the Christian religion. Well may he say, " They glorified God in me." Luther who in the face of the crowned heads of Europe or their representatives said, " Here stand I, I can do no other, God help me ! '* Calvin, who against the works of the papists maintained that we are justified by faith. Knox, whose prayers made poor, characterless, Mary Queen of Scots, tremble more than the approach of an army of soldiers. Wickliffe the morning star of the glorious reformation from popery. Latimer and Ridley who lighted the torches which have illumined with a celestial flame the ages since. What shall we say of Columbus discovering the western world } Galileo proving the world moved. Milton with his poetry and love of liberty. Sir Isaac Newton reading the laws of nature, and sur- vejdng our neighbour worlds. Hugh Miller finding sermons in stones. Wesley, that blessed man, and Whitfield, chief of impassioned Christian preachers. Napoleon, God's scourge, and the glory of the French. Wellington check-mating the erratic, meteor-like Bona- parte, Cromwell, Washington, &c., &c. No doubt God so raised up the great Victor Emmanuel. We observe — II. — ^That King Victor Emmanuel was evidently a great MAN IN THE WORK HE ACCOMPLISHED. Of the house of Savoy, he came to the throne, after his father's abdication, March 23rd, 1849. He began to' reign in troublous times. His father's army had just been defeated by the Austrians. Small and feeble was his day. His kingdom was only a part of Italy ; indeed, it only comprised the island of Sardinia and Pied- Digitized by Google 148 VICTOR EMMANUEL, LATE KING OF ITALY. mont. In June, 1859, came the battle of Magenta, on the plains of Lombardy. Victory was on his side, and the people were on his side. Amid rejoicings he entered Milan, and Lombardy was added to his dominion. In i860 Tuscany, the States of the Pope, and the two Sicilies were added to the glories of the Italian kingdom. Garibaldi entering Naples, September, i860, with six followers. In 1866 Venetia was added to the dominions of the king of Italy. Victor Emmanuel entered Venice. The much-coveted and natural capital, Rome, appeared to be as far from being united to the empire as ever. Garibaldians fought and were beaten in their patriotic attempt. But what man cannot accomplish. Divine Provi- dence can bring to pass. Battles, change and revolutions came. In 1870 war broke out between Prussia and France. The French soldiers were withdrawn from Rome. Rome, where the council had declared, in June, the pope was infallible. Rome, where the infallible Pope prophesied — when the king of Italy, in his dispatch to the Pope, had said he was about to take Rome — " I tell you, you shall never possess Rome." But he did possess Rome. The papal army made a show of resistance. It was vain. The army of the king made a breach. The city was taken. The Roman people rejoiced to be delivered from the rotten rule of the tyrant. The bells were rung, salutes fired, banners hoisted, bands of music played. At night there were grand illuminations. The people were almost frantic with joy. What a remarkable interposition of Divine Providence! The king who began to reign over a fragment of the nation saw Lom- bardy, Venetia, Tuscany, the States of the Pope, the two Sicilies, with other minor states, united into one kingdom, with Rome as the capital. If not over such a wide surface as Russia, or so populous as China, one of the loveliest kingdoms in the world. What a variety of climate and scene. Think of its fruits, flowers, hills, and valleys. Its lovely landscapes, so often having their beauties increased by views of the blue sea. From where the Alps lifts its white breast to the blue heavens, to Brindisi, a united nation ! God " setteth up one and putteth down another." III. — He was a great man in the forces he overcame. In this world it is easier to divide than to unite. There were the king- lings and political divisions of Italy. Chief, however, was the most subtle and diabolical system which ever cursed the world — Popery. That popery is the anti-christ of scripture, though there be many anti-christs, can scarcely be doubted. Look at — First. The place, — " And the woman which thou sawest is that great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth." " The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth." Digitized by Google VICTOR EMMANUEL, LATE KING OF ITALY. 1 49 Secondly. Pretended miracles, — " Lying wonders.** Thirdly. Persecution, — " And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands." Fourthly. Celibacy. — ** Forbidding to marry." They exalt matri- mony into a sacrament. But it is a sacrament the clergy refuse to take. Fifthly. Usurpation, — " Which reigneth over the kings of the earth." Sixthly. Blasphemy, — She says, the pope is infallible. ** Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.'* This was the system with which the king of Italy had to grapple. But he had kindred spirits to help him. Was it a chance that he had Count Cavour to help him ? A man of wide culture, and well able to discern the signs of the times. Who studied parliamentary institutions on the British model. Whose doctrine was, " let us wait on the sequence of events.** And whose aspiration was, *'a free church in a free state.** Was it chance that raised up the gallant Garibaldi ? The man who fought in South America, who entered Naples, with six atten- dants, and who may well be termed the patriot-soldier. How were those three raised up ? The statesman, the soldier, the king .^ How did they do such a glorious work ? By Divine Providence. Hence the system, hoary with years, and hoary with cruelty, was overturned. " Rejoice, O ye heavens, and be joyful, O earth, for the Lord hath done it.** IV. — He was GREAT IN THE BENEFITS HE CONFERRED ON HIS COUNTRY, AND ON THE WORLD. What were they } First. Civil liberty, — Rome had been so governed that Victor Emmanuel was hailed with frantic joy, ** long live the king ! ** The prisons at Naples and Rome were horrible. Bomba and the Pope were a pair. Now Italy has freedom of public meeting, and repre- sentative institutions copied from Protestant nations. Secondly. Mental liberty, — " You may have liberty to think,** said a statesman, to Andrew Fuller. " You cannot give or deny us that power. The slave who bleeds beneath the lash, and groans beneath the yoke, has that power.** But Rome denies even this. It takes away the right of private judgment. The Romanist must believe the Pope infallible, the wafer a god. Now the Italians have a free press, free institutions, and free speech. Thirdly. Religious liberty, — ^They can read their Bibles. Worship God under their own vine and fig-tree, none daring to make them Digitized by Google ISO VICTOR EMMANUEL, LATE KING OF ITALY. afraid. They can build their sanctuaries, gather the lambs into the Sabbath schools, and do like the ancient Christians, who " com- pared those things with the scriptures to see if they were so." We have heard of in partihus infidelium^ but how about Rome now that Protestant places of worship stand in sight of the Vatican ? In the council of 1870, a bishop who objected to the Protestants being called heretics, was called a heretic himself. He also objected to the charge that Protestantism begat infidelity, and was obliged to leave his speech unfinished. It is not yet ended. But the fact remains that in Rome there are Protestant places of worship and Protestant clergymen. Dr. Manning, once an English clergyman, now a Roman Cardi- nal, said more than ten years ago, ** Protestantism is dead in Ger- many." But is it ? There are such men as Moltke, Bismarck, and the Emperor William there. The German-Franco war united Germany. And has the Pope had no trouble there ? It led to a united Italy. The wish is father of the thought, that Protestantism is dead. Is it dead in Germany ? Is it dead in America ? Is it dead in England ? We have been cursed by the Pope, but God has wonderfully blessed us since. V. — The IMMORTALITY OF GREAT MEN. They do not altogether die. Their sayings live. Their words are repeated. Their works are their monument. It is so with authors. It is so in this case. Rome is shorn of its strength for mischief. Italy united. The world blessed. Victor Emmanuel lives in his noble country, and its free institutions. What patriot- ism he displayed when he gave up ^'200,000 per annum of his civil list. This quality of patriotism was regarded as a great virtue by the ancients. They regarded it more than filial affection, or love of life. Though the King of Italy was weak enough to seek the removal of the Pope's curse ; and the poor old Pope weak enough to think he could send him to heaven or hell, yet the king's patriotism shines out the more brilliantly from this circumstance. It also shows us the importance of education. Sound education is very deficient in Italy. The king is gone. Italy remains. " His works follow him." VI. — The mortality of great men. ** A prince and a great man is fallen." January 9th, he fell. Though a terrible war was raging in a neighbouring empire, Europe was startled by the intelligence of the death of one of the most popular sovereigns. His own people were full of grief. It was sudden. Like a thunderbolt from the blue heavens. Digitized by Google VICTOR EMMANUEL, LATE KING OF ITALY. 15I How admonitory. Though a king he must die. He was con- quered by " the king of terrors." How vain is human greatness and glory. Though he lived in a palace, wore a crown, occupied a throne, what is the whole to him now ? Here we see the equality of the race. Made of one blood, purchased by the same common salvation, we have one end. " One event happeneth to all." The king and the beggar are alike in this respect. The beggar has the right of passing through. The king little more. " Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." " We must needs die and be as water spilt upon the ground." " It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment." " The voice said. Cry. And he said. What shall I cry ? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of grass ; the grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God endureth for ever." " What is your life ? it is even as a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." " The fashion (pageantry) of this world passeth away." The lessons which the whole subject teacheth are : — First. Admiration and gratitude, — ^Who raised up Victor Em- manuel } Who gave him his power, wisdom, courage, and modera- tion ? Who raised up Cavour and Garibaldi ? Who gave the king success, so that from his little kingdom he had beautiful, united, free, Italy } Let us not forget God. " Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." "And now blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things, and blessed be his glorious name forever. And let the whole earth be filled with His glory ? Amen and amen." Secondly. Faith. — " Trust ye in the Lord Jehovah, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." What cannot He do ? The great and stirring events of our times were anticipated by the prophet Daniel and the apostle John. What is the meaning of the 1260 years ? Without going very minutely into the matter (though the more minutely the more clearly it is seen) look at the bold outline. It was said of Napoleon III., " Now the Romanists have a cham- pion with a million of men and many ships, they will strike a blow on the nation which has been the home of religious Kberty." The " blow," however, was one of the mightiest strokes in favour of liberty. The French Empress said, " Better the Prussians at Paris than the Italians at Rome." Yet both occurred. What a solemn lesson in providence do we learn from such events. " Not a sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of your Father in heaven.'* " The Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Thirdly. Let us not he blind to the doings 0/ Rome, — This apostate, idolatrous, persecuting church is ever ready to deprive us of our Digitized by Google 152 VICTOR EMMANUEL, LATE KING OF ITALY. Bible and liberty. It is like the chameleon which changes accord- ing to the colour it is near. Black in Spain and Rome, gray in Canada, and white in England. How innocent and harmless it appears here. Even persecuted. Can we forget its no faith with heretics ; Black Bartholomew, and the murder in cold blood of the French Protestants ; the Armada of Spain, with its thumb-screws and instruments of torture, had not God blown with His wind ; the gunpowder-plot to destroy the king and both houses of parliament ; the inquisition of Spain ; the treatment of the Waldenses ; the Pope excommunicating good Queen Elizabeth, but God blessing her ; the Pope cursing the Bible Society (no wonder), and God blessing it ; the Pope cursing Victor Emmanuel, and God blessing him ; the revolution of 1668; or Dr. Manning, a pervert, a man of intense spiritual pride and ecclesiastical ambition, depriving the Italians in London of the service they wished on the death of their beloved sovereign. A drunken woman is a pitiable sight. A prophet saw one, — "And I saw the woman drunken, with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus ; and when I saw her I wondered with great admiration." ** Contend, earnestly, for the faith once delivered to the saints." If a Romanist gives up body and soul to the so-called Church of Rome, how is he to know it is the true church, or the sacrament the true sacrament, if one wrong intention of the priest might vitiate the whole ? Poor papists ! ! Lord save them ! ! ! Fourthly. Let us learn to die, — One said, *' I die daily.** We should in anticipation. The day will come. How life glides. Like a day, life has its morning, how soon the sun reaches the meridian and then descends the western hill. All are moving. On the stream of life no one can come to anchor. Think of the universality of Death's ravages. He triumphs over all times, all countries, all ages. He enters the hovel of the poor and the palace of the king. Courage, rank, titles, glory, retinues, royal robes, strong constitu- tions, the love of friendship and the skill of science cannot defend us from the attack of the last enemy. None are too high or too low, too rich or too poor, too young or too old, too honoured or too mean for his stroke. But I see a mightier ! ! ** Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah } This that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength .^ I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." He came to save. He grappled with the foe on the cross. The enemy pierced His side, and lost his sting. *' O death, where is thy sting } " '* Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Digitized by Google BY THE SUEZ CANAL. 153 There is only one way for kings and beggars, "There is no other name under heaven among men whereby we must be saved." " What thou doest, do quickly." " Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die." " The judge standeth at the door." But if by repentance towards God, and faith in Christ, your house is in order, all will be well. Plain may be your funeral, few may attend, no tombstone may mark your grave, but mighty angels will bear you to heaven. Christ will give you a welcome. Who so rich as he who has all the fulness of God ? Who so free as he who has the liberty of the sons of God ? Who so secure as he who is defended by the mighty power of God ? May immortality receive us to its still, glorious and happy bosom ! 88, W/it/iej' Hill, Bradford^ Feb, 8///, 1878. S. L. Thorne. BY THE SUEZ CANAL. The embarkation from Jaffa was a far easier matter than the de- barkation. We made our way down the narrow streets to the quays, and halted a few minutes for the final arrangements — a motley group, English, French, German, Dalmatian, American, and Syrian, Stalwart Arab porters btought down the luggage strapped in incredi- ble piles upon their backs, there was the last cup of coffee, and then in the afternoon of Tuesday, March 20th, we went on board the Russian steamer. The day was delightful and the sea perfectly smooth. We had Dr. Waddington and Mr. Orme, as well as Miss Arnott and one of the little Syrian maids from her school. Mr. Cook, sen., was with us too, a universal favourite with his voyagers, not less for his kindness and cheerfulness than for the arrange- ments he makes so conducive to our safety and comfort. A Russian steamer is a new experience, and, while the oily cuisine is unfamiliar, there is nothing to complain of. We ran the distance during the night, and arrived at Port Said once more in the morning. Almost as soon as we cast anchor, the magnificent " Indus " steamed across our bows. I shouted, but could get no attention from her deck. I felt rather dismal at the thought that if I must miss the mail after all, I should be fretting away the time among these sandy wastes rather than in sight of Lebanon on the road to old Damascus. Some one said the mail- boat was further down the harbour, and so, gathering my luggage together, and making a hasty farewell, I dropped into a boat, and hailed—not the ** Indus " after all, but the ** Malwa." The captain of the latter boat promised to take me down the Canal, and, assuring me that he should overtake the "Indus," relieved my Digitized by Google 154 BY THE SUEZ CANAL. anxieties. The "Malwa"was beautifully neat, clean, and .fresh, fitted in the way which has given the P. & O. boats a pre-eminent reputation. I was the only passenger, but the officers were very agreeable, and the quiet of the spacious and stately steamer was very grateful after so much excitement and fatigue. I could scarcely have made the passage of the Canal under more favourable circumstances. The Suez Canal is some hundred miles in length. Existing lakes were utilized for a large part of the distance, the excavations being about one-fourth of the entire length. Nowhere does it run through fertile country, the whole of the tract through which it passes is arid sand. Nothing shows more plainly the enormous blunders which English statesmen are liable to than the tedious history of this great undertaking. It is more than twenty years since M. de Lesseps took the first steps for its construction. He had always to encounter the implacable hostility of Lord Palmer- ston, and notwithstanding the fact that the English are the greatest gainers by it, we owe the canal to the indomitable energy and courage of Frenchmen. The Khedive rendered great aid in the objectionable shape of forced labour, as well as enormous subscrip- tions of borrowed capital, which the English Government have now made their own by purchase. All day we crept along between the sandy banks at our prescribed rate of five or six knots per hour. Awkward curves and narrow passages try the seamanship and patience of the canal pilot. By sunset we had covered the distance I had once traversed before in the night, when going from Cairo to Port Said via Ismailia. This latter town is dimly visible through the darkness, as we halt for the night in the lakes. The "Indus" is some little distance ahead. Morning sees us on our way again, a repeti- tion of the scenes of the previous day. Rushes and native plants spring from the margins of the canal, giving promise of a growth sufficient in future to assist in keeping the channel clear of sand- drift. At Ismailia, a fresh-water canal is brought from Zagazig, turning southward it runs the whole distance to Suez, supplying that town as well as the railway and canal establishments with water. Who knows but that life and fertility may ultimately follow the course of the refreshing stream ? Where the banks are low enough for the purpose, we catch wide- reaching desert glimpses. On either side of the canal the mirage deceives with ravishing lengths of cool and glittering lakes. Their farther shores are adorned with shapes which fancy easily trans- forms into cities, towers, and palaces, armies or imposing caval- cades. Suddenly the steamer glides between high banks again, and the dazzling panorama is exchanged for a view of a w^ayside station-house, or an occasional barelegged wayfarer plodding along high above us. It was still early in the afternoon when we arrived at Suez. Docks, wharves, and railways present themselves as a contrast to surround- ing Eastern apathy, and old-world houses and costumes. The approach from the wharves to the town is by a causeway or road of considerable length. Donkey-boys are to the fore. The Digitized by Google BY THE SUEZ CANAL. 155 rival merits of " Eari of Sal-is-bury, sir," " Kenealy," " Obadiah," and many more are pressed upon one's attention. Selecting one, I went up to the town, and obtained my letters, &c., from England. Suez is like most other Eastern towns, ill-built, narrow and tortuous streets, and the usual bazaar scenes. There is a fine hotel, but it wears a deserted aspect since so much of the overland traffic busi- has been transferred to the wharves below the canal entrance. There was a Mohammedan festival in progress which a donkey-boy told me was all the same as Christmas. I presume it was the pro- phet's nativity they were commemorating. I returned to the wharf and spent the night on board the ** Indus." We had all next day to wait for the arrival of the Brindisi mail, and passengers by train from Alexandria. There is a European settlement at the wharves. They have managed to get little gardens with trees and greenery, by the aid of water from the sweet-water canal. A bust of Lieu- tenant Waghorn, the discoverer of the overland route, overlooks the gulf. We made another excursion to Suez to-day, this time in a steam-launch. At the wharves, too, there is a deal of animation. Tents are pitched for the accommodation of the Khedive's soldiers, and a party of them are there, either going or returning from Massowah for the Abyssinian war — lithe and sinewy Arabs, and stalwart, swarthy Nubians in a scanty white cotton or linen uniform. Squatted on the wharves close to our great steamers, were numerous dealers in petty wares. A party of soldiers came up and demanded something from an old man's basket. He naturally refused. They went on from threats to blows, and would finally have seriously ill- treated the hawker and robbed his basket, had not one of our officers called to them to desist. They skulked off, giving a grudg- ing obedience to imperious British love of fair-play, which neither their own laws nor military discipline could exact from them. In- deed, I am not sure that their own laws would condemn them. In spite of general desolation we have a beautiful scene around us. The intensely blue lake-like water, enclosed in a rim of golden sand ; bold ranges of mountains with serrated peaks on either hand, glowing in pink, purple, orange, gold, and crimson, as the changing hours pass by. Across the gulf somewhere is an oasis of verdure around ** Moses' Wells." I don't know whether anybody made the excursion ; I did not. It was near midnight when the dusty train rumbled up to its terminus under the sheds abreast of us. The weary passengers climbed the lofty sides of their steamers, and went to their berths. We were very full, and I had to share a cabin with two others, anything but a pleasing prospect through the tropics ; and I had no suitable clothes, for I had been unable to find my luggage at Suez, although the Peninsular and Oriental people in Cockspur- street had engaged that I should do so. Saturday morning, March 24th, we found the low, serrated hills on either side of the Gulf of Suez in full view. Here a«d there a dip in the hills allowed the passage of a mighty sand-drift from the desert. Our steamer sweeps on in calm majesty ; her deck perfectly level, and her immense length rendering the ripple quite impercep- Digitized by VjOOQ IC 156 THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD. tible. Palm-Sunday, — but I need not tell you about it ; my ex- periences were just like those which a " Pilgrim " described to you in May. We had some Cornish and Devonshire miners on board, going out to new Zealand. One or two had belonged to us at one time, in the Tavistock Circuit. Their singing was delightful. Yes, Mr, Batt, your sentiment is as true as it is beautiful. Let me quote you — " It is a beautiful thought this, that many a song heard in the home in England still lives in the memory of children and brothers far away in the colonies. Who knows the moral power of the song that still lives } — and the comfort of it ?" But I must stop, and indeed, Mr. Editor, I will not trouble you with much more of the same kind, lest I should fall under John Foster's satire on "The alarming increase of Books of Travel." John Thorne. THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD. (Concluded from page ii%.J Let us consider — IL — This blessedness in relation to its essential in- separable MORAL AND SPIRITUAL PREPARATION. The Supreme blessedness of which our text speaks is not for all indiscriminately ; the necessary preparation consists in a vital union with Jesus Christ. " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord^ The future heavenly life, though immensely superior, bears an intimate relation to the present life. What the harvest is to the seed, the full-blown flower to the bud, the stream to the fountain whence it flows, is the life to come to the present life. " Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." The life to come, then, will be but the com- plete development of the good or evil of this life. How immensely important, then, the life that now is, since it affords us an oppor- tunity of sowing seed from which, in eternity, we shall reap the harvest of eternal glory. The one thing necessary is to be found '^ in Christ^' — ''in the Lord'' The pious dead were united to Christ before their removal from this world. And what a blessing to be found " in Him /" To be "in Him " as the branch is in the vine, to be one with Him as He is one with the Father, is the highest privilege and dignity. This blessed union is not dissolved by death. Believers " die in the Lordy Death dissolves all other unions, but this it touches not ; it abideth for ever. To *'die in the Lord'' is to die in the true faith — ^a genuine faith in the merits of Jesus Christ as our only Saviour, " who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption." Thus to be " in Christ," by humble, earnest faith, is to be free from condemnation. ** There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." The Digitized by Google THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD. 1 57 language of true faith in Jesus Christ, and in the fulness and com' pleteness of His atoning sacrifice, is, " Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee." And in this true faith Christians live and die. To " die in the Lord'^ is to die in His love. True religion is ex- pressed, in substance, in the few but deeply significant words — *' We love Him because He first loved us." And when this love to Christ is intensified by intimate fellowship with Him, it is not marvellous that we should sometimes " desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." But to " die in the Lord^^ we must live in the Lord, " In Him " in life. — ^This is the "one thing needful," the "pearl of great price," " the good part which shall not be taken away." The prayer, " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like His," separated from any earnest, good desire relative to the life^ is only worthy of him who first uttered it, and betrays a selfish, carnal spirit. It is far more noble and Christ-like to pray, " Let me live the life of the righteous," and we may then, with calm confidence, leave our death and future destiny in His hands. " Mark the per- fect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." ** Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." III. — ^ThE CERTAINTY OF THIS BLESSEDNESS. The VOice from heaven proclaims it, the Spirit of God attests it. " Yea, saith the Spirit." What a precious confirmation of a glorious fact ! Jesus Christ, " the resurrection and the life," has " abolished death," and by His blessed Gospel has " brought life and immortality to light." We would ask those who proudly boast of their systems of philoso- phy, what are their consolations in presence of death and of the grave .? What the consolations of materialism or rationalism ? What 1 can we believe that all we have loved is turned to dust, and find consolation in that } What ! are friends never to cherish the hope of meeting again "^ What ! are we to have no recollec- tion of loved ones but as mere shadows that have departed for ever ? What ! is the open grave a hopeless abyss } What ! is this life, then, without an object ? And is this all the consolation that Atheism has to offer at the loss of friends by death } But what say the ^' free thinkers " to these matters } With them all is uncertainty. But in the presence of death our souls thirst for certainty ; before an open grave and in presence of such solemn realities, nothing can satisfy us but certainty. Certainty I Wc must have certainty. Bare probabilities, ingenious hypotheses, fanciful speculations, cannot satisfy men when they stand on the verge of the grave, and on the borders of eternity. Nothing but certainty will suffice then. I repeat, certainty is indispensable, and here we have it. The Gospel of Christ reveals life, even eternal life, which is infinitely stronger than death. "I am the resurrection and the life." '* But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become Digitized by Google IS8 THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD. the first-fruits of them that slept." " Them who sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." " And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do follow them.'* And as those already " with Christ,'' we even now stand in presence of the realities of eternal life, uttering the triumphant song of the Apottle, "O death ! where is thy sting ? O grave ! where is thy victory ? " " Thanks be unto God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Is such the eternal blessedness of departed saints ? Then be not afraid to enter on the possession of such ** far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," neither be ye afraid of death, which is but the chariot by which we are taken " home " to its enjoyment. If the spirit of Jacob revived to see the waggons sent to take him to his son Joseph, ought we not rather to rejoice and be filled with spiritual delight at the prospect of speedily being taken to our Saviour ? And what if our bodies, those beautiful fabrics of divine workmanship, be for a while consigned to the dust, they will still be in the loving care of our heavenly Father who will raise them up again at the last day, fashioned like unto the glorious body of the Son of God, no longer subject to disease, accident, violence, decay, nor want ; — never to be again dissolved by death, but for ever to bloom as with the spring of youth. The great question for all to consider is, the importance of a due and immediate personal preparation for such blessedness by secur- ing an abiding vital interest in Jesus Christ. Our departed friends are only " gone before." The first falling leaves of autumn not only remind us of the approaching winter, but are a sure sign of the speedy falling of millions upon millions of others. " For we all do fade as a leaf." Then " Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." I could wish that my task was now done. But as a few words of information in the further application of this subject are expected, relative to one so well known to you, and who to all but herself was so unexpectedly taken from us to her heavenly rest, I hope that such as I may be able to speak may tend to magnify the grace of God, especially in the help afforded under the mortal conflict through which she has so peacefully and quickly passed. My dear wife was blessed with pious parents, and from a child she was taken to the house of God, and, in various other ways, she was brought under religious influences. The ministers of the Gospel have always been respected and kindly entertained at her father's house. And when, on one occasion, the Rev. Joseph Han- cock— who for many years has been a most devoted missionary in South Australia — spoke to her about the importance of religious decision, and asked her to let him know when she was converted, it made such a deep impression upon her mind and heart that she never forgot it. ** A word spoken in season, how good it is." The family removed from the neighbourhood of Highampton some twenty-six years ago to Langabeer, in the parish of Hatherleigh, Digitized by Google THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD. 159 which farm they still occupy. And though located more than two miles from Hatherleigh, they have, from the first, been regular attendants at the Bible Christian Chapel in that town. Indeed, they attended the ministry of the Denomination before the present chapel was built, when divine worship was conducted in some " upper room." About fifteen to sixteen years ago, when the Rev. Samuel Crocker was pastor of the circuit, there was an extensive revival of religion, and Mary Grace was one of many who decided to fully consecrate themselves to Christ, and from that period until her death she ever manifested a practical interest in the prosperity of His cause, particularly in the prosperity of the denomination with which she had been in different ways connected from early childhood. Little did we think a few weeks ago that she would be so soon taken from us, — called so suddenly to leave six dear children without a tender mother's care and love. But though a ruby freshness marked her countenance, she was not favoured with a strong constitution. About three months ago she was suddenly summoned home to at- tend the funeral of her late dear brother, Mr. Simon Guscott. This made a deep impression on her ; and in a letter to her dear and aged father, written only a few days before her death — the last she ever wrote — ^an extract from which will best show her physical weak- ness and spiritual state, she thus touchingly alludes to it — ^^ Penzance y January zUhy 1877. ** My Dear Father, — Your welcome and long-looked-for letter was gladly received. I was beginning to think whether we were to bear from you any more. I was so anxious to know how you were getting on, and who you had to help you. I hope Elizabeth Ann and her husband will, in some measure, make up for dear Simon's loss — I mean in reference to the work. I am almost ready to ask sometimes, Can he really be gone ? Alas, it is too true ! He can- not come back again, but we shall go to him ; and what a mercy if we all at last meet in heaven, where parting shall be no more ! Thank you, dear father, very much for your good advice. I trust I may be ready whenever the call may come. I sometimes think that, perhaps, I shall be the next. The Lord only knows. For the last three weeks I have been very unwell. I have had such a violent coM, and such a dreadful cough that I have scarcely had any rest night or day. It is almost shaking me to pieces. I have medicine from the doctor, and I hope I shall soon get relieved, or else I think it will prove too hard for me. I am sorry to hear you have been so poorly. Take all the care you can of yourself during the winter months. The weather here has not been cold but very wet. Please give my very kind love to dear Ellen, and to all my brothers and sisters when you see them, and with much love for yourself, dear father, in which all unite, and hoping to hear from you again soon, believe me, dear father, ** Your affectionate daughter, " M. G. Lee.'» This letter shows that for some three weeks before she was con- fined— ^Wednesday, January 31 — she had been suffering from a Digitized by Google l6o THE ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS OF THE PIOUS DEAD. severe cold, which, with loss of appetite, produced extreme weak- ness. But we hoped that afterwards matters would assume a more cheering aspect, and that in a few weeks she would be quite restored. But the skill and attention of her medical attendant, and the constant kindness and care of her friends, were ineffectual to preserve her life. She herself entertained fears that she should not recover, and occasionally gave expression thereto ; but the doctor encouraged us to hope. The night before she died she seemed worse, and her medical attendant paid her an early morning visit. After a careful examination, he assured us that there was no cause for alarm ; the extreme weakness, however, demanding great quietness and care. As there was no change for the better during the day, we decided on obtaining further medical advice, if a speedy improvement did not take place. At night a change for the worse was distinctly visible. Between nine and ten o'clock we sent an urgent message to the doctor, requesting him to call in another medical gentleman for consultation. They promptly came, and pronounced the case to be a very critical one of congestion of the lungs, and that there was but little hope of recovery. Powerful remedies, however, were immediately tried. Between ten and eleven o'clock the cold perspirations too plainly told us recovery was impossible ; but even then we cherished the hope that she might at least continue for a few days. She took her medicine at half-past eleven, holding the glass in her own hand, but it was soon apparent that life was fast ebbing out. I requested that our-eldest daughter should be at once brought into the room. Her dear mother recognized her, kissed her, but said not a word, and in a few moments — at a quarter to twelve on Tuesday, February 6, 1877 — her spirit peacefully departed to " enter into the joy of her Lord.*' She was sensible to the last. Not long before she died, I prayed, as best I could, commending her spirit to the loving care and safe keeping of Jesus, in which she earnestly joined. She sent a message of love to her friends, mentioning specially " dear father," " the dear children." And then her attention seemed to be turned from all earthly objects to the heavenly ; and, already close on the verge of heaven, she said, ^^ I am going home T ^^ Lord Jems ^ receive me^ take meJ^ Her religious experience was simple trust in the merits of Christ. In conversation, the day before her death, relative to the complete and perfect atoning work of Christ, she repeated a part of the hymn, ** There is a fountain filled with bloqd," laying special emphasis on the second verse, " The dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day ; And there may I, though vile as he. Wash all my sins away." ** We sorrow not as those without hope,*' But the solemn task of telling the dear children, the next morning, that they no longer had a mother, may be better imagined than described. In accord- ance with her earnestly expressed wish, she was taken to Hather- Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. l6l leigh and buried in her mother's grave, on Saturday, February loth, 1877, there peacefully to await *'the resurrection of the just" to eternal life. I cannot fully express my gratitude for all the kind Christian sympathy manifested towards us by the ministers, mem- bers, and friends of our own and other churches ; nor can I hope to compensate them ; nevertheless, I do hope and pray that they may " be recompensed at the resurrection of the just," and that we may all more fully learn the lesson that such a solemn circumstance is designed to teach, " Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." But, ** Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." W. Lee. CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. XVIII.— SONG-SERVICE. First Part. I BELIEVE, from **^the crown of the head to the sole of the foot," in song-worship. If the Great Father of our spirits ever designed human beings to worship in any given form at all, surely He designed them to worship in " psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," The chief intention of His bestowing the musical gift must be. that He might be lauded in His works, praised by the harmonies of song in His temple. The sanctum sanctorum of nature is full of beauty because full of poetry and music. Night, with its sable robes all glittering with stars and planet-pearls, is but the soft and plaintive refrain of day's orchestral music ; while the roll of seasons and the flight of years are but the distant music-echoes of the surge-beats on the ever- lasting shores 1 Ay, both the heavens above in their silent solemn grandeur, and the earth beneath in its ever-pulsing life, teem with multifold voices, which trill without training, and charm with their melodies without either note-book or teacher 1 The gift is universal, with the exceptional rule, from the bird on the wing to the cricket on the hearth ; from the spring among the rushes to the Atlantic in its bed ; from the child in its cradle to the hoary grandsire in his dotage. And the love of song alike is found in the wigwam of the savage and the palace of royalty. There are two egregious errors extant among people in general in relation to the '* Service of Song" : — the first is, that instead of its being regarded as a most important part in public worship, it is looked upon as a mere ornamentation, or trifling appendage to worship, which may be attended to indifferently or set aside entirely according to people's tastes and laziness. The second is, that it belongs exclusively to a set choir, drilled and educated for it, irre- spective of character, position, and other accidentals in their distinctive individuality. I beg to enter my protest against both of these. In the first place, I maintain that the ** Service of Song " M Digitized by Google l62 CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. is not an artistic display of musical talent, nor a mere appendix to the chapter of worship , but a most important department of Christian service, intended to lift human spirits into holier union and sweeter communion with the Infinite, until spirit touches spirit, heart beats time to heart, music blends with music, and earth be- comes bathed in the gladness and glory of heaven ! Our hymns are to be vehicles set in motion by the instrument and voice, to carry us up to the Tabor-heights of transport and vision. Every song is to be a benediction, every psalm a dew- shower of blessing. God has commanded it, both in the Old and New Testaments. May I venture to say that the commands to praise are more abun- dant than the commands to pray ? That the exhortations to sing are more plentiful than the exhortations to prayer ? I do not say this to lessen in the least degree the importance of prayer, or to exalt sacred song above the exercise of praying; but simply to elevate song-ministry to its right and scriptural position in the services of God's house ; to set it forth as a sacred and binding obligation ; to present it in its truly important character. Because papists and ritualists have perverted its original simplicity, and prostituted its grand design by making it an elaborate performance of choral skill, turning the ** house of prayer" into an oratorio or music-hall, thus losing the substance in the form, that is no reason why we should lightly esteem, or scornfully ignore, or peremptorily neglect a means of grace so devout, divine, imperative, and precious! That is no authority for us to violate, by indifference or abandon- ment, the commands of Holy Scripture ! Therefore I assert that song-service is no mere ornamentation, but a Christian duty ; no mere appendage to worship, but a divinely appointed and approved part thereof; no figment of ** Romanism " or innovation of ** Anglicanism,*' but a form of temple-worship observed hundreds of years prior to the nativity of ** David's Greater Son," and a direct Biblical command. It is to find its highest use in communion ivith God. It is the fittest vehicle in which a whole adoring church can travel to the " Mount of God," and pluck the blushing clusters of holy comfort, inhale the zephyr gales of celestial joy, and attune the heart-strings to the softness and elegance and pathos of seraph- harmonies ! God comes down through its mystic medium, or the soul ascends by its golden staircase (which you please) to the *' gate of heaven," to the ante- chamber of the king. And in the work of heart-melting and conversion, when rhetoric, as one once observed, has failed ; when logic has failed ; when theology has failed ; when earnest appeal has failed, singing has done the work ! Sfxond Part. In the second place, I beg to assert that the " Service of Song'' does not belong exclusively to a ''choir" but is the privilege and duty of rvery worshipper. The sentiment of Scripture is — " Let all the people praise Thee." If King David appointed certain singers and musicians to sustain the responsibility of song- worship, in order that it might be always and properly attended to, he did it not with the idea or intention to exclude all others who Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. 1 63 could and would like to join in the psalmody. Oh no ! Infinitely foreign from his mind was the thought that " Asaph " and his con- fraternity were to sing and play, and no one else : all intended by their appointment was that they should take the lead — the most prominent part — the sole responsibility of seeing that important branch of worship rightly and reverently performed. Choir-singing of the old Hebrew stamp I can heartily go in for ; but the choir- singing, exclusivism, and selfish monopoly of the nineteenth century are a nuisance^ rather than a sine qua nouy as some contend for. In nine cases out of ten the singing of choirs amounts to little more than the " display " of musical talent and taste, without one iota of genuine worship or true religious praise. In such cases the " service of song " becomes prostituted to solemn melodious mockery, gratifying to a detestable pride, but insulting to a Holy God. Unregenerate, and in many instances paid choristers, who arrogate to themselves the prerogative of exclusively performing the choral service — selecting, as they frequently do, tunes in which they think the congregation cannot join — are a hindrance to true worship ; and often, by their bickerings, disputes, and divisions, a positive drawback and disgrace to a church. For this part of sanctuary work we want, and must have, trained hearts as well as trained voices, musical soul^ as well as musical lips ; individuals who consciously feel the truth, the power, the sublimity, and the blessedness of the hymn — sentiments, the deeps of whosfe being send back silent responsive echoes to the vibrations of divinity therein. And if there be a select few ** set over the service of song in the house of the Lord," as in the temple worship of David's time, it should not be to monopolise, but simply to conduct it ; not to exclusively perform, but to lead it for the assembly, and so having, in blended voices and united hearts, real congregational psalmody and congregational song-communion. One thing we urgently want in this service is more heartiness. I have been almost chilled into an iceberg, sometimes, and in some places, as I have stood in the pulpit, by the cold, indifferent, heartless manner in which the beautiful hymns have been sung by the people. There is first a long '^ pause'' before anyone strikes, which is spent in significant hint-looks from one to another : then a feeble, unwilling, and half-hearted " pitch,*' done evidently more from sheer compul- sion and necessity than from a deep glad sense of honourable privilege : then listlessly and lazily joined in by one here and another there, as if to sing God's praises were the hardest, the most irk- some task, while the great bulk of the congregation stand up, or sit down, or " lounge " about in slothful indifference, vacant staring, and graveyard silence ! Now and again we come into contact with some unreasonable beings, who actually request you, if fortunately dowered with the musical talent, to raise the tunes, and so do the singing, the praying, the reading, the preaching — ay, the whole of the service ; while they, at their pleasure and leisure, can sing or not sing, help or not help. Now, this I pronounce a " burning shame." The minister's throat and chest and lungs need to be made of cast iron, in order M z Digitized by Google 164. CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. to do all such worshippers would heap upon him. There is too much laziness creeping into our churches, our worship, our congre- gations ! Many cannot stand to praise, nor kneel to pray, nor follow in the lesson with open Bibles, nor sit upright and atten- tively to hear the discourse, nor send up and breathe out, as they used to do, their " Amens" and ** Hallelujahs " nowadays! Silence reigns supreme. Supreme almost in the songs, and emphatically so in the prayers. The devil of indolence and respectability is padlocking the mouths, and freezing the hearts, and preventing the genuine spirit-worship of multitudes of professing Christians. When I have gone from some of our public services in the country, at which we had the utmost difficulty to drag through the hymns, I have been surprised and annoyed to hear a group of youngsters sweetly pealing forth the " songs of Zion " whilst standing at the corner of some lane or sitting on some embank- ment. In the sanctuary they were as dumb as statues, in the lanes or fields as musical as thrushes. I am certain we are not sufficiently utilizing the singing power and talent in our midst, but are allowing it to run to wilful and unholy waste. More atten- tion must be paid to this department of Divine worship — to Sabbath school singing and Congregational song-training. The young, shrill, sweet voices of the children must be pressed more abundantly into this sacred work. If they can render so delightfully their anni- versary hymns once a year, why not the general hymns all the year round } Moreover, to secure good congregational psalmody I would further suggest, that one be appointed as " Precentor," upon whom should devolve the duty of starting all tunes, and of conducting the ** Service of Song " in the most impressive and solemn manner. Then, to enable the congregation to get a knowledge of new tunes, so keeping up a freshness and variety, and making that part of worship as complete and attractive and universal as possible, I would fix on an evening — say, once a fortnight or once a month, as may be deemed expedient — to be devoted to singing, at which all the church members should strive to be present, as much as at a class, prayer, or preaching service ; and a§ many of the con- gregation or seatholders as may possess a desire to, and can con- veniently attend. A congregational song-practice night, fortnightly or monthly, wisely conducted and heartily entered into, would, lam confident, work marvellous revolution in our praise service, and make surpassingly enchanting and growingly heaven-like the '* Songs OF Zion ! " Finally, as a noble writer has eloquently said, '* the Bible is our book of song. It is not only our fountain of doctrine, but our fountain of devotion. IMark how much there is in it to sing. Mark, too, how much there is in it to make us sing. Out of its sixteen hundred chapters about two hundred are mainly lyrical. Some of them are mere bird-gushes of melody ; others are ' tender songs in the night * for God's children of sorrow ; others are spirit- rousing battle hymns, to be chanted by Christ's soldiers as they wind up the fortified steeps or hurl themselves on the foe. Crom- Digitized by Google THE REVOLUTION OF 1 688-9. 1 65 well went into the fire-clouds of Worcester and Dunbar singing the war-psalm of David. Latimer mingled the sweet songs of victory with the crackling of the flames at the martyr's stake. The whole range of sacred music is in the Bible, from the magnificent oratorio of the 14th Psalm, to the lark-like carol of the 46th. The sweetest of all is that plaintive nightingale, the 23rd Psalm. Through how many a dark weary hour of trial hath she poured her celestial strain. To millions this has been a song in the valley of the death- shade — a prelude on earth to the *'new song'* in the paradise of God — for one thing is incontestable, and that is, that we shall sing in heaven. Even our beloved brethren the Quakers had better take a few lessons by way of rehearsal on this side of the pearly gates. " If God gives the gift of song, then all His redeemed children should exercise it. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL RESULTS OF THE ENGLISH REVOLUTION OF 7688-9. By Owen K. HouiiS. [It will be in the recollection of our readers that when the Right lion, the Earl of Portsmouth laid the foundation-stone of the new buildings of our Educational estabhshment at Shebbear, he offered a prize of j£$ for the best Essay on the above subject, written by the pupils. That distinction has been earned by Master Owen K. Hobbs, of London. It has been suggested that I should print the Essay, and I do so cheerfully for two reasons. The Essay itself possesses con- siderable merit, and at the same time furnishes a proof of the efficiency with which the school is conducted.— Ed.] In order to understand the great importance of the English Revo- lution of 1688, it is necessary to examine the particular phases of the period in which the above event happened. Before the Wars of the Roses we have the character of the government accurately described by Sir John Fortescue when he said to Edward the Fourth : — " England is not an absolute but a limited monarchy ; not a land where the will of the prince is itself the law, but where the prince can neither make laws nor impose taxes save by his subjects* consent." At this time the Parliament formed a permanent and important part of the government of the realm. It was responsible for the laws of the country, and the king was but a cipher when unaided by it ; but when the Wars of the Roses were ended, we find that they had a far greater and more important effect upon England than ruining one royal house and setting up another. If they did not utterly destroy PLnglish freedom, they arrested its progress for more than a hundred years. The people as amass placed the chief power in the hands of the sovereign. Most of the old nobles had been slain in the recent wars, and when Henrj' VII. came to the throng Digitized by Google 1 66 THE REVOLUTION OF 1 688-9. he acted as an absolute monarch, and all the Tudors followed his example. This was especially the case in Henry the Eighth's reign, whose government was at all times very popular. It is true that there were many risings in Henry the Seventh's reign, but we must remember the troubled state of the country' at that period, and the imamiable character of the monarch ; but when the Tudors got firmly fixed upon the throne, then there was comparative peace throughout the land. We know that there were again risings in the reign of Edward the Sixth through discontent on account of the suppression of the monasteries, and the turning of the arable land into sheep-walks. But after taking into account all these risings, yet the period of the Tudors was a time cf general peace and happiness, and there is no doubt that the sovereigns were much liked by the nation at large. When the Stuarts came to the throne, they expected to enjoy the freedom of government that the Tudors had enjoyed, but they forgot that the great personal power of the crown rested upon the national approbation. It was because the wilt of the Tudors was in harmony with the will of the people that they were allowed to become the sole representatives of the nation. The Tudors also always yielded to the wish of the nation when un- mistakably and decidedly expressed ; we see this in the reign of Elizabeth when she suppressed the monopolies, and also in Henry the Eighth's reign when he levied a heavy loan. After having thus considered the state of England under the Tudors and the Stuarts, and even further back before the Wars of the Roses, let us now consider the Revolutionary Period. Ever since the reign of John, England had been struggling for principles of liberty. Constitutional liberty had been obtained under the Plantagenets, but, as we have said before, when the Tudors came to the throne they took the government into their own hands, and the Stuarts who followed them, although they were too weak to follow the example of the Tudors, yet they fully believed in the divine right of kings"; but they were not bold enough to follow in the steps of the Tudors, and too ignorant to understand the public wishes and tendencies. King James the First held that the king was from God, and the law from the king ; and Charles the First and James the Second staked life and crown in order to carry out this maxim into practice. At this time a fearful struggle was going on between liberty and despotism, and England's future hopes in a large measure de- pended upon the result. Happily for future generations, liberty gained the victory, and despotism was once and for ever thrown from the throne. The Declaration of Rights is the grand result of the revolution, and forms, after the Magna Charta, Petition of Rights, and the Habeas Corpus Act, the fourth great charter of English liberties. England by this time was tired of placing the executive power in the hands of the king. She needed constitutional liberty, and this was secured by the Declaration of Rights. The king, by means of this declaration, had to bow to Parliament, and no new law or tax could be levied or made without the consent of the Parliament. Digitized by Google THE REVOLUTION OF 1 688-9. 1 67 Upon this hangs all our English freedom. The king, moreover, was unable to maintain a standing army in time of peace without the consent of the Parliament. The people now were able to have a voice in the legislation of the nation ; they were allowed to choose their own representatives, and freedom of speech was given to the representatives of the nation in the House of Commons. By this statute every man could lawfully expect proper justice from the hands of the judges. The iniquitous Courts of Star Chamber and High Commission were abolished. No such man as Judge Jeffreys could henceforth hold a Bloody Assize. Henceforth the judges were to be appointed for life, and could not be turned out of their chairs at the caprice of the kings. The sovereigns, up to this time, had absolute power over the judges, and by threatening to cross them from the roll they could often intimidate them, and obtain whatever decision they wished. A man, if he desired to get on the bench, only had to show the king that he would obey him in all things, and that he would further his interests in every case that should be brought before him : then he very soon obtained the desired position. But, since this revolution, the judges cannot be turned out of their places unless they can be proved guilty of gross immorality or of accepting bribes. These cases have been few and far between, and our judges, as a rule, are men who delight in justice. Liberty of conscience was allowed to all. In 1689 the first legal Indulgence was granted to the Dissenters, and they were looked upon with respect. The Conformists, as at the present time, were split up into two great parties, the High Church and the Low Church. ]\Iacaulay says the High Church was in the majority, and the Low Church m the minority, but there was more learning among the latter than among the former, and they had a larger number of seats in the Parliament. William desired that all men should be allowed religious freedom, and he did all that in his power lay to promote the growth of it. It would not be true if we were to say that there have been no s}Tnptoms of reactionary feelings since the revolution of 1688. The waves of progress may be fitly compared to the waves that we see on the sea shore when the tide is coming in. However rapidly the advancing tide may gain its ground on the shore, yet the waves will be sure to recede as often as they advance, arid a cursory observer will hardly be able to tell whether the tide is receding or advancing. But if he stays for a few minutes on one spot, he will find rocks and stones, a short time ago uncovered, be- coming surrounded with the sea ; thus, with the progress of England as a nation ; we may be able to pick out one year here and there, where she has not made the progress that we might have expected ; but if we take any period of fifty or a hundred years we cannot fail to mark the rapid progress. Some have greatly depreciated this revolution, and others have even dared to sneer at it, because such changes were not wrought by it as by the Roman or French revolutions. Some have the idea firmly fixed in their minds, that no great event can happen in the Digitized by Google 1 68 GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. history of the legislation of a country, without great loss of life, and thus they look at the period of Oliver Cromweirs reign as being of far greater importance than that of the latter part of the seventeenth century ; but it did the work thoroughly and well, that was so much needed at this time to be done ; and we feel as much benefit to-day in the nineteenth century, as was felt by the nation at the dawn of the eighteenth. And as long as England holds the position that she does to-day among the nations of the earth, as a law-abiding country, her subjects will always have great reason to be thankful for this Revo- lution, and the changes wrought thereby. QLEANINQ8 FOR ALL READERS. THE BRIGHT SIDE. Look on the bright side. It is the right side. The times may be hard, but it will make them no easier to wear a gloomy and sad countenance. It is the sunshine and not the cloud that gives beauty to the flower. There is always before or around us that which should cheer and fill the heart with wannth and gladness. The sky is blue ten times where it is black once. You have troubles, it may be. So have others. None are free from them ; and perhaps it is as well that none should be. They give sinew and tone to life, fortitude and courage to man. That would be a dull sea, and the sailor would never acquire skill, where there is nothing to disturb its surface. It is the duty of every one to extract all the happiness and en- joyment he can within and without him ; and above all, he should look on the bright side. Cultivate all that is warm and genial — not the cold and repulsive, the dark and morose. ANCIENT TEMPERANCE DECLARATION. On the blank leaf of an old English Bible, which has been trans- mitted, from sire to son, through many successive generations, and appears as the property of Robert Bolton, B.D., and preacher of God's Word at Broughton, Northamptonshire, is inscribed the following ancient Temperance pledge : — " From this daye forwarde to the endc of my life, I will never pledge any healthe or drink a carouse in a glass, cup, bowle, or other drinking instrument, wheresoever it be, from whomsoever it come ; not to my own most gracious Kinge, nor any of the greatest monarch or tyrant upon earth ; nor my dearest friend, nor all the goulde in the world, shall ever enforse me. Not Angel from heavert (who I know will not attempt it) shall persuade, nor Satan, with all his oulde subtleties, nor all the powers of hell itself, shall betray me. By this very sinne (for sinne it is, and not a little one) I doc plainly find that I have more offended and dishonoured my glorious Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. 1 69 Maker, and most merciful Saviour, than by all other sinne that I am subject untoe ; and for this very sinne it is my God hath often been strange untoe me, and for that cause and noe other respect have I thus vowed, and I heartily beg my good Father in heaven, of His great goodness and infinite mercy in Jesus Christ, to assist me in the same, and be so favourable unto me for what is past. Amen. "Broughton, April loth, 1637. ^' Bolton." SEALS. MacCheyne's seal for his letters was the figure of a sun going down behind a hill. Walter Scott is said to have used a like em- blem, adding in Greek, " the night cometh." Calvin's motto is said to have been, "I burn for thee," accompanying the figure of a heart all in flames. This he alternated with the figure of a heart with wings outspread and soaring. Martin Luther pictured two hammers crossed and standing with their iron heads in the air. This came from the mechanical calling of his father, and he employed the device as symbolic of work. Maurice, son of William the Silent, at seventeen years of age, took for his seal a falling oak, with a young sapling springing from its root ; and on this he placed the motto, "^ Tandem fit surculus arbor '^ — ** By-and-bye the twig will become a tree." We remember that one Christian printed in the comer of his letter-sheet an anchor in a ring, Hope in eternity ; and another used a wing hour-glass standing on a clasped book, Time flies ^ and the record closes, — Presbyterian, NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN. Socrates, at an extreme old age, learned to play on musical instruments. Cato, at eighty years of age, learned to study the Greek language. Plutarch, when between seventy and eighty, commenced the study of Latin. Boccaccio was thirty-five years of age when he commenced his studies in light literature, yet he became one of the greatest masters of the Tuscan Dialect — Dante and Petrarch being the other two. Sir Henry Spellman neglected the sciences in his youth, but commenced the study of them when he was between fifty and sixty years of age. After this time he became a most learned antiquarian and lawyer. Dr. Johnson applied himself to the Dutch language but a few years before his death. Ludovico Monaldesco, at the great age of 1 15, wrote the memoirs of his ow^n times. Ogilby, the translator of Homer and Virgil, was unacquainted with Latin and Greek till he was past fifty. Franklin did not fully commence his philosophical pursuits till he had reached his fiftieth year. Dryden, in his sixty-eighth year, commenced the translatipn of the Iliad, his most pleasing production. Digitized by Google 170 GLEAXIKJS FOR ALL READERS. We could go on and cite thousands of examples of men who commenced a new study, either for livelihood or amusement, at an advanced age. But every one familiar with the biography of dis- tinguished men will recollect individual cases enough to convince him that none but the sick and indolent will ever say, I am too old to learn. THE POWER OF THE PENNY. One would scarcely expect that for a penny a day it would be pos- sible to obtain anything valuable. And yet it may be easily shown how much a penny a day, carefully expended, might do towards securing a man's independence, and providing his wife and family against the future pressure of poverty and want. Take up a prospectus and tables of a Provident Society, intended for the use of those classes who have a penny a day to spend, that is, nearly all the working classes of the country. It is not necessary to specify any particular society, because the best all proceed upon the same data, — the results of extensive observations and experi- ence of health and sickness, — and their tables of rates, certified by public actuaries, are very nearly the same. Now, looking at the tables of these Life and Sickness Assurance Societies, let us see what a penny a day can do. I . — For a penny a day, a man or woman of twenty-six years of age may secure the sum of ten shillings a week payable during the time of sickness, for the whole of life. 2. — For a penny a day (payments ceasing at sixty years of age), a man or woman of thirty-one may secure the sum of £^0 payable at death, whenever that event may happen, even though it should be during the week or the month after the assurance has been effected. 3. — For a penny a day, a young man or woman of fifteen may secure a sum of / 100, the payment of the penny a day continuing during the whole of life, but the /'i 00 being payable whenever death may occur. » 4. — For a penny a day, a young man or woman of twenty may secure an annuity o^ £zb per annum, or of los. per week for the whole of life, after reaching the age of sixty-five. 5. — For a penny a day, — ^the payment commencing from the birth of any child, — a parent may secure the sum of / 20, payable on such child reaching the age of fourteen years. 6. — For a penny a day, continued until the child reaches the age of twenty-one years, the sum of /^45 may be secured, to enable him or her to begin business or start housekeeping. 7. — For a penny a day, a young man or woman of twenty- four may secure the sum of/ 100, payable on reaching the age of sixty, with the right of withdrawing four-fifths of the amount paid in at any time, the whole of the payments being paid back in event of death occurring before the age of sixty. Such is the power of a penny a day. Who would have thought it ? Yet it is true, as any one can prove by looking at the tables of the best assurance offices. Put the penny a day in the bank, and it Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 17I accumulates slowly. Even there, however, it is very useful. But with the assurance office it immediately assumes a vast power. A penny a day paid in by the man of thirty-one is worth /'60 to his wife and family in the event of his dying next month or next year ! It is the combining of small savings for purposes of mutual assur- ance by a large number of persons that gives to the penny its enormous power. The effecting of a life assurance by a working man for the benefit of his wife and family is an eminently unselfish act. It is a moral as well as a religious transaction. It is " providing for those of his own household.'* It is taking the right step towards securing the independence of his family, after he, the bread-winner, has been called away. This right investment of the pennies is the best proof of practical virtue, and of the honest forethought and integrity of a true man. — Smiles, (^mumml §jeprtmxiit. MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. IVIR. B. NOTT. IMy uncle, Mr. B. Nott, the son of William Nott, was born atTre- woola Farm, Gorran, within the precincts of the present Mevagissey Circuit, in March, 1802. The parish of Gorran at that time was steeped in moral darkness, ignorance, and superstition — a state of things by no means rare where the State church is the only place of worship, and the clergyman and the principal parishioners take the lead in games, sports, and revels.* With other parishes, Gorran vied with the France of to-day in Sabbath desecration. The people attended church on Sunday mornings, because it was customary and respectable so to do; but launched unblushingly into sports and debauchery during the remainder of the day. At that time the Nonconformists — the people who are sometimes said to be schismatics and but little better than infidels — had not entered the parish. The doctrines of justification by faith, without the works of the law, of holiness of heart, and outward conformity to Scripture precepts, had not been proclaimed among the people. Their condition was the results of State church teaching and influ- ence ; and this truly sad condition of things says, " the sooner charity draws the mantle of forgetfulness over the church of that day, the better will it be for her reputation." Early in this century * This strong expression might be justified by the recorded opinions of Church- men themselves. Mr. Isaac Taylor, for example, as quoted in Stevens' History of Methodism^ declared that England had lapsed into virtual heathenism when Wesley appeared. — Ed. Digitized by Google 172 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. the Nonconformists commenced preaching at Rescassa, a village in the parish. The Wesleyans erected the first chapel. This action aroused the indignation of Churchmen, and created a storm of persecution. Among other measures employed to counteract the teaching and influence of the men who were turning the world upside down, was a poetic effusion, which took the shape of a doggrel ballad, the elegant chorus of which was, **\Ve must be born again, is all their cry." In 1810 Mr. William Nott and his family removed, first from Gorran to Veryan, then to St. Mawes, then to Trewortha, and ulti- mately to Gorran again. While at St. Mawes, Mr. B. Nott, a lad of twelve summers, attended the Wesleyan chapel and Sunday-school. The influences of the pulpit and the class so illuminated his youth- ful mind and heart as firmly to fix there the conviction of his sinful and lost condition. But failing at that youthful age to comprehend the plan of salvation, and to exercise faith in Jesus, he groped his way, amid darkness and sorrow, storm and conflict, for seven long years before he realized peace with God through believing. In March, 1822, whilst in a field, looking to God and meditating upon things divine, the second birth was experienced. And the change was real and thorough. He says, " The change I felt is beyond description. The sun seemed more brilliant than ever it appeared before ; the grass, the trees, the flowers, the birds, all nature, seemed bathed in glory and vocal with Jehovah's praise." For some years before this he had gone to the class meeting dark, sad, and mourning, but this week the class meeting was a little heaven of glory and praise. Then, as now, the secret of a dull and profit- less, or of a joyous and blessed, class meeting lay in the possession or non-possession of this religion of life and joy. Because men possess so little of religious exuberant joy in themselves, they find but little of it in the class meeting. On his return to Gorran, Mr. Nott lived for some time at Trevesson with an uncle. Naturally fond of prayer and study, he soon became strong in the Lord, rooted and grounded in love. No sooner was he saved himself, than he became anxious for the salvation of his relatives and friends. But his efforts they would often curtly rebuke. A conversion in the parish at that day was an almost unknown phenomenon, and Mr. Nott's conversion awakened such general interest that it became for some time the one absorbing theme of parish gossip. Sage opinions were expressed by these dear ignorant people as to what had befallen him, and whereunto it would tend. His old grand- father would shake his silvery locks and, peering through his spectacles with a look indicative of conscious self-rectitude, but expressive of alarm for his unfortunate grandson, would designate him " the deluded genilemanP The fully developed church-going uncle would frequently speak of him as " the Methody devily who xvould pray anywhere^ As for some time he did not receive any visible answer to his prayers for the conversion of his friends, the devil severely tempted and buffeted him that praying would be in vain, for none of them would ever be saved. But in this instance, as in countless others, the adversarj- proved himself a liar ; for in Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 1 73 two years the father and eldest sister were sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in their right minds. Andrew found the Lord, then brought his brother : Mr. Nott gave himself to God, then prayed for his friends ; and every Christian should do likewise. Leaving Trevesson, Mr. Nott again went to Veryan to reside. Among his old friends he was urged to work for God in conducting religious services. He became a local preacher, and had upon the Wesleyan plan several appointments. These he punctually attended to ; for a neglected appointment he deemed a calamity and a sin. And such was his yearning love for souls, and such his catholicity of feeling towards all who laboured to save them, that, besides taking his own appointments, he would often preach for the Bible Chris- tians. Some of his friends thought such conduct very reprehen- sible ; and many censures this ** erratic " course brought upon him. Having accommodated the Bible Christian minister for the night, he was told by some officials, ** We have been doing our best to keep the Bible Christians out of the locality, and you are harbouring them." Up to that time no people had so large a place in his esteem as the Wesleyans, and the thought of severing his seventeen years' connection with them was very painful. In the hope, there- fore, that such bigotry and littleness would cease, he quietly endured the opprobrium heaped upon him. But, instead of im- proving, things grew worse, and ended in his separation from his old friends, and his identification with the Bible Christians in 1833. We had no chapel at Veryan at that time, but Mr. Nott, with the late Mr. Moxley, secured a site and erected one. It was opened in October, 1833, the services being conducted by the brethren, Vickery, Reed, and Kinsman. The society then numbered seven, but received numerous accessions in the revival which followed. Being urged to give himself to the full work of the ministry, Mr. Nott, after assigning various reasons for non-compliance, at length consented, and went, in February, 1834, into the Mevagissey Cir- cuit. At the following Conference he was appointed to the Shebbear Circuit, with W. Reed and J. H. Prior, whose uniform tenderness, brotherly sympathy, and wise counsels not only endeared them to him, but contributed much to his successful vanquishment of re- peated and powerful temptations to abandon the work and return home. The realization of a gracious revival at Milton, in the early part of the autumn, and in which he was made a great blessing to many, effectually effaced from his mind every lingering vestige of inclination to locate, and convinced him that he was moving in the path of providence. He subsequently laboured in the Guernsey, Brighton, Isle of Wight, St. Ervan, Breage, Helston, and Penzance circuits, in each of which God honoured him in the conversion of souls. With the brethren Lisle, Brook, Williams, Hinks, and Kent, he was ordained to the full ministry at the Langtree Conference in 1839. Through the excessive rains which had just fallen, Mr. Nott, with Mr. John Trevethan, a tried and true friend, had a very painful and perilous journey from St. Ervan to the Langtree Conference. A few months after his arrival in the Breage Circuit, Mr. Nott was called to witness the death of his beloved pastor, Brother Digitized by Google 174 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. Skinner. Although his closing hours were marked by cloud- less sunshine and glorious triumph, the sad event was a severe trial to his colleague. In August, 1841, he married Mrs. Jane Holman, of Forth leven. In her he found a real Christian help- mate, but an effectual barrier to his continuance in the ministry. The pressing necessities of her aged and afflicted parents, with other things, prevented her accompanying her husband to his appointed spheres of labour ; and he had therefore to locate. That was the trial of his life. Death would have been less painful than that severance from the ministerial ranks. His soul was in the work. " I would rather preach the gospel and work for God than be king of England," was his oft-repeated declaration. The real experience of that time I cannot disclose. Over it the veil of secrecy must he drawn. Suffice it to say, that a sunny and joyous life became exceedingly cloudy and troublous ; and, taking advan- tage of trying circumstances and a critical position, Satan drove him almost to desperation. But after a long and severe struggle the heavens of vision cleared, the sources of heavenly light poured their beams into his soul, and the enthralled spirit, bursting its cage of doubts and fears, mounted aloft in a serene and cloudless sky. For some considerable time Mr. Nott occupied the position of evangelist, and travelled several circuits in that capacity. Dis- continuing that work, he engaged in business as coal and salt merchant until the death of his wife in 1855. He then resumed evan- gelistic work. South Molton, Michaelstow, and Hatherleigh were the scenes of his labour. Receiving a call from the Calvinistic church at Portscatha, in Roseland, he became their pastor; but being Arminian in doctrine and Methodist in polity, he found the atmosphere of a Calvinist church so uncongenial that he was soon compelled to retire from the pastorate. Here ended his ministerial career. For the second time he took up his residence at Porthleven, built him- self a house there, and married, in 1865, Miss Jane Medland, of St. Austell, a most pious, devoted woman. In 1872, paralysis removed her from earth, leaving the afflicted, enfeebled husband to mourn her loss. That was a blow, from the violence of which he never recovered. Long afflicted with bronchitis and asthma, both diseases asserted their presence with increased power at this juncture. Medical skill and remedial measures could afford only momentary relief. Through five tedious years of alternate prostration and con- valescence, of agony and ease, he meekly endured the will of Heaven, and patiently waited for the coming of his Redeemer. The last conflict was faced with unyielding confidence and fortitude. ** I have no reason to fear," he said ; *' 'tis all well.'' '* 'Tis clear all the way up." In this delightfully tranquil state of mind he con- tinued until June 7th, 1877, when his happy spirit quitted an enfeebled body for the glorious mansions prepared above. In his death the Porthleven church has lost a true and valued friend. Of it he was long the central pillar and leading spirit, and discharged the duties of local preacher, class leader, chapel steward, &c., in such an exemplary manner as not only to secure the confidence and gratitude of those with and for whom he worked, but also contributed Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 1 75 largely to the erection of their splendid chapel, and the consolida- tion and development of the present prosperous church. Again and again did he plead with God that he might be spared to see raised up a man after his own heart ; and great was his delight when my valued and intimate friend and brother, Mr. B. H. Eddy, became his official successor. I will only add the following incidents. At Wroxall, Isle of Wight, a Mr. W made a pair of boots which did not fit the per- son for whom they were intended. They were therefore refused, and remained in the shop for two years. Then Mr. W. promised the Lord that, if He would send a purchaser for the boots. He should have the money they brought. They were sold the next day, and the money given to the Missionary Society. " Whilst ^Ir. Warren and I were conducting an open air service in the square at Liphook, a man, fresh from the devil's armoury, and primed with those evil spirits which steal away the brains, and prepare men for either the ridiculous or the atrocious, staggered up « to me and said, as only a poor drunkard could say, * He', here ould feller, woost ha' drink } th' must b* dry b' this time.' " On his way home from a temperance meeting in the Breage Circuit, some of the publican's " lambs " waylaid and fired at him. But a merciful Providence preserved him from what he afterwards discovered was a plot to murder him. ** In 1 841, * Billy Bray' and I were appointed missionary deputa- tion to the Scilly Islands. The outward voyage was very pleasant, but the return journey was extremely painful and perilous. The winds were howling wildly, the sails splitting into shreds, the foaming billows breaking furiously over the decks, the vessel rolling and plunging, and the terror-stricken passengers shrieking for refuge. It was both awfully grand and heart-rending. With a beaming countenance and a rejoicing heart, * Billy * told the frantic passen- gers about his * Father,' who both possessed and ruled heaven and earth, and urged them to make their peace with Him, saying, * Pray -^pray. You must all pray. If I didn't pray to my Father I should be feared too. But I beant now. I sheant be in the weater more'n vive minutes. I shall go home to heaven 'cross the fields." Benjn. Nott. MRS. MARY TUCKER. By her Husband. Mrs. Tucker, the only daughter of Francis and Mary Sle2r, was bom at Brig- bury, Devon, in November, 18 18. Her parents were at that time strictly moral. She lost her mother by death when she was fourteen years of age. Her father still survives in his ninetieth year, and since his conversion the grace of God has shone so conspicuously on his life, and he has followed so closely in the steps of his Divine Master, that the people have designated him the Missionary ofBighury, The wholesome safeguards and restraints with which her parents surrounded their daughter, had the effect of preserving her from many youthful follies. She was also the subject of early religious impressions ; but she did not fully decide to be the Lord's till overtaken by a great sorrow, after she had been married some time, and was the mother of two children. Her husband, amiable and beloved, was fond Digitized by Google 176 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. of fishing. One calm and p>eaceful evening he left his home for the last time. A furious storm suddenly arose, and the deepest anxiety was soon felt for the safety of those in "peril on the sea." The fond wife paced her room for hoars in frantic grief, with her two helpless babes. At three o'clock in the morning foot- steps were heard, but the loved one came not, and " For him no more the blazing hearth shall bum, Or busy housewife ply her evening care." Fourteen days of terrible anxiety were passed before the body was recovered, and then the momentous question agitated her soul still more deeply. Is he saved ? and the agony became so great that the prevalent feeling of her heart was. If my husband is not saved^ I would rather he lost with him than saved myself , But what a compassionate Father is our Father in heaven I How tenderly he pities, how patiently he bears with the rebellious impatience of, his afflicted and sorrowful children ! How precious the fact that the blessed Saviour is touched with the feeling of our infirmities ! What allowances He makes for hearts bleeding, bursting with anguish ! And in this instance, in some mysterious way, the almost broken-hearted widow and mother received the assurance that her husband was safe ; yes, safe for ever in heaven. She threw herself in gratitude and adoration at her Saviour's feet, and the result may be described in her own words, " Glory to His blessed name. He lifted me up, pardoned all my sin, gloriously revealed Himself unto me, and filled my soul witn His love. Notwithstanding all the darkness and difficulties of my lot, < Not a cloud did arise to darken the skies. Or hide for a moment my Lord from my eyes.' " She now broke through some opposition, and joined the Bible Christians, Having given herself fully unto the Lord, she found His service to be perfect freedom, and the keeping of His commandments a great reward. The ministers, who at that time had to endure many privations, had a large share of her sympathy and regard. Her pious labours were not in vain, and the souls that she won for the Saviour are now the crown of her rejoicing. Her joy received a slight check when she came to Plymouth to live among strangers ; but at Zion Chapel she, in common with others, received at times special blessings from the Lord, and greatly rejoiced in the refreshing streams of grace divine, which flowed from Christ, the living Vine. During the pastorate of Mr. Garland, we removed to the Bethel to live (we had been united in marriage some time before this). Mr. Garland, who was then the pastor of the circuit, reasoned with us, and pointed out the sacrifices we were about to make. Our surroundings proved to be painful in many respects, but the results were blessed. We were made useful in the service of our Lord. One or two instances of conversion may be related, in which my dear wife was the honoured instrument. We were at liberty on Sunday mornings, and used to repair through Castle Street to the Zion we dearly loved. It was often sug- gested to me to take some other and more congenial route, but whenever this was the case the Good Spirit brought so powerfully to my remembrance the saying, " Let your light shine before men," &c., that we pursued our accustomed way. One of those unfortunate women — ^who abound in this ** seat of Satan" — was taken ill, and left by her companions to perish. Mrs. Tucker daily visited her with nourishing food, and to tell her the " old, old story " of Jesus' love. Then she in turn told her story, that when we used to pass the house, amidst the taunts and jeers of her sisters in crime, she would repair to her room to weep over the days of innocence for ever past, and recall her mother's prayers and anxieties for her. She became a true penitent ; and though her stay on earth was short, the evidence was clear and bright that He who casts out none who come to Him, not even the vilest and worst, would receive her to Himself. On another occasion a woman wished to see my wife, whose husband sternly refused permission. I resolved to see him, and though his opposition at first was fierce and determined, yet when I began to reason with him of righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come, he began to tremble, and eventually he gave me permission to see his wife. After talking and praying with her, and repeating the beautiful words, ** Jesus, lover of my soul," Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND ORIXrARIKS. 1 77 I left, promising that Mrs. Tucker should visit her. Redeeming love won in this instance another triumphant victory. That Jesus should so love her as to give Himself for her, filled this poor woman with amazement and also with hope. On my wife's last visit she told her that the thought of death, when she first came to see her, filled her soul with alarm, but that now every fear was gone. Her language was, " Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly, for I'm quite ready." Her own request was that at the door of this house, that had been so notorious, we should sing — *' Jesus, lover of my soul." I might say here in a sentence, for the encouragement of devoted servants of Christ who are labouring in the most unlikely places and amidst the greatest dis- couragements, that in this street, where low public-houses and places of infamy once abounded ; where indeed there was scarcely any other kind of house, there is not a public-house left, and many of the vilest characters have been reclaimed, who, by their consistent lives, adorn the doctrine of Christ their Saviour, and by their fervent prayers are daily advancing His kingdom. When prevented by severe affliction from attending the means of grace, and suffering intense pain almost the whole time, I could not but magnify the grace of Grod, so abundantly bestowed on my dear wife. In the silent watches of the night, I have often heard her joyous thanksgivings, when she would repeat some appro- priate verse of a hymn or of Holy Writ, generally ending with the exclamation, ** Glor)' be to God ! " and the repetition of one other favourite verses, such as— " My precious Christ, I*m coming up. And leaning. Lord, on Thee ; For Thou hast drank the bitter cup. And left the sweets for me." I was not at home when the end at last came. I had been for three weeks shortly before, but was then obliged to rejoin my vessel. But her confidence remained unshaken. To a question of her daughter, if it was all right, she, thinking it had reference to the soul, answered, " O yes, my dear, it is all right. Bless His name, I shall soon be home. It is all right." She then began to speak of Jesus in a most edifying manner, and when told that her friends were afraid she might injure herself, she said, with great animation, ** If I was in the little chapel (meaning Zion) I would make it ring with the praises of God." It was on the morning of September 4th, 1877, after my wife had walked with God for twenty-nine years, that He fulfilled the request— 7 ** O woidd He more of heaven bestow. And let the vessel break, And let my ransomed spirit go To grasp the God 1 seek." She was buried in her native village of Bigbury amidst the deep regrets of many, both old and young, to whom she was much endeared. I need not enlarge further than to say that her heart was wholly absorbed in the cause of God, and that the professed followers of Christ giving the enemies of the cross the slightest occasion to blaspheme caused her the deepest sorrow ; that the Sabbath was to her a sacred delight, and that she had an ardent love for the house of God and its ordinances, and that, when deprived, mysteriously she sometimes thought, of the blessed privileges of worship, her soul longed, yea, even fainted for the courts of the Lord ; that her life was such as secured for her general esteem and confidence ; that the blessing of the peacemaker was cer- tainly hers in richest measure ; and that her children will ever have reasons to praise God for her excellent instruction and godly example. I deeply feel my loss, but I am comforted with the assurance that she is with her Saviour and the glorified in the home of many mansions, where she is proving that all her sufferings here only worked out for her a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. In that home of joy I hope to meet her in God's good time. John Tucker. Digitized by Google 178 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. MRS. SILVERTON. The following memoir ought to have been written some time ago ; but as nume- rous engagements interfered with its preparation bw the person to whom the matter was entrusted, there was a long delay. As I knew Mrs. Silverton when I last travelled in this circuit, and greatly esteemed her, as well as her surviving husband — ^who was well known during a long period as the leader of the choir belonging to our principal society in London, and by the efficient service he rendered as a singer when attending our annual Conference — I have undertaken to prepare a short sketch, compiled from the matter supplied by an intimate friend. Mrs. Silverton was bom in the paiish of Shoreditch, in the metropolis, in the Jrear 1800. Her mother was a truly excellent person, and lived daily as one be- onging to the kingdom of heaven. Her father also loved the name of Jesus ; and the entire home seemed dedicated to the worship and service of the Most High. In this Christian home our departed friend, wnen a little girl, appears to have been extremely happy ; and such were her susceptibilities to its spiritual influences, that emphatically it may be said, she grew up in the nurture and admo- nition of the Lord. She was received into Church membership with the Wesleyan Methodists, at the early age of fourteen years, and continued with that body until, with her husband, she joined the Bible Christian Society in the year 1830. The vigour of her early life was largely spent in distributing tracts, visiting the sick, and teaching in the Sabbath-school. She subsequentiy became a class leader ; but, though she greatly loved the class meeting, and was regular in her attendance, yet, being very timid, and feeling that dass leading was not her work, she only continued it for a short time. Her timidity as a class leader was greatly increased by the fact that one of her members, Mrs. Nicholls, though possessed of great Christian sympathy, was a person of superior ability. She worked, however, with great pleasure in the Sunday-school, and the duties undertaken by her there were most congenial to her feehngs. While attending to the children of others, she did not forget her own. With much tenderness did she love them, and with great care did'she tell them of Him who said " Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of God." From their childhood, then, until their manhood, her children were the subjects of Christian influence. Mrs. Silverton was a Christian of the old type; one of those whose Bible and hymn book are their daily and chief companions. As books are now so numerous and accessible, such persons are much fewer than when our Denomi- nation commenced its history. Many persons now err by reading too many books, the mind thereby getting dissipated ; but the friend of whom we write employed her leisure chiefly in examining her Bible and hymn book. These were to her valuable sources of religious instruction, and her mind was full of Scripture texts and hymns which she had carefully learned. She was wont to cull from Watts, Lady Huntingdon, and the selection of hymns common to the Methodist denominations. Those beginning with the following lines were among her favourite hymns: — " Guide me, O thou great Jehovah," "Jesus, lover of my soul," " My God, the spring of all my joys," **rve found the pearl of greatest price." Many an odd verse, however, and sometimes even an ©dd line, would soothe or cheer her, as occasion might require. Often, when in affliction or trouble, would she contrast the sorrow and vexation endured in this world with the peace and joy to be experienced in the world to come ; and with earnest- ness and delight would she repeat the well-known verse — " There I shall bathe my weary soul In seas of endless rest. And not a wave of trouble roll Across my peaceful breast." So bitter was one of her domestic trials, that she lost her former vigour, and from the time of its occurrence her constitution was found to wane. For nearly ten years, in the latter part of her life, she was prevented by affliction from attending the public means of grace, but she was accustomed to learn a great deal of the service by diligently inquiring' of her husband respecting the preacher, the text, Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 179 the sermon, and the various parts of the service. So diligent were her inquiries concerning these matters, that it is highly probable her knowledge of what had ■ taken place often exceeded the knowledge of some who had been actually present. The somewhat extraordinary fog which enveloped London on December 9th and loth, 1873, affected her very much ; but though her sufferings were greatly increased, her friends observed no appearances of approaching death. Her mind was set upon heavenly things ; and when, during family prayer, her husband, in the h}Tnn he was quoting, used the words — ** Oh how sweet is the assurance, 'Midst the conflict and the strife : Although sorrows, past endurance. Follow me through life ; " she earnestly responded, and when he repeated the words — *• Home in prospect, still can cheer me ; Yes, and give me sweet repose : While I feel His presence near me, For my Father knows " — she again responded, and with unusual earnestness. HaWng suffered much on Tuesday and Wednesday, the days referred to above, she was greatly fatigued, and on Thursday slept much, her husband watching over her, and trusting that her sleep was doing her good. He attempted to arouse her in the afternoon, thinking that a cup of tea would be beneficial to her ; but, to his great surprise, found her unconscious. Indications of approaching death soon appeared, and towards the close of the day she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. " Soon the Trump shall bid us rise, Take possession of the prize ; Welcome, welcome to the skies. In yon bright world of light." W. J. Hocking. MATILDA PALMER Was the daughter of George and M. A. Palmer, of Bideford.* I have known her for the last twelve years. She was a scholar in the Bible Christian Sunday-school for about thirteen years. The seed sown there was like bread cast upon the waters. She was converted between five and six years since, when some special prayer meetings were held. She came as a humble penitent, soon obtained a sense of pardon, and at once joined the church, and became a member of the writer's class.* She was constant in her attendance at the means of grace, and for some time she ran well, but she was hindered, and for a while absented herself from the class. During this time she was very unhappy, and she ever afterwards deeply regretted this temporary separation from the church ; and even mentioned the subject on her dying bed. She soon, however, gave herself afresh to God, and her subsequent life was marked by great consistency and devoted- ness. Her words were few, even when relating her experience, but none doubted her sincerity. Her religious life was, however, more fully developed during her short but snarp affliction. She had a severe attack of rheumatic fever. It con- tinued but a few days, but was most painful while it lasted. Christ was to her, however, very precious ; no complaint escaped her lips ; her one cry was ** Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.'* " Rock of Ages, cleft for me," was a hymn which afforded her great comfort. Also a hymn which we sometimes sung in the class meeting — " They are waiting, angels on the other shore," and she would add, as best she could, " There are many in heaven that will welcome me when I get home." To her friends she said, "It is all right. God is doing all things well." Her father asked if she knew that her sins were pardoned. ** My sins ! " she replied. ** I know nothing about them. I left them all with * Neither the date of birth nor death has been supplied. N 2 Digitized by Google l8o MEMOIRS AND OmTUARIES. Jesus long, long ago." The only foundation of her hope was Christ, and Him crucified. The Sunday before her death she said to her mother, about the time her class met, "Next Sunday, when they are in class, I shall be in heaven." Only three quarters of an hour before the usual time of meeting, her happy spirit passed away to its everlasting rest. Her death was improved on Sunday evening, August 5th, by Mr. CoUings, to a crowded and deeply affected congre- gation. Eternity alone will reveal the result of that service. William Heard. Jtt ^morg of DANIEL STURGESS and WILLIAM WILLIAMS ANDREWS. It is our mournful task to announce to our readers the death of the above- named brethren beloved. This is perhaps the first time in our history that the death of two brethren has been chronicled together in this way. Only last May we noticed the removal of one from our midst, and the following month of another ; but the deaths of the brethren Sturgess and Andrews were so near together that we had not recovered our composure afler hearing of the death of Brother Sturgess, before we were startled by the intelligence that Brother Andrews had been suddenly snatched away. The former " fell asleep," at Penzance, on the 28th of February, and the latter, at Lower Weare, on the 5th of March. The death of Brother Sturgess was not unex- pected, as he had been in feeble health for some time, though the end came rather quickly at the last ; but Brother Andrews was smitten down, not only in the midst of his days, but almost in the fulness of his strength. In a letter I received from him, a few days before his death, he spoke of suffering much from a severe bilious attack, getting almost well, and then of being as bad as ever, but on Monday, February 4th, he became suddenly much worse, was delirious in a few hours, and m a very little time all was over. It is the Lord ; He can only do what is right and best ; and we are therefore dumb in His presence. Like Aaron, we would " hold our peace," and in silent, sweet submission bow to His sovereign will. But, to the widow, the sudden be- reavement must be for the moment bewildering, and, for a long time to come, hard to bear; and the loss to the church cannot be estimated at present. The work of God will be carried on ; if He will not permit even the incon- sistencies of its professed friends to stay its onward march, then surely the Providential events in which He is the chief actor will not have that effect. But the warning voice of such an occurrence who can fail to hear, and with the deep regret that it is needed, let us work with redoubled diligence, while it is day, for the night, when we can no longer work, may be close at hand ; and, oh ye " sacramental host of God's elect," to your knees, to your knees, that the Lord of the harvest may thrust out the much-needed labourers into His harvest. Two or three coincidences in connection with our deceased brethren deserve a passing reference. Brother Andrews was received into full connexion at the Conference at St. Austell, Brother Sturgess the next year, at Shebbear, yet the latter, after years of feebleness and pain, precedes, by just a few days only, his brother, who had a strong and robust constitution, to the better world. Brother Andrews, at the time of his death, was pastor of the Weare Circuit ; Brother Sturgess was his immediate predecessor. If I may venture to institute any comparison, with the incomplete acquaint- ance I had with the bretliren, I sliould say that Brother Andrews was remarkable for the tenacity of his disposition, and his robust common-sense ; Brother Sturgess for the intensity of his emotions and ih^fenwir ^\^th which he prosecuted the great business' of his vocation. One of the great excellences of Brother Sturgess (we cannot speak to this point as far as Brother Andrews is concerned, as our knowledge of him was so slight), we have always con- sidered, was, his great joy in his work, the zest -wiih. which he engaged in Christ's Digitized by Google kEVlVALS. l8l service. It was a great pleasure to him to preach Christ unto the peoi)le, and he was ever disposed to magnify his office. A sentence or two that he spoke when he was received into full connexion impressed us then, the heartiness with which he spoke even more than the sentiments to which he gave expres- sion. But these are worthy of being recalled. " I have seen," he said, " many souls converted ; scores in the county of Kent, considered by some the most barren soil in the denomination. I have not entered the ministry for a livelihood or for popularity ; but to glorify God, and save souls. I have laboured as much as I could labour, prayed as much as I could pray, and be- lieved as much as I could believe ; and having faith in God, though all men in the world may fail, yet I believe I shall not, but that by-and-bye I shall come home, bringing my sheaves with me." This confidence has been justified by the event. Brother Andrews, at his ordination, said, "In 1863 I was ap- pointed to the Kilkhampton Circuit, where it was my happiness to see many souls converted to God." We have no disposition to inquire, at this time, to what extent this promise of his early mmistry has been redeemed ; rather would we rejoice in the bountiful early harvest, and that he was, till the end of life, a faithful servant of Christ. It is our hope and prayer our loss may have this effect, that both ministers and people may more steadfastly keep hence- forth the great object of life in view, that, living or dying, we may be the Lord's, and that, not less certainly, many at last may be the crown of our rejoicing. lleMMs. Any extensive revivals of the work of God it has not been our pri\ilege to chrd* nicle lately. But as every item of intelligence that indicates progress is valuable, the subjoined facts will, we are persuaded, be appreciated by our readers generally "We have had several intimations of a gracious revival at St. Just, but nothing more definite than the earliest hint we received on the 21st February, when Br. Gilbert said — "A fine work onwards at St. Just.'* Br. Lark, on the same date, said, " We have a good work at Rookley ; about thirty have been added. At ChilJerton and Chale there is also a good work. At Chillerton fifteen penitents one night." On the nth March he wrote,' "We have had upwards of one hun- dred added of late." Br. Shortridge wrote on the 12th, "You will be pleased to learn that a little good is being done in this station. I gave eighteen notes at AVhitecross on March 3rd, and eight at Wadebridge. Two persons at Padstow have also professed to find peace." The good work seems to be delightfully pro- gressing in the Northlew Circuit. Br. Coles says, March 14th, " I have used nearly all the hundred Notes of Admission I had a little time ago. We have ad- mitted twenty-nine at Boasley, and now we have a revival in progress at Northlew. We have had eleven or twelve converts at Bridestowe." LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. " We are charged to let our light shine. If our modesty would make us silent; our mercy must make us speak ; if our humility would induce us to retire, our zeal should push us forward ; if we fear to act, lest we should do wrong, we should still more dread to forbear, lest we should do nothing." Digitized by Google BRISTOL ROAD CHAPEL, BRIGHTON. This beautiful sanctuary Mas opened in 1873, but as the report of the opening senicesi appeared in our columns shortly after, and as accounts of two or three anniversary services have since appeared, a few words only are required at tliis time. We would we were able to write a brief history of the cause in Brighton, and to narrate the interesting incidents which have occurred from time to time. We shall gladly insert such an account, if any competent person is moved to un- dertake the task. The Jubilee Volume states that <* preaching was introduced into Brighton in Apiil, 1823, at the request of some friends who had gone thither from Kent. A Digitized by Google CHAPELS. 183 society was fonned, and much good was done. The opening extended to Lewes and other places in the vicinity ; and James and Sarah Willis, both local preachers who had gone down from London, were made very useful. John Marten, from the Society of Friends, united with the society and rendered emcient aid." Two years later, Brighton is noticed as one of the places where " prosperity was experienced." For many years the work was carried on in a small chapel in Cavendish-street. In 1857, Bedford-street Chapel was purchased, and there the church and congregation continued to worship till the present sanctuary was opened in 1873. It is well known that if the Kev. J. Martin had not exerted himself as he has done, it could not have been built with reasonable prospects of success. His tact and perseverance in raising funds are beyond all praise. Our hope is that his work may soon be brought to a successful conclusion, and every penny of the debt paid. The spiritual improvement has not been rapid, but the facilities and opportunities for doing a grand work for Christ are vastly superior to any that the church has ever before enjoyed. The sphere is an important one. Br. Perkins, in 1857, said that the population of the town had been increasing 1,400 per annum for fifty years. We suppose tlie rate of its increase has since been greater, and a strong and united church once secured, it might branch out in many directions, with as much benefit to itself as to the denomination. KiNGSBROMPTON CIRCUIT. — Withycombe, — Our chapel here is freehold pro- perty, and was out of debt ; it was, however, in a very dilapidated condition. Our Christmas quarterly meeting resolved that it should be repaired. Accord- ingly, it has been thoroughly renovated, at a cost of ^^19 lis. 2d. It was reopened for divine worship on Sunday and Monday, February 17th and i8th, 1878. On Sunday two sermons were preached by the writer. Dn Monday a public tea was provided, to which a goodly number sat do^vn. The public meeting was presided over by Mr. T. Walker, of Watchet, when addresses were given by Messrs. J. Jenkins, T. Popham, M. J. Pearse, and the writer. The services, both on Sunday and Monday, were of a high spiritual tone. Receipts, £(i 4s. id. Renshury, Upton. — Our old chapel in this parish was built about forty years ago, on the estate of S. W. Blake, Esq., who, report says, gave the lantf and contributed largely to the building. The friends did not go to the expense of a deed, but trusted to the honour of the donor, who promised that he would not take the building from them. He honourably kept his word, and generously kept the chapel in repair till his death, when it became the property of a gentleman who refused to repair it himself, or to allow us to do so, lest he should be encou- raging schism. Consequently, the chapel got so much out of repair that we had to discontinue preaching in it. However, the Lord has opened another door for us. Application was made to A. Lutley, Esq., of Wiveliscombe, for a site on which to build, and he generously gave us a freehold site of land 53ft. by 48ft. After the deed was executed and signed, the contract for the building was let to Mr. T. G. Luxton, of Petton, for the sum of £2^^* It is to be a substantial, plain, hammer-dressed stone building, to seat about 100 persons. On February 27th, 1878, four memorial stones were laid ; the first by Miss Martha Chamber- lain, the second by Miss Martha Marsh, the third by Mr. John Marsh, and the fourth by Mr. J. Webber. A ^^5 note was lajd on each stone. The Rev. P. Labdon superintended the ceremony, and was to have given an address at three o'clock, but was prevented through the pouring rain. A public tea was provided at 4.30 p.m., in the old schoolroom (kindly lent for the occasion), where all were glad to find shelter. Tea being over, at six o'clock the public meeting com- menced, under the presidency of Mr. T. Melhuish, of Spur^vay Mill, when telling addresses were delivered by J. B. Stedeford, P. Labdon, and J. Hicks. The speeches were interspersed with some choice anthems and sacred songs. Miss M. Marsh presiding at the harmonium. The total receipts were /'26 lis. lod. Votes of thanks were given to the chairman, the speakers, and an who added to the success of the day. Kingsbrompton, March 2, 1878. T. G. Vanstone. Maidenwell. — The anniversary was held on Sunday and Wednesday, February loth and 13th. On the Sunday, sermons were preached by the pastor, the Rev. W. M. Fell (Congregational), and the Rev. J. Turiey (Primitive Methodist). The sermons of these two good brethren were excellent and highly appreciated. On Digitized by Google 1 84 MISSIONARY MEETINGS. the Wednesday, a public tea was held in the school-room at half-past five, and a public meeting in the chapel at seven o'clock. The chair was talien by Br. W. Burden, who, with his native wit and humour, gieatly interested the audience. Mr. Fell spoke in a felicitous manner of the mighty power of the Gospel in ancient and modem times, and showed that, in order for a church to become prosperous, her members must love their minister, speak well of him, and hold up his hands, and also that they must be " filled with the Spirit." Miss Prince, on a visit to some of her old friends, was present at the anniversary services, and preached on the Monday and Tuesday evenings, and gave a speech at the public meeting on the Wedneseay, in which she referred to her first visit to Portland about twenty years ago, and endeavoured to encourage the few friends to persevere in the re- duction of their chapel debt, and in working earnestly for their Divine Master. The choir sang several hymns during the service, ^liss Burden presiding at the harmonium. The proceeds of the unnivcrsar}', by collections, tea, and subscrip- tions, amounted to 2*10. What we greatly neeJ here is a revival ; hence we j)ray, ** O Lord, revive T% work." R. II. ii'5i0n;trn' Meetings. Truro Circuit. — Dear Mr. Bourne, — I know that both you and all lovers of the mission cause will be glad to hear of our success in this circuit. On Sunday, February 24th, sermons were preached in Truro by Br. Spencer (of Kilkhampton), at Goonhavem by Br. Dale (of St. Mawes) and T. E. Mundy, at Penhallow by Br. Dale and Br. Wm. Rodda, and at St. Allen Lane by Br. Spencer and T. E. Mundy. Each member of the deputation gave great satisfac- tion ; their sennons were said to be of a high order. On Monday night, the meeting in the city, presided over by the Mayor, T. Chergwin, Esq., made a grand impression. All the other meetings were spirited and well attended. That at Goonhavem was ably presided over by Br. B. Hocking, who was once a pillar in our society at Wood's Point, Australia. The collection went ahead in each place, so that (provided Grampound come up to the mark) we anticipate an advance this year almost equal to that of last year, viz., above ;f6, and that, you know, for this circuit is very good. To God we ascribe the praise ! T. E. MlTNDV. South Petherton.— Dear Br. Bourne,— Perhaps a few notes in reference to my visit to the South Petherton Circuit, and the meetings I assisted in holding there, may not be uninteresting to some readers. Having been appointed tcf take part in the third series of missionary meetings in this circuit, I left home on Satur- day, February i6th, 1878, and preached three times on the Sunday, notwithstand- ing a severe bihous headache ; in the moming and evening at Dalwood, to large and attentive congregations, and at Whitford in the afternoon. Meeting at A\hit- ford on Monday. Mr. J. Vivian in the chair. Addresses by Br. J. Giflbrd, Rev. R. Bastable (Baptist), and the deputation. Meeting lively, interesting, and en- thusiastic. Collections a little in advance. On the Tuesday we held a meeting at Dalwood. Congregation large and appreciative. Br. Gifford presided, read the report, and delivered a thoughtful and powerful speech on the Gospel. Mr. Bai- lable delivered an interesting address on the great work of the Christian Missionarj^ The deputation, though very unwell, spoke for about thirty minutes. Though the meeting was not enthusiastic, it was interesting and profitable. Collections 15s. 6d. above last year's. On the Wednesday, Br. Gifford and the deputation walked through mud and water to Churchill. Here the congregation was small. Br. \'ivian in the chair. Br. Gifford read the report, and gave a good speech, and the dejDUtation endeavoured to show the vast importance of spreading abroad the mighty, renovating influence of the Saviour's name. Collection 8s. 6d. ahead. The next day, Br. Gifford and myself found our way to Ilminster. Here we weie glad to rest for a few hours. The preaching-room was pretty full in the evening. Digitized by Google NEWTON ABBOT. 1 85 Mr. Adams presided, and, after making a few appropriate remarks, called on Br. GifFord to read the report. After Br. GifFord had finished his work, Br. Hawkey- spoke for about forty minutes, and endeavoured to prove that the world was grad- ually advancing towards a brighter and happier time. Collection 6s. 6d. above last year's. On the Friday I returned home. In the evening, the Rev. J. Turley (Primitive Methodist, of Weymouth), delivered in Zion Chapel, "Wakeham, an eloquent and excellent lecture on "The great Image of Nebuchadnezzar's Dream." Collection ^^i 13s. on behalf of the Circuit Fund. The Rev. J. Robinson presided. A vote of thanks to the lecturer and the chairman brought to a close a very interesting and enthusiastic meeting. R. Hawkey. Hatherleigh. — My first appointment as a Missionary deputation produced gloomy apprehensions ; but as the sun scatters the clouds of mist which gather in the valley, so subsequent events produced a very pleasant change in my feelings. The writer preached at Exboume and at Hatherleigh to attentive congregations. The first week-night meeting was held at Merton. Not a large but an interested congregation, and a good influence prevailed. Speeches by Br. Andrews and J. Datson. Financially, the friends will make it equal to last year. The haiinonium was efficiently played by Master Luxton. At Meeth, the next evening, the friends heartily responded. Speeches by Br. Andrews, Rev. W. Norman (Baptist), and the writer. Collections in advance. On the "Wednesday, Hatherleigh meeting was held, Mr. Palmer in the chair. Not a crowded house. Again speeches by Br. Andrews, Norman (Baptist), and the writer. Collections about as last year. The last but not the least meeting was held at Exboume, when a true missionary spirit was manifested. Mr. Brock was voted to the chair. Br. Andrews and the writer again advocated the claims of missions. Br. Andrews, when giving the financial result, said, ** he would as soon have a few drops after the shower as be- fore it sometimes," and then he announced to the audience that a friend had sent him I OS. for the Missionary Cause, which made it more than last year's. A vote ■ of thanks to the chairman and writer brought to a close a series of meetings not soon to be forgotten. J. Datson. NEWTON ABBOT. Dear Mr. Bourne, — I promised, some time ago, to send for the Alagazine a brief account of what the Lord is doing for us in this station. My object in delaying it has been to test the permanency of the work, so that a large percentage may not be taken off afterwards, as is too often the case when reports are sent oflf hastily. Soon after the last Conference, the friends began to attend the week-nignt services more largely ; our worship became more spiritual ; a richer manifestation of the Divine presence was felt, and all hearts began to beat true to each other. In the first week in October we commenced special prayer meetings, which were continued for four weeks with very blessed results. A few of the converts belonged to other chapels, and have joined the churches whose services they had been in the habit of attending ; others have removed from the town, and some have again returned to foUy ; but, after making all allowances, twenty-eight are still with us, and bidding fair for the kingdom, several of whom are heads of families. Sabbath-school. — Before the Conference, and for about two months after, the Sabbath-school suffered considerably for want of teachers. Now we have two superintendents, two secretaries, a visitor, a door-keeper, and every class supplied Mnth a teacher ; and, with one exception, all members of the church. A senior Bible class has also been formed, wnich promises to be a strength to the future staff of teachers. The school is thus in a very encouraging condition. Local Preachers. — At Stokeintcignhead our little cause has suffered consider- ably for want of local preachers, and the place has been supplied principally by our brethren from Torquay, who kindly came over and helped us out of the diffi- culty ; for the assistance thus rendered we feel exceedingly grateful. Many prayers were offered that God would send us labourers. Our prayers are answered, and Digitized by Google 1 86 ST. MAWfiS. now we are praying just as earnestly that God will open to us a wider field of use- fulness, that the men whom he has graciously raised up and sent among us may have a sphere in which to employ their talents, and thus help to spread the king- dom of the Messiah. Temperance Society and Band of Hope, — Simultaneously with the rcNival we saw the importance of forming a Temperance Society and Band of Hope. But, as you have already inserted an article from a local paper, I need not enter into further particulars than to state that it is still prospering, and now numbers over 150 members, and that many who formerly went some distance beyond the bounds of moderation are now consistent and useful members of the church. Finances, — ^Not the least evidence of the good work is the improved condition or our finances. The ;f 250 so cheerfully given by a highly esteemed friend, for the further reduction of the debt on the premises, after having previously given ;f 500 towards the same object, was a considerable relief to our minds, and will prove a great and lasting blessing to the cause of God in this place. Our sincere prayer is that God may greatlv comfort and cheer her heart ,* and that she may feel in her advanced age that the everlasting arms are encircling her, so that when the end approaches she may know that ' " To die, is but to fall asleep In the soft arms of God." Our general receipts are also considerably in advance, and, by special effort, a sum has been raised for painting and repairs, which we hope to see completed as soon as the fine weather sets in. Our Christmas effort rejilired about £^0^ the largest amount ever raised on a similar occasion. Tract Distribution, — Since Conference some hundreds of tracts have been put in circulation, and several persons have found their way to the house of God as the immediate result; and a wonderful change has taken place in the entire neighbourhood. We have a good clwir ; most of the singers are members of the church, and regular in their attendance. The harmoniumist is a pious young man, who stood firm when all others forsook him and fled from the place. He is now reaping the reward of his steadfastness. Many remarkable answers to prayer might be recorded, but I feel that to go into those particulars would take up too much space. Upon the whole, the last six months have brought us great peace and blessed prosperity ; and our daily prayer is that He who has so graciously favoured us will continue His presence in our midst, and raise up such a cause in this place, that the powers of hell shall never prevail against it. C. Bridgman. ST. MAWES. Dear Mr. Editor,— Perhaps the readers of our Magazine would not object to a few notes from the little circuit of St. Mawes, as we do not appear very often in your columns. Our sphere of operation is very limited ; in size and strength we are ** little among the princes of Judah." We are sorry to say we cannot report large accessions to our numbers. The spiritual aspect of this circuit is far from being satisfactory. After preaching to the same people twice almost every week, with all earnestness, we have had to inquire, ** Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed } " But, though depressed, yet our unshaken determination is never to vacate the arena of holy action. Thank God ! we are standing, not falling. We are holding the fort against the enemy, and we will maintain our position until Jesus shall come and vanquish our foes. Our pecuniary aspect has some very encouraging features. Our bazaar and chapel anniversary at St. Mawes, held soon after Christmas last, realized about ^f 33. We shall reduce the debt on St. Mawes Chapel this year by ^^50. Our missionary services have passed off well. Collections, considering the depression in trade, were good. If our cards and boxes are equal to those of last year, we shall report progress Digitized by Google A NOTE FROM THE NORTH. 1 87 in our missionary receipts. At present the circuit has a hard struggle to raise the minister's salary, and about £,'j per quarter has to be raised by special effort, or taken from the chapel receipts to meet the minister's claims. But this will not continue long, as in a few years St. Mawes Chapel will be free of debt, and then there will be no difficulty in raising the minister's salary. J. Dale. A NOTE FROM THE NORTH. On Saturday last, March 2nd, I left home (Bradford) for ChesterficKl Mission, At Leeds I had to wait an hour. " Go where you will, you will see some one you know." I saw thousands, but not one I knew. I looked into the Com Exchange, markets, &c. No Bible Christian chapel here. Sheffield was in my way ; on Bible Christian station there. At Chesterfield Br. Ward met me. After a cup of tea I met the society at Whittington Moor. First Bible Christiiin Cfuipd in Derbyshire, Some one, not many years ago, said the Bible Christians are only in three or four counties. We have now a station in another. Whittington Moor Chapel, on the borders of Chesterfield, was bought a few months ago. It has been opened recently. I took part in those services, preaching twice, March 3rd. Tea, Monday the 4th ; addresses after by Brs. Ward, Hanley, Tucker, Snashall (Con- gregationalist, Chesterfield), and Thome. Mr. Snashall thought the Lord had sent Br. Ward there and reserved the place for him. Over 100 sat down to tea. Collections ;f 5. The chapel is neatly painted and repaired since I saw it, at the time of the purchase. A Sabbath-school is oj^ened. The expense of the cleaning and repairs is met by donations, tea, and collections. One conversion Sunday night. First Bible Christian Quarterly Meeting in Chesterfield Mission, Willing to husband the time, the preachers' meeting was held in the aftemoon. Four resolutions were carried. The quarterly meeting followed. One chapel is purchased, another rented ; twenty-eight fully accredited members, and fifteen on trial — forty-three total — were reported; receipts £^ 13s. iid. Some Shebbear people came over from Bremmington, Acklands, Whitlocks, and Larkworthy's. Br. Ward appears to be heartily received. There is evidently a sphere for useful- ness. ** Lord, help ! " In the autumn I visited Br. Banwell, the advanced guard of the Bible Christian army in the North. Cramlington is in Northumberland. I saw the Scotch hills, covered with snow. I also preached in our room, which was crammed. Also at Annfield Plain, where the gospel is much needed. Durham Mission, where Brs. Rogers and Alford have a fine sphere. Cleveland Mission, where the work of extension goes on. Brs. Finch and Squire are well sustained by a fine body of helpers, some from Ringsash Circuit, where my dear father laboured in the very beginning, and other parts of Devonshire ; many, also, from Comwall. I had many questions to answer, as I had preached in every circuit in Comwall. More Coraishmen in some congregations here than in Comwall. There are the women, here the men. We are living and growing in Bradford. I have been much encouraged since Christmas. We have over 100 scholars in our Sabbath-school. Members increase each quarter ; nearly fifty sittings let. Over ;^ioo has been given in cash towards our site, &c. ; we have more promised. ** O Lord, revive Thy work." In Bradford proper there are 250,000 inhabitants. Leeds, Sheffield, Halifax, Wakefield, Liverpool, and Manchester have each very large population.^. I have many times asked myself, since being right among these hives, What would have been the results had the eamest, self-denying labours of the fathers and founders of our beloved denomination been put forth heie ? With all our rich friends in the south and our appliances, we snould be better prepared for the large towns now than then. We have more competition now, and more Romanism and Puseyism. We are much needed. God is in the time of our coming, no doubt. " Through God we shall do valiantly, for He it is that shall tread down our enemies." S. L. Thorne, Digitized by Google i88 Imf ^0iitt% of §00l\s» J/r. IVilluim Lino's Argument for the Immortality of the Soul, as necessarily supposed throughout the Holy Scriptures, Revised and Abridged by Mr. Wesley. Third edition. London : Wesleyan Conference Office. This is a calm, devout, and, we may add, unanswerable piece of reasoning on this great subject, and much good may be anticipated as the result of its republi- cation at this time. As a fair specimen of its scope and spirit the following deserves quotation : — *' In the New Testament, not a word is to be found that expressly affirms the soul to be naturally immortal ; in this respect the law and the Gospel are equally silent ; and yet neither of them secrete or hide it from the people of God, but both fully prove, and with the same kind of proof, the absolute necessity of believing it. ** For as in the Gospel it is never expressly asserted, and yet is fully proved, because unavoidably supposed, and necessarily implied in and by the open and plain doctrines of the Gospel : so it is with the books of Moses ; they never expresslv affirm the natural immortality of the soul, and yet give one and the same full proof of it as the Gospel doth. Because the express doctrines of every dispensa- tion of God, from Adam to Christ, openly teach doctrines which not by inference, but in the. plain nature of the thing, unavoidably require, and necessarily imply, the immortality of the soul, and the common belief in it in all ages of the church before the coming of Christ. ** The obtaining an union with Christ, is the one life and immortality brought to light by the Gospel ; but this immortality unavoidably requires and necessarily implies the perpetual duration of the soul's natural life. For nothing but an ever- during creature is capable of enjoying an everlasting gift. ** Therefore the Gospel, though never once expressly asserting, yet continually demonstrates the natural immortality of the soul." Straight Street ; or^ The Church and the World : a History and an Allegory, in which will be found numerous Sketches of Men and Manners ; of Things Past and Present ; of Sects, Societies, and Institutions, Godly, Godless, and Diabolical ; viewed in their relation to the Cause of God and Truth. By Serjeant Laverack, author of "A Methodist Soldier in the Indian Army," etc., etc. London : F. E. Longley. (Price 6s.) We have quoted the title of this book in full, as it will give the reader a fairly good idea of its character, and the purpose of the author, which he has worked out with considerable ingenuity. Every page bears evidence of the truth of a sentence in the preface, that the paramount object has been " the denunciation of all that is socially and morally crooked^ and the encouragement of every one who seeks the road to heaven through the straight gate of true repentance and the narrow way of a godly life." In the Fifth Section we have a graphic sketch of the Building of the Street, brought down to the period when the " Friends," valiant for the truth, repelled the enemy. The next considerable addition to the Street was the building of the Methodist Square, Near thereto the Bihle Chris^ tianshsLve a "nook," being one of several "out-stations" guarding the way to the Square. The refreshing song heard in the " nook " one day, after a little conversation on the "higher life," was — " Eternal sun of righteousness," etc. A Letter to the Younger Ministers of the Methodist Connexion, By W. B. PoPE, D.D. London : Wesleyan Conference Office. (Price 6d.) Evidently the production of a singularly reverent and able Christian teacher, who, having himself felt the " powers of the world to come," is naturally anxious that his brethren should make " full proof of their ministry." We think we have seen in a notice of this pamphlet that it indicates the author as being essentially narrow, bigoted, unprogressive ; in bondage to the traditions of the past, and the victim of Digitized by Google BRIEF NOTICES OF P.OOKS. 1 89 a worn-out creed, out of hamiony with the present age. How uTijust is such a judgment the following extract conclusively proves : — " Meanwhile, we must needs hear science also ; but with pre-occupied and de- fended ears. Just now, the question turns upon the interpretation of the earliest Mosaic Record. The hypothesis of development urges its claims. If this is main- tained by Materialists, we may disdain the controversy. If by those who insist that a principle of Continuity, or continuous evolution, has been made the law of the construction of the universe of which man is the crown, it is our wisdom to wait until the hypothesis is disencumbered of difficulties that seem fatal to it. Meanwhile, it is equally our wisdom not to be alarmed at anything which scien- tific reason may enforce upon Christian faith. The principle of Evolution may have been used by the Supreme in His wisdom, not according to the working of natural selection — a phrase that common-sense abhors —but in a way that neither science nor theology can yet explain, and in perfect consistency with His own record. But, whatever affinity we may admit between our first father, created from the dust, and the beasts that perisJi, we must remember that the first note of the Bible about man, that his better part came from the Divine breath, and that he was created in the image of God, is of transcendent importance. With that breath began the eternity of the human creature ; and a race of immortal spirits was linked with the mortal frame of humanity." Rays from the Sun of Righteousness, By the Rev. Richard Newton, D.D., Author of " The Giants, and How to Fight Them," etc. London : Wes- leyan Conference Office. (Price 2s. 6d.) Another of Dr. Newton's charming productions, distinct from the others in this particular, that the chapters " are all especially occupied in telling about the Lord Tesus Christ." The volume is nicely printed and illustrated, and is most suitable for a present or for the Sunday-school Libraiy. Rag and Tag ; or^ a Plea for the Waifs and Strays of Old England. By Mrs. Edmund Juxon Whittaker, Author of " Hilda and Hildebrand," etc. London; S. W. Partridge & Co. A MOST touching and beautiful book, that can hardly lail to produce an irrepres- sible longing in every Christian reader's heart, to save the helpless little ones. The History of the Religious Movement of the Eighteenth Centur)'^ called Methodism. By Abel Stevens, LL.D. Vol. I.— Origin of Methodism to Death of Whitefield. New edition. London : Wesleyan Conference Office. (Price 5s.) We heartily welcome a new edition of this admirable work. The story of Method- ism has been told many times more or less effectively ; but in several respects Dr. Stevens excels all his co-workers in this field. The advantage of a competent biographer having full sympathy with his subject, receives in this instance an emphatic illustration. The scenes and events of the past are so vividly portrayed that they appear to be actually transpiring before our eyes. In no religious move- ment was the hand of God more visible than in this great Methodist revival. The chief agent was, of course, the Divine Spirit, but the human agents were mar\^el- lously fitted for the work God had chosen them to accomplish. Wesley and White- field were surrounded by a band of men only less illustrious than themselves. Their names are too many to quote, and many of them are fiimiliar as "household words " in all Christian families. The expression, that they were worthy of the success they realized, will not be misunderstood by those who readily ackxowledge that all human excellences are from God, ** the Giver of every good and per- fect gift." But many of them were distinguished by a purity and heroism of character, a power of self-sacrifice, and a capacity and boldness for work and endurance, that are positively sublime. What a rebuke to persons who make the idle excuse that circumstances and difficulties are sufficient to account for, and as it is sometimes put, almost to justify, our frequent w PRAYER FOX REVIVAL which understands God ; which consciousljr ' takes hold ' on Him ; which is the * evidence of things not seen.* How is this evidence understood? Only in the light of God. 'I shall have souls to-night/ said Thomas Collins. ' I know His signs ; and it was so. Let us live near God, and-— knowing the future and men's suscep- tibility to gracious influences, as He does — He will inspire in us the faith, which has at once power with God^and with men.' "♦ One of the triumphs of faith, enumerated in Hebrews xi. 33, is, that it Mains promises. That is, may we not say, not simply the fulfilment of promises already made, but the winning of others not recorded in the Bible or hitherto communicated to men. Just as the prophets of old obtained promises which were subsequently fulfilled in Christ, so believers now who live in the Spirit obtain promises, the distinct and positive assurance which becoxhes a deep and solemn conviction, that the Lord is about to bestow, in answer to their prayer of faith, a blessing on them, or on their families, or on the church. To this extent, at least, men may be still inspired to pray and speak and work. Faith must always have a basis and warrant, but a secret conviction wrought in the heart by the power of the Holy Ghost satisfies every requirement of the Lord's anointed. Just as Paul received the revelation of the safety of all that sailed with him, may we receive t revelation from God that He will save our families and prosper our Zion, and there is no reason for doubt or failure in the one case more than in the other, and therefore our joyful boast may be, " I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me." And if we pray for spiritual blessings, for blessings according to the will of God, and yet receive no answer, then, as Mr. Finney once said to a man, he must have been praying from a wrong motive. So we must have been praying from a wrong motive. There is a kiifd of prayer, then, which cannot miss the mark at which it aims, or be poured into the ear of God in vain, or amidst the multitude of petitions be lost and forgotten. The prayer of faith always supposes the use of all suitable means. Praying is a part, but only a part, of the preparation that ever)r good man makes for the promised blessing of God. Prayer is not intended to supersede the preaching of the gospel ; it only indi- cates the kind of preaching that God will honour. We need not dwell on the point, but there is a kind of preaching that will not fail to result in the conversion of sinners. ** Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ." And then the life of persons who pray in the Spirit will be con- * Rev. J. C. Gieaves, in The Km^s Highway, vol, t, pp. s63, 3 Digitized by VjOOQ IC X»RAVfiK l;'OR REVIVAL. 1 97 sistent and pure. There will be a beautiful correspondence between the prajers and the truth, and between the prayers and the life. Abiding in Christ is one condition of successful prayer. Nothing, humanly speaking, so retards the progress of God's work as the inconsistencies of the professed followers of Jesus. Persons who pray for others must possess themselves a Chrisilikeness of spirit and conduct, or their prayers will be in vain. It must not be forgotten that we pray for the revival of God's work. O Lord, revive Thj work. This should give us increased confidence. And it should be our work because it is His I Happy, also, are we, if it is His because it is ours. We want to be on the side of Christ and truth, and also to have Christ and truth on our side. If God does not revive His work, it will not be revived. Without Him, we can do nothing. Diligent cultivation is but the human condition of success ; the divine working is the efficient cause* How many powerful reasons there are to prompt us to pray, " O -Lord, revive Thy work." Some may be named. Compassion for the souls of men is one. How often is it said of Christ that He had compassion on the people. He wepiov^x Jerusalem. He still yearns with pity over the lost. If the sufferings of the poor, the unfortunate, and the wretched appeal so powerfully to our sympa- thies, their alienation from God, their ignorance of the truth, their neglect of salvation, their terrible danger, ought surely so to absorb our attention and touch our emotions that we should have no eye or heart for aught besides. A revival of GocPs work would increase and intensify the joj of God's chosen. One of the divinely-inspired arguments w« are to employ when we plead for a revival is, " Wilt Thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoia in Thee f " " When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion," the old story runs, " we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing : then said they among the heathen. The Lord hath done great things for them." The Lord's people then took up the refrain, they repeated the sentiment with a deeper emphasis, and with exulting gladness. The Lord hath done great things for us ; whereof we are glad. The heathen knew the Lord had done great things for His people, but it did not make them glad. But it filled on that occasion, and ought to do so always, His own children with rapturous joy and hope. And who that has any regard for the Divine glory will fail to pray for the revival of God's work. Abraham, in his intercession for the cities of the plain ; Moses, in his passionate pleadings for the children of Israel when the Lord's anger had waxed hot against them ; Elijah on Mount Carmel, when he implored God to let it be known that He Digitized by Google I98 LOST IN* THE bAY-AlTtR-TO-MORROW. was God in Israel — each knew the weight and power of this argu- ment. If we may employ the mighty sentence of the prophet, we would urge the plea, Answer us, we beseech Thee, answer us, good Lord, and do not disgrace the throne of Thy glory. Is it nothing to us that the enemy is trampling on the shrine of the Lord of Hosts; that the fires with which He has been wont to maintain His glory have been quenched ; that faith even in the Divine Existence, a personal Providence, and in the efficacy of prayer, is vanishing from men's minds; that Jesus is being deprived of His rightful inheritance, and robbed of His ineffable delights ; that many have hung their harps upon the willows, and almost despair of the final triumph of the everlasting gospel ; and that multitudes are perishing for whom Christ died ; it is not nothing, O ye sons of men, O ye hosts of heaven ; it is something, it is much, it is all to the godly among us, and therefore let us put our whole heart into the prayer, and we would task and bind and compel all the energies of our Mature to engage in one holy wrestling until the prayer be answered, in an universal and petmanent revival of the work of God. LOST IN THE DAY-AFTER-TO-I^ORROW. This year (1878) will be marked in history as the year of theologicdl agitation. The Cross pushes the Crescent through fields of blood out of Europe. Protestantism scores a point against Romanism for liberty in France. Italy, having tested and lost her king, now tests her kingdom in the mortal struggle against infallibility. The hundred millions of English-speaking people drop every other theme to discuss the condition of the finally impenitent. Two great rhetoricians in the two great centres of the English language, London and New York, speak out on this subject, and their voices echo round the world. This indicates a peculiar state of the pubjic mind. The moral atmosphere is rightly conditioned for an exten- sive mirage, England, trembling on the rim of the Turko-Russian maelstrom, forgets for a time her thousand millions of Turkish bonds, forgets the thundering cannon and rattling snow-shoes of the Russians, and discusses eagerly the questions of eschatology. America, convulsed over the threatened loss of eight cents, and struggling for the very life of her institutions in her national debating club, stops her bartering and shaving to hear from the fires that consume everything but "gold, silver, and precious stones.*' Men, whose clearest hope of escaping future retribution is centred in the abolition of that retribution, ^re quick to cry out for a " rC'Statemeni of the views di punishment." This creates an atmosphere ; multitudes feel its pressure and consent to Ihc cry, Digitized by Google LOST IN THE DAY-Al'*tliR-TO-MORROW. 1 59 not knowing either what they are abandoning or what they may receive. They forget that rhetoric never made a system of theology. They overlook the fact that logic^ crystallized in the orthodox cre^s on this subject, feels no such demand. Canon Farrar can project his pyrotechnics from the Westminster burying-ground, with the deep conviction of the injustice of damning a man eternally for not perfecting righteousness under the man-millinery of the apostolical-succession effrontery, properly calling it damning the heathen without a chance ; Beecher, the son of New England ortho- doxy, can swear the core of Calvinism out of existence, till men wonder why he is so aroused ; but neither of these make a case for nav adjustments. Methodism took both these crying evils — Formalism and Calvinism — in hand more than a hundred years ago ; and she has made all the re-statements on these subjects that this dispensation will ever need. If any soul who holds and loves the trutli is alarmed at the threatening around the horizon, let such an one dismiss his fears. This storm will do no harm, but certainly good. It has long been needed. Our Methodist fathers broke out of Protestant Episco- palianism, and out of Calvinism, and they made a magnificent fight for the truth. They overcame contempt and persecution, and rose to dominion. But in this generation the old errors have partly achieved by friendship what they lost in arms, and we are needing to be driven to our tents again. We welcome this encounter. We regret the loss of those who go down on every field, but it is better that one should suffer than that the nation perish. These camp- fires that gleam along the horizon, and cast up their lurid glare against the very heavens, are beacon-lights to illumine the way up to truth. On the way to the real question concerning the punishment of the finally impenitent, we meet a number of skirmish lines thrown out in all directions. These must be driven in before the main army can be engaged. These skirmish lines give the enemy's army the appearance of vastness. It seems ubiquitous. But pushed with cold steel these lines will fall back and make the actual encounter definite, but not dangerous. Sentiment unifomted with rhetoric^ is the advanced line. Canon Farrar exclaims : ** Was there any human being worthy of the dignity of a human being who did not revolt and sicken at the notion of a world of worm and fiame } " This is followed with denunciations that rival the anathemas against which he protests. This is fine, but we can find in it only the declamation of a nervous orator. Facts and arguments are not present. One sensitive nature cries out against the punishment of the guilty on account of pity for its sufferings, but all forgetful of the sufferings of his victims, or of the truth crucified in the sufferer's malice. Let us not discredit any human sympathy, nor lower the price of any human compassion ; but let us be careful not to exalt it to a sphere where its exercise is cruelty and its triumph is torture. Doubtless - Digitized by Google 406 LOST IJJ THE DAY-AI?' TER-tO-MORROW. Canon Farrar expressed his sentiment when he cried out against the doctrine of hell, and ** sickened at the notion of a world of worm and flame." But when it is reduced to a question of senti- ment we appeal to another great Teacher, who had the only perfect nature ever found in the race, was the only perfect flower that ever unfolded on the stock of humanity ; who had the most profound sympathy for suffering that the world ever saw ; whose sentiment was not in a fine saying, incased in a great cathedral, supported by a large income, and wrapped about by conceits that monopolized even the grace of God, but was perfected in the dust of the high- way, where the leper and the harlot cried for help, where beggars and cripples thronged the path. It is to this Teacher we appeal. He has no conception of off'ending the delicate taste of a lost world. He never hesitates, as if it was of doubtful expediency, to warn of danger ; or of doubtful taste, to describe the terrors of the broken law. He cannot get through his first speech to the race, his inaugural address, without crying out into the ears of all the generations his warnings about being " cast into hell," about the broad ** way that leadeth tQ destruction," about the final sen- tence of the Judge — ** Depart from me ye that work iniquity " — and about the house built on " the sand" falling before the storm. Contrast the statements of these teachers : JESUS. FARRAR. It is better for thee to enter into life Was there any human being worthy maimed, than having two hands to go of the dignity of a human being wlio into helly into the fire that never shall did not revolt and sicken at the notion be qiietuhed ; where their worm dieth of a world of imrni and flame f not, and their fire is not quenched, (Repeated three times.) It is not difficult to chose between these teachers. Conceit easily becomes wise above what is written. Surely the disciple is not above his Lord. This skirmish line of sentiment falls back. The ancient error of Calvinism is the next skirmish line. While we have profound respect for the great host of saints who are working mightily for God in spite of this blighting blasphemy against the very character and freedom of God, we can find no terms to express the revolt of our soul against this barbarism that buries human liberty and accountability with the moral government and divine character in one grave, and seals it with the wrath of an infinite monster, while every intelligence in the universe howls out its hatred against such injustice. Mr. Beecher is not far from the truth when he cries out : ** If, now, you tell me that this great mass of men, because they had not the knowledge of God, went to heaven, I say, that the inroad of such a vast amount of mud swept into heaven would be destructive of its purity, and I cannot accept that view. If, on the other hand, you say that they went to hell, then you make an infidel of me, for I do swear by the Lord Jesus Christ, by His groans, by His tears, and by the wounds in His hands and in His side, that I will never let go of the truth that the nature of God is to suffer for others rather than to make them suffer. . . Tell me that back of Christ there is a God who, for unnumbered Digitized by Google LOST IN THE DAV-AFTER TO-MORROW. iQl centuries, has gone on creating men and sweeping them like dead flies, nay, like living ones, into hell, is to ask me to worship a being as much worse than the conception of any mediaeval devil as can be imagined ; but I will not worship the devil though he should come dressed in royal robes and sit on the throne of Jehovah. I will not worship cruelty. I will worship love." To all this, as hurled against Calvinism, we say ^' AmtnP In the choice between Calvinism and Universalism we could not take Calvinism. Universalism tears up the pavements of heaven for materials with which to roof over hell, but Calvinism breaks up the pillars of the eternal throne for weapons with which to mangle and mutilate the Eternal King. Methodism avoids all these evils by giving every man a fair chance in that it modifies the trial to meet the equities of opportu- nities, requiring much where much was given, and accepting little where little was intrusted. It is due to Mr. Beecher to say that he does not lift his voice against retributions as taught by Arminians. He asks more light where we are willing to believe. His cry is against the cruelty of damning men who have had no chance. If Calvinism is true, and men are unconditionally elected and repro- bated, then, there being no moral quality or moral character in either, hell is as desirable as heaven, and this skirmish line falls back. A fair chance demanded by justice for i he heathen is the next line, and is akin to this last. This is a mere straw-man. Nobody teaches, unless it be involved in Calvinism, that the heathen are damned for not coming up to our light. ** They are a law unto themselves," and ** the Judge of all the earth will do right." This line falls back. Literalism makes up the next line, Farrar strikes frantically at '* an irreversible. doom to material torment ^ This is of value only to raise a dust out of this materiality. Few thoughtful men hold to this ** material torment," though every thoughtful man must confess inability to determine absolutely what the manner of being will be in the next world. As mere figures of speech the material terms only intensify the real case. We, therefore, accept the issue in a profounder character, the greater containing the less. This line also falls back. Human afiection is the next skirmish line which needs to be driven in. It is affection for man in general, and affection for kindred in particular. The touching tenderness of parental love is appealed to with confidence to protest against the torments of the lost. These objections deserve attention. When a man says that he could not enjoy heaven while other mortals were enduring the torments of the damned, he does not speak advisedly. He does not go down into the sorrows and woes of others here. Men rot in jails and he never even visits them, but enjoys his liberty. Men are to-day awaiting the hangman's rope. This sensitive man, who turns away from heaven with such a fine saying, can try his genuineness by insisting on being hung with the next criminal. AH this talk is the merest talk. It does not even deceive the talker. Digitized by Google 202 LOST IN THE DAY-AFTER-TO-MORROW. The case of a parent is more difficult, and requires more thoughtfulness, " A father, knowing that his son was in hell suffering the torments of the damned, could not be happy." The law of relative affection comes in here, and relieves the difficulty. It is a necessary law of the human heart, that when two affections conflict the stronger overcomes the weaker. Suppose a case. You have a son and a friend ; you love each, and trust each implicitly. Your friend is the joy of your social hours. By and by you learn that this friend has slandered and ruined the character of your son — has done everything in his power to torment him. By a law of affection you must turn against him. Your higher affection for your son commands you, and you drive this man from your sight, if not out of life. Now, then, substitute a child in the place of that friend, atid Christ in the place of that son, and let it be made clear to you, as it will be in the day of judgment, when sentence is passed upon that child, that he has been mocking and reviling and slandering Christ, your best friend (for such he must be by the conditions of salvation), then you cannot avoid withdrawing your affection from the child, even if that affection was expected to out- live the purpose and use for which it was given. Again, the charge that a loving parent could not allow such torment to overtake a child is void in the presence of the fact that just such things do actually transpire in this life in the administra- tion of the good God. The flood came in wrath. Fire fell on the cities of the plain out of the home of the great Father. Famine last year in India made mothers eat their own babes. All this does go on in the government of the good God. These are not facts for orthodoxy any more than for scepticism. What is going on cannot be called impossible. It is evidently absurd to strike out any Scrip- ture truth or statement simply because some one may be confused with it» or be unable to comprehend it. Such a law would strike out every Bible doctrine and plunge the race into infinite and dawn^- Icss darkness. This line must fall back. A transcendenial denunciation of an appeal io f he fear of punishment as an unworthy motive^ is the last skirmish line to be driven in before we engage the main army. It is sufficient answer to this that God constantly appeals to this motive and tells us whom to fear : *• Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." He cries out to us : *• Flee from the wrath to come." iThis is based in the deepest philosophy. Not the whole, but the sick need a physician. The sense of peril must precede the desire to escape it. God slays that He may make alive. He extorts the cry, •* I owe ten thousand talents and have nothing with which to pay ; " then He freely forgives. Men talk about their not being affected by the fear of hell, and call it an alarm for the timid. We wish to affirm that nearly always such talk is without foundation in fact. God sounds the alarm-bell in the camp of our fears because He knows we have such fears. Any pretence of courage that scoffs this action usually awaits the approach of death to dispel its loftiness. Men rush on in selfish- ness, eager for gain or power, with their ears full of the din of Ih^ Digitized by Google LOST IN THE DAY-AFTER-TO-MOkROW. 263 mart or the shouts of triumph, and they do not hear the voice of the Man of Sorrows calling them to life. But God explodes a shell of damnation in their faces ; they slop, think, turn toward Calvary, gaze on Him who is strong to deliver and mighty to save, repent, believe, and are made new. They are arrested by the retributions of sin, and saved by the magnetism and power of the cross. It ought not to be omitted here that these retributions are a necessary part of the argument in the control of men. Only a small per cent, of men would ever repent if there was no peril in the path of sin. There is a general conviction among men, that men cannot be trusted without these restraints. When a man cuts loose from all idea or future accountability society brands him, the law refuses to believe him under oath. Without these restraints, men follow the tide of their desires. The removal of the restraints of future retributions is followed by the paralysis of religious power, by the destruction of public morals and private virtues, and by the general decay of society. Cicero, about fifty years before Christ, taught that sin is not to receive future retributive punishment. This leaven corrupted the whole lump ; soon society was a moral cesspool. Men cried, " God is indifferent," and even the great fabric of the Roman empire went down in the mire. The prophet of Nazareth, warning of the damnation of hell, arrested this disin- tegration. From the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries Rome sold indulgences, and for money took up divine retributions. Soon immorality engulfed the Papal States. Sin became too vile for record, and nothing saved the world but the Reformation. In the reign of Charles II. of England, after the Restoration, when the Puritans were subdued and philosophers professed to deliver men from the fear of hell, the corruption of England rivalled Rome. Parliament endowed the illegitimate children of the King and nearly a score of mistresses, who were honoured at court and pampered on the public treasur}'. This is the law of human society. Cut away the divinely-appointed stays and men drift to corruption. Few men are so elevated as to shun temptation's allurements merely by their hatred of crime. Montesquieu says : *' Where the people hope for heaven without fearing retribution civil laws have no force." Lord Bolingbroke said : " I will not decide against the doctrine of future rewards and punishments on the principles of good policy." Take hell out of the future, and you soon inaugurate it in the present. 7 he profli- gate Catullus comforted his mistress and himself with the hope that death ended all. Socrates said : *• If death be extinction, this will be good news to the wicked." There is no mistaking the drift of this irresponsibility. Society needs the shield of future retribution to save it from present destruction. This motive finds its vindication in the fact, that every great revival that has actually reformed and saved men has commenced' in a Christly presentation of the future retributions of sin. The goodish preaching that substitutes development for regeneration, philosophy for the Gospel, mere consequences for retribution, and ambiguous sentimentality for the clear and burning words of Jesus, Digitized by Google 464 tost IN THE DAY-AFTfiR-TO-MORROW. has yet to record its first great success in saving men. With the Captain of our salvation leading us on, and warning sinners of the unquenchable fire and of the undying worm, this last skirmish line must fall back, and we come to the main question. THE PROGRESSIVE ARGUMENT. Here we intend simply and briefly to indicate rather than make arguments. An advance up through the more widely-held convic- tions to the simple statement of The Book may pave our way np to the overpowering convictions nrged by God upon sinful mortals. Many things can be assumed without stopping for argument and proof. X. They The Duke possessed immense influence in the country, and did not Digitized by Google 41 8 THE WICKLIFFE COMMEMORATION. fear anybody ; and he liked WicklifFe. On one occasion he at- tended his friend at an examination to which he was summoned by a convocation of clergy at St. Paul's, we suppose, in part, to see him through* and have fair play. But matters did not go exactly ac- cording to the Duke's mind, who had not any particular regard for the priests, whereupon he spoke up, and threatened ** to pluck " Courtney, bishop of London, who presided, " by the hair out of the church ;" which was rather uncjignified, certainly. Now, the protection of such a powerful friend as he would be, is enough to account for the priests not being able to get at him. This is possi- ble, and may be the explanation of Wickliffe's escape from martyr- dom, for the mailed Duke survived his friend, the habited priest, fourteen years. Forty-one years after the death of Wickliffe, his bones were disinterred and burnt, and his ashes scattered (symbol of the spread of his doctrines) by the decree of the council of Con- stance, which shows what the church would have done with the man himsplf, — if somebody had not stood in the way. And now, five hundred years after his death, we have in the com- memoration we have been observing in this country, a fulfilment of the prophecy contained in the antique words on the event — " What though revengeful papists burae Dear WicklifFe's bones ? still hopes his wine, Till *s ashes to a phoenix tume. And live afresh.''^ We have space only to very briefly f efer to other of the many great claims of the pre -reformer on the appreciative regard of the country. Nearly allied to his attitude toward the doctrines of the Church was his stupendous task of translating the Bible into the mother-tongue of the people, and promoting its distribution in an age when, as yet, printing had not been invented. But apart from the important help this work rendered toward the instruction of the people, it had another effect, only second to it, and perhaps wholly unthought of by Wickliffe, — it gave a fixed character to the English language. By reason of his translation of the Scriptures, Wickliffe has come to share with Chaucer, his friend and religious follower, the glory of haying laid the foundations of our splendid literature, the latter being known as the father of English poetry, and the former as the father of English prose. For all who value the rich inheritance of literature to which every one who speaks the English tongue as his own may, if he be so disposed, have freest access from youth onward, the Quincentenary of Wickliffe cannot but have an interest. He was, too, active as an evangelist, as he was learned as a doctor and laborious in all work of the desk and pen. In his scheme for an extensive Itinerancy of poor monks he showed the high value he set upon instruction at word of mouth in the gospel as well as * " The Duke of Lancaster encouraged the principles of WicklifFe ; and he made no scruple to appear openly in court with him when cited before the tribunal of the Bishop of Lonaon, in order to give him countenance upon his trial. "-^ «* Student's Hume,'* p. 197. Digitized by Google CRIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. 2I9 through the distributed translation of the Bible in the vernacular. He would have the gospel preached to the people as well as read by the people. Say, was not his conception of what the land wanted verj^ clear and correct ? Was he not far ahead, in this re- spect, of his times, even, indeed, of times a good deal later than his ? The great and many-sided work of Wickliffe gives that work to us in this nineteenth century an interest that the service of scarcely any other English character of remote times can claim. His life and the service he rendered the country and to the gospel of Christ, have an unusual attraction, for varied reasons, for the patriot, the theologian, the literary student, the historian, the evangelist, the lover of the word of God ; for, in a word, every evangelical Chiristian. To sum up the results of our inquiry, he anticipated, amid all the drawbacks of the age, in no inconsiderable sense, in his rejection of the authority of Rome and her doctrine of transubstantiation, the work of Luther : in his translation of the Bible and endeavour to promote its distribution, the work of the Bible Society : and in his itinerancy of poor monks, the Itinerant Ministry of Wesley as it exists in Methodism. Let our readers judge whether a man who felt his way five hun- dred years ago, in those dark and superstitious times, so far along these lines, was not worthy of as enthusiastic a commemoration as the most zealous protestants in England could give him } And, last though not least, there was his humble and holy li/e^ which speaks to us down through ?i\e centuries and bids us to be, as far as the grace of God enables us, first what we would endeavour to persuade others to become. His disciple and friend, Geoffrey Chaucer, who knew him well, has left, in his immortal poetry, this brief obituary of him — " This noble ensample unto his flock he gave ; That first he wrought^ and afterwards he taught,''^ Hicks' Mill, April yd. J. H. Batt. CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. MY EASY CHAIR. It would puzzle a much shrewder man than a '' Philadelphia lawyer" to correctly guess of what material the above is made. One might ask a hundred persons, and I query if the whole " batch " wouldn't have to doflf the ** considering cap," and " give it up " (as the " little uns " say) as a ** nut " beyond the strength of their ** wis- dom teeth " to crack. It would be a splendid ** conundrum " for the youngsters ; but a " a," viz., to see the ** Passon " of the parish on the platform, he gradually glided back to the birthday of his soul, and feelingly told us, in a style original and characteristic, all about the '* antecedents " and ** subsequents " of that unforget- able day. I cannot enter into the whole minuh'cc of the walk and talk, but will put the "antecedents" into one terse sentence, Emd the '* subsequents " into another : — " Be/ore my conversions^ he said, " / was like a navigatoi^s dog^ ivithout home and habitation ;" since, " / have been as happy as a prince P And this latter, not because his cup has had no wormwood, his life no shadows, his sea no storms, his experience-pathway no " hill Difficulty," no " Valley of Humilia- tion," no " dark and bitter river" of adversity and woe I No. But ** happy as a prince " despite gaunt poverty, pinching want, scant clothing, much personal and family affliction (there being seven or eight children), small earnings, and, last but not least, a tartar- partner, who ridiculed his religion and persecuted him with scathing severity. To keep the torch of gladness ablaze amid such gusts and gales required no small amount of daily grace ; to carry the head erect in confidence and bathed in sunshine against the cutting wintry blasts which round him swept, was patent proof the fibres of his soul had twined themselves inseparably close around the ** Cross," whence hope and joy in flowering beauty ever grow. The Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. 221 secret may have lain in the hidden virtue of his unique " easy chair." For while adverting to these " troublous times," he quaintly said, " I have one easy chair at home, sir, the best I can find ; I don't want any other, for I know of no better. I often throw my- self into it and get rest and comfort : praise the Lord. My easy chair is, * All things work together for good to them that love God ! ' I can find none so easy and beautiful as that." Of course I compli- mented him on having such a comfortable resting-place, and was cheered at the thought that such an ** easy chair," being obtainable "without money and without price," may be in all our homes. Thank God, many of us know what it is to sink into it and find repose, when ** weary and worn and sad " through the roughness of the way ; as around us fade and fall leaves from our home-tree ; and the blossoms of hopeful prospects become sear and scattered by an east wind. For years he had prayed for the conversion of his wife, but seemingly in vain. He anxiously looked for the answer, but it came on tardy wing ; he stood upon the hill-tops of patient expec- tation to catch the first streak of the ** acceptable day," but dark- ness still wrapped her soul in moral night. At last the daybreak came-^the morning, long-looked-for and welcome, dawned with golden promise of a glorious soul-noon, which bore him on wings of gratitude into a very " paradise " of bliss, where his eyes brimmed over with tears because his soul was bubbling up with hallowed emotion, and over with expressions of praise. It was only a few months ago, so powerful were the convictions of sin and feelings of unfitness to die (God having taken away her mother and a little child), that she wept and sought forgiveness through the blood, and ultimately found the pearl. Now, hand in hand and heart with heart, they are hasting together to Zion, to " the Lamb's bright hall of song." They are still very poor, his weekly wages being small, family large, and sickness so often in their midst. One day he returned from his work — barge loading with mud from the river — having had but little food for the day. After washing himself he sat at the table for his supper, but his only luxury was a " crust of dry bread " and a "mug of tea." He had, however, a "contented mind," which was to him a " continual feast." Eating his scant repast he cheerfully said, " This crust, "fnate^ is very sweet ; I am so enjoying it. Bless the Lord I He is very good to us.** His wife, I imagine, was rather disposed to complain because she hadn't better fare to set before him, when he instantly interposed and hushed to rest every murmur by saying, " Remember my easy chair, mate — ' All things work together for good to them that love God.'" In this he always found rest from \veariness, relief from care, refuge from discontent, and encouragement amidst all his difficulties. He was one of those Christians whose eyes were anointed to see God in his deprivations and poverty as well as in his mercies. There are a great many one- eyed Christians, who only recognise the Lord and His goodness in the sunshine and heyday of prosperity ; they never see the " bright light in the clouds " that scarf in gloom their circumstances and surroundings. They fear the cloud ; they look with suspicious eye Digitized by Google 222 NEW ZEAXAND. upon reverses and losses ; and regard as an evil portent affliction and adversity. To all such " Little Faiths " and ** Fcarings " I would strongly recommend for their mutual benefit the ** easy chair" of my rural friend. Reposing there, it certainly would give an im- petus to their confidence and a heroism to their faith ; enabling them ere long to exclaim with the prophet Habakkuk, '* Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines ; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in tho stalls : yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." A great many " easy chairs " in the church I should like the luxury of smashing up. There are those to-day as in the prophet's time who are sitting ^*at ease in Zion^' — comfortably seated m the soft chairs of Indiiferentism, and Idleness, and Self-righteousness, and Hypocrisy, and Selfism, and Niggardliness, and Worldly Conformity — to whom religion indeed is an *^ easy yoke** and the burden of souls a " tight burden I " From those chairs come fault-finding, slander, envy, boasting, mischievous suspicions, uncharitableness, and infi- delity ; a whole brood of vipers you see that will sting to the Very death ! If either of you, my readers, should be occupying one of these ignoble and dangerous chairs, for your own sake and the sake of others I would urge a prompt " up-rising " and a plump " down- sitting *' in this well-tested, truth-cushioned, contentment-inspiring, joy-filling *^ easy chair** of my Christian brother. When trials in- sult you, use it. When storms worry you, use it. When devils tempt you, use it. When sickness wastes, and circumstances straighten, and *' want" stalks in at the door, use it. When death takes liberties with you and rudely plucks your fairest flower, or steals your choicest gem, or empties your cradle-crib of little darling Willie, or the old '* arm chair " of a silver-haired and fond mother that sat there and ** watched you many a day," then sink prayerfully into into the soft lap of this "best" of easy chairs — "All things work together for good to them that love God " — and from the centre of your soul shall go up, as incense to the Throne, the sweet glad song of resignation : " It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good." " I love it, I love it, and who shall dare To chide me for loving this old arm chair." NEW Z EA LA N D. By W. H. Keast. First Paper, I'm going to send you, Mr. Editor, four papers on New Zealand ; and if you think them possessed of sufficient interest, I will ask you to find space for them in the Magazine. Digitized by Google NEW ZEALAND. 223 " Write back a correct account of the country," was one of the last requests I had on leaving for this Colony. The friend who made the request being a farmer, would, I apprehend, wish me to treat of matters in his line. But in this paper I must deal with other questions. The common home idea that this is largely an uncivilized coun- try, with but. few of the comforts, and none of the luxuries of Eng- land, is quite a mistake. New Zealand is not in a state of semi- barbarism. We are not living in the midst of a limitless acreage of " bush," with hostile natives all around us, scorched by a blazing sun, every now and then turned over by an earthquake, without railways and tejegraphs, housed with the cattle, and never deeming it necessary to don a respectable garb. I've already been in this colony long enough to know that the generally-accepted notion of it in the " old country " is a mischievous caricature. It was more than once intimated to me when I was leaving home that I might not be here long before I should be ** eaten by the savages." 1 may say, I've been here now about eleven weeks, and have not seen the shadow of a *' savage " as yet. But the defamed New Zealander shall be spoken of further on. The verdict of ninety-nine out of every hundred of the people in this colony would be that they enjoy more comforts and more luxuries here than at home. All the people here enjoy luxuries, which can't be said of England, or perhaps, any other European country. For a day's work of eight hours, for which from 8s. to i2s. is received; with mutton, beef, and lamb at extremely low prices ; with every encouragement to maintain a manly indepen- dence ; with oft recurring holidays ; and with almost certain pros- pect of saving a good sum of money; — with all these things the labourer's position in this colony is one which might be 'envied by labourers in any country in the world. Every steady man, who has his health, can save money, and at the same time live most comfort- ably,— a fact which should induce people to emigrate here by the thousand. This is the country for labourers, artisans, and business men. And nothing can be more mistaken than the notion that we get a diurnal earthquake. We do get earthquakes, but they are not of frequent occurrence. We have the telegraph penetrating the length and breadth of both islands, and a message can be sent for a shilling. There are several railways, and others in course of construction. Consider- ing the vexy short time this colony has been founded, its agriculture, social comfort, scholastic arrangements, wealth, manufactures, and commerce are simply extraordinary'. On the opposite part of the globe from you, and just below your feet, 180^ longitude distant from Greenwich, and as far south of the Equator as Italy is to the north of it — lies, in the South Pacific Ocean, between the Australian and South American Continents, this country of New Zealand, and a marvellous country it is. Not inhabited probably till somewhat late in the history of man, and then but thinly populated, and only along the coasts, and the banks Digitized by Google 224 NBW ZEALAND. of navigable rivers — New Zealand has fully preserved within its interior, the originality and peculiarity of its remarkable animal and vegetable kingdoms up to this time. No monuments of any kind» no tombs of kings, no ruins of cities, no time-honoured fragments of shattered palace-domes and temples are here to tell of the deeds of ages past and gone. But nature, through her mightiest agencies, fire and water, has stamped her history in indelible characters on the virgin soil. The most striking and important feature of New Zealand is an extensive mountain-range which, interrupted by Cook's Strait, runs through the whole length of the two larger islands. This range constitutes the powerful backbone of the island. It attains its greatest height in the south. ^Jere its numer- ous peaks, capped with perpetual snow, impart to it a truly impres- sive character. An evening or .two since, I beheld one of the most sublime and enchanting sights I ever witnessed. The setting sun was throwing back his last rays, and tinging with a superb golden hue these craggy Alpine heights, as they stood there decked with glacial shrouds, and towering in silent grandeur to the skies. As the tinge slowly disappeared to the very topmost peaks, revealing their wondrously unique architecture, my delight was inexpressible. The scenery round these mountains can scarcely be equalled. There are splendid glacier streams, gloomy ravines with roaring mountain torrents rushing through, lovely mountain lakes, magni- ficent cataracts and mountain passes. Every lover of ferns should visit this mountain region, where, according to reliable information, 150 species of this beautiful and wondrous member of God's creation may be found. There is a fern tree here forty feet tall. A forty-feet fern is strikingly congruous at the base of a mountain 14,000 feet in height. In Auckland there is a lake district, abounding with the most wonderful natural phenomena. There are three large and many smaller lakes, the water in some of which is of a sky-blue colour. For miles the surface of the earth around Rotarua and Rotomahana Lakes is in a state of perturbation — holes and puddles filled with boiling mud abound everywhere. "The great attractions of the district, however, are the geystrs and magnificent terraces. These wonderful terraces are formed by a silicious deposit from the warm — in some places boiling — water that flows over them. The chief terrace, or rather series of terraces, one above the other, is 300 feet at the base and 150 feet high, the front being of a circular form, and the whole structure grand and stately in appearance. On the lower terraces are hollows filled with the warm water flowing over, and forming natural marble baths. The water in them is of a deep blue tint, and the surface of the terraces exhibits a great variety of colours, pure white, pink, and blue predominating." — *'New Zealand is a country with an immense extent of seaboard compared with its area, with splendid harbours, many, if not extensive, rivers, fine agricultural land, magnificent forests, and lastly, one which, besides possessing in abundance the key to manufacturing wealth — coal — has alluvial and quartz gold deposits, in working which, those whose tastes incline them to mining may always find a livelihood, with the Digitized by Google THE REV SYDNEY SMITH ON WAR. 22$ possibility of attaining large wealth by a lucky discovery." — ** New Zealand forms one extended line for a distance of nearly 1,200 miles. Its average breadth is about 120 miles ; but no part is any- where more distant than 75 miles — or rather more than the distance from London to Brighton — from the coast. Its area is nearly 100,000 square miles; almost equal to that of Great Britain and Ireland. It is distant from London about 12,000 miles, and from Australia about 1,200." — ^The population of this colony in 1874 was 299,684. That this is a healthy country is evident from its average death-rate. The European states average i death in 34 to every 40 persons, Russia averages i in 50, New Zealand i in 120 ! The children bom here are considered by their mothers to be remarkably fine; and making all due allowance for mothers* partiality, they certainly promise to be a large and robust race. The climate differs little from home. The changes of weather and temperature are very sudden, so that there cannot be said to be any uniformly wet or dry season in the year. The temperature of London is 5^° colder than this. The nights here are always cool. In the very height of summer you cannot dispense with your blankets. The invariably keen evening is almost the only thing I've to complain of in this otherwise delightful and agreeable country. I will conclude this paper with giving the names of the various religious bodies in the colony, taken from the census tables for 1 874 : — Episcopalians — Church of England ; Presbyterians — six denominations : Methodists — Wesleyan, Primitive, Free Church, New Connexion; other Protestants — Baptists, Independents, Lutherans, Christians, Church of Christ, Unitarians, Society of Friends^ Calvinists, Christian Israelites, Catholic and Apostolic Moravians. Catholics — Roman Catholics, Catholics undefined, Greek Church. Other denominations — Latter-day Saints, Jews, Mahometans, Pagans. Nearly 1,300 persons return themselves of no denomination, 150 as of no religion, while 6,760 persons object to state what they are. There are some denominations in the colony which number very few members. There are, for instance — Christ- adelphians. Christian Friends, Christian Disciples, Church of the New Testament, Jehovistic Nonconformists, Morisonians, Nazarenes (total six), Puritans (one), Welsh Church (one). Evangelist (one), Swedenborgians, Cosmotheists, Evolutionists, Free Thinkers, Pan- theists, Platonists, with about forty other denominations — most* of them with most singular designations. And now may be added to the list the Bible Christians. I imagine this astounding number of denominations is to be accounted for on the ground of emigration. THE REV. SYDNEY SMITH ON WAR. At the accession of Her Majesty, Sydney Smith, Dean of St. Paul's preached a sermon inspired by noble patriotism and truly Christian principles. At the present crisis the following extract therefrom is Q Digitized by Google 226 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. most opportune : — "A great object which I hope will be impressed upon the mind of this Royal Lady is a rooted horror of war, an earnest and passionate desire to keep her people in a state of pro- found peace. The greatest curse which can be entailed upon man- kind is a state of war. All the atrocious crimes committed in years of peace, all that is spent in peace by the secret corruptions or by the thoughtless extravagance of nations, are mere trifles compared with the gigantic evils which stalk over the world in a state of war. God is forgotten in war, every principle of Christian charity trampled upon, human labour destroyed, human industry extin- guished ; you see the son, and the husband, and the brother, dying miserably in distant lands ; you see the waste of human affections, you see the breaking of human hearts, you hear the shrieks of widows and children after the battle, and you walk over the mangled bodies of the wounded calling for death. I would say to that Royal child, worship God' by loving peace ; it is not your humanity to pity a beggar by giving him food or raiment. / can do that ; that is the charity of the humble and the unknown ; widen your heart for the more expanded miseries of mankind; pity, the mothers of the peasantry who see their sons torn away from their families ; pity your poor subjects crowded into hospitals, and calling, in their last breath, upon their distant country and their young Queen ; pity the stupid, frantic folly of human beings who are always ready to tear each other to pieces, and to deluge the earth with each other's blood. This is j^our extended humanity,, and this is the great field of your compassion. Extinguish in your heart the fiendish love of military glory, from which your sex does not necessarily exempt )ou, and to which the wickedness of flatterers may urge you. Say, upon your death bed, ' I have made few orphans in my reign ; I have made few widows ; my object has been peace. I have used all the might of my character, and all the power of my situation, to check the irascible passions of mankind, and to turn them to the arts of honest industry. This has been the Christianity of my throne, and this the gospel of my sceptre ; in this way I haVe striven to worship my Redeemer and Judge.' " — Works of Rev, Sydney Smith, vol. iii. p. 299. MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM ALLIN.. Dear Mr. Bourne, — You have often regretted, I doubt not, that some of the noblest lives that have adorned the Denomination have passed away unnoticed in the Magazine. This may have arisen . occasionally from accident or neglect; but not infrequently the Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 227 humility of the deceased, who have deemed themselves unworthy of any such notice, has been the only cause. A more striking in- stance of such omission could hardly be named than that of Mr. and Mrs. William Allin, of Chapel House, Sutcombe. A memoir of Mr. Allin would have been forwarded long ago by Mr. T. Braund, but he had been specially charged to do nothing of the kind. I do not think, however, it will be unwise or in bad taste if we disregard this injunction of our friend, certain that the memory of such a life can be productive of no evil, and may be productive of good. And so, although I feel myself unworthy to touch such a theme, and have neither the materials nor the inclination to draw up a formal memoir, you and your readers may bear with me if I narrate a few facts that I have ascertained from others, and a few things I myself saw and heard. For more than forty years Mr. and Mrs. William Allin were re- garded as the spiritual parents of the society at Sutcombe, one of the most united, kindly and generous societies in the Connexion. Never was reputation better deserved. During all that time they were patterns in every-day life of almost every virtue that ennobles men or adorns the religion of Jesus Christ. Mr. Allin was naturally of a fiery and impetuous temperament ; but early conversion, fol- lowed by a life of earnest piely, prevented this from becoming a snare, whilst his stability was in no faint degree like that of the Eternal Rock on which it reposed. Mrs. Allin was one of the most gentle and unassuming of women. Prudent, kind-hearted, tender, and devoted, from the first day I knew her till she was taken away I looked upon her as a beautiful example of the influence of the Gospel upon a disposition naturally sweet and amiable. I was one day walking in a garden with her granddaughter. Suddenly she stopped, and said, " Look ; grandma would never have passed that weed without plucking it up." It was telling the story of a life. Mrs. Allin never looked upon goodness in any shape without some kindly recognition of it ; and when she encountered evil, and saw the least prospect of success, she endeavoured in her gentle way to eradicate it. Her life was a proof that religion is not only calcu- lated to make its possessor useful and happy, but that a daily imita- tion of the example of Jesus is more efficient than all the culture and refinement in the world in imparting that delicacy of tone and feeling which is termed '* ladylike," and whicji so many covet and so few possess. When first converted Mr. Allin, then a mere lad, had to battle with a little world in arms against him. The unkindliest blows were dealt by his nearest friends. Father and brothers derided and persecuted him ; his very mother sided with the oppressors. " My father," said he to me, " attributed my conversion to idleness, and worked me harder than the rest.'' With untiring energy the lad toiled at the hardest work of the farm from morning till night, resolved to undeceive his friends and neighbours who believed ** conversion among the Methodists" was synonymous with lounging idleness. After toiling on Saturday Q 2 Digitized by Google 228 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. evening till after dusk, he would rise early on the Sunday and trudge off to preach ; often, at first, with no bread in his scrip and small prospect of getting any during the day. The efforts of men of that time seem almost fabulous to us x)f weaker frames and less determined wills. To walk between thirty and forty miles on the Sabbath, preach three sermons, and often conduct protracted prayer meetings, was no unusual feat. From such a journey Mr. Allin often returned wearied and footsore, to encounter the jeers of his friends and to retire without refreshment to rest. Strangest of all, during the harvest season the young preacher would be up between four and five o'clock on Monday morning, handling the scythe or sickle with sinew that few could rival and energy that none could excel. Patient faith and untiring zeal began to bear fruit. The mother first, then the other members of the family, with many outside that circle, ceased to scoff and learned to admire ; the mother's sympa- thy was his first great triumph. It was not, however, till his marri- age with Margaret Mason, a worthy member of a worthy family, that he found a friend who thoroughly understood and assisted him. From that moment, till her death in 1^74, he had always an affec- tionate helpmate at his side. A society was formed at their house. Seven children were born to them. In Mrs. Allin's case family duties were never alleged as an excuse for neglecting the duties of religion; in these latter engagements she never sought an opportunity to escape household work. When she had two or three children revival services were held in her house nightly for weeks together, and sometimes even short' prayer meetings in the course of the day. Under these cir- cumstances Mr. Allin used to say that the friends were never kept waiting many minutes together. Indeed, an excellent economy of time was a notable trait in the characters of them both. When the husband farmed a large estate at Thuborough, and business pressed heavily on his hands, he so arranged his affairs as to be almost never absent from prayer meeting, class meeting, or preaching service. During his life Mr. Allin filled nearly all the ordinary lay offices of the church. His strict integrity in all financial matters won the entire confidence of all about him. Unlike many men of hasty tempers, he never allowed his impetuosity to override his judgment in business matters. . On the other hand, he was distinguished for shrewd sagacity, and his opinion was sought and respected on almost all ordinary questions, whether of business or religion. In the church he not only stood in the forefront in all seasons of revival and spiritual life, but in times of depression and gloom, when the love of many waxed cold, he was as steadfast and earnest as ever. It was, however, as a class-leader that he most excelled and was most eminently successful. Quick insight into character, shrewd common sense, broad human sympathy, and constant reading of the Bible, fitted him in an unusual degree for this, — one of the most responsible and certainly the most difficult office in the Methodist Digitized by Google MEllOIRS ANiO OBIXI^ARIES. 229 Church. ^ The unanimous testimony of all I have consulted on this question is, that they never knew his equal in this work. Wise in speech and wise in silence, he always seemed to say the right thing at the right moment, and never to mar it with what was inopportune and indiscreet. He was always present with his class, always in good time. Absent members were called on, faulty ones reproved, feeble ones encouraged, and thus a society was kept together at Sutcombe more united and harmonious perhaps than any other in a wide district. The loss of such a man is often disastrous to a neighbourhood ; it was feared it might be at Sutcombe. The sons- in-law of the deceased are, however, persevering in his work with a zeal not unworthy of the tradition of their house. This society was the crown of Mr. Alliums rejoicing ; his first care in life, his latest care in death. Among its members were numbered most of the brothers who had at first opposed him, their wives, their children, and their children's children. Of these brothers one, Thomas, seems to have been unusually wild and care- less ; nor did his conversion take place till long after William had chosen his path in life. Few conversions have been more thorough. When I knew him, Mr. Thomas Allin was, so far as I am able to judge, regarding alike his physical development, private and public character, temper and disposition, and deep though unobtrusive piety, one of the very noblest specimens of Christian Englishmen I ever met. William Allin continued to lead his class until his " sickness unto death." For some years he had not taken preaching appointments away from home, but in his own chapel he occupied the pulpit oftener, perhaps, than any other person. On the 4th of February, 1 874, his wife was taken from him. It is needless to add that he felt the stroke most acutely. On the 4th of October in the fol- lowing year they were reunited. Those who were present will not soon forget the impressive services conducted by Mr. Braund at the two funerals. Mr. Allin died of inflammation of the lungs. His sufiferings were very severe ; his patience marvellous to all who knew his impetuous temperament. I shall never forget his look of imploring tenderness when, in great pain, with a husky voice he besought me to consecrate my little all to the service of the Master he had loved so well, and whose face he was now about to see. A little before death Mr. Braund asked him if he had any message to the society he had so long cared for. He paused and said : " Holi- ness becometh the people of God. The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin. Nothing short of this is safe." Could the departing spirit have breathed a more sacred message to the churches ? Shehbear, Thos. Ruddle. SAMUEL WALDERN. '*Thk memoty of the just is blessed." Death has been making inroads in our ranks in my old circuit (Kilkhampton), since I left last Conference, and called some of our dearest and best friends to enter the promised rest ; among them the Digitized by Google 230 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. subject of the following brief memoir, Samuel Waldern, the son of Samuel and Grace Waldern, who was bom at Gooseham, in the parish of Morwenstow, Corn- wall, in December, 1819. He was favoured beyond many in that he was blessed with God-fearing parents, who sought, both by precept and example, to train up their children in the right way, that they might early in life fear God and keep His commandments. But Samuel soon showed that he had a will of his own opposed to God's will, and consequently to his parents' will also. He was of a lively turn of mind, and fond of the amusements and frivolities so attractive to the young. At the age of 18 or 19, prodigal-like, he became somewhat dissatisfied, and left his home, wishing, as he said, to see something more of life. . He visited China, India, and many other places. This roving life did not, however, agree with his health, so he returned in about four years with his health somewhat shattered, and his heart unchanged. During his absence his father had gone to his rest, but his mother was still living, and with her he again went to live. Shortly after his return some special services were held at Gooseham Mill, and many souls were converted. Our dear Br. Waldern was one of the happy num- ber. The bread which had been cast upon the waters was found after many days. His sainted mother greatly rejoiced over her son's conversion. From that time until his death he maintained a good profession, and walking worthy of the holy vocation wherewith he was called. He married one like-minded with him- self. Both brother and sister Waldern are well-known to many of the preachers, at whose house they were always welcome. For several years our dear brother filled the offices of class-leader and society-steward in connection with our cause at Woodford. His class was much attached to him, and feel it to be a great loss to be deprived of his counsels, and anxiously inquire. Upon whom will his mantle fall ? The affliction which ended his mortal career was bronchitis. He was ill only ten days. During that time he suffered much, but he was patient and resigned. When near the end he said to his uncle, ** I have been examining myself, and it is all right. I should ask my Lord to take me home, if it were not for you, my dear, but never mind, it won't be long we shall be separated." His only child, a daughter, says, " The last words dear father spoke were to me ; smiling, he said, * sing something ' ! I shall not soon forget that look, so peaceful and happy ! Of course I could not sing, my heart was too full of grief." In a few moments, without one lingering sigh or groan, he had entered into the rest which remaineth. Thus died Samuel Waldern, on the nth of January, 1878, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. His surviving friends mourn his departure, but they sorrow not even as others which have no hope. He was a good husband and father. His daugh- ter says, " There never was a better father than mine, and to his Christian and . prayerful life I owe a debt of gratitude." May the widow and daughter be blessedly supported and ultimately meet the dearest friend they had on earth in heaven. His body lies in the chapel burying-ground at Woodford. Br. Spencer conducted the solemn service, which was attended by a large number of sym- pathizing friends. His death has since been improved by Br. Spencer, text : Isa. 1. 10. That service wiU not soon be forgotten. J. Coles. MRS. ANN WHITE, Of 5, Edgcombe Place, Stoke, and whose maiden name was Dunn, was bom at Mevagissey, Cornwall, March i8th, 1820. Her parents were both desirous of making the best of this world, without forgetting the world to come. They regularly attended the Independent chapel, and Ann with her brother attended the Sunday-school in connection with that place of worship, to which she was attached, although at times, with some young friends, she went to the Bible Christian chapel, especially during the pastorate of Mr. Chappie. They were so pleased and benefited by his ministry, that they often went into the neighbouring country places to hear him preach. Some time after this, Ann, with her mother and brother, came to reside at Devonport, and attended Princess-street chapel, the mother being a member with the Independents. But they had not been at Devon- port long before Mr. Chappie was stationed in the Devonport Circuit. This cir- cumstance, and the fact that some friends from Mevagissey, worshipped at our King-street chapel, caused her to become a teacher in the King-street Sunday- school, and some time later she joined our church in that place. Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 231 • Soon after Mr. White came to Devonport, they apparently accidentally met, and subsequently they became "man and wife together." Her path was that of the just which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. For some years be- fore the end came, she had to pass through the furnace of afiliction, but her trust was always in the bleeding Lamb. There was a time in her history when she would make any sacrifice, or brave any weather to attend the Sunday-school, and the services of the sanctuary, and she seemed ever to enjoy the presence of Him who said, " Lo, I am with you always, even to the end." Her confidence in her God, through the atoning work of Christ, was strong and constant. She often spoke of herself as being a sinner saved by the free unmerited grace of God, and that if she reached the better land it would be through the work of Christ alone. She found great delight in reading good books, and this afforded sweet solace to her spirit, especially when deprived of the public means of grace through affliction, which was frequently the case during the last nine months of her life. She was laid by in October. Medical advice was obtained, but she found no relief. She gradually became worse, her sufferings at times being intense. A physician was consulted, but he gave no hope of recovery. She knew that her end was drawing near, and one evening, when a few friends were gathered around the bed of death, she said, " Once I was young," and then the power of utterance failed. It was however evident she wanted to say something, and thinking to help her out, a young friend said, "And gay;" but that was not the expression she desired. Then another quoted the passage, "I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread." Her last words were, " For ever with the Lord." She fell asleep in Jesus, September 2nd, 1877. .GEORGE TONKIN Was bom at St. Agnes, Cornwall, October 12th, 1818. He was favoured iil having the counsels, prayers, and examples of godly parents. His father was a class-leader among the Weslcyans, and under their ministry George sat for many years. He was kept from presumptuous and glaring sins, for his life, prior to his conversion, was strictly moral ; and his naturally quiet spirit would lead many to think he was a man of God ; but his heart remained unchanged. In the year 1871 he came to Haverigg, Cumberland, in quest of work, and found employment in the Hodbarrow iron-mine. He lived for several months with two of our first members in this part, and attended our semces in a rented room. His family ultimately joined him, but afflictions, sorrows, and bereavements shortly followed. A blooming daughter, Susan, who had seen about eighteen summers, was suddenly seized with small-pox and succumbed to the direful disease. Her death roused the family from their moral slumber, and led them to think of their ways and God. This bereavement, though painful, was profitable. The father, of whom we now write, became a decided Christian, and so did others of the family. The harvest, after the seed had been sown many years by pious parents, now appeared in George Tonldn's heart and life. There is a time to sow, and a time to reap. There may be seed-time without a harvest, but there cannot be a harvest without a seed-time. We must sow if we would reap, and Christian labour cannot be in vain in the Lord. After Br. Tonkin's conversion, he at once joined our infant cause, and when it was decided to build a sanctuary at Haverigg, which had become necessary, he cheerfully consented to become a trustee, and he showed his interest in the matter in^every possible way. He subsequently joined the Sabbath-school, and became a diligent and acceptable teacher. His atten- dance at the means of grace was regular, and in the ministry of the Word he took great delight. He highly valued the ministers of Christ, who were always wel- comed to his table, and often found rest beneath his hospitable roof. You could not call too frequently. His house was a home to us. I nave heard him relate his Christian experience with great fervour, and have been deeply impressed with the richness of his possessions in Christ Jesus. He always rejoiced in a personal consciousness of his acceptance with God ; hence his light shone brightly and steadily. His conduct was consistent and his piety exemplary. Ultimately his health and strength declined. He could not follow his employment, but he con- tinued to work in the sanctuary so long as he was able. His affliction lasted about Digitized by Google 232 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. nine months, and from the beginning he entertained no hope of recovery. Durijog this period the visits of his minister, leader, and the church members he always appreciated. Meanwhile the grain was ripening and becoming golden. God gathers no unripe fruit, nor can aught that is unholy pass His gates of pearl. In in his sickness, Br. Tonkin felt Christ exceedingly precious. For the last three weeks of his life he was confined to his bed, when his voice began to fail rapidly. All that love could do for him was done by his wife and daughters, but he longed for the heavenly rest. He said to me only a few days before he died, " I am ready, and long to go." On the morning of February 21st, 1877, his last whisper wasneard — " Glory, glory, praise the Lord." At once his spirit fled. Devout men carried him to his burial in Millom churchyard. A large number of his fellow-labourers in the church, and neighbours, followed his body to the grave. His death was subsequently improved by his pastor to a good congregation in Haverigg chapel from Balaam's words, " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." " Life's labour done, as sinks the clay, Light from its load the spirit flies : While heaven and earth combine to say, * How blest the righteous when he dies ! * " James Hender. ANN MARIA SPRY, Whose maiden name was Orchard, was bom in February, 1822, at Sudcott, in the parish of Jacobstow, Cornwall. Her parents, who were strictly moral, at- tended the Bible Christian chapel at Week St. Mary. Her father was called away by death, when she was very young, Jind Mrs. Orchard was left with eleven children. Ip the year 1848, Ann was married to Mr. James Spry, of Broompark, Jacob- stow, but not until twenty years after this was she joined by faith to the Lord Jesus. She was powerfully wrought upon by the Holy Spirit whilst listening to a sermon from Br. D. Murley. She did not there and then yield to be saved from sin ; but continued to groan beneath the load for some time. But one evening, on entering an out-house of the farm, she cried unto the Lord, and He heard her. Then was there light in the sky, and music in the air. From her heart the burden rolled away. Happy day ! She was then bom of the Spirit. Had she not ex- perienced the second birth there could have been no scriptural reason to hope that her future would be crowned with celestial glory. " Except a man be bom again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." No sooner had she received the new heart than she felt prepared to declare what the Lord had done for her, and to unite with His church. She joined the society at Week St. Mary, and continued a member until death removed her to the church above. She was taken ill in March, 1877, ^ind from the first it was feared that her sickness was unto death. On returning from Stratton, whither she had gone to consult the doctor, she said to her daughter, Thirza, as they were crossing a field, •* I shall never go down over this field again," and when they entered the home she said, " 1*11 get the tea, it will be the last I shall get," and never after did she cross that field, or engage in any household work. She remained in the fumace of affliction for eight weeks, but her comfort was that her Saviour was watching all the while, and she could say with Wesley — ** O what are all my sufferings here, If, Lord, Thou count me meet With that enraptured host t* appear. And worship at Thy feet." As the end drew near she felt particularly anxious [about an afflicted son, WilHam, saying, " If she could only hope that he would walk and work again, she could die in peace. Mr. T. Prower was sent for and asked to take Willie with him, which he consented to do ; and Willie can now walk and work again. The friends who visited her during her illness, always found her rejoicing in the Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 2j} Lord. She was indeed longing to be gone, long before the " Reaper, whose name is death," came to remove her to another sphere. But he came at last, and she has, without doubt, joined that great congregation " into which an enemy never enters, and from which a friend cannot depart.*' She died, May 19th, 1877, aged fiftjr-five years. She is gone, yet for her own sake we would not have her back again. The gold is not turned into ashes, it is only re-cast in a nobler mould, and bears more brightly the superscription of the King. Nothing has fallen besides that which was made to fall, and even that shall be raised again at the last day. May the reader and writer be more closely united to Christ by a living faith, and meet at last, in the land of love and beauty our sister who has crossed the river, and who waits for her children and husband to cross over to her. " The life has gone, the breath has fled, And what has been no more shall be, The well-known form, the welcome tread, Oh ! where are they ? and where is she." J. C. EDWARD RUNDLE. Edwaxd, the beloved son of John and Martha Rundle, was bom at St. Pinnock, Cornwall, February 3rd, 1859. His parents sent him to the Sunday- school veiy early, and when he was six years of age his parents removed to Wingate, in the county of Durham. Having the fear of God themselves, they were naturally anxious for the spiritual welfare of their children. ALfter they came to Wingate, Edward regularly attended the Primitive Methodist Sunday-school, as the Bible Christians had not then a cause in that place. Edward possessed an amiable disposition, and was obedient to his parents ; but his heart was as yet unchanged. After a few years, the family removed to Ryhope. He continued to attend the means ; and when his parents conversed with him about religion, he was often affected to tears ; yet he did not give his heart to the Lord until his parents removed to Silksworth, near Sunderland. There his heart was opened to receive the truth ; he believed on Jesus, and was saved. The affliction which ended in his death, began twelve months before that event. At first he thought the dispensation hard ; but he continued in prayer till, like his Divine Master, he could say, "Not my will, but Thine be done." For sixteen weeks he was confined to his bed, and during the whole time his sufferings were intense ; yet his trust was in God. Sometimes when racked with pain he would exclaim, " Lord, how long ?" One morning he said to his mother, " I shall go to heaven, I am sure I shall," the ground of his strong confidence being the inward witness. From this period, dthough he suffered much, there was not a murmuring thought or word. In patience he possessed his soul, often expressing a desire to " depart and be with Christ." And when thinking of near relatives who had preceded him to heaven, he was led to say, " How happy we shall be when we meet, a whole family, in heaven. O how happy I feel ! " * I love Jesus, yes, I do, * I love Jesus, yes, I do, * Jesus smiles, and loves me too.' " Still getting worse, he became more anxious to depart, feeling all the while he was in the hands of a kind Father, and he would say, " His time is mine." His father greatly encouraged him to look to Jesus, and precious seasons they were to both when the father talked and prayed with him. About the end of January there were s3miptoms of the approaching end ; but he remained calm and confident. During the last week of his life he was unable to take food. At length the long- expected hour arrived. It was all calm and cloudless at the last. On awaking from a gentle doze his father asked him how he felt. He said, " It is all right, father, " * Happy, if with my latest breath I may but gasp His name ; Preach Him to all, and cry in death, Behold, behold the Lamb ! * " Digitized by Google 2 34 MISSIONARY MEETINGS. When told that he would soon be in heaven his face beamed with gladness, and his spirits revived. He exclaimed, " Shall I, father ? " His voice was weak, but with peculiar emphasis he said, " Glory be to God ! Bless the Lord, O my soul ! Glory to God in the highest ! " Then, after kissing his mother, he requested his much-loved sister Jane to come near, who promised to meet him in heaven. His father, scving that the end was so near, put his already cold hands into his bosom. He said, "Never mind, father, I shall soon be in heaven." He then exultingly praised God. His last words were, "All is well; meet me in heaven." He entered into rest on the 9th of Febniary, 1877, aged eighteen years. The writer of this account has visited many Christians on their death-beds, but none who gave clearer evidence of their acceptance than dear Edward Rundle. His death was improved on the 4th of March, by Mr. A. Pearce, iii the Primitive Methodist chapel, kindly lent for the occasion, to a large and appreciative congregation, from Philippians i. 21, "To die is gain." A good, practical sermon was preached, and doubtless much good was done. Joseph D. Green well. SOMERTON CIRCUIT. Dear Bro. Bourne, — Perhaps a few notes respecting this station may be in- teresting to some, and as I don't often trouble you, you will perhaps the more readily afford the space for the following. Missionary meetings. Our first series was held on Sunday, November i8th, 1877, and the week follow- ing. Our late dear Bj. W. W. Andrews was the deputation, who served the cause well. On Sunday, sermons were preached in the several places by the bre- thren Andrews, Dening, Rawlings, H. C. Brooks, Matcham, and Knox. All did their best, and the divine blessing was realized. At High Ham public meeting on Monday, we were assisted by Mr. Killip, (Wesleyan) who is always ready to help in a good cause. Influence very good, and money in advance. The meetings the following evenings passed off about as last year.* Chapels. A eiTort was made by our friends at IJ^tgh Ham in October last, to pay the re- maining debt of ;f2i off their chapel. Mr. H. Lavis was appointed to collect for the object. He succeeded Veil, but not without much toil. A public tea (pro- visions given by the friends) and meeting were held ; the people had a mind to hel}), and we hope the work will be soon fully completed. One friend has offered to relieve the trustees of West Pennard chapel of their del)t of nearly £^0 on certain conditions, and since then two other friends have nobly exerted themselves in raising funds and purcliased a small harmonium for the chapel, and a new Bible and Hymn-book. The chapel is also to be cleaned and painted. The whole cost is about ^10. The brethren W. Wilkins and J. W. Knox deserve much credit. A local effort is to be shortly inaugurated to place Sonierton chapel in easier circumstances. It is up hill work ; but the offer of the General Chapel Com- mittee has prompted us to do our best. This object accomplished, the chapels on this station will be in a workable condition, and five out of the nine free from debt. Our Circuit Bazaar was held at Keinton in January last. Br. W. H. Gregory, from Swansea, assis- ted. Articles for the bazaar were sent by many friends both in and out of the circuit. The tea was well patronized. The day pasted off comfortably. Profits a little over ;f 20 ; but it is necessary to raise ;^20 more by special effort to fairly meet the expenditure. The people, with but few exceptions, do well in supporting the cause. Our greatest need is a richer outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We are hoping, praying, for a blessed revival. Sonierton^ April Gt?i, 1 878. C. Dening. ♦ We have omitted the part of the second series of meetings as an account previously received was in type before this communication came to hand. — Ed. Digitized by Google IN THE NORTH. 235 MiLLOM Circuit. — The anuual Missionary sermons were preached at Millom and Haverigg, Sunday, March 17th, by J. Hender, the Rev. R. Jones (Welsh Presbyterian), and R. Orchard, to excellent congreg;ations. On [Monday, meeting at Millom, presided over by Mr. Joseph Crawshaw, late of Blackburn, who has joined our Church here. The pastor read the report. Speeches followed by Revs. J. Todhunter (Wesleyan), R. Orchard, and Mr. R. Nicholas. The mcetmg was well attended and enthusiastic. The finances, including a Lecture from Rev. \V. Luke, of London, a week previously, were;f4 lis. yd., being i8s. 7d. in advance of last year's meeting. Meeting at Haverigg on Tuesday, presided over by the pastor, in the absence of the advertised chairman. Addresses by Revs. R. Orchard, W. Hambly (Baptist), Mr! R. Nicholas, and Air. W. James. The meeting passed off well. Financial result, including the proceeds of Mr. Luke's lec- ture the previous Tuesday, was 13s. 7d. ahead of last year's. Every one again was glad. On Wednesday we went to Eskdale, but we did not have a meeting of the usual kind, owing to a revival in progress there, but we had a meeting of the very right sort. We had a public prayer-meeting at four in the afternoon, which was well attended and wonderfully blessed by God to our souls. The meeting time came : we sang and prayed, and the pastor, who believes in working with the people, then asked whether they would have a brief Missionary speech or two, then a revival prayer meeting after, or a revival service at once. Up went the hands of the people for the revival service. Then, said the pastor, before we begin we will take the Missionary collection, because you are come to give your money, and God knows how greatly we need it. So we had the collection without the Missionary meeting, and it was about 3?. 5d. ahead of last year's. That night a young man from Camborne, Cornwall, was soundly converted. He shouted and leaped for very joy. Another young man was on his knees all the ser\'ice, but did not obtain a sense of pardon. The chapel was full of people and power. We are doing all we possibly can to increase our Missionary receipts £^2 on last year's, so a to benefit the parent Society and secure the same Missionary Grant. J.H. IN THE NORTH. Dear Mr. Editor, — I send you the following notes in the hope that they may not be altogether devoid of interest to the supporters of our Missionary Society. Thursday, March 7. — Left London at ten a.m. by the Scotch express on the London and North Western Railway, and travelled as far as Camforth, stojijiing only three times. Thence to Barrow-in-Furness, the whole journey, 266 miles, being accomplished in seven hours and thirty minutes. Gave a lecture in the evening at Barrow. The weather being stormy, the attendance was not very large. Collection, £\ 2s. 2d. Friday, 8tn. — ^Lectured at Dalton. The congregation tolerably good. Collec- tion in aid of the chapel, ;f i is. Saturday, 9th. — Lectured at Swarthmoor. The audience numbered about forty. Collection small. Sunday, loth. — Preached in the morning at Barrow, and in the evening at Dal- ton. A Wesleyan minister conducted the service in the afternoon at Barrow, and a Congregationalist at Dalton. The attendance and collections very good. Monday, nth. — Delivered a lecture at Millom. Chapel well filled and liberal collection. Tuesday, 12th. — Gave a lecture at Haverigg. Chapel crowded, and good col- lection. To-day, visited the churchyard at Millom, where the late IMrs. Kelley was buried. Read, and re-read the inscription on her tomb-stone, with deep regret that one so young and so good, should have died and been buried so far away from her home. Felt very grateful to witness the fruit of our brethren's labours in Millom and Haverigg ; the cause having apparently become firmly established in each place. Wednesday, 13th. — Returned to Dalton. Missionary meeting in the evening, Digitized by Google 236 IN THE NORTH. at which the attendance was rather smalls Moderately good meeting, and the receipts £1 2s. 6d. a-head of last year's. The journey to-da3r along the base of the high hills of Cumberland and Lanca- shire, the weather being bright and beautiful, was exceedingly pleasant. Thursday, 14th. — Happy meeting at Barrow. Collection / 1 5s. 4d. in advance of last year's. Should rejoice to hear that some wealUiy ana generous friend had given ;f 1,000 or ;f 2,000 towards the cost of our large and elegant buildings in this town. Friday, 15th. — Meeting at Swarthmoor. The people appeared to take a deep interest in the speeches, but the collection left a few shillings to be made up after- wards, so as to be equal to last year's. Saturday, i6th. — Travelled from Dalton to New Herrington, where the Mission- ary meeting was held in the evening. The depression in trade here is truly deplor- able, in consequence of which many of our friends have left the neighbourhood, and those who remain experience great distress. Our new and beautiful chapel here is not so well filled as when it was at first opened ; but it continues to be sup- ported by some deeply devoted friends. The receipts several shillings above those of last ^ear. The journey to-day of over 100 miles, of which a large portion lay across the county of Westmoreland, was most enjoyable. A clear and bright day enabled us to see advantageously the magnificent views of country contiguous to Winder- mere and Tebay. These once seen are not easily forgotten. The Conference confers an unmistakable privilege on the deputation appointed for this missionary tour. Sunday, 17th. — Sermons at New Herrington, Seaham Harbotur, and other {)laces in the circuit in aid of missions. The services generally very good. Col- ection at New Herrington about double that of last year. Monday, i8th. — Blessed meeting at Moorsley. The assembly which, for the place, was numerous, evinced deep interest in the addresses, and the collection was slightly in advance. Tuesday, 19th. — Seaham Harbour. The preaching-room quite full, and very good meeting. The receipts from all sources show an increase. It is highly desirable that the excellent site secured for a chapel in this town should soon be occupied by a suitable structure. Wednesday 20th. — ^Went into the Cleveland Mission, Yorkshire. Meeting at Guisborough. The hall in which our services are held being of an inferior order, the Congregational chapel was kindly loaned to us for this occasion, and the pastor occupied the chair. In consequence of other unusual attractions in the town but few beyond our own friends attended our meeting. The proceedings, though pleasant, were not eveiy enthusiastic. Several of our adherents in this place have united with us from noble motives, and are strongly attached to the Denomination. Had we a suitable chapel here, there is no doubt but our cause would speedily become large and permanent. Proceeds by cards and collections, for the nrst year, ;f 3 os. 6d. Thursday, aist. — Sermon in the afternoon, and meeting in the evening at Brot- ton. A good attendance each time, and the proceedines were characterized by great earnestness. The people here appear to be in good working condition, and pros])erity attends their efforts. Collection 5s. in advance. Friday, 22nd. — Sermon at 3.30, at Loflus, where the last of the Missionary services were as satisfactory, at least to the deputation, as any of the series. Hearts were made ^lad by the blessings bestowed. As in some other places visited ; the depression in trade is sorely felt here also, yet the collection was 3s. 9d. more than that of last year. Ilie success already realized on those stations in the north abundantly testifies that the brethren laoouring here have obtained the approbation of God, and favour with the people ; and it presents a magnificent set-off against the debt on the Missionary Society. Great discretion is evidently required in the further cultiva- tion of those open fields, especially in the erection of chapels, so that the friends be not too adventurous nor too slow. And it is to be earnestly hoped that a suc- cession of preachers may be found worthy of those who have been the pioneers of the Connexion in the north of England. W. Luke. Digitized by Google WILLIAM JOLLIFFE. President of the Canadian Conference, KiRKLAND. — On Friday, September 7th, 1877, this place presented quite a gay appearance ; the Enghsh flag was flying from the top of our chapel, about to be set apart for the worship of Jehovah. And visitors were seen leisurely walking about in all directions. This part of Cumberland has manv objects of interest, but it is suflicient to name its Roman antiquities, its beautiful mountains, scenery, and the celebrated Ennerdale lake, the finest stream of fresh water in Europe. The lake is about three miles long and one broad, encompassed by almost impass- able mountains, containing minerals of several kinds. Not far distant are the memorable Borrowdale mines of black lead, almost peculiar to this county. But it might with propriety have been said that Kirkland was a barren spot, the people having been much neglected, there being no place of worship in the village, while the church was three miles and a half away. The parish was without a Sunday- school. I have been told that it was hardly safe to go through the place on the Sabbath. At Frizington I often see from fifteen to twenty men, and as many dogs and rabbits, coursing on the Lord*s-day, and groups of men and boys in the fields playing at cards, when it is fine. But, Mr. Editor, I not only hope, but am certain there is a brighter future for Kirkland and its vicinity. A great want has been supplied by the erection of a little chapel, suitable for the neighbourhood. It is about twenty-nine feet long and twenty-five feet wide, and will accommodate About 130 persons. The entire cost is about ^^"283, including boundary walls, Digitized by Google 238 CHAPELS. harmonium, etc. As it was my pleasure to be associated with kind and never-to- be-forgotten friends a few years since in opening a new chapel free from debt in the most south-westerly island in England, I was very desirious of having the same privilege in the (almost) extreme north of England. But through the depression in the iron trade, the scarcity of work in the neighbourhood, and the failure of my health, we have not been able to accomplish what we so earnestly desired. But we have been moderately successful, as almost every person seemed to smile on the undertaking. On some days we had four or five carts carting for the chapel all free, some sent unasked. The kindness of Messrs. J. Branthwaite, J. and H, Mossop, and others, I shall never- forget. And to describe the work performed by the working men of the chapel is impossible, for it was for six months, worh^ work, WORK. The opening services were a great success. 'The weather was fine, and the mine agents allowed the men to leave work soon enough to be at the chapel opening. And certainly Mr. J. Finch, from Cleveland, who preached the dedicatory sermon, was wonderfuly assisted ,on the occasion. On the following Sunday he also preached three stirring and instructive sermons. Immediately at the close of the afternoon service on the Friday, about 200 took tea in Mr. Evening's large barn. The provisions were given by the ladies in the neighbourhood. A crowded and enthusiastic meeting was held in the chapel afterwards, presided over by J. Sibson, Esq., from Whitehaven, who spoke of the suitableness of the chapel for the place, and then of the end for which it was erected. The Revs. J. Finch and H. J. Cornish (Wesleyan Methodist), and S. Studliolme, Esq., from Whitehaven, delivered excellent addresses. Suitable meiodies were sung by the choir at intervals, who not only rendered invaluable aid at the opening services, but at all times. Professor Truskell presided at the harmonium during the opening services. Subscriptions already received :- By Grant from the Missionaiy Society Laid on the stone - _ - . . Profits of tea . _ - - . Proceeds at the opening Promised at the opening and paid Collected by the school-children _ - - ■ Collected by Mrs. Rudd - . - - Collected by Miss Pearson - - - Collected by Mr. Mossop - - _ . Given by the school - _ - - . Presented by the singers for the harmonium Proceeds of Concert for the harmonium Through Mrs. Bocannan All other contributions - . . . ;f203 II I The debt is about - - - - -80 00 But we hope it will be reduced by the time schedule B is filled up. The chapel is well attended, and a few have been converted since it was opened. There is also an excellent Sabbath-school. J. Perkins. SoMKRTON Circuit. — On Sunday, 17th February, sermons wer» preached as follows : At Pilton by the Rev. J. Brown (deputation) ; at Lovington by Messrs. R. Travers and J. Carey ; at Keinton by Br. G. Male and the writer ; also at South Barrow by Br. J. Carey and the writer, Mr. Dening being out of the cir- cuit in consequence of the death of a relative. The Missionary meetings held during the week were on the whole well attended ; at Pilton, on Monday evening, the friends came out well. Mr. Dening read the report, and addresses were given by Messrs. J. Brown and J. Rawlings. A good meeting, and the collections £\ in advance. At Lovington, on Wednesday evening, the meeting was most en- thusiastic. Addresses by Messrs. Brown and C. Dening, Br. R. Travers in the chair ; the collection ^s. ahead. The writer was at High Ham the same evening, where we had a crowded and highly respectable congregation, at an entertainment which produced about ;f 5, to be spent in improving the chapel. At Keinton, on Thursday evening, the meeting passed off well; it was addressed by Messrs. & s. d. 20 0 0 20 5 0 4 6 0 28 9 2 33 3 6 4 n 8 6 4 9 3 6 6 0 19 6 I 10 0 5 0 0 3 13 0 2 0 0 70 0 0 Digitized by Google BRIEF NOTICES OF BOOKS. 239 Brown, Dening, and the writer, Br. Jabez Carey in the chair, Master A. Cox efficiently presiding at the harmonium ; collections here were also in the right direction. At South Barrow the following evening the friends appeared deter- mined to make the effort a success, although they had not had much to say about it previously ; like the friends at Pilton they were up and at it, and the result was an increase oif ;^i over last year. Addresses by Messrs. J. Brown, W. Matcham, and the writer. Br. S. Raymond in the chair. The meeting was greatly en- livened by choice pieces from the choir at intervals, Miss Walters ably presiding at the harmonium. The droppings of a shower in a place or two have fallen ; a few have been brought to the Lord. We'll take courage and hope for better things. J. R. xM Msikt^ of Wiooh. Boston Noonday Lectures^ U.S., on Scepticism, Biology, Transcendentalism, etc. By the Rev. Joseph Cook. Second Series. London : R. D. Dicken- son, (Price 4s. 6d.) Mr. Cook seems to be specially qualified by natural gifts, thorough training, and large acquirements, to do battle with the scientific scepticism and unbelief of the present day. We have read this aad jthe former series of his lectures with the greatest pleasure and profit. The lecture on the " Concessions of Evolutionists " is most masterly and convincing, and that entitled " The Laughter of the Soul at itself" is of a very searching and powerful character. Mr. Cook " is a favourite target just now for all sorts of attacks," and no better tribute to his power can we possibly desire. Detraction is a favourite method of assault when argument fails. We meet occasionally with a sentence or a sentiment that is to us quite enigmatical. For instance, when we read, ** Who was Cromwell } The first American. Who was his first cousin } Hampden, the patriot, — the second American," we can only ask, if it is not a specimen of *' tall tallc," What does it mean } if not a mere truism. Tlie Meadow Daisy, By LiLLiE Montfort, Author of " My Class for Jesus.'* Wesleyan Methodist Sunday School Union. (Price is.) A PLEASANTLY-TOLD story. How it is likely to end the reader will anticipate before he has gone far, but the writer has a due regard for perspective ancl colouring, and the children's verdict on this book we are sure will be a favourable one. Old Daniel ; or, Memoir of a Convened Hindoo : with Observations on Mission Work in the Goodbe Circuit, and Description of Village Life in India. Illustrated with Thirteen Engravings. By Thomas Hodson. With Intro- duction by the Rev. W. Arthur, M. A. London ; Wesleyan Conference Office. (Price 2s. 6d.) We have read this little work with much interest. Mr. Arthur truly says in the introduction : "Were the incidents detailed in the following pages those only of the life of a single boy, they would be of great interest. But it is not as incidents that give interest to the story of an inward change of one mind, or of the out- ward windings of one life, but as a sign of what is going on in multitudes, and as a foretoken of the changes that are to come, that the highest interest attaches to such scenes as that of Chickka brealdng the serpent-gods, turning the sword- gods into ploughshares, refusing to bow to the idol, or speaking lightly of this great god of the vicinity when his car was burned." Readers will be led from this reference to expect much, and they will not be disappointed. Uncle Tom"* s Story of His Life. From 1869 to 1877. Ninety-fourth Thousand. Revised and Enlarged. London : Christian Age Office. A BOOK in its ninety-fourth thousand, and that in so short a time, needs no re- commendation ; but to those of our readers who do not know the work, we may say that they will find this well- edited autobiography deeply interesting. Digitized by Google 240 NOTABILIA OF THE MONTH. March i8th. — A Meeting was held at Edinburgh on Monday to protest against the re-establishment of a Roman Catholic hierarchy in Scotland, as an infringe- ment of the Queen's prerogative, and contrary to the terms of the Union. The French Government succeeded m carrying the State of Siege Bill through its final stage in the Senate, the dissensions between the Orleanists and other fractions of the Right preventing any effectual opposition. 2 1 St. — The Preliminary Treaty of Peace between Russia and Turkey published in this country. 22nd. — Among the deaths reported for the week are Lord Ravensworth and Mr. Henry Dunn. 24th. — The " Eurydice '* traming ship wrecked off the Isle of Wight, in a sud- den squall. All on Doard perished except two persons. 25th. — ^All hope of a European Congress to consider the Eastern Question at an end. 26th. — The Grand Duke Nicholas, with his suite, paid a visit to the Sultan at Constantinople, and the Sultan paid a return visit on the same day. 27th. — Sir Gilbert Scott, the eminent architect, and grandson of the Rev. Thomas Scott, the Commentator, died almost suddenly. 28th. — The Resignation of the Earl of Derby as Foreign Secretary announced in the House of Lords. April 1st.- The Earl of Beaconsfield brought up a message from the Crown, announcing Her Majesty's intention to call out the Reserve Forces, the existing position of foreign affairs presenting a case of great emergency. 2nd. — ^5^ long dispatch* dated the ist, from Lord Salisbury to the Ambassadors abroad on the Eastern Question was published. The Earl of Leitrim and two of his servants were murdered on Tuesday by concealed assasins near his residence at Milford, County Donegal. 5th. — An influential deputation waited upon Lord Granville and Lord Harting- ton to entreat them to use their best endeavours in favour of peace. 7th. — Elections in fifteen French constituencies to supply vacancies in the Chamber of Deputies caused by invalidation of former returns, the results being entirely favourable to the Republican party. 8th. — Debate on the Message from the Crown in both Houses of Parliament. Important speeches by Lord Beaconsfield, Lord Derby, Marquis of Salisbury, Sir S. Northcote, Mr. Gladstone, and others. Of Lord Derby's speech the Noncon- formist says : " His intimate knowledge of recent history, his firm grasp of hard facts, and perhaps some little touch of natural bitterness, made his calm statement the most formidable invective to which the foreign policy of the Government has yet been exposed. He showed that at the very time when the Cabinet had been represented as absolutely unanimous, it was torn by dissensions that were radical, persistent, and hopeless. He revealed that projects, far more startling and incen- diary than the calling out of the Reserves, are meditated. He stated that nothing could have reconciled him even to the vote of the six millions but the assurance that it was wanted mainly as a vote of confidence. He urged that patience and self-control would have tided over the crisis of war-fever. He condemned the introduction of anything like a threat into negociations between high-spirited nations. And he showed that the calling out of the Reserves could be regarded by Russia in no other light. He ridiculed Lord Beaconsfield's scare about a Russian flying column which might dart from Armenia into Egypt. He proved to demonstration that a waiting policy would have been greatly in favour of this country, and as likely as stronger measures to bring Russia to terms, if that were needed. But the most telling part of his attack was his treatment of the three questions, * What are to be your means of fighting ; who are to be your allies ; and what is it you are fighting for ? ' On the second point the words of one who has such ample knowledge appear to make it too clear that if we plunge into war, even Austria will hold aloof, and that the neutrality of Germany will be anything but benevolent. As to the last question^ no one tried to answer it either in the Lords or Commons." loth. — Prince GortschakofPs reply to the Marquis of Salisbuiy's circular pub- lished in this country. nth. — The Bishop of Lichfield died, who will be long remembered as a mis- ionary Bishop in New Zealand. Digitized by Google THE Bible Christian Magazine. -;o:- MARTIN LUTHER, A Lecture Delivered in the Bible Christian Chapel, Newport, Monmouth, by Geo. W. Armstrong, Cardiff, Introductory. Martin Luther was the most prominent personage in Europe in the early part of the sixteenth century. His name was a " tower of strength " to those who desired to regulate their lives in accordance with the will of God, and it was equally a terror to evildoers ; and now, more than 300 years after his death, his name is enshrined in the hearts and affections of millions. As " the memory of the just is blessed," so millions, to-day, thank God that ever Martin Luther lived. In thinking about Martin Luther, his relationship to humanity, and his place on the roll of fame and in history, we find that he must rank among the noblest of earth's noble sons. He is a king among men, a prince among the rulers of the earth. To put Luther in his right position, he must occupy a foremost place, not only among the men of his own time, but among the foremost in all preceding and all succeeding generations. Luther's life was eventful in the highest degree ; few, if any other man, in the whole history of the world, was the hero of so many daring exploits, and few men escaped so free from wounds and defeats." He defied danger, trusting in God, and he was protected from harm. June, 1878. k Digitized by Google 24a MARTIN LUTHER. The ecclesiastical history of Europe, for generations previous to the birth of Luther, was most deplorable ; in fact, religion, in everything but form, may be said to have had no existence what- ever. There was certainly much room for the adage, " The nearer the church the further from God." Ulrich Von Hutten, a man of great eloquence who lived con- temporary with Luther, after visiting Rome — the Holy City — ^but distinguished at that time for its immorality and licentiousness, describes it thus : — " There are three things people generally bring back from Rome : an ill conscience, a spoilt stomach, and an empty purse. There are three things Rome does not believe : the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the dead, and hell. There are three things Rome trades in : the grace of Christ, ecclesiastical dignitaries, and women." Thus we see that ** the Church*' exercised a baneful influence over the bodies, the minds, and the souls of men ; and the priests, who ought to have been patterns of piety, were distinguished for their sensuality and ungodliness. The monks, too, who had taken vows of chastity and poverty, and who were supposed to prefer living a retired life in the seclu- sion-of a monastery, in order that they might cultivate "the graces of the Spirit *' and become holy, were in many instances as much degraded in their lives as they could well be. Luther, the simple- minded German monk, found that out to his deep sorrow, on that ever memorable journey he took to Rome. He had crossed the Alps into Italy ; he expected to find religion in such a state of perfection that he would loathe himself and be utterly confounded because of his moral and spiritual deficiencies : but alas ! the reverse is the case. As he entered the monastery in Lombardy he found luxury of the most expensive description — monks dressed in the most expensive gowns, living on the richest and most costly food. What a contrast to what Luther had been accustomed to — whose fare, many times, was neither more nor less than a bloater and bread. Sensuality had taken the place of spirituality ; pride and perversion had taken the place of piety ; — the pope and priests had usurped the prerogatives of God ; the people had become super- stitious, neglecting the Saviour who had redeemed them, and trusting to masses and idols for their salvation. Such, in brief, were Aie abuses that needed to be redressed ; such the church that needed to be reformed ; and such abuses in such a church required a man of courage, energy, power, and piety to undertake so great a task. Digitized by Google martin luther. 243 Luther's Origin, Youth, and Education. When God has work to be done, he selects and prepares his own workmen. His selections sometimes appear to our little minds as though they were utterly inadequate to accomplish the purpose desired ! God's ways are truly marvellous, If He has a work to be done, He generally appoints some insignificant instrument to do it! Martin Luther was no exception to this rule. Poor he was born ; poor he lived ; and poor he died. He was the son of a woodcutter of Eisleben in Germany, and his mother, to render help, would carry the faggots on her back to market; thus the father and mother working together, the means were procured to bring up their family. God honours goodness, but not social status. He raiseth the poor and bringeth the mighty to nought. Luther's parents, though poor, were good. They were religious and Christlike according to the light they had ; and if they had had more light they would doubtless have tried to live up to it. Luther was born on St. Martin's Eve, the i oth of November, 1483, and he was called Martin in honour of the day From the first he was surrounded by influences which tended to promote desires for mental and moral excellence. The seeds of Martin's education were implanted at home. In this respect we think the conduct of Luther's parents worthy of emulation and imitation by all Christian parents. Under the Mosaical dispensation this duty was binding upon parents, and we venture to think it is none the less necessary under the Christian. And yet how few parents we find who seem to pay any attention to it ; and how many there are who are satisfied to leave it to others, or neglect it altogether! If Christian parents would honestly see to the mental and moral training of their children the world itself would soon be the better for it, and we should hear much less than we do about " the perverts to Rome," or of so many being attracted by the incipient imitations of Romish prac- tices under the guise of Ritualism. The religious tendencies of the present age, in this country, seem to be in the direction of undoing the great work Luther was the instrument in accomplishing ; and in our opinion the most effective check upon such backward tendencies is for parents, earnestly and devotedly, to instil, deeply and effectively, into the minds and hearts of their children, genuine Protestant Christian principles. Depend upon it, home training is the best fitted to preserve from a reckless course when age demands a severance from domestic ties, in order that knowledge and experience may be gained, from sources ii 2 Digitized by Google 244 MARTIN LUTHER. wider, deeper, and more varied in their character than those afforded under the parental roof. Luther was sent to school at Mansfield, the town where his father went to reside, where he became a miner, and where he had the good fortune to somewhat improve his position. Martin displayed great aptness for learning, and studied with much perseverance and care. At fourteen years of age he was sent to a school at Magdeberg, and was now, for the first time, wholly removed from the supervision of his parents. Owing to their poverty, he was compelled to endure many hardships and privations, and, along with some of his fellow students, begged his bread from door to door. His father, hearing of the difficulties his son had to obtain a livelihood, sent him to another school at Eisenach, where probably he supposed his son would be better cared for, as sonie of his relations resided there. Martin soon found out that poor rela- Hves were not welcome guests ; and consequently he had to resort to the expedient of singing in the streets to obtain his daily bread. After these experiences of Luther, I think you will agree with me that he had to pursue knowledge under difficulties. It is not always the best education that is acquired without trouble. To overcome difficulties is a splendid education in itself, and it fits men the better for the stern duties of life. Luther would not have been qualified for the work God had in store for him to do, if he had not known how to grapple with hardships. Some may be ready to say, the mode he adopted to obtain bread, viz., by singing and begging, was anything but a dignified way of meeting difficulties and satisfying his ^ ants. True, but we must not forget that Luther did not live in our times, when beggars are looked upon as almost the lowest stratum in our social scale. It was no disgrace in his day to beg ! In fact, such practices were very largely indulged in by the various religious orders ; as you know, one of the duties Luther had to engage in after he entered the monastery was this humble occupation. It shows a sad degra- dation in national, religious, and social life, when to beg is as dignified as to work. Let us remember Luther's surroundings, and we shall find a sufficient excuse for his resorting to this practice. Finding the Bible. Luther is now eighteen years of age, and he desires a higher class of education ; he wants to enter a University, and Erfurt is selected. In this Academy of learning he became quite a luminary among his fellow-students, and his great friend, Philip Melancthon, assures us that " the whole university admired his genius." There is no greater pleasure than that of the discovery of some- thing that the heart craves for as strongly as for its own existence. Fancy the feelings of Columbus when the visions of his mind were Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHER. 245 realized in the discovery of the New World. Think of the joy of those who, after years of toil, have found out some new invention or principle in mechanical or physical science, and then you may form some idea of the experiences of Luther after he had been two years in Erfurt University. Luther was a great student, or, as we sometimes say, a great bookworm. He was engaged one day turning over the dusty old volumes in the college library, reading the title-pages to make him- self acquainted with the various authors who had left to mankind the heritage of their thoughts. His visage, always thoughtful, becomes solemn as he reads the title-page of one volume several times, when, with feelings of intense emotion, he exclaims, ** It is a Bible !" ** A Bible!*' some may be ready to say, ** that surely did not excite his mind and arouse his deepest feelings. He, a devout man, and a great student, aifected with the simple title-page of a Bible 1 " Little as we may think of the Scriptures, owing to the bountiful way they are scattered abroad throughout our highly favoured land, so much so, that even the youngest child need not be without one, yet the great student Martin Luther had never seen one before. As he read its sacred pages his whole soul glowed with intense delight, and he longed to possess so valuable a treasure. He exclaimed, '* Oh that God would give me such a book to be my own.'' Little did he then think what an important part the Bible was to play in his after . life, and that he would not only own a copy himself, but that he would be the medium of translating it into the language of the common people, so that the Book which ** The Church " had allowed to be concealed in monastic libraries, in order that she might trample on the rights and liberties of man, and exalt herself, not only into holding dominion over the bodies of men, but also over their minds and souls ; and not satisfied with this presumption, but must claim co-equality with the Deity. Such usurpation could not be tolerated in the presence of the Bible, in which was taught the brotherhood of man, and the equality of all in the sight of God. Tyranny and oppression cannot long exist where the word of God is free. Truth, like its author, God, must ever be supreme. Men may try to hide it out of their sight, but the Omnipotent Voice is sure to be heard, " Come forth," and it will receive resurrection power. Popery hid the Bible ; Luther found it and gave it to the world. Thanks, under God, to Luther for so great a boon. Luther was dedicated by God to be a warrior ; he had now placed in his hand the weapon he was to use, " The sword of the Spirit, which is the word'of God." Digitized by Google 24^ martin luther, Monastic Life and Conversion. The proverb says, " Man proposes, God disposes." Luther's father proposed to bring up his son to the study of the law, but God decided otherwise, and dedicated him to the gospel. For such a work more — much more — is needed than simple mental acquirements. These are all well and good, yea, even indispensable to the efficient propagation of the truth. Luther had a mind well cultured, and he felt sadly the need of a well cultivated heart. God had placed the Bible in his hands ; he, with diligent study, soon got it into his head, and having got it into his head it gave him great trouble in his heart. To know his salva- tion was secure, and to become assured of the Divine favour, became his great concern. He had read in his Bible, " Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." He felt, only too keenly, that he pos- sessed little or none of this moral quality. Two events caused Luther much spiritual anguish and distress ; one was the assassina- tion of his college friend Alexis ; the other a violent thunderstorm which overtook him when on his way to Erfurt, after visiting his parents at Mansfield, in 1505. The storm was so severe, Luther thought surely his end was come. Death, judgment, and eternity flashed into his mind, and, falling on his knees, he prayed to be spared alive and pledged his life to God in return. You may say this was superstition. It may have been ; Luther lived in a superstitious age, and was quite as superstitious as the age in which he lived, until the light of Truth dispelled it, and superstition gave way to Faith. Luther entered a monastery, and whilst he was seeking peace within the cloistered cell those he had left without were in deep trouble and sorrow. Quiet places are good for reflection and thought, and Luther's monastic experiences were of great service to him. Here he became acquainted with those who '* knew the will of God more perfectly," and though his duties were of a hu- miliating and degrading description, yet he attended to them as in the sight of God, even when it was seeking alms from door to door in the town of Erfurt. " It is not the cowl that makes the monk," and if there ever was a sincere monk in the world, even though there had been no cowl, that monk was Luther. Whatever he did he did thoroughly ; he was not a man of half measures. Luther was seeking holiness, and he sought it earnestly ; but he sought it in the wrong way — he starved his body for the good of his soul, and both remained remarkably lean. He himself says, "I tormented myself to death, in order that I might procure the peace of God, for my troubled heart and agitated conscience, being surrounded by horrible darkness I groped for peace in vain." Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHER. 247 It was when in a greatly reduced condition, both of mind and body, when, as we are told, he was ** made lean with study, absti- nence, and watching, so that all his bones might have been counted," that the Vicar-general Staupitz, on one of his visitations to the monastery, became, deeply interested in him, and knowing from experience where he had himself found peace, proceeded to show young Martin ** the more excellent way." ** Why," says Staupitz to Luther, " Why will you torment yourself with these high thoughts and speculations ? Look to the wounds of Jesus Christ ; to the blood which He shed for thee ; it is there thou wilt discover the grace of God. Instead of making thyself a martyr for thine offences, cast thyself into thy Redeemer's arms." Yet, though he received such clear evangelical teaching from the good Staupitz, it was not until God brought him to the verge of death by serious illness that he was led to throw himself entirely on Christ for pardon. An old monk visited Luther in his affliction, listened with deep affection to his confession of sinfulness, drew his attention to the creed Luther had been taught when a child, and said, " Well, don't you remember that article in it, * I believe in the forgiveness of sins ' ? " The sick monk replied, ** I believe in the forgiveness of sins." " Ah," said the old man, " it is not enough that you believe that David's and Peter's sins are forgiven, you must believe that j/our own sins are forgiven. You must take Christ to yourself. God commands you to do this." These words gave comfort, happiness, and peace to the troubled soul of Luther, and the Holy Spirit said unto him, " Thy sins are forgiven thee." Staupitz led Luther to within sight of the cross, the old monk led him directly up to it. The discovery of the Bible was the first great step towards the Reformation ; the conversion of Luther was the second. The first revealed the Truth, in the second he experienced its quickening power. Luther had now learned almost perfectly the great and vital truth, that men are saved by grace and not by works. Luther in Rome. To unlearn anything is much more difficult than to learn it. Luther had been taught to observe outward rites and ceremonies, and to look to the performance of penances and works to obtain salvation. When in Rome he was most devout and attended the services of the church with much regularity, and observed its ordi- nances in the most solemn manner, in great contrast to the mode adopted by the priests, who on one occasion called out to him : '* Make haste, make haste, now do be done with it," because they thought he did not proceed fast enough with the service. And yet, though Digitized by Google ft48 IN THE INDIAN OCEAN. he met with such profanity, he had still faith in the virtue of the " Holy city." He had such strong confidence in the rites of the church that he even wished that his parents were both dead, that he might, while in Rome, by his prayers and masses release them from purgatory. Luther read his Bible, but it was with a mind filled with superstition ; God was using Rome and its practices to dispel that superstition, so that he might comprehend, not only with his heart, but also with his head, the living truths of the gospel. This was fully accomplished by means of Luther trying to obtain the Pope's indulgence by climbing what was known as '* Pilate's staircase " on his knees. When engaged in this act of " sacred devotion," the thought flashed into his mind — ** The just shall live by faith." He verily thought the living voice of God spake to him, and, rising on his feet in great terror, ran far away from the scene of his folly. He had now learned another great lesson, and had taken a further step in advance towards the Reformation. He had now received the truth that was to be the key of all his future teachings ; this was the bulwark from which he would shoot forth the arrows of the gospel in the great battle that was so soon to begin against the errors, the vices, and the superstitions of the Church of Rome. Luther's visit to Rome was, without doubt, of Divine appoint- ment. He saw its iniquities, and, knowing them by experience, was the better prepared to expose them. He compared what he had seen with the teachings of the Bible, and seeing how much at variance they were one with the other, he grasped tightly " the sword of the Spirit," and in the strength of God declared war against the powers of darkness, of error, and of superstition. God had removed sin from Luther's heart, superstition from his mind, and had revealed to him the foe he has to encounter, and Luther, strong in the strength of God and with a manly heart and a resolute will, goes forth, ** Bright as the sun, clear as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners." (To be continued J IN THE INDIAN OCEAN. We sighted Mocha oh March 26th, and two days later, or rather at two in the morning of the 29th, we were in the harbour at Aden. This is a considerable town and coaling station. It is the Gibraltar of the East, and held as an important strategical position by the British Government. Went ashore and found out the company's Digitized by Google IK THE INDIAN OC^AN. 249 ofl&ce, but was told that they knew nothing of my missing luggage. Took a drive to see the tanks. The town is utterly barren, except where European residents command a garden watered by a sufficient supply of the indispensable element. Yet the place is full of life and animation, and the deserts of the interior constantly send in contingents of men, animals, and merchandise. When we have discovered the modus vivendi of these climates, men will no longer deem the interior of Australia an uninhabit;ible wilderness. Tall, jagged rocks and vast fortifications looked weird and beautiful in the brilliant moonlight. The tanks are extraordinary works of vast extent and strength, constructed in a gorge of the mountains for collecting water. They have been recently restored by the English. Their origin is unknown, though some tradition attributes them to the age of Solomon. A grateful shade in this utterly barren place is produced by a garden at the entrance to the tanks. Men were busy, in the cool night hours, raising water. Aden presents the usual appearances of an Arab town. In the market place men were sleeping on beds in the open air. The British uniform, on English and Indian soldiery, looked familiar. Two churches and two mosques are in sight. Returned to the steamer at an early hour, but finding a party of ladies anxious for the sights, went ashore and all over it again. We sailed about 9 a.m. I found my luggage on the deck. It had come down the Canal with me in the Malwa, and had been sent on to Aden instead of being landed at Suez. O faithless Cockspur Street ! I was glad, indeed, to get a change of clothing suited to the tropics. The Indus is a magni- ficent steamer, and most of the passengers spent their lime on deck beneath the spacious awning. A large number of us preferred sleeping there as well. The sea was so smooth that the steamer neither rolled nor pitched, and there were none of the usual dis- comforts of the sea, save the vibration of the powerful screw. On Good Friday we had the Litany and lessons for the day. The Mohammedan passengers on board, returning from Mecca, had a grand corroboree or dance on the forecastle. I believe it was a part of their festival observances. I found a local preacher and others going to New Zealand, who had formerly belonged to our people in Tavistock. Socorra was dimly to be seen next day, and two rocky islands, their precipitous sides rising sheer out of the water, the summits planed off to perfectly level table lands. On Easter Sunday there was " Holy Communion " at an early service in the saloon. The parson wore, so I am told, a gold cross hanging down his back. Better than that, we had a sermon at the evening service, as a great treat. There had been the usual morning service in the forenoon. O you " beloved hearers " who yawn away two or three sermons every Sunday, I wish you could have experienced with me how refreshing a commonplace discourse can be, read from a manuscript by a feeble brother. I finished reading through my father's life once more, and was able to abstract myself completely from uncongenial surroundings. On the 4th April we went through the passage of the Maldives and Laccadives. The next few days were terribly hot, and on the Digitized by Google 250 IN THE INDIAN OCEAN. 6th we sighted Ceylon, and went ashore at Galle in the afternoon. Transacted a little business at the Post Office and elsewhere, and then found out Mr. Nathanieloz, whose sons were at Shebbear for their education. I was received with the very greatest kindness by Mr. N. and his family. The boys were at Colombo, so that I missed the pleasure of seeing them. Though neither of them is in the ministry — one being in the Oriental Bank and the other in the FiscaFs office — ^yet they are both living consistently, and one is a local preacher. Galle is a beautiful place, with luxuriant trees, beautiful gardens, and verdant swards. The Moormen, Tamils from the continent, and the native Cingalese, with their clean flowing garments, haircombs, and umbrellas, make up a living panorama of vast interest. The buildings are motley in character, and the fort carries marks of its successive Portuguese, Dutch, and English masters. There are Mohammedans, Buddhists, Roman Catholics, and Protestants. The Wesleyan Missions, providentially begun here by Dr. Coke's party instead of on the mainland, as was intended, have been successful to a great degree, and generations of faithful, self-denying Christians have' been gathered to their reward as the result of the missionaries' labours. But Buddhism is a subtle and dreadful system of mingled atheism and superstition. It has astonishing vitality, and its priests have often been most successful in resisting the truth by the agency of voice and pen. The world of heathenism cannot be conquered for Christ by the fitful, pitiful efforts Christendom has as yet put forth. Mr. Nathanieloz took me to see a Buddhist temple, or rather, I should say, monastery. The shrine was a low structure enclosed within low walls, and these in return surrounded by water. Of images or emblems there were very few. Niches around contained a few flowers as votive offerings. In a detached building several men and boys were lounging. They showed us another room, apparently devoted to worship, with images and carvings. They were civil, and even kind, and gave us a green cocoa-nut, the milk of which is delicious. In the evening we had the company of a Christian native family from Kandy, with whom we had some interesting conversation. While the children were singing hymns we had the most terrible thunderstorm I ever remember to have witnessed. The loud reverberations alarmed the children no little. I slept in a cane-bottomed couch, with no covering, but found it cooler than the ship. The lovely fireflies were flitting about the garden, and sometimes lighting up the verandah. We were to have done more sight-seeing in the morning, but the carriage we had ordered overnight was an hour late, so we had to give up a large Buddhist temple. Mr. Nathanieloz took me to see a fellow native minister, and then a delightful drive into the hills to see the English missionaries, Messrs. Shepstone and Langdon. Their houses are on a considerable eminence, whence a delightful view of the wooded, hilly interior is obtained. They received my conductor and myself kindly, and we had a brief, interesting conversationr The moist heat of the lowlands renders it necessary for Europeans to fly to the mountainous interior for a more bracing climate, and Digitized by Google IN THE INDIAN OCEAN. 25 1 even then energy evaporates after a few years' sojourn here. I took a kindly leave of Mr. Nathanieloz' family, who gave me some inte- resting souvenirs, among others a young cocoa-nut tree, which I safely brought to Adelaide. Mr. N. accompanied me on board ship, and we parted there. At Galle the Calcutta and Australian traffic separates. The Australian passengers, who were in the majority, had to leave the spacious Indus and go into the Tanjore, a much smaller steamer, where the accommodation was insufficient. We sailed about noon of the 7th. The next day was Sunday ; we had a gorgeous sunrise. We had lost our parson with other Indian passengers at Galle. By request I read the prayers in the morning, but in the evening I preached, with tolerable freedom, from Rom. v. 10. In the evening we had squalls and rain. The following Sunday the same course was observed. My text was Eccles. ix. 4. The air was become a little cooler, and next day the punkas ceased swinging. On Friday the 20th, we had the bold and rocky coast of Western Australia in sight all day. In the evening we entered the fine land-locked harbour of King George's Sound, and anchored soon after sunset. I immedi- ately went on shore to pay a visit to the small but pretty town of Albany. I found out the Wesleyan minister. Rev. J. B. Adkin, and through him got a sight of Adelaide papers, by which I learnt some particulars regarding our late Conference, and my station, &c. Mr. Adkin offered me his hospitality for the night, which I cheerfully accepted. I also saw the Rev. Mr. Lowe, Superintendent of the Wesleyan Missions in Western Australia. In the morning Mr. Adkin took me on a brief tour of inspection. Albany is prettily situated on a gentle elevation above King George's Sound, one of the finest harbours in Australia. Fine hills rise in the background. But the country behind is ill-adapted for agriculture, and a poison plant injures the pastures. There is no railway to the interior, consequently Albany is a very dull and sleepy town. A peculiar object of interest is an iron chapel for the natives, which Mr. Adkin has built. He gathers them there when he has the oppor- tunity, gives them a meal, and instructs them in the simple elements of Christian truth. His theory is that if every Christian had done the same since the settlement of Australia, the result would have been widespread and blessed. I felt inclined to agree with him, and was both touched and humbled at his self-denying enthusiasm for our aboriginal population. I am sure they are not the stupid race they were long considered to be. The universal contact of irreligious Europeans with them has made the task of Christian instruction exceptionally difficult. ** The name of God is blas- phemed among the Gentiles because of you." Mr. Adkin found some natives who were exercising their skill with the boomerang for the amusement of passengers. It was pleasing to see the con- fidence with which they regarded him, and to hear the intelligent replies to the simple questions on religious truth which he put to some. We sailed on Saturday morning. A number of passengers who were waiting at Albany for the Mail, in order to proceed to the Digitized by Google 252 INFANT BAPTISM. Eastern Colonies, were left behind, as we had not room for them. A number of them afterwards sailed in a schooner, were driven on shore on Kangaroo Island, and all perished. I conducted service as before on Sunday, and early on the morning of Wednesday, April 25, anchored off Glenelg, and was soon once more in Ade- laide. My thanks are due to a Good Providence, which had conducted me in perfect safety and comfort round the world, and brought me again to my adopted country. John Thorne. INFANT BAPTISM, In the year 1795, the Rev. Peter Edwards, a Baptist Minister, of Portsea, Hants, seceded from the body because of the change which his convictions had undergone on the subject of Infant Baptism. In the same year he published his reasons for thus re- nouncing the principles of his Anti-Paedobaptist friends : and last year — 1877 — under the auspices of certain leading ministers of the Church of Scotland, a new edition of the same work was published. And as I think many of the readers of the Magazine will be glad to make themselves acquainted with the argument in favour of infant baptism, I take the following extracts from the above work, which will show that the argument is most logically defended, and the reasoning most clear and conclusive. The writer says — " I have presented the whole scheme to the reader in the same point of view in which it was exhibited to my own mind. In composing it, I have endeavoured to avoid every- thing foreign and bitter ; that as the truth has been my object, I wished to say nothing that should divert the attention of the reader from it.'* Then in laying down certain theses he comes to the question — Who are the proper subjects of Baptism ? Anti-Paedobaptists consider those persons who are supposed to possess faith in Christ, and those only. Paedobaptists agree with them "in this, that believers are proper subjects of baptism ; but deny that such only are proper subjects. They think together with such believing adults who have not yet been baptised, their infants have a right to baptism as well as their parents. From this view of the sentiments of each, it appears that both parties are agreed on the article of adult baptism, which must therefore be set aside as a matter entirely out of dispute. The difference between them concerns infants only, and the simple question to be decided is this : " Are infants fit subjects of baptism, or are they not ? " On this question the whole turns. The Paedobaptists affirm, the Anti-Paedobaptists deny. Now seeing that the simple question is " Are infants fit subjects of baptism, or are they not } '] let us see how the matter stands in the light of reason and Scripture. And remember that all those Scripture passages which relate to believers' baptism prove nothing on the Anti-Paedobaptists side. Digitized by Google INFANT BAPTISM. 253 To illustrate this : I ask an Anti-Paedobaptist, "Is an infant a fit subject of baptism ?'* He says, '* No." "Wherefore ? " Because the Scriptures say, " Repent and be baptised," " If thou believest, thou mayest." But that answer is not to the point. The question is, " Is an infant a fit subject of baptism ? " The answer is that a penitent adult is. I asked no question concerning an adult. If I were to ask whether an infant were a creature of a rational kind, would it be a good answer if any person should say that adults were of that description ? No answer can be good, if it does not directly relate to the question proposed : for then, properly speak- ing, it is no answer to the question. It is easy enough to prove believers' baptism to be right ; but that does not prove infant baptism to be wrong. But must not infant baptism be wrong, if believers' baptism be right ? No, no more than believers' baptism, must be wrong, if infant baptism be right. Would you think I had proved that infants would be lost, by proving that adult believers would be saved ? Certainly not. We cannot infer the loss of an infant from the salvation of a believing adult, so we cannot prove infant baptism to be wrong by proving adult baptism to be right. But Baptists say, there is no express command in Scripture, for infant baptism. They mean there is no command in so many words as — "Thou shalt baptise infants." Concerning this : In the first place it is too assuming, as it seems to dictate in what manner an All-Wise God should speak to men. In the second place it is too contracted, as it supposes we are unable to understand the will of God unless He speak in one particular way. But whether too assuming, or too contracted or not, we must affirm it is very false. Because (to waive another instance,) a subject is admitted to a positive . institute, and that admission is according to truth, and so held by all who use Christian rites, when yet there is no express law, or example, to support it in all the word of God. I refer to the admission of women to the Lord's table. There is no law in all the Scriptures admitting women to the right of the Lord's Supper. The argument we are opposing says, " A person who has a right to positive institutes, must be expressly mentioned as having that right." Now, if women are not so mentioned with respect to the Supper, the practice of admitting them is wrong, or this argument is false. That the argument is false appears from the following facts. Tlie Scriptures do not countenance it. It is not proved by any part of God's Word, it is not set down in that word, it is therefore a fiction invented by man to support a particular opinion. ^ In plain opposition to this false argument the Scriptures afiirm women's right to the Lord's Supper from their baptism, their being creatures of God, as well as men, and on other grounds. The Baptists do not countenance it. They have written whole books on the strength of it, but are compelled to desert it the moment the subject is varied. They affirm " there is no express law for infant baptism in the Scriptures." Let them prove the Digitized by Google 254 INFANT BAPTISM. right of women to the Supper. What can they say about " express law ? " Nothing. It is deserted, completely deserted, nor will they adopt it again till infant baptism be resumed. This argument contains one half of the Baptist's strength, there- fore now it is gone, one half of their strength is gone. Thus much for this bad argument. Let us pass to the other. The Baptists say, " None should be baptised without faith ; infants cannot believe, therefore infants should not be baptised." Let us see how this argument stands. They say the Scriptures require faith and repentance in order to baptism Of whom ? of adults of course, because the Scriptures never require them of infants, in order to any thing. Then frame the argument thus : The Scriptures require faith and repentance of adults in order to baptism. Remember infants .are gone, they have nothing to do with the argument ; or if they must be brought in, the argument will run thus : The Scriptures require faith and repentance of adults in order to baptism ; but as infants cannot have them they are unfit subjects of that ordinance. Now, it is a glaring sophism ; with adults in one proposition, and infants in the other. Were we to leave the argument thus, it would not save it from perdition ; but since it is the only remaining half of the Baptist strength, we will examine it more at large. To show the fallacy of this argument also let us try it by the follow- ing subjects : — I. — The Circumcision of Infants, That infants were circumcised is a fact. That they were circumcised by the express command of God is also a fact. Therefore that they were proper subjects of that institute is an evident truth. Now on this truth let us try the argument. Circumcision, as it was a solemn entering into the Church of God, did fix an obligation on the circumcised to conform to the laws or ordinances of that church. Hence the Apostle says : " Every man that is circumcised, is a debtor to do the whole law." (Gal. V. 3.) His meaning is, If circumcision be in force, so must its obligation too. Again in Romans ii. 25., the Apostle says : "Circumcision profiteth if thou keep the law ; but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcisison is made uncircumcision." 1 he sum of this is, he that is circumcised became a debtor ; if he keep the law to which he is bound, his circumcision will profit ; but if he violate the law, it becomes a nullity. How, we ask, did it agree to an infant to become a debtor? Did it agree to an infant to break or keep the law } No. Infants could not become debtors ; could not break or keep the law. Then it is clear that something was said of circumcision, which did by no means apply to infants. Then if we say, as the Baptists do, that infants, since they cannot believe or repent, must not be baptised, because faith and repentance are connected with baptism ; we must say likewise, infants cannot become debtors, they cannot keep the law ; and because these are connected with circumcision, they must not be circumcised Digitized by Google INFANT BAPTISM. 255 2. — The Baptism of fesus Christ, The baptism of Christ is a known fact, and that He was a fit subject is never once disputed. It is also certain that He had no repen- tance, because He was no sinner, and since he needed no salvation from sin, He could not have that faith which the Scriptures require for baptism. Now the tendency of this argument being to prove, that those who cannot have repentance and faith are unfit subjects of baptism; and Scripture informing us that our Lord Jesus was baptised, who could have neither ; the dilemma therefore will be this — either the baptism of Christ was wrong, or this argument is false. Now we connot suppose the former, so we must, of necessity, affirm the latter. If it is said that faith and repentance are required in some only, and not in all, then the argument has no force, for it would run thus : Faith and repentance are required only of some, in order to baptism ; well then, some may be baptised without them. Now then, the question is, Who shall be baptised without faith and who with. View it which way we will, the argument is bad. Let it be said that Jesus, on account of the dignity of His person, was excepted from this rule ; that He was baptised to set us an example. What then ? Why we have a strong argument in favour of infant baptism, for we have the example of one, who, being in- capable of repentance and faith, was baptised without them. 3. — The Salvation of Infants, That infants are the subjects of salvation is universally admitted ; that those who die in infancy are saved and glorified, is also granted ; and yet there is something said concerning salvation, which will by no means agree to infants. For instance : " He that believeth shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned." Now, if infants must not be baptised, because something is said of baptism which does not agree to infants ; then by the same rule, infants must not be saved, because something is said of salva- tion, which does not agree to infants. The whole argument is bad, it proves against an acknowledged truth, and therefore is a fallacious. It is manifest from the completeness and universal fulness of the redemption by Jesus Christ, that 'infants are in a state of actual salvation. No adverse criticism can shake this truth. The Saviour kindly took little children in His arms and blessed them, and said, ** Of such is the kingdom of heaven." The Baptists, maintain, that our Lord meant adults of a child-like disposition, and not the infants He was then blessing. But this construction will appear very uncouth when we consider these words of our Lord as a reason for bringing and permitting the children to come to Him. Besides that, it makes our Lord speak obscurely, it represents Him as giving a reason quite distant from the subject He was upon. This exposition makes our Lord say, ** Suffer these to come, because those belong to the kingdom." And to say, ** Bring these infants to Me, because those adults belong to the kingdom," appears a very sorry reason. It is much more worthy of Christ to say, '* Suffer Digitized by Google 356 INFANT BAPTISM. these little children to come, because these, and others like them, belong to the kingdom of God." We advance further : If infant baptism is not commanded in so many words, we can adduce for it direct Scripture patronage. We read in Acts xvi. 15, that Lydia was baptised, ** and all her household r And again in the 33rd verse that the jailer was baptised, " he and all his'* And says Paul, ** I baptised also the household af Stephanas." The households or families of Lydia, the jailer and Stephanas were baptised. This may serve as a pattern of primitive practice. And though I do not consider this historic account as having force enough of itself to evince the baptism of infants, yet there are two considerations which give it weight on that side. (i.) — Its agreement with that practice, in which we are sure infants were included ; I mean the practice of Abraham, and the Jews, with respect to circumcision. Circumcision was founded on this promise of God, " I will be a God unto thee, and to thy seed." Baptism proceeds on this, that the promise is to you, and to your children : and in this they both agree. (2). — Its concordance with the hypothesis of infant baptism. Here are facts recorded relative to baptising ; I take these facts and compare them with the proceedings of different baptisers ; I find they will not agree to one^class, but very well with the other: I therefore am led to conclude that that class of baptisers agree best to the primitive practice, to whom these facts will best agree. For, as the practice of the apostles has no affinity with that of the Baptists, it is very reasonable to infer that their views of the subject could not be the same. Then follows the most conclusive argument on ** The church- membership of infants," showing how it was instituted by God, and that it has never been set aside by Him or man ; and conse- quently remains in force to this day. But this argument we must pass over. Respecting the mode of baptism the writer says, at this distance of time from the first institution, all our knowledge of the manner of baptising, must be gathered from the meaning of the word "baptise," the circumstances of baptism, and the allusions of Scripture to that ordinance. The question is — Is immersion essential to baptism ? Or, in other words, Is there no baptism but what is by immersion ? What does the word " baptise " mean ? The term is used in Job ix., 31, and means to plunge, to make foul in a mire. In Matthew xxvi., 23, it means a partial dipping, " He that dippeth or baptiseth his hand with me in the dish." In Daniel iv., 33, the same word is used to describe the body of Nebuchadnezzar, as wet with the dew. His body was wet, or baptised by the dew of heaven. Paul speaking of the ordinances of the Jews says in Hebrews ix., 10, which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, or baptisms. Digitized by Google INFANT BAPTISM. 257 In Mark vii. 8, we read of the washings, or baptisms, of cups and pots and brazen vessels. Luke says in xi. 38, that when the Pharisee saw it he marvelled that he had not first washed, or baptised, before dinner. The same word is used in all these instances for those various ablutions among the Jews by sprinkling and pouring, for the Pharisees' custom of washing before meals, and for the superstitious washing of household furniture, such as pots, cups, &c. Now, the word " baptise *' cannot be used to express immersion only. The Apostles expresses the Jewish ablutions by the term " baptisms," and any man by looking into his Bible, and reading the account of the Jewish service, may see what kind of baptisms these were. It is clear that the Apostle by the word baptism meant sprinkling or pouring ; but it is not clear from any part of the Jewish service that any one was ordered to immerse himself, or to be immersed by another. Or, take the case of baptising before meals. The Pharisee *• marvelled that our Lord did not baptise himself before dinner." Did he marvel because He did not immerse himself ? I know it is not an impossible case ; but I am asking, whether it is at all probable ? And if it be not, then it is improbable that the word ** baptise *' in these places should intend any immersion at all. To carry the question to the third case — the superstitious baptising (washing) of household furniture, cups, pots, brazen vessels, and tables. The Jews, our Lord observes, held and practised the baptising of these. Now, we ask, does the word baptise in this place express any immersion at all ? The word " washing '' is not expressive of any mode, but refers only to the simple act of washing. Passing on to the ** circumstances of baptism," the writer con- siders the allusions to that ordinance. These are of two kinds. I. — The Baptist Allusion. The reader will find this in Rom. vi. 4. ** Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death," &c. A similar phrase occurs in Col. ii. 12. The Baptists think there is an allusion in these words to the manner of baptising ; and as the Apostles speaks of being buried with Him, they conclude the mode to have been immersion. On this conclusion of theirs, I observe that the words are an inference from the third verse, in which the Apostle says : " Know ye not that so many of us as were baptised into Jesus Christ were baptised into His death ? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism.** We have here three things, (i.) 3- baptising into Jesus Christ. (2.) Into His death. (3.) Into His burial ; and the last is made the consequence of the first. There- fore we are buried with Him, because we are baptised into Him. To form the antithesis we must distinguish between the life and death of Christ ; and then it will be — we are buried first into the life of Christ, then into the death of Christ, and last of all into His burial. Now, if baptism bring us into each of these, and one of them, as the Baptists say, is an allusion to the mode of baptising, then, for the same reason, so must the other two. That is, His S Digitized by Google 258 INFANT BAPTISM. life must allude to the mode, so must His death, and so must His burial : and the reason is, because baptism unites us to each of these. And if all these are to allude to the mode, I should wish to know what kind of mode it must at last be, which is to bear a resemblance to every one. The life of Christ was action, His death was cruci- fixion. His burial, the enclosing of His body in the cavity of a rock. The mode, therefore, must be threefold, it must represent action, crucifixion, and enclosing in a rock ; because to pursue the notion of the Baptists, His life, death, and burial, must all bear an allusion to the mode of baptism. There is no sect, I should sup- ^ pose, that use a mode of baptism to which all these will agree. The Romanists use salt, oil, and spittle ; but whether they intend an allusion to the life of Christ, I cannot take upon me to affirm . The salt may allude to His life of teaching ; the spittle to His life of miracles ; and the oil to His life of munificence. The clergy of the Church of England use the sign of the cross ; and this is to allude to the crucifixion of Christ. The Baptists use immersion ; and this is to allude to the burial of Christ. Now if we could unite all these in one, we should have a tolerable allusion to our Lord*s life, death, and burial ; but when each is taken separately, there is a deficiency in point of allusion. The English clergy are deficient in alluding only to the crucifixion, but not to the life and burial. The Romanists are deficient in alluding only to the life and crucifixion, but not to the burial. The Baptists are deficient in alluding to the burial only, but not to the life and crucifixion. I know not whether these different communities take their docu- ment from this part of Holy Writ ; but certainly they have the same ground if they choose to reason in the same way. But as the Bap- tists avowedly do this, and are at the same time deficient in the business of allusion, it would become them to set about a reform in the mode of their baptism ; it being at present wanting in two articles, viz., the life and crucifixion. But the absurdity of supposing an allusion in this place to the mode of baptism may appear in a still stronger light, if we read the following verse, where the Apostle speaks of being *' planted together in the likeness of Christ's death." Now a person reasoning upon the plan of the Baptists, he will say that as the Apostle calls bap- tism a planting he must allude to the mode in which the ordinance was administered ; and planting implies an upright position, such as is used in receiving the ordinance by pouring or sprinkling. Leaving, therefore, the whimsical interpretation of the Baptists to itself, it may be observed, in order that we may the better enter into the Apostle's design, that when he says ** We are buried with Him by baptism," he makes baptism the instrumental cause of burial. Indeed baptism is made the instrumental cause in each case. If we are brought into Christ's life, death, and burial by baptism, the very idea of allusion is entirely lost. Baptism is the cause, union in life, death, and burial the effect. Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. 159 This being the case, instead of hunting after allusions, by which baptism will be anything or nothing ; we must attend to that pro- portion in the cause, by virtue of which this effect is to be produced. This proportion is not formally in outward baptism, which is only an emblem, of the baptising of the Holy Spirit, but in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, of which the other is an emblem. '* Dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God 'through Jesus Christ our Lord. Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Lambeth, S. Allen. CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. THE FIRST MAN, ' God created man : " — Genesis v. i. "G'^ into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." There is the ring and emphasis here of an imperial command. ** Go ye . . . and teach ;" *' Go ye . . . and preach." Then to work for God is not optional but imperative. To " Go " is not a mere matter of choice but of stern duty. To '* teach " is binding : to " preach " in the pulpit is a ** necessity " laid upon some, and by the life a ** necessity " laid upon all. ** Whatsoever He saith unto you, do 2'/." " Son, go work to-day in my vineyard." There's a sphere for all and a work for each. There are none to whom talent has not been entrusted. None to whom capacity, for usefulness has not been imparted. None who can look up to the Master and say, ** I have not ability to do something for Thee." God knows it is a lie when a man on whom He has put His Spirit says, ** I can do nothing^'* He may not have five ** talents," he may not have " two," but he has " one^' and for the employment of that gift he is responsible. God has beautifully arranged and adapted posts of duty, spheres of labour in His church, so as to meet all the diversity of capacity and talent among His disciples, so as to suit " every man according to his ... . ability." But there is so much buckram in human nature, that men and women who are not qualified to fill the highest positions, wont stoop to fill those they can. It is this un-Christian highmindedness in so man^ pro- fessors of religion which causes certain departments of eifort in the church to languish and decay. So many want to be '^Generals,^' when they are only fit to be ** Corporals*^ hence they wont fight. So many want to be " Master-builders " when they are only fit to Digitized by Google 264 CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. be labourers," hence they wont work. So many want to be first and foremost when they are only fit to follow in the rear, hence they refuse to be anything at all. If they cannot sing from the highest trees they wont sing from the bushes. If they cannot trill like the nightingale they wont chirp like the sparrow. Such persons instead of being a help in a church are a dead let ; instead of being a minis- ter's supporters they are his suppressors, tying his hands, fettering his endeavours, saddening his life. Remember, gentle reader, there is not a single inch of ground in God's vineyard for an idler : not a niche in the great hive of ndoral industry for a drone : not standing room in the church for a lazy professor. Remember that on every Christian is resting the imperative ** Go" of the world's mightiest Worker ! That to each He has given a faculty to do something, the existence of which imposes the obligation to use it. Remember that the ** Go " does not imply that you are to startle the world with the eloquence of Spurgeon or Punshon : not that you are to con- vulse nations, and change the swift current of opinion, and alter the beliefs and re-mould the tendencies of human customs and human affairs like Martin Luther and John Knox : not that you are to lay the basis of an eternal fame by the logical acumen of a Butler, or the philosophic discoveries of a Kepler or Newton, and the organiz- ing skill and enterprising piety and zeal of a Wesley. No. No. No ! The " Go " njay only be the silent, unobtrusive doing of your duty in the home-circle ; in teaching the " little ones " ; in visiting the cottage of poverty ; in praying by the bedside of the sick and dying ; in scattering as "leaves from the tree of life" a few leaflets or tracts ; or in shutting yourself up in secret beneath the glances of the One observant Eye from which nothing is hid, and there pleading until wrung into an agony for Zion's prosperity and the world's sal- vation. I repeat, there is an imperial " Go " pressing upon each member of every community of Saints — a " Go ivork,^^ or a " Go teach^^ or a ** Go preach,^^ which if shirked will be disobedience, if unfulfilled will be disloyalty to conscience, to xluty, to God. " If ye love 'me," says Jesus, " keep my commandments." What are you doing, then, for Christ ? What are you doing for the world ? Are your hands, or your feet, or your brains busy for the Church ? Do you know what it is to pray until exhausted ? to sing until voice- less ? to walk until footsore } to study until your brain reels ? to preach until your energies are spent ? to give what has cost you sacrifice ? Where do you serve, brother } What is your employ- ment } How do you fulfil the " Go " ? or are you simply critical scrutinizers of others' work, mere dissccters of others' motives, fas- tidious fault-finders with others' undertakings and doings } If so, this is to prostitute your ability, to misuse your talent, and to bring condemnation to your soul. We must distinctly recognise and in- tensely feel our Individuality ; and as individuals use each our separate powers, exert each our separate influence, and fill each our separate positions in the Church ; and so, individually yet unitedly, bring all the force of precept, example, and action to bear upon humanity we can possibly command. We must not be narrow in our notions, nor exclusive in our methods, nor cramped in our Digitized by •Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 265 sympathies in relation to other workers and work ; but in common with them and all move on in our different orbits obedient to the command, doing all the good we can in any and every way. Lord' Nelson's decisive victory at Trafalgar hinged more perhaps on the electric effect of the * watchword ' he had rung out that morning — " England expects every ?nan to do his duty," — than on skilful gene^ ralship and clever tactics. And if the conflict waging between truih and error, sin and holiness, Christ and Satan, the Church and the world is to be won by us, if the field is to be cleared and the victory grandly and eternally achieved, it ?nust be, it can only be by Every Christian Man and Woman doing heroically and to death his and her duty. The "Go" of the Master to teach and preach must not be under- stood in its narrowest sense, nor be interpreted through the glasses of an aversion to work ; but must be looked at and received as in- volving the principle and containing the truth that the world is to be morally regenerated from its centre to its circumference, and that' through human instrumentality by each doing and always doing his and her very best and very utmost for God and souls. " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." C0ttM0imI gf^urlmmt. MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. MR. A. R. BAILEY. At Ogbear Mill, Tamerton, in 1820, was born Mr. A. R. Bailey, the subject of the present notice. Unlike many others at that time, he was favoured with the unspeakable blessing of pious parents, and w^as thus early brought under the influence of religious truth. While yet young, his parents, with their family, removed to Langore, Truscott, Launceston. Having no chapel in the locality until 1835, religious services were held in Mr. John Bailey's house for some years, and, when he removed to Bennicott, Northpetherwin, Mr. William Langdon, the friend who afterwards gave the site for Truscott Chapel, opened his house for Divine Worship. In these hallowed spots, consecrated by the presence of the Triune Jehovah, and legions of ministering angels, Mr. O'Bryan, James Thorne, and other denominational pioneers, preached the word of life, realized precious seasons of grace, and garnered spiritual harvests of souls. While some persons, living at that time, denoimced such services, and persistently declared that the episcopally consecrated parish churches ** are the places where men ought to worship," our fathers rightly believed and avowed that '* God is neither con- fined to parish church mountains, nor to temples made with hands, but is so manifestly present wheresoever His two and threes wor- Digitized by Google 2 66 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. ship Him in spirit and in truth, as to constitute these places the " house of God " and the " gate of heaven." It is scarcely conceivable that such a home as Mr. Bailey's, where God and religion were honoured and enjoyed, could fail to be a nursery for the church and a power for good. All the laws and arrangements of the moral universe combined to make it such. God says, " Train up a child in the way he should go, and, when he is old, he will not depart from it ; " and the family of Mr. John Bailey is one of the numberless illustrations of its truth. All con- verted while comparatively young, some of them became preachers, others class and prayer leaders, and all zealous workers in the church, both at Truscott and Northpetherwin, up to their leaving for America, about 1850. For some years previous to that, Abraham had been with his elder brother William, who had estab- lished a smithing business at Twinnaways, Truscott. In 1840, Mr. William Bailey died, and Abraham subsequently became sole possessor of the business for the remainder of his life. In 1 84 1, he married Miss Rowe, of Langore, whose death, in 1856, was, to him, a very sore trial. The honoured instrumentality in his conversion was the perusal of the immortal " Pilgrim's Progress." To a remarkable extent his subsequent life was an adornment of the doctrines of God, his Saviour. His piety was deep, and his life exemplary. His talents, gifts and graces, he delightfully employed for the glory of God, and the good of men. He had a* vivid realization of the God- given purposes of being. *' My life, my blood, I here present, if for thy truth they may be spent," would often linger upon his lips. Nor was he fastidious in his choice of work. '* I will be anything or nothing," he would say, " to serve and glorify God." He was connected with the Sunday School from its commencement, and possessed the confidence and esteem of all his fellow-labourers. He was an abstainer from alcoholic liquors for over forty years, and - was an enthusiastic worker in the Temperance cause. To a greater or less extent, he embodied all the characteristic virtues and ex- cellences of true manhood, and was, in the truest sense, a man. As a Christian, he was remarkable for devotedness to God, for exemplary consistency of moral conduct and life, for regular and prayerful attendance at the means of grace, and for fervent yet sober spiritual enthusiasm. , In no mean sense, he was both a reader and a thinker. He evinced a deep interest in the great questions of the day, and, to some extent, was familiar with them. Papers, periodicals, and good books, found in him, as far as time and circumstances would permit, a sincere and careful reader. Still, he was, emphatically, a man of one booky ** the Bible'* To him, it contained Heaven's laws for the government of earth, and revealed all it is essential for man to know. Being a man of good common sense, fair intelligence, and sound judgment, his counsels and influence were often sought in matters, sanitar}% social, political, educational, and religious. In his official capacity, as class leader, superintendent of the Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 267 school, chapel steward, &c., he manifested such an amiable, unsyco- phantic disposition, such a constant unarbitrary adhesion to law and discipline, such judicious, guileless tact and aptitude, such patient endurance of the provoking and troublous, and such tender genuine sympathy with all, as secured for him universal confidence and approval. In sentiment and feeling, he was liberal, without being lawless; charitable, without being unwise; catholic, without being latitu- dinarian ; and firm, without being obstinate ; yet as honest as the sun, and transparent as the light. The death of such a man, so universally beloved, so true and good, the friend of all, and the enemy of none, is an irreparable loss, and has made such a rent in the Church, the School and the Band of Hope, as we find it difficult to repair. For some months past his health has not been good. On Sunday, February loth, he felt very unwell, but attended his class and school as usual. With the lapse of time, he only grew worse, and medical aid was called in. Yet, no danger was apprehended till shortly before the end came. His sufferings were intense, but in his patience he possessed his soul. He neither complained, nor wished his sufferings less. The Lord's will was his. He left it all with Jesus, who knows how to extract the bitter from life's woes, and felt, while his weakness leaned upon His might, all was well. But, unwilling to lose a soul, and anxious to destroy the saving in- fluence of the fact, that a triumphant death is the complement and consequence of a holy life ; the old serpent, true to his murderous purposes, now hoary with age, made a determined final attack upon the dying saint in his closing hours, but the experienced warrior, with the remembrance of manifold victories over the world, the flesh and the devil, and inspired by the prospect of glory, honour and immortality, well nigh eternally won, resisted the satanic on- slaughts with such faith, fortitude and joyousness, as soon made him " more than conqueror." When asked, if he was afraid to die he cheerfully replied " No. All is well. Don't trouble about me, 'Tis all right. Praise, praise the Lord." His bed was now the ante-chamber of Heaven, and death, to him, was only the entrance to eternal life. Not a cloud obscured from his soul the beams of the Sun of Righteousness. And in this serene and joyful state he met the- last enemy, on Tuesday, February 19th, when his happy spirit vacated its enfeebled mortal home, and, on pinions of light, soared, amid celestial attendants, to the mansions prepared above. His funeral was attended by a large number of persons, and pre- sented a very aff"ecting scene. Teachers, scholars. Band of Hope children, members of the church, friends and neighbours, were there ; and stalwart men, as well as the youthful and greyheaded, wept aloud over the coffin and grave of one, of whom nothing too good can be said. The deceased leaves three daughters, all that survive out of eight children — to mourn his loss. Our prayer is : " Help Lord : for the godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail from among the children of men." B. NOTT. Digitized by Google 2 68 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. MR. THOMAS KEETCH. " * The loved and lost ' ! Why do we call them lost, Because we miss them from our outward road ? God's unseen angel o'er our pathway crossed, Looked on us all, and loving them tne most, Straightway relieved them from life's weary load. " And call we this a loss ? Death makes no breach In love and sympathy, in hope and trust. No outward sign or sounds our ears can reach. But there's an inward spiritual speech, That greets us still, though mortal tongues be dust. " It bids us do the work that they laid down, Take up the song where they broke off the strain. So journeying till we reach the heavenly town, Where are laid up our treasures and our crown, And our lost loved ones will be found again." To say that man is immortal, is not a mere speculation. Man's boundless capacities, which are not fully employed, and his long- ings which cannot be satisfied, this side the grave, are indirect proofs of another state of being. If death be the end of our con- scious being, then indeed is man the greatest enigma in the universe. Life to the thoughtful, would be a burden not to be borne but for the promise of a home beyond. The Apostle Peter speaks of being " Begotten again unto a lively hope . . to an inheritance incor- ruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven.'* But while this blissful hope, in all its fulness, is the peculiar heritage of the Christian, faint rays of its light have cast a dim, but bewildering brightness over the pathway of heathen worshippers as they have trodden the temples, or made pilgrimages to the shrines of their gods. Man in his utmost depravity is not content with a life that ends in annihilation. These aspirations, hopes, and longings, cannot be the cruel mockings of a tormenting devil ; but the voice of a loving Father calling us away to our other home — brighter and better than this. Therefore, when on the river's brink we bid adieu to loved ones, we are cheered by the prospect that we shall rfieet again. They are gone from sight, but not from memory, not from love. And soon we shall cross the same river — rejoin our friends on the other side — " Our lost loved ones will be found again." Cheered by this hope we committed to the dust the remains of Mr. T. Keetch, on Wednesday, April 3rd. Mr. Keetch was born in 1800, in the village of Churchill, in the parish of Chardstock, in the county of Somerset. Early in life he became impressed with the fact that he was a sinner, and was con- scious of his need of cleansing in the Lamb's 'blood. The Wes- leyans at that time were preaching in the neighbourhood, whose services he attended. For weeks he tried in vain to find peace. One day, while labouring in the field, a text occurred to his^mind (I do not know the passage), and at once the long-sought blessing was realized, and he sang as he never sung before — Digitized by Google MBMOIRS AND ORITtJARIES. 269 " My God is reconciled, Hjs pardoning voice I hear," &c. « He was then eighteen years of age. As soon as the Bible Christ- ians visited the neighbourhood, Mr. Keetch, with another brother, joined our society, and his willing and cheerful efforts proved a great help to the young cause in that locality. In 1825 he married Miss Sarah White. In the same year his name appeared on the Local Preachers' Plan, and from that time to his death he proved himself worthy of that honourable and re- sponsible position. Sixty years a member of society, fifty-two years a local preacher ! Lord Beaconsfield said recently in the House of Lords, " A quarter of a century is an awful period*^ What would his lordship call half-a-century ? Sixty years discipleship to Christ may be termed an " awful period,'' but it is a grand fact. Our dear hxoi\iex fifty-two years a local preacher must have walked a large number of miles, preached a great many sermons, and, we presume, received much opposition. It was no trifle to enter villages fifty years ago in order to preach the gospel. The noble men and true — the fathers of the Denomination who did the arduous work — have gone, or are going, one by one. Heaven will be sweet to them. " They rest^ but their works follow." Mr. Keetch was a man of peculiar temptations and trials. He knew as but few know what it is to be distressed in mind. He fre- quently had what some persons call **dark seasons." Many opinions have been expressed as to the cause. Some think it was constitu- tional ; others that it had its origin in his extreme conscientiousness. Both probably were correct, in some measure. The very thought of an omission of duty was to Br. Keetch excessively painful. The sight of meanness, of sin, of wrong, caused him much sorrow. We may rightly designate him a man of prayer. The greater por- tion of some nights, in the winter season, was spent in agonising prayer. Jacob-like, for many hours in succession, his cry has been, " I will not let Thee go, unless Thou bless me." Such struggles were generally followed with abundant blessing. God seemed to say to him, " Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." Br. James Bartlett writes — " The first time I saw Br. Keetch was at the Midsummer Quarterly Meeting, at Churchill, in 1837. I was much struck with his appearance, and his experience, as he related it in the lovefeast. Indeed, the whole meeting was to me very won- derful. It was empatically an old-fashioned meeting. Br. Thomas Keetch praised, and prayed, and shouted. In ten years from that time I was appointed to this station (South Petlierton and Chard), and Br. Ketech was for three years one of my most intimate friends. I regarded him as an eminent Christian ; and he had the reputation in the circuit of being an excellent local preacher ; the people everywhere were pleased and profited by his services. Occasionally, since I left the station, I have fallen in with my dear old friend, and have been glad to find him pushing his way to the better land. I will close by saying that while sometimes he (in his best days) was rapturously happy, at other times he was almost in despair. In his 'doubts and fears' he was led into no inconsistency. And my Digitized by Google 270 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. conviction is that he had in his Christian pilgrimage more bright days than dark ones." Br. Dymond says — " Br. Thomas Keetch was no ordinary Chris- tian. Spiritual supineness was impossible to him. He would never allow himself .to be at rest without a clear sense of his acceptance with God, though it cost him many a painful struggle to retain it. When he had it, no man could be happier ; his mouth would be filled with laughter and his tongue with praise ; on the other hand, no anguish could be greater than his if the Divine face was hidden or obscured. I have never seen the alternations of Christian feeling so great or so frequent in any one else, nor have I ever known any one by whom * the restless strife ' was more indefatigably urged. Keen sensitiveness, high integrity, intense sincerity were among his most striking characteristics. Religion was to him * life and breath and all things.* His life may be summed up as a prolonged desire to be right, and to feel so. Few of God's children have had so much to endure, but through grace, he endured to the end, and now has the crown of life that fadeth not away.*' The following lines were composed by him, and as they contain much gospel truth, and express his personal experience we insert them here : — To whom can rebel man apply When he is much distress'd ? 'Tis vain this evil world to try — It cannot give him rest. But O, what blessing 'tis to know The seeking soul may find A rest from sin and every woe In the Saviour of manldnd ! And yet does man so often try Some other way to take ; Docs not at once to Jesus fly, His peace with God to make. But if he search creation round. It must be all in vain ; In Christ alone can peace be found, — This is eternal gain. So then *tis worth a serious thought, That all this peace may find ; O let us come and tany not, While God affords tne time. Whoever comes He'll not cast out. His promises declare ; Who come in faith, and do not doubt, God's blessings large shall share. Mr. Keetch has resided in Bristol, where most of his children live, for about nine years. For some time before his death he was getting feeble. For five months he was confined to his bed, and during this time he was a great sufferer. It has often been my privilege to visit him, and I shall never forget the conversations we have had together. With a smiling earnest look he has sometimes said, " My dear Mr. Goodenough, if I do get out again, the people Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 27 1 shall hear my voice more faithful than ever declaring the mercy of God, and the urgent need of decision for Christ." He would often speak of the great benefit of early conversion, and requested me to tell the young people to give their hearts to Jesus when young. He seriously believed had he not been converted in early life he would have been a lost man. *' Mercy, mercy, boundless mercy," were words frequently on his lips. Some days before his death he was very prostrate, and exhausted with pain. Yet there was no murmur. He was calm and resigned. He could kiss the rod and say, **Thy will be done." To hear the word read was a great comfort to him, and sometimes he would say to his beloved wife, who mourns his loss, " Mother, sing, I should like to hear a little singing." So in- tense was his pain that he longed to die, if God willed. On Wednesday, March 27th, just before 4 o'clock p.m. his daughter repeated the verses : — " There my exalted Saviour stands, My merciful High Priest ; And still extends His wounded hands, To take me to His breast. " What is there here to court my stay, Or keep me back from home, While angels beckon me away. And Jesus bids me come ? " He quietly and feebly said, ** I fear deliverance is not so near." In another moment deliverance came. The door was opened, and an abundant entrance was ministered to him. He served his generation, and when God willed he received his reward and crown. His end was peace. Mortals said, " A man is dead," Angels sang, " A child is born." A widow and eight children mourn their loss. He was a loving husband and a faithful father. We mourn not as those without hope, for ** Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." A memorial sermon was preached, in Princess-street Chapel, Bedminster, by the writer, on Sunday evening, April 7th, to a crowded audience. The service throughout was very impressive and we pray that lasting good may be the result. " Be ye also ready." A. H. GOODENOUGH. JOHN PALMER, Was born in the parish of Skilgate, Somerset, June igth, 18 17. We are not acquainted with any particulars of his early life, but in the early history of our Denomination, services were conducted by its agents in a cottage at Skilgate, when it appears Mr. John Palmer was brought under the influence of God's word, and became deeply concerned about his souFs salvation. After seeking mercy for some time, God spoke peace to his soul while crossing Haddon Hill. After his conversion he united with us in church fellowship, and the union there formed continued Digitized by Google 272 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. until he was removed from the church militant to the church triumphant. Preaching was conducted in his house for over twenty years ; and the preachers always had from him a hearty reception, and his kindness in this respect is, I am glad to say, continued by his bereaved widow and son. Mr. Palmer had much opposition to contend with throughout life, but he stood up manfully for the truth, and his life of in.tegrity spoke in favour of religion to his neighbours. Mr. M. Marsh, one of our local preachers, speaks of him as follows : ** I have known Mr. Palmer for more than twenty years, and have always found him to be a man according to his word. I have been in his company, both in public and private, and have ever noticed his steadfastness. He had a clear view of the plan of salvation, and much enjoyed the means of grace. I have often seen him melted into tears under the preaching of God's word. He had to stand almost single-handed in his own village for several years ; when every other door was shut against the preaching he opened his ; also to board and lodge the ministers. I have seen more of Mr. Palmer for the last few years, and I believe he has been making progress in the divine life. I was often with him during his last illness, and ever found him trusting in God. I had many precious seasons with him. I shall not forget one of my visits, I said to him, * Christ is gone to prepare a place for you, that where He is there you may be also.* He exclaimed, with a rapture of joy, * Yes ! for me ! for me ! I soon shall be there.' " The occasion will also be remembered by me, when Mr. Vanstone administered the Sacrament ; the influence was so great that he praised God aloud. On my next visit I found him in the same joyous frame of mind.; I said * Christ has promised to be with his people always, in life, and in death.* * Yes ! ' he said, ' praise the Lord ! praise the Lord !* A few days before his death he said, * It will not be long now. The death of Mr. Palmer will be a great loss to the Church, and to his dear wife and sons, but their loss will be his gain. I cannot speak too highly of him as a friend, a husband, and a father. ' He is not lost, but gone before. ' " It was may privilege to visit Mr. Palmer several times during his last illness, and I can fully confirm all that Mr. Marsh has said relative to his religious experience. I well remember the time when the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper referred to above was administered. At the close of the ordinance we sung : — " There is a fountain filled with blood. Drawn from IramaDuel's veins, And sinners, plunged beneath that flood. Lose all their guilty stains." He sang those lines as I had never heard them sung before, and I never felt their meaning before as I felt it then. He often said to me, " Oh ! Mr. Vanstone, do live up to your privilege. I have not enjoyed the love of God half so much as I might have done." Digitized by Google ST. AUSTELL CIRCUIT. 273 One of the family told me the other day that, not long before his death, he was continually singing that beautiful hymn ; — ** Had I the wings of a dove I would fly, Far, far away, far, far away ; Where not a cloud ever darkens the sky. Far, far away, far, far away. Fadeless the flowers in yon £den that blow ; Green, green the bow'rs where the still waters flow ; Hearts, like the garments, as pure as the snow. Far, far away, far, far away/' In this glorious state of mind, he died, December 29th, 1877, and was interred in Skilgate Churchyard, January 4th, 1878. His death was improved in his widow's house, on Sunday morning, January 13th, 1878, by the writer, from Genesis v. 24. T. G. Vanstone. ST. AUSTELL CIRCUIT. ZiON Chapel, St. Austell.— Our first duty, on entering this circuit after the Conference of 1877, was to re-open this chapel. We found it had been enlarged, the interior much improved, and beautifully painted throughout, at a cost of over j^350. At the re-opening, sermons were preached by Messrs. Angwin and JeiFery. On the 20th of August we had a public tea and meeting. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Boulter (Congregational), Jones (Free Methodist), Angwin, JeiFery, and W. J. Nicholls ; Mr. Jose, our excellent Cir- cuit Steward, presiding. On December a6th and 27th, 1877, a well-stocked bazaar was held in the Assembly Rooms, St. Austell. Four tastefully decorated stalls were presided over by tne following ladies, L. Angwin, £. Hammer, M. Gummo, and J. Prior, assisted by several others. A refreshment stall and public tea were both liberally patronized. It is due to all the friends of Zion Chapel to state that they worked with praiseworthy earnestness throughout the entire bazaar effort. As ministers we were proud of them. On Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and Tuesday, 1878, we held the " Jubilee " of the chapel. Fifty years having passed away since the chapel was first opened for Divine Service our friends determined to hold high ** Jubilee." On Good Friday morning, Mr. S. Pollard preached a very interesting discourse to a large congregation. A public tea followed in the Market House, of which 200 hundred persons partook. A crowded public meeting was held in the chapel in the evening, presided over by R. H. Williams, Esq., of Cuddra House. Tjie meeting was addressed by Messrs. Pollard, Sampson (Baptist), Boulter (Congre- gation^), Angwin, and Nicholls. The excellent choir ot the chapel discoursed most appropriately on the occasion. Ou Easter Sunday — and previously the news had gone far and near Mr. Bourne is coming — Mr. Bourne preached morning and evening, and Mr. J. Cooke (Wes- leyan), in the afternoon. The congregations were good ; the chapel in the evening to quote the words of Mrs. Bourne, who accompanied her excellent husband, containing a " glorious congregation." On Easter Tuesday, Mr. Bourne lectured on " Billy Bray " to a chapel again crowded with people, Mr. Joseph Turner, of Holmbush, most ably and interest- ingly presiding. The lecture gave unqualified satisfaction.* Our heartiest account ; that our exceueni inena Air. juigwin must nave leu some uttle doubt at to the wisdom of the eulogy, if he could for a moment suppose it would be altered.-— Ed. T Digitized by Google ^74 HBLSTON CIRCUIT. thanks are due, and are hereby given to Messrs. Pollard and Bourne for their valuaUe services. This closes our "special" efforts for the Town Chapel for this connexional year. The entire proceeds of these special services are £i lo, which will be appropriated to pa3dng off a portion of the debt incurred in the alterations, &c. — Bravo ! St. Austell. Tregorrick, — ^The foundation stone of a new chapel, to seat about 120 persons, was laid, Apnl 4th, 1878, by R. H. Williams, Esq., in the presence of nearly ill the villagers, and others from a distance. Mr. Ellis, of Bodmin, preached a short sermon. The people then proceeded to the Town chapel and School-room where a pubhc tea was partaken of by a goodly number. A public meeting was held in the chapel, presided over by Mr. W . T. Nicholls, and addressed by Messrs. Ellis, Angwin, Jeffery, and Turner. The day was fine and the proceedings passed off very pleasantly. Proceeds in money, ;f 20 ; in promises £yQ» The chapel is to be opened by Michaelmas next, and we hope will be an ornament to the village, and a blessing to the villagers. Bethesda and Highway Chapels have received several minor improvements, to increase the comfort of the respective congregations worshipping therein. A very successful Chapel Anniversary has been held at Tywardreath^ mainly owing to the energetic efforts of Mr. Jose, the lay representative for this district. A deputation from the Lady-Day quarterly meeting is appointed to try once more if a site can be secured for a new chapel at Fowey. There is every prospect of a good church being formed here if a site could be secured for a cnapel. A better chapel is also reauired at Old Pound. Several Societies in the circuit have received additions of members during the year, but it is not our pri^ege to report any very extensive work of grace. Our Missionary monies we fear will not be in excess of last year — ^it will require an effort to make them equal to those of last year. A lease has been taken of the first preacher's house, and neces^ry alterations and improvements made for the benefit of the preacher and his family. A thing long required and now happily completed. On reviewing the Connexional year now nearly come to an end, notwithstanding the prevailing depression here as in all parts of the county of Cornwall, we have many things to be thankful for; our friends have cheerfully and sufficiently contributed to the preachers' salaries and expenses, both Br. Jeffery— my hard- working colleague — ^and myself have been most kindly treated by the friends of the station, and the Lord has not left us without witness that our labours have been in some humble degree successful for good on this large and important sphere of labour. If spared to labour together for a second year — ^and we are both cor- dially invited so to do — we hope to justify the language of England's greatest living poet, — " That men may rise on stepping stones Of their deaa selves to higher things." May yrdf 1878. G. W. Angwin. HELSTON CIRCUIT. Dkar Mk. Editor, — ^Nothing having been forwarded of late respecting this circuit, perhaps, a few notes may not be out of place now, if indeed we can, in justice to many friends, remain any longer silent. We would, however, much rather some other person had conmiunicated the intelligence, especiaUy as some of the efforts were made prior to our coming to the station. Three years ago (as we have been informed) the circuit presented anything but a hopeful aspect ; but now, thanks to our friends for their hearty co-operation, and to our God whose blessing has been vouchsafed to us, a pleasing change has taken place. Something has been done to improve our chapels. The first demanding notice is — Bethel. Here a new building has been erected. To our predecessors belongs the honour of inaugurating this enterprize. It is said that " right thought must precede right action," In this case, action seems to have been taken first. The building was Digitized by Google HELSTON CIRCUIT. 275 commenced, but it soon came to a place called stop. And no marvel ! There were no trustees, no deed, no plans or specifications, tradesmen working by the day ; and the few pounds collected when the foundation stone was laid had been expended. Before the work could be proceeded with a deed had to be prepared, and a trust formed, &c. AH this took time, so that the completion of the build- ing was considerably delayed. The chapel will seat about 100 persons. The total cost, including labour given, is about ;^I50. The standing debt is about £^0. As the district is thinly popu- lated, the congregation is not likely to be large ; but the sittings, however, are all let. There is a good Sunday-school, and the society has more than doubled. HELSTON. Things here were far from encouraging. Only one acting trustee, no school- room, and the chapel dirty and uncomfortable ; indeed it might fairly be said the chapel was never completed. Although the building was capable of accommo- dating 560 persons, the seats in the body of the chapel consisted principally of forms. A new body of trustees has been formed, and the chapel seated through- out ; in the centre with pitch pine pews, and the sides with McFarlin*s iron stands, with pitched pine backs and seats. The chapel throughout has been renovated, the old work mostly painted and grained, the new stained and varnished ; matting has been obtained for the aisles and carpet for the rostrum. A sch5ol-room has also been built 34 by 28 within, which is found to be a great convenience. The outlay has been about ;f 350, nearly ;f 100 of which has been raised. We suffer much in common ^vith most Cornish circuits through the mining depression. Members are constantly changing ; we have lost as many as twelve in a quarter through removals. We get a very fair congregation on Sunday evenings, and we are hoping and praying for the time to come when the people of Helston shall be ready to offer unto the Lord morning as well as evening sacrifice. Our lady friends regularly visit from 200 to 300 houses with tracts. TREGIDDEN. We can scarcely say what the chapel here was like. We have heard it spoken of as a dilapidated, comfortless place ; we have seen a photograph of it, from -which we can form some idea of its barn-like appearance. But our friends made up their minds to improve their chapel, and then set to work to do it. A bazaar proved a grand success, over £10 being raised. Other efforts followed, so that by the time the chapel was re-opened, the sum of ;^I20 was collected. The chapd which has been enlarged, re-seated, indeed almost entirely re-buUt is now a neat, comfortable place. The cost has been ;^I45. CONSTANTINE Chapel has been much improved ; a wood floor has superseded limeash, forms have given place to comfortable seats, and a rostrum has been put up in the place of a box pulpit. Two new windows have also been put in, and the cnapd entirely renovated. Cost about £10, About half of which has been raised. TREBARVAH Chapel was out of debt. ;f 100 has since been spent in improvements there. 20 AR. This Chapel was tumbling down ; one of two things had to be done, either the place given up, or a new chapel built ; the latter was decided on. But where is the money to come from } a question, we must confess, it was not easy then to answer ; but some of the friends knew, barren as the neighbourhood looks, that there was money about. Plans and specifications were prepared, tenders invited and accepted, and a day fixed for laying the first stone. William Williams, Esq., was invited to perform the ceremony. (Mr. Williams who is advanced in years, lives very retired, seldom leaving his home). Some had feared or hoped the Squire would be conspicuous by his absence ; but he was present, and, we need only add, did his work well, laying on the stone the handsome sum of £\OQ. For a moment, Mr. Editor, there was a scene ; some clapped their hands, some bit their lips, some turned pale. All true friends rejoiced. Total proceeds of the day, ;f 1 22. Brother G. W. Angvvin was the preacher; his sermon in the after- noon and speech at night are not yet forgotten by our friends. Arrangements were T 2 Digitized by Google 276 JOTTINGS FROM CARDIFF MISSION. at once made for a bazaar, which was held in November last. There was a little difficulty as to a place for holding the bazaar, but Mr. R. Smith, of Trelanvene Farm, generously offered his premises, where we found first-class accommodation. Mrs. Smith's kindness must not be forgotten. A tea was served in connection with the bazaar which that lady kindly provided. Many other friends worked well who are not forgotten though their names are not mentioned. Proceeds of tea and bazaar ;^75. New Year's Day was fixed for the opening. A large number were present at all the services. Mr. J. Tremelling was invited to preach at the opening, the chapel being in the neighbourhood of his home. Mr. Tremelling is no less popular as a preacher at home than abroad. A stable has since been put up, in- creasing the outlay. Everything is not quite completed yet, but it is thought that the cost will be about ;^28o ; amount ah^ady raised about j^24o. Many articles left from the bazaar form a nucleus for another to be held in the summer, by which we hope to pay off the greater part of the remaining debt. Our prospects here are very encouraging. Some other chaples need attention, at Cove especially, the society and congrega- tion have quite out-grown the place. Notwithstanding the heavy outlay on our chapels, and the increased demand for the quarter board, our friends nave not lost their interest in Mission work ; the receipts when the last returns were made, having gone up from £t^ to ;f 83. Spiritually we are much encouraged, several places have been graciously visited with divine influences during the past few months, many have professed conversion, and about eighty have been admitted during the past quarter. May they all prove faithful. We have not enough local preachers to supply our places properly, and many of our present staff are grow- ing gray in the service, and must ere long rest from their labours. The master cafied home one of the best of them (Mr. S. Keveme) a few weeks since. Vi e are hoping that some of the young men who have recently given themselves to God, will give themselves to the ministry of the word. The circuit is a little scattered, but we have some capital homes, many devoted friends, and we may add should any of the brethren think of moving next Conference, they need not fear an appointment to the Helston Circuit. W. F. Charlton. Helston, April nth, 1878. JOTTINGS FROM THE CARDIFF AND LLANTRISSANT MISSION. We held our first Juvenile Missionary Meeting at Cardiff, on (rood Friday, April 19th. The Report shewed that twenty-two girls had collected ;f 5 4s. id, and thirty boys, £2 15s. i id.; total, £^, Interesting pieces and dialogues, bearing on Mission work, were recited by the scholars, who did their work ver^ creditably. Tea was provided at 4.30 p.m., the profits of which, with the collection, yielded £2 9s. od., thus making the result of the Juvenile effort ;f 10 9s. od. The friends were deeply interested and will hail with pleasure similar efforts yearly. Thougn Juvenile Missionary Meetings have not been held elsewhere in this Station, children in the other places worked well. At Llantrissant, twelve girls collected ;f 2 8s. lod., and thirteen boys, ^^3 os. 4d. total, A 9s. 2d. Tonyrefail ten girls, £2 17s. 6d., and two boys, 2s. 7d. (fie, boys), total ^3 os. id. Bryn Sadler, one girl 3s. and one boy 5s. 4d., total 8s. 4d. Pentyrch, five girls 12s. yd. and six boys £1 3s. id., totsd £1 15s. 8d. Altogether fifty girls and fifty-two boys collected in the mission— the former average 4s. 6d. each, and the latter 2s. 94d'. The general Missionary Meetings were seasons of delight. Valuable services were rendered by the brethren Dymond, Edgcombe and Honey. In every place save one the total receipts have advanced. Cardiff, j^i4 los. yd.; Increase, ^^4 8s.; Llantrissant, £<) los. ; Increase 2s. 3d. ; Tonyrefail, £^ i$%, 6d. ; Increase, 15s. ; Bryn Sadler, j^ I os. 2d.; Decrease, 5s.; Pentyrch, j^2 los. 8d. ; Increase, 4s. Iidt For the Station ^f 31 7s. od. Increase, ^^5 5s. 3d, Digitized by Google MILLOM CIRCUIT. 277 The usual Easter effort for Llantrissant Chapel was made. Tea meeting on Good Friday afternoon — ^provision given. In the evening the choir gave a Cantata which reflected great credit upon the conductor, Mr. R. Martyn, junr., Mr. G. Martyn, who presided at the narmonium, and the singers. Three good sermons were preached on Easter Sunday, by Rev. Isaac Elsom, Free Methodist Minister, of Cardiff. Proceeds ;^ 10 ; profits ^^7 16. After persistent effort and tedious waiting, ground has been secured for a Chapel at Tonyrefail. Trustees are appointed, the Committee has sanctioned the undertaking, and we hope to begin building soon. An application for a plot of ground for school-room and chapel near Llantris- sant Station, has been courteously acknowledged by the Marquis of Bute's agent, who promised to lay the matter before Mr. Boyle the trustee. For more than three years we have longed for a site in this rising neighbourhood, and repeatedly striven in vain to get it. May God open our way now. Many souls have been converted in different parts of the Station since Confer- ence ; and Quarter Board receipts increased over 18 per cent. There is much up- hill work, and must be for a few years. The results already secured are very encouraging, and excite hope for a bright and glorious future. Much, however, Mrill depend upon the effort made for Cardiff Chapel and Minister's House, which must be commenced ere long. Extraordinary efforts to raise money are absolutely necessary. If they are made and prove successful our beloved denomination will occupy a good position, and be prepared to take a fair share of the great work before the Churches of the town. "We have decided to hold a bazaar in the Assembly Room, Town Hall (kindly lent by the Mayor), on July 3rd. and 4th, in behalf of our Building Fund, and shall be grateful to friends in the distance for any contributions in money or goods they may kindly send. W. F. James. Cardiff, May %th, 1878. MILLOM CIRCUIT. Dear Brother Bourne : Our Lady Day Quarterly Meeting was held at Haverigg, on the 9th of March, and was well attended. All were highly delighted at the financial and numerical position of the circuit. Owing to increased rates, this being a new township, our expenditure was never greater, but by the co-operation of the people and the blessing of God, after meeting our way, we have a small balance on the quarter. We have also an increase of thirty full members, with seven on trial, being the precious fruits of the revival of last quarter. The Pastor was most heartily invited to remain in the circuit for the fourth year, and has accepted the invitation. REVIVAL AT ESKDALE. For some weeks past a gracious influence has been felt at Eskdale, and on Sunday the 17th of March, a revival commenced, when nine per- sons found Christ as their Saviour. Since then others have been added, so that now sixteen persons are experiencing newness of life in Jesus. The scenes ha%'e been delightful to witness. The converts are mostly young persons — men and women. Two or three are married. We have also a few lambs amongst the saved. Thank God, they have a Shepherd too, who will carry th«m in His bosom. May all the flocks, and the under-shepherds meet the Chief Shepherd where the pastures are green perennially and Spring lasts eternally. James Hender. MiLLOM, April Sth, 1878. CRONDALL CIRCUIT. Whether the impression has been right or wrong, for a* considerable time this has been regarded as rather unproductive soil. But undoubtedly there are two Digitized by Google 278 KINGSBROMPTON CIRCUIT. sides to this as well as most other questions. Our agents, who have laboured here, have experienced many difficulties in the prosecution of their work, but their arduous toil has not been in vain. For many years the religious instruction of the inhabitants of some of the villages we visit has been mainly dependent upon our efforts. It is gratifying that through us, as a section of the church, large numbers in this neighbourhood have received good, although denominationally we have not reaped the full reward of our toil. Some at least of the causes of our limited success are apparent. We think, one of the chief of those reasons is that our chapels have been unattractive and very badly situated. At Crondall this diffi- culty is about to be removed by the erection of a new sanctuary in a good posi- tion. This work would have been commenced several months ago, but for our inability to procure a suitable site, the purchase of any available land suited to our purpose involving a considerable expenditure. We have, however, gained by the delay, as the site on which the chapel will stand has recently been given by our friend Mr. D. S. Stevens. We are thankful to be making a little progress in other departments of our work also. Our Missionary meetings were good, and the receipts at each place in advance. Br. J. H. Michell attended our first, and Br. Boase our second series of meetings. The annual bazaar and public meeting, on belialf of the circuit fund, were also fairly successful. On this occa- sion we were favoured with the assistance of our respected friend, Br. W. Luke. As on two former occasions of a similar character, the Congregational chapel and school-room were placed at our service for the circuit effort. W. Hill. KINGSBROMPTON CIRCUIT. Conversion of a Yoitng Man. " Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire ?" A suitable question in reference a young man at Luxborough, who recently died very peacefully in Jesus. On coming to Luxborough to live a little time, Mr. H. J. Clatworthy commenced a Bible Class at our chapel, composed principally of young men. In one of the number, Francis Bryant, there were evidences of a great change ; but he fell sick, which sickness ended in death, at the early age of 24. A letter from Br. Chatworthy says : — " Francis Bryant became a member of our Bible Class when it was formed in August last, and he was never absent therefrom until December 1 6th, 1877, ^is illness then being the cause of his non-attendance. During his sickness I visited him frequently. He always seemed to he living near the Saviour. With a child-like faith he relied on the promises of our Heavenly Father. On my entering his room on the 30th March, he at once expressed his thankfulness to God for leading him to believe in Jesus. I asked him if he was quite happy. He replied, *Yes, resting safe in the arms of Jesus.* I praved, and he frequently exclaimed, * Thank God it will not be long before I shaft be absent from the body, and present with the Lord.' At midnight I left, and about three hours later he passed away from earth to heaven." Missionary Meetings. The first series was held in November, Br. Garland was the deputation. The rough weather made against the attendance and the collections. The second series was held in March, when the President of the Conference visited Roadwater, Watchet, Timberscombe, Kingsbiompton, and Bury. Most of the meetings indicated progress. That at Bury- the last— was a grand meeting. A missionary tea as usual ; provisions given, and the profits devoted to the missionary cause. We hope the erection of a new Chapel at Upton, at a cost of ^245 ; the reno- vation of Kingsbrompton, at a cost of nearly j(^20 ; of Withycombe, at about the same cost, and of Luxborough, with other efforts, will not greatly affect our missionary funds. The writer, to encourage the collectors, has offered at his own cost, a beautiful Bible and Hymn Book, bound together, as a prize to the highest collector above Digitized by Google MISSIONARY MEETINOS. 179 Quarter Board. At the Michaelmas quarterly meeting we ascertaiaed that about /'30, by special efforts, would be required to render the circuit free from debt at Midsummer. The writer offered to get or give £5. Br. Vanstone most readily engaged another £5. Our old and long-tried friends Mr. and Mrs. R. Burston generously offered to give £10. The circuit stewards, Brs. Marsh and Chamberlain, willingly engaged another £5. Other friends kindly engaged to supply the other £5. Some of the friends in this circuit believe practically in the utterance of an old farmer in the West — " That religion which costs nothing is loorth nothing^ The Lady-Day Qarterly Meeting Was characterized by much good-feeling. Matters were found to be very encouraging. Receipts, ;f 50 8s. 8d.; expenses, £^2 iss. iid.; surplus, /i; 12s. gd.; by which we were not only able to meet the deficiencies of the previous quarters, but we have a surplus of between £6 and £1 to meet the contemplated deficiency of Midsummer. This financial effort has greatly tended to render our quarterly meetings pleasant through the year. Myself and colleague have received a hearty and unanimous invitation to re- main another year. During the year the writfer has received a letter from the late Mr. W. Burston*s solicitor, stating that he had left by will the sum of £200 to aid the funds of the Kingsbrompton circuit, to be so secured as to be a perpetual source of income. John Hicks. ^iimmv^ ^ttXxa%%. Cramlingtok Mission. — In January, 1876, 1 visited Cramlington, in Northum- berland, with the view of commencing a Mission there if possible. After visiting several families I found the people desirous of having our services established in their midst, and a minister stationed among them as soon as practicable. Since the commencement several things have militated against our progress ; still, our cause is healthy and gives evidence of great development and power. It would have been well if we had retained our hold here, small as it was, in 1819, or that we had r^-commenced some ten or twelve years ago ; but our friends have resolved to do their best now. According to appointment, I went to this mission on Saturday, April 13th, to assist Br. Banwell in holding missionary meetings. Ser« mons were preached at the various places on Sunday, April 14th, by Brs. E. Rogers, J. Banwell, J. Lark, and G. Thomas. Monday, the 15th, meeting at Cramlington-terrace. Br. M. Gay in the chair. The pastor read the report and gave an address. The writer followed. Collections in advance of last year's. Tuesday, the i6th, meeting at Shank House, presided over by Br. Gay. Br. Banwell gave the report, and Brs. G. Thomas and E. Roarers gave suitable ad- dresses. The attendance was very good, spiritual influence nch, and the collections considerably ahead. Wednesday, the 17th, meeting at Cramlington Village. Here our friends rent a school-room, which is well suited for religious services. The congregation was not large, but those present manifested great interest in the mission cause by giving — all things considered — a good collection. Our friends have suffered greatly through the strike and lock-out, which lasted eleven weeks. The men had only re-commenced working foi a short time previous to our missionary meeting, which doubtless made considerably against our finances. Two three chapels are much needed, and our Shank House friends are resolved to begin to build shortly. Br. Banwell and his good wife are greatly respected throughout the mission, and labouring, with success, among a Connexional and excellent people. £. Rogers. Truro Circuit. — In our last communication we expressed a hope that the Grampound missionary meeting would not be a failure. It has not, and the coveted £6 advance in our receipts is pretty certain. On Monday, March loth, Br. Smith (of Bodmin) preached two excellent sermons in behalf of our missions ; Digitized by Google ZSO CHAPELS. and on the following day an interesting and numerously-attended tea was held, got up, principally, by Miss O. Nancarrow, and presided over by Mesdames T. Nancarrow, J. Goodfellow, and the Misses O. Nancarrow, G. Turner, C. Crewes, L. Clemmow, and others. A good meeting followed, in the Congrega- tional chapel (kindly lent for the occasion), presided over by our old friend Mr. R. Crewes, and addressed by the Brethren W. Smith, J. Bray, and T. E. Mundy. Receipts in advance. We have a flourishing society at Grampound, which has grown up under the care of our highly esteemed friend Mr. John Nancarrow ; and now we are greatly in want of a new chapel. A committee to get a site has been appointed. May God prosper us ! T. E. MUNDY. n; Glowkth, Truro Circuit.— On Friday, March 15th, our little chapel at Gloweth was opened for Divine worship. At three o'clock p.m. an excellent sermon was preached by Br. Ellis (of Bodmin). At five o'clock about 150 per- sons sat down to a public tea. The tea was given, principallv, by the following ladies, the greater number of whom also presided at the tables, viz., Mesdames - S. Holman, J. Holman (of Rosehill, Camborne), W. Mitchell, R. Tucker (of Truro, and Miss Visick (of Truro) ; assisted by Mesdames D. Come, E. Holman, Willey, G. Johns, G. Haynes, and the Misses Woolcock (of Helston), Harris (of Camborne), Clift (of Truro). A public meeting followed, ably presided over bv our excellent friend Mr. E. Roberts (of Truro), and addressed by the Revs. if. Ellis, J. H. Batt, J. Walsh (New Connexion), J. Pilling (Primitive), and T. Cocking (United Free Methodist). An encouraging report was presented by the pastor. On Sunday, March 17th, three good sermons were preached ; by Mr. Ellis, morning and evening, and by Mr. J. Martin (United Free Methodist, of Truro) in the afternoon. On Sunday, the 24th, the Revs. J. Walsh and J. Cocking preached ; and on the 31st, services were conducted by the writer. About £100 nas been contributed to the building fund, including subscriptions from Air. S. Holman, ^21 ; Mr. J. Holman, j^5 5s. ; Mr. W. Mitchell, ^"5 ; Mrs. S. Holman, £6 6s. ; and collected by Mrs. E. Holman, £6 5s. ; Mr. W. Mitchell, £7 ; Mr. J. Willey, /5 ; Mr. T. E. Mundy, /8 ; and Mr. J. Allen, £2 ; with about ^'S© worth of goods in hand for a bazaar to be held in May. The chapel was commenced principally through the exertions of Mr. W. M. Visick (of Truro), and will accom- modate 120 persons — half of the sittings ?re free — and is one of the prettiest we have ever seen. The cost will be rather more than £2^0. We have an excellent attendance, a promising society, and a good choir in training. To God be all the praise ! T. E. Mundv. Week St. Marv. — Canioorthy l\ ater Anniversary was held on Good Friday, April 19th. In the afternoon, Brother G. Daniel, of Camelford, preached ; a public tea followed, attended by about 350 persons. The meeting in the evening was under the presidency of our long-tried friend, Mr. P. Pcthick. Addresses by the brethren, W. Tucker, J. Paynter, J. Bendle, and G. Daniel. Receipts, £16 5s. 6d. Our friends here are in advance of many circuits, in reference to the conduct of Anniversaries — both Chapel and School Anniversaries are held on the week days. In some circuits at this season, congregation after congregation, week after week, is almost broken owing to the fact of there being an anniversary a mile or two away, and the good work done in, the winter months is in consequence often undone. I may add that the funds of our Schools are well supported, and 1 believe the holding of our School Anniversaries on the Sunday might be discontinued with advantage, and that if a reform be effected in this direction we shall not have to complain of so many departing from the right way. J. Bendle. April 20thy 1878, Digitized by Google < tn •X h- D O CO x" o q: D X O o < o q: < X- o o q: rr^3- Digitized by Google 282 CHAPELS. Brougham Road, Southsea. — ^We have pleasure in presenting our readers with an engraving of this beautiful building, which we rejoice to hear is fully answering the expectations of its promoters, the divine presence being delightfully realised by the large and appreciative congregations which regularly assemble therein for worship. For a short descriptive account of the chapel see the Novem- ber number of the Magazine for 1876. NoRTHLEW Circuit, Braxton. — ^The anniversary was celebrated on Good Friday. The writer preached in the afternoon to a large audience, when God was pleased to blessedly smile upon both preacher and people. At the close of the service over 300 persons took tea. The public meeting was ably presided over by Mr. R. Kennard, and interesting speeches given by the brethren, E. Speare, J. Datson, and J. Coles. The choir enlivened the services by singing some choice and appropriate pieces. The chapel in the evening was densely crowded. The friends say this is the best anniversary they ever had at Bratton. The chapel is now free, with ;^20 in hand ; but this amount, with ;^ioo added, will shortly be wanted if our friends carry out the alterations and improvements con- templated, and as something must be done, we think this is the best time to do it, as we have a good society, good congregations, and friends who have a mind to work. ' Provided all is done that we intend doing, you will hear from us again. J. Coles. Penzance. — On Monday, April 29th, Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart., who was accompanied by Mr. A. P. Vivian, his colleague in the representation of West Cornwall, laid the foundation stone of a handsome, complete, and commodious suite of buildings for the Bible Christians of Penzance. Although the weather was gloomy no rain fell, and a large crowd gathered on the site of the new chapel to witness the ceremony. In an Historical Sketch of the Denomination it was stated that in the year 18 19, when the first Conference was held, Morvah stood at the head of a circuit extending from St. Just and Scnnen to Breage and Helston, the minister residing at Marazion. For some two or three years, religious services were conducted in cottages and in the open air at Chyandour, Heamoor, Madron, Carfury, and several villages near, before attempts were made to preach in the town of Penzance. A 3mall chapel was erected at Polminick about the year 1820; and the superintendent of the Penzance circuit for many years resided at Heamoor, the circuit including all the places that now constitute Penzance, St. Just, and St. Ives circuits. Several persons who were members of the Society at Polminick, resided in the town. Once and again attempts were made to form a Society in the town, and to conduct services in private houses, but nothing permanent was effected until the year 1850, when a small chapel in Alverton-street, once occupied by the Unitarians, was rented and fitted up. The superintendent minister came to reside in Penzance in the same year. In 1858 the Bible Christians purchased of the Wesleyan Methodists the chapel in St. Clare- street, which they have occupied since. In i860 St. Just circuit was formed by uniting some ten places formerly belonging to the Penzance circuit; and in 18O4 the St. Ives circuit was formed by uniting some four places, leaving seven Societies to form what is now the Penzance circuit. The New Building. For several years past the Society and congregatioik and Sunday-school, con- nected with the St. Clare-street chapel, have found their premises very inconvenient for their growing requirements, and efforts have been made to secure a site in a more prominent part of the town. Having raised sufficient to pay the cost of site, the trustees and Society decided on building more commodious and suitable premises. Mr. H. White, architect, of Penzance, was entrusted with the work • of preparing plans, and that gentleman has succeeded admirably in designing a chapel to seat, with end and two side galleries, 530 persons, an ample school- loom for the accommodation of 300 children, and four vestries and class rooms. Tenders were invited, and the trustees have accepted that of Mr. H. Came, builder, of Penzance. The amount of contract is ;f 1,675, which, with' cost of site, architect's fees, &c., will bring the entire cost of the premises up to ^2,000.* ♦ As we are much driven for space, we defer a description of the building, as wc hope to obtain an engraving for the Magazine at no distant period. — Ed. Digitized by Google CHAPELS. 283 THE CEREMONY. The proceedings opened with the singing of the hymn, *' Before Jehovah's awful throne; " then the Rev. T. E. Mundy, of .Truro, prayed ; and the Rev. W. J. Hocking, of Jubilee Chapel, London, followed with a brief address, explana- tory of the doctrines taught by the Bible Christians. Their name originated in a casualty, and was never intended as a reflection on other sections of Christ's Church. The Rev. W. Gilbert, superintendent, then cordially introduced Sir John St. Aubyn and Mr. A. P. Vivian ; and Mr. Tancock, as treasurer of the trustees, in a few well-chosen and hearty words, presented the hon. baronet with a handsome trowel, and Mr. Came, the builder, with a mallet. Sir John St. Aubyn, mounting the stone, confessed that when he first was honoured by their invitation to lay the stone of their new chapel, he thought it desirable for him to ascertain whether there was anything inconsistent with his position as a honest and straightforward member of the Church of England (hear, near) in attending to aid them in their work. And he took means to inquire what particular doctrine they held. He went to what he considered good authonty, clergymen of the Church of England, and he learnt from them, if they would allow him to say so, that they were a quiet and an inoffensive people (hear, hear, and laughter ; ) that they were animated by no fierce spirit of sectarian feeling towards other denominations (hear, hear ; ) and that they gave no utter- ance to extreme views. (Hear, hear.) Under these circumstances he felt that they did Mr. Vivian and himself a kindness in inviting them to be present with them on this occasion, and that there was nothing inconsistent in their own feelings and professions in accepting it. (Hear, hear.) They felt they were invited not so much as members of Parliament, but as Cornishmen, as friends and neigh- bours. (Applause.) And that being so,' they felt they were doing a right and agreeable tnmg in coming there to hold out the right hand of sympathy and encouragement to ihem in their undertaking. (Hear, hear.) As members of the Church of England, he and Mr. Vivian, tendered them their sympathy, trusting to have it returned in due proportion and on proper occasion when they may re- quire it. If there was no regret in having asked them to come there, they should never regret having accepted the invitation to come. (Three cheers for Sir John.) Mr. A. P. Vivian, taking his place on the stone, said he had not anticipated, when he came into Cornwall, the pleasure of being present on this occasion, but having heard from Sir John St. Aubyn that the ceremony, respecting which Mr. Gilbert wrote him some time 'since, was to be performed there that day, he Avas very happy in accompanying him. As they all knew he was a member of the Church of*^ England, and, he trusted, he was a staunch member ; but he had lived so long in Wales, a comitry which differed very little from Cornwall, that he was bound to recognise most fully the great work done by the various Nonconformist bodies. (Hear, hear.) !No one could visit Wales or Coniwall without being struck by the work which had been done by Christians outside the Church of England. Their chapels and schools rise on all sides, and what, he would ask any reasonable man, would have become of the religion of the people if it had not been for those who erected and maintained those chapels. (Hear, hear.) It gave hira very great pleasure to be with them, and in any way contriliute towards the work of the One Master whom they worshipped, their blessed Lord. (Three cheers for Mr. Vivian.) Sir John St. Aubyn then performed the ceremony, declaring the stone (which forms the north-west comer of the front) well and tmly laid. The Rev. A. W. Johnson, Congregationalist, in moving a vote of thanks to Sir John St. Aubyn, said he felt a neighbourly gratification that the Bible Christians were going to take a more prominent position, and he hoped the whole congregation would enlarge their capabilities for God's service, even as they were going to enlarge the boundaries of their house. Mr. Russell seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. White, the architect. Sir John St. Aubyn, in acknowledging the vote, carried by acclamation, wished them God-speed, and was glad he had been able to do anything to forward the work. Cheers were then raised for Sir John and Lady Elizabeth St. Aubyn, and Mr. Vivian was also thanked for his presence, the Rev. Mr. Gilbert remarking that Digitized by Google 284 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE. had they known he had been with them they would have a stone for him to lay as well. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr. Vivian expressed himself as gratified with the part he had taken in so good a work. Contributions were then laid on the stone. The Rev. Mr. Gilbert presented a list amounting to £<)^ z6s. 6d., and Mr. Tancock another amounting to ^^35. Mr. Prynn said he had collected /"j, and saw his way to another jf 15. Mr. Corin f)resented 25s. on behalf ot the Sunday-school. Some of the gihs came from ong distances — ^in one case, from Australia. Mr. Lee, the late pastor, during whose pastorate the site was bought, sent £1, Many deposited money on the stone— the sums varying from a cheque for pounds to the humble penny. Mr. A. P. Vivian had sent a cheque for two guineas, and Mr. Gilbert mentioned that Sir John St. Aubyn would forward a che<}ue. The ceremony over, the company adjourned to the Clarence-street Baptist School-room (kindly lent for the occasion) where seven well supplied tables awaited them, presided over by Mesdames Williams, Corin, Ellery, Tancock, Peak, Russell, and Thomas, who were busily engaged for over two hours serving 300 friends with the ** social cup of tea." In the evening a most enthusiastic meeting was held, presided over by Mr. £• Roberts, of Truro. — Abridged from Cornish Telegraph, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE. The second Annual Conference commenced its sittings in Young Street Church. Adelaide, on Wednesday, Februaiy 27th. Of the 43 elected members most were present at the opening. Mr. Hillman was chosen President by a veiy large majority, and Mr. Lake, Secretary. The constitution granted by the English Conference was accepted except in one particular. A resolution of sympathy with the superannuated brethren was unanimouslv adopted. Several circuits arc to be dividwl, or are to receive an additional preacher, and some new openings are to be entered on if practicable. A " system of studies for probationers '* was also adopted, and a number ^f regulations were passed, with tne view of making the Sunday-schools more efficient. The chapel secretary's report showed that there are 99 chapels, 18 ministers' residences, 4 cottages, and 15 school-rooms in the colony. Tne aggregate income for the year is ;f 5,527 15s. Of this sum aboat ;f484 had been paid towards the support of the ministry; jf 3,681 2s. 8d. for working expenses, improvements, and new erections; and ^1,361 8s. 5d. towards the reduction of liabilities, being nearly eight per cent, on the whole. Eight new chapels have been erected, and two ministers' residences. There is an increase of 146 approved members, and of persons on trial of 59 ; total 205. Br. Trewn preached the sermon to the Conference, and the receipts of the Missionary Society were a little in excess of the expenses of the year. VICTORIA DISTRICT MEETING. The Annual District Meeting commenced its sittings in Gore-street church, Fitz- roy, on Thursday, 21st February. On the previous evening the district sermon was preached by the Rev. T. E. Keen to a large and appreciative congregation, after which the members attending the session partook of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The Rev. J. Teague, as chairman of the District, presided ; and the Rev. T. E. Keen was elected secretary. After the election of several minis- ters to act as secretaries, the statistics and finances were examined. Five new churches and one minister's residence have been erected during the year at a cost of /1995 14s. 5d. The receipts from the various funds were as follows: — Ministry, j^2226 5s. 7d.; missionary fund,/'788 9s. 7d.; general fundsj^392 4s. 3d.; debt paid off old trusts, £i\^1 13s. 9d.; total for chapel purposes, ^406$ 4^* ^'i Sabbath-schools, ;f 563. Statistics are as follows : — Mmisters, 16 ; local preachers, 68 ; members, 1042 ; chapels, 65 ; preaching places, 22 ; ministers' residences, 15 ; school- rooms, 12; schools, 51 ; teachers, 562 ; scholars, 3183. The following is the list of stations for the ensuing year : — Melbourne, W. H. Hosken, J, Chenhall ; Mount Moriac, T. E. Keen ; Castlemaine, J. Teague ; Digitized by Google CORRBSPONDENCE. 285 Ballaiat, J. Orchard, T. J. Cory ; Campcrdown, W. Goodall ; Sandhurst, S. P. Webber, A. Uglow ; Maldon, W. Hicks ; Daylesford and Blackwood, R. Down ; Clunes, G. Netnerway ; Elmore and Rochester, R. Warren, C. T. Molyneux, and G. S. Scurry ; Horsham and Dimboola, F. Lockwood, J, Dean ; Echuca, J. C. Freeman. The district meeting was composed of fourteen ministers and twelve represen- tatiyes. The examination of two probationers was very satisfactory, and one new candidate for the ministry offered himself, and was received on probation. On Sabbath, 24th February, sermons were preached in behalf of the missionary society in Gore Street Church, by the Revs. G. Netherway, T. J. Cory and J. Orchard to large congregations.' At the Bible Christian Church, Hotham, sermons were preached on behalf of the Sabbath-school, by the Revs. T. J, Cory, C. T. Molyneux and J. Teague. On Tuesday a public tea and meeting were held at the Gore-street church, when the chair was taken by the Rev. J. Teague (district chairman), and addresses were given by the Revs. F. Lockwood, T. J. Cory, R. Warren and A. Uglow. The meeting was largely attended. The provisions of the tea were all given by the young people, and managesl by the young ladies of the church, and were of a most sumptuous kind. The pieces sung by the choir were rendered in a most effective style. A resolution of thanks was passed to the English Conference for sending an addition to the rank of ministers in the person of the Rev. T. J. Cory, who received a hearty welcome from the district meeting. A very excellent tea was held on Wednesday at Hotham, in behalf of the School, and several addresses were delivered by the ministers attending the sittings. The Rev. W. H. Hosken was nominated to the office of chairman of the district for next year. The sittings were brought to a dose with great unanimity of feeling, and the members separated full of hope as to future success. CONNEXIONAL NOTES. We have received a letter from a friend, for which we regret we are unable to find room, congratulating the Rev. J. O. Keen (and also the Connexion), on his being the first Bible Christian Minister who has received the degree of Doctor of Divinity, which honour has been conferred on him by the "American University of Philadelphia.'' A letter from Br. Keast contains the pleasing intelligence that the number of members and hearers is increasing, that Br. Manhire's son has given a piece of land in one of the suburbs of Christ Church on which to build a chapel, and that a modem structure is to be placed thereon immediately, and that they anticipate opening it without debt, or with but a very small one. The Juvenile Missionary Meeting at Bedminster was, as usual, a grand success. Crowded attendance and collections ahead. This is all the more gratifying as the children are also collecting funds for the new schools. A report of some successful Juvenile efforts in behalf of the missionary society in the Northlew Circuit, we are compelled to omit. (^oxn^mhtmL THE COLLEGE. Dear Mr. Editor. — I have just seen an account of the second Bible Christian Conference in South Anstralia, and one part of it especially I thought worthy of attention. It was stated that the Rev. T. Piper, presented to the Conference, the report of the Union College which from its name I infer, is supported by more than one denomination. The report shewed that during the year, thirty-three students had been enrolled, of whom twenty were in the Church History Class, seventeen in the Homiletical Class, twelve in the Greek Testament Class, and thirteen in the Theological Class. How many of the students are coimected with our own demonination is not stated, but it is evident that our friends are manifesting considerable interest in the education of their future miQisters,and I am inclined tQ think that in this respect they are in advance of u«, Digitized by Google 286 CORRESPONDENCE. Since the claims of the College have been so urgently repeated in the Magazine month after month I have heard the remark that our friends have little sympathy with the object, thinking that more education will soon mean less spirituality and zeal among our ministers. Perhaps there may be some among us who cherish this antiquated prejudice, (which is far more Romish than Protestant), but it would be a libel to say that this is characteristic of our friends generally. Many of them are giving their sons and daughters a liberal education, and they would certainly know that if simplicity and earnestness will not compensate for lack of education in business, much less will they do so in those who are appointed instructors of the people. Ministers will not long be recognised as instructors unless they can " produce their strong reasons " in " sound sp:ech that cannot be condemned," and denominations that neglect to give the candidates for their ministry, a suitable preparation for the work may expect that in the natural course of things the more intelligent and better educated among them will wander off to other pastures. The indifferent response which has been made in many quarters to Br. Higman's appeals is to me almost mysterious. I have observed that in some places where we have several wealthy friends and fi\rmers living in their own estates that the public collections have only amounted to a few shillings, and no donations are announced. It has struck me that a little more interest might be awakened if the Magazine contained an account occasionally of the work done in the College. It appears from the wrapper that the number of pupils has nearly trebled during the last six years, and from this it may be inferred that the parents are thoroughly satisfied with the educational and domestic arrangements as well as the moral discipline ,and religious training given in the Institution. Still I think that an account of the half-yearly examinations — the prizes given and the names of the successful competitors would be interesting to many of your readers. We are now asked to contribute for the education of our ministerial candidates and no one could make more earnest appeals or more faithfully tell us what ministers and people ought to do than Bro. Higman has done ; but a little more information on the kind of education which the candidates receive would not I think be out of place. Many perhaps would like to know if there are classes in connection with the College at Shebbear similar to those referred to in the account of the Australian Conference ; if attempts are made to correct provincialisms and defects in manner, gesture, and delivery ; and if the young men receive any special training for their work as preachers of the gospel. The writer is of opinion, judging from what he hears, that if the funds would admit of their re- maining longer, the young men at Shebbear would receive a thoroughly sound and useful education, and he thinks that if our friends knew more abomt the working of the Institution that greater sympathy would soon be manifested. — Yours truly, ' O. Z. THE MAY MAGAZINE. I HAVB read the article in the Bible Christian Mj.gazine for May, on " Lost in the day after to-morrow," and am so satisfied with it that I said in giving out the first number, '• Here is one article worth a shilling, and you have all the others over, and all for fourpence." Napoleon said to one of his generals, " If you do not see that Jesus Christ was more than man, I did wrong in making you general." I am sure it may be said of a preacher, if he can read that one article carefully and devoutly, and not see that Mr. Edward White's theories about a future life, and Canon Farrar's denunciations of everlasting punishment have their origin in the foolish ima.i^nnations o{ man, not to use stronger terms, then some- bo'iy did wrong in puttiii^^ hiiii into the ministry. Let the younger brethren especially read one good work on this subject thorouglily, and dismiss for ever the dangerous dreams and novelties wliich have been so wi lely promulgated of late. Surely John Wesley, Ad.im Clarice, Richard Watson, and many other choice spirits knew as well th(" li. waning of the words m the original as aay moiera tJieologian cm do, he l:o ever so hi -^hly privileged. Brother Kc^'-t's acco: -.; of New Zealand seems quite enough to inspire young men to press (oi waid m bjch haste that each may be the first to cross the sea to distant lands, to tell the story of a Saviour's love. T. W. GabLANP. Digitized by Google NOTABIUA OF THX MONTH. 287 §mf ^oiim of §aah. Unworthy of Eternal Life. A reply to Canon Liddon. By the Rev. S. MiNTON, M.A.. Second edition. London: Elliot Stock. (Price 6d.) With the views which Mr. Minton advocates we have no sympathy. We had the pleasure of hearing the sermon which he here pronounces eminently weak and unsatisfactory, and came to the very opposite conclusion respecting its merits ; but Mr. Minton is fair, temperate, and courteous to others, while holding his own opinions most firmly. The Biblical Museum, Vol. III. on the Old Testament. By jAMES COMPER Gray. London : Elliot Stock. (Price 5s.) W* have so often and so heartily commended this work, and it is so well known and so highly appreciated, that it is only necessary to note the publication of another volume, which brings us on to the second book of Samuel. T7te Master Saith ; or. Meditations on the Words of Jesus relating to the Life to Come. By A Disciple. London : Wesleyan Conference Office. The "Words of Jesus" are here so arranged as to demonstrate, in our view, to all who accept the authority of Christ, the falseness of the daring speculations concerning the future life unhappily so rife at this moment. NOTABILIA OF THE MONTH. April 13th. — A copy of the Pope's allocutionary letter re-establishing the Papal hierarchy in Scotland was publicly burnt on Glasgow Green. In the same city, the next day — Sunday — a public address of an anti-Popery lecturer led to some rioting in the course of which several persons were injured. 18. — An address to Mr. Gladstone on the Government policy 011 the Eastern Question was presented to Mr. Gladstone in the Memorial Hall, by the Noncon- formist ministers of London, who replied in a characteristic and able speech. 19th. — Mr. John Bright addressed a Conference of Sunday-school Teachere, at Rochdale, and urged the imp(jrtance of inculcating upon youthful minds the wickedness of war. 22nd. — The strike among the Lancashire cotton operatives, which has assumed formidable proportions, began. be unsuccessful, and a general feeling of uneasiness prevailed has lest the troubles which appear to be imminent should become widely extended. The illness of Prince GortchakofF, a rising of the Mussulman population in Bulgaria, the serious misunderstanding between Russia and Roumanian, the trial and acquittal of "Vera Zasulitch,*' and the decision of the English Government to bring a contingent of the Indian army to Malta, to be employed against Russia in case of war, with other circumstances, have greatly intensified the uneasiness. 29th. — Great meetings at Manchester and Brierley Hill in opposition to the ministerial policy — the former was attended by more than 1,800 delegates from Liberal organizations in the North of England. Mr. John Bright delivered a powerful speech. May I . — The Paris Exhibition was opened with great solemnity, which was to some extent marred by bad weather. The arrangements, though incomplete give promise of future complete success. ^The Rev. W. D. Maclagan, vicar of Kensington, and well-known as a popular clergyman of decided High Church views, nominated by the Queen, to succeed Dr. belwyn as Bishop ol Lichfield. Throughout the week grave apprenhensions that all efforts to prevent war will 2nd. — Sir Francis Goldsmid, M.P., for Reading, met with an accident at the Waterloo-road Railway Station, and died shortly aiterwards. 4th. — At a conference of about 600 delegates of agricultural labourers held at the Memorial Hall, London, under the presidency of Mr. Joseph Arch, a resolu- tion was passed pledging those present in case of war occurring through the refusal of the Government to accept a congress or arbitration, to use all their influence to prevent their fellow labourers from enlisting in the army. Digitized by Google 28^ NOTABtLIA OP THE MONTH. 6th. — The House of Commons re-assembled on Monday after the Easter vaca- tion. 7th. — Mr. Chamberlain gave notice of a vote of censure upon the Grovem- ment for its warlike policy. Count SchouvalofF, the Russian Ambassador, left London for St. Petersburg, having had an interview with the Eail of Beaconsfield im- immediately before his departure. A more hopeful view of the European pros- pects prevails, this visit of Count SchouvalofF being supposed to foreshadow some kind of arrangement between Russia and England. 8th. — A meeting of the Council of the Liberation Society, was held at the Cannon Street Hotel, and a most enthusiastic and crowded meeting at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in the evening. 9th. — ^An address was presented by the representatives of the Nonconformist bodies to Earl Russell, to congratulate him upon the 50th anniversary of the Repeal of the Tests and Corporations* Act. The venerable peer was unable to receive the deputation personally, but sent a S3rmpathetic reply. loth. — The Congregational Union passed almost unanimously, after an ex- ceedingly able debate, the resolution prepared by the Committee of that body, the "uneasiness" caused by the homing of what is familiarly known as the ** Leicester Conference " rendering some such course necessary. The resolution reads thus : — ** That in view of the uneasiness produced in the churches of the Congrega- tional Order by the proceedings of the recent Conference at Leicester on the terms of Religious Communion, the Assembly feels called upon to reaffirm, that the primary object of the Congregational Union is, according to the terms of its own constitution, to uphold and extend Evangelical Religion. " That the Assembly appeals to the history of the Congregational Churches generallv, as evidence that Congregationalists have always regarded the acceptance of the ;&'acts and Doctrines of the Evangelical Faith revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as an essential condition of Religious Communion in Congregational Churches ; and that among these have always been included the Incarnation, the Atoning Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, His Resurrection, His Ascension and Mediatorial Reign, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the renewal of men. "That the Congregational Union was established on the basis of these Facts and Doctrines is, in the judgment of the Assembly, made evident by the Dedaia- tion of Faith and Order adopted at the Annual Meeting in 1833; and the Assembly believes that the Churches represented in the Union hold these Facts and Doctrines in their integrity to this day." Reports current all the week of purchases contemplated or completed ot steamers in the United States by Russian agents ; and also of a Fenian organiza- tion under Russian auspices to attack Canada. nth. — The Emperor of Germany was fired at when returning to the Palace at Berlin, but sustained no injury. 13th. — Mrs. Bright, the wife of Mr. John Bright, M.P., died suddenly at Rochdale. The Queen sent a message of condolence to Mr. Bright upon his bereavement. Serious rioting and destruction of property at Burnley, Blackburn, and other places in connection with the operatives* strike. 14th. — The subject of the "Reformed Episcopal Church of England,** was discussed in the Upper House of Convocation, and the prelates unanimously pro- nounced all episcopal acts performed by the so-called Bishop of that Church imlawful. There was also a general expression of opinion that the movement had been provoked by the Ritualistic excesses of a portion of the clergy. 1 7 th. — Mr. G. Palmer was returned for Reading by a very large majority. This election, taken in connection with those of Northumberland and Tamworth, shews that the Government policy in the East is not really popular in the country. CoKRECTiON.— On page 230, in 28th line from top, for " uncle " read " vafc." Digitized by Google THE Bible Christian Magazine. -:o:- THE SEVEN HEADED BEAST AND THE SCARLET LADY. A SERMON BY WILLIAM COOKE, D.D., Preached in Trinity Church, Forest Hill, London. " And I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blas- phemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, and having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her forni- cation : and upon her forehead was a name written mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus : and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration." — Rev. xvii. 3-6. And well might he wonder ; for what a horrid picture is this ? It is a symbolic representation of something which must be very odious to God, or He would not have selected such imagery as this to depict its character ; and God must intend His Church to hold that something in utter abhorrence, or He would not have called us to gaze upon it. Here are two objects — the Beast and the Woman seated thereon. Let us try to understand their meaning. What is meant hy this monstrous beast ? It is a representation of Pagan Rome. The Beast has a name, and the name indicates the meaning. '* Here is wisdom : Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred three score and six." — Rev. xiii. 18. This number 666 is expressed by St. John in the Greek letters x^c . Now at the time when the Book of Revelation was written, arithmetical figures, such as we now have, were not July, 1878. u Digitized by Google 2 go THE SEVEN HEADED BEAST AND THE SCARXET LADY. used to represent numbers ; but the letters of the Alphabet were used for this purpose — ^the first letter standing for one, the second letter for two, the third letter for three, and so on ; and as the apostle John wrote in Greek, and gives also the number of the Beast in Greek letters, we must see what name in that language consists of such letters as make, when added together, the number 666. Is there any name the letters of which when added together make this number ? Yes. So early as the second century Irenaus, the bishop of Lyons, discovered that the Greek word Aareivog (Lateinos) contained the required letters, and this being the name of the father of the Latin race And the founder of the Latin kingdom, he supposed it probable that this was the name of the kingdom intended by the Holy Spirit ; and Hippolytus, Bishop of Portus near Rome, contends for the same meaning. Here then we have two early fathers and bishops, one of the second century and the other of the third, men eminent for their piety and their martyrdom for the truth — ^both applying the name of the number to the Latin or Roman Kingdom. More striking, however, is the name of the Beast or the King- dom itself than the name of its founder. Take the words *H Aarivri Baffikeia, the Latin Kingdom ; put down the numerical value of each letter ; add them together, and you find their total is the number 666.* Is there any other kingdom upon earth, the name of which will make the number 666 ? Not one ; four hundred names of cities and kingdoms have been tested, but not one makes out exactly the number 666 except the Latin Kingdom. This then fixes the name both of the man La/mus, and the name of the Beast — fhe La fin Kingdom, The text directs us also to The geographical position of the Beast, It is described as on seven mountains. " The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sitteth." Now, is there any city which, in the time the apostle wrote, was seated on seven hills ? Yes, the city of Rome, the metropolis of the Latin Kingdom History gives us their very names. Here they are — Palatinus, Capitolinus, Aventinus, Janiculus, Coelius, Esquilinus, andQuirinalis. We have thus the name of the Kingdom, and also its geographical position, seated on the seven hills exactly as the text sets it forth. How remarkable is this ! We have further the seven forms of government which distinguished this kingdom. These are here set forth by the seven heads of the * The reader will notice that ia the first instance the word as a noun is spelled with a dipthong cf, and in the second instance the adjective is spelled with the i long. The truth is, the word was spelled by the ancients both ways ; but it is remarkable that take the word which way we may, it indicates the Latin Kingdom* Digitized by Google THE SEVEN HEADED BEAST AND THE SCARLET LADY. 29 1 Beast. " There are seven kings '* — ^that is, seven different forms of government are here indicated. Now, were there seven forms of government in different periods of Roman history ? Yes ; exactly so. Livy and Tacitus, the two noted Roman historians, give us six of them, which existed up to their day, and the seventh came ^ afterwards. Here they are — i Kings, 2 Consuls, 3 Dictators, 4 Decemvirs, 5 Military Tribunes, 6 Emperors, and 7 the Diocletian Despotism, when, as Gibbon truly says, the last vestige of freedom disappeared, and the empire was changed into an absolute govern- ment, and the diadem being worn, Diocletian proclaimed himself '* the Lord of the world." True to the word of prophecy, five of these had fallen when St. John beheld this vision ; the sixth was then in full power ; the seventh arose in the fourth century ; and afterwards this also fell, and gave place to the eighth, or the full- blown Papal power. We have next to consider the colour of the beast — ^which was scarlet — ^as if the monster had been dipped in blood ! Why this sanguine colour.? To indicate the ferocity and cruelty of the beast as exhibited both in the bloody wars of Rome and her murderous persecutions. Rome as a kingdom lived about 1300 years, and her history is deeply stained with blood. From being a small and feeble State, she rose to be the mightiest empire the world had ever seen. The Babylonian empire was extensive ; more extensive the Persian which followed ; yet more extensive the Macedonian which followed that ; but most extensive the Roman, whose arms subdued the world from Parthia in the East to England in the West, and from the Frith of Forth in the North to Ethiopia in the South. That colossal power was founded and extended in blood — scarlet was the colour of the beast. Sanguinary and cruel were her persecutions as well as her wars. Our Lord Himself was crucified by the sentence of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, Tiberius being then on the throne. And under the following reigns, down to Diocletian, more than three centuries, with some intervals of rest, persecutions prevailed. When holy apostles and bishops, and other holy men and women in myriads were cruelly murdered — now wrapped in pitch and burned to light up Rome, now led to the amphitheatre to be devoured by wild beasts amid the savage exultations of ten thousand spectators, and now driven over the rocks overhanging the sea and hurled headlong to the deep. In ten sanguinary general persecutions every Roman province was stained with the blood of saints — the dragon was crimson dyed, and dyed with the blood of saints. u 2 Digitized by Google 292 THE SEVEN HEADED BEAST AND THE SCARLET LXDY. Wfe note further that the Beast had ten horns, " And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings " — ^that is ten kingdoyis. These, it is here said, " had no kingdom as yet " — that is at the time the apostle wrote. But they were to become kingdoms after- wards. The meaning evidently is that after the last form of Roman government — that is the seventh — the Roman Empire should be dissolved — that mighty power, which had crushed the nations and shaken the earth, should itself fall into pieces. So it did, as history clearly records. But did there arise ten distinct kingdoms out of its ruins ? Yes. Here they are, we have their very names — France, Spain, Portugal, England, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, and the remnant of the Empire. We have now seen five distinct characteristics which clearly identify the Roman Empire as the apocalyptic Beast — her name corresponding to number 666 ; her geographical positioti, seated on the seven hills — her seven forms of government — her crimson colour, the colour of blood — ^and the ten monarchies which rose from her colossal ruins. How wonderfully striking all this, and how it corroborates the Word of God ! No other kingdom in the history of the world has all these various characteristics of the prophecy, but the Roman kingdom is identified by them all. We have now to consider the other image — the unchaste drunken woman seated on the beast. We have to ask what meaneth this un- sightly, this revolting object ? A woman is in Scripture the usual emblem of the Church. A chaste virgin represents the Church in her purity ; a woman fleeing before the red dragon into the wilder- ness is the Church under persecution ; a woman clothed with the sun is the Church as the messenger of light, love, and salvation to the very ends of the earth. But a woman unchaste, a drunken harlot, represents an apostate Church. Here, then, we have to ask which is this apostate Church ? The marks here given are too striking, too characteristic to be mistaken. Let us first try the number 666. Is there any Church the name of which corresponds with that number } Yes. The Greek words IraXiKa €icicXi?f?ia* — the Italian Church — supply the letters which, when their numerical value is taken and added together, make the number 666. And the names of every other National Church — Greek, Nestorian, Eutychian, Jacobite, Abyssinian, Armenian, English, Lutheran, Swedish, &c., have been tried by the same test, but not one of them corresponds to the number 666. It is the Italian Church, and that alone that answers to the number of the Beast — the Apostate. * The Eolic termination is given to the word, inasmuch as the Latin is of £olic origin. Digitized by Google THB SBVEN HEADED BEAST AND THE SCARLET LADY. 293 It is somewhat remarkable too that, as the emblem in the text is that of a woman with a golden cup in her hand, so the meda struck by the Roman Church in celebration of her Jubilee in 1825 has on one side the Pope, and on the other side the image of a woman with a cup in her right hand. How striking this coin- cidence ! The woman in the vision of St. John had also the name " mystery " written on her forehead ; and it is again remarkable, that formerly the word '*mysiety^^ was inscribed on the Tiara of the Pope, thus bearing on his forehead the very name which St. John beheld on the forehead of the unchaste woman. Paul the III., it is said, removed this name from the Tiara; and well he might, for an important reason; it is the very name written on the harlot's forehead ! Another point of identification is the geographical position «/ ihis woman. Where was she ? Seated on the back of the beast, and the beast we have seen was on the seven hills of Rome. The woman, too, is said to be on many waters. This indicates the vast extent of her dominion ; for, said the angel to St. John, " The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth,are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Is there any Church on earth which had so wide a dominion as the apostate Church of Rome ? She boasts of more than 300,000,000 members spread over the world, from Ireland to Japan, and from Scandinavia to New Zealand — literally comprising " peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." This harlot is described also as decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls — meretricious ornaments, the emblems of wealth pride, and luxury. Does the Church of Rome answer to this description 7 What Church on earth can compare to her in this respect 7 Her wealth is prodigious, her pride is to rule monarchs as her vassals, and their subjects as her slaves ; her assumptions invade even the prerogatives of Deity, and her luxury has rendered her loathsome in every vice and abomination that degrades our fallen nature. Hence her pride rendered her intolerable, her amazing wealth surpassed the riches of the greatest empires, and her flagrant immoralities at last made her the abomination of the very monarchs who had enriched her and rendered her so luxurious. Hence this woman is described as a Harlot — literally the Great Whore, rendering the very nations drunk with her abominations. Just the figure of a vile apostate Church ! Now an apostate Church is one which departs from the faith — departs from the doctrines and from the morality of the primitive Church — or the normal standard Digitized by Google 294 THE SEVEN HEADED BEAST AND THE SCARLET LADY, of faith and piety. If this applies to the Church of Rome, we shall see a striking contrast between her and the primitive Church of Christ — as great a contrast indeed as there is between a chaste virgin and a drunken harlot. Is it so ? Let us look at facts. Did the primitive Church deny the people the Holy Scriptures ? Did the primitive Church profess to change a wafer into the soul and body and divinity of Christ, and then worship the wafer ? Did the primitive Church worship saints and angels 7 Did the primitive Church bow down to images and pictures } Did the primitive Church make the virgin Mary a mediator between God and man ? Did the primitive Church teach the doctrine of human merit, and say she had a treasury of good works in her custody which she could transfer to others who fell short } Did the primitive Church sell pardons for money, pardons for sins already committed, for sins to be hereafter committed, for sins intended to be committed ; and graduate a scale of prices at which sins even the most revolt- ing, filthy, and horrid could be committed ? Did the primitive Church tell people that if they died in venial sins they would go only into purgatory, and could be got out again by paying so much money for masses to be said for their deliverance } Did the primitive Church call a man a Pope, and worship him as God ? Did the primitive Church curse men and womea, curse them by wholesale, and curse them in every member of their body, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, and curse them by indi- viduals, and by nations in the lump ? and curse them for all eternity as well as time — this world and also the world to come ? Is there a Church that does all these things } If so, where is she, and where liveth her head, her chief, her pope ? You well know. She is seated on the scarlet beast. Now look at the colour of the woman's vesture. She is clothed in purple and scarlet. Is there any Church on earth which literally flaunts and glories in purple and scarlet robes } Let us see ! The Church of Rome has a Pope and from fifty to seventy cardinals ; and the dress of the cardinals is a red cassock, a rochet, a short purple mantle, red stockings, and a red hat. So that when the Conclave is assembled around the Pope, himself also in red — the resemblance to the woman arrayed in scarlet and purple is identi- cal. Just look on this picture and then on that — the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet. But the colours of scarlet and purple are the colours of blood in its different states ; and the woman is described as being drunk with the blood of saints. Is there any Church to which this applies } Does it apply to the primitive Church } Nay, her image is that of a chaste virgin, now clad in white robes, now clothed with the sun, Digitized by Google THE SEVEN HEADED BEAST AND THE SCARLET LADY. ZQS radiant with light — the image of truth, purity, and love. The primitive Church never forged fetters and chains ; never constructed dungeons and scaffolds ; never created tribunals for inquisitors, nor framed racks and engines of torture ; never consigned men and women to the scaffold or the flames. Is there any so-called Church that hath done so ? What does history say ? Alas ! it tells us of horrible maledictions, of sanguinary crusades carried on for cemturies ; it tells us of thumbscrews, racks, faggots, and scaffolds ; and of implements of torture which must have racked the ingenuity of demons to invent ; it tells us of horrid masacres in the valleys of Piedmont, of the fires of Smithfield, Oxford, Gloucester, and Derby, and of black Bartholomew, where the noblest blood of martyrs was shed, and where the holiest of men and women were butchered or burnt to ashes. What Church did all this? The Church of the seven hills — the woman that rideth upon the scarlet beast. The number of her victims in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ger- many, England, Goa, and America, cannot be numbered ; they are millions. " And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon earth." — " drunk with the blood of saints, ^^ To all this must be added the fact that this Church boasteth of infallibility. Only a few years ago looo dignitaries of this Church assembled in Rome, solemnly pronounced the poor old man, then trembling on the papal throne, to be infallible — invested him with an attribute of Deity. And thus deliberately sanctioned all her decrees, all her dogmas however odious, however blasphemous, and affixed to them the seal of immutability. Thusrendering change a thing impossible. But if change be not possible, destruction is inevitable. This destruction is plainly foretold. We should have thought it strange, indeed, if such a system of iniquity had been described in God's Word, and then had been dismissed from our view without some denunciation of final overthrow. But such a denunciation is not lacking. The doom of this apostacy is foretold and fixed ; and the crash of its overthrow shall reverberate through all the world. Preparatory to this, however, and as a significant — a prophetic antecedent — the very kingdoms that had fostered her power, and flattered and promoted her pretensions, shall first hate her, then renounce her, and finally unite to consign her to destruction. For " the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire." Has this prophecy been fulfilled ? Yes, in part already. It began to be fulfilled above 300 years ago, and events are proceeding to consummate the fulfilment. All at once, Germany, England, and Scotland began to hate the great whore, Digitized by Google 296 THE SEVEN HEADED BEAST AND THE SCARLET LADY. and to strip her of her ill-gotten possessions. Soon afterwards Sweden and Denmark did the same. In the present day we see Popery defied, defeated, and abashed in Germany. In Italy the Pope's temporal sovereignty is annihilated, and his dominions are confiscated, and his vassals fly in wild dismay from their thrones. In Austria the Concordat is broken; in Spain religious toleration is come ; everywhere the power of the inquisition is gone, and monarchs now laugh at papal bulls which once shook their thrones. In the very heart of the Papal kingdom the Bible is in , circulation, and Protestant churches are rising under the very shadow of the Vatican. These facts are the beginning of the end — ^the prelude and the pledge of the total overthrow of Popery. She may die hard, but die she must ; she may struggle and show much throbbing energy at her extremities ; but they are the spasmodic throes of approaching dissolution. God's Word hath said it, and His providence shall hasten it — when a mighty angel shall take up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all." Heaven's loudest exultations and highest anthems are reserved to celebrate this glorious consumma- tion. For then a great voice of much people shall be heard, " saying, Alleluia ; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God : For true and righteous are his judgments : for He hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at .her hand. And again they said. Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four living ones fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne ; saying. Amen ; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying. Praise our God all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia : for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." * If such be the exultation of earth and heaven, of saints and of angels of the highest order, what are the sentiments which we ought to cherish in the view of this subject ? Undoubtedly we ought to cherish devout and earnest gratitude for the privileges, the liberties, and the blessings which as a Protestant nation we enjoy ; and admiration, too, for the noble men and women who toiled, suffered, and died that we might inherit them. Had Popery con- tinued to prevail, the dark night of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries would have still shrouded our country : no open Bibles, no religious freedom, no Sabbath schools, but a scanty modicum of Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHER. 297 Christian truth. We should this day have been bowing down to images, worshipping a wafer as our God, trembling before a priest, and terror-stricken by the horrors of the dungeon, the faggot, and the inquisition. All honour to the noble men and women who bought us our freedom and our light, and the blessings of a pure Christianity by the price of their sufferings and their martyrdom ; and having these precious blessings let us hold them fast, and hand them down to the next generation as unimpaired, as free and as full of life, as they came down to us. We stand between the past generation and the future, and our character now will give a mould and complexion to the future. Here is our solemn responsibility. No compromise, my friends, no sickly sentimentality, no indiffer- ence. Let us hate Popery honestly : hate it, as prophets, apostles, and martyrs did ; and teach our children to hate it too, as the thing that God abhors and intends to destroy. Buy the truth and sell it .not; but contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. — Methodist New Connexion Magazine, MARTIN LUTHER. A Lecture Delivered in the Bible Christian Chapel, Newport^ Monmouth^ by Geo. W. Armstrong, Cardiff. Part IL In our last paper we dealt simply with Luther's preparation for the work God had for him to do. From Rome he returned to Wittenberg, the university to which he had been appointed Doctor of Divinity, by Frederick the Elector of Saxony (through the influence of Staupitz, their mutual friend), on the 1 8th of October, 1512 ; upon which occasion he took the following oath : — ** I swear to defend the truth of the gospel with all my strength." He is now prepared both by God and man for his life's work, and fearlessly he entered upon it — a life sublime in heroism and toil for the glory of God and the good of man. In the oath he had taken he felt a strong sense of duty and responsi- bility. The nature of it was such, that when he was surrounded by troubles and difficulties he found much consolation in it. It caused him to remain calm when the doctrines he taught had created such upheavings all over the continent of Europe as had never been known before ; and when even his friends viewed with alarm the commotion the doctrines he propounded had ceased, and wished to disuade him from a continuance, be made this noble and manly reply : — " I have gone forth in the name of the Lord, and I have corn- Digitized by Google 298 MARTIN LUTHER. mitted myself into his hands, His will be done ! Who asked Him to create me a doctor ? If He has created me one, let Him sustain me ! or if He repent of having done so, let Him supersede me ! Hence this tribulation troubles me not." There's a noble manly ring and a godly devotion about such utterances, particularly when carried out in practical life. LUTHER THE PREACHER. Luther was a mighty preacher. He enforced the truth with simplicity and power ; in fact its simplicity was the secret of its power. Luther's preaching soon attracted a great amount of attention among all classes of society, and brought him into much notoriety. He made himself many friends among whom were the Elector of Saxony, Philip Melancthon, Staupitz, Spalatan and others. Not only did he secure many friends, but also numerous enemies — bitter and cruel. Luther not only preached the pure and simple gospel of Jesus Christ, he also opposed the evil practices of the Church, and among the first of these which he assailed was that of the SALE OF INDULGENCES. The Church of Rome has ever been ingenious in devising means to replenish its empty coffers, but the most debasing and soul destroying was that of the Sale of Indulgences, thus making the grace of God into a marketable commodity. The whole of Europe was turned into one vast market-place, where pardon of sins and the assurance of heaven could be had for certain monetary con- siderations as per agreement between buyer and seller. These indulgences of the Pope, not only affected human interests in the present life, but also in the next. Tetzel, the principal seller of them in Germany, says : — " Indulgences save not only the living, but also the dead." " I shall be justified at the day of judgment, but as for you, (his audience) you shall be punished so much the more severely for having neglected so great salvation. I tell you, that had you but one coat, you ought to sell it, in order that you may obtain this favour The Lord our God is no longer God, He has committed all power to the Pope^ Such blasphemy is almost without a parallel even in the history of the Church of Rome. The mystery is, how people could have been so blinded by superstition as to believe such a jargon of monstrosity, and pay their money to enrich such cheats. Wolves had become the protectors of the flock of Christ ! But why were these indulgences sold ? Tetzel tells us — and he ought to know — in order that the dilapi- dated church of St. Peter and St. Paul might be rebuilt, not to pro- claim the Gospel of Christ in it to perishing men, but to preserve the mortal remains of Peter and Paul and other martyrs from rottenness and disgrace. The object was quite in keeping with the condition of the church. Spiritual life had departed from it, and there remained nothing but the carcass of religion — Formality and superstition. The soul had gone, leaving only the outward form behind. Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHER. 299 Luther's soul was deeply enraged at this pious fraud and in his holy zeal took his first direct step in opposition id the arrogance of the papacy. He framed a Thesis of ninety-five propositions and on All Saints' Eve, October 31st, 1517, he boldly nailed them to the door of the Church at Wittenberg. This Thesis rapidly spread over Europe, got to Rome, and was translated into several different languages. The die was now cast, the torch of truth had been thrown among the dry and rotton faggots of error and superstition and what a blaze it caused ! Luther's friends became alarmed at the commotion he had made ; and his enemies branded him as a heretic. Luther was calm and undismayed amidst it all and tried to subdue the fears of his friends by stating : — "If the work be of God who shall hinder it ? If not of God, who can make it go on ? Neither my will, nor their's, nor ours, but Thy will, O holy Father which art in heaven." Luther's character. Luther was a man of strong nerve, of untiring energy, of godly devotion and zeal, of deep learning, of unquestionable piety, and of unimpeachable honour ; and he needed all these qualities, and withal the grace of God, to enable him to bear the heavy trials the future had in store for him. He had a very humble estimate of himself, and looked upon himself as a mere passive instrument in the hands of God. Though fearless he was not unconcerned at the ferment his writings had made, and when he found himself somewhat blamed, if not actually deserted by his friends, no wonder that he felt sad and lonely. He, a solitary monk ; with the Pope, archbishops, bishops, and the whole hierarchy of Europe, together with the thousands of monks arrayed against him in conflict. It was a terrible, and yet a sublime position to be in ! He trembled at the awful responsibility that rested upon him in having brought in question the authority of the Church he himself so much revered, and which for ages had received the homage of men, from Kings and Emperors to the most lowly of the poor. It was God and Luther against a bastard Christianity, and whilst God could have worked without Luther, Luther felt that he could not work without God. luther's enemies. Matters were becoming so serious that Rome herself entered the arena, and in lieu of Tetzel, became the defendant, and issued the following proposition: "Whoever rests not on the doctrine of the Roman Church, and the Roman Pontiff as the infallible rule of faith, from which the holy scripture itself derives its force, is a heretic^ And to show that she knew only too well how to treat heretics, she went on to declare, " The Roman Church is under no obligation to employ arguments in combating and vanquishing rebels." There could be no misunderstanding as to what was meant , but nothing daunted Luther gave an answer, and a noble answer it was. He went in for the Word of God, and nothing but the Word of God, and concludes thus, " Finally, you say that the Pope Digitized by Google 300 MARTIN LUTHER. is at once Pontiff and Emperor, and that he is mighty to suppress by^ the secular arm. Do you thirst for murder ? Let roe tell you, you will not intimidate me by the menacing tone of your words. Were I to'be slain, Christ still lives, Christ my Lord, and the Lord of all, blessed for ever. Amen." With such a dauntless courage the Bishop of Brandenberg might well say, " Truly, I know not who it is that Luther trusts to, that he dares thus attack the power of the Bishops. Luther trusted not to any secular power, his trust was " In the Lord of Hosts who made heaven and earth," and it would have been a good thing for the bishops if their trust had been similarly placed. Another adversary soon presented himself in the person of Hochstraten, a papal inquisitor, of Cologne, who belonged to the Dominican Order of Friars. True to the instincts of his Order, his strongest argument against Luther was ** Burn the heretic. He declared it was a crime of high treason against the Church to allow so horrible a heretic to live an hour longer. Let a stake be made for him immediately.'* Luther without much trouble soon put the inquisitor Hochstraten straight. His reply, which was quite characteristic of the man, was bold and vigorous, plain and effective, and made the inquisitor for ever after hold his peace. The opposition which caused Luther- the greatest pain was that which came from Dr. John Eck. The language of the Psalmist is appropriate to express the feelings of Luther's soul when he be- came acquainted with the fact that Eck had entered himself as one of his foes. ** For it was not an enemy that reproached me ; then could I have borne it ; neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me ; then could I have hid myself from him. But it was thou, a man, mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together and walked into, the house of God in company." — Fsaim Iv., 12-14. Nothing can be more bitter to right-minded, genuine-hearted men, than the enmity of a former friend ; and perhaps there is no enmity more bitter than the enmity of a friend who has transformed himself into a foe. Eck assailed Luther with all the venom a per- verted friend could command, and made what he said as personally insulting as it was possible to be. But though Luther met with this most severe opposition from his adversaries, he at the same time was adding to his friends and adherents. He says when writing to lodocus, an old master of his at Erfurt : — " The whole university, with the exception of a single licentiate, thinks as I do. Nay more ; the prince, the bishop, several other prelates and the entire body of our enlightened citizens declare as with one voice, that until now they never knew, nor had heard of Jesus Christ and His gospel." Day by day the bitter feelings of his enemies became more intense ; and day by day the doctrines he taught became more widely spread, until the whole of Germany may be said to have been aglow with the flame of the new religious teachings, and on Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHXR. 30I every hand Luther met with manifestations of good-will and affec- tion ; and, strange to say, the more courageous he became in his opposition and defiance of the papacy, the more the people seemed to look upon him with confidence, and surrendered themselves to the belief that he was the man who was to snap the claims of mental and moral slavery, and to give to the people that liberty which is the universal birthright of man. - Great as Luther's troubles must have been, there were still greater in store for him. Rome had condescended to notice him, and looked upon him as a dangerous heretic ; and the natural punish- ment of heresy was death. Rome had decided that Luther must die! But how to bring this about was the question. Luther was pro- tected by a powerful prince, Frederick the Elector of Saxony. Destroy this protection, or get it withdrawn, and the thing ap- parently would become easy. But Frederick is made of better stuff than to consent to give a man over to death on simple accusation without proofs. Luther was charged with schism, heresy and a host of other evils of a like nature; charges more easily made than proved. " Prove that I deserve death and I am willing to die," said Luther to the Pope. " Rome proves nothing," was the response. Failing to get the Elector Frederick to withdraw his protection, the next device was to get Luther to Rome, and to this end Luther was summoned to appear there in sixty days. ** In vain is the net set in the sight of any bird." Rome's purpose in wanting Luther was a little too apparent. Efforts earnest and effectual were made to thwart the project, the end being that instead of Luther gomg to Rome, the Pope sent his legate to Germany. Luther's doom was a foregone conclusion if he was only once safe in the hands of the Pope. Cardinal D^ Vio was the legate entrusted with the task of con- victing and capturing Luther, and he had bestowed upon him almost unlimited power to bring about the desired result ; he could command whomsoever he would, and could excommunicate for non-compliance. Such extreme precautions only showed the strength of Luther and the fears of the Pope. Men rarely exercise their utmost power to grapple with minute difficulties. But Luther was a sturdy foe, and he defied the power of the Pope, for he felt that the " God of Jacob was with him, that the God of Israel was his refuge." Luther at Augsburg. Luther was summoned to appear at Augsburg, and though he knew that a number of persons had pledged themselves with an oath to seize his person and put him to death either by strangulation or , drowning, and though his friends feared for his safety and advised him not to go, yet he set out full of holy courage. Life or death to Luther were matters of secondary consideration. ** My times are in God's hands, and whether living or dyin^, I purpose to serve the Lord Christ." The scene at Augsburg was a simple parody on Justice. " Revoke, Digitized by Google 302 MARTIN LUTHER. retract," was the whole of what D6 Vio had to say. " When you have shown me my error," was Luther's reply. " I am not come here to dispute with thee, retract, or prepare thyself for suffering the pains which thou hast deserved," said D6 Vio ; to which Luther replied, *' I have no other will but that of the Lord. He will do with me what he pleases. But although I had four hundred heads, I would rather lose them all than retract the testimony I have given to the holy faith of Christians.*' Such a stubborn heretic Rome had not met with before. Luther had three interviews with D6 Vio. D6 Vio demanded a blind obedience to the mandates of the Pope, and asserted his supremacy over both Councils and Scripture. Luther took his stand on the eternal word of God, " Prove to me from Scripture and I'll at once retract." D6 Vio in impulsive haste ordered him out of his pre- sence, saying, " Retract or return no more " ; and thus ended their meeting, and Luther at once returned to Wittenberg. The Reformation had now fairly begun. The Pope saw he had no ordinary enemy in Luther, though he assumed to treat him with utter unconcern. Craftiness thwarted. Men who employ guile and craftiness to accomplish their purposes are generally outwitted in the end. Luther had asserted many times that he was not opposed to the Pope, but that he simply wanted to have certain abuses discontinued, and that he was quite willing to submit to the authority of his spirititual superiors ; hence the Pope, on the plea of taking Luther at his word, made the sui- cidal blunder of issuing a du// legalizing the sale of indulgences. This bull, instead of being a bridge to convey Luther back to the Church, only made the gulf deeper and wider, so much so, that it made his return a simple impossibility. Luther sought to remedy, not to legalize^ wrong. The Pope's Bull. In a disputation with Dr. John Eck, Luther controverted the idea of the supremacy of the Romish Church, and upheld Christ as supreme both in heaven and on earth. Eck was so completely beaten in this dispute that in his vexation he went to Rome to arouse the anger of the Pope against Luther ; the result was that on the 3rd of October, 1520, a Bull was published under the Papal authority. Rome never, made a greater ** bull " than in issuing this Bull against Luther. The thing itself was so full of falsehood that Luther branded it as the ** Bull of Antichrist," and as it con- tained instructions that Luther's writings should be burnt, he thought a little reciprocity was only fair, and so called the Professors and Students of Wittenberg together and consigned the Pope's Bull to the flames. This was a bold act, and Luther says of it, ** I look upon the act of burning the Pope's Bull with more pleasure than upon any passage of my life." The Bull had threatened excommunication, but Luther, by showing his utter contempt for it, excommunicated himself. This was a declaration of war against the Pope and his emissaries. The Pope through his agent Alexander said to the Emperor Digitized by Google THE CONSTRAINING LOVE OF CHRIST. 303 Charles V., " We must have an Imperial Edict, a direct declaration from the Emperor sentencing Luther to death/* but Charles replied, ** Let us first ascertain what our father, the Elector of Saxony, thinks of the matter ; we shall then be prepared to give an answer to the Pope ; " and thus they were foiled by the greatest temporal power then existing in Europe. The hearts of kings and of all men are in the keeping of the King of kings. (To he continued,) THE CONSTRAINING LOVE OF CHRIST A SERMON Preached on behalf of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, in the Wesleyan Chapel, St, Austell, on Easter Sunday, 1878. " For the love of Christ constraineth us ; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead : and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again." — 2 Corinthians v. 14, 15. There are two points in the text of which we desire to speak this afternoon. First— " The love of Christ," and Secondly— The effect of this ** love of Christ " on the minds of the Apostle Paul and of his companions — ** The love of Christ constraineth us ; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead ; and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again." I. — ** The Love of Christ." It was love unto death. ** One died for all." Christ sacrificed His life for us. Satan has truthfully said, *' Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life." It is true that there are some that are reckless and careless of life. Yet^to all thoughtful persons life is no trifle. Life is of great personal value, inasmuch as its possessors are capable of great enjoyment. There are some that ask the question, ** Is life worth living ?" And others that have intimated that " life is a business that does not pay." Yet to many of us life has brought real, solid, and spiritual enjoyment. The possessors of life are also capable of great attainments. Many persons have risen from obscurity to high places in the temple of fame, and better still to the front rank of the world's greatest benefactors. Yes, we have all a chance to grow in culture and in influence, as we grow in stature and increase in years. Life is of great relative value. The father's life or death means comfort or misery to his wife and children. The statesman's life or death may mean progress or retrogression to the nation. Hence with great shrewdness, did Satan say, " All that a man hath will he give for his life." If our lives aje of great personal and relative value, how much greater the value of the life of Christ. Yet He Digitized by Google 304 THE COySTRAINING LOVE OF CHRIST. sacrificed His life for us. Well might the Apostle say, " The love of Christ constraineth us." Christ has said — " Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Life is a greater sacrifice than money. It is said, ** Money answereth all things." If a man has money he can say to one, Go and he gocth, to another. Come and he cometh, to a third, Do this and he doeth it. Money is no trifle. It represents much that is valuable and enjoyable in this life. The laying down of money is a high proof of friendship, but the laying down of life is a higher. To sacrifice life is a greater sacrifice than the sacrifice of personal ease and comfort. The mother lays down the ease and comforts of many days and nights for her children. The father endures hardships for the sake of the future well-being of his family. The patriot may sacrifice personal ease and comfort for the welfare of his country. Yet the sacrifice of life exceeds that of personal ease and comfort. Think of it, " One died for all." " Christ died for us." It was no ordinary " One that died for all." " My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased " — thus spake GkDd. We are all the sons and daughters of God. We are the creatures that his hands have made. Christ is His " beloved son." God is well pleased with Him. We ai;e all prodigal children. This '* beloved son " has died for us. The pre-eminent One. Think of the dignity and glory of the One that " died for all." " The love of Christ " was disinterested love." " One died for all, then were all dead^ Christ died for dead sinners. Paul writing to the Ephesians said, ** And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Had Paul been speaking to the people of St. Austell he would charge us as being " dead in trespasses and sins." Time was when it was said '*the whole world lieth in wickedness." ** While we were y^X, sinners Christ died for us." How different this to natural human affection. We love those that love us. Some hardly attain unto this. Christ said unto his disciples, ** Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite- fuUy use you, and persecute you." And Christ exemplified what he taught. ** One died for ^\\—deadr '* The love of Christ," was all-comprehending love. ** One died for ally The doctrine of a limited atonement seems to be a tenet of the past ages. The current of theological opinion seems fastly drifting towards universalism in certain quarters. Although not committing ourselves to unscriptural universalism, we believe that Christ by the grace. of God "tasted death for every man." We can ring out the " whosoever believeth " unto the very ends of the earth. " One died for alir "The love of Christ " was effectual love. "Which died for them, and rd?j^ again." Not only "died for them," but "rose again." " This Jesus hath God raised up." A convincing proof this that God has accepted the atoning work of Christ, "The love of Christ " has answered its purpose* It has been effectual as far as Digitized by Google THE CONSTRAINING LOVE OP CHRIST. 305 God IS concerned. God is reconciled to us. ** Be ye reconciled to God." ** The word of reconciliation " is uttered by God him- self through his chosen ministers. "The love of Christ" has been effectual in reconciling many. Some of us who were once afar off are now brought nigh by the blood of Christ. ** He ever liveth to make intercession." He not only died for our sins, but rose again for our justification. Hearer, think of this valuable, disinterested, all-comprehending, and effectual " love of Christ." n.— The Effect that this "Love of Christ" had upon THE Minds of the Apostle Paul and his Companions. It constrained them to judge. '* We thus judge, ^^ The love of Christ operates favourably on a man's reasoning powers. It quickens and clears the mental vision. Religion has done much for some of us in a mental point of view. It finds men sometimes unlearned and ignorant. It quickens their intellectual powers and gives them an inspiration which enables them to " thus judge." The Apostle judged that *' if one died for all, then were all deady The general depravity of the human race is matter of every day observation. It was confirmed in the Apostle's mind from the fact that " one died for all^ Christ did nothing superfluously. We speak many superfluous words, and do many superfluous things. Not so with Christ. Not one of his words or deeds could we dispense with without spoiling the rare charm of his beautiful life. It is sensible reasoning that ** if onfe died for all, then were all dtadr The Apostle also judged " that they which live should not hence- forth live unto themselves,^' There is a good deal of selfish living. Some live lives of physical selfishness. Life is made up of a round of eatmg, and drinking, and wearing clothes. So long as the mere animal gratifications are sustained they are satisfied. It is true that we must eat and drink to gather strength to expend for others — this is unselfishness. Notwithstanding this we fear there are many that content themselves with this low form of animal selfishness. There is a menial selfishness. Mental life is higher in its nature than physical life. But a man may cultivate the mental life more as a personal gratification, than as a means for the blessing and uplifting of others. All honour to the man that reads, reflects, and gathers information that he may make life less a burden and more a blessing to those that are around about him. There is a religious selfishness. Many we fear come to church and chapel to be made to feel comfortable and happy, more than to learn the truth that " it is more blessed to give than to receive." " The love of Christ" should constrain us to look beyond ourselves, and to remember that " one died for alir The Apostle, moreover, judged *• that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again." Christ has left us an example that we should follow His steps. What an example ! An example of sacrifice, " Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty X Digitized by Google 306 CHIPS FROM BfT WORKSHOP. might be rich." An example of Iwe, ** Christ went about doing good," to the bodies of men. It has been said that some Christian people give a religious tract, where a loaf of bread would be more suitable. We must not forget that men have bodies as well as souls. Christ made the blind to see, the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, the lepers were cleansed, and the dead were raised to life again. Christ did good to the souls of men. Some there are that seem to ignore the fact of men having souls. Christ enlightened the human understanding and blessed the human spirit. An example of longsuffering. We are many times impatient and hasty in our work of faith and labour of love. Christ bore long with men and women. An example of gentleness. He had more than a giant's strength, and he used it well. " A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench.'* Oh, to be filled with the mind "which was also in Christ Jesus." May "the love of Christ" constrain us to live " unto Him" This applies unto all. " That they which live should not hence- forth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again." Not simply the Missionary or the Preacher, but all men and women. Christ died for ally hence all should cease to lead the life of selfishness and " henceforth live unto Him." " The love of Christ " constrained the Apostle. Very forcibly so. " We be beside ourselves." There were evidently some that thought the Apostle was a little too enthusiastic. We are no advo- cates for " sound and fury signifying nothing." But we do believe in being constrained by the love of Christ to live for others, to persuade, to entreat, to beseech, to pray men to be ** reconciled to God." We have no objection to men being enthusiastic in their advocacy of culture, or science, or anything else that is good and beautiful. But it -is a reasonable constraining to be constrained to persuade people to live Christlike lives. » Hearer, know ye anything about this constraining love } You have heard of it. You have received manifold benefits through it. Christ suffered thus for thee ; what hast thou done for Him ? Hear ye the Saviour say — " Lovest thou me ? " Do you answer, " Lord, thou knowest all things ; thou knowest that I love thee." Then hear Him answer back, ** Feed my lambs." " Feed my gheep." Henceforth may we not live unto ourselves, but unto Him which died for us and rose again. G. W. Angwin. CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. WANTS :— WANT No. i. No one making any pretensions to an understanding of the " Times " can possibly be ignorant of the fact, that religion and Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. 307 religious influences, institutions, and literature were never so wide- spread and prevalent in this country as to-day. On every hand we have organizations which lay claim to be moral Elevators of Society — a huge pile of machinery grand in design, powerful in action, and constant in operation — which brings the vast variety of its moral workings to bear upon persons of all classes and ages, of all types and conditions of character. But notwithstanding this, we are very far from thinking that the Christian life of to day is the healthiest and highest-toned the world has ever witnessed. There is a great quantity of religiousness but a sad lack of godliness — ** Godlikeness." A religiousness which pervades our literature of romance and fiction : which gleams in our politics and sings in our ballads : which figures on our stages and flounces in our fashions : which bows in our forms and mopes in our streets and churches, all of which is but a shadow ; while godliness — ^the substance and reality — is practically unknown, unfelt, and rarely seen ! We have Theories enough and to spare about religion, but Theory is a poor substitute for truth and creed an unsatisfying supply for Christ. Theories are mere husks which the swine greedily eat, and which will starve our moral being ; and creeds and creedists public nuisances which will mock and worry and disappoint our spirit- yearnings and heart-needs. Stones won't do for bread, nor scor- pions for fish ; neither will religious sentiment do for vital godli- ness ! If we had only to meet with abstract Theories of Error we might meet those by abstract Theories of Truth ; but having to meet and cope with living embodiments of error, our only effectual way to meet them is by being living embodiments of truth. We must meet error in men by truth in ourselves. It is the deficiency of this that so cripples the aggressive power of our churches to-day, and that gives such a bold front and defiant attitude to our sceptical antago- nists. It is the sad lack among us of living witnesses, every-day examples, practical exponents of godliness which fetters the activities of truth, and to a large extent neutralizes the effects of our multifold christian agency. Oh ! we have so much simpering " Namby-pambyism," so much sickly sentimentality, so much narrow, exclusive, little-souled, old womanish -religion among us as a nation, that it's no marvel fools mock, and scientists sneer, and infidels curl the lip, and sinners triumph, and devils sport, and fling the dirt and dust of insult, invective, ridicule and unbelief in our faces! The '^ times** want masculine Christians, not imbecile dwarfs ! Men and women developed on all sides of their moral make-symmetrical in character-growth. Goliaths in truth. Anaks in piety. Sauls in spiritual stature. Giants in virtue and soul- . nobility and strength. Moral Samsons that shall carry into eternal oblivion the colossal pillars of a boastful and scholarly scepticism, and a subtle and insidious superstition, and bring to nought with thundering crash the gigantic super-structure of error. The age wants heroes and heroines who shall carry the war of truth into the camps snd fortresses of the infernal adversaries, who shall fight the devil on his own ground ; who shall attack with unblushing chivalry the drunkenness of this drunken land, and assail the law-protected X 2 Digitized by Google 308 CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. prostitution in our midst ! It is a shame and a disgrace to the people of this so-called Christian England, to allow its government which professes to be based on the principles of righteousness, to sanction, to approve of, to uphold and defend by Act of Parliament, what I cannot help designating the direst and most pernicious iniquity out of hell I All hail and all honour to the noble spirits that are diligently trying to sap the foundation and to bring to ruin the monster wrong! But their number comparatively is small and their power feeble. To the ranks all ye that are lovers of sobriety and chastity ! To the ranks all ye that hate iniquity and love virtue ! To the help, " to the help of the Lord against the mighty" ye inhabitants of the hills and the valleys, ye dwellers in cities and villages who retain the throbbings of a virtuous heart, and the principles of a godly life, and the resources of a divine inheritance ; lest Jehovah abandon us to our national vices, and the finger of time write the old epitaph of Samuel's day upon the throne and churches and institutions of our privileged island home — "Ichabod, THE Glory is Departed!" WANTS :— WANT No. 2. The march of intellect in this and kindred Protestant countries is rapid and real ; full and unfettered scope being given to its many sided powers, and every faculty being afforded for its noblest and most brilliant development. With giant strides young English mind, and may I not say, old English mind as well } is traversing the continents of research and invention, philosophy and science ; and climbing with bouyant tread and flush of anticipated honours, the winding-path up Alpine heights of learned lore and scholastic distinctions ; from whose gilded crests shall be seen stretching away in ever broadening sublimity a landscape of Truths the bene- fits of which shall be handed down to succeeding generations* But while we rejoice over this progressiveness of mind, we are not blind to the fact that it has been a progress more on the side of Secular than of religious subjects. A progressiveness, which to a great extent has been, and is, strongly biassed in favour of the Sceptical and Atheistic. The old beliefs are rudely assailed and cruelly superannuated : the old truths shaken to their foundations and threatened with total overthrow ; and the old " landmarks " which have been bedewed with our father's tears, and Jiallowed by our father's prayers, and garlanded Mith our father's faith, and sealed and secured to us by our father's blood, rough hands of edu- cated doubt have seized, and scientifically tried to pluck up and remove. Now, what we want to counteract this, growing tendency to infi- delity in the English mind is a more sturdy and masculine development of moral mind : mind in its moral bearings on abstract principles, abstruse subjects, and critical shadings of opinion, dogma, thought both in the scientific and biblical realms. We want men, in all fairness, to refer everything in the domain of modern intellectual research to its rightful position and application in the spiritual domain. We want our scientists and philosophers, our scholars and literary men of all types and schools to be honest as well as Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. • 309 skilful, and in their discoveries of natural principles, facts, forces, laws, not to stop short in their interpretation of them in the light of cultured reason, but to take them further, and read their truer and divine meaning in the radiance of the Great Ultimate Principle of All learning, knowledge, discovering — ^The Fact, THE Force, the Law-centre, and Source-GoD ! We want for those whose province specifically it is to expound the written word, to do it with greater efficiency, and to handle it as workmen well skilled in the science of literal and spiritual inter- pretation : exegetically and homiletically expert : able to give the sense ; " apt to teach " ; " good ministers of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word of truth." We want secular education, human scholarships, finite canons of interpretation, literary competency to dissect and contrue, to theorize and compile — all standards in Creed, Lexicon, Grammar, Theology — to be subordinate and subsidiary to the Supreme Teaching which comes, not in words of man's wisdom-teaching, but direct from the Fontal Source of Wisdom — God-through the medium of an intense spirituality of mind. For Purity is clearness of soul-vision and a noon of un- clouded light, by which the heart is able to see God and the things of Xjod. We want all who profess an acquaintance with the " mysteries of the Kingdoms " to apply themselves with a greater diligence, and a severer application in searching and studying the Holy Scriptures, that they may have a more intelligent, accurate and comprehensive knowledge of Biblical lore, and thereby be lifted to more exalted conceptions of God, Christ, Duty, Privilege, Holy Living, and develop into nobler specimens of intelligent and robust piety, and in that way so counteracting the evil effects of the progress of mind in its sceptical proclivities by an unprecedented advance in the churches of the ** Mind of Christ.'* The spirituality of our nation has not kept pace with the growth of its intellectuality. Modern thought has made progressive strides, but modem piety has seemed to make retrogressive movements. Academics of learning, and schools of philosophy and Art and Science, flourish and prosper in our midst, but the institutions de- signed for the culture and education of immortals in the philosophy of practical godliness and the science of Christian living, are stationary in some instances, and succeeding but feebly in others. There is rapid march of intellect, but tardy progression in genuine every day-life holiness. What is wanted, then, in this country to- day is not expansion of thought, growth of reason, progress in mind and research, so much as expansion of Faith-power, growth in Soul-life, progress in Spirit-stature, in Christian Manliness, in Church Unity, Purity, Personal Activity! The churches have weakened themselves considerably by their divisions, and bigotry, and controversies. Discussion in general only leads to dissension, and compromise to disaster. Strife of words will never do Christ's work, nor win Christ's conquests : argument never dethrone Error and diadem Truth with universal monarchy. Each member must feel it, breathe it, act it, live it, incarnate it ! We have abundance of walking Encyclopedias of learning amongst us, what we urgently Digitized by Google 310 - THE RISE AND FALL OF THE PAPACY. need is a speedy multiplication of "Living Epistles" which shall be seen and read of all men. Godliness ! Vital, protestant, every-day godliness is our glory and defence ! And in proportion as this declines, our national honours will fade, our flag of freedom and of fame will trail in the dust, our bulwarks will succumb to the foreign invader, and our throne totter to its fall, ay, reel in the throes of a disgraceful overthrow ! We cannot afford to shake hands with a subtle Jesuitism. We cannot afford to flirt and flaunt, at the expense of a sworn Protestant government, with a so-called improved Roman Catholicism. If we do, we shall finally join hands at the bridal-altar with the " old lady " of the seven hills. If we do we shall consign at length our glorious " Magna Charta " into the iron-hands of cruelty, despotism, and blood. If we do we shall endorse our death-warrant as a people, and go out in dark- ness and contempt as a nation. The State-churchism of our land with its vaunting priests, its rampant ritualism, its popish confessional and sacrament of the mass ; its village tyranny and squirearchy, its clerical bigotry, in- tolerance, and imperfect teaching, and its sad lack of true personal piety, would in a few years place us again under the crushing yoke of Popery, were it not for our massive and magnificent NoncoH- formity. Sturdy Protestantism is the salvation of our nation, and disestablishment the salvation of the Episcopal Church. How erroneous for Episcopacy to conclude that Nonconformists are its enemies, in seeking to dissolve the unholy alliance between Church and State. Enemies, indeed ! in truth we are its truest friends. We seek not to destroy the Church, only to rid it of its latent foes and self-ruining evils. To purge away the dross in formula and creed, in ceremony and ritual, in tradition and ministry: and restore to it the soundness of apostolic doctrines, the simplicity of apostolic worship, the form of apostolic polity, the vitality of apostolic preaching, the fervour of apostolic piety, and the success of apostolic times. Disestabltshmeni is essential to bring this about. And may God hasten it in His time. THE RISE AND FALL OF THE PAPACY. There are few who have not read or heard of the Rev. Robert Fleming, author of ** The Rise and Fall of the Papacy." His grandfather was minister of the parish of Yester, in East Lothian, early in the 17th century. In that parish, his father, whose name was also Robert Fleming, was born ; and after completing his studies at the Universities of Edinburgh and St. Andrews, he was inducted to the parish of Cambuslang, being then in his twenty-third year. He was but a short time resident in this parish, when in consequence of the passing of the Glasgow Act, he was ejected along with four hundred of the best Ministers in Scotland, who re- fused to accept the prelatical system of church government which Digitized by Google THE RISE AND FALL OF THE PAPACY. 311 Royal authority sought to impose upon them. Mr. Fleming took shelter in London from the persecutions which followed ; but after- wards accepted the second pastoral charge of the Scots Church at Rotterdam. In the quietness and security of this place of exile he wrote the " Fulfilling of Scripture," and other works. After the accession of William III., he occasionally visited London ; and during one of those visits, in the year 1 694, he closed his life, after a short illness, at the age of sixty-four. It appears that Robert Fleming, jun., was born during the short incumbency of his father at Cambuslang. He early resolved to devote himself to the work of the ministry; and both at the Universities of Leyden and Utrecht pursued his studies with extra- ordinary diligence. In 1688, he was priva^ly ordained in Rotter- dam, without being appointed to any particular charge, by several ministers of the Church of Scotland, then refugees in Holland ; but subsequently in 1692, he became the minister of the English Presbyterian Church at Leyden ; in 1 694, he succeeded his father in the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church at Rotterdam ; and in 1698 hq accepted the call of the Presbyterian Church, Loth bury, London. It is said that his removal from Rotterdam to Lothbury was promoted by the influence of William III. himself; who while Prince of Orange, had become cognizant of Mr. Fleming's talents, acquirements and worth. Though frequently tempted by the offer of more distinguished position, he remained in charge of the Lothbury congregation until his decease, which took place in London, May 24, 17 16. From the time of his settlement at Lothbury his profound and varied learning seems to have been highly appreciated both at home and abroad. He also enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the King himself, who frequently consulted him in reference to Scottish affairs. Nevertheless his last days were clouded with sorrow on account of the unsettled state of public affairs and the dangers with which the Protestantism of the country was menaced. It was amidst the despondent feelings and intense anxieties arising out of those impending dangers that Fleming published his discourse on " The Rise and Fall of the Papacy.'* In this discourse he first carefully traces " the rise of the great Antichrist or Rome Papal ; " and then with singular modesty and caution uses the knowledge thus acquired " as a key to unriddle the dark Apocalyptical times and periods '* not then fulfilled. Fleming's discourse was published at the beginning of the eighteenth century. At that time the power of France was at its height ; and William III. was maintaining against it a desperate and apparently hopeless struggle, while his most secret plans and measures were betrayed to the courts of Paris and St. Germain. Even then, Mr. Fleming, having prayerfully studied the Revelation of St. John, modestly indicated in the form of conjecture, the calamities which should befall the French Monarchy. He says : — "As to the remaining part of the fourth vial, I do humbly suppose that it will come to its highest pitch about the year 17 17, Digitized by Google 3l2 THE RISE AND FALL OF THE PAPACY. and that it will run out about the year 1794." " I cannot but hope that some new mortification of the chief supporters of Antichrist will then happen ; and perhaps the French Monarchy may begin to be considerably humbled about that time." "But as to the ex- piration of this vial, I fear it will nor be until the year 1794." " We may justly suppose that the French Monarchy after it has scorched others, will itself consume by doing so — its fire, and that which is the fuel that maintains it, wasting insensibly, till it be ex- hausted at last towards the end of this century." The entire course of French history during the eighteenth cen- tury; and especially the execution of Louis XVI. in 1793, preceded by a decree of the National Convention that "royalty was abolished in France," and the establishment of a Republic, remarkably verify these conjectures of Mr. Fleming published nearly a century before. Hi^ conjectures relating to the fifth and six vials have been also re- markably verified. These are of special interest just now, as they relate to the Roman See and the Mohammedan Antichrist. He says : — " The fifth vial, which is to be poured out on the seat of the Beast — or the dominions that more immediately belong to and depend upon the Roman See — this judgment will probably begin about the year 1794, and expire about the year 1848 ; for, seeing that the Pope received the title of Supreme Bishop no sooner than the year 606,' he cannot be supposed to have any vial poured out upon his seat immediately (so as to ruin his authority so signally as this judgment must be supposed to do) until the year 1 848, which is the date of the twelve hundred and sixty years, in prophetical account, when they are reckoned from the year 606. But yet we are not to imagine that this vial will totally destroy the Papacy (though it will exceedingly weaken it), for we find this still in being and alive when the next vial is poured out. "The sixth vial will be poured out upon the Mohammedan Anti- christ, as the former was on the Papacy ; and seeing the sixth trumpet brought the Turks from beyond Euphrates, from their crossing which river they date their rise, this sixth vial dries up their waves and exhausts their power, as the means and way to pre- pare and dispose the Eastern Kings and Kingdoms to renounce their heathenish and Mohammedan errors, in order to their re- ceiving and embracing Christianity. For I think this is the native import of the text, and not that the Jews are to be understood under this denomination of the * Kings of the East,' which is such an odd straining of it to serve a turn as I cannot admit of. Now, seeing this vial is to destroy the Turks, we hear of three unclean spirits, like frogs or toads, that were sent out by Satan, and the re- mains of the polity and Church of Rome, called the Beast and the False Prophet, in order to insinuate upon the Eastern nations, upon their deserting Mohammedanism, to fall in with their idolatrous and spurious Christianity rather than with the true Reformed doc- trine ; and these messengers shall be so successful as to draw these Eastern Kings and their subjects, and with them the greatest part of mankind, to take part with them ; so that, by the assistance of Digitized by Google THE RISE AND FALL OF THE PAPACY. 313 these, their agents and missionaries, they shall engage the whole world in some manner to join with them in rooting out the saints. But when the Pope has got himself at the head of this vast army, and has brought them to the place of battle, called Armageddon — that is, the place where there will be a most diabolical, cunning, and powerful conspiracy against Christ's followers — then imme- diately doth the seventh angel pour out his vial to their ruin and destruction. The seventh vial, therefore, being poured out in the air, brings down thunder, lightning, hail, and storms ; which, together with a terrible earthquake, destroys all the Anti-Christian nations, and particularly Rome, or mystical Babylon. And as Christ concluded His sufferings on the cross with this voice, ** It is finished," so the Church's sufferings are concluded with the voice out of the temple of heaven, and from the throne of God and Christ there, saying, " It is done." And, therefore, with this doth the blessed millennium of Christ's spiritual reign begin. " Now, seeing these two vials are, as it were, one continued — the first running into the second, and the second completing the first — the one giving us an account of the Beast's preparations for warring against the saints, and the other showing the event of the whole — there is no need to conjecture about the conclusion of the sixth vial, or the beginning of the last. The first of these will probably take up most of the timebetween the year 1848 and the year 2,000 ; because such long messages and intrigues (beside the time spent before in destroying the Turkish Empire), and preparations for so universal a war, must needs take up a great many years ; whereas, our Blessed Lord seems to tell us that the destruction of all those his enemies will be accomplished speedily, and in a little time in comparison of the other vial. Supposing, then, that the Turkish Monarchy should be totally destroyed between 1848 and 1900, we may justly assign seventy or eighty years longer to the end of the sixth seal, and but twenty or thirty at most to the last. *' Seeing I have touched but slightly upon the millennium, or the thousand years reign of the saints in earth, I shall here suggest a few things concerning it. This millennium is to begin immediately after the total and final destruction of Rome Papal, in or about the year 2,000 ; and, therefore, Christ Himself will have the honour of destroying that formidable enemy, by a new and remarkable appearance of Himself. We must not imagine that this appear- ance of Christ will be a personal one, no more than His appearance in the destruction of the Jews by Vespasian and Titus was such ; for the heavens mu^t retain Him until the great and last day of the consummation or restitution of all things. (Acts iii. 2 1 .) Yet, we . must have a care of confounding this millenary peaceful state of the Church with, the day of judgment, seeing nothing is more plainly distinguished than these are in the 20th chapter of the Revelation, where it is told us, that after the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be again let loose, and men shall apostatize almost universally from Christ, and make war against the saints ; that after the destruction of those enemies the day of judgment shall commence. And, therefore, we are not to imagine that the Digitized by Google 314 GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. millenary reign of the saints shall be free* from all mixture of hypocrisy and wicked men, or from sin and trouble, seeing the sudden and general apostasy that follows that period is a demon- stration that all were not of Israel that feigned themselves to be of it, and wanted, therefore, only an opportunity to shake off the Church's yoke. Nay, the expiration of that period shows that long peace and prosperity must have corrupted the Church itself; else it cannot be conceived to be consistent with the equity and good- ness of God to suffer her enemies to go so near to the total extir- pation of His own professing people." From the foregoing extracts we may perceive how accurately Mr. Fleming, writing as early as 1701, conjectured the overthrow of the French Monarchy at the close of the eighteenth century and the disasters which should subsequently befall the Papacy during the pouring out of the fifth vial. According to his calculation we are now in the period of the sixth vial ; and his conjecture is that the Turkish Monarchy will be totally destroyed between 1848 and 1900. At the present moment ever}'thing seems to indicate that this conjecture will be verified also. It may disappoint some that so accurate an interpreter of prophecy as Mr. Fleming has proved himself to be, should postpone the final overthrow of the Papacy until the year 2000. But we would remind all sanguine and im- patient persons of the words of St. Paul, addressed eighteen centuries ago to the Thessalonian Church, but equally necessary and appropriate at the present day — " Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the Day of Christ is at hand." GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. ROME PAGAN AND PAPAL. On St. Stephen's Day Dr. Irenaeus Prime, the well-known American divine, visited the church of San Stefano il Rotondo, in Rome, and he communicates the following account of his visit to his own journal, the New Fork Observer: — "The wonder of this church, which gives it a world-wide notoriety, is the fresco work covering the entire circuit of these vast walls. Nothing more terrible in the way of human art, nothing more pain- ful, revolting, hideous, atrocious, disgusting, was ^ever invented to harrow the feeling heart. The horrible has a strange fascination, and draws and holds us against our taste and almost our will. Groups of very common people, the poor and uncultured, stood before the masterpieces of Pomerancio and Tempesta, absorbed in the study of these dreadful scenes, while the music, almost seraphic, and the service of the day had for them no charms. As Stephen was Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. 315 the first Christian martyi', this, his church, is made illustrious above all others, by a series of paintings as large as life, and almost as real, of the entire history of martyrdom from the great sacrifice of Cal- vary, along down the ages. No detail is wanting in the delineation of these varied, exquisite, and awful tortures. Whatever the in- genuity and malice of men could invent to make death more dread- ful, and its agonies more protracted and severe, the genius of artists, has been invoked to pourtray, in form and colours so real and life- like,— death-like I should say, — that the great rotunda, whose walls these pictures cover, seems to be the Coliseum or some vaster arena in which all the awful martyr tragedies of sixteen centuries, and as many- countries, are brought into one mighty amphitheatre, an amazing, and sickening spectacle in the sight of God and men. " The infamous Nero has his victims on the stage. Peter is crucified with head downwards. Paul is beheaded. Vitale is buried alive. Thecla is tossed by a wild bull. Faustus and others, clothed in skins of beasts, are torn to pieces by dogs. Domitian appears in the scenes under his reign, when the beloved John is boiled in oil, and Denis is beheaded, but he carries his head in his hand, showing that it did not seriously put him to inconvenience ; Domi- tilla is roasted alive and others are suffering various tortures. Under Trajan, Ignatius is devoured by lions in the Coliseum we passed this morning, and Clement, whose church I mentioned, is tied to an anchor and cast into the sea. Simon of Jerusalem suffers crucifixion. ** The next painting celebrates the martyrs in the reign of Hadrian. A brazen bull has a trap-door in his back into which Eustachius and his beautiful wife Theophista, and his two lovely daughters, are put, while a raging fire underneath the bull is cook- ing them. Margaret is stretched on a rack and torn to pieces with iron pinchers, Justus is beheaded, and Felicitas, with her seven sons, is cruelly slain, under Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. Blan- dina, in a net, is on the horns of a bull. Attains sits in a red-hot chair, and many others are in flames at the stake or devoured by lions in the Coliseum, or covered with boiling pitch. Calepodius, in the time of Alexander Severus, is dragged through the streets of Rome by wild horses, Martina is torn with iron forks. Sweet St. Cecilia, whose heavenly music Dryden has celebrated and Raphael has glorified, is suffocating, and then has her warbling throat cut. ** But why should I seek to mention the half of these scenes. They were tortured not accepting deliverance, they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were slain with the sword. St. Agatha, whose story I will recite to you by-and-by, has her breasts cut off, and they lie at her feet ; Laurence, on his gridiron, is saying to his tormentors, * I am done on this side, it is time to turn me.' Hyp- politus is torn by wild horses ; three hundred Christians are burn- ing in one furnace ; Marius is hung with weights on his feet ; Cyprian and Justinian are boiled ; Chrysanthus and Daria are buried alive. Primus and Felicianus are in the power of the lions ; Lucia is given up to serpents, Catherine is exposed to the spiked wheel ; Digitized by Google 31 6 GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. Artemius is crushed to death between two huge stones, and his — but it is too sickening to describe. " I walked hastily around the walls, made a few notes, and rushed into the open air, with a nausea that lasted for hours, till other sights helped to obscure the vision of these. Yet these scenes — women in a Christian church tortured ; men cutting out the tongues of women ; streams of blood flowing from ghastly wounds ; it is not easy to forget such things, and it is not well to expose one's self to the suffering they produce. And why, in the name of Christ- ianity and consistency, why does Papal Rome perpetuate these martyrdoms } Pagan Rome persecuted the early Christians, and Papal Rome has persecuted them ever since it had the power, ' Nomine mutato de te fabula narratur.' The name being changed, the?e pictures tell the story of you, O Papal Rome ! ' THE HA' BIBLE. f Robert Nicoll the author of the following poem was bom in the arm house of Little Tullybeltane, Auchtergaven, in Perthshire, Scotland, on the 7th January, 18 14. His parents were too poor to give him any education beyond that of learning to read and write. He was at a very early age employed in herding cattle ; and it was whilst doing this that he acquired the love of the beauties of nature depicted with so much freshness in his poetry. He was appren- ticed to a grocer in Perth when he was seventeen years of age ; but he did not follow thje trade after the expiration of his apprentice- ship. He kept a circulating library at Dundee, and studied so hard, and read so much, that he succeeded in acquiring a considerable amount of education and a degree of refinement, which can be perceived in his productions. He published a volume of poems in 1835. In 1836 he was engaged to edit the Leeds Times ; but he lost his health, and was removed to Laverock Bank, near Edinburgh, where he died, 9th December 1837.] Chief of the household gods Which hallow Scotland's lowly cottage homes ! While looking on thy signs, deep thought upon me comes ; With glad yet solemn dreams my heart is stirred, like childhood when it hears the carol of a bird. The mountains old and hoar, The chainless wind, and streams so pure and free ; The God-enamelled flowers, the eternal sea. The eagle floating o*er the mountain's brow, Are teachers all ; but, oh, they are not such as thou. How dear thou art to me ! Thou art a gift a God of Love might give ; For love, and hope, and joy In thy Almighty-written pages live ! The slave who reads shall never crouch again, For, mind-inspired by thee, he bursts his feeble chaki. God, unto Thee I kneel. And thank Thee ! Thou unto my native land — Yea, to the outspread earth — Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. 317 Hast stretched in love Thy everlasting hand, And Tlioa hast given eartn, and sea, and air, Yea, all that heart can ask of good, and pure, and fair. And, Father, Thou hast spread Before men's eyes this Charter of the Free, That all Thy Book might read. And justice love, and truth, and liberty* The gift was unto man, the Giver God ! Thou sUve ! it stamps thee man ; go, spurn thy weary load ! Thou doubly-precious Book ! Unto thy light what doth not Scotland owe ? Thou teachest age to die. And youth in truth unsullied up to grow ; In lowly homes a comforter art thou, A sunbeam sent from Ciod, an everlasting bow ! O'er thy clear, ample page How many dim and aged eyes have pored ; How many hearts o'er thee In silence deep and holy have adored ; How many mothers by their infants* bed Thy holy, blessed, pure, child-loving words have read ! And o*er thee soft young hands Have oft in truthful plighted love been joined ! And thou to wedded hearts Hast been a bond — an altar of the mind — Above all Kingly power or Kingly law. May Scotland reverence aye the Bible of the Ha' ! THANKS. Many a pastor feels the lack of words of thanks more than is commonly supposed. It is hard for him to work on month after month in behalf of those whom he loves and would fain help, without ever being assured that he has met their needs or excited their gratitude. The very effort of a preacher to fill his place acceptably tends to exhaust his nervous force, and to bring a doubt if, after all, he has succeeded in the work to which he was set. When, therefore, none of his hearers acknowledge help received, or express thanks for acquired benefit, the sensitive preacher is tempted to depression lest his work was a failure. Said a venerable pastor, " I have been preaching to one people for now more than thirty years, and there are members of my church that never in that time told me that any word I had spoken was of service to them, or that they were grateful for its speaking.*' How could such an experience be otherwise than depressing ? AN INTERESTING DISCOVERY. An order was recently issued by the Sultan for removing the old walls and fortifications of Jaffa (Joppa). In cutting a gate through a water battery at an angle of the sea wall, built by Vespasian, and directly in front of the reputed house of Simon the tanner, the men came on three oval-shaped tanners' vats hewn out of the natural rock and lined with Roman cement, down very near the sea, and similar in every respect to those in use eighteen centuries ago. Digitized by Google 3l8 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. There is also a fresh-water spring flowing from the cliff close by, long known as the town spring. This discovery at least proves that the house on the rocky bluff above, and from which steps lead down to the vats, must have belonged to some tanner ; and as per- haps not more than one of that trade would be living in so small a place as Jaffa, some probability is given to the tradition that this is the identical spot where the house of Simon stood, with whom Peter was sojourning when he saw his vision, and received the servants of Cornelius. — Church Bells, JESUS LIVES. Jesus lives : begone despair, Christ and God alike repelling ! Grace abounds, enough, to spare ; Turn thee to thy Father's dwelling. If in Christ, the sinner's free : This my confidence shall be. Jesus lives ; His life is mine, Then my all to Him 1*11 render. I would make my heart His shrine, Swept and garnished, pure and tender. To the weak a shield is He ; This my confidence shall be. MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. MRS. CLEOPHAS DENING, Whose maiden name was Homier, was born at Whitford, in the parish of Shute, East Devon, in the South Petherton Circuit. She was blessed with a pious mother, who felt it her duty, to bring up her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The Bible Christians have preached at Whitford for nearly forty years. Previously, Mrs. Homier often attended Nonconformist worship, at Colyton, a mile and half distant, taking one or more of her children with her. Mrs. Dening has repeatedly referred to the drawings of the Spirit both at Colyton, and at Whitford. Very early in life she gave her heart to God, and united with our people, . at Whitford. Her genuine piety was shown by her close attention to the means of grace, and by her consistent deportment. As she grew to womanhood, she lived for some time at Luton, Bedfordshire. It was interesting to listen to her description of Bedford, and of the jail where good John Bunyan was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, — and of the chapel in which he preached. While at Luton, she worshipped with the Primitive Methodists. She states while there she enjoyed a clear sense of God's pardoning love. The Spirit of God's love witnessed with her spirit, that she Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 319 was God's child. Under, as I suppose, the blessed baptisms of the Holy Spirit at Luton, she must have received the blessing of entire sanctification. She had a wonderful aptitude in describing this glorious doctrine. On her return home she was united in marriage to Mr. Cleophas Dening, one of our local preachers. As they were about the same age, belonged to the same religious denomination, and both brought up in the same business, it may be, we think, emphatically stated that they were equally yoked. Mrs. Dening became the mother of four children. The greater part of her married life was spent at Pacehayne Farm, where her husband's parents had lived a great number of years, and had brought up a large family. Both families have hospitably enter- tained the Bible Christian Ministers nearly fifty years. As the above farm is about two miles from Whitford chapel, it must be regarded as a strong evidence of piety to attend the means of grace there, and to continue her membership until death. Some years ago Mrs. Dening suffered from a severe attack of fever, the effects of which settled in one of her legs. She applied to several doctors, whose skill and medicine were in vain. She was a helplesa and terrible sufferer for a long time. In this great and sore trial her faith and patience seemed to fail. Perhaps the serious responsibility of the rising family, and of the business, combined with her affliction to affect her mind. From what she said to me afterwards, her mind was doubtless unhinged, at inter- vals, for months. It was as though a cloud of darkness overspread her soul and intercepted the light of the Sun of Righteousness for many weeks. Her ministers became acquainted with her dis- tress, and did what they could by sympathy and prayer, to alleviate it. Mr. Dening asked the pastor (many months before Mrs. Dening*s ' death) to preach in their large kitchen on a spare night, promising to get a congregation. The engagement was entered into all the more heartily, as I knew that the husband anxiously desired the wife's especial benefit. About fifty persons attended the service. The discourse was founded on the prayer of Jabez. There was a most gracious influence, which inclines me to suppose that one or more persons had been offering special prayer. Our departed sister was abundantly blessed. She said to several persons, that the preacher must have been divinely directed to that passage of Scripture. The darkness passed away, and the Sun of Righteousness shone forth upon her soul with unclouded splendour. Our Lord Jesus Christ took possession of her heart in a very peculiar manner. The services were continued at the farm weekly for some time, and were much enjoyed. Many visits were paid, by ministers and friends, and remarkable seasons were realised. Mr. Dening, his children, and servants, felt as though a moral revolution had occurred in the house. It would be impossible to record the many interesting conversations around the death-bed of Mrs. Dening. She being under the influence of the Hol> Spirit in a high degree and withal very intelligent, was often the chief speaker. She delighted much Digitized by Google 320 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. in the interesting hymns often sung by the family, especially " I love to think of the heavenly land," &c. The last enemy came, but through "Blood Divine " she achieved an easy victory. Several pious persons have told me that hers was a most triumphant death. Mrs. Farrant, a pious neighbour, and who often sat up whole nights with Mrs. Dening through her long affliction, says, " I never saw such a happy death." She died March i8th, 1877, ^S^^ 47 years. There was a long procession at the funeraL Ten preachers of the gospel were there. Her death was improved at Whitford and Dalwood chapels, by the writer, to very large congregations. O, may I triumph so When all my warfare's past ! And, dying, find my latest foe Under my feet at last ! P.S. — The above happy death is one of fourteen^ during my pastorate in this station. Eight of them beyond seventy years of age. Then several outsiders have been visited and (we trust) blessed through our instrumentality. If as is so often said, '' one soul is worth a thousand worlds ; " then, our home missionaries, and their supporters must not be discouraged. J. B. MRS. ELIZABETH CORNISH Was born in the parish of Meavey, Devon, where her father and mother kept a farm. When she left home it was to take a situation under Sir F. Drake, Buckland Abbey, where she remained till she became the wife of Mr. Cornish, and came to reside at Plymouth. Mr. and Mrs. Cornish were brought up to attend the services of the Church of England, and when they came to reside at Plymouth, they followed the church of their childhood and youth till one Sunday, as Mr. Cornish was on his way to the Citadel Church, he met Mr. Allen, who was then a member at Zion Chapel, Zion Street, and who invited Mr. Cornish to come with him. He accepted the invitation and realised great spiritual good from the services. He then invited his wife, who also became a member of our congregation. In some special meetings held while the Brethren Prior and Bourne were labouring in this circuit, Mr. and Mrs. Cornish were brought from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son, and from that time have been adorn- ing their profession with the beauties of a genuine Christian char- acter. Mrs. Cornish's fear that she should say or do something that would bring condemnation, prevented her from freely speaking of her Christian attainments and enjoyments in the class meetings and elsewhere, and made her somewhat retiring when she might have shed forth a greater moral lustre, and to that extent it was a snare and an evil, yet her character was so genuine and her know- ledge of the scriptures was so extensive, that her neighbours sought her advice, and the chapter and verse of any particular passage Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 32 1 which they required she was almost always prepared to give. About four years since she had a severe affliction, which greatly affected her sight, and from which she never properly recovered. About two years and a half since she had a slight seizure, which left ner a cripple for life. About three months before the end came there were signs of dropsy which gradually became worse. She bore her sufferings with great calmness, and on the evening before she died she was taken much worse. On the following evening, when her husband returned from work, he sat by her side and asked her how she was. She said very bad. He then said, '*Do you not long to get home to the better world, where there is no more pain 't " She replied, " Yes." " Are you happy in Jesus } " "Yes." About an hour after this she passed away to the better land. B. R. MRS. ELIZABETH PERRETT. " The finger of peace with fond and tender touch. Dissolved the flower ; so doth it die." What a world we live in ! What a mysterious existence ours is ! How we are taken up with earthly things ! How we feel and weep for their loss ! So have done all the generations. And how uncertain our stay on earth ! The glory of man is as the flower of the field. How soon it fades, and the flower is no more. Life is as an arrow passing through the air ! The end of man as a faUling star ! Happy the future of those who shall be as the angels of God. Elizabeth Perrktt, whose maiden name was Reed, was bom in the parish of Sandford, near Crediton, Devon, in the year 1850. Her parents removed to Bridgwater soon after, where she has resided mostly since that time. She was early a scholar in a Sunday school, and later she became a teacher. How weU wheji scholars become teachers ! They may be expected to be the best. During Mr. Jeffrey's pastorate, she was convinced of sin, and believed in Jesus to the saving of her soul, and joined the Bible Christian Society. In process of time she became the beloved wife of Mr. C. Perrett, of Bridgwater, and both have been steady and interested friends since that time to her death. A lovely daughter of eight summers died last year. How carefully the book of providence is sealed ! First a daughter who was growing up to oe useful is taken away. Then the mother has to leave four young ones behind which need a mother's care, as well as a business which one cannot carry on. Jacob wept, David wept, thousands have wept. Happy all who so live, that they may be honoured with a place in that world, where there is "no more death, nor crying, nor any more pain." Mrs. Perrett suddenly fell in a fit, lay unconscious a day and a night ; and then passed away, we hope to the saints' everlasting rest. How desirable to have a last look, a last word ; but how often denied to the living. Although to the dying the sudden may be the easier way out of the world, yet it is an additional pang to the living. Mrs. Perrett's spirit was cheerful, her manner agreeable, her respect for the ministers of the gospel unwavering, her love for religious worship genuine, her reverence for the Bible great, and her care to train up her children in the fear of the Lord most praiseworthy. It was a pleasure to call in and hear them all from the least to the greatest repeat their poetry and sing their h3mis of praise to God. A life so consistent, won the esteem and confidence of many friends, and many were the regrets that one so young, so needed, and so kincl should be so early called away. But with a sound conversion, a consistent life, and a constant trust in the precious blood of Christ, we have a good hope that our loss is her gain. Live the life of the righteous, cherish the faith of the righteous, and cleave to the Y Digitized by Google 322 IfSMOIRS AND OBITUARIES God of the righteous, and the end, howsoever and whensoever it shall come, must be peace. May the kmd and industrious husband, and the four surviving children find all the consolation, protection, and direction they need. April I9/A, 1878. T. W. GAiLAND. MARIA HENWOOD Was bom at Bray Shop, in the county (^ Cornwall, December 13th, i860. When she was very young, her parents removed to Scotland, where they resided for nine or ten years, but about three years ago they removed to Murton, in the Durham Mission. Here the family attended our services, and Maria became a scholar in our school. It was her privilege to have a Christian father, who is now a local preacher with us. His prayers and instructions were attended with the divine blessing in the salvation of his daughter. In the year 1876, she yielded her young heart to the Saviour ; and by her regular attendance at the means of grace, and her consistent conduct on all occasions, it was evident she was a true disciple of Christ. She was of a cheerful disposition, kind to all, and obedient to her parents. Her constitution was never strong, and some months before her death it was seen that consumption was doing its work. She was very patient in her affliction and often spoke with confidence of her acceptance with God. As her end drew nigh her father asked her if she felt happy. Her reply was, " Yes, father, I ^all soon be home." These were, her last words, and on November 22, 1877, she fell asleep in Jesus, in the seventeenth year of her age. Her funeral was attended by the teachers and scholars of Murton school, and a large number of friends. The writer preached an appropriate sermon in our dbapel shortly after the funeral, and we are hopeful good was done. " Her years of probation were few. But Jesus had taught her to pray, And Jesus her Saviour she knew Beiore she was summoned away; She fervently longed to be gone. To join the blest spirits above ; To sit on Immanuel's throne And feel all the transports of love." .£. ROGEKS. ANN FORSYTH, The beloved wife of James Forsyth, died at Murton Colliery^ in the Durham Mission, November 14th, 1877. Our sister was bom at Benton, in the North of England, October 17th, 1844. She was in the habit of attending the Presbyterian Church, in her native place, but on removing to Murton she attended our chapel. In October, 1876, we held some revival services, and Sister Forsyth was among the number who found the Saviour. During the short time she was in the church ^e was a consistent member. About twelve months after her conversion she was taken ill, and this illness proved to be unto death. She was visited by the Circuit ministers, her class leader, and several friends, who always found her trusting in Christ. Her end wis peace. May her husband and young children meet her in heaven. £. Rogers. MR. SAMUEL PIPER Was bom in the year 1802, and died in 1878. He was of a lively and active dis- position, possessed of considerable business capacity, and in worldly things he was diligent and persevering. When in the wise and good providence of God, the Bible Christian preachers missioned Iddisleigh, Mr. Piper came to hear them, and it Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIBS. $2$ pleased Grod to flood his mind with light. He was instracted to look to Christ for a present salvation, and he soon obtained the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins, and, being made happy in the pardoning love of Christ, he boldly took up and firmly sustained the consecrateo cross. Having tasted that the Lord is gracious, his profiting appeared to all. Once planted m the garden of the Lord, he was not a cumberer of the ground, but bore fruit to the gfory of Grod. His lively gratitude for the great blessing he had received, was made mani- fest in his concern for others. God having ^own him mercy, he laboured to make known that mercy which is free for aU the race. He was soon put on the preachers' plan, and in the noble work of calling sinners to repentance he was faithful and diligent. He yearned over the world lying in wickedness. He longed for the salvation of souls, and was heartv in promoting everything which tended to that end. Often have I seen joy sparkle in his eyes, while hearing of the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom. He was a devoted Christian, and a firm pillar in the Society. He was warmly interested in the Bible Christian Connexion, and one of its liberal supporters. He honourably filled the office of Circuit Steward for many years. To the preachers he was a Idnd and faithful friend, ever ready with his counsel and prayers, to encourage them in their great and laborious work ; his house was ever open to receive them. In life he was beloved, and in death lamented by rich and poor, saint and sinner. He patiently endured a tedious affliction which badffled the skill of doctors and the power of medicine. I visited him during his illness, and found him resigned and happ^ in the Lord. His soul appeared to be swallowed up in God and he greatly deared to depart and be with Christ which is far better. During the last week he was much engaged in exhortation, prayer, and praise. The day before Mr. Piper died he told the doctor that 'religion was a good thing, a great blessing ; that it was adapted to all and that it was a fine thing for doctors. One of the daughters asked the doctor what he thought of her father. He replied he is dying. Mr. Fiper wished to know what the doctor said, and when told that he was dying, he said, " Thank God, I shall soon be with Christ which is far better I" A few hours after this he finished a shining course of piety and usefulness. By request I preached his funeral sermon to a crowded congregation, and trust that much good was done. T. Amdxxws. MRS. JOAN PRESCOTT, OF LUCKWELLBRIDGE, KING'S BROMPTON CIRCUIT. On Monday, January 2ist, 1878, Joan, the beloved wife of Mr. Robult pRESCOTT, passed away from earth to heaven. Not long before, with a heavenly look, she triumphantly exclaimed, ** 1 am going." The utterance had just passed the lip, when it became a great reality — ^she was gone. Her age was 65 years. That was a grand moment with the disembodied spirit — " Absent from the body, present with the Lord,^^ It was the great happiness of Mrs. Prescott to have secured a change of heart more than forty years ago, among the Wesleyans at Cutcombe. She found the Saviour when about twenty years of age. Owing to circumstances, of which the writer is to a great extent, ignorant, Mrs. Prescott with others left the Wesleyans, and identified herself with the Bible Christians at Luckwellbridge. Mrs. Prescott became very useful with us ; her stability was commendable, even rock-like. She clung to the Saviour and to his cause to the very last. The race commenced more than forty years since has terminated in glory everlasting. She has heard from the lips of the Great Master, " Well done." The religion of Mrs. Prescott was practical. Her sufferings were intense ; but her patience was strikingly observable. Her love to the means of grace was great ; although latterly affliction prevented her attendance at the house of God, Her liberality in the maintenance of God's cause was large-hearted. Her hospitaUfy to our ministers, in which she was encouraged by her bereaved husband, was praise-worthy. Mrs. Prescott was a good wife in every sense; she would work and serve, save and counsel. She greatly encouraged her husband in doing good. T 2 Digitized by Google 3^4 SHANXULN CIRCUIT. Her religion was developed in ** Doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God." The writer knew her only for a short time, but he is satisfied that she had entered the right gate, and was fixed on the right rock, for " That rock was Christ,*^ I have received several letters which will tend greatly to corro- borate the facts already stated. Brother Turner writes : " During the eleven years I have known Mrs. Pres- cott, for six of them intimately, I always found her, amidst much weakness and suffering, the calm, confiding, godly woman. Her life shone with a steady efiiilfence. I never heard of nor saw a blemish in her character. I believe her fife to have been a life of faith and love, devoted to her Saviour, her Bible, her closet, and the cause of God." Brother Daniel writes : << During my acquaintance with Mrs. Prescott as far as I can judge, her character was that of a sincere, devout, and faithful follower of ' the meek and lowly Jesus. I always found in her a kind and sympathetic friend, ever ready to minister to the wants'of Christ's ambassadors, and as far as strength and circumstances would admit to help onward the cause of her blessed Master. She was the victim of severe and painful affliction, but having a firm trust in the goodness of God, she bore it all with immurmuring patience.'' Brother S. Crocker writes : " I have known Mrs. Prescott more than twenty- five years, and I believe she possessed strong faith in Christ and in the promises of God. This afforded her joy in sorrow, ease in pain, strength in weakness, and victory in death. She had a dear sense of her unworthiliess. It has been my privilege to see her many times in sickness, and I always found her with a calm, peaceful trust in Jesus. She had a blessed prospect of the inheritance of the saints in light." Brother J, Bennetts writes : " I have been acquainted with her for the last thirty-three years. When the Bible Christians formed a Society at Luckwell- bridge, she was one of the first to join, and was very useful in prayer meetings, visiting the sick, counselling penitents, and giving spiritual advice whenever needed. For years she lalx>ured very hard at Luckwellbridge. I saw her on Sunday afternoon, the day before she died. I said, ' Are you afraid to venture ?' She rf^ed, *Ohno; not at alU She is safely landed in the harbour of repose." Brother T. G, Vanstone has written, " Eighteen months acquaintance with the deceased and beloved wife of Robert Prescott, has convinced me that she was a true child of God, understanding the simple plan of salvation through faith in the all-cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. She ever felt a deep interest in the cause of Christ, especially in the welfare of her own circuit. She has been a great sufferer, and without doubt she now realizes the full meaning of the words, * Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' What a glorious change for her, to be transported from a world of sin and pain to a world of purity and joy. << My earnest prayer is, that the Lord may graciously sustain her bereaved hus- band until his earthlv labour is done, when they shall meet again on the other shore." John Hicks. SHANKLIN CIRCUIT. My Dear Mr. Editor : — ^We venture to send you some condensed particulars pf our position and work in this Station, in the hope that they may prove interesting and stimulating to your numerous devoted readers. It may have been noticed that but few items of intelligence have appeared in- your columns from this part of the Garden Isle, for nearly four years, and we regret that you have not been supplied with more frequent notices of our general movements. We will, however, now record some facts that will make it manifest that the pleasure of ie Lord has in some measure prospered the combined efforts of his people. Chapels. For many years the friends have been awake to the importance of providing Digitized by Google SHANKLIN CIRCUIT. 3A5 suitable chapel accommodation for the increasing population, and the removal of the liabilities incurred in the erection of such structures. The Circuit Chapel Book for the year 1874 shews a debt on Sandman Chapel Estate of ;f 450. By vigorous united efforts, chiefly through the Ladies* Com- mittee, the entire amount has been raised and the debt discharged. Helpers have been numerous, and the result is a standing proof of their attachment to the cause of God. The Chapel is now undergoing renovation, the cost of which will be met from a fund provided for that object. The trustees are trying to purchase land at the rear for the purpose of enlargement and considerable im- provement at no distant date. At the above cited date the debt on Wroxall Chapel stood at £i\o. By annual efforts it was reduced to ^79, when a kind and valued friend, Mr. Jones, of Wroxall Farm, who has smce entered his heavenly rest, — suggested the propriety of paying off the whole amount, and to encourage the trustees offered the noble sum of ^20 towards it. This generous stimulus had the desired effect ; many friends worked well in collecting and others showed their sympathy by liberal donations, and thus in a few weeks the necessary sum was realized. That debt also is a thing of the past. At Brading the liability stood at j^3SO, of this amount £20Q of the mortgage has been paid off in the following way — Grant from General Fimd, ;f 50; raised by special fefforts jf 50 ; obtained from the Loan Fund on the usual terms, ;f 100 ; Our comparatively small constituency there have worked very heartily, and many friends in the circuit have shown a practical sympathy which deserves a permanent record. The chapel has been recently renovated at a cost of several pounds, and a special effort made to meet it. At St. Helens a new .harmonium has been purchased, for jf 18, and when the collecting books which had been issued to raise the amount, were returned, by a strange coincidence we had the needed sum to a farthing. This was done With comparative ease because the friends were united and cheerful in the effort. The chapel has been repaired and renovated at a considerable cost, and by a special effort not yet completed it is hoped the required amount will be forthcoming. The standing debt is ;f235. Shankltn chapel some two years ago was repaired and renovated at a cost of about ;f 40, and was met by special effort. Stimulated by this success, the friends resolved to make an attempt to reduce the debt on the church, and there is now a prospect that it may result in a sum of ^^50 when the accounts are closed. This will leave a debt of ^fioo. Besides this an American Organ for the im- provement of the Psalmody Jias been purchased, costing about ;f 15, and the whole amount raised. The result of this step has fully justified the persevering efforts of its promoters. At Ventnor the debt stood at ;^I26. It now stands at £100 ; but this amount might be reduced by about j^SO oy the balance in hand, but for the fact that a site has been purchased for a new chapel, at a cost of ;f 330. Towards the new undertaking many friends have promised liberally, and it is now desirable to proceed without delay. This step is rendered necessary by the condition of the present chapel, and tne growing requirements of the population of this popular town. The enterprise deserves universal support, because the trustees and fnends are trying to help themselves. WTtttwell Chapel Avas repaired and renovated about three years ago, at an out- lay of some ;f 10, and the sum met by special effort. The debt still stands at £f)o. It is now most desirable that the cnapel should be reseated, or if possible, re- built. The present improved state of the cause would warrant it. Sandford Chapel was considerably damaged by a tremendous gale early last year. The repairs have been executed, and the building now appears more sub- stantial than before.; the cost was about ;^io,'and has been met without increasing the small debt of ;f 10 on the chapel. The debt on Bordward Chapel in two years has been reduced /" 33, aiid now stands at ;f 57. The Society and congregation are small ; but the friends ave interested and have done well. The new chapel at Lake is working hopefully, and there is a prospect, from its central position, that it will be a source of strength to the circuit. The Society has been augmented by several interesting conversions. A Sunday-school has Digitized by Google 326 SHANKLXN CIRCUIT. been organized numbering about sixty scholars with an ample supply of teachera, and the congregations, on the whole, have exceeded our expectations. There will be a temporary debt of about ;f 250, which it is most desirable to reduce without delay. The trustees have taken the matter up with good spirit and will doubtless see their desire accomplished. ** Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." — Mal. iii. 10. Missionary Socikty. Our efforts on behalf of the Missionary Societjr have been encouragingly suc- cessful. A reference to the Missionary Report will show that we have continued to move in the right direction. In the past three years the increase has been as follows: — 1975, £^St 1876, as compared with previous year, ;f 17 8s. 2d; and 1877, also as compared with previous year, ^^4 us. lod. At the close of the accounts this year we hope to stand something in advance of last year. Our friends generally take a hvely interest in our missionary operations and services. The brethren who have come to assist year after year in our missionary services, have, without exception, done good service, and will not soon be forgotten for their works' sake. Quarter Board. In this department also there has been some encouragement. The income for the current year is about ;f 10 per quarter in advance of the amount received in 1874. Besides the removal of a heavy circuit debt, the yearly advance of stipend has been met, some improvement made in house furnishing, and present indications are in the direction of a small balance on the right side at the end of the present Connexional year. " For the people had a mind to work." Spiritual Results. Although we have gathered some fruit both from the Sunday-schools and con- gregations, it has not been to the extent of our desires. Many interesting conversions have been witnessed, chiefly at Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Whit- well, and Lake. A good work has been in progress for many weeks at Yaverland, where cottage-meetings have been held, mostly by a few fnends from Sandown. A class has been formed, and the social means have been signally owned in the conversion of some, and strengthening the faith of all. It may be added that in every place in the circuit the labour of past years has been crowned by the gathering of some golden sheaves into the heavenly gamer. An unusually large number during the past four years, whose ripeness we had the opportunity of witnessing, are now " absent from the body," safe from the power CM the Destroyer, " for ever with the Lord." What is now needed in the circuit generally, as indicated in the valuable article on " Prayer for Revival," in your issue for May, is the power to take ** hold on God," not merely for ones, and tens, but hundreds of perishing souls. And why not ? Let all seek to understand the true significance of the promise, " For I win pour water on him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground : I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed and mv blessing upon thy offspring ; and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows among the watercourses." Amen. I. B. Vanstone. J. Bothsras. Seeking God's Glory. — ^The Christian, wherever he is seen— in the street, in the drawing-room, at table, in prison, or at the height of greatness — should always inspire others with the opinion that he is a man seeking God, intent upon advancing the great interests of numanity, and who thinks it is not worth living for anytibmg but to glorify God, and make all his successes and all his reverses contrioute to that end ; who is ready to leave this world as soon as his work in this respect is accomplished, and, like his Master, goes about doing good. Digitized by Google WILLIAM JOLLIFFE, President of the Canadian Conference, [We felt so much dissatisfaction with the portrait that appeared in May, that we instructed the artist to alter and improve the block, and though it is not now all that we could desire, we hope this likeness will be recognized as an improvement on the last. #ttr Ijlisjcjellaiig. JERSEY. [This paper was received several months ago, but we have not been able to find room for it till now. We have altered a sentence or two at the beginning, and omitted a passage or two of mere passing interest. — ^Ed.] It was my privilege to spend a little time in the beautiful island of Jersey, some- thing more than a year ago. In May of last year I was called upon to go over and assist the pastor of that station, who was temporarily indisposed ; and during my stay on the island I embraced an opportunity to notice some of its chief characteristics and features of interest. Jersey is the largest and most interesting of the well-known group of islands in the English Channel, lying near the coast of France, but belonging to the Empire of Great Britain. The other islands are Guernsey, Aldemcy, Sark, Herm and Jethou ; their sizes varying according to the order in which we have named them. There are also numerous clusters of rocks scattered up and down in the vicinity of the islands ; the whole forming an aggregate area of considerable extent. Digitized by Google 328 JERSEY, The island of Jersey is about 130 miles from Southampton, and 80 from Wey- mouth; the former being the route taken by the South Western Company's Steamers, and the latter by the Great Western. I started from Southampton on Thursday evening. May 3, and arrived at Jersey about noon on Friday. In this instance the passage was considered a good one, but very freouentlv, when the weather is unfavourable, the boat does not arrive until a much later hour, and in case of fogs, there is often great delay and even danger ; and these fogs I am told are especially heavy in May and June. The Island of Jersey presents many features of interest and attraction. In the summer months it is visited by thousands of persons from all parts ; some for the benefit of their health, and otners in pursuit of pleasure ; during the week ending on the day that I left the island, a thousand visitors had arrived by the various steamers. The visitor on arrival naturally wishes to begin by having a good look at the island itself, as presented from different points of view. For this purpose he will find a variety of conveyances awaiting his convenience, from the miniature pony- carriage to the commodious and handsome excursion car ; but I would venture humbly to suggest, for the advantage of those who may hereafter visit Jersey, that if they would really see the various parts and features of the island in the most favourable manner, they should discard all artificial modes of conveyance, and exercise their natural pedestrian powers, in going from place to place. Wheeled vehicles can only traverse the main roads, and these afford but superfi- cial glimpses of the country around ; the visitor must go on foot, if he would have a fair idea of the pretty lanes, and charming valleys ; and the general beauty and fertility of the island. During my pedestrian excursions around and about, athwart and across the island, the interest and gratification that I felt amply repaid me for any little weariness. The island of Jersey averages only about lO miles in length and 6 miles in breadth ; yet contains vrithin itself, every variety of scenenr, hill and dale, desolate coast and fruitful field. The appearance of the island from the sea is not pre- possessing ; there is an air of wild desolation about the rock-bound coast, which contrasts strikingly with the fertility and beauty of the interior. This contrast has, however, a pleasing effect upon one in his rambles about the island. Pro- ceeding for example along towards the north coast, the traveller finds the public roads, arched over with trees, avenue-like ; leading him to imagine that he is journeying through some pleasant park, rather than along the highway; but suddenly he will find himself on the summit of precipitous cliffs rising almost perpendicularly from the sea, the restless waves dashing far beneath. Some of the bays, with the romantic scenery around are very picturesoue and grand. Among these may be mentioned, Bouley Bay, Bonne Nuit Bay, Rozel Bay, and especisdly St. Brelade's Bay, which is a gem. The visitor is here charmed with a combination of beauties, rocky cliffs, grassy slopes, clumps of trees and barren rocks, sandy shore and luxuriant pasture ; forming a picture of extraordinary diversity. St. Brelade's Church is the oldest in the island ; I read the following inscription on the porch, Consacre6 A.D. iiii. The most extensive Bay is that of St. Aubin's, and here are situated the town and harbour of St. Helier's, the capital of Jersey. At the mouth of this Bay stands an old fortress, built by Queen Elizabeth and bearing her name ; it is accessible at low water, but completely cut off from the mainland when the tide is in. About two and half miles from St. Helier's stands a tower, built upon an artificial mound, and is the highest point in the island. From the summit there is a splendid panoramic view ; nearly the whole island can be seen spread out like an immense park ; the fields, orchards, villas, woods, with the sea surrounding all, make up a beautiful picture, whilst away to the eastward an immense extent of the French coast can be seen. This tower is veiy old, and has a very tragical legend associated with it. Leaving the castle ancl proceeding towards Gorey, Mont Orgueil Castle stands imposing and prominent before us. This fortress is rich in historical associations. The base of it is said to have been built by Julius Caesar, and it was completed by Henry II. The curiosities of the Castle are the deep well, the old prison, the cell in which Prynne was confined, and the apart- ments occupied by Charles 11. The view from its summit on a clear day is Digitized by Google JERSEY. 329 splendid. Gorey used to be famous for its oyster fishing, but the oysters have greatly fallen oft. Jersey is divided into twelve parishes or states; the population in 187 1 was 56,627. There are many villages and hamlets, but St. Helier*s is the town par excellence^ and here more than half of the population reside. The climate of Jersey is somewhat different from that of England ; there are not such variations of temperature ; snow is rarely seen, and I am told that they frequently get sunny summer weather, even in December. The agricultural resources of the island seem to be pretty well developed ; the quantity of potatoes annually exported, being remarkably large ; leading certain £ngiish merchants to inquire whether the Jersey people dug potatoes from a quarry as the supply seemed almost inexhaustible. There is a sort of cabbage grown in Jersey, tnown as the cow cabbage ; it frequently grows to the height of from 9 to 12 feet and even higher. When walking up the principal street of the town the writer saw cabbage stalks of great length standing in the doorway : on inquiry of the owner as to their length, he was informed that they were 12 feet in length. These cabbage stalks are made into walking-sticks, called the •* Jersey cabbage walking sticks " ; they are light, yet remarkably stout, and are sold by thousands to visitors and others. The trade of Jersey is considerable ; its shipping at a recent date averaged nearly 500 vessels. There are large exports of fish and fruit. The connection of the channel islands with England began at the Norman Con- quest, 1066. They formed a part of the Duchy of Normandy until the loss of that province in the reign of King John, when they were . separated from Nor- mandy and became attached to the English Crown. Several attempts have been made by the French to gain possession of these islands which lie so temptingly near their coast, but since 1 781 they have continued unmolested. The currency of the island is very mixed ; it has a copper currency of its own . The Legislative power of Jersey is vested in the Queen m Council, and the Jersey states ; the latter being the island parliament, composed of the Bailiff, twelve Judges, the Rectors of the twelve parishes, the constables (or Mayors) of the same, and fourteen Deputies. There are many striking peculiarities m the legis- lative and judicial proceedings; some of their laws are unintelligible to a. stranger ; a friend told me that he had been in Jersey 30 years, but did not yet understand them. The language of the Channel islands is a patois originally based on the Norman French spoken by those warriors who came over with William the Conqueror, but it has been greatly modified, and now the language of Jersey differs from that of Guernsey and that of Sark from both. Notwithstanding their nearness to France, and so much that partakes of the character of that country, the Jersey people have but little sympathy with the French nation ; but are intensely loyal to tnc British Crown. There are two railways in Jersey ; one of theift being six mfles long, the other four. There are several daily and weekly papers published in both languages. Most of the religious bodies are well represented in Jersey. There are several Episcopal Churches in St. Helier*s and a church in each of the twelve parishes, every one of which the writer visited. They are mostly quaint antiquated buildings. The Wesleyans maintain their prestige there as they do in most places ; they have numerous chapels about the island, ^vith botn French and English Ministers. Methodism was not imported into Jersey direct from England. Two Jersey merchants were converted in Newfoundland, under a Methodist preacher in 1774. On their return to Jersey they wrote to John Wesley, who sent them Robert Carr Brackenbury, a wealthy gentleman, and earnest preacher. In 1787, John Wesley himself visited the island, and was welcomed by some of the most distinguished families. He was greatly pleased with the state of the Methodist population. Our own denomination is most creditably represented ; the local position and influence of the Circuit ministers being second to none. The Royal Crescent Church is acknowledged to be the finest specimen of architecture in the Channel islands, and is in every respect a magnificent place of worship. It provides ac- commodation for more people than any other sanctuary except one, the exception being a French Wesleyan Chapel. Tne Bible Christian Society was introduced Digitized by^ /.Google 330 FROM SHANGHAI TO ENGLAND. into Jersey in 1823 ; Mary Ann Werrey being the first preacher. At the Con- ference 1824, a Society of 37 members was reported. From small beginnings the interests of our denomination have been gradually developed to the present advantageous and encouraging position. The Great Union Road Chapel was a small affair al first, but by repeated enlargements it has grown to a commodious buUding. The Sunday services are well attended, the singing is excellent, and the Sunday Schools are in a very flourishing condition. There is a fine class of friends in connection with our Societies there ; hearty, liberal, and deeply interested. As an illustration of their thorough-going spint, I may mention, that at their annual bazaar held while I was there, they secured £200. It would be invidious to mention names when all are so good and kind ; but to mention such names as Cory, Grandin, Tosteven, De La Mare, and Husband, will be sufficient for those who have been fortunate enough to have their acquaintance. My prayer is that they may abundantly prosper. C. Ware. FROM SHANGHAI TO ENGLAND via THE "CAPE." IN THREE CHAPTERS. Chapter I. — From Shanghai to Singapore. The most interesting sight in Shanghai was the new railway recently constructed from Shanghai to Woosung. It is a very small affair, being only a 2-ft. 6-in. gauge. There are four or five trains a day, and they only run about 12 miles an hour. However, it is the_^rj/ railway down in China, and insignificant as it may appear to European eyes, its whole length being but ten miles, it has been no mean undertakmg ; but, on the contrary, has cost years of patience, perseveranccy and diplomacy. No foreign ♦* notion " has met with such dogged opposition from Chinese officials as railways. Even now, although every inch of the groimd on which the rails are laid belongs to the company by every international right and law, they having paid enormously for possession ; still, the company's servants have met with every species of annoyance and contumely. Rails, &c., have been stolen ; the small stations attacked by mobs, while some of the company's em- ployees have been maltreated by enraged, superstitious villagers. The officials either fail to see the use of this handy little " line " in conveying cargo to and fro, when the state of tide prevents vessels of deep draught crossmg the Woosung bar, and thus save great delays; or else the officials see too plainly that it is far too useful, and that once the people get to like it, there will soon be railways throughout the length and breadth of the land ; and then good-bye to mandarins and mandaiinism. Very recently a Chinaman deliberately laid himself across the lines immediatdy in front of the engine, so that every effort of the driver failed to save the wretched man's life. Whether this man intended of his own free will to commit suicide, or whether, as I have heard it alleged, he was paid to do it (no unlikely thing !), I cannot say ; but of course the mandarins have not failed to make use of th^ cir- cumstance to excite the populace against the concern. Neither has famous "Feng- Shui " been absent from the official mind while stirring up the people against this invention of the foreigner ; for they have been reminded that all good influences come in gentle curves, while all the evil ones ever appear in sharp straight lines. Hence, a railway must be regarded as a design of the barbarians to bring ruin upon the « Celestials." Varied and wild have been the many pretended warnings the Empire has had concerning this latest innovation. The most striking, I thi^, is a dream, they say the Emperor recently had. His Majesty, bv-the-bye, is a boy of some five sum- mers. Anyhow, 'tis told to the people that the "Son of*^ Heaven" recently dreamed a dream ; and he saw a huge centipede making towards him. He triea, but could not make his escape, and the venomous thing stung him in the foot. The wise men and astrologers, having been consulted on this great and weighty Digitized by Google FROM SHANGHiU TO ENGLAND. 33 1 matter, have come to the conclusion that the centipede is the new railway, and that if not speedily destroyed it will bring calamities upon the Empire ! The railway company is entitled to our sympathies, and I trust by patient perse- verance in well-doing it will ultimately overcome all obstacles. Leaving Shanghai we came down before N.E. monsoon at a rattling rate, and in a few days were safely at anchor in Hong Kong Harbour. The principal town and port on this island is called Victoria. It is situate at the western end of the southern slope of the ridge of rocky hills that compose Hong Kong. Victoria is a pretty place. Its picturesque villas, rising in tier upon tier above the dense native town below, the magnificent roads bordered with trees, the beautiful Public Garden and elegant Town Hall containing library and mu- seum, together with its palatial business buildings alike reflect creect to the memory of our dear Br. Sturgess that his funeral sermon was preached at St. Just on Sunday, March 24th. Ov^er eight hundred persons attended, the different places in the circuit being well-represented. His appointment in 1876 to this station, was hailed with joy, where his pulpit abilities won for him golden opinions, while his general manners endeared him to all who had the privilege of his acquaintance. To the grief of the circuit, his declining health soon necessitated him to rest, and from that time he gradually sank down into the arms of death. In his death the Denomination has lost a faithful and energetic labourer, his wife and family an affectionate husband and a tender father, and the writer an earnest friend. To see the hero fall in the thick of the fight, the reaper himself called home just as the harvest is ripe, is to us strange ; but we bow m submission, knowing that our loss is his etemd gain. W. Bettiss. ^Qtix^^ LORD, SPEAK TO ME. Lord, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of Thy tone ; As Thou hast sought, so let me seek Thy erring children, lost and lone. O lead me, Lord, that I may lead The wandering and the wavering feet ; O feed me. Lord, that I may feed Thy hungering ones with manna sweet. 0 strengthen me, that while I stand Firm on the Rock and strong in Thee, 1 may stretch out a loving hand To wrestlers with the troubled sea. O teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things Thou dost impart ; And wing my words, that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart. O give Thine own sweet rest to me, That I may speak with soothing power A word in season, as from Thee, To weary ones, in needful hour. O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord, Until my very heart overflow In kindling thought and glowing word Thy love to tell. Thy praise to show. O use me, Lord, use even me Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where ; Until Thy blessed face I see. Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share. F. R. Hays&gal. Digitized by Google THE Bible Christian Magazine. :o:- BABYLON'S HEROES. '* Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery fdmace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we shall not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." — Daniel iii. 16-18. The tyrant King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar by name, having placed himself, after his accession to the throne, at the head of a large army, achieved important victories over the Egyptians, the Jews, the Philistines, and other peoples. Wherever he prevailed, by burning the cities, and by destroying or transporting the inhabitants, he generally left behind him a desolate wilderness. Their princes he either murdered or condemned to perpetual imprisonment ; and the ' people who survived were generally made slaves in Chaldea. Having finished his conquests, the proud and tyrannical monarch abandoned himself to idolatry, and in the plenitude of his pride and power he resolved to erect in the plain of Dura, out of his immense spoils which he had taken in battle, a gigantic golden image in honour of Bel, his principal god, who, he imagined, had rendered him so successful in battle. The command was issued to all peoples and nations that at what time they heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, they were to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up, and he that neglected to August, 1878. a Digitized by Google 338 Babylon's heroes. comply with the decree was to be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. Forthwith the people gathered ; and as the herald read the proclammation, and the music sounded the call to worship, the people all prostrated themselves in the dust before the golden image which the king had set up. All? No, not all! Three men there were who dared to stand alone while all others, accustomed to worship idols, bowed before the new go3 ; three men there were who " dared to have a purpose firm,*' and " dared to make it known ;" and, while in obedience to the mandate they presented themselves at the dedication of the image, they publicly protested against such abominable idolatry, and exalted the infinitely wise and only true God. Let us then study the character and conduct of these three heroes, and, as we do so, may we all be inspired with»a love for, and an admiration of, the brave and good. I.— The Charge Sustained. As the three captive youths retained an erect attitude they could not escape detection. Eager, evil, anxious eyes, noted their conduct, and swift footsteps conveyed the intelligence to the king. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, had been promoted to a high position in the province, which excited the envy of the native princes, who were therefore ever on the alert to find something in their conduct to turn against them. They had failed hitherto to discover anything to their discredit; but now, wickedly exultant, with malicious cunning, they tell the proud monarch, " These men have not regarded thee ; they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." Oh, how true it is that " all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." The world hates the thorough, outspoken Christian; they misinterpret his motives, slander his name, and rejoice at his failure and overthrow. " Be thou chaste as ice, and pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny." The world is always seeking to tarnish the character of the pure ; to conceal his virtues, and trumpet his defects, and bring him to disgrace is the chief study and delight of ungodly men. Eminent Christians in the past have been persecuted and reviled, Wesley, of hallowed memory, by whose labours the whole nation was benefited, suffered severe persecutions. Whitfield, filled with heavenly zeal and holy fire, and instrumental in leading thousands to Christ, — was called a miserable mountebank. All who will serve God must suffer re- proach. The religion of Christ — uncompromising and aggressive — is a challenge to the world, the flesh, and the devil ; and therefore as soon as we buckle on the armour and hoist the colours a ''world of foes " come forth to harass, and, if possible, destroy us. Digitized by Google BABYLON'S HEROBS. 339 Brethren ! let us ever remember that we are narrowly watched by the ** world's malignant eye ;" which is an additional motive, if another were wanted, that as the followers of Christ, we should represent our religion clearly and impressively, that as living epistles we may be known and read of all men. Never let us give the world an opportunity to lay anything to our charge. Happy are we, if like the Hebrew youths, the world discovers nothing in our character to use against us. Let us not wonder if they hate us for our virtues, for this is not uncommon ; and such is the base envy of the world that it " withers at another's joy, and hates the excellence it cannot reach." Before wicked men, then, everywhere ; in the field, in the shop, in the office, in the mart, in every walk of life, let us endeavour to show that Christianity has uprooted our sins, elevated our affections, and purified our hearts ; that by it we have been lifted into loving and constant communion with God and his Son Jesus Christ. The most effective manifestation of the Lord Jesus to a sinful, scoffing world, is a living Christ-like Christian. Such then, let us be, in spite of an accusing world, and a host of wicked men, and if we suffer for the sake of Christ, let us ** Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is our reward." II. — ^The Trial endured. On hearing of such positive disobedience on the part of the captive youths, the old king — naturally of the most violent passions — was excited to rage; for the princes had cunningly stated the case so as to stir his feelings most deeply. Without delay, the three recusants are commanded to appear before the monarch. Oh, what a crucial moment had now arrived in their history; life and death trembled in the balance. Oh, the vital consequences of that hour; the far-reaching influences of that trying moment ! How did they endure the trial ? This we shall now consider, and I remark : — I. They endured the trial Boldly, Let us endeavour to realize the scene. Here are three young men, captives in a strange land, who have been summoned before a tribunal of which they might naturally stand in fear; for Babylon was a monarchy of awful power, a kingdom of surpassing grandeur; the king a proud, passionate, implacable monarch. Indeed, it was a sovereignty before which '' all people, and nations, and languages trembled and feared." Before this court then were the captives brought. Re- member they were young ; life to them had not lost its charms ; their principles had not ripened into hardy endurance by a lengthened experience ; and far from home they had no loved ones near to sympathise and help ; they stood alone, and they " stood A 2 Digitized by Google 340 BABYLON'S HEROES. like the brave, with their faces to the foe," though threatened with a most horrible death if they persisted in the course they had . marked out for themselves. When questioned by the King they answered like heroes, for they feared not him who could only kill the body. **0, Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter." What boldness ! Brethren, here is courage, the truest and best. It is easy to be religious when we enjoy great prosperity ; it is easy to serve God in the sanctuary ; but if called upon to confess Christ before men, we must be men of courage. A cowardly Christian is a misnomer ; we must fearlessly show our colours ; shrink from no declaration, avoid no duty that Christ demands of us. The timid, vacillating course is the most ignoble and miserable ; if we would be happy and useful, we must be outspoken and brave.' We want more of the courage of Daniel, when duty led him into the den of lions ; more of the courage of Luther, when he would walk in the path of duty, though it led him through flames of fire ; more of his courage when he said before his enemies when com- manded to retract, " Unless I be convinced out of the Scriptures I cannot, I will not retract :" more of the courage of the early dis- ciples, which was indeed their conquest. Paul, the mighty apostle, was a man of dauntless courage, as his stripes, his fights, his scars, his imprisonments, and indeed his whole career convincingly showed. Brethren! In these days of practical and theoretical evil, of Rationalism and Formalism, of Romanism and Infidelity, we need courage of the kind possessed by the Hebrew youths of old to keep to the old paths, and walk therein according to our convictions, and live out the faith that is in us. Our religion must manifest itself. We must not, we cannot confine it to the congregation on the Sunday, or the prayer-meeting in the week, to funerals or any special seasons. It must not exhaust itself in the sermon that you preach, the prayer you offer, or the hymn you sing. It is not enough even to show piety at home : we must be Christians at our work ; it is not enough to meet with God's people in the sanctuary: we must be religious in the world, for Christianity puts a divine power into our breasts, the outcome of which is an honest and consecrated life. Oh, for more of the courage, the boldness of the Hebrew youths, for we need it as much as did they when commanded to bow before the man-made god. The days in which we live are not the days for souls that are weak, timid, and vacillating. Evils born of the passions of men, and which therefore will die hard, are rampant in our midst. Forces, commercial, intellectual, and sceptical, are Digitized by Google BABYLON'S HEROES. 34I strong and active, and they gather in battle array. Hear ye not the sounds of conflict ? This is not then the hour for timid, faltering souls, but for men independent and bold. Fashion has established its senseless power in the world, and while society is groaning beneath its burden the demand is for men who will not submit to its tyranny. While prevailing social customs find multitudes of willing worshippers, the demand is for men who have the courage not to conform to social customs which clash with their conviction of right and duty. While many are falling down at the shrine of public opinion, asking, ** What will people say ?'* the demand is for heroes determined never to sacrifice '*the truth as it is in Jesus'* for prevailing public sentiment. " "We want no cowards in our band, Who will their colours fly ; We call for valiant -hearted men, Who're not afraid to die.'* Young man 1 have the courage to do right ; never surrender principle'; be not moved by banter or ridicule. Be true to your highest convictions, and to the will of God as revealed in the Bible. Many a young man has been ruined because he has not had the courage to say **No" when he knew it was his duty ; and on the other hand, many who have '* Dared to do right" have become illustrious, and they shall at the last, among the wise and the good, ** shine as the stars for ever and ever." 2. They endured the trial Calmly, How peaceful and serene are they in the presence of the monarch ! Nebuchadnezzar and his attendants are agitated by a thousand emotions, but they are calm ; the accusers are mad with malice, but the accused are self-possessed ; the governors are wild with surprise, but they are unmoved ; the monarch's brow is black with wrath, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego are peaceful and quiet. With such a fate in view, how could they be so calm ? Because they left the consequences in the hands of Him who had called them to duty ; they had faith in God and were therefore marvellously sustained, and could speak in a calm collected manner to the royal patron of idolatry. " Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king." Oh, to be calm and unmoved in the midst of persecution and trial ; to be patient in suffering, and " having done all, to stand I" Oh for such self-possession, such quietude of spirit as this I Depend upon it, brethren, it is the power of a Christian's higher nature which prevails in trial ; it is his faithfulness and courage, his trust in God, his patience under difficulties and hardships ; the sweet- Digitized by Google 34< Babylon's herobs. ness of his disposition under every provocation ; it is these qualities that achieve the greatest victories in the conflict of life. The Christ- ian man, in the service of a master harsh and cruel, if he but receive insults and wrongs with submissiveness, and with an elevation of spirit as shall distinguish him from the rest of the world, obtains a real victory. Brethren I when men do us an injury they expect to witness a manifestation of anger, or that we smother our re- venge ; they never expect to see us gentle and calm, and it will be found that sweetness of disposition, and the exhibition of the fruits of the Spirit, are mightier to overcome the world than aught besides. And before leaving this point we may remark further, that we may be earnest and bold in oui life and work; we may un- shrinkingly declare the truth of Christ before men, and yet be calm and serene. To be earnest and courageous it is not necessary to be noisy ; for earnestness does not always move with a clatter. A man may be bustling and officious, clamorous and loud, who is neither earnest nor useful. But he who is quiet, unostentatious, faithful, is a perpetual blessing, and his memory, like the lingering light after a glorious sunset, does not soon pass away. Brethren, in suffering, be patient ; in persecution, be calm ; but at all times and in all circumstances earnestly defend the right. 3. They endured the trial Firmly, When we remember that instead of executing the sentence immediately, the king offered them a further opportunity of complying with the royal mandate, and so tempted them to sacrifice principle, and stultify conscience : when we remember that they had the opportunity of saving their lives if they would but conform, their conduct appears the more grand and sublime. To the monarch's question, ** Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands ? " they had a ready answer, though in the immediate prospect of death. There was doubtless a natural clinging to life. But, come life or death, they were re- solved not to bow before any other than the living God ; and so, with purpose fixed, with unchanged countenances, they spoke in unhesitating tones : ** If our God does not deliver, even then we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." Brethren! be firm, stedfast, and unmoved, for men are being tossed hither and thither by the waves df uncertainty ; they arc de- parting from the old paths; they are making shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience. Let us be firm, and rather die than deny Christ ; rather burn than turn from the path of honour. In these days of vacillation and indifferent ism it is really refreshing to read of some who have trod the earth ; men of colossal faith and unflinching adherence to the right; men who have steadily and Digitized by Google BABYLON S HEROES. 343 firmly pursued the line of duty, unmoved and unchecked. The world-renowned Livingstone, writing of his seven years* march from the coast of Zanzibar to the sources of the Nile, says, — ** I have endeavoured, in this journey, to follow with unswerving fidelity the path of duty. The prospect of death, in pursuing what I knew to be right, did not make me veer to one side or the other." And so this sublime hero struggled on, until he passed, while yet on his knees, to an enthroned position in heaven. Not selfish ambition, but steadfast devotion to duty, is the distinguishing mark of the noblest lives. The men who, regardless of consequences, are resolved to follow wherever the hand of duty marks the way, are among the noblest and the best of all earth's sons. The three Hebrew captives were not firm and ti:ue because duty could not be shunned ; for they were determined to be true to God, no matter what He might suffer to come upon them. Surely they knew something of that future blessedness which awaits them who suffer for Christ on earth. It is a common experience for Christian men to meet difficulty and disappointment ; to be overwhelmed by trial and temptation ; to have their brightest hopes and noblest purposes blighted and defeated, — at times even life seems to have lost its meaning, their sky is dark and dreary, and the grave appears to be the end of all. How shall a man come forth scathless from such agony ? Only by holding fast, by clinging firmly to the right ; so shall it be seen that his religion is genuine, and other men shall recognise and feel its influence. The man who deep down in his soul recognises the eternal blessedness of virtue, will be determined to do what is right. Determined to save his own soul, he will not easily yield to temptation, nor engage in things of doubtful propriety. Brethren, have a determined purpose to serve God ; let principle and not impulse be the mainspring of your religious activity. Have a religion that will weather the bitter storm, and not simply flourish in the calm sunshine. Cling to God in poverty, and remember Him, who, though He was rich, for your sakes became poor. In bodily pain and mental anguish remember that these "light afflictions" are but for a moment. If the flames of the fiery furnace are kindled around you, and your foes threaten to destroy you, be not terrified into bowing down to the golden image of this vain world ; for if, as some would have us believe, there be no God to deliver, even then it is better to be pure than licentious ; to be generous than selfish ; to be true than false ; to be brave than to be a coward. Blessed beyond all earthly blessedness is the man who, when all is cheerless within and without, . when foes terrify and friends forsake, has tenaciously clung to moral good. Thrice Digitized by Google 344 BABYLON'S HEROES. blessed because his night of darkness shall soon give place to the light of an eternal day. III. — ^The Victory gained. The despotic Nebuchadnezzar, wholly unprepared for such a bold and determined stand as the young men had taken, grew furious, and regarding their firmness as nothing better than obstinacy, ordered the furnace to be made hotter, and the trio to be bound, and forthwith cast into the flames. "And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound, into the midst of the burning fiery furnace." Call that victory ? How could it be ? For now indeed the King might ask, with a sceptical sneer, '* Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands ? " The idolatrous multitude might now laugh at the fanatics, while they, as loyal subjects, had wholly escaped such trouble. Even faith itself might hopelessly exclaim, "It is vain to serve God. Why hath he brought this evil upon us ?" But let us not be too hasty in our conclusions. Let us approach the furnace and see how it fares with them ? How do we find them, or rather shall we find them at all ? Oh, yes, there they are. But surely their life has been destroyed, and their flesh consumed in that burning oven ? Certainly not ; for behold they walk unhurt in the midst of the flame ; as calmly as if treading a palace. But were there more than three cast in the furnace ? No ; only three. But I see four ; they have a companion. He is wonderfully glorious ; indeed his form is like the Son of God. Ah ! that explains it all. We see it now. Glorious victory in the sight of their enemies. God did not desert them then ? Truly, he did not save them /rom the furnace ; but, what was far better. He saved them in the midst of it. Their faith was tried to the bitter end.; but it had power to quench the violence of the fire. The old king had ordered them to be cast into the furnace, but he could not rest. Approaching it himself, he beheld, to his amazement, not only the three men unbound, but a fourth, " like the Son of God." He bids them come forth, and instantly they obey, and appear before the astonished King and his attend- ants, without a hair of their head singed, or the smell of fire on their garments. Then the King "blessed and adored the God whom they worshipped ;" promoted the heroes to honour ; and made a decree, that none should speak a word against the God of Israel. Brethren, just as the Hebrew children were taken out of the flames unhurt, and promoted to honour, so we from the fires of trial shall rise to a higher state. Soon Jesus will say, " It is enough. Enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne." He has endured the fiercest trials, and is now on high to secure a blessed immor- tality for the myriads upon myriads who dare to confess Him on Digitized by Google BABY1.0N S HEROES. 345 the earth. He Himself has borne wrong and shame, but exalted to heaven he now waits on the eternal threshold to receive and promote to immortal honours His faithful sons and daughters. And even, while we are in the furnace, He comes to us, and His presence turns the flames into refreshing breezes. He checks the violence of the storm, and we suffer not. How was it that those persons who went to the stake for their faith could sing and rejoice as the fire kindled about them ? How was it they sent out from the midst of the flames joyous songs of hope ? How was it ? Why, because One was with them in the midst of it all. Even now, when Christian men are derided and scoffed at, and the fires of persecution kindled about them, they sometimes rise to a glorious height, far above all sorrow and pain. Oh, how blessed to know that we by faith may rise higher and yet higher, and as we soar upward, heavenward, we behold the celestial city, and hear the voice of Jesus saying — sweet and captivating as silver bells on the quiet evening air — " Come, come, there is victory for you ; I have conquered death ; I have purchased heaven, and I have a crown of life for all my faith- ful ones." Brother! Sister! do not be discouraged, although tried in the furnace. God has not forgotten you. Are we Christians } Do we live near to God ? Do we live on the precincts of the city ? Then we shall meet each other there ; from these purifying fires we shall emerge purer than the dew when it rises from the earth. Purified by the Son of Righteousness we shall rejoice together in the fadeless light. When we enter " the valley of the shadow of death " what shall comfort us ? Why this ; we shall lean on a staff which can never break in our hands. As earthly scenes recede from our sight we shall see the '* King in His beauty, and the laiid that is very far off." As we become deaf to the discord of earth there shall burst on our ears the sweet harmonies of heaven. Let us all be true to God, and cleave to the right. Let Jesus be all our trust and plea, and brother, though tried, take courage. Let the father, with his gray hair, be of good cheer ; let the mother, with her wrinkled brow, be not dismayed. They that are for you are more than all that can be against you. You shall soon be with God, and in His presence all sorrow shall die; for grief is unknown there, and all tears are wiped away. As the candle's flickering light goes out without being extinguished, when the sun shines upon it, so the checkered experience of your earth- life will in a moment be lost, when the bright sunlight of the Father's face shall fall on your soul. Be of good cheer. Trust in God. Wait patiently for Him, and soon you will hear Him saying. Weary one, come to thy rest; sorrowing one, come to thy joy; victor, come to thy crown. Chatham. G. Matthews. Digitized by Google 34^ TWO VOICES. TWO VOICES. Wkird and mjrsterious are the manifold influences that bear upon and mould the human spirit, as its capacities are unfolding by growth in experience and aptitude for taking impressions from the outward world. As life, — in all its profound significance, weighted with all its powerful import and future promise — begins to dawn upon the mind, and subtle ideas are generated containing the germs of future conduct, desires, aspirations; how pathetic and full of troubled sensibility does the sense of existence seem to be ! From the cradle to the grave ; from the earliest dawn of realisation to the dim and cloudy days of age and feebleness, voices many and various resound in the ears of all men : some sweet and beautiful ; others loud and menacing. But though these strains of joyous hope, or saddening melancholy are multiform and conflicting, in one sense they are but ranged on two opposite sides — with a gulf fixed be- tween them ! The listener hears one voice clamorous about the great and mighty intellect, investing man with skill wondrous and subtle for the grasping of Nature's problems, or the unravelling of the intricate laws that sway the material universe, while it has no hope to give of a future beyond in which to exercise these gifts : — the other, sublime, awful, and yet thrilling with touching tenderness the lowliest breast, speaking of the immortal principle that lives when all else has faded into the grave, and towering into majestic symphonies of faith, hope, and purity ! The jubilant, boasting voice of Science cannot drown its under- current of sadness and profound melancholy. While we are at- tending to its proud and haughty assertions, we miss the hope and the ever-verdant brightness that should characterize it to make it satisfying. But let us not be misunderstood. Science, taken as the exponent of all that surrounds man in his terrestrial home is a noble theme ; and if it confine itself to its special path. Religion can have no real quarrel with it. But we wish to show how the modern tendency of the skilled and gifted men of discovery to sneer at and abandon the voices of the spiritual world works the deadliest mischief to our nature ; and thus to contrast the two voices which persistently ask a hearing from distracted humanity. For the latest dogma of the scientists, is to deny spintual existences, to blot out the marvellous beauties and truths of the unseen world ; to sweep away the immaterial and assert the material ; to throw down the faith of hoar}' ages, and build up the theory of a few years : and worse than all, to cast down that Divine form from the Cross of Hope ; leaving mankind deep down in the abysses of des- pair. Let us examine these two voices, and read their meanings into language. Listen, O reader, to the voice that all men hear sooner or later in their life journey ; now loud and indignant, now sneering and sarcastic. What is the burden of its cry } It may lure to the plea- sures and pomps of temporal life, but the apple of pleasure it offers to the taste has a bitterness at the core. Has it any consolation for Digitized by Google TWO VOICES. 347 the aching heart, any comfort for the afflicted soul, any balm of healing for the tortured, lacerated spirit ? Alas, no ! Grand it may be when it recounts the marvellous tale of man's power and sub- tlety ; but empty and false is its philosophy as we 'ponder over it and try to extract a faith out of its intricate and mysterious blank assertions. We mean the voice that proclaims all things a farce, and the world a mere stage on which we strut a little while, and then disappear in darkness. All things are said to be a hollow mockery ; and this voice whispers to the ear of the solitary that there is no truth, no abiding reality anywhere ; no faith to be built up ; no satisfaction to be gathered from any source so long as life lasts. Does sorrow press hard ; do friends desert ; does fortune flee away, and poverty and misery come on apace ? This voice, sounding only from earth, chants forth no cheerful lay of hope to alleviate ; no comforting, tender melody to soften any of such trials. It is the voice of despair; the expression of the material and worldly about us, and has no power to soothe or reach even the hidden afflictions of an immortal soul. And we know that this Voice it is that comes laden with its tale of woe to every human being ; leaving it with the feeling of unutterable wretchedness and misery. It cannot speak of that which is foreign to its purpose and nature. Loudly do we hear it now in the reasonings of the gifted men of the time, seeking to drown by noisy acclamation the sweet, unearthly tones of that other Voice, which, like the Dove of Peace, floats over a wide waste of profitless waters, to rest with our ark and bring us an olive branch from afar ! This selfish, world-en- grossed Voice reasons and deduces ; it points the analogy between men and the beasts that perish ; and it endeavours to clinch the subject by a triumphant burst of laughter at the idea of man's im- mortal hope of a future life. Let us not disguise that it comes laden with treasures of learning and research, spreading out its discoveries to dazzle the beholder with admiration. But it is essentially of the earth, earthy, and we miss in it the sweet music of that other Voice, which centuries of doubt and unbelief have not yet availed to quench in silence. What do we find in the Voice of Science to satisfy the unresting soul of man ? We may find abundance of material for reflection ; masses of profound thought ; suggestive and even sublime impres- sions to be conveyed as to the vastness of the universe ; but no spiritual hope ; no acquisition of purity, truth, or the Divine attri- butes can be made from its teaching ! On all such topics it is dumb, senseless and dead. Its strain is not a lofty one ; it may go on- ward and forward, but it cannot soar ! It may taunt man with his feebleness ; it may resolve him into the elements, and level him with the brutes ; but it cannot raise him one jot higher, it has no power to lift him to the infinities of spiritual aspiration, or to .waken one holy thought that shall be the parent of a single gener- ous action, and hence its falsity and uselessness as a guide and teacher. In these days there seems a terrible danger that this Voice — so false, so hollow, so utterly unsafe to lean upon for guidance — may Digitized by Google 34^ TWO VOICES. become an active agent in degrading social life, debasing human nature, and sinking us to the depths of a most bestial philosophy. Should it triumph, it will throw the holiest and best of our hopes into chaos, and leave us despairing. O let us not heed the charm- ing tones of this perilous Voice I With all its fancied keenness, with all its impudent boasting, it is ignorant of the grandest truths of the world, and feeble as an infant's wail in the things that relate to God, our Father in the heavens. Whether it wreathe its sad dirge with the creed of extinction, or clarion forth with trumpet sounds deeds of mortal prowess, or again in sweet seductiveness counsel us to live and be happy regardless of the great future ; alike it is the Voice of Despair. From the midst of fevered life it sounds the requiem of death ; not a song of hope and cheery joy. It revels in its own folly, and destruction of precious truths ; defying us to cling to the ancient faith as before we heard it. But with a firmer, stronger assurance a secret Voice sounds within the conscience of man, telling of a creed older than the heavens and earth ; built upon the Rock of Ages ; implanted in the soul itself; and this creed shall outlive that false and wavering shout of exultation ! Away, then, with the Voice that seeks to lead us to destruction and des- pondency, and let it not wield its baneful power over us ; but be cast off as useless and unprofitable either for comfort or enlighten- ment. But the opposing Voice seeking earnestly to reach the ear of humanity has a different refrain, and its tones are those of faith immortal planted in the unchangeable God Himself. It speaks no hopeless creed like that of the materialist ; but a doctrine which exists through all the anarchy of material things. Amidst the chaos of a temporal creation that may be swept away or changed, the Voice of Science might well be hushed in awe and terror. Not so the Voice of Religfon ; for were the utter annihilation of the tangi- ble universe to occur, it could not affect the glory and power of spiritual things. Undying as the God who first sent it forth to speak its marvellous message to the souls of our race, this Voice will never die. No anarchy can destroy it, no convulsions drown its sweet music. When the Voice of Despair seeks to cast away the anchor of Hope, the Voice of Religion with its sublime consola- tions tells of the star that is shining yet through the storm-cloud of the darkened sky ! How awful and yet how matchless in pathos are the evidences of this Voice immortal ! Could men but be persuaded to listen to its music, how much of misery might be obviated, how much of agony softened and made bearable 1 Voice of the eternal and unchangeable Hope recorded in the Word of God, how rich with power and tenderness are thy tones ! Thou hast no empty, mocking laugh to make our lot miserable, no vision to show us of an end like that of animals, without a future. Not to taunt and degrade us are thy objects, but to raise and ennoble, to lead us to soar above all worldly trials and sufferings, and place our trust in a Rock that shall never be moved by earthly tempests ; to whisper in our dying ears the Saviour's love, and tell of a home brightly dawn- ing where all tears shall be wiped away ! Glorious Voice, why is it Digitized by Google TWO VOICES. 349 that men heed thee not, but are led captive bj thy rival Voice, speaking only of temporal and passing joys ? Yet reader, the Voice of the spiritual is the truest and best after all. Where may we hear it ? Thy conscience tells thee that often has it sought to urge thee to listen to its marvellous story. Beyond this, thou hast heard it resounding from the pages of Holy Writ ; and not a page but is instinct with its joyous peals of faith and love, mingled with a sure hope of the blessed future. Now it speaks of tender sentiments and holy affections ; anon, perchance it whispers of sorrow and sadness ; but sorrow made bearable by reboundings of love ; and sadness made radiant with the sunny gleams of a Father's compassion. Now, it may be heard in trumpet sounds that tell of the sublime future of the redeemed ; now with funeral dirge bewailing the cursed lot of those who will not be rescued from the boiling ocean of sin and depravity. This voice is hostile to all savouring of selfishness, or the tone of worldly wisdom which is foolishness to God. Varied are its burdens, but its object is one ; it seeks to save the lost sheep, and its strains are ever exalted and pure, pointing to its supernatural origin. All holy sentiment, all the best and noblest imaginings of our race find in it a natural ex- pression. It is the Voice of our Maker, as uttered in signs and symbols ; while the other Voice is but a perverse distraction of all the meanings that lie hidden in the mysteries around our lives. One is prompted from within, — the outcome of man's vanity — the other is the messenger from a distant sphere of immortal spirits, which at present we cannot understand or appreciate fully, because of our imperfection. But the secret monitor of every human heart responds to the Voice whispering of Life Eternal ; while the com- fortless, unsatisfying burden of the Voice of Science finds no echo in human souls, save in the debased, who have all but blotted out their spiritual capacities. O ye Voices of the many strains, great and marvellous are your powers ! Our hearts are sad or gay, pensive or buoyant, as we hear thy sounds, borne in upon our listening spirits by thy various teach- ings ! Come thou, O Voice of Religion, and lend us thy soul- cheering battle-song over the march of Life, for that other false and wavering leader can never help us in our weary course. May thy holy cadences be ever around the young, who need to hear thee early, ere thy wicked rival whisper her soul destroying tale to their young and simple understandings. May thy noble refrain sound in the ears of the manhood of our day also, and turn them from the specious mockeries of sense and time to the everlasting verities of spirit and eternity. Voice of the wonderful Being who made us as we are, come thou in old age, and be the solace of the fast-fading life ! Point thy sweet and mystic words of comfort, and assure the troubled ones that there t's a Future after the dark river has been crossed ; a land of immortal delight that not the quenching of the mortal spark can ever wrest from the grip of a Faith in Christ, who purchased that sublime inheritance for all the children of Adam. Voice of adoration, voice of pure and holy comfort, come to the bereaved ones too, and assure them that one day the lost and loved Digitized by Google 350 TWO VOICES. shall meet again on the incorruptible shores ! O be thou near us all when life looks black and sombre with terrible ordeals to be passed ; when friends have been swept away, fortune has vanished, and no earthly props are left ! Sweet Voice, that didst first enter this sinful world when the Sacrifice of the Cross was lifted up, cease not thy eloquent beseechings ; end not thy exquisite story of mercy and love, or we perish. Then, through the upheavings of all that is changing and temporal ; when the place that now knows us shall know us no more, we will hold with firm assurance to the heavenly promise thou givest us. Voice of the spiritual world, voice which never has failed to plead with human hearts, may we hear thee ever louder and clearer above the false Voice that seeks to usurp thy functions. And thou, O Voice of Science, and the philosophy of the world, what shall we say to thee ? Canst thou offer any excuse for thy intrusion to an atmosphere hallowed by such sainted memories as Religion brings to our minds ? Barest thou to prattle about annihilation in presence of that price paid for man's redemp- tion ; when, too, every human conscience reverberates the story of our immortality ; when every secret breast finds assurances of a life beyond ? Wilt thou lightly broach the pernicious philosophy of human destiny which man has created in such companionship, and with such overwhelming evidence against thee ? O presume not to touch with the soiled and stained hand of human depravity the things of God ! Keep thy marvellous power to throw out and dis- play the handiwork of that Creator whom thou canst not thwart, but speak not of the mysteries thou hast no key to unlock ! We would that thou mightest be the twin-voice to accompany that other and loftier music of which we have spoken. Voices of the world around — one instinct with spirit meaning, the other telling only of wonders that refresh the intellect and keep the animal life healthy and active, — we should then hail thee as helping mankind to learn great lessons ere he quit this mortal home ! Thou, Voice of Science, assuredly hast a place to fill in the great march of events. Thou art instrumental in building up edifices of learning and power, and shouldst lead men to pierce through these material benefits to the God who gave power and genius to the brains of men. Keep thy stirring shouts of victory for the sphere to which thou art called, but approach not the awful and sacred truths of the Unseen world. With that thou hast nothing in common, thy touch and thy voice there are pollution and sacrilege. Sweep thou proudly the realms of the material Universe, and bring out gems of thought to delight and interest our race in all that is pure and noble for study, but let the Voice of thy holier sister, Religion, alone touch the theme of Life and Death ; and all spiritual mysteries which fascinate the subtle human spirit with charms inexpressible. No Voice can we own in things Divine but that which so grandly dis- courses in Holy Writ ; which is heard sometimes in the solitude of brooding human hearts, and reaches the immortal principle within ! Here thy impudent boasting is meaningless and void of any ray of Hope or Faith ; and wildly fallacious is the guide thou seekest to Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHER. 35 1 offer us. Voices all, voices many and varied, that harass and per- plex our fellows, O give way and cease your troubling, that the " still small Voice " may come into our hearts and give eternal peace and joy ! E. Clifford. MARTIN LUTHER. A Lecture Delivered in the Bible Christian Chapel, Newport, Monmouth, by Geo. W. Armstrong, Cardiff. Part III. Luther the Hero. Luther asserted that a general council of the Christian Church was superior to the Pope, and he accordingly made an appeal from Pope Leo X. to a general council. This appeal led to the most magnificent episode in his life — his appearance before the Council or Diet of Worms. This council was composed of all the princes, dukes, lords, and all the high dignitaries of state, both temporal and spiritual, in the various kingdoms and principalities of the great German Empire, with the Emperor at its head. Business of State had to be transacted, but the all-important and absorbing business was *' the doctrines of Luther." The diet commenced on the 6th of January, 152 1, in the city of Worms, situate on the Rhine. Luther's health was not good at the time, and his friends tried to dissuade him from going, but Luther said, ** If I cannot go there as a man in good health, I will be carried there on a litter, for since the Emperor has summoned me I can only regard his commands as the voice of God. Expect anything from me but flight and recan- tation. Fly I cannot; still less recant." Luther's journey was, however, delayed, and Alexander took advantage of it, and sought to get Luther condemned in his absence. The princes would not be so unjust, and the opinion began to prevail that Luther must be innocent of the charges, or why require such a hasty condemnation ? The Nuncio Alexander spoke against Luther for fully three hours, and closed by asking that Luther might be burnt ; for said he, ** There is sufficient in the errors of Luther to warrant the burning of a hundred thousand heretics." Luther took leave of his friends amidst prayers and tears, on the 2nd of April, 1521, and every one thought he was going to certain death, and were under the impression that they would see his face no more. He exhorted them " to stand fast in the faith." At the various towns through which he passed crowds of people met him, anxious to see the man who had so boldly bid defiance to the Pope, Digitized by Google 352 MARTIN LUTHBR. and had burnt his bull. During the journey some one remarked, "Ah, there are plenty of cardinals and bishops at Worms. You will be burnt alive, and your body reduced to ashes, as they did John Hubs." Even these saddening reflections did not move Luther, or affect his determination ; they only nerved him to fresh resolution, and produced a noble reply in these ever memorable words : " Though they should kindle a fire, whose flames should reach from Worms to Wittenberg, and rise up to heaven, I would go through it in the name of the Lord, and stand before them. I would enter the jaws of the behemoth, break his teeth, and proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ." Pursuing his joruney, Luther reached Frankfort on the 14th of April, at which town he wrote to Spolatan, *'I am arrived here, although Satan has sought to stop me on the road by sickness. I find that Charles has issued an edict to terrify me, but Christ lives, and we enter Worms in spite of all the councils of hell, and all the powers of the air, therefore engage a lodging for me." The nearer Luther got to Worms the greater became the consternation of the papal party. They tried to prevent his progress, thinking by this means to thwart the effect of the safe conduct, as in three more days the protection it afforded him would expire. Friends, anxious for his safety, urged him not to enter Worms, but he turned a deaf ear to all entreaties. His friend Spolatan sent a messenger, begging him to proceed no further, by whom Luther sent this reply : ** Go, tell your master, that even although there were as many devils at Worms as there are tiles upon the roof, I would enter it," and enter it he did ! Such firmness and courage is almost without a parallel ; he truly went — " Into the jaws of death, Into the mouth of Hell," alone, and single handed, knowing that he would be surrounded on all hands by his foes, but with implicit confidence in the God he ser\'ed, believing he could make a way for his escape. On the 1 6th of April, 1521, Luther entered Worms. Never before had a simple monk been favoured with such a triumphal greeting. About 1 00 persons, mounted on horses, went out of the city to meet him, and the Emperor's herald announced his approach. Luther rode in a covered waggon, and this was followed by nearly the whole city, for every one was deeply anxious to see — " The solitary monk that shook the world." As he alighted he was heard to exclaim, "God' will be my defence." His appearance in Worms created the greatest consternation among both friends and foes. At four o'clock on the day after his arrival he was summoned to appear before the Emperor and the princes. Never before had a preacher of the Gospel, and I may say never since, such an audience to declare the Lord Jesus Christ to* There were nearly the whole of the dignitaries, both in Church Digitized by Google MARTIN LTTTHBR. 353 and State, and strange to say, the temporal had more regard for honour and integrity, and a higher sense of moral obligation, than the spiritual! " Luther is come," said the Emperor Charles. "What are we to do ?" The Bishop of Palermo, replied, ** We have thought long about this matter; let your Majesty at once rid yourself of this man. Did not Sigismund bring John Huss to the stake ? One is under no obligation either to give or to observe a safe conduct in the case of heretics." To which Charles replied, ** Not so ; what we promise, we should observe and keep," It was thus agreed that Luther should be heard. Luther was up betimes, and set about preparing for the events of the day. He agonized in prayer; sought the Divine blessing ; cast himself entirely upon the Lord, and besought Him to stand by him as his only support. Thus strengthened and invigorated for the conflict, he followed the herald to the Town Hall. Never had a royal and victorious warrior a more magnificent spectacle to gaze upon. The house tops, the windows of the houses, and the streets were crowded with people. Persons belonging to all classes of society, and multitudes of the common people flocked around him. Luther is calm amidst it all. In the Town Hall is the Emperor, the electors, dukes, archbishops, bishops and princes — in all about two hundred. Noble as the assembly was, the son of the miner of Mansfield was, " The noblest of aU the noble there." The chancellor of the archbishop of Treves, put two questions to Luther: — First: Do you acknowledge Aat these books were written by you.? Second : Do you wish to retract these bt)oks, or do you now persist in the things therein advanced } The titles of the books having been read to him, he acknowledged their authorship ; but requested time to consider his reply to the second. His request being granted, the diet adjourned until four p.m. next day. The papists tried to circulate the report, that Luther asking for time was only done to cover his retreat ; but Luther only asked for time to consider his reply, so that it might riot appear to be de- livered in haste, or under the influence of excitement. The whole city was in quite a ferment, and probably Luther, about whom all this stir was being made, was the calmest man in the city. He employed the time between the two meetings in prayer, and in conversation with his friends. At four o'clock he again appeared before the Imperial Court, to give the answer he could just as easily have given the day before. The chancellor, rising, said to Luther, " Dost thou desire to defend thy books as a whole, or dost thou wish to retract aught thereof?" "Wherefore," we are told, "Dr. Martin Luther replied in the humblest and the most submissive manner. He did not shout or express himself in a violent tone, but with candour, mildness, propriety, and modesty, and yet with much Christian cheerfulness and firmness." Digitized by Google 354 MARTIN LUTHBR. The reply filled the whole court with solemn awe and amazement ; producing admiration in many present, the indignation of his prejudiced enemies, and resulted in gaining many of the German princes to his cause, and at its close to be told by the chancellor that he had evaded the question, seems like stupid irony. But Luther, equal to the occasion, condensed his reply into few words, thus : — " Since your Serene Majesty, and your High Mightinesses require me to give a clear, simple, and precise reply, such will I give. I cannot submit my faith either to Pope or Councils, inas- much as it is clear as daylight that these have fallen into error, and even into gross contradictions with themselves. If then I be not convinced by testimony from Scripture, or by evident reasons ; if people cannot persuade me by the very passages I have quoted, and if they thus fail to render my conscience to the word of God, / neither can nor will retract anything, for it is not safe for a Christian to say anything against his conscience'' Then steadily contemplating the august assembly before him, which, humanly speaking, held his life in his hands, he exclaimed ; — Here I stand ; I can do no other; God help me. Amen. His audience was paralyzed with astonishment ; a mere monk, who had defied the supreme pontiff, speaking with such confident boldness in the presence of the most powerful monarch in the world. The Emperor was the first to break the profound silence, by saying, " The monk speaks with an intrepid heart, and an un- shaken courage." The Chancellor spoke next, and said, *' If thou dost not retract, the Emperor and the states of the empire will see what course they ought to adopt towards an obstinate heretic." Luther's friends shuddered at the horrid thought, for they well knew what it implied, but thg dauntless monk calmly replied, '* Be God my help, for I can retract nothing." After a few more formalities, in which Luther continued to act with godly boldness, he prepared to return to Wittenberg, well knowing that the Emperor's decision was an adverse one, though its execution was delayed. Rome clamoured for Luther's death quite as eagerly as the Jews called for the death of Christ. " His ashes ought to be thrown into the Rhine, as was the fate of John Huss," said they ; but Charles, probably owing to his youth, was not prepared for such a step then, though we are told, on his death bed, he bitterly repented not having yielded to the wishes of the bishops. Knight George, of Wartberg. On his way back from Worms, Luther was captured by friendly hands, made a prisoner, and to prevent detection he was clothed in the garments of a knight. He was led through the woods of Thuringen on a powerful steed, until having evaded the possibility of exposure, he was placed safely within the strong walls of the ancient castle of Wartberg, in which castle he* was known by the name of Knight George, and wore the dress and sword of that order. Never was there nobler knight in any castle of Germany than the Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHER. 355 extemporized one, Martin Luther, and never had noble knight displayed more true heroism and genuine bravery that Knight George, of Wartberg Castle. Luther's imprisonment produced profound excitement throughout all Germany, and all kinds of rumours were afloat which led to the strongest denunciations of the papacy. The general belief was that Luther had been captured by the Romish party, and had been put to death. Popular feeling became so intense that even the papal party were alarmed for the consequences, and some one wrote to the Bishop of Mentz, saying, ** The best thing we can do is to light our torches, and go search for Luther throughout the earth, till we can restore him to the nation that will have him." The Translation and Circulation of the Bible. Luther was in the Wartberg about nine months, during which time he was engaged on the translation of the Bible, and on his return to Wittenberg, after his period of confinement, one of his first acts was to revise and print the New Testament. Three printing presses were set to work, and thus 10,000 sheets were struck off every day. The first edition, which consisted of 3,000 copies, was soon sold. Edition followed edition in quick succession, and by the end of the year 1523, no lest than forty-eight editions had been put into circulation. The New Testament produced wonderful effects upon the people, in changing their lives and reforming their homes. Rome growled, but was impotent to harm. She could not burn Luther, so she took her revenge by burning, as far as possible, the Bible he had translated. Rome felt that her power and influence was becoming less and less, as the doctrines of Luther became better known, and so she resorted to the dastardly and base expedient oi persecution y to crush out, if possible, the reformation ; but there arose a ** noble army of martyrs," "who counted not their lives dear unto them that they might gain Christ." The Elector Frederick stood firm to the Gospel, and also to Luther, and Alexander said of him, " Rome is ruined — as to the Elector Frederick, we must take off" his head." These extreme demands only showed the hollowness of the papacy, and pushed forward the cause of the Reformation. The Married Monk. When in the Wartberg Castle Luther published a tract to prove that the celibacy of the priesthood was not in accordance with the Bible, and that Rome, in forbidding the clergy to marry, was acting in direct opposition to the law of God. This tract emptied many monasteries and nunneries, and priests, monks and nuns, entered into the ** holy state of matrimony." After some little time Luther also swelled the ranks, for he took unto himself a wife on the 13th of June, 1525. He married Catherine de Bora, a nun, who, with eight others, escaped from a nunnery in Saxony, in 1523. The union was a most happy one, and resulted in Luther becoming the father of six children. The Elector gave him the deserted monastery of Wittenberg, to be his home, and the gloomy habitation of monks B 2 Digitized by Google 35^ GEORGE MOORS. became the cheerful and happy home of a Christian family, where the voice of melody was often heard, and the praises of God re- sounded in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs. Luther's married life soothed his troubles, and gave him a more mild and gentle disposition, and was a check upon his impetuous and somewhat hasty temperament. Luther's marriage had severed the last thread that could be said to cling to him as a means whereby he could have been received back into the Church of Rome. A married monk was an impossi- bility in a church which had enacted laws of priestly celibacy. The Reformation continued to spread. It had been born, nursed, and reared amidst profound upheavings and storms. The ship was sailing with the word of God for its chart, and Christ for its captain — a captain that could guide it through all its perils, and bring it to the haven of peace. Further councils and diets were held at Spiers, at Nuremberg, and again at Augsberg. The more the sword of the secular power was raised against the Reformation, the more the ** sword of the Spirit" achieved moral triumphs; until every country in Europe had received, to a greater or less extent, the blessings of the Gospel of Christ. The work was God's, the chief human instrument, Martin Luther. The Reformation was a great blessing gained at a great cost. Those who were the first to accept the light of truth had to suflfer the tortures of the Inquisition, were imprisoned, burned at the stake, perished with the sword, and had their property confiscated. Our noble and courageous ancestors procured for us at a tremend- ous sacrifice the spiritual, mental, and physical freedom we possess ; our duty is to hand it down to posterity unimpaired. There are, however, influences at work, in this our day, insidious, secret, and constant, to deprive us of the liberty we enjoy through the un- fettered circulation of the Word of God — influences that would lead us back to the midnight darkness of the middle ages, and hand us back once more to the paternal care of his holiness the Pope. The most potent of these influences is one that derives its sustenance from the coflfers of a professedly Protestant Church, and is commonly known by the name of " Ritualism ; " a system which violates its obligations to a Protestant State ; defies its laws, disregards its pledges, and subverts the faith it is paid to sustain. The antidote of Ritualism is Disestablishment and Disendowment, and the sooner the remedy is applied the better it will be for the Protestantism of our country. QEORQE MOORED Mr. Smiles has long been known as one of our best biographical writers, and fortunate are the men the perpetuation of whose memory and work is left to his skilful and lucid pen. At the * George Moore, Merchant and PMlantliropist. By Samuel Smiles, L.L.D. George Routledge & Sons. Digitized by Google GEORGE MOORE. 357 recent banquet of the Civil Engineers, Mr. Gladstone congratulated the professon on having Mr. Smiles as their historian ; " no other profession, I think, has been happier in its biographers," said he. And his " Self-help," a book of short biographies of self-made men, was it not one of the most stimulating books we ever took from the shelves of a subscription library in our youth ? And now Mr. Smiles has given us a life of George Moore, the princely merchant of London, and munificent patron and painstaking worker on be- half of innumerable philanthropic and religious enterprizes. George Moore was bom in 1806 at Mealsgate, Cumberland, a border county that was the scene in olden times of much brisk fighting, when raids were made by the Scots for predatory purposes. The necessity there was of being ready at an hour's notice to de- fend their stock and produce against the freebooters, who were in the habit of coming stealthily across the sands of the Solway when the tide was out, or of threading their way by intricate moorland- paths over the border-land, developed a race of hardy and warlike hills-men that were equally ready to delve or dirk. The Cumberland men often made reprisals on their neighbours northward over the strip of debateable land that lay between them ; and it must be ad- mitted that those border-folk possessed no very nice sense of the difference between meum and tuum ; neither could it be exactly said of either the Scots or their English neighbour, " he dwelleth securely by thee." From these grim borderers have descended a race of sturdy and stalwart men, not a few of whom have won a foremost place in the army and navy, in the professions, and the commerce of the country. They say that more Lifeguardsmen are recruited from these parts than any other place in the land. The fiery energy and strength of will that used to make the Elliots, Grahams, Armstrongs and Moores of the Cumbrian Fells, such stiff fellows in a rencounter, have come out in their descendants in such men as General Elliot, who so bravely defended Gibraltar, Sir James Graham, one of our greatest statesmen. Sir William Armstrong, the inventor of the Armstrong gun, and George Moore, the grandly successful man of business and untiring worker in every cause that engaged his sympathies. George Moore's family belonged to the " statesmen" of Cumber- land, a respectable and independent class of men answering to the " yeomen" of the southern counties, that have been gradually dis- appearing during the present century. The "statesmen" lived generation after generation on their estates, tilled their own soil, and what of the produce they did not themselves consume they sold to buy the household articles that they could not make. They stood midway between squires and labourers, worked hard, lived frugally, and enjoyed an honest independence. Fair, market and church were the only little breaks in their life of daily toil. But the last two generations have seen great changes. The small hold- ings of the statesmen are being bought up by wealthy landowners, who throw them together, make of them large estates that can only be farmed by large capitalists ; and the Cumberland statesman, like the yeoman, and from the same cause, is fast becoming a thing of Digitized by Google 358 QBORGB MOORE. the past. This disappearance of families and habitations from rural districts is suggestive of reflections by no means wholly of an agreeable kind. ** HI fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates and men decay." The subject of Mr. Smiles' biography was named after an old bachelor uncle who said he meant to do something for the child ; and he was as good as his word, for he bequeathed him^ioo, which had been, with accumulations of interest, increased to ^170 by the time it was wanted, and stood George in good stead when he started in business for himself years after in London. The christening was made the most of, no doubt because of the bachelor uncle and the something that he was going to do for the babe. A chaise was actually hired from Wigton to take the mother and in- fant to church, an unheard-of extravagance, as at that time chaises were uncommon, and were spoken of contemptuously by the folk as those " queer trundlin* kists on't road." A chaise was got, and away they went to church, where the babe was baptized in the name of his uncle and godfather, George Moore. His father used to afterwards say of him that " he had begun the world with a chaise, and he was likely to end it with a chaise." At eight years of age George was sent to school, but the educa- tion was of a most miserable kind. Cumberland was no better off than other English counties in the provision it made for the educa- tion of the rising generation. A man who had failed in everything else he had tried, or a poor fellow with a stick-leg, or a club-foot, or a claw-hand, was thought good enough to be a teacher. In George Moore's case, the teaching was given by a man addicted to drink. He was called " Black-bird " Wilson, because he could imitate the singing of any bird in the neighbourhood, and especially of the blackbird. George Moore describes him as a man ** who used to drive the learning into us with a thick ruler. The wonder is he did not break our skulls. Perhaps he calculated on their thickness." Afterwards the instruction was imparted by a humaner and better teacher, but with it all the lad was never taken beyond the three R's, with spelling. He had not heard of any possible attainments beyond the subjects contained in that curriculum. George was a boy of unusual physical strength, and delighted much in sports that tested his fibre ; he was very fond of wrestling, which he practised for years after to keep his hand in. The old Cumber- land wrestling was in great renown ; and singularly enough, a wrestling match was the first thing he engaged in on coming up to London, a raw lad, to seek his fortune. Arriving by coach the night before Good Friday he knew it would be of no use to seek a situation that day as all the shops were closed ; so he went to Chelsea where sports were being carried on, and finding that wrestling was one of the orders of the day, he stepped in the ring for a bout, and won renown at once by throwing every man who stood up \o hira. Strangers wanted to treat him, but he made off in haste, and would not drink. He little thought then, that for more than fifty years Digitized by Google GEORGE MOORE. 359 onward he would be called to contend with and subdue in that great throbbing city other kinds of forces ; but the incident is strik- ing as showing the self-reliance and sturdy stuff of which the un- gainly lad was made. As a boy, too, he thought it a rare treat when he could get away on an old bare-backed horse of his father's, across country after John Peel's hounds, a pack of noted harriers in those parts. At eleven years of age he, with another boy, set off to Carlisle to see a man hanged who had passed a forged Scotch note ; and he did the journey, and walked back the same night, a distance of thirty-four miles. At twelve, he kept time and pace in the har- vest field with the men ; and he earned two shilllings a day, with his food, which was considered unequalled for a boy of his age. He excelled both at work and at play even already ; and he went on doing the same . life throughout. He was an excellent player at marbles. He was so successful that the other boys thought the merit was due to the marbles and not to the player ! They conse- quently bought his marbles for a penny a-piece, though they cost him only five for a penny. And years after when he, as a commer- cial traveller, took up all the orders on the road he travelled, and left no business scarcely for those who came after him, men used to think much like his playmates had done, that the merit was in the marbles and not in the player. But George Moore knew very well it was not so. After he had gained -a position for himself, he used to often denounce the stupid notion that men who get on succeed through " good luck." " No," he said, " honest work, and always at it," was the only way to get on. And here, my readers, is a lesson to be learnt from George Moore's life, that the game is won, not by the marbles, but by the skill of the player. At twelve years of age our hero was sent to "a finishing school" at Blennerhasset for one quarter, which cost his father eight shil- lings. The master was more efficient than George's previous teachers, and the lad began to find out how ignorant he was. He saw too, that learning was of some advantage. He had been thinking for some time of going away from home, and he resolved he would do so ; he would never ** hang about at home half idle ;" he would leave home at thirteen, and " fight the battle of life for himself," he said. And wouldn't it be better for many a lad, and for those about him, if he formed the same resolution, and started out into the world to make his own way — did anything rather than ** hang about " year after year " half idle at home ? " George had no tastes in common with his brother Thomas who stayed on the estate, and being the eldest son would by and bye take his father's place. Many years^after when George had accumulated an immense fortune, and purchased the Whitehall estate in his native place, built a beautiful house, and laid out an extensive park, he was standing one day on the lawn with the Bishop of Carlisle, who with many other notables, was his guest, when Thomas came up across the park covered with hay, and with a rake on his shoul- ders ; George introduced his brother to the Bishop facetiously as his brother Thomas, " a distinguished statesman." Thomas had continued all those years at Mealsgate, content with his lot as a Digitized by Google 360 6SORGE MOORE. Cumberland " statesman/* whilst George had gone out into the larger and busier world of commerce, and amassed a fortune. But every man in his own order. Thomas was in his place, and George where he ought to be. George was very determined in his decision to. leave home ; his father was very reluctant to let him go, ** for he was a good worker," but the lad would go, so there was no help for it but to do the best thing they could to obtain a suitable place for him. He was bound apprentice to a draper named Messenger, of Wigton, a neighbouring market town. Arrangements were made for him to sleep at his master's, but take his meals at the adjoining public house I The boy had to do much menial work, besides stand behind the counter. His master proved to be a hard drinker, his fellow-apprentice was very cruel to him, and at the public house he learned to gamble. He was in danger of being ruined. The turning point happily came one Christmas-day. He had been at cards all the night before ; in the morning the waits came round, playing the Christmas carols. " Strangely better thoughts," he says, ** came over me with the sweet music." He was overwhelmed with remorse. He lay in bed twenty-four hours ; nobody came near him. He was without food or drink. He got up the following morning a better lad ; he had resolved to entirely give up cards and gambling, which he firmly carried out, as he did everything he made up his mind to. He won the confidence of his master, and was often employed in matters of trust. And by the time his apprenticeship was over he was the stay of the business, which his master, who was drinking harder than ever, was neglecting more and more. When George left, Messenger quickly went to ruin. George Moore now made up his mind to go to London. His father gave him £^0 to pay his way, though he all along looked upon George as a lad who had stepped down in life, for why couldn't he " stick by the land,*' as his fathers had done before him ? There was a good deal of "greeting" at his departure, and his father fairly broke down when old Nanny Graves, with whom George boarded, after he gave up taking his meals at the public house, said to John Moore, ** What gars ye greet that way ? depend upon *t yer son '11 either be a great nowt or a great soomat 1" Nanny Graves was quite right ; George Moore turned out ** a great soomat** indeed ! At length he started ; Mary, his sister, of whom he was very fond, going part of the way to Carlisle with him, to carry his bundle. Next morning, at five o'clock, he left by coach for London, where he arrived on the morning of the third day after setting out from Carlisle. He dic^ his best to obtain a situation, but to his bitter disappointment the second Sunday came round, and he had not heard of anything to suit him. He felt very lonely and sad, — " There, with small wealth, but his legs and his hands. As lonely he stood, as a crow on the sands." There is not a place in the world that seems more solitary than London to one who is without friends ; and so George Moore, the Digitized by Google GEORGE MOORE. 36 1 youth of eighteen, began to feel. The time was come for him to send his promised letter to his father ; he sat down to write it, but it was so blotted with tears that he couldn't send it. He would wait another week, and then if he could find no opening in London he would go to America. He had begun to think, as he afterwards said, that he was a rather unmarketable commodity in London. His northern dialect and uncouth appearance made against him. One draper that he applied to asked him if it was a porte?s situation that he wanted, an observation, he has told us, ** that almost broke his heart." At last Mr. Ray, of Grafton House, a Cumberland statesman's son, who knew about his father's family, and wished to befriend him, took him on, with a salary of ^30 a year, which he "•joyfully accepted." The life, the habits of business, were all new to him, and he felt that he compared very disadvantageously with the quicker men about him ; but he was willing to learn ; he was always ready to do anything ; and to improve his slender education he put himself to a night school, after the hours of business were over. Referring to this period of his life he informs us that ** at the end of eighteen months he had added considerably to his previous knowledge, and felt himself able to stand side by side with his competitors." " Let no one rely on what is termed luck," said he, "'Depend upon it, that the only luck is merits He did not stay at Ra>'s long, for he had made up his mind to leave the retail trade ; but before he went away he had determined on another thing, and spoken his decision to his shopmates, and that was, " if he ever married, to make his master's daughter his wife ;" a bright girl, whom he had seen, with her mother, in the shop one day. Of course they laughed at him, and said he must be mad to think of such a thing. But the idea had taken possession of his mind, and nothing could dislodge it. After many years of hard work the dream of his youth was fulfilled, and the girl did become his wife. But he had many trials and difficulties to go through first. As yet he was only a poor lad, without a position, and he must make a position for himself if ever he is to win his master's daughter. The story of his getting on in the employment of Fisher, Stroud and Robinson, is told by Mr. Smiles, in the fifth chapter of the book. How he was ridiculed out of a good deal of his clumsiness, and, by and bye, became one of the smartest men in the place ; how he was sent out, after a while, as town traveller for the firm, and did so well that he was next put upon the Liverpool and Manchester road, where he worked so successfully, that he greatly increased his employers' buisness. He swept the ground clear, and scarcely any orders could be got by travellers who went the same road after Moore. The house was astonished at the orders he sent in ; he became known in all the commercial rooms as, " The Napoleon of Watling Street." He regularly sat up two nights a week ; journeyed to the towns he had to canvass early in the morning, before the shops were open, and spent sixteen hours a day in calling upon customers. He now had a field worthy of his mighty energies, and he displayed his powers astonishingly. His brain-power had been held in reserve in the slowly growing days of his youth ; but he was the better man for it now. Digitized by Google 362 GEORGE MOORE. He now began to rise very rapidly ; but before we further notice his career of success and enterprise, it is worth our while to pause to repeat the story of his first visit to the House of Commons. After he had been in London about two years he had a great desire to see the House. He accordingly got a half holiday for the purpose. He knew nothing about getting an order from an M.P., and had not the slightest doubt in his mind about getting in. He first tried the strangers gallery, and failed. He then hung about the entrance, to see whether he could find some opportunity. He saw three or four members hurrying in, and he hurried in with them. The doorkeepers had not noticed him. He walked into the middle of the House, and got into a seat with the name of "Canning" upon it, He then proceeded to a seat behind, where he sat all the evening ! He heard Canning make a brilliant speech on bringing forward his motion to reduce the duty on com. Canning was followed by other speakers. The youth sat out the whole debate. Had he been discovered he might have been taken up for breach of privilege. Little did he dream, at that time, that the day would come when the City of London, the noblest con- stituency in the country, would ask him to stand for election as their member, ai>d the opposite political party promise that if he would, they would not oppose his election ; and that ffrst and last, half a dozen other seats, borough and county, would be offered to him. But so it was. George Moore could never be persuaded, however, to enter the house as a representative of the people. It happened that about the time Moore was doing so much business for the partners on the northern road, an active traveller, named Groucock, partner in a firm which had been recently estab- lished, was carrying off all the trade in Ireland. The business there had fallen off. Fisher and Robinson accordingly determined to send their young traveller to Ireland, to bring back their trade, and, if possible, to extend it. Moore proved a successful competitor with Groucock; in fact Groucock found it necessary to come to terms with the indefatigable traveller. He offered Moore jfsoo a year if he would travel for his house instead of for Fisher's. It was a very tempting offer, for Moore's salary was only ^150 a year. The offer was firmly refused. ** He would be a servant for no other house than Fisher's ; the only condition on which he would leave him was a partnership." At length Groucock yielded to his terms, and in 1830, at the age of twenty-three, George Moore entered as partner into the firm of Groucock and Copestake. The entire capital of the house at this time was only ^4,650, to which George Moore added ^^670, his father having raised jfsoo for him by mortgaging his estate, which added to the ^170, to which the /^loo left him by his uncle had, with accumulated interest, increased, made the amount. He now worked harder than ever, and soon found that he was " burning the candle at both ends." He was ordered to take a long rest, which he did, by travelling three months in America. He came back with health restored, and worked in- cessantly at building up the fortunes of the house in which he was partner. And there was need that the partners should live economi- Digitized by Google GEORGE MOORE. 363 cally and work hard. The times were bad. Mr. Moore had entered the firm just when the Reform Bill agitation was at its height. The distress of the country was great; there was severe pressure for money. But everything that could be done, the three partners determined to do. Moore and Groucock travelled all the year round, and there were not two abler commercials in the country. Mr. Copestake managed the finances. He was an excellent ware- houseman. He never spent a day out of the office ; nor for half the time of Mr. Moore's partnership with him did he take a day's holiday. At the beginning of 1832 the firm owed ^14,133, whilst the stock was valued only at ^^8,435, though the book debts and cash in hand amounted to /^ 14,406. In fact, the firm was trading close upon its means, and it could only keep alive by turning over its capital again and again in the course of the year. At length they succeeded in surmounting the difficulties of this crucial period in their history, and had the satisfaction of seeing the profits of the firm doubled every year for many years. A factory was started at Nottingham ; warehouses in the chief trading towns of the country, and agencies in America and Europe, until the house became one of the largest in the world. Mr. Moore was prompt, accurate, straightforward, in these years of early success a man of high moral tone, though not as yet a man of decidedly religious spirit. The death of his first wife, the ** Eliza Ray " of his youth, just after he had completed the furnishing of the magnificent house in Kensington Palace Gardens, which he had built chiefly for her sake, was one of the mournful events that directed his thoughts earnestly to a world higher than the one he had so much to do with. He became prayerful, and addressed himself with his wonted energy to more thoroughly practical Christian work than he had before attempted. He read the Word of God more than ever, though this was a practice he had managed to keep up somehow amid the inexorable claims of business, as extracts given from the diary which he wrote up every day show. His works of beneficence grew upon his hands just as rapidly as he had seen his business increase under his, and his partners', manage- ment. His partners used to smilingly speak of every new work that Moore took up for the good of others — and almost every month for some years saw him associating himself, hand and purse, with some fresh undertaking — as another safety-valve^ through which he worked off his superfluous energy. Institutions for the benefit of "Cummerland lads" in London, works for the education and religious instruction of the people of his own county after he had bought an estate there, such as building schools, employing scrip- ture-readers, supporting a perambulating library, his support of the Field Lane Ragged School, and of the midnight meetings move- ment, are among the innumerable philanthropic enterprizes that enlisted his aid. He became trustee for many public institutions, frequently took great pains to get situations for young men from the country, for he remembered the difficulty he had himself ex- perienced in getting one when he first came to London, would invite them out to dine with him at Kensington, at his beautiful mansion, Digitized by Google 364 GEORGE MOORE. forty and fifty at a time, would send young men who were out of health down to his estate at Whitehall, that the air and quietude might aid their recovery ; and when, after the siege of Paris, the Mansion House Relief Fund, and tons of food had to be sent and distributed among the starving Parisians, the responsible task was committed to George Moore ; and after many perplexing diflSculties he succeeded in getting the first relief train into Paris after the surrender that reached the famished inhabitants ; and he said " he thought he should have died if he hadn't succeeded in doing this." He superintended the distribution of food for weeks together to the eager, hungry people of all classes ; and won the lasting love of the country. The sights of woe and suffering he witnessed at this time followed him for months, so that he could scarcely sleep ; as it was, his health suffered much, and he was never the same man after he returned home from his devoted and laborious work in Paris. About sixty thousand pounds' worth of goods had been got into Paris, and it had been distributed as fast as possible in forty dif- ferent depdts. To show the respect that the French cherish for his name, we may mention that one day a lady was passing Mr. Moore's house in Kensington Palace Gardens in company with a French gentleman, when she observed that he took off his hat. She asked him the reason, and he replied that he should always do so whenever he passed the house of ^^ cet homme de hieny We shall not attempt to enumerate the movements that Mr. Moore identified himself with ; the mere list of names would occupy much space. Among other things there was the help he rendered to the many movements sustained by the clergy in the diocese of Carlisle, his relief of poor clergy, the erection of Christ's Church, Somers Town, at his own cost, engaging distinguished gentlemen to lecture to his young men at Bow Churchyard, and a chaplain to conduct daily morning prayer among them, with exposition of Scripture, which occupied fifteen minutes ; but still more consider- able, perhaps, was the work he did for Christ's Hospital, and above all for the Commercial Travellers' School, which he did more than any other man to make a great success and one of our finest insti- tutions. Besides these there were the works he did in secret, which many think were more numerous than those that he did under the of the public. All these schemes he threw himself into heart and soul, as though his own success in life depended on them ; and that, too, when he was one of the foremost men in London com- mercial life. He was high sheriff for his county, and a county magistrate, and scores of other things. He was pricked sheriff of London, but paid the fine rather than stand, as he considered the duties of office would interfere with the useful works he had on hand. For the same reason he persisted in refusing to be nomi- nated as candidate for parliamentary honours ; " No," he said, ** I cannot consent to enter parliament ; there are many who are willing to do that ; but few to care for the sick and the orphan." During the last three years of his life he gave away sixteen thou- sand pounds annually. *'I do not want to die a rich man," he said; and he often lamented that so few recognised the obligations and Digitized by Google OBORGB MOORS. 365 duties of wealth ; to use his own words, men looked upon " trusts as possessions, gifts as rights." And to us it appears that the use- fulness of this Life of George Moore is to be found. chiefly in the lesson that it teaches to the business men of the generation as to the right way of disbursing wealth as well as to the manner in which wealth may be acquired, A short time before his death he distributed about /^42,ooo among those who were in his employment, rewarding all who had been with him five years with a gift of £^0 each, with another fifty for every additional five years. He did this because he considered that the men who had helped to make his wealth ought to share it. And there were some old servants who received more than one thousand pounds each. Many other touching stories are related that show that he was settling his affairs, as though he had a pre- sentiment that the end was not far off. He spent the autumn of 1876 at Whitehall. On his last Sunday as he walked down the garden on his way to church, he called the Scripture-reader to him and said, " Be sure to look after the poor people when I am gone." On Monday morning he went to Carlisle to attend a meeting on behalf of the Nurses' Home. The meeting was to be held at two. At half-past one,' Mrs. Moore and her sister went shopping, while Mr. Moore in company of another gentleman proceeded down English-street. While standing opposite the Grey Goat Inn, two runaway horses came galloping along at a furious pace. One of them knocked Mr. Moore down. He was taken up insensible and carried into the Grey Goat Inn ; several ribs were broken, and he had received other injuries; he lingered twenty-four hours, sustained by the strength of the Divine presence; just before the end he looked wistfully into his wife's face, and said, "I fear nc^evil. He will never leave me, nor forsake me." Thus t^Grey Goat Inn in Carlisle became associated with two of the greatest events of George Moore's life. He had slept there in 1824, the night before starting by coach to London, to ** fight the battle of life for himself," as he had determined to do. And now, in 1876, the battle ended and the victory won, he was brought there to die. His decease created a painful sensation throughout the country, and in France. In the city, strong men bowed and wept. On that chill November after- noon Bow bells were tolled from three till four ; and it was spoken in low tones far and wide, " George Moore is dead." It was a strange termination of such a life. As the Bishop of Carlisle re ■ marked in the funeral sermon he preached for the noble Christian philanthropist, ** How inexplicable that of the thirty-five thousand people in Carlisle that day, that man who would have been the last. we should have been willing to part with, should be the one to be taken." George Moore is gone ; but his memory has fallen like the fra- grance of incense on the men of the generation, and will be cherished for many a year as a precious legacy to enrich those most who come nearest to the Good Man's life in deed and word. *' When the ear heard me, then it blessed me : and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me : because I delivered the poor that Digitized by Google 366 GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. cried, and the fatherless and him that had none to help him : the blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy." J. H. Batt. 6LEAN/NQS FOR ALL READERS. "WALL FRUIT." One summer morning I entered a fruiterer's shop for the purpose of purchasing a quart of plums. Having received the fruit in a neatly folded paper bag, I tendered a shilling to the man, who appeared by his upturned eyes and absent expression of countenance to be making a mental calculation as to how much he " could, would, or should " charge me ; and to which abstruse problem the sight of the silver coin seemed to afford a ready solution ; for the thoughtful pose at once relaxed, giving place to an obsequious smile as with lowly bow he pocketed the money saying : — ** Thank you, sir, quite right, sir. Sixpence a qu a pint, sir, they are wal/ /hit'/, sir, wall fruit, sir! " Somewhat confused by having assumed an air of expectant " change," I mumbled out, " O, thank you 1 " and made a hasty retreat ; hoping, yet doubting, that wall fruit would be duly appre- ciated at home. ** What have you there ?'' quoted my better half as I entered the house. ** Plums, dear, just look, aren't they fine ones ?" I answered, with forced cheerfulness. "They are not bad," was the chilling rejoinder, ** I bought some myself this morning, much about the same in quality, ap^gave five-pence a quart for them, but I sup- pose you got those for less, as I know you are such a good bargainer J* O dear, what had I done ? Such a guilty feeling of having been '* done'^ came over me, I could hardly command my speech. Yet /had done nothing wrong, had injured no one ; it was that artful sharper of a shopkeeper who ought to have experienced the creep- ing sensation that I felt ; though I warrant his was one of exulta- tion— strange human nature ! However, I tried to look uncon- cerned, and answered : — " These are wall fruit, dear, and of course they are the very best P " Wall fruit or not, they are no better than those I purchased myself for five-pence, and if you gave more than that, you have been overcharged," persisted my practical help-mate. ** Well, I gave a shilling for them 1 " I bravely ejaculated. " A shilling 1 " exclaimed my now thoroughly aroused spouse, " what extortion ; you have paid for your wall fruit then, and I hope you will enjoy them." But I didn't ; somehow every one I ate seemed to require much mastication ; they were anything but enjoyable, spite of their being wall fruits % * * « « « • Some little time has now elapsed since the above incident, but Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. 367 the subject is still vividly remembered, and has led me to conclude that there are many kinds of wall fruit in the world. Among other places and kinds there is a certain species of this genus, if I may so speak, growing in the Lord's garden. Now, admitting that wall fruit is, at the best, but a forced, im- mature article, having the semblance but lacking the perfections of the naturally grown type, we must ever regard it with regret that human invention should have brought its hot-house notions into such sacred ground. Look where you will in the vast spiritual orchard, and you behold the wall crowded with clinging, cringing plants, loaded with thick clusters of nice looking fruit under ornate glass frames. Some are called orthodoxy and some catholic, or the only true fruit ; while a more recent growth close by the latter is styled /rw// of the holy cross ; and so on, all according to the taste of the faithless gardeners who have dared thus to tamper with their Master's garden. Nor have the innovators been careful to confine their labours to the original four walls, but they have been so intent on leaving no room for open-air, naturally grown, strong, healthy, fruit that they ' have actually intersected the grounds in every direction with walls, on which to rear their insipid counterfeits. So persistent have been such efforts, that one wonders how the Master can manage to walk around His garden at all. Doubtless, He keeps to the central spots, amid the strong, storm-tossed trees, tended by faithful gar- deners of the old, simple, apostolic stamp ; where in its due season He ever gathers from the rain-blessed, sun-gladdened trees the fruits of ** faith, hope, and charity," that He loves so well. Pray that the number of faithful gardeners, and sturdy prayer- rooted trees may be abundantly increased. Trees of the Lord's own planting. And let us each be careful against attempting to produce any kind of wall fruit whatsoever, whether it be of ambition, re- spectability, or formalism ; for assuredly all such shall be destroyed by the fire of His " righteous indignation." G. T. C. THE CHARACTER OF JEREMIAH. In Jeremiah's vision there is no splendour, no gorgeous imagery. All is calm, simple, quiet, but full of meaning and purpose. And such was the whole man. As we study his acts and words we shall find just one great principle underlying all his conduct, and that was to do his duty. Never was man more conscientious ; and however timid his feelings, however anxious and mistrusting he might be, foreboding only failure, hopeless, despondent, yet neither his own fears nor the threats of others could turn him away from that which he knew he ought to do. And so at his call. Though he shrank back from it in dismay, yet no sooner did he understand that it was God's will than he yielded himself, reluctantly indeed, yet thoroughly, to the Almighty's service. And it is in this that the interest of his character chiefly lies. He was not one of those men of genius who move mankind by special and extraordinary gifts. Digitized by Google 368 GLEANINGS FOR ALL RXADBRS. On the contrary, he was in most things on a level with ordinary men. Yet he was the man whom God chose to be His messenger at a time of more than ordinary difficulty and danger. And Wisdom was justified in him, as in all her children ; for he brought to God's service the best of all offerings, namely, the simple wish to da whatever in him lay to obey God's commands. He was single- minded and self-denying, and in his singleness of purpose lay the secret of his strength. — The Dean of Canterbury in the ^^Expositor^ THE ENTRANCE OF THE PENITENT THIEF INTO PARADISE. Could we but follow his glorious upward flight, how our hearts would burn to follow. That morning saw him a sinner defiled and degraded ; that evening saw him a saint washed in the blood of the Lamb, whiter than snow. That morning beheld him bereft of all earthly hope ; that evening saw him heir of an inheritance incor- ruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. That morning beheld him a culprit condemned before the bar of an earthly judge ; that evening beheld him accepted at the bar of heaven. That morning beheld him led out through an earthly city's gates in company with one who was hooted and cursed by an infuriated crowd ; but before night fell on Jerusalem, the golden gates of another city, even the heavenly, were lifted up, the everlasting doors were flung wide open, out there thronged the heavenly hosts of light, ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands I And up through their glittering and prostrate lines this penitent passed, led by Him who commanded this universal adoration, the same who on earth was mocked and crucified. Upwards with Him he passed to the very throne of the Father, there to be presented pure and holy and undefiled ; a trophy of the power and love of the Son who, as the Redeemer, the Daysman, could say, " Behold Me and this little one whom Thou hast given me." Thus he learned and still rejoices in the ever-unfolding glory of the words : " To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.'' — Mackays Glory of the Cross, THE PROGRESS OF EVIL. If you take the worst men that are living now, you may trace their lives back to a point where they were as innocent and susceptible of impression as they are now criminal and hardened against all better influences. Those profane oaths, and that brutally lascivious talk, and those cries of angry passion, which almost make your blood curdle as they light upon your ear, and seem to you to affright the startled air, fall from ** Lips which once were sweet. And sealed for heaven by a mother's kiss." That reeling heap of sin and shame who staggers through your streets at night, with broken frame, and countenance so brutalized as to retain scarcely a human lineament, was fondled as a fair child on its mother's knee. That murderous arm which, with savage blows, sent a whole family into eternity, and left, as the trace of its work, a Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. 369 pile of corpses and streams of blood, was in its soft and chubby in- fancy thrown fondly round some mother's neck. And that form which dangles at the end of the hangman's rope — a carcase too vile for the common rites of sepulture, was once looked on with doating fondness by a mother's eyes, and proudly decorated by sisterly or motherly hands. The vilest eye, whose cruel or vicious look makes you shudder as you meet it, was once a bright, transparent orb, as free from taint of evil, and as beautiful as the blue of yonder sky. The foulest lips which quaff most greedily the drunkard's cup, and are seldom free from the swearer's oath, or the bacchanalian song, once uttered sounds of infantine sweetness — purling and prattle dearer to a mother's ear than the most melodious strains. Oh, it is sad to think of the havoc which has been wrought in that which was once so lovely and so full of promise — that the fairest thing which this world contains should be changed into that which is most vile ! We know of no wreck equal to that of an innocent child who has grown into a fallen and ruined man. And more than we execrate the most infectious and fatal disease — more than we execrate the ruthless destroyer who by means of war lays waste fertile provinces, and makes of a prosperous city a heap of ruins, and changes strong men into mutilated and helpless objects of pity, and lays thousands low in death, and sheds the gloom of bereave- ment over ten thousand hearths, and desolates ten thousand homes — should we execrate the evil which works such ruin among the fairest creatures ^f God. — Beacons and Patterns, THE PARIS EXHIBITION. The Paris correspondent of the Daily News appropriately remarks : — " When we reflect that it is only two years and one month ago since the Exhibition was decreed, and that now a very city of palaces and gardens rises on the Champs de Mars and on the heights of the heights of the Trocad^ro, which were then bleak wildernesses, one must acknowledge that the creative resources of man are infinite. The towering masses of architecture, the profusion of art work, painting, sculpture, decoration, the fountains and flowers, and the accumulated stores of industrial treasures, all produce an effect which is at first full of dazzle, and then humbling. One thitiks of what men might do to make this earth of our fair and pleasant, if they would labour in peace for a hundred years without cutting one another's throats. All the marvels of this Exhibition have been collected for less than a tithe of what it costs to prosecute the cheapest war. With the sum which the French paid for their last struggle with Germany they might have erected, as permanencies in their land, hundreds of those beautiful and useful buildings of which we see here the models. There are plans of schools, hospi- tals, asylums, bridges, and it puts me out of patience with human folly to think that many of these necessary works, for which busy districts are clamouring, cannot be executed because the State moneys are required for the purchase of big guns and fortresses. The cannons are the dearest things in this collection of wonders. There are one or two ugly 80-tons, like mammoth champagne bottles c Digitized by Google SJO MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. of steel, which cost more than a whole row of model cottages, and which will doubtless prove more expensive still before their career is ended. If Exhibitions serve any purpose beyond sight-seeing, it ought to be that of leading men to moralise on the dire dis- temper of war, which urges whole races to destroy where they might build, and to scatter misery where they might establish peace, plenty, and comfort." MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. JPHN HENRY PROFIT, Was born at Portloe, Veryan, in 1855, and resided there chiefly until removed by death on Wednesday, April 17th, 1878. The first eighteen years of his life were spent in youthful follies, and the last five years in the steady endeavour to do God's will as a follower of Christ. Br. Profit, in his youthful days, was blessed with Sabbath school privileges and influence, which have been sustained in connection with our church at Portloe for a number of years, and which unquestionably affect the social and religious life of the village and neighbourhood. Of a high spirit and excitable tempera- ment, Br. Profit was foremost among the lads who grieved their teachers by play, restlessness, and mischievous tricks, and who occasionally violated the rules of the school, insomuch that the teachers often returned from their much-loved employ- ment with daunted spirited and bleeding hearts, not knowing what to do. But here, as in thousands of instances, the teacher was doing a blessed work; turning up the ground, rooting up or checking the growth of noxious weeds, and planting seeds of gospel truth to germinate, grow, and ripen in subsequent years into glorious harvest. Often the most mischievous boy in the class ultimately becomes the most devoted ! In this instance, the scholar later gratefully and humbly rcognised his obligations to his teachers. The great change of heart and life was wrought in a *' Cornish revival." Two or three godly women conducted night after night special services, and the Spirit of the Lord worked mightily to will and to do of His good pleasure, enlightening the understanding, awakening the conscience, and softening the heart. One Sun- day evening, Br. Pine, now residing in Plymouth, preached, and under his im- pressive exhortation the cry was brought out, " God be merciful to me a sinner;" and the penitent went home happy in Jesus. Glorious times these. Many were converted in the revival of 1873, and five at least of the converts we hope are in glory to-day. One drops from a loaded waggon fatally injured ; the strength of another is dried up by wasting consumption, and yet another is brought to the gates of the grave by excruciating pain ; but in one way and another, at least five are before the throne with palms in their hands to-day, washed in the blood of the Lamb, who were saved in that revival. A horse stepped on our brother's toe, and with an aching foot he went on with his work that day, hoping it would soon pass away ; but that was the beginning of an abscess, which continued to increase until he became incapable of walking, or standing, or sitting, and at length of lying, except on pillows on the floor with his face towards the boards, and last of all of speaking, tiU he fell asleep in the soft arms of God. During his lengthy descent to the grave his sufferings were intense — •* what he endured no tongue can tell ' ' — but his sufferings were sanctified. Of a hopeful disposition he always anticipated recovery. "I hope when this is past I shall get better," he frequently said. Thus clinging to life, the life beyond was not thought of so much as we wished. We believe the last time our brother was at chapel was on the occasion of the writer preaching on Psalm Ixiii. 1,2. Seldom have we experienced so much divine j^ower as on that occasion, and Br. Jolyi's voice rose above all others, producing a feeling which language fails to Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 37 1 express, and which those only who have experienced similar manifestations can understand ; it was God in very deed dwelling with men on the earth, and John's vessel must overflow or burst. '* I feel myself resigned to the will of God to live or die. I have felt the Lord very precious. I never enjoyed so much in my life as I have these last few days, and though of course, as a young man, I would like to live, if it were the Lord's will, yet I am not afraid to die, I would as soon die as live," was his language to me at a later date as he lay stretched on the floor before me. Thus in the interval God had been working in him a sanctifjdng change, earth had been receding and heaven drawing nearer, aye, we felt as we talked and prayed it was filling the room. His last words, uttered in reply to Br. Jacob's advice to look to the Lord, were, " Yes, He will help us if we look to Him." From this he sank into un- consciousness, and finally passed away. Br. Dale, of St. Mawes, being appointed to preach chapel anniversary sermons on the following Sabbath, spoke on Rev. xiv. 13, to the profit of a large congregation. G. A. JOSLIN. JANE ROACH, Of Fowey, a remarkable town in Cornwall. It is remarkable for its old-world aspect, its historical associations, its narrow streets, and its lofty and somewhat inconvenient houses. It is also remarkable for its most beautiful scenery, both by land and water. It is remarkable as the residence of the noted and enterprising Treffry family. It has also been very remarkable for its religious exclusiveness. The proprietors of Fowey seem to have patronised the ** State Church " nearly to the exclusion of the rest. Our Wesleyan friends have a poor chapel most inconveniently situated. The Congregational chapel is still worse for situation, and not better as a building. Our little sanctuary stands over a coal-cellar, decent, it is true, in appearance, but very limited in capacity. The " State Church " is a noble structure most admirably situated. In the past, non-conformity has had a struggle to live at Fowey. Considerable indirect pressure at least has been brought to bear on the inhabitants with a view to induce them to attend " Mother Church." Report says that a more liberalising element is springing up at Fowey in regard to religious matters. It may be so, but as yet it seems to be a question of ** small mercies." In this uncongenial atmosphere — as far as Non-conformist churches are concerned — Jane Roach spent the greater part of her religious Ufe. However great may have been the pressure brought to bear upon her religious life, she commenced, continued, and closed her career as an adherent to the Non- conformist Church. Jane Roach was bom on the 25th of June, 1 801, in the village of Mothecombe, on the South Devon coast. She was the youngest daughter of Richard and Jenny Smale. Her father and mother had a small farm, and were both God- fearing people. They trained their children in the ways of godliness. They were both members of the ** Church of England," but from early life Jane had an inclination towards the less formal worship of Non-conformists, and instead of attending the '* Church " used often to be found enjojdng a prayer-meeting some- times held in her native village. In 1822 she was married to Thomas Roach, a native of Fowey, in the Coast Guard service of Her Majesty. At the time of her marriage he was stationed at Mothecombe. They were afterwards successively stationed at Turnchapel, near Plymouth, Sidmouth and Gorran Haven. At the latter place Thomas broke a blood-vessel while in the act of swimming ashore from a wrecked vessel with a lady and a child in his arms. He never after this heroic incident rallied in health, but was sent to Fowey, where he only lived a few months, his earthly career terminating in the year 1831 ; leaving a young widow with four children, three boys and one girl. It is deserving of notice that while in the act of saving life Tnomas Roach ej^dangered his own, thus in a sense giving his life for others. To be left a widow at thirty years of age with four children is no ordinary trial, and must have been a bitter ingredient in the cup of our good sister's life. In addition to this sorrow, in the year 1843, her two sons were both drowned within six weeks of each other, and in 1855 Jane, her only daughter, succumbed to an attack of consumption and passed away to her etemsd C 2 Digitized by Google Syz MEMOIRS AND OBITUARISS. rest. She was thus left for twenty-three years a widow bereft of three of her children. We are pleased to record that the remaining son was, to the last moment, the abiding consolation of her later years. It will be seen from the above |that our sister had her full share of this life's trial and discipline, but it is pleasing to note that, through the greater part of her life, she had tne God of all comfort for her Guide and Friend. Reference has already been made to her attending a prayer-meeting when at Mome with her parents. More than forty-seven years ago she became a member with ourpeople — then, and even sometimes now, contemptuously called " Bryan- ites." Whatever ridicule or opposition came to her in consequence of joining our little church at Fowey was bravely borne by her. Her religious life was in many respects a model one. Her long and chequered experience of affliction and loss was borne with scarcely a murmur. Her attendance at the house of prayer — whether many or few besides herself were present — ^was marked by constancy and regularity. Whoever had a dull season she generally had a good one. The Sab- bath was a day of delight to her. With others she' mourned at times for the non- prosperity of Zion, but still earnestly pushed on herself. She manifested her prac- tical regard for the people of her choice by entertaining their ministers when there was scarcely any one else to do so. Although earning her livelihood by her own hands she every week laid by something towards the support of God's cause in the earth. Her quiet, kind, and affectionate manner of lile endeared her to a large circle of friends. Sh? acted in the capacity of class-leader for a long term of years. Her members were most devoutly attadied to her all through. For two-and-a-half years before her death she was so much afflicted as not to be able to attend the chapel. Once, and only once, was she quietly led up by a friend to see a few alterations made in the chapel, and to call to remembrance — ere she passed away — some of the seasons of holy and sweet delight she had experienced in that little house of prayer. Her last days, even her last moments, were characterised by varied expressions of joy and trust in God. As the lamp of her earthly life died out, so the sun of her heavenly life shone brighter and brighter, until the pale glimmerings of earth were changed for the full glories of heaven. On the ist of June, 1878, not many minutes before she died, she said to her little grandson : — " Willie, Willie, did you hear that trumpet.? Jesus is at the gate.** And so, quietly and peacefully, that " pale white face " lost its brightness and life, and the spirit passed away to the beautiful heavens above us, to see the Saviour face to face and by His side sit down. She was buried at Fowey cemetery on Thursday, the 6th of June, 1878, when a large number of people testified their respect for her memory by attending her funeral. In Fowey cemetery her body awaits the resurrection of the faithful in Jesus Christ, her spirit now forms one of the spirits of the just made perfect before the throne. Most earnestly do we hope that the forty-seven years of beautiful Christian life that our sister lived may be the means of (frawing those who knew her nearer and nearer still to Jesus Christ, until they with her — yea, all of us — may meet where the wicked cease to trouble and the weary are at rest. A service to her memory was held at Fowey chapel, June 23rd, 1878, when the writer preached from Luke ii. 36-37-38, to a numerous and appreciative congregation of relatives and friends of our dear departed sister, Jane Roach. G. W. Angwin. NOTICE. Mr. Thomas Gammon, of Foxholt Farm, Swingfield, in the Elham Circuit, brother of the Rev. J. Gammon, died on Tuesday, May 7th, 1878, in the fifty- fifth year of his age, after a painful affliction, throughout which he was graciously supported by Divine grace. The family — and the Church — have sustained a great loss in his removal ; but our loss is his eternal gain. R. Westington, Digitized by Google 373 §Mxid g|Mtt0s, Falmouth. — The ministers and representatives of this District assembled at Porthleven, in the Breage Circuit, on Tuesday, Tune 25th, for the transaction of business. All the circuits weie fully represented, except St. Ives, and under the able presidency of the chairman, Mr. W. Gilbert, the different sittings passed happily away. On the Tuesday afternoon the probationers were supplied with their examination papers, and the pastors settled with the superintendent. On Wednesday morning, the meeting was formed, and business commenced. After prayer, and a suitable address from the chairman, the brethren E. E. Gudridge and J. H, Batt were elected secretaries, J. C. Bassett, journal secretary, and P. R. Broad and W. H. Sleeman, reporters. A resolution appreciating the character and work of our late Br. Sturgess, and expressing deep sympathy with the be- reaved ones, was adopted. On examination, it was discovered that all the bre- thren in actual work had been preserved in health, and kept in honourable stand- ing throughout the year. The statistics showed that there are in the District 13 ministers, and 138 local preachers ; 2961 in church fellowship, with 60 on trial ; 5106 Sunday-school scholars, and 1443 teachers. About 419 persons have been received into the societies during the year, but we regret to say that, notwithstand- ing this number of admissions, we have to report, chiefly through unfaithfulness, a considerable decrease of members. Hundreds must have confessed Christ, and then cast away that profession again, or we should have no decrease over which to mourn. When will people learn to he steadfast ? The financial aspect is more pleasing than the numerical. j^^no? 4s. 9d. has been raised for circuit uses, being an increase of ;^59 lis. iioT; the missionary receipts are ;f 394 8s. 3d.; in the school department, ;^379 7s. 7d. has been raised, and all the Connexional funds have been more liberally sustained than last year ; for chapel purposes, /'2146 I2S. 6Jd. has been raised, being about /"370 in advance. The chapel debts have been reduced by severaL hundred pounas, many of the chapels have been renovated, and two or three new ones have been built. We hope the friends will continue their praiseworthy efforts until our chapels are improved, and the debts paid off, so that the financial burdens on our circuits may be removed. In the district about /■4498 i6s. 2d. have been raised for all purposes, which is certainly a very creditable sum. During the session an important discussion took place respecting a re-distribution of some of the circuits, with a view to the more effi- cient working of the ground, and a committee was appointed to consider the matter, and report thereon to the next district meeting. Considerable interest was manifested in the appointment of members to attend the coming Conference,* under the new regulations. On Thursday morning, the brethren Charlton, Bettiss, and Churchill came on for examination. The committee appointed to examine their essays and papers, pwresented a favourable report, in consequence of which, the brethren Charlton and Bettiss were recommended to the Conference as suitable persons to be received into full standing among us, and Br. ChurchiU was ad- vanced another year in his probation. After this, two candidates came on for ex- amination, both of whom have spent some time at the college. After a careful examination, they were recommended to be received as ministers on probation. Our sympathies are with them, and we hope they will be successful. The various religious services have been times of refreshing. On Tuesday evening, Br. Churchill discoursed on " God's love to the world, as displayed in the gift of His Son," text John iii. 16. On Wednesday morning, Br. Ellis, one of the candidates, spoke on ** Man's fallen and depraved condition through sin, and his restoration through Christ." Isaiah liii. 6, being the text. On Wednesday evening we had an interesting and impressive sermon from Br. Batt, who took as his text the three last verses of Matthew xvi. The points he noticed were, "The afflicted sought after ; the afflicted brought to Christ ; the afflicted prayed for ; the afflicted re- stored." He laboured to show that it was the duty of Christians to seek after the spiritually diseased, bring them to Christ, and pray for them, so that they may be healed or saved. Br. Pascoe, another candidate, preached on the Thursday morn- ing, from the words, "Behold the Lamb of God.*' The Master's presence was blessedly realised on the Thursday afternoon at the experience meeting, and the Digitized by Google 374 DISTRICT MEETINGS. administration of the Sacrament ; and the public meeting in the evening was of a spirited and interesting character. The chairman of the district presided, and addresses were given as follows : — Br. Broad on *' Temperance, and the duty of Christians in relation to it **; Br. Holmes on " Spiritual life, its character and development"; Br. Charlton on "Christianity, its nature and mission"; Br. Sleeman on " Canvassing for Christ *'; and Br. Vaughan on " A Christian church, what is it ?** The two first speakers occupied the principal part of the meeting, and did their work well. The various members of the district meeting were well entertained by the friends at Porthleven, and a resolution of thanks, well deserved, was heartily accorded them. Friday morning came, and we took farewell of each other, feeling that the ties of brotherhood existing between us, had been strength- ened by the week's association. Our prayer now is, " O Lord, revive Thy work." W. H. Sleeman. Bodmin.— The ministers and representatives in this district met at Bugle at the time appointed. After the meeting was organised, the following brethren were elected to office : — secretary, T. E. Mundy ; journal secretary, J. Speare ; reporters, G. A. Joslin and W. Jeffery. In examining the returns we were pained in dis- covering there was a decrease of 322 in our members. On some of the circuits scarcely any had been converted, and in others only a comparatively few ; but in circuits where the greatest 'lecrease was reported the principal reason assigned was that the pruning-knifc had been freely, and, let us hope, wisely used. This af- forded the chairman an excellent opportunity of stating the opinion he had so long held of the necessity of adopting different conditions and tests of membership. The state of the finances showed that, notwithstanding the depressed financial condition of the coimty, our friends have liberally contributed towards the various Connexional funds. Its is true that our Missionary monies are £\^ behind, and our Chapel fund is also slightly behind, but the Educational and the Worn-out- Preachers' funds show slight increase. Over ;f 1034 has been generously subscribed towards the circuit funds : a few circuits have also contributed towards the College fund. We earnestly hope that when the commercial depression has passed away, we shall be in a position to report an advancement in all our Connexional funds. A review of THE SPIRITUAL STATE OF THE DISTRICT brings us face to face with the fact that we are 322 members less than last year. This fact has necessarily led to an earnest consideration of our past working. Ministers and friends have not been less faithful or zealous than in former or more successful years in our circuits. Peace and harmouy dwell amongst us. Con- siderable attention has been paid to our young friends with a view of securing them to our societies, and a good spirit of hearing prevails among many of our hearers. Our CHAPEL PROPERTY has been improved by the erection or renovation of chapels in St. Columb, Meva- gissey, Truro and other circuits. The seat-rents of St. Austell, as number i, and Truro, as number 2 in the district, show where large and flourishing congregations may be arawn by an able and earnest ministry, and indicate the sharp competition for the ascendency which will inevitably arise in the future history of these towns. The YOUNG MEN, Brs. T. C. Jacob and J. C. Barfett, passed very creditable examinations. Br. Jacob's essay on •' The Spirit of Tiuth" was regarded as an able production, and as both brethren gave unmistakable signs of piety and mental power, they were liearlily recommended to the Conference, to be passed on in the usual way. Br. Hosken, having Ijeen to the College during the year, presented himself as a candidate, and, after he had been examined, was unanimously recommended to the Conference. Mr. Pollard, a young man thus far self-made, stood before us as a candidate for College training with a view to the ministry, and having satis- factorily answered divers questions, was heartily passed on. We think if our friends who have hesitated in gi\'ing to our College fund had been present and heard our young brother state his case, they would readily and cheerfully contri- bute to it. Several items of business having been transacted, this part of th^ meeting closed at three p.m. on Thursday, in good time for the Experience meeting to Digitized by Google DISTRICT MEETINGS. 375 follow without having the least bitterness or ill-feeling on any subject. The RELIGIOUS SERVICES, though slight in attendance, were excellent in spirit. On Tuesday evening the Temperance meeting was addressed by Brs. G. A. Joslin, W. Brown, and J. Dale, S. Shortridge presiding, and was pronounced by many of experience as being the best of its sort ever held at a district meeting. Wednesday morning Br. J. C. Barfett preached on Mark xvi. 15, in which we perceived germs of pulpit power of no mean order. In the evening the sermon to the district meeting was de- livered by Br. G. Daniel on Acts iv. 30-31, and as Br. Daniel was requested to publish it in the Magazine, we will only say that as hearts rose to heaven the Holy Ghost came down, enabling Br. Angwin to pray at the close with great fervour and power. On Thursday morning Br. Hosken discoursed on Heb. xii. 2. In the aftenioon, at the usual experience meeting, we all felt it good to be there. The evening meeting was well attended. Br. Ellis presided. Br. J. D. Balkwill spoke on " Connexional Prosperity,'* Br. G. W. Angwin on ** The Duty of Chris- tians in relation to Politics," and Br. W. Jeffery on " The present position of the Church in relation to the World." Each speaker did exceedingly well. At the close we shook hands and separated feeling " how good and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." G. A. J. Devonport. — This meeting was held in Providence Chapel, in the beautifully situated and picturesque village of Lifton. The business began on Wednesday, June 24th, at 9 a.m., under the able presidency of Bro. Rounsefell. Br. Bendle was appointed secretary, and Br. Werren journal secretary ; Brs. J. R. Crewes, and Woolcock, reporters. The chapel secretary's report showed that the affairs in this department had been very prosperous during the year. A new chapel and school-room had been built at Polperro, Looe, at a cost of ;^527 7s. 8d., towards which ;^203 7s. 8d. had been raised. An old house had been purchased at Week St. Mary at a cost of ^^35, with a view of enlarging the premises there. At Can- worthy Water the chapel had been enlarged, and the whole expense, about jC^o, paid. Rehoboth chapel had been re-roofed and otherwise improved, at an out- lay of j^^Oj which had been all received by a bazaar, &c. The debt on Eden chapel had been reduced by /"50, and that on Poundstock — amounting to ^^40 — chapel paid off. A beautiful and commodious chapel and ministers house had been built at Lifton, and be it said to the praise of our Lifton friends, that these buildings are the finest, and the most attractive in the neighbourhood. A new schoolroom had been erected at Bridgetown at a cost of JJ150, towards which '97 had been received. ;^ioo had been paid off the debt on the estate at Had- ington-road, Devonport. Official reports show that there are in the district, 16 itinerant ministers, 217 local preachers, 80 chapels, 3190 church members, 91 on trial for membership, 1378 Sabbath -school teachers, and 6000 Sabbath-school scholars. After dinner on Thursday, Br. Nott introduced to the company the Rev. J. Parker, and Mr. Palmer, of the Lifton Baptist Church, and in the course of the complimentary speeches which were made, stress was laid upon the grow- ing tendency there is for union amongst the various Christian churches, which was regarded as one of the most pleasing and significant signs of the times. The essays read by the brethren on probation were, on the whole, thought to be excel- lent, and their examinations creditable. J. Drew and J. Carvath, having fulfilled the allotted time of probation, were heartily recommended to be received into full Connexion. There were three candidates examined, and recommended to the Conference. RELIGIOUS SERVICES. On Tuesday evening there was a Temperance meeting. Br. J. Dingle presided, and in a very characteristic way conducted the arrangements. The first called on to speak was Br. J. Bendle who, in our opinion, exceeded himself. Then came Br. H. Werren with words of pity and tenderness for the drink-cursed. Br. J. R. Crewes was the next to speak, and his speech was argumentative and mighty. Br. Crewes was at his best. Br. G. Warne, one of the young orators, brought up the rear and sustained the meeting well. On Wednesday morning the brethren W. J. Ennor and R. Bunney, candidates, preached. Texts, Mark ii. 15, and Psalm cxxx. 4. In the evening, Bro. S. Pollard preached a sermon on " The Ratifica- tions of the Atonement." Of this sermon I will say nothing, as the district di Digitized by Google 376 DISTRICT MEETINGS. meeting requested its publication in the Magazine. On Thursday morning, Br. W. J. Smeethe, a candidate, and Br. J. Ninnis preached. Texts, Matthew xxii. 42, and Isaiah xxviii. 16. The experience meeting was a time of great spiritual refreshing. On Thursday evening, a public ^meeting was held under the presi- dency of Br. Rounsefell. Br. D. Murley delivered a well arranged and nicely expressed address on "Pure Religion in Social and Secular life"; Br. J. Drew, in a stream of eloquence, spoke on ** Thoughts of Man about God." The writer then gave a speech on " Thoughts of God about Man." Near the close of this meeting a vote of thanks was passed to the friends who had so kindly entertained us during the sittings of the district meeting. J. WOOLCOCK. Shebbear. — The annual meeting was held in the neat and beautiful chapel at Bradworthy, a picturesque village in the north of Devon. Great cordiality and una- nimity prevailed, and the returns, from the various circuits, were of a very gratifying character. Much denominational interest is centred in this district as it embraces the circuit in which the first society was formed upwards of sixty years ago. The venerable Founders have " entered into rest ;" but the ground over which they travelled, the sphere of their most active operations, the scene of their heroic labours, and the places consecrated by their unreserved sacrifices, cannot fail to have a charm for all in communion with the denomination ; aye, and for many of other churches who recognize true workers and their work. Having had its origin in a rural district where the population was more than ordinarily sparse, where the drain by emigration to the Colonies has been unusually heavy, where the exodus to the great "centres" of trade has been extraordinarily large, and where the practice of merging little farms into large ones has been developed to a large ex- tent, fears might have been rationally entertained as to the maintenance of the position taken up by the Denomination at the first. Happily, at present, there are no grounds for fear. The " core " is still sound, and the heart-centre throbs with a vitality which augurs well .for permanence, and an honourable future. Especially at this time is seen the healthy progress of the Denomination. The College, with its beautiful appearance, its splendid appointments, and its capa- bilities of supplying " needs " which have long been felt, is not a bad index-finger pointing out the course of the onward tide of Connexional prosperity. Let Bible Christians catch the spirit of past successes, and present achievements, and a great future unquestionably is before the Denomination. In the district there are 19 ministers, 222 local preachers, 90 chapels, 12 preach- ing places, 3310 full members, 51 on trial for membership, 853 Sunday-school teachers, 41 78 scholars. Receipts during the year : — Missonary Fund, /605 4s. 2d.; Chapel Fund, ;f2i57 2s. 5jd.; Circuit Fund, ;^I282 is. 5d.; and other income, ;f 59 6s. 4d. An increase in every department being reported, much gratitude was felt. PROBATIONERS AND CANDIDATES. Six probationers were examined and gave evidence of diligence in their studies ; some of the essays were characterised by neatness and original thought. All the young brethren were heartily passed on to their respective years of probation. One, Br. E. V. Stephens, who had fulfilled his term of probation, was unani- mously recommended to the Conference for ordination to the full ministry. Five eandiaates presented themselves for examination. Each had been cordially re- commendea by the Midsummer quarterly meeting of his circuit ; three of the five coming from the Holsworthy Circuit. The examination in chief was conducted by the chairman, and the answers of the young brethren, combined with the testi- monies borne to their usefulness and piety, by those who knew them best, com- manded the heartiest sympathy and support of the meeting. May God bless them all ! RESOLUTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS. The first resolution passed, which calls for mention, produced feelings of sadness in all hearts. It had relation to the demise of the Rev. F. Martin. In his de- cease a Prince in Israel has fallen ; although it was felt that his whole life was not without its influence upon the many earnest toilers now in the field. Resolutions were passed expressing hearty sympathy with the Temperance Cause, the en- lightened and noble policy pursued by the Rt. Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., Digitized by Google DISTRICT MEETINGS. 377 and also with the " College Extension Fund." The latter subject led to an interesting discussion, and resulted in promises to the Fund of upwards of j£$o. In the discussion which followed the reading of the resolution on our Sunday Schools, it was stated that at the last year's audit there remained on the various treasurerj* hands, of the Sunday Schools throughout the denomination, upwards of;fSoo! whilst the Missionaiy treasurer had to sustain a balance, on the wrong side, of upwards of ;f 1,300 ! There is room for great improvement. The writer of this was present at a Sunday School Anniversary a few weeks ago when, after all expenses had been met, a balance in hand of j^S was reported. With the liberal patronage of a generous public, the Sunday School ought to subscribe much more than has been done to the heavily-taxed funds of our Missionary Society. Why, Mr. Editor ! the Sunday Schools belonging to the denomination could soon pay off the Missionary debt ! What effort in connection with the Sunday Schools could be of more importance than this ? Might not some of the Missionaries be supported in this way ? We could have Sunday School Mis- sionaries. RELIOIOUS SERVICES. On Tuesday evening, Br. E. V. Stephens discoursed thoughtfully from Acts i. 8. As we have taken up so much space we cannot give the outline with which we • have been favoured. Wednesday morning came, when two candidates occupied the pulpit. An affliction for them, but not an infliction upon the audience. The Master was present. In the evening we were favoured with a sermon from Br. We B. Reed, subject, ** The Angel's appearance to Joshua." It was a sermon of much, more than ordinary ability. It was characterised for its freshness, beauty, and incisive power. As we hope Mr. Reed will comply with a unanimous request to place it in the Editor's hands, for insertion in the Bible Christian Afa^azine^ this brief notice will be sufficient. On Thursday morning, two candidates again occupied the pulpit, and notwithstanding the peculiarity of having "to follow on," succeeded in making an impression which is not likely soon to pass away. In the afternoon, during the relation of Christian experience, a very Pentecost was realised. Our hearts now leap at the remembrance. Public-meeting in the evening. Large attendance. Speeches delivered by the Brethren W. Higman, W. Bray, J. Brenton, and W. H. Tickell ; Br. W. Rowe presiding. Votes of thanks to the secretaries, Messrs. W. Bray, W. B. Reed, and W. T. Penrose ; and also to the friends at Bradworthy, were passed with acclamation, bringing to a close a happy district meeting. Exeter. — This meeting was held in Providence Chapel, Exeter. As usual, a Temperance meeting led the way. Addresses by the Brethren Grose, Smallridge, Down and Vanstone. On Tuesday morning Br. Ware gave us a profitable sermon on the ** Priesthood of Christ.** A candidate preached on Wednesday morning on the ** Saying worthy of all acceptance." It was a cause for gratitude to find that the vanous funds had been well sustained, and the chapels on the whole were working well. A slight decrease in our numbers and the reports from some of the circuits respecting the condition of the churches elicited many weighty and practi- cal remarks from both laymen and ministers. There was, it was stated, a sad neglect of the social means of grace, that, in fact, in many places they had died out. The speculations in religious thought, it was considered, had perplexed some minds, and militated against vigorous effort for the unconverted. The pulpit in some places had been turned into a battle-ground- which of course had only increased the perplexity. The school secretary's report showed an increase of 167 scholars, but that twelve only had been converted during the year. The question of visiting the towns between Exeter and Newton Abbot was considered. It was thought that there were many persons in those places who had been members with us elsewhere. One brother said we had had more than enough of going into places to take care of persons who had preWously been members with us ; he thought the first question before entering a town should be — What are the re- quirements of the place ? What provision is already made by non -conformists ? especially, What Methodist bodies are there ? The sermon to the district meeting was delivered by our dear and honoured Br. J. Hicks, who looked the gospel he preached. His theme was the nature, excellences and sources of the Christian's hope. The platform meeting was addressed by the Brethren W. Hill, M. Bit)ken« Digitized by Google 378 DISTRICT MEETINGS. shire and C. Bridgman. The subject of the first speaker was " The tendencies of the Age." He accomplished the marvellous feat of lifting us all to his own elevated position — a hill. Here we were shown in what direction the winds of the age were blowing : and as we listened we heard multitudes ask, " Who will show us any gold ?" Another question, coming from thousands, thousands of lips, was ** If a man die, shall he live again ?" The subject of the second speaker was — " Preparation lor the Pew." His were no broken remarks, but wise thoughts well given. The subject of the third speaker was — " Three essentials — personal con- secration to Chnst — Christian Unity — Christian Work :" if a man walk over this bridge^ he will come to the gates of the celestial city. With such a chairman, and such kindness as Exeter friends always manifest, and the presence of the Holy Ghost, we could not help feeling. It is good to be here. H. D. Bristol. — The annual meeting commenced its sittings in Gladstone-street Chapel, Bristol, on Wednesday, June 26th. The proceedings were inaugurated by a Temperance meeting on Tuesday evening. Addresses were delivered by Revs. J. BroMm, S. Wooldridge, C. Dening, and C. Smith. On Wednesday at early mom, just as the city was beginning to stir, and stalwart men were crowd- ing to their several avocations, a number of friends wended their way to the chapel, where at six o'clock a goodly number assembled and listened to an in- ^ teresting sermon, by Br. T. Rawlings, who took for his text. Matt. xvi. 18. The " cardinal points mentioneci were I. The basis of the Christian Church. II. The means by which it is raised. III. The safety, or impregnability of the building. Business commenced immediately after the public meeting, under the genial pre- sidency of Br. T. W. Garland. After calling the roll, which showed that fifteen ministers and seven representatives were present, the following appointments were made — P. Labdon, secretary ; E. FauU, journal secretary ; A. H. Goodenough, reporter to the Connexional Magazine. In going through the ministerial list, one name had to be discontinued, Br. W. W. Andrews, pastor of the Weare circuit, who passed away to his rest, while comparatively a young man, after a brief ill- ness. A resolution, expressive of deep sympathy with the superannuated mem- bers in the district, with the prayer that they may, when earth's race is run, enter into life eternal, was heartily passed. • A lengthy discussion took place on the spiritual state of the district. Br. T. Dymond led off with a speech of beautiful simplicity, pathos, and power, in which he urged all present to seek to enjoy more of the "higher life." It was necessary to keep the head clear, but the head would be clearer when the heart was clean. We could not well preach sanctification without enjoying it. We must have clean hands and a perfect heart. Br. P. Labdon, Messrs. W. Terrett, W. Coonabe, and others, also offered excellent re- marks. After the discussion, a short time was spent in prayer, when the brethren unitedly resolved to re-dedicate themselves to God, and determined in the future to love him more intensely, and to serve him more fervently. ;^299 13s. 6d. had been sent to the General Missionary Fund. Towards the support of the ministry ;f 80 4s. 2d. had been contributed more than in any previous year. The Bristol and Taunton circuits reported gratifying prosperity ; the other circuits have suf- fered severely from removals, depression in trade, &c. Br. Dymond, chapel secretary ^rt; /^«, presented the following report, which was adopted : — ''It is with thankfulness that we observe from year to year a gradual improvement in the financial condition of our Connexional property. For although in the last five years three new chapels have been built,. costing not less than /"iSoo, and others have had considerable sums spent on fheir improvement, the liabilities are only 4^357 more now than in the year 1873. This year the income has increased on that of 1877 ;f 157 ; the debts on five chapels have been paid off, making a total of fifteen free chapels in the district, while three others are practically free, the debt on each of them being less than jf 5 ; the total liabilities have been lessened jf229, and;^52 has been contributed to the Quarter Board. These results encour- age us to continue, and even to intensify, our exertions until the incubus of debt be removed from every chapel in the district." In the evening, Br. J. Brown delivered a sermon, thoroughly evangelical and practical, real "old-type" theology, and all felt it good to be in the house of God. Text, Daniel xii. 3. I. The cha- ractevy — " The Wise.'' II. Ihe workf — "Turn many to righteousness." The work of the spiritually wise Jls {a) great, {b) benevolent, (c) glorious. HI. The Digitized by Google DISTRICT MEETINGS. 379 means (a) By instruction, (b) CJiristian constancy, (c) Earnest prayer accompanied with earnest effort. IV. The reward, — ^Joy here. Heaven hereafter. On Thurs- day morning at six o'clock, Br. T. Spillett preached an excellent sermon from 2 Kings iv. 33 — 35. A request was received from the Bristol circuit for the re- appointment of its pastor, the Rev. J. Dymond, for the sixth year. The reason given for this departure from Connexional rule (viz., that no minister shall remain more than four successive years in any station) was the erection of a new chapel at Bedminster at a great outlay, incurring much labour and responsibility ; and it was urged that the removal of Mr. Djrmond at this juncture would be damaging to the success of the undertaking. The request was heartily passed on to the Stationing Committee and Conference. Br. T. Spillett, who has fulfilled his term of probation, produced an essay on " The Relation between Mental and Moral growth," and, having passed a satisfactory examination, was cordially re- commended to the Conference to be received as an approved minister. The Brethren D. Smith, J. Rawlings, and J. GiiFord underwent a very creditable ex- amination, and were continued as probatipners. During the afternoon, the minis- ters and representatives related their Christian experience. A public tea followed. The meeting in the evening was presided over by Br. T, W. Garland, and was well attended. " Is the Christian religion gaining in the world ?" was the subject to which Br. Labdon was appointed to speak. Br. Faull's subject was, " Does any positive good come out of Penny Readings and Ser\-ices of Song ?" Br. GifFord gave a good speech on the subject, ** Can we do anything more for the children in our Sunday Schools ?" Br. Brown spoke a few words on, " Is all war wicked .?" A vote of thanks to the friends terminated a happy district meeting. A. H. G. London. — This meeting was held at Waterloo Chapel, Lambeth, June 26th and 27th, under the genial and able presidency of the Rev. W. J. Hocking. The first business proper was the examination of the circuit and Connexional funds. The circuit receipts are ;f 36 17s. sd. in advance of those of last year's, and the general Connexional funds are also in advance, with the exception of the Mis- sionary receipts, which are a few pounds behind. The Statistics showed that the new members had not been quite adequate to filling up the vacancies occasioned by removals and other causes ; but Basingstoke has been given up since the last returns. There would have been else a small increase instead of a decrease of twelve members, and other matters would stand somewhat differently. While the various churches had manifested a spirit of liberality, the meeting could not but mourn the want of greater spiritual and numerical prosperity. Only ninety-five have been admitted into church-fellowship during the year. The chapel secrerarj's report showed that the income of the various trust estates had enabled the trustees to meet the regular working expenses, and reduce the aggregate debt by ;f 722. The Sunday-schools report that the schools, for the most part, were in a health- ful and prosperous condition both numerically and financially ; but conversions had not been numerous. While tabulated returns could not fairly represent the real work done, it was a matter of sincere regret that only nine of our young peo- ple should be returned as having been brought to decision for Christ and admitted into church -fellowship through the labours of our Sunday-school teachers during the year. The public services were but thinly attended, and therefore lacked a good deal of the enthusiasm to which we have been accustomed on similar occasions in the West. The service on Wednesday evening — the only preaching service — was conducted by W. Lee. The Religious Experience meeting and the Sacramental service on the Thursday afternoon, and the public-meeting at night, were good. While the brethren were speaking of the spiritual joy experienced in the private study, as well as in the public ministration of God's holy Word ; their purest joys, arising from a sense of hallowed communion with God ; their feeling of dissatis- faction on account of but little apparent success ; their earnest resolves to enter upon the coming year with renewed consecration to God, in order to win souls for Christ and consolidate the different societies committed to their care ; a gracious influence was experienced, and we believe the general feeling was in harmony with Peter's exclamation, ** Master, it is good for us to be here." The public tea over, the closing service was presided over by our excellent chairman, and capital ad- dresses were delivered to an appreciative audience. Mr. Hill, of Cronddl, spoke Digitized by Google 380 DISTRICT MEETINGS. of *« Earnestness necessaiy to Success ;" Br. Michell on " Christian Fellowship ;" Br. Martin on the " Ministries of the Day ;** and other brethren who would have spoken contented themselves with uttering a few words, as the time was gone. W. Lee. Portsmouth.— Gunville was our rallying-place this year. It was fitting that for once in its history the serene quiet of Gunville life should be relieved, I won*t say disturbed, by the presence of so many black-coated gentlemen as generally assemble at district meetings. Gunville for many years has enjoyed a fame, ex- tending far beyond the limits of the lovely isle on which it is situate, on account of its Missionary zeal, and now must be added to that an unsurpassed hospitality which would fam fold beneath its sheltering shadow not only the district meeting forsooth, but the Bible Christian Conference. The first thing that struck us as we. entered the village on Tuesday, June 25th, was a large marquee erected in a newly-mown hay-field adjacent to the chapel. That augured weU, we thought, for physical comfort ; a feature not to be despised in very hot weather. Then there was the neat little chapel with its open door, and we could fully adopt the psalmist's words, as we crossed its threshold, ** How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts." Our excellent superintendent, Mr. Vanstone, was at his post to the minute, to settle with the several pastors. This business over and the outer- man supplied, we repaired to chapel to usten to a sermon from Br. Botheras. We expected a treat and were not disappointed. The text was Matthew xiv. 13-19. The sad and terrible needs of a perishing world, the practical sympathy that should move us in relation thereto, and the multiplication of employed spiritual forces, were spoken to with much power and grace of expression. On Wednesday morn- ing, after a sermon by Br. Miller, the business proper commenced, and in right good earnest. Br. Tremelling was unanimously elected secretary, and Br. Ste- phens journal secretary. The Brethren Botheras and Hancock were appointed reporters. A happy tone was given to the meeting, which increased in interest to the close, as the financial and statistical returns for the year were read. It was more than gratifying to find that in no department had there been any retrogression, while, in most instances, substantial progress was reported. There are in the district 14 ministers, 123 local preachers, 48 chapels, 5 preaching places, 1^20 full members, 76 on trial, 271 admitted in the year, 449 teachers, and 3277 scholars. This shows an increase upon the previous year of 54 full members, 12 on trial, 26 admitted in the year, 20 teachers, and 126 scholars. And, remembering there is much spiritual success that can never be tabulated; much silent soul-working that is only known to God, and the full results of which shall only be manifest in the day when He shall "make up His jewels," we are much encouraged to prosecute with greater diligence our holy toil. The various funds are as follows : — Mis- sionary, ;^443 4s. 9d. ; chapel, £\^ i8s. iid. ; educational, ^16 5s. 8d. ; worn-out preachers, £22 lis. 4d. ; circuit, 934 14s. 9d. Increase — Missionary, ^^30 los. 3d.; chapel, ;^2 5s. 3d. ; educational, 7s. 4d.; worn-out preachers, J[^\ 14s. 5d.; circuit, ^■35 15s. id. If this may be taken as a thermometer, we should say we are far IxoTCi freezing point. A large portion of our time on Wednesday was occupied by a discussion on *• the spiritual state of the district ; " a discussion eminently stirring and profitable. It was opened by Br. Honey in a suitable and practical speech. He especially insisted on the importance of gathering the young from the school into the church ; and the advisability of forming them into classes for the sole purpose of religious instruction and training. We have felt this for a long time. 77iere is too wide a gulf between the Sabbath-school and the Church, Many valuable methods were suggested for futher aggressive work. It is calcu- lated for some brethren more especially adapted to evangelistic work to hold services for a week or two in those circuits that are less fruitful than others. There were one or two voluTiteers for this. The co-operation of leading friends in the different places was specially made mention of as necessary to success. The re- port of our able chapel secretary (Br. Lark) indicated much steady, earnest and persevering work. In nearlv every circuit the chapel debts have been reduced, in some circuits to a considerable extent. The increase of seat-rents, especially in the Portsmouth Circuit, was gratefully recognized. Newport, we understand, is shortly coming to the front with a new and beautiful structure. Through incom- plete returns, the school secretary (Br. Botheras) was not able to present a very Digitized by Google DISTRICT MEETINGS. 3 8 1 fhll report. It had its bright features, there being a good increase both of teachers and soiolars, but a scarcity of spiritual results was deplored. The young men on probation, Brs. Miller, Davey, Cliff and Carthew, very creditably filled their ex- amination papers, and their essays gave evidence of considerable promise. Br. Miller was cordially recommended to the Conference. The others passed on in regular course. Other matters^of business were speedily despatched. The other reHgious services were as wells of salvation to our thirsty souls. The sermon to the district meeting by Br. Honey may be said to be, without reflection, the ser- mon of the district meeting. Text, Nupibers xiv. 24, " But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went, and his seed shall possess it." We c»iuld not help thinking that Caleb's spirit the speaker had in larger measure than many. The sermon was described in the vote of thanks accorded for it, as able^ timely ^ and telling, I refrain from giving an outline as its publication is requested. Br. Davey occupied the pulpit on Tuesday morning. The fellowship meeting in the afternoon -mil not soon be forgotten. As the brethren spoke of their varied ex- periences, the lights and the shades, the joys and the sorrows, that had gone to make up the departed year, not many hearts were untouched. Some of us have drank deeply of Marah*s bitter waters, but they have been sweetened by many precious consolations. The unrecognized traveller to Emmaus was the recognized Christ in our midst, and our hearts burned within us as we communed with our Lord. The Lord's supper was administered at the close of the service, and after tea came the public meeting which drew a crowded house. Br. Vanstone, in taking the chair, made many kindly, genial observations. The writer then gave an address on " Sceptical negatives and Scriptural positives ; " Br. Rattenbury on ** Christian Education ;" and then Br. Dening gave a running fire of wit, sa- tire, and ar^ment against the drinking usages of society, his subject being, "Intemperance, England's greatest curse." The meeting, on the whole, was exceedingly good. The people manifested great interest, rising at times into uncontrollable enthusiasm. A vote of thanks to the Gunville friends brought the meeting to a dose. We could not inspire them with the hope even that they had entertained angels unawares^ but pointed them to ** the blessing of God which maketh rich,'* and to which is added no sorrow. yuly ^rdy 1878. A. Hancock. Newport. — ^This meeting was held in Zion Chapel, Aberavon. The brethren met for business, Wednesday, June 26th, at nine a.m. Twelve ministers and five representatives attended. Sympathetic regret was felt at the absence of Br. Jabez Honey, through illness. Br. Lillington was appoined secretary, Br. Rowse jour- nal secretary, Brs. J. Jeffrey and W. F. James reporters. The returns showed that the district contained 12 ministers (besides three superannuated), no local preachers, 37 chapels, 7 preaching-rooms, 1290 members, 30 on trial, 320 teachers, 2340 scholars. Considering the great number of removes, we were grateful at being able to report a small increase of members. Harrowing accounts of the distress in the Pontypool and Dean Forest circuits, clearly showed that the bre- thren and friends there have had uphill and painful work. Though commercial depression affects the whole district, the chapel report evinced encouraging pro- gress. The minor Connexional funds were not quite so well sustained as last year, while a little increase was reported in the missionary receipts. A searching and profitable discussion took place on the spiritual state of the district. Several returns from the Sunday-schools were hopeful, though regret was expressed that onfy twenty-six scholars were reported as converted during the year. A conver- sation followed on the objectionable practices indulged at school tea- treats, but it was deemed wise for each brother to use the best means he can to remove the evil. The essays and examinations of Brs. W. H. Gregory and T. P. Oliver, junr., were pronounced satisfactory. The former was heartily recommended to the Conference as a proper person to be received into full Connexion, and the latter to continue his probation. PUBLIC SERVICES. On Tuesday evening a Temperance meeting, presided over by Br. T. P. Oliver, Br. Rowse gave a vigorous Address, bristling with startling facts. The address of Br. T. P. Oliver, junr., was interesting, refined, coherent, telling. Br. Gregory spoke briefly bu^ with good effect. Br. Morris's address was fresh, massive, elo- Digitized by Google 382 DISTRICT MEETINGS. quent, impresfsive. We have seldom attended such a fine Temperance meeting. May much good result. The sermon to the district meeting by Br. T. P. Oliver on Paul's advice to Timothy (i Tim. iv. 16) was solid, searching, unctuous, appro- priate. The whole service was very impressive. We felt that were its influence maintained through the coming year, and made to pervade every service in our sanctuaries, unprecedented prosperity would be enjoyed. The public meeting on the Thursday evening was presided over by the Mayor of the town. The writer spoke on " Wayside Usefulness ;" Br. Edgcombe on " Various aspects of Christ- ian Work;" Br. Lillington on "Charactar;" Br. Hawken on "Love and Peace;" Br. Tabb on " Early ministerial experiences.*' Proceedings enlivened with suitable pieces by the choir. The meeting appeared lively throughout. The district meeting was very harmonious. There was much reciprocity of kind feel- ing between the brethen and the friends who generously entertained them, and when the Friday morning came, farewell was rather regretfully pronounced. All who attended this district meeting will not — we may be sure — meet again^on earth. May they and their respected hosts and hostesses meet in the temple not made with hands. W. F. James. Chatham. — The members assembled at Ashford, in the Tenterden circuit, on Tuesday, June 25th. Br. Keen was absent through affliction, and the stiU more severe illness of his wife, and his absence was much regretted. Br. Brock, who has been laid aside during the greater part of the year, and has removed to the West, was also absent. A resolution of deep sympathy with him was passed. At the evening service, Br. J. Greenslade (Chatham), preached from i Peter i. 19. '* The precious blood of Christ." On Wednesday morning, Br. W. H. Webber (Faversham), who had selected for his text, John viii. 12, "I am the light of the world," after proceeding for about twenty minutes was taken ill and obliged to desist, a medical gentleman afterwards pronounced him to be suffering principally from over-exertion. The business of the session was proceeded witS under the presidency of Mr. Jory, who also acted as secretary. Br. J. H. Kelly was elected journal secretary, and J. Greenslade reporter. During the day, Br. Keen visited us for a few hours, but had to leave in the evening. The accounts from the various circuits, in some respects not very gratifying, were considered encouraging, when compared with former years. The district consists of six circuits, and has at present, 1 1 ministers, 59 local preachers, 32 chapels, 2 preaching places, 843 full members, with 5 on trial (66 have been admitted during the year), 296 teachers, and 2128 scholars. There have been 12 deaths and 36 removals. The finances present a favourable aspect. Missionary fund, ;f 172 i6s. jd.; chapel fund, £S OS. 6d.; educational fund, ^8 14s. 6d.; quarter board, ^ygj 3s. 4d., while other funds have been liberally sustained, making an increase on the whole of more than ^60. The character of the various ministers, the spiritual aspect of the district, representation at Conference, and other important matters were dis- cussed and resolutions concerning them duly passed. Three young men on pro- bation read their essays, each of which was spoken of in» eulogistic terms. The brethren on probation creditably passed the usual examination ; two receiving high commendation, having been in the ministry only one year. On Wednesday even- ing, in the absence of Br. J. O. Keen, the chairman preached from i John iv. 9. On Thursday morning, Br. J. H. Kelly (Chatham), delivered a good sermon from Matt. xxv. 21. In the afternoon an experience meeting was held, when much of the presence of God made it a season truly refresing. At the meeting in the evening, Br. T. Harris spoke on ** Christ, the great theme of the Christian minis- try ;" Br. R. Seldon, on " The moral power of Christianity ;" and Br. R. West- ington, on " Christian activity." On Friday the session ended, and the membci-s left, after expressing, in appropriate speeches, their deeply-felt gratitude to the friends of the Bible Christian and other Churches who had entertained them. J. Greenslade. Barrow and Durham.— The third annual meeting was held at Seaham Har- bour, a pretty little town where we would like to see a Bible Christian chapel. A site is secured, and as soon as possible, the friends will arise and build. It is only six miles from Sunderland, a splendid town of over 90,000 inhabitants, where we hope our people will soon effect an opening, an event much to be desired. The ministers and representatives met on Tuesday, June 25th, and certain preliminaries Digitized by Google DISTRICT MEETINGS. 383 over, we proceeded to the Temperance Hall, — used by our people as a preaching room — where we had a thorough-going Temperance meeting. The next morning the writer preached at six o*clock, and at the close of the service, the district meeting proper was formed, and the offices filled as follows : — Br. Render, secre- tary ; Br. Orchard, journal secretary ; Br. Squire, reporter. In ^oing through the list of preachers in the district, we were sorry to learn that Br. Perkins was too unwell to continue his labours in the Cleator Moor Mission, where he has worked with commendable zeal for two years. Br. Coomb had been compelled, through illness, to rest for three or four weeks, and though present, was in a very precari- ous state of health, and before the close of the sittings, became worse and had to return home. Br. Alford also was absent through Ulness, having been home for three or four months. Sympathy for these brethren was expressed, and they were not forgotten in our prayers. The district chairman, Br. S. L. Thome, introduced the business with a very excellent address. It was ascertained that there are in the district : — Ministers 10, increase 2 ; local preachers 77, increase 4 ; members 876, increase 87; chapels 15, increase 6; preaching-places 24; teachers 376; scholars 2095, increase 405. Finances : — Missionary receipts, ;^io6 i6s. od.; a small decrease, which is not to be wondered at, seeing the depression in trade, and considering the increase in the other funds. Quarter Board receipts, ;f395 7s. id., increase jf62 lis. 8d.; other Connexional funds, ;fi8 lis. id., a small increase. The chapel secretary, Br. Finch, in presenting his report, showed that the six new cases involved an outlay of nearly ;f 5000, towards which upwards of 4^700 have been raised, and for all ckapel purposes ;f 1270 15s. gd. have been realized. Adding the large amounts paid as rent for the various preaching-places, the money raised and spent in the Sunday-schools, and for other purposes, to the above sums, we find that not less than ^2000 must have been raised during the year in this young district. Surely there is every reason to be encouraged to per- severe in aggressive work in the North. Pressing calls for a minister came from Bishop Auckland, Birmingham, Manchester, and other large centres of population. Oh ! for men and money. May the Lord open the hearts and pockets of our rich friends so that we may be able to enter these large fields the Lord is opening to us. Chapels are very much wanted in several places, especially at Seaham Harbour and Guisborough. Various resolutions were passed. One expressing gratitude to God for preserving the lives of the brethren, and enabling them to maintain unblemished characters. Another expressing thankfulness for our suc- cesses in revivals and in other departments of our work. Large numbers have been converted during the year, but owing to the fearful depression in the coal and iron trades, the drain upon our societies by the necessary migration and immigration has been painfully great. The district sermon was preached on the Wednesday evening by Br. Banwell, who took for his text, Hag. ii. 4 ; and from God's message to Zerubbabel and Joshua, preached us a capital sermon. He cal- led our attention ist. To the exhortation, 2ndly, to the encouragements to holy activity. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered at the close. The Lord was present to bless. On Thursday morning, Br. Ward preached, and in the afternoon the brethren related their Christian experience. After the public tea, came the crowning meeting, presided over by the district chairman, who gave us an interesting address, and told us that the returns from all parts of the Con- nexion indicated an advance, on the whole. Br. Banwell spoke on ** Holiness, the Believer's privilege." In the absence of Br. Coomb, Br. Harris, the repre- sentative of Durham Mission, gave a short address, as did also Br. Thorne, jun., the representative of Bradford, whom the chairman introduced as a Bible Christ- ian of the fourth generation. Then came Br. Hender, whose theme was "Revivals of Religion." The speaker waxed warm, said some capital things, and interested the audience for nearly an hour. Then Br. Orchard was called upon to speak on " Sabbath Schools," and though he had the disadvantage of coming after the collection was made, yet in giving us, as he said, " the gist" of his speech, he threw out many useful hints for conducting Sunday-schools, interspersed with bits of humour, which thoroughly interested his hearers. When he sat down we were not tired. The meeting was a good one. A well merited vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, and the friends who kindly entertained us was passed. May the year we now enter upon be one of unparalleled success. R. Squi&s. Digitized by Google 384 NOTABILIA OF THE MONTH. May 24th. — A deputation presented to the Home Secretary Memorials in favour of closing public-houses in England on Sundays, signed by about 16,000 clergy- men and Non-confonnist ministers ; but Mr. Cross, while concurring in the desire to prevent intemperance, declined to pledge himself to a legislative measure as proposed. 28th. — Earl Russell died at Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, in the 86th year of his age. Throughout his long life this venerable statesman was the consistent friend of civil and religious liberty. 30th. — The Voltaire centenary celebration in Paris, but the Government refused to give its sanction to any public demonstration. 31st. — A squadron of three German ironclads was passing dovm Channel, when ofF Folkestone, one, the *'Konig Wilhelm," ran into a consort, the "Grosser Kurfiirst,** which sank a few minutes after, drowning 286 of her crew. June ist. — Mr. Mackonochie sentenced to three years* suspension for contempt in disobeying a monition of the Court of Arches. 2nd. — The life of the German Emperor again attempted, while riding through a public road in Berlin, and His Majesty was severely injured by a number of small shots which struck him. 3rd. — Parliament informed that the German Government had issued invitations for a Congress to be held at Berlin on the 13th of June for the discussion of the stipulations of the preliminary treaty between Russia and Turkey, and that the English Government, together with the Foreign Powers, had accepted the in- vitation. 4th. — The Court of Queen's Bench granted a rule nisi for a prohibition of the enforcement of the sentence against Mr. Mackonochie. 7th. — An explosion of gas at the Haydock colliery, near Wigan, resulting in the loss of upwards of 180 lives. 1 2th. — The ex-King of Hanover, a cousin of Queen "Victoria, died aged 59, and also the American poet, William CuUen Bryant, aged 84. 13th. — The first sitting of the Congress was opened by Prince Bismarck in the grand hall of his new official residence. 1 8th. — The 50th anniversary of the repeal of the Tests and Corporation Acts was celebrated by a public dinner at the Cannon-street Hotel, Earl Granville presiding. Among the events of the week the re-opening of the cotton-mills in East Lan- cashire, the formation of a Liberal Ministry at Brussels, and the satisfactory pro- gress, from the effects of his wounds, of the German Emperor, are worthy of special notice. 26th. — The young Queen of Spain died, aged 18. A general feeling of sorrow at the sad event has been warmly expressed. 30th. — ^The establishment of the Republic in France celebrated in Paris by a brilliant fete. July 2nd. — The Pan- Anglican Synod, comprising nearly 100 English, Scotch, Colonial, and American Bishops, assembled at Lambeth Palace. Rousseau centenary celebrated at Geneva. 5th. — Important debate in the House of Commons, inaugurated by Mr. E. Jenkins, on the Ritualistic practices and Romanizing teaching in the Church of England. 8th. — Parliament informed that a Treaty had been signed on the 4th of June between Great Britain and the Porte, giving England power to occupy the island of Cyprus in the event of KLars and Batoum being ceded to Russia by the- Berlin Congress, Great Britain undertaking to defend the Turkish territory in Asia Minor from future attacks. nth. — The opening of the College at Shebbear. The Earl* of Portsmouth presided at the luncheon, and his son. Viscount Lymington, and others delivered addresses. 13th. — The Berlin Congress concluded its labours, when the definitive treaty was signed. Its terms are not such, though it must be hailed with satisfaction as putting an end to the discontent and anxiety which has long existed, as to warrant a hope that the Eastern question has reached its final settlement. Digitized by Google THE Bible Christian Magazine. -:o:- GOD'S GOOD GIVING OF PERFECT GIFTS. A Sermon Preached in Ehenezer Chapel^ Lake, Shebbear, on the occasion of the opening of the College, July nth, 1878. (Published by request.) ** Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." — James i. 17. The text at first sight seems to sanction that too sharp line of dis- tinction which is sometimes drawn between things secular and things spiritual. The bounties and blessings of Providence are, we are frequently told, the good gifts, and the riches and privileges and triumphs of grace, the perfect gifts which come down from the Father of Lights. But just as the morning broadens into day, and time runs into eternity, and the earthly melts into the heavenly, and just as the body and soul united makes one living Personality, so all secular things have their spiritual aspects and relations, and all spiritual things are bounded, for the present at least, by sense and time. As the distinction at which we have hinted is not a just dis- tinction, so the correctness of the common interpretation of this text may be fairly questioned. The giving is good as to the manner and measure of it, altogether and essentially good, and the gifts are all perfect of their kind, absolutely, eternally perfect. The works of Creation, and the blessings of Providence are as perfect, in their nature and degree, as either the riches of grace or the September, 1878. d Digitized by Google 386 god's good giving of perfect gifts. riches of glory. None of the works of God can be improved, because they are His works. They are of necessity supremely ex- cellent, because the production of infinite skill and ineffable good- ness, as of omnipotent power. The eye and ear, the hand and foot, are all perfectly adapted to the various and manifold uses that they are designed to fulfil. The more deeply their construction and organization is studied, the profounder must be our admiration, and the livelier and the more devout our gratitude. " These are Thy glorious works. Parent of Good." Every flower "bears some mark,*' "in freckle, streak, or stain," of His "un- rivalled pencil." "The circle that encloses a dew-drop is as perfect as that which includes in its sweep all the stars." The cell of the bee is so exquisite that the unconscious worker has itself been de- scribed by men of science as a perfect mathematician. Who so vain and arrogant as to dream of giving " sweeter hues to the rose of Sharon, or to the lily of the valley ?" Who proudly thinks he could " whiten the driven snow, or impart a deeper blue to the arch of heaven ? " Who impiously imagines he could " give a nobler curve to the neck of the war-horse, or add a more beautiful green to the grass of the fields ? " Who vauntingly boasts that he could " dispose the stars above in a more perfect order, or add a deeper lustre to their silvery light ?^ But it is not necessary to multiply illustrations which are as wide as Creation, as infinitely varied as the works of God, and as numerous as the drops of rain or dew. These works of God are all good in an absolute and not in a comparative sense ; they are incapable of improvement ; they are perfect of their kind. An imperfect work cannot come from the hand of the Perfect Worker, any more than an unholy purpose or an unkind thought could be cherished by Him who is absolute in Holiness and Goodness and Truth. It is not so with the works of men. Comparative perfection even is not easily or soon reached. Experience is our teacher, and complete success is often born of partial failures. The first steam-engine was clumsy in construc- tion, and imperfect in its details; but first one man and then another improved on the original idea till now, the commonest engine that is turned out is, when compared with the first that was made, ex- quisite and complete in all its parts. " But known unto God are all His works from the beginning." " He has made everything beauti- ful in its time." And every one of His gifts is good and perfect. I am sure I shall have no difiiculty in persuading this audience that all the blessings and privileges we enjoy are the gifts of a wise and loving Father. And their value to every devout mind is greatly, yea immeasurably enhanced by the consideration that they are His gifts. An intelligent being finding himself in possession of won- Digitized by Google god's good giving of perfect gifts. 387 droiis gifts — wondrous in their variety, wondrous in their ex- cellence, and wondrous in the uses to which they might be applied, and the joys which they inspire — and knew nothing of the Giver or of His design in giving them, must be the subject of a great surprise, and a boundless admiration ; but these emotions would be less powerful and commanding surely than the pure and rapturous feelings of gratitude which would be produced if he knew that they were all the gifts of a loving Father. You find a real pleasure in tracing effects through a multitude of second causes to their original, efficient and primal cause ; you fl:nd a real pleasure in following through all its mysterious windings the course of the river, especially if it be fruitful as the Nile, lovely and picturesque as the Rhine, rich in historical associations as the Jordan, important as the Danube, or mighty and magnificent as the Amazon — ^you find a real pleasure in following its course to the spring from which it flows, almost hidden though it may be in obscurity ; you find a real pleasure in marking the growth and development of a nation through the successive stages of his history, from the moment of its birth, from the lowest point of insignificance and weakness to the world-wide splendour and renown it at length attained ; but what exercise if that kind can be so inspiriting, or so pleasurable and ennobling as that to which I now summon you, viz., to regard all your blessings as the gift of the Father of Lights. All — personal, social, family, national, and spiritual, as coming alike from Him. " Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be, As more of Heaven in each we see." " For us the winds do blow ; The earth doth rest, heavens move, and mountains flow." The light of the sun, and the light of the sun of Righteousness ; the bright beams of the morning, and the- brighter beams of the star of Bethlehem ; the health of the body, and the health of the soul ; the dews of earth, and the dews of heavenly grace and blessing ; the breath of our natural life, and the breath of the Eternal Spirit ; the flowers of the field and the forest, and the Rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley ; the fruits of nature, and the fruits of goodness, righteousness and truth ; the bread that perisheth, and the bread that Cometh down from heaven ; the water that does not satisfy per- manently, and the water that springs up into everlasting life ; the works of Creation, the movements of Providence, the books of the Bible, the operations of the Spirit ; our bodily endowments, our intellectual powers, and our spiritual graces, have all one common and glorious Source. *' All my springs are in Thee," " Every D 2 Digitized by Google 388 god's good giving of perfect gifts. good gift and every perfect gift is from above." Every trae idea, every holy institution, every godly enterprise, every wise word, every generous deed, is of the inspiration of God's Spirit. " Thou all our works in us hast wrought, Our good is all divine !'* Every ray of wisdom as of goodness, of truth as of love, is from the Father of Lights ; every tiny stream of patriotism, or beneficence, or virtue, as of piety, is from the great spring of all goodness ; every geographical feat, every scientific discovery, every agricultural im- provent, every social comfort or benefit, as every spiritual attain- ment, is the gift of the good God. God has not only given to the world prophets like Moses and Elijah and Samuel, and apostles like Paul, or Peter, James, and John, but skilful workers to devise and to execute all kinds of curious works, like Bezaleel and Aholiab ; not only martyrs and confessors, like Abel, and John the Baptist, and Stephen, but less heroic souls, who can only shelter the ser- vants of the Lord, or care for His poor ; not only has He given them reformers like Wickliffe, and Luther, and Knox, but philoso- phers like Newton, and poets like Milton, and rulers like Cromwell ; He has given not only eloquent preachers and successful evangelists like Whitfield and Wesley, and devoted missionaries like Carey and Judson, Williams and Moffat, but writers like Carlyle and travellers like Livingstone, statesmen like Peel and Pitt, Bright and Gladstone, engineers like Stephenson, and scientists like Faraday, and teachers like Arnold. But the recognition of God's hand, except in the directly spiritual realm, is so uncommon that the most devout men seem to be atheists in part after all. The celebrated William Jay, in one of his discourses, says there are three kinds of atheism. The first, which he describes as speculative atheism, is not very common and cannot be so, on account of the numberless proofs we have of the existence of the Deity. But there have been some who have not only avowed their disbelief of God, but have suffered for it. Atheism has even had now and then a solitary martyr. One was burned at some place in France, and had his book in favour of atheism suspended to his neck while chained to the stake. How far God may give up to strong delusion, so that they may believe a lie, those that have rejected Christianity and turned away from Him that speaketh from heaven, it is impossible to determine. The second kind of atheism William Jay designates as cordial ; so that David says, ** The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." That is, he wishes rather than believes it ; it is his prayer rather than his creed. Therefore said the Jews, in the days of Isaiah, " Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.*' The Digitized by Google god's good giving of perfect gifts. 389 third kind of atheism he enumerates is practical. And that is both dangerous and common. It is against that that I would fortify your minds this morning. The generality of mankind are living just as they would live if they were persuaded the Scriptures were a cun- ningly-devised fable, the Providence of God a childish belief of ignorant persons, and the being of God a lie. They are living in a world where God is continuously displaying His perfections, but they see Him not ; He "speaks in all the voices,'* and "storms in all the rage " of nature, and yet they hear Him not ; they lie down and rise up, they go out and they come in, they begin and end the day, they plan and they execute, or they fail to execute, their purposes, and yet God is not in all their thoughts. They are warmed by His sun, refreshed by His breeze, enriched by His bounty, yet they are dead to His attributes, and unconscious of His presence, and know nothing of His working. If He pursue them, they say unto Him, Depart from us, for we desire not a knowledge of thy ways.* That reflection which I think so fitting and appropriate on this occasion would destroy this insensibility and indifference towards the blessed God, and awaken in our bosom the thought, The good God is at once my Shield and Stay, my Guide, my Protector, my ever- lasting Friend. I know it is far easier, for many reasons, to trace our spiritual blessings up to God than it is the temporal good we so richly enjoy. Our repeated failures to work out our own salvation without divine help, to obtain quietness and rest of soul till we have heard the voice of Jesus say "Come unto me and rest,*' to live a new and nobler life till we have felt the quickening power of the Holy Ghost, to have even the wish to love and trust Christ till we have felt the drawings of His love, all serve to impress our hearts with the con- viction that we are saved by the grace of God alone. But present- life advantages we enjoy in common with all men ; with men who do not love God, who do not pray, who do not believe in Christ, who do not read the Bible, who do not think about the future, and men think, as they come to them in a regular and constant manner, that they come almost as a matter of course and of right. Because the sun shines day after day, men forget that it is God who makes it to rise. Hence it is a conspicuous virtue, a rare excellence, to see God in all the little affairs of our daily life, and have excited within us from these things feelings of devoutest gratitude. All things are from Him, but some we kmrw must come from Him. And I may be permitted to add, that the highest, the greatest * This paragraph is given from memory and may not be quite correct, and the quotation marks are therefore omitted. Digitized by Google 390 god's good giving of perfect gifts. blessings of all, are dealt out with a more liberal hand, and with a far more exceeding bountifulness, than all secondary blessings. There is a constancy even in the operations of nature which is in- deed a faint reflection of the unchangeableness of God himself. Seed-time and harvest, summer and winter, have not ceased. The harvest cannot fail as a whole ; but a particular district or country in the world may be deprived of the coveted blessing. Bread can only be had at times at frightful and almost famine prices, but there has never been any famine of the word of God, for Christ came down from heaven to give Himself for the life of the world. Our water is as sure as our bread ; but in some instances it is so precious and scarce that men have been willing to cheerfully endure many hardships in their long and toilsome search for it. But the water of life flows at our feet, breaks out in the desert, floods even the whole land. With the alternations of day and night we are all familiar ; but the sun in the long day of Christ's power shows no decline, and as yet there are no signs of night's approach. In the kingdom of grace as in the kingdom of glory, the gates of the city, east, west, north, south, have never yet for a moment been closed. The education of the people is one of the last blessings that an ever-advancing civilization has brought to us, but the rest, and joy, and triumph of faith have been within the reach of the men of every generation, " for there is a light that lighteth every man that Cometh into the world." And even in the best gifts of God, in the realm exclusively of the spiritual, we may trace the operation of a wonderful law of progress. The grey twilight, which the first promise brought, was hardly to be distinguished from the surrounding darkness, but it has been fol- lowed by the meridian splendour of gospel times. The stream of God's love, which seemed so small in its beginnings, becomes al- most as broad as the ocean before it empties itself into it. The tiny sapling has grown into a tree which has increased in fruitful- ness as it multiplied its proportions. The key-note of redemption, struck in the very moment of man's fall, hardly prepared mankind for the lofty and magnificent, yet perfectly harmonious strains of the gospel of Christ. The first promise, though it contained the germ of all subsequent revelations, was only a faint outline, a mere dark shadow, of good things to come. Christianity more than ful- filled the hopes which Jewish types and sacrifices inspired. The flower is more wonderful as a flower than the bud was beautiful as a bud, and the fruit is richer and more abundant than even the flower led men to hope. In the life of Christ we observe the same law of development. Christ's death on the cross was more wonderful than His birth in Digitized by Google GOD'S GOOD GIVING OF PERFECT GIFTS. 391 Bethlehem. And His resurrection from the dead was more won- derful than His death on the cross. And His life in heaven is more wonderful than His resurrection from the dead. " In that He died He died unto sin once ; in that He liveth He liveth unto God." The eclipse was partial and temporary ; the splendour and the glory are for evermore. And the same fact may be noticed in the experience of believers. Each sinner that returns to God receives some special mark of dis- tinction and favour. We are not simply accepted in the Beloved, we become sons of God, and have a place appointed us among His princes. His right royal reception of us, unworthy as we are, is •what only the boundless wealth of Divine Wisdom and Love can understand. We might have been saved from hell without being saved to heaven. We are Sons of God, but even Revelation fails to tell us what we shall be. Reconciliation is by the death of Christ, but Salvation is by His life. There is no voice from the opening heaven to declare to and of each one of us. This is my beloved Son, but His glory with the Father we shall both see and share. The exceeding riches of His glory will be indeed far more glorious than the exceeding riches of His grace are gracious. The character of God's gifts is known by the character of God himself. They come down from the ** Father of Lights.'* And I can scarcely venture to add a word by way of definition. There is so much quiet beauty, calm dignity, sublime simplicity, that silence rather than speech seems most befitting. Preachers who have chosen such texts as " God is love," " Jesus wept,*' " Behold I stand at the door and knock," have felt after giving out their texts as if they could not add a word of their own. Expressive silence is sometimes the best explanation and the most eloquent and thrilling appeal. God is " The Father of Lights." He is the Light. In Him is no darkness at all. No impurity, no ignorance, no weak- ness. Undimmed brightness, unsullied purity, uncreated and undiminished vigour. Not a shade of sadness, not a stain of sin. The Father of Lights has kindled' all the lights, just as the Father of Spirits has created all other spirits. He causes them to burn brightly. And the sun is but a spark from His eternal fire. And yet the light of that spark, see ** how it strikes on the hill, bur- nishes the sea, flushes the trembling dew, and makes the blossom- ing bush burn as if with the presence of God," and transfigures all nature into beauty and gladness. God is the Light, unsullied Light. And His gifts are like Himself. We are children because He is our Father. We are children of light because He is the Father of lights. His greatest gift is Christ. He is the all-perfect gift because He is the all-inclusive gift. He is the pattern, the pledge of all Digitized by Google 392 god's good giving of perfect gifts. other gifts. And He is Light. Yea, He is the Light of the world. " He that folio weth Him shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." It must be light from light. It must be love from love. It* must be truth from truth. It must be goodness from goodness. God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man. Just as the sun gives day, the trees fruits, and the flowers fragrance, just as spring gives beauty, and knowledge power, does God give us light. God is the ** Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, nor the least shadow of turning." Dr. Clarke has, as many of you know, a very elaborate note on this verse to prove that the Apostle refers in this expression to the horizontal parallax of astronomy. Some later commentators have ridiculed the idea because the hori- zontal parallax was not known till centuries afterwards. But is this a good and sufficient reason for rejecting the supposition of the learned commentator ? I think not. We might as well ask what did Moses know of modern geological science, and yet the record written in stones is in marvellous agreement with the Bible account of the Creation. The explanation is, that Moses wrote and spoke as he was moved by the Holy Ghost. What did Isaiah know of the Copernican system of astronomy ? The Jews of his day certainly believed that the earth was a plane, that the sun revolved around it, and that the stars were lamps suspended in the sky more for orna- ment than use. But Isaiah says : ** Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number ; He calleth them all by names, by the great- ness of His might, for that He is strong in power ; not one faileth." This is more like the language of a modern astron- omer than that of an ancient Jewish seer. And yet it is not like, for not one of them has ever discoursed in so lofty a strain. But Isaiah spoke as he was moved by the Holy Ghost. John the Divine says, when the seventh angel poured out his vial on the air, "there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings ; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great." John Bunyan quoting this verse freely,* says there was a great earthquake such as never was upon the earth, so mighty and so great. John Bunyan never once thought, though he lived so many centuries after John the Divine, that there were earthquakes before men were upon the earth. But if any one thing is established by modern geology, it is that the period of great earthquakes was before man was on the earth. How was it that that John escaped the error into which this John fell } * First noticed, so far as I know, by the late Rev. William Amot. Digitized by Google GOD S GOOD GIVING OF PERFECT GIFTS. 393 Ah, thai John wrote as he was inspired by the Holy Ghost ; and on the same principle I think there maybe a reference to the horizontal parallax of astronomy in the text, of which the writer himself was wholly unconscious. And the latest discoveries must be anticipated, if the Bible is to be a book for all time, as well as for all men. God is absolutely unchangeable. There is no change in His under- standing, none in His will. Whatever changes may take place, none take place in Him. " To have no variableness is good, not to have even the shadow of a turning is perfection." In a beautiful exposition of Rom. viii. 39, the Rev. A. MacLaren has said, '* The distance of a star is measured by the apparent change in its posi- tion, as seen from different points of the earth's surface or orbit. But this great Light stands steadfast in our heaven, nor moves a hair's-breadth, nor pours a feebler ray on us whether we look up to it from the midsummer-day of busy life, .or from the midwinter of death. These opposites are parted by a distance to which the millions of miles of the world's path among the stars are but a point, and yet the living God streams down on them alike." And always. The conditions of giving I cannot dwell on at this time. But the receptive faculty men need. God cannot give light to the blind, or it is given in vain. The /rayz«^ power we must also possess. Ask for wisdom. Ask for guidance. Ask for protection. The thank- ful spirit we must cherish and cultivate. The obedient life we must live. I must not protract these remarks. But I am especially anxious that you should regard this Institution as one of the gifts of God to the Denomination, and to the world. It is more than thirty- seven years ago that the school was established. It is, I consider, one of the most remarkable incidents of the many, in the history of this Denomination, that our fathers should have conceived the idea of founding it at that period. My wonder is increased when I think of the few educational advantages that many of them en- joyed. But its conception was probably due mainly to one or two persons, to one especially, whose spirit it requires no stretch of imagination to suppose is joining ours in celebrating the proceed- ings of this day, and though invisible to us, he is doubtless actively interested in this inauguratory service. If he could have foreseen the proportions to which this good work has grown, and the prosperity that we are permitted to witness this day, his joy, when he was with us, would have known no bounds. And just as the choice of the first Master was a happy one, and could only have been made by a conjunct tion of circumstances which we cannot b.ut regard as providential, so it appears to me, after a season of triafand depression, has God again Digitized by Google 394 CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. smiled upon us in giving us a Master eminently adapted for his position, and not the least of whose qualifications is that by work- ing hard for the Institution, in adversity and in prosperity, it must have so entwined itself around his best affections as to constrain him to exert his utmost powers. In the first Governor and in his immediate successor, as well as in the present, God has given us men to take up and carry forward this work. The fact that the Earl of Portsmouth kindly engaged to lay the stone of the new buildings, and has since shown, in so many ways, his interest in the prosperity of this College, is a recognition of its usefulness, which will contribute very much to its future success. The history of many of the boys who received their education here affords to us who have been mere spectators much satisfaction, and one or two have become very distinguished and illustrious. If this College is God's gift to us, as I believe it is, let us use it wisely. Our candi- dates for the ministry must here find a school where they shall ac- quire dexterity in the use of every weapon that is found in the armoury of God. And if the preachers and laity take that interest in it that it merits, and accord to the managers that sympathy they so well deserve, no gift that God has conferred upon the Denomi- nation shall secure more fervent gratitude, and be a greater blessing to the present and all succeeding generations. F. W. BOURNB. CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. CLERICAL STEALTH. ** I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal . . . words every one from his neighbour."— Jer. xxiii. 30. "Thou shalt not steal."— Ex. xx. 15. " If I couldn't be fine-looking without wearing other people's finery, I wouldn't be fine-looking at all ; Td rather be the plain, homely old chap I am than be rigged-out and dandied-off in borrowed or stolen garments ; and if I couldn't be a grand or popular preacher by sermons of my own manufacture, I wouldn't sell my manliness and principle and conscience simply to be thought much of by learning and reciting like a school-bov other men's grand sermons : not I ; I'd be myself or I'd be nobody at all ; now that's plain- speaking." So spake an intelligent and shrewd, but rustic-looking old man as he returned from a certain place of worship in company with one of the seat-holders, where he had listened to a young clergyman (popular among his poorly-read hearers) who had re- peated a grandiloquent sermon from a volume published by a celebrated D.D. The detector had read the sermon not long before, and it had made an indelible impression on his mind ; so that he was prepared to write " Thief T on the " broad-cloth," or **AlaSt ii was oorrowed** on the fine effort. Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. 395 Of course it was swallowed down by the majority in the audience as ** the finest of the wheat," as a wonderful discourse ; and it lifted the " dear young man ** a few feet higher in their good opinion and affections. But among a few sober, thoughtful, and judicious heads the flash of oratory seemed too brilliant, and both the thought and language too sage and mellow, too full-bloomed and doctor-like for one so green in the work, and so youthful in experience and limited in attainments. The young r.e.v. came down from the pulpit with an increased volume of self-conscious dignity — higher at the "instep" by several degrees, and on far better terms with himself than he had ever been before — thinking ONLY of what an extraordinary " time " he had had, and what a grand impression his auditory had received of his unique gifts and enchanting eloquence ; not knowing that though he had gone up like a ^^ rocket ^^ he was soon to come down like the ""^ stick** I The detector of this learnt discourse being naturally of an im- pulsive and out-spoken make, and a hater of ** false pretences," and every kind of deceit; and not being entrusted with the fact by the R.E.V. that it was his ^'wont^' so to do, as a profound secret, at once, without a blush or blunder, let the " cat out of the bag " in the manner I have indicated. The result can be anticipated. It put the dagger into his rising reputation : it strangled his flowering popularity : it threw him on his own scanty resources and unde- veloped powers, and a sorry figure he cut : it crimsoned him with shame, and buried him early and for ever in the grave of public prejudice and contempt. Of course he was desperately annoyed with the old gentleman for telling out the truth, while he was false ; and for being openly honest, while he was secretly thievish. But righteously the annoyance should have been on the other side (and eventually it shifted round there), at his publicly trying to deceive his hearers. If a young man can't walk without stilts, then he had better not walk at all. If he wants to soar and can't without bor- rowed wings, he had better crawl, or creep, as best he can. And if a young clergyman is ambitious to preach fine discourses ; ambitious to electrify an audience by his sermonic eloquence, and hasn't the pluck and brain to gratify his ambition, but is dependent on com- mitting to memory and reciting verbatim et liheratim the cream of printed sermons, he had better go home and follow an honest secular calling, — for God never calls dishonest, incompetent, and hypocritical men to preach His gospel — hence, his place in the ministry he has terribly mistaken ; to it he has not been called ; for it he is not qualified ! I have as much right to pretend to be a master tailor without knowing how to make a garment, or a car- penter without knowing how to make a window-sash or wheel-barrow, as to set up to be 2l preacher and not know how to make a sermon. We are to be Workmen, — not merely good Memorisers, correct and clever Reciters of dead or living men's words, &c., — our duty is to invent, to frame, to build, to create, to think, and speak as ** workers together with God." I have ever been thankful for an important piece of advice given to me by a highly-esteemed Brother when I assumed " holy orders :" Digitized by Google 39^ CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. allow me to reproduce it here, and press it upon every candidate for the ministry who perchance may sight it : — " I want you not only to be a diligent reader, but an independent thinker. To' refer to the smith's shop for an illustration : get all the iron you can from any and every quarter, in any and every shape ; but always make it red- hot in your own fires, and hammer it out well, according to your own judgment, on your own mental anvil. If you do this persistently and invariably, in the course of years you will be surprised and delighted with the results of the noble experiment." The advice has been acted on ** persistently and invariably," and the prophecy has been fulfilled. The early efforts of course bore the stamp of intellectual juvenility, nevertheless they had the ring of originality. They were not abreast the plagiarists and sermon-steal ers, but they were genuine unreelings of thought from my own mental spool, — the out-come of my own mental self — and strength to think, to plan, to construct, to create, grew with repeated effort ; and the pleasures, of sermonic creations to-day are second only to the pleasures of con- scious acceptance " in the beloved." The mere reciter of other men's sermons is a kind of '* trinity-in- unity :" audacity, stupidity, and limited spirituality must inhere in his personality. Such a one must have nerves of steel and a face of brass to confront an assembly to give " word for word " the splen- did brain and heart effusion of a learned doctor in divinity. And his stupidity can only be commensurate with his audacity : for the intelligence of his hearers he must gauge at a very small rate ; he must set them down as sadly deficient in judgment, discriminating power, knowledge of books, periodicals, and sermonic literature (a thing exceedingly unlikely in this age of unexampled sermon-read- ing), and conclude that he alone has the book out of which he learns his sacred task ! And what about the spirituality of such an indi- vidual ? If his memory is right, can his heart be ? If his nerves are strong, can his motives be pure ? If his recital be faultless, can the effect be soul-saving ? Can he consistently front God and say he has done his duty ? Can he conscientiously look for the divine blessing on his endeavours ? What about the strict honesty of the act if not acknowledged ? Is it not appearing in a false light, making a false impression, and moving in society under a false name, bearing false honours, and leading a false life altogether ? He is measured by his pulpit performances to be a giant, when in reality he is the veriest pigmy I He is credited with being remark- ably clever, when in truth he has not mastered the a b c of sermon- making. Can such hypocrisy prosper } Can it secure the Eternal smile and benediction ? What about the injustice, too, it inflicts on his brother-ministers ; especially the one or more with whom he labours 7 Is it doing as he would be done unto ? Is it loving his neighbour as himself ? Are not they at an unrighteous dis- count in the public estimation side by side with him ? Is it, I ask, either fair to his brethren who spin their own material, or honest to the public who accord us credit for being ourselves in matter and manner in the pulpit } A thousand Nos I There is a big kernel of truth as well as a smack of humour in the folio w- Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHER. 39? ing quotations from the " Literary World " : — ** As children are fond of dressing themselves up in grandfather's coat and hat, so the pigmies are fond of preaching the sermons of giants." But it is time (according to my clock) such pigmies should be knocked off their hypocritical pedestal, and made to stand on their own feet and walk in their own shoes, or retire from public gaze altogether. '* Giants are giants still though stood in valleys, and pigmies will be pigmies still though perched on pyramids." An anecdotal quo- tation from the afore-mentioned weekly and I will stop chipping : " A minister had preached in the morning a very good sermon, and promised to finish the subject in the evening. Lucklessly the wife of the friend for whom he was preaching recognised the sermon, and went to her husband's bookcase between the services and. laid the preacher's sermon on the study-table he was to occupy. She had a wife's jealousy for her husband's reputation, as the ' strange preacher' had outshone him.'* To the clerical wives from *' Dan to Beersheba " of the denominational empire I would say, — ** Go and do likewise^* whenever the opportunity turns up. Duty demands you to defend your " husband's reputation," and not more so than when it is assailed or jeopardised by such an unlawful and unholy practice. It may be asked. What are sermons printed and published for ? I answer, certainly not to be learnt and recited ; but to be read, and to instruct, impress, stimulate and suggest. Should any brother of the cloth addicted to this vice, read this ** chip " I am afraid it will turn him pale, then sick, then angry ; and to the fires of his indignation it will be consigned, ne'er more to see the ** light of his counte- nance " in the land of the living. Heartily we say " Amen ! " " So let it be 1" if it work in him a perfect cure. MARTIN LUTHER. Delivered in the Bible Christian Chapel , Newport, Monmouth y by Geo. W. Armstrong, Cardiff. Part IV. Luther's Faults. Luther, great aad good as he was, was not without his faults. In this respect he was related to the whole family of man. " To err is human." Luther was hasty and impetuous ; unyielding and almost unforgiving to his foes. He seems to have been dogmatic and arbitrary, and though he rejected the papal infallibility, he seems, to some extent, to have had faith in his own. Although he boldly severed himself from the Church of Rome, its teachings and in- fluence never seem to have entirely left him. Some of the doctrines of Rome he held to the last. This is seen in the great controversy he had with Zwingle, the Swiss Reformer, on the question of the Lord's Supper. Luther contended for the doctrine of the Real Presence, and the way in which he conducted the controversy reflects neither credit on his heart or head. Digitized by Google 398 MARTIN LUTHER. His faults, much as we deplore them, were few compared with his numerous good qualities, and may, to some extent, be condoned if we take into account his early training and the nature of the work in which he was engaged. ** With all his faults we U)ve him still," and thank God so noble a life was ever lived. Luther's private excellences. Among his private excellences and social virtues we notice hts intense love of music. He was called the Wittenberg Nightingale, because of the great delight he took in it. He says himself: ** Next to theology, it is to music I give the highest place of honour." Luther was also a poet, and wrote many noble hymns, full of devout thankfulness and praise. Many of his hymns may be called " religious war songs," they breathe a truly martial spirit, and dis- play firm trust in God and a genuine manly spirit. For a long period before Luther's day, the church had no psalmody for the people ; the priests chanted psalms and hymns in Latin, but the people remained silent. Luther knew the power and charm of song, and so he gave the people songs to sing, and wonderful effects they produced. Theology was mixed with song, and thus the work of the Refor- mation was helped forward. Another of Luther's virtues was his strong love for his parents. We have seen this love in one form when he wished them dead in order that he might pray them out of purgatory, but when the wickedness of such a wish was revealed to him he showed his at- tachment by thoughtful kindliness, attending to their wants, and ministering to their comforts — both in health and sickness. When he heard of his father's death he said, "Alas ! it was by the sweat of his brow that he made me what I am." On the occasion of his mother's illness, he wrote her a beautiful and consoling letter, full of deep religious sentiment. Luther also had strong family attachments. He thought there was no woman in the world equal to his wife. As to his children he was a true father to them, and they in return were to their parents what all children ought to be. Luther had the happy art of leaning to. the capacity of children — he was a child among children, just as he was a man among men. He ever took the most lively interest in his children, and for the love he dis- played towards them they loved him equally in return, and exercised towards him the utmost confidence, consulting him in all their childish troubles. His wife was a good and wise woman, and often cheered him in his hours of despondency. Another trait in his character was generosity. Luther was poor and never had much to give, but what he gave he gave imllingly. One day a poor student came into his house, and told him a sad tale of poverty. Luther turning to his wife said, " Catherine, give this man some money." ** I have none, not a farthing," was her reply. Hearing this, be took a golden cup Digitized by Google MARTIN LUTHER. 399 that was near to his hand and gave it to the student saying, " Go, sell that, and supply thy wants." Luther held worldly goods in very small esteem. A Roman Cardinal was asked, " Why did you not stop the mouth of Luther with silver and gold ?" He replied, "Ah, that German beast careth not for silver and gold." His friend, the Elector of Saxony, once asked him to accept of the produce of a mine, by so doing he would probably have become a rich man, but Luther declined the offer, saying, " I will not tempt the devil, who is the lord of those subterraneous treasures, to tempt me." Luther was also much given to hospitality. His friends often surrounded his festive board, and participated in his open-hearted kindness. After the blessing of God had been asked upon the repast, he would say to his friends, "And now, my friends, let us taste and see how gracious the Lord is, and how well my Katie has cooked.*' Conclusion. Luther amidst his busy, earnest, active, and perilous life, did not forget its domestic and its social duties. He was a citizen of this world, as well as of the world to come. His great purpose in life was, " The glory of God, and the good of man." Rome, and all his enemies, tried to overthrow his doctrines, and to destroy him by means of the secular power, but Luther ever trusted in the Lord his God, and he found in all his varied experiences " that underneath and round about him were the everlasting arms." The God who was with him in '* the day of battle," was with him in the " hour and article of death." Luther died at Eisleben — the town in which he was born. He went there to try to arrange some disputes which had arisen among some German princes and their people. Two days before he died he said, " If I can but succeed in restoring harmony among my dear princes and their subjects, I will cheerfully return home, and lay me down in the grave." His anxiety for the work of his life remained with him to the end of his days. When he retired to rest for the last time his friends gathered round him in deep concern ; he gave his hand to each, wished them " Good-night," saying, ** Pray to the Lord our God for his gospel, that it may prosper, for the Council of Trent and the Pope are striving hard against it." During the night he became restless, his friends hearing him, has- tened to his room ; as they entered he said, " I shall yield up my spirit ;" he then offered a devout prayer, after which he closed his eyes and remained silent ; his friends addressed him as follows : — " Venerable and much-loved father, you die in the belief of the doctrines of Christ, as you have preached them ?" to which inquiry Luther gave a distinct answer, " Yes." In fifteen minutes after this, between two and three o'clock in the morning of* February i8, 1546, his happy spirit ascended to the Father whom he so much loved, and to the Saviour whom he had so faithfully served. His body was taken and buried in All Saints Church, Wittenberg. The funeral was attended by crowds of people, among whom were Digitized by Google 400 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. dukes, nobles, and many honourable persons. The university of Wittenberg placed an inscription on his tomb. Philip Melancthon preached the funeral sermon, which was full of expressions of grati- tude to God for Luther's noble life and work. Memorials. In 1 82 1 the Evangelical churches of Germany gratefully contri- buted to erect a suitable memorial to Luther, which was placed in the Wittenberg market-place ; but a more imposing and larger memorial was erected at Worms. This memorial was many years in execution, having been begun in 1856 and was not completed until 1868. It is a memorial rather to the leaders of the Reforma- tion than to Luther ; though Luther is the most prominent, and central figure. Around its base are figures of Frederick the Wise, Philip of Hess, and Melancthon ; also of Peter Waldo, the French reformer ; Wickliffe, the English reformer ; John Huss, the Bohe- mian reformer ; and Savonarola, the Italian reformer. There are also bas-relief castings of the cities of Augsberg, Magdeberg, and Spiers. The memorial has assumed such a Catholic character that it may be said to belong, not simply to Germany, but to the world. The true memorials of these 15th and 16th century Reformers cannot be carved in stone, no matter how hard and durable that may be — their memorial is in the work they did — a work the effect of which shall be experienced to the end of time ; a work immortal in its character and eternal in its duration. MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. MR. JOHN WILLIAMS. There are facts in the history of the Bible Christian Denomina- tion known to the world ; but it strikes us forcibly that there are other facts, no less intimately connected with the success of the Denomination, know at most to comparatively few, and in many cases, to God alone. We all know that the Connexion originated with one man, and that almost from the beginning, members of certain families identified themselves with the infant cause, and never ceased to be so identified to the day of their death. We know, too, that in the early history of the Denomination great good was done, — that a mighty influence attended the word preached, despite the absence of cultivation in many of the preachers, and notwithstanding the fact that the sect at that time, was everywhere spoken against. We know that violent persecution was often en- countered, and that some of the greatest persecutors of the infant cause became its staunchest, truest friends. When the gospel comes into contact with the human heart, the first thing commonly made manifest is the truth of the record, ** The carnal mind is Digitized by Google MSMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 401 enmity against God." Sometimes, the conversion to God of a single member of a family, has caused him or her to be dis- inherited by the father, and to be despised and persecuted by all the other members of the household. Wives have been known to sit patiently on the door-step till a late hour, waiting the return of their husbands from the public-house. But under the transforming power of the^ospel the lion becomes a lamb, and the vulture a dove ; while the human heart is so changed, that to all intents and purposes the individual is a new creature ; and yet we are asked to believe that the Bible is a tissue of falsehoods and contradictions. Is it, can it be, proper to call men sceptics, who are capable of such marvellous faith } One would naturally suppose that such men, if converted to Christianity, would so unhesitatingly receive the most extraordinary statements of Holy Writ, as to put to the blush the doubting and unbelieving among what are now called Christians. O ye Christians ! for very shame ye ought to believe the gospel, when avowed unbelievers can believe such extraordinary things. Is it not strange, if what the sceptic says is true, that only the Bible, or books permeated with Bible truth, exert such an influence on the heart of man, and produce a perfect revolution in his life ? That it will dispose him, in the face of stern opposition, to live and labour, to suffer and die for the sake of the gospel ? Let those who contemn the. Bible, produce another book that shall bear compari- son with it for reforming, subduing, comforting, controlling, and saving influences, and we may think them entitled to consideration ; but till then, whatever their pretensions to greater truthfulness and honesty, we give them no countenance. Mr. Williams, like all other descendants of fallen Adam, was born in sin, and for many years, lived like others, " without God, and without hope in the world." I don't know that, like Abraham Bastard, he had a special fancy for trying his hand with every noted boxer that came along ; but when challenged to fight he did not shrink from the encounter. I have the impression that once, while a lad, he was challenged by a chimney sweep ; but the idea of the soot did not cause him to decline the battle ; for he fought and conquered. This element of his nature may partly account for some things that characterised him in after life. No matter who might be present, nor what their position in society, nor how sub- ordinate his position in relation to them, when duty to God de- manded it, he would rise above every other consideration, and do and say what in his conscience he considered right. It was no unusual thing in those days for certain lewd fellows of the baser sort to interrupt the servants of God in their worship ; but the man that did this when Br. Williams was present would be sure to find his match ; and, when once taken hold of, would find it just as easy to get out of a smith's vice, as to free himself from the grip of the invincible Williams. He was not only^ fearless, and physically powerful, but he had also considerable p'ower of mind. Such was his power of percep- tion, and such his capacity for balancing evidence, and of deciding in cases of dispute ; and such, too, his transparency and integrity B Digitized by Google 402 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARISS. of purpose, that gentle and simple, saint and sinner, reposed con- fidence in him, and readily referred matters in dispute to his decision. It was not so much the custom then as now to try to get up a sermon when one had to preach ; but it was usual to agonize with God in prayer, that your utterances might burn into the sinner's conscience, and produce a deep impression of the importance of salvation. And seldom did any class of hearers fail to find some- thing heart-searching in the ministrations of Br. Williams. Again and again, in retiring from the chapel, miles and miles from his home, persons have walked by his side, saying, ** Now, Br. Williams, 1*11 tell you all about it';" and then would follow a state- ment about some disagreement with a neighbour, till Br. John would say, ** But I knew nothing about it." Oh dear, didn't you ? I thought someone had told you one side of the matter." As a class-leader he was affectionate and faithful, and. when any of the members appeared to be particularly tempted his sympathy with them would draw him out in prayer on their behalf as if he would take no denial ; and often has he risen to such a point as if he would bear all the forces of hell before him. And, O, what vic- tories have followed those prayers ! But such as would form a true estimate of this man must go back in imagination some sixty years at least, and travel with him the thousands of miles that he has travelled to preach the Word, or to assist at a prayer-meeting, or to visit the sick and the dying : and they must remember in how many instances those journeys were performed through pelting rain, or driving snow, or scorching heat, or piercing cold, over trackless heath, in starless nights, after the exhausting labours of the day or of the week, as the case might be, and often without the /ood that nature urgently demanded. Nay, more, they must enter his house, evening after evening, for years and years in succession, and listen by the hour while he, in his chamber, ** groans to God who reads the heart, the unutterable prayer." And now — may they retire ? Not yet. Wait awhile. True, he may be in bed, and " nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep" may be stealing over the mighty wrestler ; but in a few moments the doze is over, and, shouting " Glory to God," he springs from his bed, puts on his clothes, and is out by the hedge to wrestle till the morning dawn. I said there are facts known to the world, and facts known only to a few, and facts known to God alone ; and who knows, I would ask, save Him from whom nothing is hidden, how much the Bible Christian De- nomination is indebted to such earnest and continued pleadings in prayer as are referred to above ? Who knows when and where the influence of such prayer terminates. " O wondrous power of faithfiil prayer ! What tongue can tell the th* Almighty grace ? God's hands or bound, or open are, As Moses or Elijah prays ! Let Moses in the spirit groan. And God cries out, * Let me alone !' " One Sunday morning he went as usual three miles from home to Digitized by VjOOQ IC MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 405 meet a class, and when the meeting was closed, instead of stopping to speak to the people, he was gone. The people of the house were perplexed. They could not account for his having left in that way. But how were they surprised when, two hours afterwards, he came back exclaiming, " The Lord will revive His work, 1 know He will, I know He will, I know He will !'* The secret was, for two hours he had been out by the hayrick pleading with God for a revival. At last it appeared to him as if a cloud opened over a chapel well known to the writer ; and as the cloud opened the glory streamed forth ; and at once he felt confident that there would be a revival, and that it would begin at that chapel ; and so it came to pass ; and, in about three months, between six and seven hundred souls pro^ fessed conversion to God ! How true it is that ** the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much." My brother Paul, who has been in the ministry over fifty-five years, and who met in Br. Williams's class for years before he left home, thinks that Br. Williams must have been converted in the autumn of 1818. My brother further says, "The remembrance of the blessed meetings we had at Br. Williams's house is still pre- cious." He also says, ** Earnest, prevailing prayer characterized the religious life of Br. Williams. When the day's work was done, and before going to the evening meeting, there would be some time spent in the chamber, wrestling in prayer ; but, if circumstances prevented^ he trusted in God, and believed for His blessing all the same." Under date of March 7th, 1823, Br. Williams wrote my brother a' letter, crowded with information about the work of God. This shows how fully his heart was in the work, and how satisfied he felt that no other subject would be so interesting to a late member of his class. In those days the joy that was inwardly felt was often in some way outwardly indicated, and of this the letter gives evidence. The cup of joy was not only full, but often overflowing. Might it not be so, ought it not to be so, and would it not be so now, if our lives were characterized by the same devotedness to God ? About thirty years ago Mr. Williams and family, and Mr. Treve- than and family (all deeply-interested friends of the Bible Christian Cause), removed to Beer Town, in the parish of Beer Ferris, and jointly rented a farm beonging to the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe. But, in removing, they did not leave behind them the deep interest they had so long felt ; and soon an opening was found for establish- ing the Bible Christian cause in Beer Town. In the absence of other suitable premises, public and private religious services, and also a Sunday-school, were conducted in the house ; and many who felt the saving power of the Gospel became identified with the Society, so that at one time, I think, over seventy persons were united in church-fellowship. But Messrs. Williams and Trevethan were both advanced in years ; and it became a matter of anxiety to them as to what would become of the Society and congregation should God in His Providence remove them. This led to an appli- cation to the Earl for a site on which to build a chapel : and having, with the hearty co-operation of the friends, provided a resting-place E 2 Digitized by Google 404 MEMOIRS AKD OBITUARIES. for the Ark of God, and a suitable school-room, Br. Williams signi- fied that he should like to live to see the debt paid off, and then he should be content to die. The debt is not yet paid off ; but it is so small and the friends feel themselves so competent to pay it at any time, if they judge it expedient to do so, that it is a source of anxiety to no one. At a comparatively recent period, Mr. Williams retired from the farm, and removed to Stonehouse, where it was my privilege to visit him in going to and returning from the last St. Austell Con- ference ; and as, soon after, I removed to Stonehouse myself, I had frequent opportunities of seeing him up to within three or four days of his death. The inquiries he made from time to time showed that he had not outlived his interest in the Denomination. And when he became so enfeebled in body as to lose at times his recol- lection, his conversation showed ,in what direction his thoughts ran. At times his sufferings were great, but I never heard one murmuring word escape his lips. The latter part of his life ap- peared to be distinguished more by holy calm than by rapture ; but he frequently expressed himself as free from the shadow of a doubt, and more than once he told the doctor that he need not fear to let him know the exact state of his case, for that he had no fear of death. The Sunday preceding his death, a brother of mine who had not seen him for over forty years, but who entertained great respect for him, wished to accompany me to his house. He was however disappointed to find that Br. Williams did not recognize . either of us. But while looking at him as he lay unconscious of our presence, my brother exclaimed, **Does he not look beautiful.?" On the following day, before leaving for the committee meeting, I visited him again ; but he was still insensible. On my return the following Friday, April 12th, I found he had entered into rest, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. '* How blest the righteous when he dies ! When sinks a weary soul to rest. How mildly beam the closing eyes, How gently heaves th* expiring breast ! Life's labonr done, as sinks the clay, Light from its load the spirit flies ; While heaven and earth combine to say. How blest the righteous when he dies ! " M. Robins. WILLIAM SNOWDEN Was bom in the parish of Aveton Gifford, Devonshire, on the 23Td of February,* and departed this life to be for ever with the Lord on February i6th, 1878. Pereons are sometimes awakened to a sense of their danger, and their need of salvation, by some terrible calamity. Br. Snowden was alarmed and awakened in that way. There was a shipwreck near Aveton Gilford, and many persons (as was their wont in those days 01 darkness) went to reap their unrighteous harvest. One morning as Br. Snowden was descending the cliff, he saw a man in the sea trying to get at an article off the wreck, and while looking at him, he saw him carried out b^ the receding waters, — he soon sank and perished. He left the scene horrified, and resolved to depart from the ways of the ungodly and live a better ♦ Year not supplied. — Ed. Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 405 life. He betook himself to reading praj^ers, and attending the church, but these brought his guilty soul no relief. While in distress, Thomas Hill, a Bible Christian Minister, visited the neighbourhood and preached in the open air the simple story of redeeming goodness in Christ. A missionary in India, while preaching under a tree, showed how God could be just and the justifier of all that believe in His Son Jesus. A Roman Catholic native was present, who had been commanded to walk to some shrine, with spikes in his sandals, as a penance for some sin which he had committed. "While listening to the offer of pardon for all sin, by the precious blood of Christ, he untied his sandals from his bleeding feet, and cast them away, exclaiming, " This is the remedy I sought and wanted for my guilty mind." The inhabitants of Ave ton Gifford fifty years ago, although they had a church and a priest, yet, sad to relate, their knowledge of the true way to the mercy-seat was very imperfect and obscure. The blessed gospel message that we are " Justified freely by grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus ** was made the instrument of saving power to the mind and heart of the deceased. From the first day of his conversion to his death, he preached Christ as the Friend of sinners. When the South Devon (now the Kingsbridge) Mission was formed, Br. Snowden was the first local preacher on its plan, and for nearly forty years ceased not to take his full share of work, and sometimes, of necessity, per- haps, a little more. Because of bodily infirmities he could not, for the last few years, take long journeys, but appointments at home he continued to take tiU the last. As I only had the privilege of seeing our dear brother three or four times, and was away holding missionary services at the time of his death, I am unable to write as I otherwise might do. Mr. J. Strong visited him from time to time, and was present a short time before his exit. Many Scripture texts, expressive of strong confidence in Jesus, and a hope beyond this life, he uttered, and he felt very great joy wliile talking about the future home. His last hours were most joyous and blessed. From hearsay, I might write at great length, but a letter from the late pastor will be more satisfactory (at least to myself) than anything I might state. Mr. Banwell writes: "I was intimately acquainted with Br. Snowden for three years. When I first saw him in the year 1874, ^is health was declining, and the infirmities of age were come upon him. I witnessed clear evidences of his being a true Christian. He was not only thorough-going, but large-hearted and genial, and a substantial friend, whose ardent denominational attachment and lively zeal greatly delighted me. He was diligent in his business, and in the ser- vice of God. He rose early, both on week days and Sundays, and acquired much knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, Church History, &c. He had a superior quality of mind which won for him great respect, and was gifted with a rare faculty of judgment and utterance. He freely communicated his knowledge in conversation with others for their edification. He was a hard-working, intelligent local preacher, and by his prayers, sermons, and singing, he endeared himself unto the congregations to whom he ministered. He was ready always for good works in God's service. He had strong faith in God, and was prorfipted to action by an all-constraining love for his fellow-men. He enjoyed the company of the ministers, who were often comfortably entertained at his house. Last year he influenced a few other friends to co-operate with him in collecting money to put a new rostrum into their chapel, to renovate, and to reseat it at a cost of ;^25, and they raised, in cash and promises, ;f 32 for the object. He was an honour to the mission, and was for many years the foremost man in it. When I parted with him last summer he had a bright prospect of future glory. At one of the quarterly meetings last year, he spoke in a cheerful, fervent tone, and said, * My life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall I also appear with him in glory.' This was a noble testimony. He has left a gap in the mission, and especially at Aveton Gifford, which none but an eminently pious, intelligent, zeal- ous, active man can fill." A funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Strong to a large congregation. May the wife of his youth, and his four children, meet the departed on the other side of life's toils and sufferings. '* He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." J. Tonkin. Digitized by Google 4o6 THE SIXTIETH CONFERENCE. MRS. WAY, OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Our readers will learn with deep regret of the death, after a severe and pro- tracted illness, on the 15th of May, of Mrs. Way, the belored wife of Mr. James Way. She was taken to the " Bay '* in the middle of December last for change of air. At the close of the year the end was daily and hourly ex- pected. With the new year she rallied slowly — gradually to sink again. A few days before her death she was got to her home without injury or much distress. The change brought no improvement. Her eldest son, the Chief Justice, says in a letter dated May i6th, ** * The iron belt * of which she so often complained wouldn't relax, and for many weeks she was unable to lie down at all. For the last night or two she slept better. Yesterday morning the nurse, fearing she was sinking, awakened her for some refreshment, and then called father and me. We found her in great pain, but quite conscious. She recognised us both, expressed her confidence in the Saviour as her Refuge, and ejaculated words of praise occasionally. Presently she laid her hand on father's shoulder and arm and fell asleep. Thus lovingly pillowed she slumbered on peacefully and unconsciously all through the long hours of the morning and afternoon, and at ten minutes after five breathed her last without a struggle. All her children. Dr. Campbell, and Mr. Thome witnessed the end. All through her illness she had shrank with dread from the final agony which she was so mercifully spared. . . To-morrow we lay her by the side of our dear Jane." Thus peacefully closed the useful career of one much honoured and greatly beloved, and whose virtues will be a precious memory for many a long year. We may, with perfect confidence, assure her sorrowing family, ana especially the venerated head, the partner of all her son-ow and joy for so many years, of the heartfelt s)rmpathy of himdreds of our readers, and of those emphatically who know by experience how great the loss of a devoted and affectionate wife and mother is. THE SIXTIETH CONFERENCE. Last year the Conference was held at Torquay, within full view of Torbay, the " blue ring of water " of Charles Kingsley's description. This year the Confer- ence was not less fortunate in the place where it assembled. Soutnsea is a flourish- ing watering place, and forms part of the large Borough of Portsmouth, which in- cludes the two other populous to^ms of Portsea and Landport. The expanse of breezy Common between the streets of lodging-houses, hotels, and private resi- dences, and the E-jplanade is a great attraction to the place, and quite the feature of this pleasant sea-side resort. Brougham Road Chapel, where the Conference met, is a beautiful and commodious place, with premises admirably adapted to the requirements of a considerable body of men assembling daily for a period of eight or nine days to transact the business of the Connexion. The proceedings of the Conference of 1878 began on Wednesday, July 31st, immediately after the early morning service, which was conducted by Br. Nott. Br. Trengove had preached the evening before ; and on Thursday morning at half-past six o'clock, a sermon was preached by Br. Crewes ; and again on Friday morning another service was held, wheti Br. Edgcombe preached. The election of the President, which is always the first matter to be attended to on the Conference being formed, resulted in the appointment, by an unanimous vote, of Br. J. C. Honey to the chair, who nominated Br. W. B. Reed as Secre- tary, which nomination was confirmed by the imanimous vote of the Conference. On the two brethren taking their places, it must have occurred to many, we think, that there was a peculiar fitness m their being conjointly chosen to fill the two highest offices that the Conference has it in its power to bestow. For is not Br. Honey the love(l pastor of the circuit whose hospitality the assembled brethren were to share during the time the Conference might last ? And Br. Reed, was Digitized by Google THE SIXTIETH CONFERENCE. 407 he not Br. Honejr's predecessor at Southsea, and is it not well known that it was largely through his painstaking and prayerful labour, and correct judgment, that so eligible a site was secured on which to erect the chapel, and so convenient and ornamental a building was raised ? If to give ** honour to whom honour is due," is a pleasurable duty, then was the duty discreetly and happily discharged when the brethren Honey and Reed were elevated to the foremost place of Connexional honour and service for the next twelve months. Shortly after the appointments to these and other offices were made, the bre- thren from Canada, delegated by the Canadian Conference as members of the English Conference, were introduced by Br. Gilbert, the Foreign Secretary of the Missionanr Society, who recognized it as a gratifying feature of our recent Con- ferences that brethren from abroad had been present with us ; this year he was happy in being able to say that there were four brethren from Canada present, an announcement which was received with loud applause. The names of tne brethren are JoUifFe, ex-President of the Canadian Conference, Hurley, Roach, and Harris. A convenient hour was appointed for them to address the Conference ; and when called upon they all spoke in an impressive manner of the work in their own coun- try, and the warmth of their regard for the brethren in England. Br. JollifFe ex- pressed himself as grateful that he was so warmly welcomed. He had heard of the reception accorded to the brethren Ayres, Rice, and others, who had visited them at previous Conferences. And now, after an absence of thirty-four years, he had returned to his native land. The thought overwhelmed him. He had long desired to look in upon the English Conference ; and now he was here he could not but remark that most of the ministers he was acquainted with had passed away. Thirty-four years ago he went out in a ship with the brethren Tapp and Greene. Br. Tapp had finished his work. And he must say that he felt that Br. Greene had at their late Conference given his farewell address. Br. JollifFe fur- ther remarked that he was here also, with a view to self-education, he was here to behold their joy and good order, and expected to improve thereby. As the Presi- dent read the list of ministers, now a name from Canada, then the name of a brother in England, and again one in Australia, he impressively felt the nearness of their oneness. As their names in the ministerial list were mixed up together, so the brethren were somehow intertwined with each other, and were one in sym- pathy. Br. Hurley in addressing the Conference expressed his gladness in meeting the brethren. At the Conference at Lake Chapel, near where the memorable Thome family resided, the Conference asked. Who will go to Canada ? He said, ** Here am I, send me." This was thirty-four years ago. When he arrived in the coun- try there were only four missionaries, now there were seventy-four ; at that time there were only four chapels, now they had 184. For nearly seven years after his arrival, they could not get a minister sent out to them ; but the brethren laboured hard and successfully. The Canadians were loyal to the old country ; and the Canadian Conference was loyal to the English Conference. Br. Roach had been away from England twenty-one years. He was here now not for pleasure, or to seek health, or for business ; but principally to see his father, who was over ninety years of age. He trusted that the example which the brethren from the Dominion had set in visiting the parent Conference, some of the brethren would imitate, and they should have the pleasure of seeing them over, and of welcoming them to their Conference. Br. Harris said that one of the chief purposes which actuated him in visiting England, was his desire to see the English Conference. He spoke of the work of his Denomination in Canada as divisible into three periods ; there was the first period which he would designate the period of *' Backwoods and school-houses." There was also the chapel period ; and the mission or present period, when they were seeking to spread their work throughout other parts of the Dominion. They were truly aggressive in their character; and it was widely recognised, and acknowledged by the religious press, that the Bible Christians raised more money per member for missionary purposes than any other church in Canada ; and he trusted all of them were trying not to let the spirit of missions degenerate in them. On the list of approved preachers being completed it was remarked with grati- tude to Grod that, without exception, all the brethren who stood in good con- Digitized by Google 408 THE SIXTIETH CONFERENCE. nexional standing a year ago still maintained that honourable position. Death had been doing its wonted work during the year, and the venerable Francis Martin, and the younger brethren- Andrews and Sturgess in England, and Br. Ebbott in Canada, had gone to their rest and reward in heaven. Suitable obituary notices of these deceased brethren were read, and ordered to be inserted in the published Minutes of ihe Conference. Br. Bartlett becomes superammuated, and the brethren Seldon, Tonkin, and Brock supernumeraries. At the point of business to which the Conference had now arrived the President addressed his brethren in words that were most effective and pertinent. He re- marked that if one thing qualified him for the responsible position he occupied, it was the deep interest he felt in all that concerned the Denomination. Important matters womd have to come before the Conference, matters of grave concern, and their future interests would be materially affected by their right action in regard to them. But if their hearts were right with God, the duties they had to perform, and the difficulties they had to overcome, heavy though they were, would be got through with ease. He trusted that the Conference would prove the starting point of a great spiritual awakening throughout the Connexion. He further stated that it was painful to observe that the increase on their foreign stations had only saved them from reporting this year a decrease of members. Ten candidates for the ministry were accepted by the Conference ; but as there was no opening for the whole, a few of the number were placed on the President's list of reserve to be employed as soon as there shall be need of their services. Eight of the nine members in England, the fourth year of whose probation had terminated, were cordially received into Full Connexion by the Conference. On its being announeed that they were all teetotallers, loud applause arose from the assembly, which showed how thoroughly the fact was appreciated by the members of the Cfonference. Eight brethren were also received into Full Connexion in Canada, and some in South Australia. An accession of seventeen tried men to the ministerial staff of the Denomination is a thing by no means to be overlooked ; and we trust that the future career of the men of 1878 will justify all the bright hopes that are cherished concerning them. Our excellent Br. Rounsefell was delegated by the Conference to take the superintendence of the Mission in Queensland, and though his loss to the circuits at home is felt to be great, vet it was with the unanimous approval of the Con- ference, and we believe of the friends generally throughout the Connexion, that he was deputed to so important a work as that which lies before him in the young and growing Australian colony. Br. Bettiss, one of the eight set apart to the full work of the ministry at this Conference, who is already well known as a diligent and successful worker in his circuits," and who stands high in the esteem of the people among whom he has laboured, was appointed to Victoria. The religious services held during the remamder of the first week of the Con- ference consisted of the Sermon to the Conference, which was preached bv Br. Dymond on Wednesday evening from i Peter, i. 16-18, •' For we have not followed cunningly-devised fables," &c. ; after which the Lord's Supper was administered ; also of the Experience Meeting on Thursday evening ; and on Friday of the Public Reception of the eight brethren who had successfully terminated their period of ministerial probation. The last-named* service, which is always one of great in- terest, was commenced by the President at half-past two o'clock, who remarked that it was impossible to overrate the importance of the meeting of that day. The young brethren would be called upon to speak to two or three important points : they had been converted, — they were to speak about their conversion. They had preached, — they were to tell them about their call to this work. They had la- boured four years in the Denomination as ministers, — they would inform them concerning their feelings in regard to the work in which they had been engaged during that time, and their intention in relation to it in the future. Br. JABEZ Drew was the first called upon to speak to these points, who said that he could not remember the period when he was not the subject of religious impressions. It was six vears since he realized the forgiveness of sins. One Sabbath evening he attended the service ; his feelings were not more serious than on other occasions. It was not anything in the sermon that impressed him. But that evening he saw as he had never seen before his state as a sinner. He knelt in the pew where he had been sitting. By-and-bye light dawned on his mind, Digitized by Google THE SIXTIETH CONFERENCE. 409 and he obtained liberty. His heart was now so full, for some minutes he could only exclaim, " Happy, happy, happy." He had never doubted his convei-sion. Almost the first thing that flashed across his mind after his conversion was an earnest thought in relation to the Christian ministry. Br. Stephens could sum up what he had to say in a few words, — a sinner saved by grace. He remembered the day of his conversion very well. Christmas-day came on a Sunday that year. His brother was converted that day. The morning after, he was told of his brother's conversion, and he said to himself, ** *Twont do for my mother and father and brother to be going to heaven, and for me to be lost.** He then sought the Saviour. He was then eleven years old. He was at that time too young to do any great work for Jesus. After a few years it was suggested that he ought to preach, which he beg%n to do. He now consecrated all his powers of body, soul, and spirit anew to the Lord Jesus Christ. Br. Miller said that it was with a great amount of diffidence that he appeared before them, for he felt very unworthy. He should never forget the time when he was persuaded by a loving sister to attend some religious services, which resulted in his conversion. She had prayed many times for him. In the after-meeting one evening, his father knelt at his side and pleaded for his conversion. He found peace. Afterwards the Sabbath -school proved a training-school for him in his work as a local preacher. He was asked to go out as a hired local preacher in the "Weare Circuit, which was the commencement of his work as a minister. Br. Charlton said that he never felt the responsibility of the work to which he had given himself as he did on that occasion. He was not favoured with religious influences in early life. He had the misfortune to be bereft of both of his parents when he was quite young. On one occasion he heard a preacher in Ashwater Chapel, who took for his text, " Behold the Lamb of God,*' &c. Some months after, when the late J. T. Daniel laboured in the circuit, he was led to the feet of Jesus. Br. Murley was the first to speak to him about preaching ; and in a short time he was employed in this work. His desire was that his life might be a useful one. Br. Bettiss stated that if ever he felt the weight of responsibility, it was now. From his earliest recollections he had been the subject of keen impressions. When he was a lad he left the Sunday-school as he felt he was too big to go to Sunday- school ; but he did not happily altogether leave the house of God. There were some preachers he did not go to hear because they made him feel so uncomfortable ; but others who were not so powerful he did go to hear. But after a while, when he was stricken down with a fever, the men he would not go to hear preach he wanted to come to pray with him. After his recovery he had two years of back- sliding, the memory of which he would like to be able to wholly blot out. In the Week St. Mary Circuit, during a revival, he became awakened, and continued for a long time in great distress. At last he found mercy, — it was whilst praying in a stable by a com chest out of which he fed the horses. He then and there be- came so abundantly happy that he could not help shouting, " Glory, glory, glory.** Many a time since he had been preaching he had felt that he could lie down in the pulpit and die for the salvation of souls. Br. Spillett bad looked forward to this service with anxiety, but he trusted he should look back upon it with pleasure. His early privileges had not been equal to those of some others. He did not receive his first rehgious impressions in the Sunday-school, or church, but at a Wesleyan prayer-meeting. Ten years ago, at the reception service given to Br. Edgcorabe on his coming into the circuit, which was turned into a revival meeting, he was spoken to about his soul. They sang, **I can believe, I do believe," &c. ; and he was enabled not only to say the same words but to believe them. Br. Gregory was led to the cross through the labours of a zealous Sunday- school teacher, who has since entered into his rest. He came on the local preachers* plan in the usual way ; and it was on his way home from the quarterly meeting, when he had been received as an approved local preacher, that Br. Braund first spoke to him about the ministry. Some months passed away, and he went to the College. He wished to express his indebtedness to the Governor, Br. Gammon. His object now was to do good to his fellow-men. The past year had been a happy one. He had never worked so hard, never prayed so much. He had during the past year visited over a thousand homes in the neighbourhood of Swansea. (Applause). Digitized by Google 410 THE SIXTIETH CONFERENCE. Br. Carvath spoke of his conversion as having been brought about by appar- ently insignificant means. His earliest religious recollections were in connection with a Sunday-school of the Church of England. But he was never told there that he needed a new heart. In his youth he went to live in the West of Cora- wall. In Camborne, a good old man asked him to go to his chapel, which he did ; and he also joined the Sunday-school. Br. Uglow, whose kindness and deep in- terest in his spiritual welfare he should never forget, was his first teacher. In 1872, during Br. Turner's pastorate, special services were held at Camborne. One night he and others attended to make sport. He sat on the outside seat of the pew where he was with four young men. Some one said, "Will you give your heart to the Lord ? " He found it difficult to say " My old companions, fare ye well," but he said it. He felt that his nature was torn in fragments, one part in this direction, one part in that. "I thought, concerning conversion, now let it be done once for all, once for time, once for life, once for eternity.'* By-and-bye, someone told me to praise the Lord for making' me happy, but I said, I wasn't happy. I could praise the Lord for bringing me here, but I couldn't praise Him for making me happy, because he had not made me happy. Respecting the min- istry, he felt happy if he could find a little comer behind the cross somewhere, to hold it up with Christ on it. He wished to be something, not nothing, or any- thing, but something. His call to the ministry came through his church ; and he fdt to say, " Send me anywhere, among any people, to do thy work." After the eight brethren had spoken, Br. Gilbert read the names of the eight young men received by the Canadian Conference, and the one brother in South AustraHa, who had been set apart to the full work of the ministry by the Confer- ence of that Colony. Br. W. Luke moved, Br. Labdon seconded, and Br. JolliiFe supported the reception into Full Connexion by the congregation of these seven- teen brethren, after which, the charge, which was fatherly and good, was delivered by the ex-president, Br. T. C. Penwarden. On the Conference Sunday, Br. Jabez Drew, one of the eight young men received into Full Connexion by the English Conference, preached at seven a.m., on the words, *' Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not appear,'* &c. Missionary sermons were preached at Brougham Road Chapel durmg the day by the Brethren JoUifFe, Keen, and Rounsefell; and at Stamford Street Chapel by the Brethren Roach and Lark. On the day following, the anniversary of the Missionary Society was held, the afternoon meeting being presided over by Br. Henry Ash, of Southsea, a zealous worker, and long-standing member of the society at Brougham Road, and liberal supporter of our missionary cause ; and addressed by the Brethren Luke, Reed, ana James, the report having previously been presented by the secretary, Br. W. J[. Hocking. In the evening, the chair was occupied by our hearty and liberal Bristol friend, and active worker, Br. Ter- rett ; and speeches were delivered by the Brethren S. L. Thome, B. Nott, J. Dy- mond, J. R. Crewes, W. H. Hill, J. Harris, R. Hurley, T. P. Oliver, and othersi The collections amounted to about ;f 1 10, and the tea-meeting yielded a profit to the Missionary Society of about ^f 12. On the day following, a Temperance Meeting was held, over which Br. Terrett presided, and which was addressed by the Brethren Bray, Higman, Reed, Hender and AUin. The Annual School Meeting was held on Wednesday, Br. W. Denness, of Newport, I.O.W., in the chair. The annual report was presented by Br. Labdon ; and speeches were given by the Brethren Brown, Dymond, Trengovc, and Brokenshire. * On Thursday, August 8th, the Conference terminated at about five p.m., when the Journals were dSy signed by the President, in the presence of such brethren as had remained to the close of business. We refrain from giving a summary statement of the various departments of our work, and of the business of general concem to the Denomination the Conference got through, since full reports and records are given in the Minutes and Missionary Reports that are issued for the purpose of acquainting our friends with the trans- actions of the Conference, and the condition of the various departments of our work, and which will, in a few weeks, be in the hands of numbers of those who feel an interest in the progress and usefulness of our denomination. Digitized by Google 411 OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. SPEECHES BY EARL PORTSMOUTH, VISCOtTNT LYMINGTON, AND OTHERS. Shebbear — a large rural parish situate eight or nine miles to the south-west of Torrington — was on Thursday last a centre towards which gravitated, from a very extensive district, many hundreds of persons, chiefly, but not exclusively, members of the Bible Christian Connexion, which in these parts, as in the north and east of Cornwall, is very strong. The event, whose attractive power was thus felt far and near, was the opening of the Bible Christian College, in recent years known as the Bible Christian Connexional School, and when flrst established about 40 years ago, as Prospect School — a title which is seen to be most felicitous when read in the light of the great development which the institution has made from that time until the present. The founder of Prospect School was the revered James Thome. His attention was early directed to the subject of middle-class education. He saw that in this part of the country there was no provision worth the name for the education of the sons of farmers, there being nothing between the endowed schools, at which the instruction was strongly flavoured with the distinctive teaching of the Established Church, and the private adventure schools, conducted by men whose principal qualification for their profession consisted in their facility in the use of the cane. And whilst at these latter schools the pupils were taught nothing, the education imparted at the endowed schools was hardly more valuable to the middle classes, since the classics formed the principal subjects of instruction, which are about as useful to a working farmer as an acquaintance with Brahmin lore would be to a Red Indian "brave." It was to supply this obvious want of education that Mr. Thome established Prospect School. For years it seemed that the school was destined to become a failure, and many of its friends gave up all hope of it in the situation chosen for it, and contemplated its removal to a more populous part of the country. But it was a characteristic of Mr. Thome, as it has been of all men who have done anything worth the doing, that, once convinced of the justice or wisdom of any enterprise he had undertaken, he would labour on until he had forced his way through difficulties which dismayed less sanguine spirits ; and so with a faith that never faltered, and a zeal that never flagged, he persevered until the years of drought were past and the showers of success came. Long before he was gathered to his fathers, about six years since, he had the satisfaction of seeing the school take its place as one of the most im- portant educational centres in North Devon ; and ultimately the Rev. J. Gammon, who has succeeded to the Governorship, with the Managers, had to determine whether they should refuse numerous applications for admission or provide increased accommodation. There still existed a debt on the old school of some jf 1,300; but the matter was one of such urgency that, the debt notwithstanding, it was determined to enlarge the premises without further delay. Moreover the authorities were influenced by the consideration that at present the educational advantages offered to candidates for the ministry fall far below what they should be ; and it is their intention, when the debt on the College shall have been dis- charged, to apply to that object the profits accming from the working of the Institution. Mr. James Crocker, architect, of Exeter, who was educated in the school, and has attained considerable distinction in his profession, was instructed to prepare plans, which were accepted, and on the 5th of April in last year the foundation-stone of the new premises was laid, amidst great rejoicings, by the Right Hon. Earl Portsmouth. The tender of Messrs. Chappie and Philpot, of Northam, for the main buildings, and that of Messrs. Mounce and White, of Shebbear, for the boundary walls and outbuildings, were accepted, and the work was proceeded with, and is now, in all its main features, completed. Formerly accommodation was provided for less than fifty pupils, but there is now room for 130, and during the last half-year the number actually received was not less than 116. WhUst the College is to be the theological head- quarters of the body, and whilst the pupils belong principally to Bible Christ- ian families, it is important to state that the Institution is carried on upon unsectarian principles, no views being taught that would be taken exception to by evangelical Christians of any denomination. No better guarantee of this could be given than the fact that amongst the jpupils are sons of Church of Digitized by Google 412 OPENING OF THE COLLB6B. England clergymen, as well as of members of almost all the great bodies of Non- conformists. The course of instnfction includes subjects so practical as land survejdng, book-keeping, drawing, physical science, and music ; algebra, eudid, mensuration, the Latin, Greek, French, German, and other languages, being also taught. The architectural treatment of the new premises is plain, and effect has been obtained rather by dignity and harmony of proportion than by minuteness of detail ; and they have been so arranged as to form, with the original block, a group of buildings quadrangular in plan. Very considerable alterations have been made in the interior arrangements of rooms in the old premises, which are now chiefly devoted to the accommodation of the resident governor and members of his family, whilst some are used as music rooms. The original dining-hall has been converted into a private sitting-room and music-room (another music-room being formed out of what was a drjdng-room); and a laundry, bakehouse, and drying-loft have been made out of the original play-shed and schoolroom, which is a detached building. The kitchen has been provided with two new kitchen ranges by Garton and King, of Exeter, who have also supplied the hot water apparatus to the new premises. An additional scullery has been built, glazed entrance-porches added to the external doorways, new wood and tile floors laid, and dairy, pickling-house, and other offices provided ; and a thorough renovation and restoration throughout has been effected. A covered communication is made between the old and new blocks of buildings. The principal elevations in the new blocks face the south and west. The materials employed are a local stone of good qualitv, and of dun colour, for the main walls, with white brick quoins and horizontal oands, and red brick arches. The contrast is at once striking and pleasing. All the external walls are of hollow construction; an inner leaf of brickwork, standing three inches off the outer stone casing, proving an effectual remedy against the damp. The south bay of the quadrangle contains on the ground-floor a dining-hall 50ft. by 24ft. On the first floor is a dormitory 40 by 24, with assistant master's room 16 by 10; linen store, and offices. On the second floor is another dormitory, the same size as the dining-hall, with assistant- master's room adjoining. A capacious staircase, 24 by 12, connects the ground floor with the upper floors. The western bay contains on the ground floor a covered play-shed 6ift. 6in. by 25, reading-room 18 by 13ft. 6in., with staircase adjoining ; and on the first floor a school-room about 50 by 25, class-room 15 by 12, master's room 9ft. 6in. square, students' room 18 by 13ft. 6in. These rooms are ceiled across the collar beam, as is also the upper dormitory in the southern bay. Offices and a boundary wall complete the Quadrangle on tne north side, and thus enclose a yard about 70 by 56. At the north end of the original buildings have been added a lavatory 24 by 17, and staircase adjoining, communicating with a dormitory over, the same size as the lavatory below. All the principal rooms have open fire-places, in addition to hot water pipes, and provision has been made for the storage of 8,000 gallons of water. On the north side end, at the rear of the buildings already described, cow-houses, piggeries, stabling, and coach- houses, all with lofts over, have been built. A new carriage-drive, with handsome iron entrance gates and piers, is now being formed from the main road along the south front, and the unsightly cob-walls which originally formed the eastern boundary towards the road are rapidly being replaced by new stone walls of excellent masonry. A lawn is to be enclosed by irpn railing, by which the play-ground will be enlarged by 2 J acres. The land for tbis purpose has been generously placed at the disposal of the Committee by His Ex- cellency the acting-governor of South Australia, the Hon. S. J. Way, one of the " old-boys " of the school. A residence for the head master, Mr. T. Ruddle, B.A., is about to be commenced on a site a short distance from the College pre- mises, which will then be complete. When the works were commenced an ex- penditure of ;f 2,500 was contemplated ; but the idea has grown with its embodi- ment, and already the cost amounts to nearly ;^4,coo. Thus, with the debt already referred to, the liabilities are already beyond ;f 5,000, to meet which the Rev. W. Higman, of Torrington, the special agent, is only able to report between;^ 1,200 and ;f 1,300 in promises or receipts, including the ;f 250 raised on the opening day. It is felt to be of the utmost importance that the debt should be extinguished as soon as possible, because until that has been done the profits will be absorbed by Digitized by Google OPENING OF THB COLLEGE. 413 the interest, and cannot be devoted to the education of the ministerial students, as is intended ultimately." To the Eari of Portsmouth the Committee are under the deepest obligation. It was to his presence that no little of the eclat which distinguished the ceremony of laying the foundation stone was owin^ ; and in addition to that he has sub- scribed uberally to the undertaking, and has allowed his name to be placed at the head of the Committee of Reference. And when application was made to him to preside at the opening ceremony he needed no servile persuasions, but at once, with the generous neartiness characteristic of him, consented. On the former oc- casion his lordship's second son, the Hon. John Wallop, was present, and made a speech which greatly delighted those who were privileged to hear it ; this time the noble lord was accompanied by the Countess of Portsmouth (who, with his lordship, came from London in order to grace the event with her presence), and by his eldest son. Viscount Lymington, who made a speech which was received with every demonstration of delight. Amongst the many gentlemen who had been invited to attend, but were unable, was Mr. Gladstone, who wrote a sympa- thetic letter stating that his public duties would not allow him to leave London at the present time, dthough it would have given him great pleasure to accept the invitation. The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon had been invited to preach, but in a kindly, fraternal letter he explained his inability to make an engagement. Thursday's proceedings commenced at eleven o'clock with Divine service in the Lake Chapel, conducted by the Rev. F. W. Bourne, of London, Connexional Editor, who founded an eloquent sermon upon James i., 17. At one o'clock luncheon was laid in an immense marquee which had been erected in the playground by Meesrs. Ford and Hopkins, of Bristol. There was a large number of guests, far more even than had been provided for. The chair was taken by Earl Portsmouth, on one side of whom sat the Countess and on the other Vis- count Lymington. The noble Chairman was supported by the Mayor of Barnstaple (C. S. Willshire, Esq.), the Mayor of Torrington (James Balsdon, Esq.) the Rev. C. E. Palmer of Torrington (a venerable minister of the Church of England), Mr, E. Pethebridge, of Launceston, Mr. C. Hobbs, of London (the treasurer of the College fund), Mr.W. Aveiy, Barnstaple, Mr. E. Dingle, of Bideford, Mr. J. Luxton Manning, from the Isle of Wight, Mr. T. Ruddle, B. A. (the head master of the school) ; the Rev. J. Shaw, Congregational minister of Torrington ; the Rev. Mark Guy Pearse ; the Rev. T. C. Pen warden, President of the Conference ; the Rev, John Gammon, governor of the College ; the Revs. F. W. Bourne, A. Trengove, W. J. Hocking, J. H. Batt, P. Labdon, R. Blackmore, J. Coles, W. Bray, W. Higman, W.T.Penrose, R. Grose, E. V. Stephens, J. Mallett, J. Seldon, W. H. Tickell, W. Rowe, J. Hoare ; Messrs. J. Crocker, J. Essery, J. and P. Andrew, G. Fisher, J. Allen, D. Allen, W. Vaughan, J. Norman, A. Beer, T. Oliver, J. S. Farleigh, J. Rudd, J. Eastman, R. Penhale, W. Penhale, W. Moore, T. Wedlake, Rude, Ashton, Fisher, &c. Luncheon being over, the noble Chairman said that, presiding, as he was, over an assembly of those who were so largely interested in the cause of religious free- dom, he was sure that the sentiment he was about to propose — ** The health of Her Majesty the Queen, and long life to her " — would be received with enthusiasm, her reign having been signalised by the addition to our statute-roll of so many Acts of Parliament to enlarge the liberties of her subjects. He hoped she might long reign over us, and that she would live to see the few vestiges of religious in- tolerance which yet remained swept away. (Applause.) — ^The toast was honoured right loyally. The .Rev. W. Higman now read a description of the College and financial statement, which are embodied above. He also read letters from several gentle- men who .were unable to be present, and among others one from the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P. :— " June i8th, 1878. — My dear Lord Portsmouth, — ^I much regret that it will not be in my power to accept the invitation you have kindly made known to me. I learn with sincere pleasure that the friends and promoters are engaged in an effort to make increased provision for the education of the children (as I understand) of Non-conformists in accordance with their religious convictions. I take this oppor- tunity of sa^g how glad I should have been to meet an assemblage of those who, in Devonshire, as in other parts of the country, have, during the crisis of our Digitized by Google 414 OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. great controversies on the Eastern Question, proved, by their energetic words and consistent acts, their superiority to narrow and selfish views and their deep attach- ment to the principles of justice, freedom, and humanity. — I am, my dear Lord Portsmouth, sincerely yours, W. E. Gladstone." speak to you this afternoon that I will only touch upon some of the points in the constitution of this College, with which, doubtless, you are personally and inti- mately acquainted, before I enter upon the discussion of ite general character and principles. In the first place, this College is free from anjr charge of sectarianism. (Hear, hear.) I find that it is open to aU who care to avail themselves of its ad- vantages. (Hear, hear.) And those advantages appear to me to be very great. Besides offering tuition in the study of the English and foreign languages, of music, and of the dead languages, my attention is drawn to what I thi^ gives it a peculiarly and essentially valuable and practical character — the assistance it affords towards the attainment of such accomplishments as book-keeping and land- surveying. (Cheers.) I should like to see this combination of the study of literature with that of the sciences of every-day life, and which I believe to be the result of a very wise principle, more generally adopted than it is now, and I should like it to be adopted so far that, wherever a sound education is professed to be given, there book-keeping should be inculcated as a practical science — (hear, hear) ; for I am sure that a great many of the difficulties and failures that beset young men starting in life arise from an ignorance or incapacity of how to manage their own accounts. (Hear, hear.) Whatever a man's means may be, or, I would even say, the larger they are, the greater is the need that he should have a knowledge of book-keeping, that he may know how to regulate and control his expenditure. (Hear,hcar.) Nor need aclose and accurate attention to accounts cramp a man's generosity. On the contrary, pro- vided it does not make him regard money as an end instead of a means, it will render him independent ; — ^it will enable him to check waste, which, I am sorry to think, is one of the most prevalent vices among the English people ; — and it will provide him with the means of being charitable to others without nurt to the interests of his own family. (Applause.) And now, to turn to the general character of this College, I propose to discuss the origin and development of those principles which I believe to be the foundation and mainstay of tnis and similar institutions — I mean the advancement of education in conjunction with religious teaching. (Hear, hear.) I will therefore endeavour, as briefly as possible, to describe to you the history of that general evangelical movement in which the Wesleys — ^with whose religious teaching I understand this College to be intimately connected — (hear, hear)— took so prominent a part, and I also wish to suggest the manner in which the influences and principles inherent in that movement are beneficent and valuable. The selfish and unspiritual character of the Church of England of that time, the corruption and the utter scepticism as to all higher motives that characterised the politicians of the school of Sir Robert Walpole, the heartless cynicism then pre- valent in fashionable life, and which we find so clearly reflected in the letters of ' Walpole and Lord Chesterfield — these have been well described as the general causes of that evangelical movement ; while there were at work at the same time a set of minor and more special causes. For instance, gentlemen, we find that at the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the i8th there were founded the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, and that for the Proparation of the Gospel, from which latter Society there sprang up many charity schools, and to these schools many of our present endowed schools owe their origin. Wes- ley himself, bom in 1703, we find in early life to have been a High Churchman, of a very bigoted type, with very lofty notions about Church discipline, and desirous to enforce upon the rude colonists of Georgia the strictest Ritualistic observances ; and we find him even repelling one of the holiest men in the colony from the Communion-table because he was a Dissenter, and refusing to read the burial ser- vice over another because he was a Dissenter. I have mentioned these facts in the early life of Wesley because' to me it is very interesting to notice in how re- markable a degree he changed his religious views afterwards. Deeply earnest, his mind was often too easily the prey of various forms of religious emotionalism. But, gentlemen, whether this apparent want of balance of mind, and, if you like, Digitized by Google OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. 41S of steadfastness of purpose, be a fault or no, it is remarkable to notice that it is gttnerally found among those great men who have been the leaders of great reli- gious movements. (Hear, hear.) For such men, and for such movements, what are often faults and causes of failure in others become virtues and the very essence of success. (Hear, hear.) Enthusiasm, amounting often to fanaticism, a total disregard of aU difficulties and objections, a hatred of all compromises — such qualities, I think, although they are not instrinsically virtues, are proved by history and experience to be far more efficacious for arousing revivals than that calm and moderate spirit whose province it is to direct and edify that which has been already erected, wnich can develop but cannot create. (Hear, hear.] But although Weslej^ was not free from some of the faults common to all religious levivalists, it is to his unbounded credit, apart from the excellence of the movement to which he so largely contributed, that his nature was so little affected by sectarian ani- mosities. Although persecuted by the foolish bigotry and intolerance of the Established clergy of tnat day, his nature was elevated beyond the sphere of reli- gious jealousies. Again and again he exhorted his followers to abstain from at- tacking the clergy and to attend the services of the Church, and although differing so widely from the views of the Roman Catholics, he never failed to speak of them as fellow Christians, and in the kindest manner. His tolerance was genuine and real. Nothing, as Mr. Lecky says, is more unjust and untrue than to attribute to John Wesley, as his enemies do, the ambition of a schismatic or the subversive instincts of a revolutionist. There are few passages in the history of this country more distressing in their contemplation than the disintegration of the Protestant communities which has occurred from time to time, because men have regarded rather the dogmatic and ceremonial side of the Church and forgotten how the great truths and principles for which both Churchmen and Dissenters fought in unison at the Reformation remain to both a common heritage, under the common name of Protestantism. (Applause.) Various are the dangers which now beset the Protestant religious principles of this country. The great truths and principles of the Reformation were purchased at tne cost of great sacrifice — (hear, hear); and it seems to me that their power and influence must be maintained at the cost of sacrificing small differences. (Hear, hear.) The separation between the Church and Nonconformists has been embittered by faults on both sides. (Hear, hear.) There are many clergymen on both sides who have allowed their professional character to warp their true judg- ment ; who, to simply teaching the truths of the gospel, have preferred the intel- lectual arena of controversy, but at the cost of exciting religious sectarianism. And so it happens that the Protestantism of this country dissipates its power and its influence because men fail to realize how many are the points of agreement between Dissenters and the lay members of the Church of England, and there- fore cannot present an united front towards the common foes of sacerdotalism on the one hand and materialism on the other. For, gentlemen, there are those who would introduce into the religion of this country the pretensions of the priest- hood, and that which destroys the very essence of free judgment, of social inter- course, of trustfulness and trustworthiness — I speak of the Confessional. (Ap- plause.) And on the other hand there are those who would substitute philosophy for religion ; who, guided by no Divine standard of right and wrong, have deified their own reason, and would make men believe that their negative and rationalistic views are capable of taking the place of religion and of faith. (Hear, hear.) But, gentlemen, if we are to accept these views, religion becomes a mere speculative historical examination, and, in the highest sense of the word, absolutely valueless. (Loud applause.) Here we have two great and two common dangers ; and to confront and meet them with success is required the united front of the Protes- tantism of the country. (Hear, hear.) To encounter such foes we should at least sink smaller differences. (Applause.) Sacerdotalism does not appear to make much progress nor to find encouragement among those whose lives are many-sided and wno are actively engaged in the business of the world. (Applause.) The healthy, active lives that business men lead — the wholesome element of cynicism with which Uie world is apt to regard such abstruse mysteries — the historical proofs of the results of sacerdotalism in other countries — (hear, hear) — and the common-sense of the laity, go far to check its growth. But, gentlemen, I would give you to understand that although I look with the greatest abhorrence and the Digitized by Google 41 6 OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. greatest detestation upon all that is implied in the word sacerdotalism, yet I appreciate most thoroughly the good that has been done by many of the High Church party — (hear, hear), who, in London especially, have transformed the character of whole parishes suffering from complete moral as well as physical des- titution. Nor, I think, can anyone who is unprejudiced regard with other than feelings of admiration the devoted work of charity which is done by the Sisters of Mercy, whose life is one long story of alleviating suffering and sorrow. (Applause.) It is m this energy, in this self-denial, in this power of introducing religion into the homes of those whose lives and surroundings are ever tending to obliterate all that is fine in human nature, that the Nonconformists especially, and some of the High Church party, have in common paid some of the noblest and highest services to the cause of religion. But the second and even greater evil, the growth of in- fidelity and irreligion, requires a more subtle treatment ; for, on the one . hand, while you fail to offer it the slightest sympathy, you must take care that it does not become an apology for sacerdotalism — that the evils of negativism do not drive men' into the other extreme of abandoning all spiritual freedom. (Cheers.) Scepticism is dangerously attractive to the intellectual classes. It flatters their self-esteem and self-complacency, and enables them to consecrate the conceits of their own mind with the title of truth and morality. (Hear, hear.) Christianity has been and can be well defended with intellectual tools ; but I believe materialism will be best confronted and best crushed by keeping alive that wholesome and old- standing and dogged distrust which has always existed among the middle-classes of such metaphysical quackeries. I ask )rou, my friends, one and all, to retain and cherish this dogged distrust of materialism — (cheers) ; to uphold the cause of religion against infidelity ; and to resolve that your interests and, as far as you are able, your country's interests, shall not be in the custody of those who would for- ward such views. (Hear, hear.) England — and it has been her great strength as well as her great glory — has always been a religious country. She has been, in the character of her religion, Protestant and anti-sacerdotal, but at the same time determined to withstand those who would trifle with religious truth and question the value of faith. She has combined stability with progress, Conservative in- stincts with Liberal aspirations. To return to this institution, I would say that before it lies a future of infinite usefulness, if only it is properly employed — (hear, hear) — if those who, educated here, proceed forth to the world to spread the light of education, to diffuse the spirit of that religious fervour which shone so brightly in John Wesley — (applause), and in that which has been the great glory in the history of Dissent — the enlightened and liberal form of Protestantism. (Cheers.) I must apologise to you, gentlemen, for having detained you so long (cries of "Go on"), and will now propose to you ** Prosperity to this College." (Loud cheers.) The toast was heartily received, and in response the Governor of the College ex- pressed the pleasure it gave the assembly to be presided over by the noble lord, and to have amongst them the Countess and Viscount Lymington. (Applause.) His mind naturally reverted to the time when the foundation-stone of the new buildings was laid by Earl Portsmouth, and he might say that he, in common with many others, had not forgotten the speeches made on that occasion by their present Chairman and his second son, tne Hon. John Wallop, both of whom enunciated sentiments which made so deep an impression upon his mind that it would never be effaced. He need not make any reference to the able speech in which Lord Lymington had now proposed success to the institution in which they were all interested, except to say that his lordship had expressed "opinions which were creditable alike to his judgment and to the liberality of his mind, and that, as a small branch of the Christian Church, the Bible Christians believed most firmly and loved most dearly those broad religious and political principles which his remarks embodied. (Applause.) He could not refrain from expressing his own sense and that of those around him of the honour they enjoyed in the pre- sence of the Countess of Portsmouth. (This reference to her ladyship was loudly applauded, the whole assembly rising, and, at the opportune suggestion of the Mayor of Barnstaple, giving three hearty cheers for her ladyship, for which she graciously bowed her acknowledgments.) Not having had the honour of seeing her ladyship before, he at first did not know that she was the lady who had arrived with the Earl j and not having anticipated that she would grace the occa- Digitized by Google OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. ' 417 sion with her presence, his feelings almost overpowered him when apprised of the fact by her noble husband. (Renewed applause.) And he really believed that he should not have been able to contain himself if they had been further honoured by the attendance of Mr. Gladstone. (Loud applause.) Well might they be proud to have such a magnificent leader in the House of Commons — a leader in the sense of taking the foremost part amongst those who laboured to promote the well-being of the nation at large, and, he might add, of other nations as well ! (Cheers.) Long might William Ewart Gladstone live to carry on the great work to which he was devoting his energies — (great applause) ; and he also fer- vently hoped that a long and happy future lay before the noble Earl and the Countess and their eldest son. (Renewed applause.) Alluding more particularly to the toast to which he was responding, the venerable speaker detailed the cir- cumstances which dictated the enlargement, as they have been already explained, and also gave it clearly to be understood that it was in no sense a sectarian col- lege, mentioning that one or two sons of clergymen of the Established Church had been educated in it, and that during the next term it was hoped to have one or two more ; and that amongst the pupils all the great bodies of Nonconformists were represented. (Applause.) Mr. Ruddle, B.A., the head master, proposed "Success to similar institutions," and after a few words upon the subject, he proceeded to give an account of the establishment with which he was more immediately connected. Its object, he said, was to impart a sound education, based on Christian principles, and at the smallest possible remunerative rates, to the sons of the middle classes in this part of the county. It had since grown, but had not, he hoped, changed. It had been twice re-chnstened, being first called Prospect School, then the Bible Christian Connexional School, and now the Bible Christian College ; but he hoped the re- christening did not mean re-creation — that the intention of its founders, foremost amongst whom was the late Mr. James Thome — (hear, hear) — ^would always be kept steadily in view by those to whom its management was now and womd be committed. Before this college was founded, he believed there was no school in England which imparted an education purely unsectarian except the adventure schools. The only other schools in this part of the county were endowed grammar schools, nearly, if not quite, all of which belonged to the Church of England, and in most of them a kind of mediaeval system of education was taught, the Latin and Greek languages forming not merely a part, but almost the whole of the instruction. In them boys were well prepared for the Universities, but not for the exigencies and requirements of every-day life. And as to the adventure schools, they were conducted by men who were shamefully and preposterously incapable of imparting anything at all worthy to be called education. The deficiency which neither of those classes of schools supplied was observed by Mr. Thome — ^who lived before his day in this as in many other directions — and by one or two other gentlemen, and Mr. Thome conceived that it would be worthy of himself, of the body of which he was one of the principal founders, and of Christianity itself, to establish a school in which instmction of the kind already indicated should be given. In the execution of his project he had to struggle against terrible diflS- culties for long years, and they might indeed say with tmth that one man had laboured and that they had entered into the fruits of his labours. (Hear, hear.) Having remarked that he should have liked to see Mr. Thome amongst them that day, Mr. Ruddle cautioned his friends not to allow the tide of prosperity which had set in to turn their heads, and advised them not to expect from the school a higher class of education than that which would fit boys of the middle classes for their various pursuits in life. What was wanted was an education which would enable the pupils to pass the Oxford Local Examinations and the competitive Civil Service Examinations. The classics were not eschewed, but prominence was given to such subjects as were useful in every-day life. As to the religious in- stmction, the Bible was taught — not without note or comment, for that would be an odd way of teaching it in a boarding-school, but with such explanations as would be objected to by no one who beUeved in what was understood by Evan- gelical Christianity, and as were required for the Oxford Local and similar examinations. And with regard to the moral teaching inculcated, they made no pretence to turn out lads of the highest culture and refinement. They did not attempt to instil into their minds the ethics taught by the French dancing-master ; F Digitized by Google 41 8 OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. but they taught them that the real gentleman was one who would not carelessly wound the feelings of others, who would not shrink from self-sacrifice for the good of others, and who every day of his life sought to follow that great rule — " Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them." The Rev. C. E. Palmer first responded for " Similar Instititutions " in a brief speech. Some of his remarks did not reach the reporters, but he was understood fo cfeplore the spread of infidelity, and he concluded with a generous reference to Mr. Thome, whose name he was glad to hear mentioned, and whose memory would go down to posterity embalmed with honour. His life was one of devoted self-deny- ing labour in the cause of Christianity — (hear, hear), and the blessing of God at- tended him in a most remarkable manner ; and one of the greatest honours this College enjoyed was that it was associated with his name. The Rev. T. Shaw also responded in a long and able speech. He referred to the difficulty he laboured under in having been immediately preceded by one of the most distinguished scholars that this country possessed, of whom this part of Devonshire might be justly proud, and who was known to many in that assembly as one of the most erudite critics of the great Greek tragedian Sophocles. To be bracketted with a gentleman of such learning and distinction was not an altogether gratifying position for one who did not lay claim to a thousandth part of his erudi- tion. They had no reason to speak " with 'bated breath " or "whisp'ring humble- ness " of what Nonconformists had done for the higher and highest education of the people of this country. (Applause.) Some of them were acquainted with a Cate- chism which began by asking the very important question — "What is your name ?" and many more of them were conversant with another Catechism, which began with what he took to be the grandest question that could be put to man — ** What is the chief end of man ? Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever.'* And as they did not shrink from putting those two questions ancl those two Catechisms in juxtaposition and in comparison, neither did they shrink from putting into juxtaposition and comparison the work that Nonconformity had done with what had been done by denominations of Christians who, from a worldly point of view, were placed in far more advantageous circumstances than themselves. (Hear, hear.) They (Nonconformists) had exemplified what Frederick William Kobertson very happily designated **the advantage of disadvantage;** and the other denominations ne had aUuded to had illustrated the disadvantage of advan- tage. (Applause.) He had listened with very great pleasure indeed to what Lord Lymington had said respecting John Wesley, who was unquestionably the greatest factor in the promotion of the religious results of the last and the early part of the present centiuy — (hear, hear); although he was not quite sure that he agreed with every word his lordship had spoken respecting that eminent man. As an Indepen- dent, he Mrished to lay claim to some of the honour which was due to John Wes- ley and to the mighty organization of which he was the founder, and of which he might say that it had been **a visitation upon all peoples.** Proudly did he, as an Independent, pronounce the name of Susannah Ajmesley, the mother of the Wesleys ; and he ventured to think that if she had not been brought up a thoroughly good Independent — (laughter and cheers, in which the rest of the sentence was drowned). When John Wesley was startled by the new life that he himself created, and the young men that had been trained under him began to feel that they must speak the thought that was in them, he had the wisdom to take his mother's advice as to the manner in which this new force should be dealt with, and all his scruples about lay preaching fell before her rebuke — "Hinder them not, John, for the Lord has sent them." (Hear, hear.) He panted to know what Methodism in any of its forms would have been if it had not been for the development it gave to lay agency ; and he believed they would hold that he was not far wrong in tracing tne origination of lay agency in Methodism to the free life and the unecclesiastical character, so to speak, of those religious insti- tutions with which Susannah Annesley had been connected. The Nonconformists of England had always felt that they must have an educated ministry. And they did not over-estimate the value of education in the technical sense in its relation to the Christian ministry. There was a man who was influential in his day, al- though he did not hail from either of the great centres of learning in this country — Oxford and Cambridge. This man wrote a book that was intended to shame and rebtike ministerial indolence and quicken ministerial zeal — " The Reformed Digitized by Google OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. 419 Pastor," and he converted a town in the midland counties into a model parish, and was so eminent for his piety and for his learning that Charles the Second, at the commencement of his reign, offered him a bishopric. That noble man was one of the Confessors of English religious liberty ; and in the presence in which it was his (the speaker's) privilege to stand he mentioned with profoundest respect the name of Wallop-— (hear, hear) — as one of the learned luminaries of the law at that time of dav, wno had the noole courage to stand by Richard Baxter when he was' placed in tne dock before that man who in his own person might be said to repre- sent aU the vices. Jeflfreys said to Mr. PoUexfen and Mr. WaUop, <* Gentlemen of the long robe should not associate themselves with cases such as this," and then occurred that scene that was described in the graphic page of Lord Macaulay, and upon which no doubt the eye of Earl Portsmouth had often rested ; and as he read 01 the noble conduct of his ancestor — (applause) — ^his cheek must have mantled with pride, and his heart must have beaten Quicker than was its wont. Therefore they were especially pleased to see the noble Earl and the Countess and Lord Lymington amongst them on that occasion. (Applause.) His point was this — that a man might be a great minister of God and of righteousness, though he had not the learning of the schools. (Hear, hear .J Still the exigencies of the time were such that ne rejoiced to see the youngest oom of our Evangelical communities erecting a building uke this in order that they might wipe away the reproach that the sciolists and witlings of the age had been in the habit of hurling at the Non- conformists— that theirs was an uneducated ministry. An education for a particu- lar work implied that a man had had especial training with a view to that work, and looked at in that light he contended that the Nonconformists had really set an example to the dominant church of this country, for theirs had been an education ad hoc. The object of it had been to make sound divines, able expositors of God's Word, popular teachers ; to send forth into the country men who should be friends of the people, and who, by true gentleness — the gentleness that came from the knowledge of Chrisrianity and the reception of the spirit of the Master — should be the gentleman that Mr. Forster desiderated for every parish of England. (Applause.) Earl Portsmouth next proposed a noble sentiment which he was sure would be received with every honour by that assembly — " Civil and religious Uberty." It was the advancement of those principles which had made England the great and free country that she was, and long might she go on advancing in the same direc- tion, and soon might the few remaining obstacles to perfect religious liberty be swept away ! (Applause.) Standing , as he did, with so many Nonconformists around him, he could assure them that he did not think he should be a false political prophet if he predicted that there would soon be equality in death as well as in life. (Cheers.) Though there was now a strong Conservative majority in the House of Commons, he did not think that even it would long resist the feeling of the country that those who lived together in life should not be separated in death. (Cheers.) He must con- gratulate the Bible Christian Connexion on the proceedings of that day. They had assembled to witness the completion of a great work, which would be an en- during monument to Wesley's successor — that revered man, Mr. James Thome, of whose religious fervour, public spirit, and devotion to the great cause of liberty, both civil and religious, that college would ever speak. (Applause.) It was m great measure due to him, as one who succeeded John Wesley, that there existed in this part of the county and in East Cornwall a strong yearning after the blessed- ness and the comforts of religion ; and certain it was that the machineiy of the Church of England had been unable to satisfy the want thus felt — ^it had not suc- ceeded in carrying the gospel into every house. (Hear, hear.) He, for one, com- plimented the Nonconformist ministers on the enormous work they had been cany- mg on, and on the manner in which they had sown religious truth broadcast throughout the land. (Cheers.) By erecting that College, the Bible Christian Denomination were removing whatever stigma had been cast upon their ministry because they had not been so highly educated as the ministers of some other churches ; and now those whose desire it was to impart to others the joys and hopes of the gospel would find their influence strengtnened by being able to ob- tain a superior education. (Hear, hear.) He was very glad that his friend Mr. Higman nad read a letter from the man whom he (his lordship) was proud to own as his political leader. (Applause.) He could assure them tnat "Mr, Gladstone F 2 Digitized by Google 420 OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. was indeed sony that in the present position of public affairs he felt it impossible for him to leave the House of Commons to come amongst them, and he could also give the assurance that there was no man who more honestly and more devotedly served the interests of the Nonconformists than Mr. Gladstone — (cheers) — the great leader of advanced thought. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Avery rose, on the caU of the noble Chairman, to respond to the sentiment. He would make no apology, but if he had been aware of the task assigned him he would have been better prepared to fulfil it worthily. The sentiment was one of the first importance to every member of the community. As one of the seniors in that large gathering, he remembered the time when civil and religious liberty was much less the possession of the people than, happily, it had of late years become. In Ae days he looked back upon tne sentiment was one of the oadges of the Liberal party, but was regarded as odious by the other side, from all whose politi- cal and social assemblies it was rigorousfy excluded. They enjoyed civd and reUgious liberty themselves, but had no idea of it as the common heritage of Englishmen. He well remembered, before the illustrious man who had very re- cently been taken from them — he referred to Earl Russell — commenced his career, which must ever be associated with the development of civil and religious freedom in this country, that although his worthy friend by his side, the Mayor of Barn- staple, and his good friend on the other side of the chair, the Mayor of Torrington, being both members of the National Church, would have been considered eligible to the high station they so well occupied by the favour of their fellow-townsmen, yet the immediate predecessor of each of those gentlemen in that office would have oeen held altogether ineligible. And why ? For no other reason than because he happened to be a Dissenter. They might congratulate themselves that those days of darkness had passed away, and that a brighter era had dawned. He trusted that the young men of the present day, who had entered into the labours of those who had passed away or were passing, would appreciate their heritage, not forget- ting the labours and sacrifices by which it had been won for them, and would show themselves worthy of it by guarding it as one of their most precious possessions. Especially he trusted that they would oppose the stealthy advances of Ritualism, to which reference had been made by more than one preceding speaker ; for if it go on to prevail, as it had of late done, it would surely bring back the reign of Popery, in the presence of which their civil and religious liberty could not co-exist but would speedily vanish. Adverting to the occasion on whicn they were met, he congratulated the noble earl in the chair, whom he had the pleasure to meet fifteen months ago when the foundation stone of the new buildings was laid, on their pre- sent assembly, for the purpose, as he might say, of celebrating the bringing forth of the topstone. He trusted that the new college would reaUse to the religious body to which it belonged, and to the public at large, more than all the benefits which were anticipated from it. One thing he was especially anxious about, that while they gave to the youth who would be educated in it the instruction and training necessaiy for the development of their mental powers, and while they made them famihar with the learning of the past and the science of the present, it would never be forgotten that, to m^^e those attainments useful to the young peo- ple in their future Bfe and beneficial to society, they must not be divorced from religious teaching, but that instruction in the Word and fear of God should keep that pre-eminent place in the college to which its supreme importance entitled it. The name of the late James Thome had already been mentioned. He could not speak of that truly apostolic man without the highest veneration. But he would remind the managers of the school, who had succeeded to his labours, that he was himself in liis early life without the advantages of the education and culture which it was now their oDJect to impart to the youth of their charge. He owed his mar- vellous success as a preacher of the gospel to his thorough acquaintance with the best of books and ms deep experience of its Divine teaching. If to these were added the intellectual resources which it was the design of the College to lay open to the students, no doubt, as the noble lord had well expressed it, they would be enabled with greater force to address themselves to their audiences ; but it would be a sorry day indeed for the College, and the body to which it belonged, if it should ever happen that any degree of mental culture or of the learning of the schools should be accepted in the place of that devoutness of personal character, that deep acquaintance with " the truth as it is in Jesus,*' and tnat inspiration of a Digitized by Google OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. 42 1 Saviour's love, which were the elements of Mr. Thome's greatness and the secret of his success in the ministry. They would pardon one who might call himself an old man for insisting that nothing was truly great, in education or ought else, which was not based upon the fear of the Lord, which was both the ** beginning of wisdom " and its end. In proposing " Municipal Institutions," Mr. Pethybridge referred to the labo- rious and self-denying and successful labours of the ministers of the Connexion, and expressed his satisfaction that it was intended, now that the College was en- larged, to give ministerial students greater advantages than they at present enjoyed. Their preaching now was such as to secure the interest of their hearers ; and he hoped the time would be far distant when their congregations would prefer correct commonplace to the pointed and graphic and powerful preaching to which it was now their pleasure to listen. But the establishing of Board and other schools throughout the country would effect a great change in the congregations, and as they became more exacting in theu- demands on the pulpit, it was necessary that their ministers should be better educated. And culture would not weaken the power of their preaching, but would rather develop it so long as it was not re- garded to the exclusion of everything else. (Applause.) The Mayor of Barnstaple, replying, said it was hardly the time or place to expatiate upon the many advantages of the municipal institutions of the coimtry, but he made bold to say that to them was largely due the gratifying and pros- perous position which England held to-day, and that it would be a sorry day for this country if ever they were swept away and the government of the towns handed over to the tender mercies of an imperial government, especially if that govern- ment were presided over by a statesman who exchanged the decrees of ParUament for his personal will. (Laughter and loud cheers.) He felt it a high privilege to take a part, however humble, in the imposing ceremony of opening the Bible Christian College, which was commenced, and had also been completed, under the auspices of the noble lord in the chair. He firmly believed it was a great advan- tage to have such institutions as that spread throughout the country — institutions wflch were founded upon the great and glorious principles of civil and . religious liberty, whose doors were not barred by any vexatious tests, but were open alike to Dissenters and to Churchmen. (Applause.) There could be no place more appropriate for the site of a Bible Christian College than Shebbear, inasmuch as it was the home of one who, in his generation, did much good, and whose devotion and piety shed incalculable benefits upon his fellow-creatures. (Applause^ But there was an even gander object than the spread of education, which that College might hope to attam, namely, to stem the tide of infidelity that was flooding the land, and to raise a banier impassable to those who wished to subvert the Pro- testantism of this country and to place in its stead the intolerance and bigotry of an exacting priesthood. He could not conclude without expressing the admiration which he and all who heard it listened to the eloquent speech of Lord Lymington, and not merely to the eloquence of his language but to the nobility of his sen- timents. (Applause.) Well might the town of Barnstaple be proud of the prospect of opening the doors of the House of Commons to the noble lord, where he would have greater scope for the exercise of his talents, which so well became his exalted position ! He must congratulate Lord L)rmington's noble parents upon the admirable manner in which their son had acquitted himself on this occasion, and assure them that the people of Barnstaple and of North Devon looked on to his future career with the utmost interest. (Loud cheers.) The Mayor of Torrington also responded, remarking that he was exceedingly pleased to take a part in the ceremony of the day, and that, though a Churchman, he gave to the Nonconformists the credit of having done much to acquire the liberties we now enjoyed. Mr. J. L. Manning proposed "The health of the Architect and Builders," and in doing so took occasion to enumerate at length the virtues of the Bible Cluistian denomination, praising them, amongst other things, for the hospitality for which they are famous. Mr. Crocker, the architect, gave a very appropriate reply, in which he made pleasing allusion to the fact that he received his education at the erstwhile Shebbear School, concluding with the hope that it would not be long before the College authorities again required his services ; — a prospect which somewhat dis- Digitized by Google 411 OPSiriNO OF THB COLLBGB. mayed the worthy governor, who was not forgetting that there was a heavy debt yet to be cleared on. Mr. Hobbs, the treasurer, now proposed '' Financial requirements/' in a pleasant speech, and suggested that he should not grumble if ;f i,ooo were contributed on tnat occasion. The Rev. Mark Ghiy Pearse was called upon to speak in support of the " sentiment," and although greatly averse to obey the caul, being of opinion that there had already been too much talk, he at last yielded to the pressure put upon him, and made a speech which, in its aptness and humour, was almost inimitable. He hoped to hear of Lord Ljonington soon becoming M.P. for somewhere — " Barnstaple " someone suggested — and as a Wesleyan he thanked his lordship very heartily for the very kind and true things he had said about John Wesley. R^erring to Mr. Shaw's remarks concerning Wesley's mother, he drew attention to the fact that she afterwards became a Churchwoman, and then caused roars of laughter by sa3ring that what John Wesley would have been if he hadn't had a moUier he would not take it upon himself to determine. In this connection he remarked that he had never sought to make anyone a Methodist, or a Baptist, or an Independent, but all the days of his life had striven to make people "Bible Chnstians," and hoped he was one himself. The audience were soon again convulsed with laughter by the recitation of an anecdote illustrating the abiUties of Methodist preachers to get money, and by another, given in the Cornish dialect, anent the prejudice which formerly existed against ministerial education. He regarded the Gospel as the one cure for Ritualism, and mate- rialism, and everything else, and gave some more humorous and apposite illustrations, one of which was about an old Methodist woman living m his own native town, to whom the new vicar — a Ritualist — went and represented that her assurance of salvation was an illusion, and that she could not be saved unless she received the sacraments from him. The old lady listened to him as long as she could, but at last she broke out to a neighbour — "Lord bless the poor dear man ! how wake he do talk, doan't he ! " These illustrations were given most effectively, and the speaker resumed his seat amidst loud applause. The Rev. W. J. Hocking, who is known as one of the most accompHshed men in the Connexion, in a speech of much elegance conveyed most graicefully the thanks of the assembly to the noble chairman, to the Countess, and to Lord Lymington, whose address he characterised as interesting, artistic, logical, his- torical, luminous, beautiful, and comprehensive. (Cheers.) Earl Portsmouth, acknowledging the compliment, said that having been brought up in a school in which he had learnt to hold out the hand of fellowship to all who wished to promote good work, regardless of creed, it had been to nim a great pleasure to be present on this occasion. The company then left the marquee, and after the Earl and Countess and Lord Lymington had been lustily cheered as they drove off on their return home to E^gesford, most of them made their way to the large dining hall in the new buildmg, and to the schoolroom, where a bountiful tea had been provided. But the rooms, spacious as they were, were insufficient to accommodate half the as- pirants for the social cup, and it was not until several parties in succession had sat down to the well-furnished tables that the wants of all were satisfied. It is computed that no less than 1,500 persons partook of the refreshing meal. Immediately after tea the marquee was returned to, where, at half-past six, a meeting was held under the presidency of Mr. Hobbs, who was supported by an imposing array of speakers, whose names appear below. The meeting was an interesting one, but was hardly so enthusiastic as large meetings of Bible Chris- tians generally are, for the speakers were somewhat cramped by having to speak to formal resolutions, which were not put into their hands until they mounted the platform. Proceedings commenced with the singing of the hymn " Come, let us join our cheerful songs," and then prayer was offered by the Rev. F. W. Bourne. The first motion was proposed by the Rev. R. Blackmore, and it was as follows : — " That this meeting desires to recognise the guidance of Divine Providence in the establishment of the Bible Christian College, and to acknowledge its gra- titude to Grod for the excellent health generally enjoyed by the pupils, and the high moral tone that prevails among them, and to express its conviction that Digitized by Google OPENING OF THE COLLEGE. 423 much of the prosperity now enjoyed is the fruit of patient faith and labour dur- ing long years of trial and difficulty." In his speech Mr. Blackmore men- tioned, in regard to the healthy situation of the College, that only two or three pupils had died at Shebbear since the school had been in existence. It had been blessed also with divine influences among the pupils, many of whom had be- come disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it had been no infrequent thing to have twenty or thirty of them meeting in class. Reference was made to Mr. Thome*s faith, by which he was enabled to work on hopefully whdn everyone else was dismayed ; and to the patience, and endurance, and other good qua- lities of Mr. and Mrs. Gammon (the governor and his wife). The motion was seconded by the President of the Conference, the Rev. T. C. Penwarden, who was very warmly received. His mind reverted to the time when some of his ministerial friends gave up all hope that the school would prosper, and were convinced that it must either fail altogether or be removed to the neighbour- hood of Exeter or some other large town. He hoped that now that it was placed beyond aU doubt that the school was flourishing, even in this out-of-the-way part of the world, those brethren would change their minds and give their energies to its support. It had been always a great joy to him that so many of the pupils had been spiritually as well as intellectually benefited, and his fervent hope was that in the future an even larger proportion of them would not merely undergo mental disciphne and development, but would be initiated into the "truth as it is in Jesus," and ultimately find their way to a blissful immortality. (Applause.) The motion having been passed, of course unanimously, the Rev. J. H. Batt moved " That we are pleased to remember that many of the former pupils have honourably distinguished themselves in various pursuits and professions, and that they continue to manifest the warmest sympathy with the institution. We also express our admiration of the abilities of the head master, and the unsparing toil with which, for several years, he has devoted himself to the education of the pupils, and we pledge ourselves to support the institution, believing that the tuition is calculated to make boys sound scholars and useful men." Mr. Batt dealt with the various clauses of the proposition in a thoughtful and lengthened speech. Heavy responsibilities had been incurred in the enlargement of the school, but he believed relatively to the position of the denomination they were not so formidable as those borne by their noble fathers who founded it. And if they only possessed the degree of intelligent and enthusiastic faith which' distinguished the life of Mr. Thome they might hope to see those responsibilities faithfully discharged. It was very gratifying to know that three of the " old boys " had that day promised ;f 25 between them, and it was to be hoped that their example would be widely followed by the members of the Connexion generally. A ministry educated by a long and careful training was now a necessity. Mr. Ruddle had exhibited his aptitude for his work by discovering the smart lads under his tuition, and the number of pupils who passed the Oxford and other ex- aminations year by year showed clearly that he possessed great ability as a teacher. Let them hope that they would grow until this should not be the only institution maintained by them for the noble purpose it was intended to answer. (Applause.) The Rev. j. Gammon seconded the motion in one of his stirring speeches, and mentioned among the pupils who had distinguished themselves. Mr. Crocker, the architect, who had won the silver medal of the Roysd Society of British Architects ; and that of the Hon. S. J. Way, the Chief Justice and Acting Governor of South Australia, who would have much liked to be amongst them now, and to whom ihey were indebted for the prospect of enlarging the playground. The abilities of the head-master were not left unnoticed, nor the fact that he was a B.A. of the London University, and great stress was laid upon the " pledge " the audience were about to take, it being plainly pointed out that the said pledge extended to their pockets. After this motion had been transformed into a resolution, the Rev. A. Trengove moved — " That we desire to express our hearty sympathy with the movement to provide young men intended for the ministry with a longer residence at the College, and as the working profits arc to be applied to that object when the debt on the premises no longer exists, we pledge ourselves to support in every way in our power the efforts of Mr. Higman to reduce the debt." The reverend gentle- man touched upon the wideness of the district from which the pupils were drawn Digitized by Google 414 ^ FUKTHSK APPEAL. and various other points, and showed that there was an obligation upon erery family in the denomination to give its quota towards the extinguishment of the debt, inasmuch as all would be benefitted by the higher education of the ministry. Mr. Higman's arduous labours in the execution of this project were daly com- mended, and a hope was expressed that whatever arrangements for the liquidation of the debt were made at the forthcoming Conference would be faithfully carried out by every minister in the denomination, and that when the great Conference met in 1880 the premises would be entirely relieved of the financial burden now resting upon them. In a very effective appeal, which must have considerably influenced the collection, and majr be called the speech of the evening, the Rev. F. W. Bourne seconded the motion. He earnestly pleaded for a wider and more public-spirited view of such enterprises as this on the part of Bible Christians generally, and said that the denomination had made greater progress during the last ten years than in any previous period in its history, and that if only hsdf the interest taken in the subject of missions were felt in this matter Mr. Trengove's desire would be realised. The following was the last motion submitted to the meeting, by the Rev. W. J. Hocking, who made it the basis of a speech which was delightful because of the chasteness of its diction : — "That we desire to express our entire satisfaction with the excellent management of the Institution by the governor, and with the domes- tic arrangements superintended by him and his family, and to express our belief that no effort is spared to provide for the welfare and happiness of the pupils." This was seconded by Rev. G. Daniel, and carriedwith acclamation. A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman for his presidency over the meeting, and for the interest he had taken in the enterprise which had been dis- cussed ; and to Mr. Bourne for his able sermon, with a request that it should be printed in the Connexional Magazine or in separate form ; and the proceedings closed with the doxology and benediction. Many of the ministers, with some ** old boys " and other friends from a distance, slept at the College, and were hospitably entertained by the Governor and Mrs. Gammon. — Slightly abridged from " The North Devon Journal:' A FURTHER APPEAL. Dbar Mr. Editor. — By this time it is generally felt to be a wise and important thing to pay off the debt on our College. Many of the members — -perhaps all — of the last Conference felt this, and it is hoped that all interested mends feel it also. It therefore remains for us— one and all — without further pressing, to send on our donations. Some can give many pounds — multitudes can give one, and it is not impossible to find five thousand persons among us who could give a pound each to this good object. Will they do it ? and if so, will they do it at once ? How easily it is done, dear friends, if we all unite tc^do it. How it would please and honour God, and what good it would do us as a people. It would be a joy on all sides ; and if the giving of a pound each would diffuse such joy, and be a permanent blessing to the Denomination, how readily we should join to do it. In a few cases it might require a small sacrifice, but in most cases not even a small sacrifice would be required. The real hindrance to paying off the debt on the College is not, we think, in "local calls," "other calls," "many calls," as often all "calls" are rejected because so many are made. In this matter, friends, we beseech you to give — be willing to give — work yourselves up to giving — pray to be taught how to give, and join the few to be found in our churches who live to give, pray to be able to give, and who work to give. We have collected, as reported at the Conference, /"746 7s. ad. toward the the building fund.* We have promised toward the fund ;f526 12s. 2d. We have spent m enlarging and furnishing the College close upon ;f 4,000, and there * This includes the subscriptions reported this month. Digitized by VjOOQ IC CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND. 4*5 was an old debt upon the premises of /i, 300, and a head-master's house is yet to be built. It is purposed to continue the special agent to collect money to pay the debt. The longer, therefore, the debt remains, the more money must be. raised, and the longer must our real work be delayed. Dear friends, for once muster to a man, and act for God. We are, dear Friends and Brethren, Yours faithfully, C. HOBBS, Treasurer. W. HIGMAN, Secretary . COLLEGE EXTENSION FUND. Subscriptions Received. (Previously acknowledged, ;f6o8 7s. 8d.) £ s. d. £ s. d. The Right Hon. the Earl of Tea, &c., College opening - 59 9 6 Portsmouth ' - • 20 0 0 Mevagissey Circuit - 4 2 0 Lord Lymington 10 0 0 George Daniel (donation) - 4 0 0 Mrs. Daniel 0 0 A Friend, through do. J. C. Barfett, collected - I 0 0 Mrs. P. Andrew, sen. 0 0 • 2 0 0 Mr. R. Daniel - 0 0 R. Vaughan 5 0 Mr. Stubbs 0 0 Sundties - 0 0 Mr. Griffin 0 0 W. Dennis - 0 10 0 A. J. Thomas, Esq. - 0 0 L. W. Wickett, Canada, E. Pethybridge, Esq. - Mr. T. Jewell - • 10 0 0 through W. Gilbert 0 0 0 0 Mr. W. Ashplant I 0 Joseph Snell Samuel Jory Hastings Circuit I 0 John Brown - 0 5 0 ■ 2 10 0 Millom Circuit - 10 0 . 0 10 0 William Jolliffe, Canada 0 0 Truro Circuit • 0 10 0 J. Mallett - - 2 10 0 Children's Cards, Bideford • 0 16 6 Mr. Ackland - 0 10 0 Mr. Cary - . 0 5 0 " Take it " - - - 0 4 6 CHRISTCHURCH, NE^U^ ZEALAND. Sir, — I want to give your readers an idea of what we arc doing here. I scarcely know, however, where to begin. At Addington, a rapidly-growing suburb of Christchurch, and with which it will soon be connected by a tramway, we have a family by the name of Manhire. One of the sons, Mr. D. Manhire, has generously given us a site for a church there, and ^20 towards its erection. A Trust has been formed, and the building is commenced. It is estimated to seat 100, and will cost about ;^2oo. We hope to open in about a month. A society has already been formed in Mr. F. Manhire' s house, and I go out there once a week and preach. Zealously worked, there is no doubt about our succeeding at Addington. At Philip's Town, another rapidly developing suburban district, we have also had a site presented us at this place by our valued friend, Mr. W. Smith. This is a first-class site. It fronts upon one principal street, and can be easily seen from another. It is in the very neart of a dense population, and where is scarcely any church accommodation. It is in every way a most interesting opening. It is only just outside the city boundaries. The rush of Christchurch is in the direction of Philip's Town. We shall build as soon as possible. We intend erecting a nice church, to seat, say, 200. Our anticipations are very high respecting this place. Well, about the city proper. We have given up the Hall and taken a German Church ; the Germans having broken down through their minister not being able to conduct an alternate service in English. This church is one of the prettiest in the city, and is immediately at the comer of two principal streets. It will hold about 200 people. Its position is simply everything that could be desired. There Digitized by Google 426 CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND. is a fine peal of bells attached, but we shall not use them. We are to pay i8s. |>er week, and this will include the absolute use of the building, harmonium, bap- tismal font, matting, &c. This may appear a heavy sum to some of my readers, but it is generally thought here to lie tne opposite. We open next Sunday week, June 2nd. Our nopes are high for the future, as this church promises to suit us admirably. The Hall was ill-suited, and we could not get it for a weeknight service. So we shall soon be having three places, Mr. Editor, a fact which will render another fact patent, namely, that we shall want a second missionary at once. Our membership increases almost weekly. QUARTERLY MEETING. Lady-Day Quarterly Meeting was held at Mr. Scawn's, who, following the ex- ample of other members of the church, kindly gave a tea to as many of the friends as would come. A few weeks since we held our first preachers' meeting, and decided that the names of the following brethren should be inserted on the first plan — E. Reed, W. Knipe, J. Tregeagle, and P. Parry. On Good Friday we held our first annual tea meeting. Early in the afternoon the ladies assembled with their bewitching bouquets, and soon the room presented the most attractive appearance. The tables were presided over by Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Tregeagle, Mrs. Scawn, Mrs. Hodd, Mrs. Knipe, the Misses Reed, Knipe, and Ray. About 200 partook of the excellent spread. A public meeting followed, Mr. Reed in the chair. The report showed the total income since the establishment of the society to have been /"is I 17s. id.; total expenditure, £()i 9s. id.; leaving a balance of /to 8s. Excellent speeches were delivered by Mr. J. T. Smith (who was a locaP^reacher with us at St. Just, but cannot see his way to join us here, having been with the Wesleyans fourteen years, and is their book steward), and the Revs. Hodson and White (Free Church), Tout (Congregationalist, Mr. Tout was in our ministry for some years), and Smalley (Wesleyan). A vote of thanks concluded a most happy and successful day. Someone may want to know what we propose doing witn the above £(yo. £$0 of it was raised to furnish minister's house, out as no outlay is required m that direction, we have loaned it to the Addington Building Fund for a few months. The remainder also goes for building purposes. AUCKLAND. This beautiful city is the capital of the North Island, and should have a mis- sionary at once. I know there are a great many Bible Christians there. Three families have passed this port on their way there since my arrival here. One of the brethren was a local preacher in the Camelford circuit, and while in harbour he sent me a request to visit him on board, but I did not get it until after the vessel had sailed, and therefore was deprived of the opportunity of seeing a little group who came from my home. If this should meet the eye of Any of his friends, I would thank them to send me name and address, so that I may communicate with him. I will take this opportunity of asking all readers of the magazine who have friends in New Zealand to send me their name and address, and I would then correspond with them for the sake of information, jnutual greetings, &c. We should have an agent at Auckland immediately, I may say the climate is every- thing that could be desired. If ten men could b« sent to this colony at the next Conference they would find ample and, no doubt, remunerative openings. It does not seem to me that the Committee could find a more promising field. There are Bible Christians all over New Zealand. At Dunedin is a Mr. Uren, who was a member with us at Cheesewring, and a local preacher in the 'Liskeard circuit. He is now with the Primitives. At Rangiora, about twenty-five miles from here, are two families by the name of Webber and Martin, well known at Zion Street, Pljnnouth. Now is the time to strike in New Zealand ; the longer you delay the less will be the chance of finding first-class openings. In fact, we are already two decades late. Now, emphatically^ is our chance. Be careful however, as to the dass of men you send. Nothing can be more mistaken than that anybody will do for the mission-field. A missionary needs vastly more resource, mental, moral, and reli- gious, than a man at home in a well-established circuit. The Rev. Dr. Somer- ville is now in Christchurch, and is attracting crowds of people. We have just organised a Minister's Association, to meet once a month for devotion, mutual Digitized by Google CHAPELS. 427 greetings, discussion of current topics, &c. The happiest feelings exist among the various ministers in the city. Presbyterians, Congregationalists, the various MeUiodist Bodies, and some Episcopalians, meet and exchange the kindest greet- ings. I find it a great advantage to mingle with men of extended colonial experience. Our denominational name provokes occasional criticism. May 25/A, 1878. W. H. Keast. Aldrid Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, New 2^aland. On the 21st Time, Br. Keast writes again : — Sir, — ^In my last communication I said we had taken a German church as our present city place of worship, and I promised to let you know how the first ser- vices went off. Well, I*m happy to tell you that thus far our most sanguine expectations have been more than met. The congregations have been exceedingly good, and already the increase in the receipts will more than cover the increase in the expenses. We decided not to have any seat-rents, but to appeal every Sab- bath for the necessary funds, and the collections thus far average nearly 50s. a day — a most satisfactory sum. We want, however, to see it reach ^^3, and this sum, together with the various other items of income, would enable us to meet our total expenditure with ease. There will be no exaggeration in my saying that our present outlook is highly satisfactory and full of promise. At our last Elders* meeting we had the pleasure of proposing 12 new members, bringing the number up to 52, and applications are still being made. A new class has been fortned, of wiiich Mr. Parry wiU take charge. Wednesday evening is our lecture night, and on Friday evening Mr. J. W. Reed, our excellent precentor, has a Tonic-sol-fa class. Tne Sunday-school, of which Mr. J. Smith is superintendent, is growing, and promises to be very useful. The greatest harmony prevails in our midst, and there is no lack of interest. I am very busy, very happy, and very well. A VERY SPECIAL REQUEST. N.B. — We are raising a church building fund, and are in for the inevitable bazaar. And I'll tell you, Mr. Editor, what we want — this : That you will con- sent to receive articles from all over the denomination at home for one month after the publication of this request. You will forward the case per first sailing ship that leaves for Port Lyttleton after expiration of said month. Private re- quests have already been made to friends, and no doubt they are doing well. We want a grand effort. Should any one prefer sending a subscription, I would ad- vise their sending it to Mr. Bourne, who would forward a draft for the amount. My expectations are great, dear friends. Within a month, then, after the publi- cation of this letter, let every one do their very best for New Zealand. Thorne Memorial Chapel, Barnstaple.— On the 17th of May, 1875, the foimdation-stone of this chapel was well and truly laid, in the name of the " Fa- ther, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,'* by Mr. Horswell, of Exeter, who said, with much emphasis and deep feeling, " My prayer is that the blessing of God may attend its erection, and the services that may be held in this place." This prayer winged its way to heav^ accompanied by the Amens of many, and by no one more earnestly than our sainted Sister Reed. The opening ser\'ices commenced on Wednesday, September 6th, 1876, and were characterised by rich influences, large attendance, and liberal contributions. The entire outlay — to builders, in- cluding architect*s fees, ;f 1,601 ; purchase of site, legal expenses, &c., /785 ; gas- fittings, /■59 ; American organ, ;^3i los. ; furniture for class and school-rooms, /*42 ; making a total of /■2,5i8 los. The total receipts, including a legacy oi £2$ from the late Mrs. Reed7 have . been ;f 1,353 los ; leaving a debt of ;f 1,165; ^^is was ;f 1 65 above what the trustees anticipated. To meet this a bazaar was duly inaugurated, and held on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of June last. The leading friends of the society nobly exerted themselves, and the proceeds enabled the trustees to reduce the debt to ^^1,000, and leave a small balance in the treasurer's hands. The Digitized by Google 428 ANOTHER YEAR IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. congrep^ationsy and increase to the society since the opening, have been veiy en- couraging, and the financial working in every department auite a success. A few friends are desirous that a Tablet should be placed in the cnapel to the memory of Mr. Thomas Reed, whose sanctified labours have contributed so much to our present position in the town of Barnstaple. Two donations of los. each have been promised towards this desirable object, and hopes are entertained that it will be speedily executed. W. Bray. PoRTHOLLAND, Mkvagissky CIRCUIT. — The new chapel was opened on Tues- day, May 28th. It rained at intervals in the morning and at noon it literally poured, causing grave apprehensions. A sermon was delivered at 11.30 a.m., by Br. B. RounsefeU, of Punnouth, to a small but attentive audience. After a cold collation, furnished by Mrs. Runnalls at her own cost, a bazaar in the school-room was opened to the public. Four stalls, superintended by Miss Runnalls, Miss L. Hill, Mrs. Sawle, and Mr. Jacob, presented a large amount of beautiful and use- ful articles, which, as the day proceeded, obtained a ready sale. As the rain ceased in the afternoon and the sun shone out, the people from the neighbourhood joined us, hence by tea-time a crowd had gathered. The provisions for tea were given by Mrs. w. Runnalls, Mrs. Langdon, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. J. Jennings, Mrs. Hfll, Mrs. Trounce, Mrs. Pawlyn, Mrs. Pamall, and Mrs. Blamey. The evening meetin?, presided over hy our aged and respected father-in-the-church Mr. W. Runnafls, was short but interesting, in which Messrs. B, Rounsefell, J. Thompson, J. Clarke (Tregony), J. Dale and circuit ministers took part. Sermons on the following Sunday by Br. W. Smith. The chapel provides 120 sittings, with a lofty and commodious school-room underneath. The structure is of stone, with window-dressings, heads, jambs, &c., of white brick, having three windows # on each side, and two smaller in front. The porch is large, entered by a gravel walk ascending one foot in ten. The floor and seats are of red deal, with pitch- pine ends. The rostrum is large, and, with its new American organ and singers* pew in front, nicely fitted up, presents an excellent appearance. The site, secured of the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe for a term of ninety-nine years on lives, is well situated, and will be enclosed from the road by a stone wall, leaving enclosed ample room for shingle-walks, shrubs and flowers, and space for furnace-house, stable, &c., at the lower end of the school-room. The architect is Mr. W. Giles, of St. Austell, and the work has been executed by Messrs. Hughes and W. G. Blamey, of Veryan. The financial position stands thus : — Receipts. £, s. d. By Foundation-stone service 44 12 7 Bazaar : — Br. Jacob's stall and book 12 12 o Mrs. Runnall's stall - 12 9 3 Miss Hill's do. - -850 Mrs. Sawle's do. - - 6 10 o Tea and other receipts - 26 1 1 2 ;flIO o Disbursements. By Contract / s. d. 206 o o Extras in boundary-wall, stable, &c., &c., pro- bably about - - 40 o o ;f 246 o a The material of the old chapel has been utilised in the school -room and stable, and the materials have been drawn free by Mr. A. Kunnalls and other friends. Many things remain unsold from the bazaar, of which we hope to dispose on some future day to meet the extras, so that the trustees may not be necessitated to bor- row more than /lOO. Great praise is due to persons named above and others for their activity and liberality, through which the estate has been put in such work- able position. G- A. JosLiN. ANOTHER YEAR IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. One of the greatest advantages of travel is to make one glad to be at home again. And certaimy this was my experience. Adelaide never looked fairer or more lovely than in April, 1877, when I returned to it from a voyage round the world. Digitized by Google ANOTHER YEAR IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 429 T|je early rains had clothed our wide-spreading park lands in luxuriant verdure ; all the suburbs were beautified by the same agency ; and the distant hill slopes were green to their summits. Signs of progress and prosperity were apparent on every side in the city itself, and I "assisted" the very first day at the opening of a new bridge over the Torrens by the Governor, Sir W. Cairns, brother of your Lord Chancellor. The very day he left the colony, on resigning his Govern- ment, we commenced preaching services at Goodwood Park, and before his suc- cessor in the administration gave up the reins to the new Governor, Sir. W. Tervois, he had laid the foundation of a chapel there, as your readers have already learnt. The North Adelaide enterprise presented more difficulties, as time went on, than were at first apparent, but I do not doubt that, in time, Br. Piper and the friends will have succeeded in making a fair start there. Th\is, with the settlement of Br. Lang at Mitcham, and of Br. Kelley at Port Adelaide, our cause in and around the city presents a fairer prospect than for years past. Build- ing rapidly progresses, and I do not doubt that our church will share in the rapid extension of the city. My year of labour was, on the whole, a happy one ; and it was a source of gratification to me, that during so long a period of it the Governor- ship of the colony was administered with great credit to himself, and much ad- vantage to the community, by the son of one of our own ministers. A pleasing episode was the arrival of the " Cuzco," with the three missionary brethren. Although you all seemed oblivious of the fact that the steamer would call at Adelaide, we expected the brethren and were glad to give them a hearty God- speed. We were also glad to have from their own lips that they would cheerfully have come to labour with us if such had been the will of the Committee, because the non-arrival of fresh missionaries in this colony is becoming an inscrutable mystery, as well as a most perplexing Providence. Gladstone is about 120 miles north-west of Adelaide. It is a station on the railway from Port Pirie on the coast, extending some fifty miles inland to James- town, conveying the produce direct, instead of finding its way all down the coun- try to Port Adelaide. Mr. Lake is at Crystal Brook, a station twelve miles nearer the coast than Gladstone. If you will take the trouble to refer to my description of our northern field of labour in the Magazme for (I think) December, 1873, you will see what a vast territory we have lost through want of a sufficient ministerial supply then and since. At Laura, a large township nine miles north of Gladstone, we havft nothing ; at Port Pirie we have nothing, and have lost all the fruits of the long journeys and pioneer preachings of so many brethren in 1873 ^uid 1874, so far as our cause is concerned. At Caltowie, a station to the east of me, and where the Governor, Sir W. Jervois, was entertained in a banquet-hall com- posed entirely of bags of wheat — we have nothing. Nor have we anything at the terminus, Jamestown, the largest and most important township in the north. In the last few years agricultural settlements nave increased so rapidly, that settlers may now be found eighty miles north of Gladstone, and far beyond our most northern circuit of Beautiful Valley. Wealth is rapidly being acquired by our agriculturists, in spite of two indifferent seasons, and they are constantly extending their occupation of the virgin soil. In the week of Good Friday, I accompanied Mr. Lake, the chairman of our district, to Morchard, 55 miles distant, where he was to preside at the Beautiful Valley Quarterly Meeting, and to hold the Pastor's Meeting. It was not till we reached Boolooroo, thirty miles distant, that the confines of my own circuit were lassed. Wer reached Willowie, where there is a new township in which a friend as secured us an allotment to build on, on Thursday at noon, and continued our journey to Morchard, where we arrived in the evening, and were kindly enter- tained at Mr. Bottrill's, Jun. On Good Friday Mr. McDougal drove hs nine miles across the range to Orroroo, and we selected a fine site in this thriving township, which Mr. Fred. Hannaford had placed at our disposal ; then returned to Mor- chard for our business. All the preachers in the district were present with the exception of Br. Finch, of Port Angusta, absent from some unexplained cause ; and Br. Sampson, my colleague in the Branch Circuit at Hallett, who would have had to ride some thirty miles more than the rest of us had to travel. After the business was concluded we had a tea-meeting, to which the people flocked from all quarters, and an excellent public meeting addressed by Messrs. Lake, Bullock, Paynter, and myself, Mr. Polglase, Circuit Steward, in the chair. Having to re- hi Digitized by Google 430 ANOTHER YEAR IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. turn for Sunday appointments in our own Circuits, we made the journey home the next day. A fortnight since I again accompanied Mr. Lake over this groimd ; this time to a new township 90 miles north of Gladstone. Through the Undness of our farmer friends, in furnishing changes of horses for our buggy, we were able to make the journey to and fro in four days. As you are aware, our Government is constructing a line of railway, 200 miles in length, northward into the interior from Port Augusta. At a pomt twenty-five miles from the latter port, where the railway has pierced the lofty Flinders range, and where the Picmrichi Pass de- bouches on the fertile plain of the Willochra, is a station and township which has received the name of Quom. It is a lovely situation, facing the plam, and sur- rounded by an amphitheatre of picturesque mountains. We had telegraphed for Br. Finch to meet us, but were again disappointed <^ the pleasure of seemg him. The only inhabitant is an enterprising Good Templar butcher and baker, who supplies the camp of Chinese navvies. After selecting some allotments, and making arrangements for preaching in the good baker's house, after the settlers arrive next week, we slept in his bake-house, two on shelves, and two on the floor, for we had been joined by Brother Paynter and a young agriculturist in search of land. Next day we skirted the Flinders range till we arrived twenty-five miles south at Beautiful Valley, another fine township in a beautiful location. Here we have a site given us by Mr. Davenport, who was Commissioner for the Colony at the Phila- delphia Exhibition, but our own friends positively refused to render us any assist- ance unless we could promise them a resident minister, and seeing the futility of attempting to estabhsh a cause in a new township without it I cannot feel much surprise. We stayed the night with Mr. and Mrs. Hunter, the good lady being a daughter of our late brother James Ashton. We had to make an early start on the following morning, and anyone who imagines there is no cold weather in Aus- tralia, would have been undeceived if he had accompanied us in our twelve "mile drive before sunrise, to Willowie. We reached Gladstone the same night, where Mr. Lake preached for me. The whole of this country is now comprised in our Beautiful Valley Circuit. G. H. Paynter, our young brother in charge, does what he can, with noble and whole-hearted devotion. More horseflesh at his command would perhaps help him a little, but after all he can only weave a Penelope's web. There ought to be an immediate division into four circuits. I will give you the names, not that they will mean much to you, but they will be more tangible perhaps than a mere de- mand for six additional missionaries : — 1st, Beautiful Valley— Yapoona, Richman's Creek, Willowie. 2nd, MoRCHARD — Orroroo, East Willowie, Coomooroo North, Boolooroo Whim. 3rd, QuoRN — Pinda, Palmer, Eurelia, Willochra. 4th, Kanyaka — Boolcunda, Wonoka, Arkaba. No other Denomination touches us at any of these places but the Wesleyans at Beautiful Valley and the Primitive Methodists at Orroroo. In addition to these there are — 5th, Port Pirie — Wamertown, Napperby, Nelshaby, Telowie. 6th, Morgan — Emu Flat, Julia. The two last places have been given up by the Kapunda Circuit because they find it impossible to keep the chapels open with one preacher in the circuit. Morgan itself is a Township on the Murray River and the terminus of our recently con- structed railway, by which it is expected the river traffic of the interior of the Continent will flow into South Australia. I have but a very faint hope that these statements will influence your young men to offer themselves for our field, but I am anxious to put a fair record of our wants before you, as in 1873. ^^ another five years we shall be able to make a comparison of our opportunities and achieve- ments, and if future deputations should find flourishing commercial entrepdts and thriving agricultural settlements where our cause is unrepresented, and many warm friends irrecoverably lost to us, they must not blame us for want of foresight and enterprise, but lament the absence in our rising ministry of the heroic spirit of our sires. You will have learned from other sources of the death of Mrs. Way, an event which, though not unexpected, is not the less an irretrievable loss to Mr. Way in the decline of life, to the family, and to the Church. ^ne loth, 1878. John Thorns. Digitized by Google 431 NOTABILIA OF THE MONTH. July i6th. — The Earl of Beaconsfield and the Marquis of Salisbunr returned to London, from Berlin, on Tuesday, and during their drive from Charing Cross Station to Downing Street they had a most triumphal reception from the dense crowds which had collected to welcome them. 19th. — Important debate in the House of Lords on the Treaty of Berlin, when the Earl of Derby delivered a speech very damaging to the Government. Conference on Infidelity at the National Club, convened by the Christian Evidence Society, presided over by the Earl of Harrowby. 2 1st. — Protocols of the Congress presented to Parliament. 22nd.— Debate in the House of Commons on the Indian Vernacular Press Act. Mr. Gladstone's resolution thereon defeated by 208 to 152. Lord Napier and Ettrick, in calling attention, in the House of Lords, to the despatch of the Secretary for India on the subject of the recent famine in that coimtry, said that " he had heard that in one district of Mysore one- third of the population had disappeared, and that the highways and by-ways were full of human tones." From five to ten millions of people, it appears, must have perished. The Treaty of Berlin has been the chief subject of discussion in France and Italy, but the excitement in the first-^amed country has, it is said, greatly subsided. 27th. — Gallant rescue of a boy from drowning, by Mr. T. Nicholson, of Southampton. The Observer of that tovm, in an account of the gallant act, says : — " One of those gallant acts for which Englishmen are renowned, in saving people from a watery grave, occurred here on Saturday last, the hero being Mr. T. Nicholson, of Portland Street. It appears that several children were at play at Mr. T. Ransom's wharf, Belvidere, when a boy named "William Anthony, of No. I, Rochester Terrace. Northam, fell into the water. Aery being raised, at- tracted the attention of Mr. T. Nicholson, who was, luckily, passing at the time. Without a moment's hesitation, Mr. Nicholson pulled off his coat and plunged into the water after the boy, who was fast drifting down with the receding tide. By a strong effort Mr. Nicholson succeeded in reaching the boy, and safely con- veyed him on shore, but not before he was almost exhausted, being in at least fifteen feet of water at the quay, and no preparation made by the people on shore to receive him. Mr. Nicholson, although at least ten feet from the shore, con- tinued to hold the boy up until nearly exhausted, when a rope was thrown to him, by which means he was enabled to hold on with his charge until a boat came, and both were safely placed in it and taken on shore, where it was found that the poor child was nearly gone. He was undressed, rolled up in a blanket, and placed before a fire. In the meantime, Mr. Nicholson, notwithstanding being wet through, took a cab, and fetched Dr. Pomeroy, who returned to the poor boy immediately, and by his aid, we are happy to learn, the boy recovered and is now doing well. We may add, that the parents of the boy (very poor people), cannot find sufficient words to express their gratitude to Mr. Nicholson for having saved the life of their son. Mr. Nicholson Was so prostrated after the event that he had to keep his bed for the remainder of the day. Independent of his clothes being damaged, his watch and other articles suffered considerable injury. Such brave conduct on the part of Mr. Nicholson deserves recognition at the hands of the Royal Humane Society." 28th. — The Carlton Club gave a grand banquet to celebrate the return of the Earl of Beaconsfield and the Marquis of Salisbury. During the course of his speech, the former nobleman described Mr. Gladstone as "a sophistical rhetorician, inebriated with the exuberance of his own verbosity, and gifted with an egotistical imagination that can at all times command an interminable and inconsistent series of arguments to malign his opponents and glorify himself." 29th. — Lord Hartington moved a resolution on Eastern affairs in the House of Commons, Mr. Gladstone making a memorable speech during the course of the debate, which was concluded early on Saturday morning, when Lord Hartington's resolution was negatived by a large majority. 30th. — Sir Garnet Wolseley arrived at Nicosia, which is described " as beau- tiful from the outside, but ruinous and squalid within." Digitized by Google 432 NOTABILIA OF THE MOKTH. July 30th. — ^The Austrian army of occupation, under General Philiporie, entered Bosnia at Brod. 31st. — The Army and Militia Reserves demobilised. August ist. — Cardinal Franchi, the Papal Secretary of State, and author of the plan for the restoration of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy in Scotland, died. 3rd. — The freedom of the City of London presented to the Earl of Beaconsfield and the Marquis of Salisbury. 6th. — Large Supplementary Estimates brought forward by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. 8th. — The insurrectionary movement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which the Porte is suspected of fomenting, having assumed serious proportions, it is an- nounced that the Austrian Government intends effecting further mobilisation. Severe fighting at different points has taken place. The contention of Mr. Mackonochie's counsel that there was no instance in which an incumbent had been, by summary procedure, deprived of his living for contempt, adopted by the Court of Queen's Bench, one effect of which is, that this arch offender agamst the law escapes scot free, the sentence of Lord Penzance notwithstanding. 14th. — The Irish Sunday Closing Bill, after many narrow escapes in the Com- mons, passed through Committee in the House of Lords. The third reading of the Bishoprics Bill carried by 62 to 20. 1 7th. — Parliament prorogued. The hope, which the Queen's Speech expresses, that the peace which has been concluded " is satisfactory and likely to be durable," seems ironical when such facts as the continued fighting in Bosnia, the threatened resistance to the surrender of Batoum, the refusal of the Porte to rectify the Greek frontier in accordance with the recommendations of the Congress, and the new Russian mission to Cabul, which has excited so much apprehension, are taken into account. §m ^imlhuy^. GRATITUDE. " Gratitude is the least of the virtues, but ingratitude the worst of vices." " God and our parents can never be requited.** A very poor Indian had a good meal given him. Years after, in gratitude, he rescued his benefactor from captivity. A gentleman, who fell into the deep sea, was rescued from drowning by a sailor. He ever after treated that sailor with the greatest kindness, and loaded nim with pre- sents. A poor Irishman said to a person who had been very kind to him, ** You shall be rich with the coin of my heart,** gratitude and love, ** all your days.** A grateful American travelled far to visit the grave of a man who, as his substitute in the war, had been killed. He placed this inscription on the grave, " He died for me." God is your greatest Benefactor. He gave, and continues to you, life, eyesight, hearing, mends, food, and all blessings you enjoy. Jesus died for you, etc. What returns will you make ? An Indian wanted to give his dog, his gun, his splendid and ornamented rug, the best things he had, to Jesus ; but at length he did better, he gave himself. What will you give to Jesus ? ** It was my lot,** said the captain of a ship, " to sail in company with that ill- fated steamer, the * Central America.* ThcL night was closing in, the sea rolling high, but I hailed the crippled steamer, and asked if they needed help. * I am in a sinking condition ! ' cried Captain Hemdon. * Had you not better send your passengers on board directly ? * I said. * Will you not lie by me till morning ? ' answered Captain Hemdon. *I will try,' I replied ; *but had you not better send your passengers on board now ? * * Lie by me till morning,* again said Cap- tain Hemdon. I tried to lie by him ; but at night, such was the heavy roll of the sea, I could not keep my position, and I never saw the steamer more. In an hour and a half after the captain said, * Lie by me till morning,* the vessel, withi ts living freight, went down, and the captam and crew, and a great majority of his passengers, found a grave in the great deep. But for this delay, all might have been saved.** Digitized by Google THE Bible Christian Magazine. -:o:- THE NATURE. SOURCE. AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. A Sermon Preached at Brougham Road Chapel, Souihsea, HantSy to the Bible Christian Conference, on Wednesday, July ^ist, 1878, and published by request. " For we have not followed cunningly-devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount." — 2 Peter i. 16-18. Vast responsibility rests upon the leaders of men. The weakness of the mind, the want of assurance on matters of the highest mo- ment, and the unrest with which the solemnities of the future are anticipated, render it inevitable that a large majority of mankind will continue to lean on those whom they consider wiser, stronger, and holier than themselves. Were men in the enjoyment of that state of healthy spiritual life which the gospel contemplates, they might be safely left to their own instincts, as to the principles they should cherish, and the system of thought and practice they should follow. But instead of this, they are, in the mass, in a condition which tempts the cupidity, vanity, or ambition of any who may have risen, in any degree, above the ignorance and servility that generally prevail. Safety and ease, welfare and prejudice, are seldom found in the same path. Men have to be led against October, 1878. g Digitized by Google 434 THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. themselves, in opposition to all their preconceived opinions and prepossessions. It is easier to lead them wrong than right, because they are already wrong, and prefer being let alone to the pain in- volved in being put right. The qualifications, therefore, of a com- petent leader are numerous and important. He must know the true destination of the soul, the way to reach it, and the best method of getting men to walk in the way that leads to it. He must, whilst keenly alive to the weakness and dependence of his fellow-men, be superior to using their infirmities for his own aggrandisement. He must be strong enough to resist all wrong currents, contrary winds, and unholy forces, by which the souls of men are placed in jeopardy. And he must himself be under the all-mastering influence of Him towards whose cross and throne he seeks to lead those who place themselves under his guidance. In the text we have one of the foremost of the church's spiritual guides, setting forth, with all the simplicity of his guileless nature, the character and grounds of that testimony which he and others had been wont to bear, up to the time in which he wrote. He speaks with great confidence. There is no trembling in his accent ; the dark, chilling shadow of doubt appears not to fall upon his spirit ; his voice is firm, and his utterance unfaltering. He knows the right starting-point — ** partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." He is acquainted with the only path of holiness and peace, along which to lead — ** add to your faith virtue ; and to virtue knowledge ; and to knowledge temperance ; and to temperance patience ; and to patience godliness ; and to godliness brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness charity." He keeps steadily before him the goal that is to be reached — " For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The occasion on which he wrote was one of great solemnity. The gloomy shadow of death and the grave was already on him ; or, rather, the song of the ransomed, the jubilation of the glorified, already greeted his ear. Mortal dissolu- tion was at hand, but he could meet it without fear, ** knowing that shortly I must put oiF this, my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me." The words of our text are almost his dying testimony. Standing on the margin of the tomb and looking back on his past life, he had nothing to add, nothing to take away, nothing to modify, in regard to the truth he had helped to dissemi- nate. His aim was to stir up his followers, not to seek new things but to remember old ones, not so much to push their inquiries into new regions of thought as to " be established in the present truth." He knew, as he was passing away from the shadows of time into the Digitized by Google THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. 435 clear light of eternity, that he had nothing better to bequeath to those whom he loved as a father in the gospel, than the abiding memory of those precious truths that had already been the power of God unto their salvation. The position taken by the Apostle is that of every faithful teacher of Christian truth. He is a mouth-piece for them all. Let us notice the nature, source, and seal of saving truth. I. — The Nature of saving truth, — '* The power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." The commission which Christ gave to His apostles was, ** Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'' They were divinely commissioned preachers and teachers. But they were not left to themselves, to preach what they would. They were messengers with a clearly defined message. That message is the gospel, the whole gospel, and nothing but the gospel. This is set forth, in part, in what the angel said to the shepherds, " Fear not : for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." That was the gospel according to the angel — the birth of a Saviour, His Messiahship and sove- reignty. When Peter went down to Caesarea unto Cornelius, he held forth " the word which God sent unto the children of Israel. . . . How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power : who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil ; for God was with Him." That was the gospel according to Peter — the anointing, the life of benevo- lence, and the divine association of Jesus of Nazareth. Paul, in his first epistle to the Corinthians, declares unto us the gospel he preached. " How that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures ; and that He was buried, and that He rose again ac- cording to the Scriptures." In his letter to Titus the same author includes in his conception of the gospel, '* The glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." That was the gospel according to Paul — Christ's death for sin. His burial, resur- rection and" second coming. Here we have several authoritative statements, setting forth the gospel ; all diff'erent, it is true, but all supplementary to each other. From them we learn that the gospel is the story of the birth, anointing, life, miracles, teaching, death, burial, resurrection, sovereignty, and coming again of Jesus Christ. This was the gospel preached by the apostles. Never were men more faithful to a commission than were they to that given them by their Divine Lord. They were not ashamed of it ; nay, they gloried in the cross of Christ, and counted it an honour to suifer for His name. No threats, no amount of intimidation on the part of their Digitized by Google 436 THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. enemies, could make them hold their peace, or alter a single iota of their story. To their own countrymen it might be a stumbling block ; to the refined Greek, foolishness ; and to the haughty Roman, contemptible weakness ; yet everywhere, amidst suffering and ignominy, they preached it with a zest and a boldness that carried conviction to multitudes, and filled their enemies with dismay. In our text, the apostle gives us a summary of that gospel that he and his co-workers preached and taught — " We make known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." The gospel respects a person — *' our Lord Jesus Christ." A person who came from the depth and obscurity of eternal mystery ; who represents in Himself, all the mystery of the Godhead, of being, of sin, of redemption, of moral government, of final judgment, and of eternal retribution and glory ; who lifts the weight of mystery oiF our souls by presenting Himself to the mind in such a way that we can know, and love, and intelligently follow Him; who mirrors forth in His own person Him whom every soul wants to find and must find, but whom no man hath seen nor can see ; and who restores and perpetuates the communion of man with the Father, which sin has so rudely interrupted. ** There is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." This is He that the gospel unfolds to our understanding, and Whom it commends to our affection, our faith, and our loyalty. The gos- pel respects the power of Christ, as seen in the miracles He wrought, the sinless perfection of His life, and His glorious resurrection from the dead. Demonstrating the Divine reasonableness of salvation, notwithstanding the heinousness of sin, the holiness and justice of God, the corruption of the heart, and the potency of moral evil. The whole stress of it resting not upon the person being saved, but upon a love that never fails, and a power that nothing can with- stand. His power has proved itself suflftcient to exhaust the cup of wrath, and to exchange it for one of unmingled bliss in which His people shall participate, " while life, and thought and being last, or immortality endures." The gospel relates to Christ's coming again. His first advent was for the purpose of putting away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. This was fully accomplished when He said, ** It is finished.*' When He passed in triumph to the skies. He did not. take His church with Him, but left her in the world as a pledge of His return. He sent His Spirit to seal her His, to make her His exclusive possession, and to be in her and to her the earnest of His coming. He left also His word, '*I will come to you." " I will come again, and receive you unto Myself." So spake the angels on the day of the ascension. This truth was made clear to Digitized by Google THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. 437 the minds of the apostles, and they made it known to the churches. They, both the. teachers and the taught, rejoiced in "hope of the glory of God." They " waited for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." They ** loved His appearing.'' They hoped at the appearing of the Chief Shepherd to *' receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." They *' looked for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness ;" and *' for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Such is the saving truth of the gospel of Christ. Nothing is so sweet, so wholesome, so beneficial to the soul. There is other truth, but this is the truth ; that to which all other is subservient. This is the only truth that saves ; that can make men hate sin, love God, work righteousness, live for heaven and hope to dwell there. Nothing can move the heart, arouse the conscience, purify the affections, mould the life, develop and gladden the whole man, like ** the glorious gospel of the blessed God." II. — The SOURCE of saving truth, — " We have not followed cunningly-devised fables." It is vain to preach the beauty and sweetness of this story unless we can prove its credibility. Whence came it, where did we get it, is it true .? are questions that must be answered. Suppose it were not true. Who can estimate what the effect would be, if it could be demonstrated, wherever the gospel is believed, that it is not true .? That mankind during the last eighteen centuries have been under a delusion in regard to the story of Bethlehem and Calvary } That the doctrines pertaining to human redemption have no foun- dation in fact ? That the aspirations and the hopes awakened and sustained by the gospel can never be realized } The story is not ours. It is not something that we have fabricated or invented. Nor that we have laid hold of for unworthy purposes. We claim to be honest men. We disclaim all chicanery, artifice, or cunning. We have no secrets, except those that lie open equally to the research of all who can read the gospel. We are not deceivers of those among whom we labour, " But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, com- • mending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." But it is not enough to know that we are not wilfully deceiving others. We must make sure that we are not ourselves deceived. Sincerity is a virtue that no man must lack, but wherever it exists, it must be taken simply at its value, and not made to do duty for itself and some other virtue as well. It is of liftle worth unless blended with intelligence. To be of sanctifying power to ourselves, and to render our lives and labours beneficial to others, it must be Digitized by Google 438 THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OP DIVINE TRUTH. irradiated with the beams of Divine truth. For others to be de ceived is a calamity, but for ministers it is a crime. We are not deceived. ** We have not followed cunningly-devised fables." We might have done so, for there have been enough of them to follow, and some of them have clamoured loudly for our adherence. There has not been wanting subtlety to devise, or effrontery to promulgate, plausible theories to beguile the unwary. Maudlin apocryphas, silly legends, lying traditions, pretended infallibility, Jesuitical finesse, ritualistic prettinesses, scholastic sophistry, bombastic philosophy, and every other device possible to the mind of man, from the ab- surdities of fetichism to the profanity of atheism, have been served up for the spiritual delectation of mankind. But we do not surren- der our hearts or our intellect to any of them. Nor are we beguiled by such fine phrases as "The larger hope," '* Immortality in Christ," "The Divine totality of the universe," or "The eternal ministries of mercy." The systems of which these phrases are the exponents are just as reliable as those " cunningly-devised fables " which Peter says he did not follow. Nevertheless, we are followers. Though leaders, and deeply' conscious of our responsibility, with so many thousands receiving instruction from our lips, and seeking the path in which we walk, we do not profess to be original or independent guides. We gladly accept the way, in which we have to lead, as mapped out for us "in the Scripture of truth." This we follow, according to this we seek to lead, and rejoice when those who are led by us, like the Bereans of old, search the Scriptures to see whether the things we teach are so or not. We are subject to "the oracles of God." The gospel we preach is not dependent on the laws of evolution, being one thing in one age and among one "people, and a totally different thing in another age, and among another people, but something complete, settled, and immoveably fixed on its own true and proper foundation. The Christ we preach is not so much what some are pleased to call " The Christ of history," as the Christ of the Bible. ** To Him give all the prophets witness." The New Testament also has been given us that we " might believe that Jesus is the Son of God ; and that believing we might have life through His name." Here, then, are the two witnesses, the Old and New Testament, on whose authority we accept Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ, and the story of His life, as the gospel of God. These two stand or fall together. If the one is true, the other cannot be false. They con- sist of a great many different books, with very varied contents ; some being historical, some legislative, some doctrinal, some pro- phetical, some biographical, and some pastoral ; but in all, and in all the utterances of all, you have but one voice, and one witness to Digitized by Google THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. 439 the same truth— that God hath sent salvation to a guilty world by Jesus Christ. '* This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." The credibility of the gospel depends upon the credibility of the Bible. The question, therefore, is, Is the Bible true, or is it a col- lection of ** cunningly-devised fables ? " The best answer to this question is the Bible itself. Horuo came it to occupy the place it now does in civilized and religious society ? There is not a people now pro- fessing faith in the Bible who did not once profess another faith, scarcely excepting the Jews themselves. It successfully resisted all the opposition which the most cultivated and powerful paganism could offer it. It has endured and withstood all the attempts of the papal conspiracy to suppress and destroy it. It sways the sceptre over the empire of conscience, notwithstanding all the efforts of interested human depravity to dethrone it. How came the Book ? Can its existence be accounted for by any of the recognised laws of mental operation, on the hypothesis that it is not true } It is not credible that a number of men, separated from each other by widely distant intervals of time, should, contrary to their own in- terests, conspire to deceive mankind, and be so successful as to baffle all the wisdom of the ages in seeking to detect the imposture. If possible, it is still more difficult 'to account for it on moral grounds. This deception must have been practised for the purpose of teaching and enforcing the highest morality that the world has ever witnessed. This Book gives grander and more rational views of all the most important subjects that engage the attention of men, than are to be found anywhere else. Such as the character of God, moral government, redemption, the future state. Whence came the ten commandments, the sermon on the mount, the Christian law of love, the life of Christ, the Christian idea of heaven as unfolded in the New Testament ? All its statements, so far as they can be tested by observation and experience, instead of being invalidated, are receiving fresh confirmation, as time rolls on. All the evidences on which it professes to rely for acceptance among men, have undergone the most searching analysis that the highest ability and the profoundest erudition can command, without, in the smallest degree, impairing their force. In every part, it wears the aspect, and displays all the insignia of truth. Taking the very lowest ground, it is more rational to receive than to reject the Bible as a complete system of moral and spiritual truth. Its existence can only be accounted for on the supposition 0/ its Divine inspiration. This it claims for itself, ** All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." " For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." Digitized by Google 440 THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. Into the question, more curious than profitable, as to the mode of inspiration, we do not care to enter. But all theories which tend, ever so remotely, to invalidate, in whole or in part, the authority of the Book, we earnestly reject. The Book is one. Every part is worthy of the whole, and the whole is worthy of its Divine origin, the solemn subjects on which it treats, and the end it contemplates — to make us "wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." On the testimony of this Book, we receive Jesus as the Christ of God. We believe in Him " as the Scripture hath said." Having seen it tested by every method applicable to such an object, we are forced to the conclusion that if it be not true, it is a greater miracle than any it records, nay, than all of them put together. Such is our intellectual conviction, apart from any experience in regard to it, that we can conscientiously do no other than give credence to it as divinely inspired, and therefore as being the word of the Ever- lasting God, spoken to the reason, the conscience, and the heart of man. The Bible is true, then the gospel is true ; the person, the power, and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ are blessed realities. HI. — The Seal of saving truth, — ** But were eye-witnesses of His majesty." It is not enough to be able, after careful research, extensive and accurate reading, discriminate comparison of facts, judicial weigh- ing of evidence, and the most scrupulous exercise of all our reason- ing powers, to give in our adhesion to the Bible, and the gospel it sets forth, but we must know for ourselves. It is when we know the truth, that the truth makes us free. ** We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen." Secondhand testimony the world takes no notice of. It is perfectly harmless to the empire of dark- ness. The fact that the apostles could clench their assertions con- cerning the subject of their testimony, with the avowal, " We are witnesses of these things," aroused the ire of their enemies and bowed the multitudes to their doctrine. They could speak with the clearness of accurate knowledge, and with the boldness of absolute certainty. The evidence on which they built was two-fold. The evidence of the eye, — "Were eye-witnesses." Not that they literally saw everything of which they wrote and spoke. Certainly not the facts and events recorded in the Old Testament. And, yet, even of that they could say, " We have not followed cunningly-de- vised fables." Nor, indeed, everything which helps to make up the gospel narrative. Of ihe three Evangelists who go most minutely into the details of the Saviour's life, two of them, Mark and Luke, were not eye-witnesses. And the other, Matthew, did not see the Digitized by Google THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. 44 1 one circumstance in the life of Christ to which the text refers — the transfiguration. Even the most favoured apostles did not see all. How then could they be sure that they were not imposed upon, when asked to believe what they did not actually see ? They saw what confirmed and sealed the whole. They saw Him ; not as He was seen by the ordinary passer-by, but they ** were eye-witnesses of His glory." " We beheld His glory, as of the only begotten of the Father." '*And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world." " And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." This is the greatest glory of revelation, the summit of the marvellous, the very acme of the supernatural. Everything else pales by the side of it. The Creator is greater than creation, the King is greater than His kingdom, the Redeemer is greater than redemption, the Judge is greater than the judgment, the Omnipresent is greater than space, and the Eternal is greater than eternity. The wells, the brooks, the rivers and lakes are easily comprehended by one who has an adequate idea of the ocean. The twinkling globes of night, the full-orbed splendour of the moon fail to eff"ect great surprise in him who can fully appre- ciate the magnitude and glory of the sun. You cannot read by moonlight, but when the light of the sun shines upon the page, the characters acquire distinctness-, and reading becomes easy. No one can doubt either Moses or the prophets, the Evangelists or the Apostles, in the presence of Christ. He is the best testimony to Himself, to the Father whose image He is, and to the truth, of which He is the centre and the life, the head and the sum. The Bible is a very easy book to him who has witnessed, with his own eyes, the majesty of Jesus ; for He is the sum of all its doctrines, the standard of all its precepts, the solution of all its enigmas, the key to all its promises, and the life of all its hopes. The evidence of the ear. — ." For He received from God the Father, honour and glory, when there came such a voice from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heardP This voice was heard twice, once by John at His baptism, and once by Peter, James, and John on the holy mount. It came from heaven, from the excellent glory, from God the Father ; it gave Him honour and glory, and they heard it. What they saw and what they heard were confirmatory of each other ; and both were corroborated by tire whole scope of His history, from Ihe manger to the ascension. On the ground of what they heard, they accepted Him as the Son of God, His gospel as the power of God unto salvation, and the Holy Scriptures as that complete system of truth that bears testimony to Digitized by Google 44^ THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OP DIVINE TRUTH. Him, but which, in its turn, has both His sanction and His signa- ture. In the sight of His majesty everything is clear. This superior evidence was vouchsafed to them through association with Him — '* when we were with Him in the holy mount." The impressive scene connected with that mount must have often been recalled by the witnesses of it. And yet, like other scenes in the life of Christ, though solemnizing for the time, it does not seem to have produced its full effect during His sojourn with them. This was reserved till after His ascension. Nor was it till then that they were to be His witnesses. Association with Christ, and witnessing the facts of His life, were not sufficient of themselves to qualify them for the testimony which they were to give to the world. "But when the Comforter is come, whom I v/ill send unto you from the Father, he shall testify of me, and ye also shall bear witness, be- cause ye have been with me from the beginning." It was the Pentecostal baptism that lifted them above the material into the realm of the spiritual, and which deepened the sayings and doings of Jesus into their full significance. It was that which gave them to see the true nature and glory of Him who had been among them. And yet there was no useless sighing after the past, no painful reali- zation of loss, in His being no longer by their side. Nay, it was all the other way, the past was more intensely present, the absent One was more manifestly and consciously near, and the loss was the greatest gain. What floods of light, what accessions of strength, what enlargement of soul, are realized now. Beforehand they had seen, as it were, men as trees walking, but now they see clearly. They now know why He took them "with Him in the holy mount." They see the importance of being alone with Him ; and that sacred height, in which His glory is seen, and the Divine voice is heard to articulate His praise, is their frequent spiritual resort. The conditions on which the work of the Lord is carried on do not vary with the lapse of time. The man hds neither the power nor the right to speak who does not know. Nor can any one know but by seeing and hearing for himself, exercising his own faculties, and submitting his own heart to the action of those influences that he wants to see operating on others. Sight, hearing, knowledge, cer- tainty, are as attainable now as then. " Said I not unto thee, that if thou wowldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God ?" We may see. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." We may hear. " God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." We may know. " He that hath received His testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true." We may be certain. All Digitized by Google THE NATURE, SOURCE, AND SEAL OF DIVINE TRUTH. 44.3 this, however, is granted only to those who are in spiritual associa- tion with Him. Abstract truth, however good in itself, is, after all, of little avail, apart from the living Christ. "With Him in the holy mount," explains many of the spiritual phenomena witnessed in the Church — seraphic enjoyment, sanctified personal influence, abiding freshness and vitality, and success in winning souls. It is ours as well as theirs to say, " For we have not followed cunningly- devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty." In conclusion ; we are not deceivers ; we are not wilfully palming off on others what we secretly believe to be nothing better than " cunningly-devised fables." Nor do we, as spiritual leaders and teachers, present to our hearers what we simply conjecture to be the best among many excellent theories of life, but what we know to be "the good and the right way." We " know whom we have believed ;" we have seen His' majesty; we have heard the Divine voice ; we have felt the power of that gospel of which He is the substance ; we know the truth that everywhere testifies of IJim, and we have arrived at this experience by those spiritual processes open to all the faithful. This is the stand we take. Here our position is impregnable. We preach the life we live, the love wherewith we are loved, the salva- tion we have tasted, the joys we feel, the hopes that brighten our future. This is our strength, our happiness, and the secret of success. Nor do we fear the possibility of failure, for we are not alone. He that was, is ; and is to come. " I am he that liveth, and was dead ; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, amen." *' Lo, I am with you alway,. even unto the end of the world." " I am with you " in the study, in the pulpit, in the sick-chamber, in house-to- house visitation, in the business-meeting, and wherever duty re- quires or usefulness invites. The correlative privilege of His being with us, and that which ensures the enjoyment of His pre- sence in our work, is that of our communion with Him before entering upon it. It must not be all work. There must be rest, retirement from the outward activities of our ministry, that we may be alone with Him. In order to successful ministering in His name before the people, there must be supplicatory and intercessory ministering unto Him, apart from the people. Our work lies both outside and inside the veil. And, would we be successful witnesses before men, much of our time must be^spent ** with Him in the holy mount." J. Dymond. Digitized by Google 444 SUNDAY AMUSEMENTS. This is one of the burning questions of the day, clamouring loudly for solution. Discussed and ventilated in all possible ways, it has convulsed the social and religious world, and has grown to an im- portance which our fathers would not have believed possible. The time-honoured observance of this holy day of rest, which has dis- tinguished our happy country from others, seems in danger of being overthrown, and a mock Sabbath — week-day virtually — introduced, which will drag us down to a. level of degradation, such as never yet characterized English life. Unfortunately, the champions of Sunday amusements for the people occur not only amongst the secular class of theorists, but also in the lines of the Christian ranks. Men whom we all respect and love ; from whose lips the gospel flows with force and power ; whose lives and writings exhibit Christian principles, and noble endeavours for the good of their kind, are yet in this strangely forgetful of the primary maxims of the Book they hold in their hands, and join in the crusade against the proper observance of the day. They may not choose to ac- knowledge that such is the result of their belief, and the support they give to the new dogma ; none the less it is the ultimate end to which these lead. Once the aspect of the Lord's Day is so far altered as to admit of popular recreations, and the influence and power of religious observance will wane so as to leave at last the field clear for secular employments altogether. Now it is an invidious task at all times to oppose this plausible idea for the benefit and elevation of the masses by the opening of places of amusement. Hard words have been used against those who have had the courage and principle to uphold the Scriptural Sabbath — a day set apart, as we believe, to all Time, as a *' rest- day ;*' a time of sacred and spiritual dedication. We are termed bigots ; narrow and paltry in our ideas of the laws appointed by the Creator, and so far soured and embittered against healthy amusement as to be unable to appreciate the notion of this elevat- ing growth of modern opinions. It is assumed, as a matter of course, that those who oppose the innovation do so from motives the reverse of noble, pure, or liberal. We have read of late some articles in various periodicals that certainly went far to show how little of charity was afloat amongst the disciples of the National Sunday League, for it was sought to bring into relief the new plan by abusing the old, and showering contempt and ridicule on all hostile to its adoption. This argues ill for the spirit in which the movement is working. If it be necessary thus to inaugurate a novel experiment, surely it can deserve little sympathy from good taste or a considerate regard for the religious scruples of opponents. But to pass from that, let us examine the arguments employed to further the scheme of ** Sunday amusements,'' and see what weight should be attached to them. First, we note that it is taken for granted that Sunday is a day on which everybody has a right to please themselves, in so far as they do not degrade the time by the use to which it is applied. Observe Digitized by Google SUNDAY AMUSEMENTS. 445 this Statement stands wholly destitute of proof. It is simply ludicrous to see arguments gravely put forth, and long tirades issued against bigotry which entirely lose sight of a stern fact to which we nail our colours at the outset, viz., that the Day of Rest is set apart by Divine order, not as a time for us to amuse or delight ourselves ac- cording to our view of what is best, but as a period in which to seek those higher and nobler themes of spiritual truth to which the soul of man aspires. The Sunday is not instituted to be merely a pause in the working existence of man, to be filled up how and where he pleases ; but a great boon in the shape of a rest that lulls one activity and awakens a far higher, a space to be devoted to re- ligions and solemn service. This theory of the Day of Rest is by far the noblest that can be framed ; further, it is in entire harmony with Holy Writ, and is adapted to the requirements of an immortal soul. No other explanation of the meaning and use of the day will bear examination, however plausible at first sight. We have the Divine warrant for affirming that the day is one not left at our own disposal, but one for the proper use of which we must all some day give account. It is frivolous, therefore, to argue about the question, unless we are prepared to believe what the Creator Himself has told us plainly as to the intentions and uses of the Sabbath. We are not given the time merely to ** amuse" ourselves ; this season of rest has a higher purpose, and a nobler object — an object which the promoters of the new. scheme are doing their utmost, however unconsciously, to de- feat. We give them credit for having no such desire, but all the more surely their work will have this certain termination, if they succeed in making it a law of the land — that the sacredness of the Sunday will vanish, and with it an amount of good influence such as we dread to think of losing. We cannot too firmly urge that the working classes are not exempted any more than any other classes of the community, from the universal law which is binding upon every human being sent into this world — to so employ time and opportunity as to be a benefit to his fellows here, and fit him- self for a nobler heritage in the future. To lose sight of this moral obligation in approaching the question before us is fatal to sound argument. If then, we accept the plain and palpable theorj' that the Sunday is a day which ought to be devoted to spiritual claims — where can we find any admittance for the modern dogma about amusement and recreation } Are we to break in upon the holy hours with the sights and sounds of revelry and exciting pleasures ? Allowing even that the places to be at the disposal of the people are such as encourage quiet rather than boisterous amusement, are such con- sistent with a .true observance of the sacredness of the day.? A thousand times, " No." Once the door is opened to self-seeking of any kind, a flood of evil consequences will follow as naturally as possible, until the majestic calm and repose of the day are obliter- ated altogether. You cannot do these things by halves, and it really amounts to a question as to whether the will of man or of God is to be the rule for conduct. You will not be able to set a Digitized by Google 44^ SUNDAY AMUSEMENTS. limit to the number or nature of the enjoyments to be at the public disposal. Once the idea is abolished which teaches that all amuse- ment is an anomaly upon the Lord*s Day; the only safeguard against socialism is thrown down, and we are at the mercy of Continental practices, and it is unnecessary to say what effect they will have on this country*. The thin end of the wedge is sought to be intro- duced ; but we may feel assured that this once inserted, the pro- moters of Sunday amusements will not be satisfied till a broader one has made its way. No words of ours could too solemnly em- body the warning to all who reverence what is pure and good, that they should with all energy protest against the false and foolish scheme. In combating sternly with this foe to our national Chris- tianity, we feel we are opposing the insinuating persuasiveness of the Evil One himself, for it is by sophistry of this kind that souls are beguiled from truth and rectitude. It is not necessary for us to recapitulate much of the style of argument urged to support this novel scheme. Our readers must be tolerably well acquainted therewith by this time. Briefly the arguments are these — that the lower class, as a rule, employ Sunday as a day of indolent apathy, or drunken dissipation, and that instead of the rest being a benefit it thus becomes a curse to them in con- sequence. That the opening of museums, etc., while not desecrat- ing the due religious character of the day, would, by attracting this class of the population, tend to elevate and improve the tone of their minds. And further, that by throwing open such resorts, there would be a stepping-stone to a better and more beneficial use of the day placed for the use of those who otherwise would not have mended their ways. All very plausible, but yet, it can be easily shown in a different light. By what logic are we to be led to infer that because the lower classes to often misspend the day, they must be baited or attracted from their evil courses } Are we necessarily driven to blame the present observance of Sunday for the depravity too prevalent ; and if not, why must we debase the day to suit the tastes, or tickle the appetites of the people } Is it not the fact that we should rather seek to bring in the thousands who prostitute the Sabbath to places where they may be really elevated, and made to feel the influence of pure religious teaching ? Again, will anyone tell us candidly whether he believes that true elevation of man's better nature will result from the scheme } Are the promoters of this grand regenerating system so simple as to think that because a working man walks through some galleries ; gazing on pictures, curiosities, or listening to the strains of music ; he is therefore likely to become a better man, in the sense of taking clearer views of the duties and aims of life ; and thus spending his Sunday, by degrees reach a higher walk and conversation in daily existence } Better he may be, in the sense of expanding his views of this world's wonders, but assuredly this process will not enlighten him as to the solemn themes that speak of the one beyond, to which we are all hastening. The whole thing is a farce ; inasmuch as it is an attempt to juggle us into the free-and-easy employment of time, when the Day of Rest comes round, and to make the occasion one Digitized by Google SUNDAY AMUSEMENTS. 447 destitute of sacred associations. The working classes will never be reached by the power of the gospel if we lead them to regard Sunday as a period of amusement and self-gratification, at the ex- pense of all that should be held dear, and the scheme has not one sound argument to prove it a necessary innovation. It is impossible within the limits of an essay to do more than touch here and there on the question before us. But the main principle upon which we are hostile to the ideas now so prevalent is clear enough after what has been said. We oppose them because they are at variance with a sacred regard for the character of the Lord's Day, and are at war with a religious devotion which should be a duty and pleasure both ; a devotion to which we are bound alike by law of God and man to consecrate our higher selves in the quiet and holy hours. Is one day in seven too much to dedicate to the service of our Maker, and the cultivation and development ot what is most august and sublime in our immortal souls ? On the contrary, is it not an imperative need for every one of our readers ? Ah ! this Sabbath, which comes in upon our weary week-day life with its sweet and solemn memories, how much do we all owe it, and the subtle power it exercises ! How beautiful is the thought, that we have in it a foretaste of the rest which awaits the tired pilgrims on the dusty road of life at yonder heavenly goal ! Can we placidly see the sacred memories swept away ; obliterate the meaning of all the past, and be content to see the day revolution- ized ? Surely not, if we have a scrap of reverence for truth within us. The claims tnat bind us to the Bible-Sabbath are strong ; they cannot be hastily snapped asunder. Visions of a pure and happy childhood float upon the old as they sit and listen to the ** old, old story " and hear the blessed words of everlasting life. Thoughts that do lie too deep for tears come stealing back from the Past, as the brief hours give us a respite from the roar and tumult of the world's daily conflict. Shall we barter all these holy joys for the paltry gratifications of Time and sense } No ! Let us cling fast, with desperate energy that will not be baffled, to the Sunday of our fathers, and the Book they reverenced so highly, and lose not our faith in its benefits either for lords, nobles or bishops. There are unerring instincts that will not be quieted by sophistry, and promi- nent among these is the instinct that tells us how good, how salutary, how soul-elevating is the observance of a holy day of rest. Young men ! who can recall the mother's tender prayers, and the father's solemn yet sweet Sabbath-teaching of Divine truth, will you sell all this for the modern notion now clamouring for your support } Will you consent to see your cherished ideal of the holy and peaceful Sunday swept away to make room for a gaudy and flippant imitation of it } Are the links that hold your child-life to the present time of opening manhood so frail as to be thus re- morselessly broken, as you glide into a system dishonouring to God, and lowering man to a mere puppet of pleasure ? Let it not be so, but by every means in your power protest against the evil encroach- ment which the world thus seeks to push upon our sanctity in reli- gion. Hold to the Sunday as you have always known and welcomed Digitized by Google 448 THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS IN REFERENCE TO POLITICS. it ! There may be much of sin and folly rife even now ; but still, we have an outward semblance of respect shown to the mysterious and serene influence of the time dedicated to our Master's service. Old men ! who can bring back with tearful thoughts seasons of hope and religious consolation afforded by these weekly rests, whose aged breasts are thrilled with thankfulness when that day, so "calm and bright " comes round again with its heavenly benison ; say, what price can be set upon this blood-bought treasure of our fathers ? Will you pass away, contented to see the dear ones who have grown up around you led into the degrading path which will result from Sunday amusements ? Or will you not rather, with trembling energy seek to tell them that if they value their peace of mind, their purity, their eternal welfare, they must never change the Sabbath from what it now is ? Aged pilgrims ! let your solemn and stern opposition help us in the battle waging for this cause, so that we may not be led away from Almighty truth by the babble and twaddle of weak and foolish men ! E. Clifford. THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS IN REFERENCE TO POLITICS^ The first duty of Christians in reference to politics is to make them- selves acquainted with what is going on in the political world. We do not overlook the fact that there are many Christians well versed in political matters. At the same time we must confess to having met with goodly numbers of otherwise excellent Christian people lamentably ignorant of political affairs. Further than this, it has been our misfortune to meet with not a few of our foremost local brethren in some of our circuits, whose knowledge of political sub- jects has been of the barest description. These things ought not so to be. We have heard it asserted that some persons are clever enough at political and other matters, who almost entirely neglect their own immediate business concerns. We have not the slightest desire to see people, especially Christian people, slothful in their own business; at the same time, it behoves us all to take an interest in the larger world around us. The facilities for securing political information are both numerous and cheap now-a-days. What with penny '* weeklies" and penny ** dailies" no one can say that political information is inaccessible to them. Let us then, as Christian people, keep an eye on what is transpiring from time to time in the world of politics. The second duty of Christians is to take an active interest in poli- tical matters. There are various departments of political life in which we may labour. There is the field of imperial politics. Let our younger Christian men aspire to the high honour of represent- ing some constituency in the British House of Commons. By the way, there ought to be several young "Bible Christians" about who, in the course of years, might honourably come before the * This address delivered at the Bodmin District Meeting, June 27, 1878. Digitized by Google THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS IN REFERENCE TO POLITICS. 449 public with the coveted M.P. attached to their names. There is the field of municipal politics. We should like to see our Town Council chambers filled with Christian councillors. Men not so much moved by personal considerations, but with honest Christian endeavours determined to improve the sanitary and moral tone of their respective boroughs. There are also Boards of Guardians and School Boards — useful and important spheres of labour for Christian men — yea, and women also. Shall we allow the wide and important field of politics to be cultivated only by men of the world, infidels, and, in some instances, by Christians of a spurious type } As Christians of the Free Churches of our country, we must move in this matter. The members of the privileged sect are not behind in these matters, let us push on also. As ** Bible Christians," we must also move a-head. Our friends expect us, as ministers, to be on a par with our neighbours ; in some instances they expect us to excel our neighbours in business and intellectual force. If, as ministers, we are expected to push a-head, we may reasonably demand that our "own" friends seek to qualify themselves to occupy positions of honour and trust in the political world. This will all tend to give us a greater opportunity for spreading the dis- tinctive principles of our common religion. We must, as Chris- tians, take an active interest in political matters, on the grounds of self defence. If we desire to see our country rid of Contagious Diseases Acts, the liquor trafl&c properly controlled or improved off the face of the earth, our military expenditure reduced, the war spirit checked, our land laws reformed, and many other matters rec- tified, we must take an active interest in political affairs. On lower grounds, as ^^liheraV^ Christians, we desire to see the distinctive principles of Retrenchment and Reform permeating our country. As liberal Christians, we must be on the alert. We dare say there are "Conservative" Christians, although it requires an effort of charity on our part to believe there are. As Christian Noncon- formists, we must be wide awake in these times. If we are caught napping, our liberties already won by the hardest toil and patience, may be wrenched from our grasp ; and we must be active — ^yea, uncommonly active — if we desire to secure what we have not yet, in many instances, secured — our lawful rights. As Chris- tian people, we desire to see the whole legislation of our country based on Christian principles, and those principles properly executed and applied by Christian men and women. Let no feel- ings of indifference, or ease, or maudlin sentiment paralyse our activities ; but let us, with both eyes open and both hands, earnestly do all we can to make our country, from the throne to the cottage, a Christian country. Our third duty, as Christians, is to have the courage of our com- victions and vote righteously. We can understand a man of the world selling his vote for a mess of pottage, or even for a glass of beer. We fear some Christian people have hardly the courage of their convictions at the polling-booth. We have heard of an excellent brother, of popular repute, cutting the gordian knot of party politics, by giving one vote for my influential friend, the H Digitized by Google 45 O CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. Conservative candidate, and one vote for the friend of my con- victions, the Liberal candidate; thus becoming a political nonentity. "Honesty is the best policy'* is said to be an excellent business maxim for the political world. Let us vote according to our matured and honest convictions, and brave the consequences. We degrade ourselves in our own estimation as well as in the estimation of others, and also retard the cause we believe inwardly to be the best, by violating our consciences at the polling-booth. In political, as in all other matters, let us labour to keep a conscience void of offence toward God and man. Our fourth duty, as Christians, is not to make a craze of politics. Some there are that are great in one department of life, and small, even useless, in all else. Some are great in Sunday School work, the Choir, or the Temperance cause, and some, perhaps, who almost exclusively devote their attention to political matters. We do not desire to see Christian people monopolising one department of Christian labour to the neglect of all the rest. Let us be Christian men and women all round. We want to see the spirit of our com- mon Christianity permeating the workshop, the business mart, the family circle, the halls of science and art, the courts of law and jurisprudence, the Houses of Commons and Lords, yea, we want to see the not "fierce," but beautiful light shine about the throne itself. Let us, then, not neglect any department of human life, but in social, political, and church life, endeavour to show the world around us how Christians ought to live. Christ must reconcile the whole world to Himself. May He breathe His purifying spirit into every department of this great throbbing world. May the tirate soon come when Prose and Poetry, Science and Art, Business and Politics, shall all be consecrated to the name and praise of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. June 29, 1878. G. W. Angwin. CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. LIFE IN GRACE SUSTAINED BY PRAYER. The Christian is pre-eminently a man of prayer. It is the atmos- phere of pure spiritual oxygen tempered with other celestial gaseous elements in which his soul breathes, moves, and keeps its being. The lungs of faith and love play their part well, wh^n the heart- apparatus is healthy in action, being well supplied with devotion's hallowed atmospheric influences! Stop spiritual inhalation and' respiration, and you stop all the pulses of spiritual life, and stag- nate the whole machinery of moral being. No breathing in prayer, no living in grace! As well might we think of living naturally without daily inhaling the air, as think of living spiritually without daily communion with God. The soul that never prays has never felt the throb of true life. Such an one only exists. Animals exist, but never live. So the prayerless man or woman ! There is no channel of communication Digitized by Google CHIPS FROM MY WORKSHOP. 45* between the Creator and the creature. No mystic union between the parent-stock and branch ; hence, no vital juice, no vigorous sap, but death— chill, withered, ghastly death! Brethren, pray, for it's your "vital breath!" ** Pray always,'* for he lives most who prays most ! 1 " Continue in prayer." PUBLIC PRAYERS. Our prayers in the public services should be more frequent and less tedious, more simple and less ornate, more fresh and less threadbare, more divine and less human. Oratorical prayers are oratorical insults to the Most' High. Compliments are not com- munion ; exhortation is not invocation; prattle is not prayer. We pray, not from the "prayer-book," but from the heart; its prayers may be models of composition, but, statue-like, they are pulseless, unvitalized, and cold. Our prayers are most effectual, when most spontaneous and fervent. These utterances are not the invention of a fertile brain, but the outspeakings of a full heart or a burdened soul. The truest devotion is oft-times the most silent. The deep- est emotions of the Spirit oft-times baffle the poverty of human language, and ventilate themselves at the throne of grace in deep- drawn sighs, and mystic groans, and pleading tears. The Prayer Hearer weighs not the sentences, but the sincerities ; and our wor- ship in prayer is the most acceptable, when the least mechanical ; the most beautiful, when the least formal; the most beneficial, when the most heartfelt and devout. THE CHRIST-KING. The Kingship of Jesus was the theme of prophetic utterance. The eloquent bard, Isaiah, in the midst of a glorious predictive stanza, sings: — "The government shall be upon His shoulders .... and of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end." The royal Psalmist is profuse in his allusions to Messiah's kingly positions, honours, and character ; and to the glory and duration of His kingdom. But poet-prophets have never been able to soar /iigh enough to reach the pinnacle of His dignity, nor regal seers to blend into harmony of colours magnificence and skill enough to set forth the unpencilled grandeur and glor)- of His kinghood. Hence, our uninspired words must, of necessity, wear the rags of poverty, and bear the marks of veriest human in- ability in the attempt to set the King of Zion and of Glory forth ! Without pretending to give a description of His majesty, I would simply say that, on Him hangs, in charming gracefulness, the robes of state in which He dazzles the concentrated gaze of angels. Upon His head flourishes, in commingled splendour, " Many Crowns," brighter than a whole galaxy of suns. In His right hand He holds the sceptre of sovereign mercy, touching which rebels suddenly become princes. From the throne of sapphire, belted with "the rainbow like unto an emerald," the rainbow of har- monised perfections. He flings with impartial munificence smiles, which charm clouds into chalices of glory, tears into joy-pearls, and penitent sighs into ravishing songs. A glance of His eye floods H 2 Digitized by Google 452 REV. JAMES STADDON. heaven with gladness, a tone of His voice rings hell into terror ; a wave of His hand wings a whole artillery of angels on errands of judgment and mercy ; the up-rising of His person on the throne sends a thrill through the infinitudes of His empires. His will is obeyed among star armies in the heavens, ay, in every kingdom of the material universe. Nothing happens in the empire of Provi- dence, from the crashing of a dynasty to the falling of a sparrow, without the volition of his mind. And no event, for or against, transpires in the realm of His church, apart from His sovereign will. In all the transactions of our life-history we must rise from secondary causes to the grand first cause; from mere caprice to eternal sovereignty ; from the seeming accidental to the ACTUAL and absolute divinity which evolves every life, writes every history, and worketh all things after " the counsel of His own will." His kingdom, as He said to Pilate, "is not of this world " — carnal, material, aggrandising, perishable — but ranging in illimitable superiority over all earthborn monarchies ; it is peculiarly a king- dom of truth, 'Uhe kingdom of God" within man, consisting not of meat and drink, but ** of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." By devils and evil men the reign of King Emmanuel is defiantly opposed ; they set themselves in battle array against Him, but the match is terribly unequal ; Jehovah-Jesus has avalanches of Omnipotence at His command to hurl in fury upon His puny foes, one of which could not only crush them to powder, but blot out a firmament of whirling globes ! While their efforts of assault and resistance can hxii feebly be set forth by the figure of a dancing bubble opposing the wild and furious rush of the hurricane ! No. Every weapon shall be broken ; every device brought to nought ; and running on the ** thick bosses " of the King's buckler, they shall be dashed to pieces like potter's vessels. ** Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that He is God, to the glory of the Father; " for "the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." " O'er every foe victorious, He on His throne shall rest; From age to age more glorious, ALL-BLESSING and ALL-BLESSED." REV. JAMES STADDON. The Baptist denominational organs have recently recorded the death of the Rev. J. Staddon, who was for many years a highly es- teemed travelling preacher in the Bible Christian Connexion, and as «ome of our readers may still affectionately remember him, we have thought a brief memoir would be interesting. Mr. Staddon was born in 1802, at Luxborough, in the county of Somerset, and had the advantage of parents who, though in humble life, felt a deep interest in the welfare of their children, and sent them, while young, to the village school, and James, the only son, was taught reading, writing, and arithmetic. When about fourteen years of age he went to work with his father as a carpenter and Digitized by Google REV. JAMES ST ADDON. 453 joiner, and continued at this trade until the year 1825, when, like the Great Master, who emerged from the carpenter's shop at Nazareth into public ministration, Mr. Staddon was called by God to a greater work. There was nothing remarkable in his boyhood and youth ; it was spent in the manners and customs of the world. He attended the parish church with his parents, but the spiritual condition of the place was very dark. The Weslejrans tried, but failed, to establish an interest in the place; but when leaving, they earnestly prayed that God would send some Christians there to carry on the work they had attempted, and this request was answered by the coming of the Bible Christians. When Mr. Staddon was about eighteen years of age, he was led, by curiosity, to hear a travelling preacher, named Mary Mason. He was much pleased with her plainness and pleasing manner of address ; and the first sermon he heard was the means, in the hand of God, of convincing him that he was a sinner. He returned home, resolved to reform his life and to begin to pray to God. He writes of that period: — " Thus did God graciously stop me in my wickedness at the most critical time of my life.'' After some time, in February, 1821, he was induced to join the Society. His earnest believing prayer was answered, and he obtained the knowledge of salvation through the remission of sins. For several months he went on his way rejoicing, and was unspeakably happy in the love of God ; but being thrown among evil companions he was brought again into bondage, and for six months wandered from the right way. Though at a distance from home, and from the place where he used to meet in class, his name was continued in the class-book. Such were his backslidings that had his name been removed he believed he should not again have joined the people of God. But he records: — "God, who is conversant with all the wanderings jyid actions of men, did not suffer my name to be expunged from the church, nor leave me to wander without feelings of remorse. I was led again to give myself to God, and, blessed be His holy name. He soon restored me to His favour, and satisfied my soul with the joys of His salvation." He felt now the necessity of entire consecra- tion, and believed that God overruled this wandering to the advancement of his future happiness, and in making him more watchful for the future. Soon after his restoration to the Divine favour, he felt a stronger desire that others should participate in these joys, and expressed his thoughts to a local preacher, who gave him encouragement to believe that his feelings were produced by the Holy Spirit. The matter was mentioned to the Superintendent Preacher, who requested Mr. Staddon to attend a Local Preachers' Meeting to give a state- ment of his call to the work. This he did, and had his reference on the Preacher's Plan, and continued to labour as a local preacher until the spring of 1825, when he felt he was called to give up all and go out into the vineyard of the Lord. Numberless obstacles now pre- sented themselves; though he never doubted his call, yet he felt his inability for such a work, as he regarded the ministry of infinite importance. He was, however, encouraged by the preachers Digitized by Google 454 ^^^' J'^^^SS STAI^DOK. to go forth in the name of the Lord, and he felt willing to do all the will of God, but could not see how it was possible for him to leave home. Often he prostrated himself on the floor be- fore the Lord, and told Him if He had called him to the work, and would prove it by opening the way, that he would go with the Gospel even to the ends of the earth. Duty and natural desire began to oppose each other. Duty urged him to give up all and work for God; but he felt a strong desire to settle in business, as a flattering prospect opened before him. This struggle was settled in a way, and by a means quite unexpected. He made an engage- ment with a friend to go to Plymouth on a visit; on the way they fell in company with Mr. O'Bryan, and, though they were strangers, Mr. O'Bryan requested him to preach at a camp meeting at Hal- berton. After spending some time with him they accepted an invitation to spend a few days with Mr. O'Bryan at Millpleasant. At that time the preacher in Jersey was unwell, and Mr. Staddon was prevailed upon to spend a few weeks in Jersey and Guernsey. On his return, Mr. O'Bryan strongly urged him to become a can- didate for the ministry. But being undecided, he returned home to business, and continued in it for some time. At length, he felt he must give up the strife or grieve God. About this time one of the preachers was removed from his own circuit, and Mr. S. was requested to supply the place. He felt a pleasure in the work, and continued there until 1825, when he was sent to Wales. Thus God led him by a way which he knew not. Here he laboured for three months with much satisfaction, and, being greatly blessed in the work, he was able still to go forward, though at times sorely tempted to return home. In June he was appointed to the Northumberland Mission, and felt it hard to leave the people in Wales, as he believed he had not finished his work there. He attended, en rou/e, a soul reviving district meeting, in July, 1825, and, animated with the prospect of future usefulness, sailed from London in one of the Berwick smacks, and safely arrived at Berwick July 1 6th. He walked the fifteen miles on to Belford, and the next day being Sunday, he commenced his labours in that Mission. Here he continued to labour until February 29, 1828; God being his support in all his difiiculties and conflicts. He saw more than ever the necessity for cfose and unremitted application to study ; he having the conviction that without sanctified know- ledge no man could be an efficient minister of the gospel. During Mr. Staddon's stay in this Mission several new places were opened, and many souls were converted. He regarded this period as one of the most important of his life ; the result, he believed, would be for a song of praise in eternity. At the Conference of 1827 he was appointed to his own circuit, but did not return till the following March. He found things in a disordered state ; but he laboured until the Conference of 1829 with some degree of comfort, and had the happiness of seeing a pleasing change. He was next appointed to the Chatham Circuit, where he spent two years ; the first year was one of much pleasure and profit, the second one of much con- flict, bat God was with him. He was always cordially received by Digitized by Google REV. JAMES STADDON. 4.55 the people ; a fact which greatly cheered his heart. He felt it easy to preach where the Word was received cordially by humble pray- ing souls. At the Conference of 1831 he was appointed to London. He was overpowered at the thought, but he felt' God to be in- creasingly precious to his soul. Though he had his trials he found the promise true — " As thy day, thy strength shall be." At the close of the year he heard of the death of some Christian friends in the west of Somerset, of whom he writes : — '* Bless God, as they ripen, they are taken home ; and so it will be until all the saints of the Most High are safely housed in glory, and delivered from the inclemency of this hostile land. I record the removal of my dear friends with a degree of joyful sadness. They are taken away from a troublesome world. Nothing but distress and commotion abound at present in our nation. We have long been highly favoured, but are now arrived at a very important crisis. O Lord, the governments of nations, and the rising and falling of kingdoms, are with Thee. Arise and manifest Thy cause. Never did I experience the blessed- ness of Scripture promises more than now. * The name of the Lord is a strong tower — the righteous runneth into it and is safe.* *' His diary abounds with passages of thankfulness for mercies, and expressions of trust for a continuance of God's favours. The well- known lines, ** He that hath made his refuge God," &c., he felt to be true in his experience. At the Conference of 1833 he was again appointed to the Kingsbrompton Circuit. On the loth of October in that year he was married, at Halse, to Miss Sarah Sum- merson, of Wellington House, Berks. ; Mrs. S. before her marriage was a preacher, and throughout her life proved a true helpmate in his ministerial work. Heregarded this union as themost important step of his life, and doubted not that he was guided by unerring Wisdom. He felt desirous to devote his all to God and to His service, and realised that service to be perfect freedom. In two years from this time, we find Mr. Staddon again in the London district, and residing at Woolwich, * and there his views on the sub- jects and mode of baptism underwent a change, and he left the Bible Christian community and united with the New Connexion of General Baptists, among whom he laboured, as pastor, over the churches at Burton- on-Trent,Quomdon, and Pinchbeck ; at which lat- ter place he died, on April 29th, after being laid aside from his minis- terial work about fifteen months. He died as he lived — trusting in the living Saviour — and was followed to his last resting-place by very many sorrowing friends, who appreciated his sterling worth. The preachers fifty years ago had not the facilities of modern travel. At one time, as Mr. S. was proceeding on his journey by vessel they were becalmed, which at first the passengers enjoyed, but after weary waiting the delay was most monotonous. On another journey while going by coach, as an outside passenger, over Salis- bury Plain, he was benumbed by cold, and fainted. The sensation of coming round, on the top of a coach at night, on the dreary * This is probably an error, as the Minutes of Conference for 1835 and 1836 record Mr. Staddon*s appointment to Chatham, the second time during that period. — Ed. Digitized by Google 456 GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. plain, may be better imagined than described. Once he was like the apostle of the Gentiles — " the bearer of alms for his nation " — and being delayed, he, with his companion, had to seek shelter at a road- side Inn. He was somewhat alarmed by overhearing whisperings, and the landlord quarrelling with his wife respecting a key, and imagined it portended mischief, as it was known that at that time he carried a considerable sum of money. On retiring to rest, they found there was no fastening inside to the door, and no key, and the impression of foul play was strengthened. However, the tra- vellers barricaded the door with a chest of drawers, chairs, &c., and retired to rest. In the night Mr. S. dreamed that the key was hidden in a corner of the bed ; awakening his companion, he desired him to look, and there it was ! In the morning they speedily made their exit. Thankful to that kind Providence, who suffered no evil to befall them. But we must not trespass on the Magazine to recall more of these incidents. May all those who heard the earnest admonitions of Mr. Staddon, and all the readers of this sketch, be followers of them who through faith and patience, now inherit the promises. To none may his words be a savour of death unto death, but to all of life unto life. W. H. Payne. GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. REAL PATRIOTISM. The Friend (organ of the Society of Friends) says: — ^Jonathan Dymond devoted one chapter, in his Essays on Morality, to a dis- cussion of the subject of Patriotism. After quoting the dictum of Adam Smith, ** The love of our country seems not to be derived from the love of mankind," the author of the principles of Morality continues : — "I do not mean to say that the word 'patriotism' is to be found in the NewTestament, or that it contains any disquisitions respecting the proper extent of the love of our country — ^but I say that the universality of benevolence which Christianity inculcates, both in its essential character and in its precepts, is incompatible with that patriotism which would benefit our own community at the expense of general benevolence. Patriotism, as it is often advo- cated, is a low and selfish principle ; a principle wholly unworthy of that enlightened and expanded philanthropy which religion pro- poses.*' We have been reminded of these passages by the loose and utterly misleading sense in which the term *' Patriotism " has been constantly used of late. Many of our countrymen appear to think it unpatriotic to oppose the Ministry of the day, in any step it may take affecting the foreign relations of the empire, even when such step is manifestly in the direction of war. It is said we may rightly differ on domestic questions, but in* such as affect the rela- tion of foreign Governments to Great Britain, it is the patriot's part to give an unquestioning support to his own Government. This is a doctrine dangerous and immoral. In a subsequent part of his Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. 457 essay on Patriotism, Dymond says : — " Christianity does not appear to encourage the doctrine of being a citizen of the world and of paying no more regard to our own community than to every other. And why ? Because such a doctrine is not rational ; because it opposes the exercise of natural and virtuous feelings ; and because, if it were attempted to be reduced to practice, it may be feared that it would destroy confined benignity without effecting a counter- balancing amount of universal philanthropy." This view is alto- gether true, and should never be overlooked by those who hold that Christian conception of patriotism for which he pleads. It would seem as though the desire to be just to other countries is, in the view of some, incompatible with deep affection for our own country. We observe, in the Spectator, a writer thinks if something he desires had been done, it " might have placed England on a pinnacle of glory capable of warming even Quaker blood.'* We fear the writer of this letter, who signs himself ** One who cares dearly for the Fair Fame of England," may not be a reader of the Friend, If he were, we would assure him that no subjects of Great Britain are more zealous of her fame, or prouder of her true glory, than are her Quaker citizens. That fame and glory will be best advanced, not by a selfish devotion to her own supposed interests, but by a policy of justice and generosity and fairness to other nations. " Not once or twice in our rough island story, The path of duty was the pa3i of glory." THE BIBLE CHRISTIANS IN AUSTRALASIA. The Bible Christians established themselves in [Victoria] 1853, and have done well. The Bible Christians [in South Australia] are a numerous and progressive body. The foundation of ihis sect was mainly laid by the Rev. James Way in 1850. Mr. Way was honoured in 1876 by the celebration of his jubilee of ministerial labours by a public breakfast given by his son, Mr. Chief Justice Way. The affecting story of his life and work in England, and then in South Australia, as given at that meeting, was one of the most remarkable, for incident and beautiful simplicity, that has ever been given on a similar occasion. On the gladsome morning of this celebration, Mr. and Mrs. Way and family were honoured with the presence of the leading members of the Government, of the Legislative Coun- cil, and House of Assembly,, ministers of different churches, and influential persons from every other class of colonists, who lovingly and heartily testified to the high character and useful ministry of this venerable and apostolic man. This denomination has made so much progress as to have a Conference of its own, the first being held in Adelaide in 1876. The Bible Christians commenced in [Queensland] in 1866. This excellent body has done but little in Queensland as yet. In the Report for 1876 it is said: — "The past year has been with us one of hard toil and deep anxiety, with a small degree of success." There is a minister stationed at Brisbane. — Bickford^s Christian Work in Australasia, Digitized by Google 45 8 GLEANINGS FOR ALL READERS. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST'S DEATH ATTESTED BY HIMSELF. We cannot but be struck by the fact that, in the review of His past among men, our Lord makes His having died sum up all. He does not speak of His having become man, or taken our nature, or passed through an humbled estate, or tasted the bitterness of the preceding agony. It is simply, and with all the emphasis of ex- treme importance laid on it by Himself: "I, the Living One, became the dead I " There is sublime silence as to everything be- sides. Nothing in all the testimonies of the New Testament to the soleness, the supremacy, the transcendent and boundless im- port of the death of our Redeemer, is more suggestive than this. His apostles have, one after another, paid their various tribute to the Cross. In all their writings it is the object of glorying. To it they ascribe all the preciousness of Christ. His death inspires all their doxologies down to this last, which blends their earthly and their heavenly strain in one. It is magnified as much in heaven as upon earth. But there is no tribute that speaks more mightily its sovereign value than this. When our Lord sums up His history upon earth, all is spoken in one word : " I became dead." This was the end and issue of the manifestation of the Son Incarnate. And indeed, there is a most remarkable likeness in the expression here used to that which St. John uses concerning His advent in our nature — " The Word became flesh." "I am He that liveth, and became dead." It is impossible to do justice to the Risen Saviour's words unless we make them the measure of the design of the in- carnation itself: God became man, that the Living One might becoine the Dead. — Papers Sermons^ Addresses, and Charges. JOHN BULL ON MR. GLADSTONE. The irrepressible Mr. Gladstone has been at it again. On Thursday, in last week. Earl Portsmouth opened a Bible Christian College at Shebbear, in Devonshire, an institution for training preachers of that sect. The ex-Premier wrote a letter of sympathy too long for a post-card, expressing '*much regret" that he could not be there, and "sincere pleasure" that the schismatics were making "increased provision" for educating their sons in ^opinions which he deems erroneous. Finally, he patted the Nonconformists generally on the back for their narrow and selfish action through- out the recent Eastern difficulty. Lord Portsmouth, referring to this precious epistle, declared that " there was no man who more honestly and devotedly served the interests of the Nonconformist party than Mr. Gladstone, the great leader of advanced thought." Surely it may well be asked, does Mr. Gladstone still consider him- self a Churchman } THE MEANING OF JEON. The Universalist affirms that " -^on " means a limited period of time. This affirmation has been effectually tested by the Rev. G. W. Olver, in his *'Fernley Lecture." **The things which are Digitized by Google GLEANINGS FOR ALL REAPERS. 459 seen are for a time ; but the things which are unseen are for a limited period of time. * He that liveth, and believeth on Me, shall not die for a limited period of time.' * The grass withereth, and the flower fadeth ; but the word of the Lord shall endure for a limited period of time.' Is more needed ? " Mr. Olver asks. Certainly not, will be the answer, we think, of every reader. THE MERCIES OF GOD. " His tender mercies are over all His works." — ^Ps. cxlv. 9. WouLDST thou count all the mercies of God ? Vain the task ! — Count the waves of the sea ; Count the grass-blades on every sod, And the leaves upon every tree. Count the atoms that float in the sun ; Count the bright drops of rain as they fall ; Still, thy task is as yet but begun, For God's mercies outnumber them all. . Count the crystals of frost in the snow, The vibrations of sound in the air, And the wavelets of light as they flow : — God in mercy appointed them there. Add the cycles of time unto those Of eternity, past and to come ; Count till Heav*n on thine eyes shall unclose, And thy lips with mute rapture are dumb. Then unfold thou thy bright wings and fly Wheresoever thy spirit can soar ; Far through space to where starry worlds lie Strewn like gems on Infinity's shore. On, still on, till the deepening blue Fades away into blackness of night. Where no nebulous star's ray e'er threw E'en the faintest pulsation of light. Still, God's universe stretches afar ; And around thee, beneath, and above, Though thine eye sees nor sun, moon, or star. There is fathomless, infinite love. We may count the green blades on each sod ; Count the soimd- waves in ocean's hoarse roar ; But, concerning the mercies of God, We can only in silence adore. — MoofCs Poetical Leaflets, BOLDNESS IN APPROACHING GOD. Since your Saviour came in person, and has redeemed the pledges of prophecy, the throne of grace is no longer local. Everywhere He reigns, and invites the world to His feet ; not for trial, not for punishment, but " that they may obtain mercy." You have tried it; you went where the wrath of the law should have flamed out and consumed you, and you found "mercy." Come again. Here is " grace to help in time of need." Just in this hour of extremity the grace of full salvation is here at your command. Come, and Digitized by Google 460 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. come "boldly." This, you. will say, is a strange liberty for a worm of earth. But see, it is because we have a sympathising High Priest that we are to come " boldly." The degree of your confidence to this approach is to be the measure of the honour you will confer upon your sympathising Saviour. " Boldly," be- cause He bleeds, and weeps, and prays for you; " boldly," for you come at His own command to ask the grace you need ; " boldly,'' for He bends toward you, and stretches out His wounded hands to receive you ; "boldly," for He cannot deny Himself; He will re- deem His rich and gracious promise, and " save to the uttermost." Oh, trembling spirit, take courage ; be not afraid of Jesus ; come near to Him ; fall into His arms ; press closely to His bosom, that you may feel the throbbings of His heart and love. Let Him wrap you in His crimson vest, and you shall feel and say, " The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us" — cleanseth me — "from all sin." Now let your fears depart ; no more shrinking or hesitating. Claim the answer to prayer, and claim it now. Hear what your Saviour says : " Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Oh, how sweet this Divine influence running through the soul ! — how wonderful this amazing renovation, this gracious baptism, this sinking down into God 1 What richness of faith, what power of love, what rest of spirit ! Cleansed by the Holy Ghost, what a sacred sense of inward purity, what visions of God, what deep and holy joy fills the soul! Love, " perfect love," it " casteth out fear." —Bishop Peck. (^amtmml ge^artm^. MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. JOHN STEPHENS. " Life is our servitude. The toil And travail of men's mortal state Cease only at yon golden gate, Where they cast off their earthly soil. We labour now, and sweat and moil, And grudge our labours to abate. As soldiers who, with blood elate, Beat down their foes and take the spoH. What is our work ? . Our Master, who? What wages for the work we do ? And shall we enter into rest. When the long shades of evening fall ? Or with th' unfaithful and unblest, Be driven to darkness and to thrall." — W. Longford. Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 461 John Stephens, commonly known' as "Johnny" Stephens, was born at Portmellon in 1791. In youth he learnt the smithing business at St. Gorran, and spent his life in the neighbourhood of Boswinger, in that Parish. In 1820 he was married to Jane Hill, the mother of his eight children, and who died in 1845. A memoir of this excellent woman appeared in the Bible Christian Magazine for August, 1846. In i860 he married Mary Ann Lydicoat, who survives him. Of the early part of his life we can say but little more than that he lived after the promptings of a depraved nature in all manner of vanity and vice. At that time smuggling was commonly practised by many on the coast, who endured much hardship, and ran great risks, to secure their gains. Parties of two or three persons have been known to cross and re-cross the Channel in a small boat, while engaged in their unlawful pursuits. Johnny entered into it with all that wonted zest by which he was characterised. Several anecdotes have been given us, but let two suffice to show his spirit. Having their suspicions awakened, the Custom House officers began to search a mill-stream where some barrels of brandy had been placed. Johnny, who was standing by, said, "There it is, in there ; go farther in, go farther in." He spoke in such a tone that they, believing there was no brandy there, and also that there was a deep part into which they might plunge, gave up their pursuit, to the salvation of Johnny and his companions. On one occasion he was brought before the magistrate, — Trevanion, Esq., who pro- nounced sentence upon him, on which Johnny made so witty a remark that the Squire roared with laughter, and, immediately revoking his sentence, sent him home in triumph. Through all his early career the intoxicating cup was his greatest besetment. Strong craving for the "good old French brandy," doubtless prompted him in his smuggling pursuits. Up to the time of his conversion, in 1827, he loved the drink; and, though he em- braced religion, yet the temptation was so strong that he ultimately fell again into the snare, and returned to his former sins. His devoted wife, notwithstanding her manifold sorrows and cares, manifested such a gentle and forgiving spirit that her presence filled him with solemn awe, and her influence held him as a cap- tive. So strong was his craving for drink, and so powerful the moral influence of his wife, that in subsequent years he has often said, that when his wife started off to chapel he has ran off to the drinkshop to drink as much as he could in a short time, and return before her, so that she might not know he had been away. During this period, his house was the home for the preacher, in coming around in .his appointment. His wife highly esteemed God's ser vants for their work's sake, and her husband was too good-natured to be unkind to them. About 1835, Bros. W. Runnalls and T. Brook, then travelling in the circuit, began to advocate the tem- perance question heartily, both in public and in private, and about the same time James Teare paid his first visit to St. Gorran, and Johnny was induced to sign the pledge. In later years, a tem- perance friend in the neighbourhood and himself used to engage in Digitized by Google 462 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. a friendly dispute, each claiming the honour of being the first tee- totaller in the parish. But whether first or second, from the day he signed the pledge to the day of his death the temperance cause n^ver had a truer or more zealous and self-sacrificing supporter. For a number of years no temperance meeting for miles around was thought complete without Johnny. If nobody else was prepared "to say a few words" on the temperance question he was; and though he made no pretensions to learning, yet his originality, his dry sayings, his ready wit, made him more popular than many refined orators. The friends will never forget his relation of one incident on returning from Plymouth, on a certain occasion. He found a man in the train who had no sympathy with the temperance movement, which was almost more than Johnny could bear, and his temperance fire began to glow. The man argued that he could not do his daily work without drink. " What was it ? " asked Johnny. "A tailor," the man answered. "A tailor!" exclaimed ohnny ; and, as standing on the platform before an excited com- pany, swinging to and fro his brawny arm (strengthened by the use of the sledge at the anvil) in true oratorical style, mimicking the man as he did it, he exclaimed with double power, " A tailor 1 a tailor! ! Why, I'd sway a bar of steel big enough to make all the needles in Plymouth, from morning till night, without wanting a drop." John Stephens is gone to his reward; but we look in vain for one to fill his place. In all his career he humbly and gratefully recognised his obligations to God in the temperance movement. We cannot gather the particulars of Br. Stephens's conversion, or of his restoration from his backsliding condition. We believe he was converted when the Bible Christians first came into the neighbourhood and preached in a bam. The Word came to him with power, and in demonstration of the Spirit, so that he was one of the first two or three who formed the little society at Boswinger. Nor can we say how long he was a backslider ; but soon after he joined the temperance cause he was reclaimed, and from that time he was a living epistle read and known of all men. He could be no half-and-half man, he must go at everything he touched with all his heart, and mind, and soul, and strength, or not touch it at all ; hence he was, in God's cause, always zealously affected. He took a prominent part in the erection of our chapel at Boswinger, in which our friends had trouble. When summoned before the afore- mentioned magistrate in relation thereto, the Squire said, " Why, religion has made thee mad." " No," said Johnny, " it has just brought me to my senses. I am now just beginning to be what I ought to be." During Br. Chappie's first pastorate he was elected class-leader, and held that office until old age forced him to desist. Through all his official career there was no disposition to usurp authority, or oppose the minister in his duty, or to unnecessarily pain the mind of the least of God's children ; on the contrary, he delighted to soothe the troubled spirit, ease the aching heart, and strengthen the feeble knee. Honesty, candour, simple-heartedness, straightforwardness, these were obvious traits in his character. The people could bear any rebuke from him. His was a life of love. Digitized by Google MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. 463 Love— thsit divine principle implanted in his regenerated breast — appeared to influence him in his every thought, and word, and act, during his Christian pilgrimage. Love throbbing in his heart made him as busy as a bee, as fragrant as a flower, and as radiant as the light. In his heart love presided ; he prayed, because he loved to pray to Jesus ; he worked, because he loved to work for Him ; he suffered, because he loved to suffer for Him. His was a cheerful religion. Like " Billy Bray," he believed in singing, and shouting, and dancing. He could not pull a long face all the year round, as though there were no sun in-the heavens. ** Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again, I say, Rejoice," is the divine injunction ; and it was Johnny's aim to show an unbelieving world that his religion cheered, and sweetened, and strengthened his spirit in all the vicissitudes of life. In the dark cold valley of moaning and tears he could not make his home, he preferred the mountain-top; where, like the disciples of old, he could see the Master's altered countenance, and be environed with heavenly glory. He knew that true holiness was the secret source of hap- piness; for such is man's moral constitution, that to be happy he must be pure. Holiness to him was not mere morality; but it was walking and talking with God according to the light given him. Frequently the highest type of piety is not exhibited by a company of debating theologians or of fastidious critics, but by those who go down to the sea in ships, or dig the treasures of the earth, toil in the open fields, or, like our brother, perspire at the fiery forge. It was the study and aim of his life to follow Christ to the mountain- top, to pray and believe, so as to get his soul filled with the glory of God. And realising the joys of holiness, he felt perfectly satis- fied with his earthly lot. Neither in his hard toil, nor in the affliction which led down to the dark valley, no murmur escaped his lips ; the Lord had done great things for him, and his life was spent in unceasing praise. He was gathered to his fathers in a good old age. A kind Providence had favoured him with a robust physical constitution, hence he had generally during his pilgrimage health and strength, and was spared till he was between 80 and 90. At the first inter- view the writer had with him he was surprised to hear him say he was 86, as he looked only about 70. His strength of intellect, his fresh countenance, his active step, all pointed to many years of life yet to come; and furnished unmistakable evidence in favour of total abstinence. But even then, a cancer about the eye foretold a sad tale of pain and death. Little did we know then that our friend had done more for our ministers, and our society, and the temperance cause, than any other man in the neighbourhood, and ranked among the best jewels fitted for the skies. We saw him only once or twice afterwards, for the evening shades gathered around him quickly. When we visited him, a few months after, his intellect was greatly impaired, and his face was not pleasant to behold ; and when made to understand it was the preacher, his in- terest, for a brief period, was aroused, and in prayer he responded. Digitized by Google 464 MEMOIRS AND OBITUARIES. Old and other friends visited him, and to one of the last he said, " I am still here, but I am going home." On Sunday, March 20th, his spirit returned to God who gave it. Clergymen, farmers, friends, some from parishes around, followed his remains to the tomb, and as the long procession moved slowly along it bore an impressive testimony to the worth of a poor, self-sacrificing, devoted man of God. As we stood on the grave in St. Gorran churchycird, a few days since, and saw the grass luxuriantly creeping over it on every side, without a stone to mark the spot, we thought — <* Perish the grass, and fade the flower. If firm the Word of God remains.*' " His works do follow him y We are incapable of realising all his worth. A man who had fed and sheltered our fathers in the ministry, at the commencement of our Connexional history, when weary and sad they had often no home to go to, and were despised and sometimes persecuted by the great folk around — a man who held offices in the church nearly forty years — ^a man who had travelled thousands of miles, and spoken, perhaps, hundreds of times in the temperance cause, when few only were in sympathy with it — a man, in a word, who so zealously exerted himself to save the lost from drunkenness and sin until the whole neighbourhood approved of his sentiments and supported his cause, is a man who can never die, and imagination cannot picture his worth. We long to glorify God in our sphere as faithfully and successfully as he did. We desire no more. Br. Balkwill says : — " I have known Br. Johnny Stephens since August, 1869. He was a most remarkable man in some respects. For many years previous to his conversion he had been a notorious smuggler. I have heard him refer to these questionable scenes of his past life, and of many hairbreadth escapes that he had from detection and sudden death. At last he was plucked as a brand from the burning. There were many things in his after-life of a very commendable character, ist. — He was a warm and consistent teetotaller. He had but little sympathy with those who used in- toxicating beverages in any form. He would go for miles after a hard day's work to attend a temperance meeting. He often spoke publicly on the question, and though his education had been greatly neglected, his labours were greatly appreciated. He will be remem- bered, for years yet to come, as one of the strongest pillars in the temperance reformation in the neighbourhood of Mevagissey for the last forty years. 2nd. — He was most regular in his attendance at the house of God. Sunday and week-days* preaching, prayer and class-meetings, you could always depend upon Johnny Stephens. He was helpful in many ways. At the preaching service his eye was always turned toward the preacher. Not like some, who always hang down their heads as bulrushes, so that you cannot tell "whether they are asleep or awake, pleased or displeased, Johnny's face was helpful to the preacher. 3rd. — He was useful in other ways — in attending to collections, tea meetings, and in distributing plans and magazines. 4th. — ^Johnn/s spiritual change was so great Digitized by Google FAREWELL MEETING AND PRESENTATION. 465 that his piety was undoubted. He was regarded as an Israelite in- deed. And it was surprising that a man who was only a country blacksmith, with limited means and small talents, should stand so high." G. A. J. FARE^WELL MEETING AND PRESENTATION TO THE REV. J. MARTIN. An invitmtion social meeting, in connection with the Rev. Jehu Martin's removal from Brighton, was held last evening at six o'clock, when, in spite of the heavy rain that fell at the time, about 200 members of the Church and friends sat down to a comfortable tern spread in the Bristol Road School-room ; and at seven the friends adjourned to the Church, the meeting being presided over by Mr. George Humphreys, one of the circuit stewards. There were present on the platform the Rev. J. Martin, Rev. Edward Storrow, Mr. H. H. Cullis, Mr. T. Irving White, Mr. John Goddard, circuit steward, and Mr. J. GiUett, society steward. After singing " Blest be the tie that binds," &c., and prayer, the chairman read letters of apology from several persons, including the Rev. Robert Hamilton and Mr. W. Olding, all of whom spoke in high terms of the Rev. Mr. Martin. He then callecf on Mr. Thomas Irving White to address the meeting. Mr. White proceeded to make an interesting speech, in the course of which he said Mr. Martin had, he considered, had a remarkable time in Brighton, and accomplished much for the town, and for the community over which he had pre- sided. He considered the building in which they were met as a standing proof of his diversified talent. With many kind wishes for Mr. Martin's restored health, and that he might be useful wherever he went, Mr. White concluded an earnest speech amidst applause. After singing, Mr. Goddard, who for 30 years has been a circuit steward, bore testimony to the almost Herculean labours carried out by Mr. Martin in connec- tion with his eight years pastorate in Brighton. He mentioned that he had known him to be engaged from five in the morning till ten at night writing letters. He contrasted the position of the Bible Christians when he first became acquainted, or rather connected, with them fifty years ago, with their position at the present time, and rejoiced that in parting with their pastor, they were not like the Ephesian elders in parting with Paul, who wept because they " should see his face no more." Mr. J. Gillett was the next speaker, and in addition to endorsing the encomiums of previous speakers, he spoke of the quiet but useful labours of Mrs. Martin, an allusion whicn evoked hearty applause. He concluded by urging those connected with the Church to act towards the new Minister so as to prevent his feeling as a stranger when he came among them. Mr. H. H. Cullis, in the course of a rather long speech, gave an amusing account of the hindrances he had surmounted so as to be present to say farew(S to Mr. Martin, although he confessed it was a word he did not like. He detsuled some of the history of the old Chapel in Bedford Street, where he had preached sometimes to twenty people. He knew that Mr. Martin had a number of friends who had co-operated with him in raising the Church they were in, but he had been the main-spring (applause). He despised flattery, but valued honest praise, and this he felt Mr. Martin deserved, for he had worked hard, long, and success- fully (applause). He thought it verjr likely some practical proof of their apprecia- tion woidd be forthcoming that evening, but whatever it nught be it would not be t3o much (applause). The Chairman then said he had a pleasant duty to perform, and detailed the work Mr. Martin had accomphshed in Brighton, amongst which stood prominently the fact of his having collected a large sum for the new Church, leaving about £^00 only to be collected to clear off both cost and interest of borrowed money. I Digitized by Google 466 KILBURN, LONDON. Speaking of Mr. Martin's faithfulness as a preacher, pastor, and a friend, he con- cluded by presenting the rev. gentleman witn an illuminated address and a cheque for 80 guineas. The address, which was tastefully written by Mr. Leggatt, was as follows : — " Presented (with a cheque for 80 guineas) to the Rev. Jehu Martin, by the members and friends of the Bristol Road Chapel, Brighton, as a small token of their appreciation of his unwearied and self-denying labours during a pastorate of eight years, and especially in recognition of his indefatigability in collecting funds to build the Chapel. Signed on behalf of the subscribers, £^g?^SWs. ) Circuit Stewanls." August, 1878. 'Hie Rev. J. Martin, who was received with loud applause, said that, although not over sentimental, he could not help feeling well-mgh overcome. He had, he admitted, some idea that something of the kind was on foot ; but he had no thought of their working upon so grand a scale. In a sense he felt he deserved their kindness, because of his genuine intentions, purity of motive, earnestness of purpose, and force for work in proportion to his strength. He hoped no one had given so largely as to let their home suffer, as that would mar the gift. He thought he coiild trust Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Grillett to see that had not been the case. He then, at some length, reviewed the history of the building of the Church, and pointed out that /"ys in annual subscriptions were still to be collected, if the stewards would bear that in mind. He had never tried to draw people to himself, but to Christ, or otherwise he would have felt himself a traitor to his Master. He hoped he should always be faithful, and make Christ the centre and end of his preaching. He explained that he was going to Shanklin from no in- terference of his with the Stationing Committee ; he had expected to go either to Launceston or to Chatham. Singularly enough his medical adviser had recom- mended the Isle of Wight, but the Committee did not know that. He would not, he said, go to be idle. There was a new chapel wanted in Shanklin, that would cost /■2,ooo, and one at Sandown wanted altering. It would still be work ! work ! work! He loved work, and always had loved it. With the expression of many kind wishes for the prosperity of^ the Church, Mr. Martin concluded a feeling address amidst considerable applause. The Rev. Edward Storrow, in a few hearty words, expressed his pleasure at being present, although obliged to arrive late. He thought it spoke well both for pastor and people, that after eight years of work together they should send their minister away with their blessing and their gifts. As a minister, he had lived in fellowship and Christian confidence with Mr. Martin, and he felt that in leaving he took tneir goodwill, and best wishes with him. The meeting closed shortly after nine with singing and prayer. — Sussex Daily NewSy August 23rd. KILBURN, LONDON. LAYING OF MEMORIAL STONES. The unusual circumstance of the laying of twenty-six memorial stones in one building was witnessed on Tuesday, August 20th, in connection with the Bible Christian Chapel now being erected in Percy Road, Kilbum Park. The building, about which considerable piogress has been made, occupies the site of the iron structure, which has been used by the Bible Christians for the past three years. From what can be gleaned from the plans, it seems that the chapel will be a plain but very comfortable and substantial building, in the Italian style of architecture ; 50 feet in length, and 42 feet in width, and will have galleries all round. The height between floor of chapel and ceiling will be 27 feet 5 inches, and the ceiHng will be surrounded by a bold cornice, and will have two centre flowers which will be utilized for purposes of ventilation. Two small vestries will be provided on the Digitized by Google KILBURN, LONDON. 467 chapel floor with convenience. The floor of chapel will be elevated 7 feet above ground line, and a large and well-lighted school-room will be formed in the base- ment, with proper conveniences, also tea-b6iler room, &c. The approach to the chapel will be by a double flight of stone steps, and flights of stone stairs will connect chapel floor with basement and galleries. The rostrum will be placed near the back of the chapel and the choir will be behind it. The whole of the chapel and galleries will be fitted with very easy and commodious pews done in deal, and stained and varnished, as also the rostrum and gallery front. The upper portion of galleiy front will be open work and will present a light appearance. Nearly 500 sittings will be provided. The building wiU be of brick ; yellow malms being used for facing, and the piers, bands, arches, &c., will be in red brick and tuck pointed. The front of chapel will be divided into three bays, by indented projecting piers surmounted with moulded caps, entablature and coping. All the windows in front will be with semi-circular heads. The sides of chapel will also be divided into five bays by piers, the upper windows being semi-circular, and the other stories being segmental and square respectively, The architect is Mr. William Ranger, of 3, Finsbury Pavement ; the builder is Mr. Allen, of Kilbum Park Road ; and we hear that while the plan of the build- ing gives general satisfaction to the authorities, the architect and the building committee have expressed their satisfaction at the substantial way in which the building work has so far been carried out. The chapel, which, as has been said, is to accommodate about 500 worshippers, but will be capable of enlargement by an addition at the end at any future time. The ceremony of stone-lajring commenced about three o'clock, when the Rev. W. Luke, the pastor, gave out the hymn commencing "Jesus, thou all redeeming Lord," and after this had been sung, the Rev. S. Allin read portions of Scripture suitable to the occasion. The Rev. C. Dening then offered prayer, another hymn (** Whene'er Thy servants here shall meet ") was sung, and the pastor came for- ward again, this time with a batch of papers in his hand. These papers, he ex- plained, were to be placed by the builder in a cavity beneath the first stone to be laid, and included a bill of the meeting, a copy of the circuit plan, a written document containing the names of the connexional officers, the ministers in Lon- don, and the officers connected with this particular Church, a small pamphlet, giving a brief history of the principles, organization, and a list of conferences of 3ie denomination, and copies of the JCilbum Times and Wtllesden Chronicle. He added that they had not put any coins of the realm in the cavity, as they wanted for the building all the money they could get ; he then presented a silver trowel to Mr. Robert Daw, who represented Joseph Peters, Esq. Mr. Daw having duly laid the stone whereon Mr. Peters* name is inscribed, said he thought he could truly say that this, the first of a long series of memorial stones, was truly and properly laid. After mentioning that this was the first memorial stone he had laid, he expressed a sincere hope that the building might be proceeded with without accident, and that money would flow in from all directions, so that the chapel might be opened free from debt. For (he pithily remarked) debts are not like riches, they do not "take to themselves wings, and fly away." He was glad to find that the Bible Christians were so well represented here, and trusted that the denomination would make great progress in London, as he believed it would, for where it had made most mark the workers were known for their earnest and self-den)dng work. He was present to represent Joseph Peters, Esq., who, though absent in body, was with them in spirit, and had sent a pleasant token of the interest he took in the work. The speaker then read a letter in which Mr. Peters desired him to lay the stone, in his own absence at Scarborough, adding, "Please place the enclosed on the stone when it is duly laid, and say a few appropriate and loving words on my behalf." (Cheers.) The enclosure (said Mr. Daw) was a cheque for £50, which was placed on the stone, and to keep it from being blown away Mr. Daw weighted it with two. half- sovereigns and a shilling. The next stone, also in front of the building, was laid by Mr. Charles Hobbs, who spoke with the authority of one who had a personal experience of the deno- mination for many years, and who was warmly cheered when he said he knew that in that place there would be given no uncertam sound, but that the Gospel would I 2 Digitized by Google 468 KILBURN, LONDON. be preached in its fulness and integrity. He finished his work by handinj^ in a cheaue for /"ao, Tne third stone, close alongside, was inscribed "James Biggs, Esq., and Mrs. ^^gS^'" It was laid by Mr. Biggs, who is one of the Willesden overseers for the E resent year, and who, after making a few pleasantries about his want of skill in tying stones, went on to say how he ana his family had found a hearty and honest Christian work going on in Percy-road Chapel, and having attended the services felt great interest in the place. He had tnerefore done what little he could toward helping on the building, and hoped the place would prove a great blessing to the neighbourhood. Mr. Luke announced that Mr. Biggs had handed him ^5, which was an addi- dition to ;^2o already given. Mr. Boatfield's stone was laid by little Lina Boatfield, in her father's absence, and ten ^ineas was placed on it. "William Ranger, architect, 3, Finsbury-pavement," was. inscribed on the next stone. Mr. Ranger said this was the first Bible Christian stone he had laid, although certainly not the first time he had held a trowel. He gave some inte- resting reminiscences of his bygone acquaintanceship with the denomination, hoped they would not have a " house of another sort " at the opposite comer, and that this chapel would be a centre of light and blessing to the neighbourhood. Last, but not least, he hoped they would carry on a great temperance work, having said which he handed in £^0 towards the funds. Mr. Allen, who is always a man of work rather than of words, laid his stone in a truly workmanlike manner, and saying how privileged he was in being allowed that honour, expressed his concurrence in the remarlu of a former speaker about the lessening of denominational rancour, and then handed to Mr. Luke a contribu- tion of ;f 10. After this the work of stone-laying went on without much speech-making. Mr. F. W. Bourne (connexional editor) and Mrs. Bourne assisted in their ^^15 stone. Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Adams placed their stone, the former observing that he need not say how deep an interest he fdt in the cause, having from the first taken an active part in the work. A contribution of/io los. was announced. Mr. John W. Delahaye took the next trowelT Contributed ;f 15. For J. O. Keen (absent), Mr. Bettiss, who is about to leave as a missionary to Australia, laid a stone. Mr. John Holman was assisted by his little son (John Gubbin). The Rev. C. Dening broke the monotony by solemnly declaring that his stone was truly laid in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. He gave ;flO. Mr. Sweatman's name was next on the list, but he being unable to attend on that day, came on the following morning and laid his stone. He contributed ;f 10. The next stone bore the names of Messrs. J. Poulter and Rooflf. Mr. Terrett, of Bristol, contributed jf 10. Mr. T. Webb, 10 guineas. Mr. and Mrs. J. Hardwick*s duty was performed by their little boy ; £S' Mrs. R. Kaill (5 guineas) and Miss A. Dredge (£5) laid the next stone. Miss Blake followed. Already contributed. Mr. W. E. Ward contributed £10, and his little boy collected 5s. Mrs. Standing laid £10 with her stone, Mr. W. D. Pearson's stone was laid by Mr. Edwards. Contribution /lo. Mr. N. Braund, the youthful superintendent of the Sunday School, hoped his life might be spared in order that he might work for God. He contributed ;^io. The Misses M., A., and N. Biggs assisted at the next stone. Then came an interesting stone, being one presented by the five children of the pastor, and as Miss Luke, and then Mr. W. B. Luke, and lastly little Harry, went to work with trowel and mallet, the younger portion of the audience gathered round with special interest. The two other lads were away at Shebbear College. The stone-laying was then brought to a conclusion by Mr. and Mrs. Luke, who quietly placed their comer-stone in position. The pastor then said they needed no assurance from him that he was interested in the work. He had had to do Digitized by Google JOTTINGS FROM YORKSHIRE. 469 with building a number of chapels in his life, but he never felt a greater interest in any undertaking than in this. He believed this was the work of the Lord, and in this assurance he had been mainly sustained ; and he believed that, having begun the work in the name of Christ and for the glory of God, they had but to continue working together to see their labour brought to a triumphant and suc- cessful issue. They wanted to raise /"750, which he believed they would obtain by the time the building was finishedTand then they would be entitled to a like amount from the missionary fund. The chapel was not so large as some in the land, but there was room for enlargement, and he hoped to see the houses not yet built at the end taken down in order that the chapel might be lengthened. (Cheers.) He then referred to the liberality and large-nearte(£iess of Mr. Peters, and observing that it was that gentleman's birthday, called for three hearty cheers, which were given. Then, observing that Nonconformists had always been dis- tinguished for their loyalty, he led off with three cheers for the Queen, which were heartily taken up* The company then adjourned to the temporary school-room, where bountiful provision was made for some 180 visitors. Coming away from tea, and taking another look at the works, we found that a stone had been inserted next the doorway, inscribed with the well-known name, " W. Cullum, Esq.," who, it appears, had contributed to the funds out of a neighbourly feeling, although belonging to the Church of England. In the evening there was an adjournment to Canterbury-road Baptist Chapel, which had been kindly placed at the disposal of the Percy-road people for their pubUc meeting. Here the chair was taken by the Rev. W. Luke, Mr. WiUiam Terrett, who was to have presided, being kept away by an unexpected occurrence. Apologies were also made for Dr. Keen, who was changing from Chatham to Swansea, and for the Rev. Mr. Lee, of Forest-hill, who had to attend a service elsewhere. The chairman said that, looking back upon the first winter's work in that iron chapel, when the Kilbum roads were almost impassable from dirt and mire, and at the steady increase of the work attendant upon patient and prayerful effort, he could not but feel greatly encouraged, especially as, if there had been some disappointments, they had received aid where none was looked for. Mr. Boase, of^ Clapham, and Mr. Bettiss, the missionary to Australia, having made eloquent addresses, the chairman made a statement of the funds and promises received up to that afternoon, and stated his firm conviction that if they set heart and hands to work they would raise the /7SO needed. The Rev. S. Allin, of Waterloo-road Chapel, delivered a thoughtful address, based upon the line of thought induced by the event of the day ; was followed by the Rev. C. Dening, who made a hearty speech mixed with a great deal of humour ; after which came the Rev. F. W. Bourne, with an outlme of the history and doctrines of the denomination, and a noble peroration upon the object the friends had in view in the erection of the chapel. The chairman then asked for the hearty vote of the assembly in thankfulness to their Baptist friends for their kindness in lending the chapel, and for other help in getting over the business of the tea. This having been responded to, a collection was made, the Rev. Mr. Bourne oflfered a con- cluding prayer, and the chairman announced an addition of j£s ^Ss- 9d. to the funds by the collection. We have been favoured with the corrected financial statement, which shows that prior to August 20, the sum of /'112 13s. od had been received; on Tuesday the receipts amounted tOjf 245 7s. 4aT, to which must be added about j^s ^o"^ t^® tea; these, with the sums promised and yet due of jf 132 19s. 9d., make up a total of about j^496. We ought to add that the arrangements throughout the day were carried out without the slightest hitch or accident, so that in a double sense the pastor and officers have to be thankful for the day's operations. — From The Kilbum Times and The Willesden Chronicle, JOTTINGS FROM YORKSHIRE. No. 2. It is said that " no news is better than bad news ;" but good news is best of all. The past year's toil in this sphere of labour, increasing in area and importance, y Google Digitized by ^ 47® JOTTINGS FROM YORKSHIRE. has furnished us with material for Connexional communication, which we place at the disposal of the editor. The appointment of a second preacher, at the last Conference, to this Mission, gave impetus to our work. The issues of the year, in our opinion, fully justify the act, and but for the commercial depression, specially felt in this great central iron- field, would have been more encouraging. Several weeks of revival services were held during the winter, which resulted in at least fourscore persons being added to the churches ; and although the drain consequent upon incessant migration and emigration has been great, our number of members is larger than was last year reported. Our material progress has surpassed our highest expectations. The Brotton chapel and premises have been completed, involving an additional outlay of more than /i02 ; the whole of which has been met without increasing the debt as re- ported at the opening. The subjoined particulars show the cost and the exact financial position of the estate at the present time : — The total cost .... Amount of borrowed money Grants from Committee, stone-laying and opening services, fruit banquet, picnic, lectures, &c., &c. J. Finch's eflfort Leaving a balance in hand of ^f 4 9 3 If space would admit, it would afford us pleasure to particularize those who contributed so cheerfully and nobly to the pastor's appeal, but our limit will only allow us to give the names of those who subscribed ^^3 and upwards ; viz., Miss Jackson, £2^ 3s. ; Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan, & Co^7/"20 ; Messrs. BeU, Bros., £ s. d. - 920 7 II " £ s. d. 550 0 0 , 251 17 2 123 0 0 £92^ 17 2 jf 10; Loftus Iron Co., /lo; Mrs. Morrison, j^$ ; J. Fleming, Esq., £^ ; F. A. Millbank, Esq., M.P., ^3. Sums below that amount, £±6 17s. The first anniversary was held on Sunday, January otli, 1878, and following days. Sermons were preached by J. Finch and Rev. J. Hewitson (Wesleyan), to large congregations. The tea, which was well patronised, was succeeded by an enthusiastic public-meeting, and addressed by the Brethren J. Finch, R. Squire, and Mr. T. Dunn. Chairman, W. France, Esq. The proceeds of the anniversary, taking into account the dulness of the times, were considered satisfactory. Loftus School-Chapel. The want of a chapel in this rising and populous centre of industry had, for some time, been sorely felt. An eligible site having been secured on lease from the Earl of Zetland, plans &&., for chapel, school-room, &c., were prepared and approved of by the local and connexional authorities (with certain modifica- tions), but in consequence of the painful depression which set in in the iron trade, the staple trade of the district, wisdom suggested the propriety of the building of the chapel being deferred, and the school-room only being proceeded with, (wluch for the time is to answer the double purpose of chapel and school-room) to which all concerned heartily agreed. And on Tuesday, Nov. 20th, 1877, The Foundation Ceremony Was proceeded with. Our good and kind friend of the "Friends," A. Pease, Esq., of DarUngton, with the utmost possible readiness, consented to lay the memorial stone. A large number of people gathered around to witness the in- teresting sight, to whom Mr. Pease, after having declared the stone well and truly laid, said, he heartily congratulated the Bible Christians, by whose invitation he was present to-day, on the continued aggressive work they were making in Cleveland ; complimented the many who had migrated thither from the south and west, whom he characterized as ** chapel-goers and God-worshippers ; " sym- pathized with them in their desire to have their own chapels, and their own ministers in their midst ; heartily welcomed the Bible Christians to the North, and embraced them by the broad bond of Christian brotherhood, because of the thrilling fact of there being " enough Christian work for all Christian workers." Mrs. France, of Loftus, then, by special request, laid a comer-stone, when Mr. France, in behalf of his excellent wife, gave an address of marked appropriateness Digitized by Google TAVISTOCK CIRCUIT. 47 1 and Christian feeling. To both Mr. Pease and Mrs. France a Bible and Hymn- book, elegantly bound, was presented. A well attended tea-meeting was hdd in the old preacmng-room, and a crowded public meeting was afterwards convened in the Primitive Methodist chapel, which was presided over by Mr. W. France, and excellent addresses were delivered by Brs. S. L. Thome, J. Finch, R. Squire, and Mr. W. Dunn. On Sunday, February 3rd, 1878, The Opening Services Of the school-chapel, which is a neat structure, capable of seating at least 180 people, were conducted by Br. J. O. Coomb, who preached three impressive ser- mons. The new edifice was well filled. On the following day a tea was provided in the new school-chapel, and in the evening the Primitive Methodist chapel was again placed at our disposal, in which a large congregation assembled. The chair was again taken by Mr. France, who has always evinced deep interest in our de- nominational progress. Spirited addresses were delivered by J. O. Coomb, C. G. Tetley (Primitive Methodist), J. Finch, R. Squire, and W. Dunn. The Brotton Bible Christian choir rendered good service on each of these occasions, Mr. T. Sandoe presiding efficiently at the organ. On the following day Br. Coomb entertained an appreciative audience by dehvering a capital lecture on " The Bible and infideUty." D. McLean, Esq., in the chair. The total cost of the school-chapel is - Whilst the receipts are as follows : — Money borrowed Stone-lajong and opening services, including jf 10 from A. Pease, Esq., and £^ from Mr. and Mrs. France - - - . Grant from Committee J. Finch's effort - - - Leaving a balance in hand of j^o 8 o Among the various contributors to the pastor's appeal towards Loftus school- chapel, we mention, with gratitude, the following : — ^J. W. Pease, Esq., M.P., /"S ; E. Pease, Esq., £^ ; Mrs. Gumey Pease, jf 5 ; Mrs. Charles Pease, £^ ; F. A. Millbank, Esq., M.P., £^ ; J. Clark, Esq., £2 los. ; H. Pease, Esq., J.P., jf 1 los. ; D. Dale, Esq., J.P., £i is. ; M. Famdale, Esq., £1 is. ; Mrs. Morrison, j£i is. ; Messrs. Barnes & Wilkinson, £1 is. ; Dr. Sanderson, j£i is. ; J. M. Collier, Esq., £1 is. ; D. McLean, Esq., £i is. ; W. C. Trevor, Esq., j^i is. ; Miss Adamson, £1 ; Messrs. Robinson, Bros., /"i. Smaller sums, jf8 19. Con- siderably more would probably have been done nad the state of trade been more inviting. These tokens of human favour and Divine smile inspire us with hope and courage. "The earth is the Lord's," and the work, to which we are es- poused, is also His ! From the past and present we look, with eager eye, to The Future, believing that our advancement will greatly depend on our providing chapel ac- commodation in several places. And here we would again specially mention Guisborough, where a chapel must be built in order thoroughly to estabUsh our- selves. We therefore press its claims upon the consideration and sympathy of the whole connexion. Notwithstanding our services being held here in an unattractive room, God has blessed our eflforts, and in several places in the mission He is raising up persons to carry the gospel message to those who know Him not. The year now closing gives an undoubted proof that this is not barren soil ; and we believe that its future will be productive of great good. J. Finch. Brotton-in-CUvtland, July 8, 1878. £ s. d. - 329 12 0 ' £. S. d. 230 0 0 38 n 0 15 0 0 46 7 0 — &ii^ 0 0 TAVISTOCK CIRCUIT. Dear Mr. Editor, — ^As the special work in the chapel department of this cir- cuit has been somewhat extensive, the following resume perhaps may be interest- ing to your readers, if you can aflFord the needfS space. Digitized by Google 47» TAVISTOCK CIRCUIT. Lydford Station. — A new chapel was opened here on September 19th, 1877 . An excellent sermon was preached at 1 1 a.m. by Mr. A. Trengove, of Exeter, to a large congregation. A public luncheon followed, of which about 100 partook. At 2 p.m. a bazaar was opened in the school-room. The following ladies presided at the well furnished stalls : — Mrs. Murley, Mrs. Wilcock, junr., Mrs. Kennaid, Misses Rowe, Phillips, Symons, Ashby, Squire, and Yeo. A public tea was pro- vided at five, to which about 400 sat down. The meeting in the evening was under the presidency of D. Radford, Esq. We cull the following from a local paper : — ** The chairman in the course of a few appropriate introductorv remarks, obsenred that there was no other place of worship within a considerable distance of that spot. As buildings were being erected, and people were coming to live at Lydford Station, it was very important that a place of worship should be pro- vided for them. It was a necessity, and was not the result of anv unwholesome feeling of rivalry. The ground upon which the chapel stood was kindly given by Mr. Wilcock, and also the stone for building the walls. The chairman then reverted eulogistically to the p|raiseworthy efforts which had been put forth by those who had produced the articles for the bazaar, and concluded with an earnest spiritual appeaL " The Rev. B. Rounsefell, of Devonport, delivered an excellent address on wor- ship. They had all seen phases of vitality, but they had never seen life itself. They had seen the flash of the eye, the activity of the limb, and the flush on the cheek ; but they had never seen the mind or naked thought. They knew there was such a thing as the spirit of Christianity, and that this constituted a connec- tion between themselves and the Divine Bein^. It was very important that they should have a pure channel of connection with such a pure source. They fre- quently failed to obtain good, not because there was none, but because the or- damed means were not u^^i to get it. The medium of intercourse with God was worship. Some people imaging all religion was in enthusiasm ; he would not say there should be no enthusiasm whatever ; but it should be remembered that religion dwelt in sober minds, and that God was as near ^them in their sober moments as when they felt so enthusiastic. The speaker concluded with an ex- hortation to worship God in the beauty of holiness. " The Rev. A. Trengove, after a few preliminary remarks, said he thought there were many people not full grown belonging to the Church oi Christ, who ought to be full grown by this time. They were living in New Testament times, and should be imbued with the New Testament spirit. Every Christian should be aggressive, and seek to extend the kingdom of Christ. They wanted greater spiritual development in the church, and in order to produce this they wanted more life ; for, destitute of vigorous life, people were rehgiously in a delicate con- dition. It was requisite that they should eat spiritual food, not simply to enjoy themselves, but in order that they might go out into life to struggle with its difl^- culties and do its work better. He wanted them all to aim at being full grown spiritual men and women. In the present day many persons were going over to tne Church of Rome ; there was a secret society established to endeavour to re- store the temporalis of the Pope, and an attempt was being made to undo the glorious work of'^ Garibaldi and Gavazzi in connection with Italy. Cardinal Manning had declared that the Pope was not a subject, and the agitation respect- ing the Burials' Bill and Auricular Confession, simply showed them that the battle was coming, and he hoped the time was not far off. The fight must be a hand to hand one, and therefore he wished Nonconformists and others who fought it, to be fit for battle, and come off with a glorious victory. The circumstances to which he had alluded were tending towards one practical point — ^the Disestab- lishment of the English Church. The Nonconformists who were said to be enemies to the Church would not bring this about ; for what were called the friends of the Church were doing their utmost, and were ^cceeding remarimbly well in bringing about its disestablishment. "The Rev. J. Wilson, of Lifton, also briefly addressed the meeting, which con- cluded with the usual votes of thanks to all concerned in helping on the cause." Mrs. Radford kindly presided at the harmonium at both services. On the two foUowinr Sundays, able sermons were preached to large audiences by Brs. M. Brokenshire, of Torquay, and J. Drew, of Devonport. The building is a neat, substantial structure, bong 25 by 45 feet in the dear. Digitized by Google TAVISTOCK CIRCUIT. 473 About one-third of the space is partitioned off for a school-room ; but the partition is folding, so that the whole of the building can be used as a chapel when occasion reauires. The chapel proper will seat about 120 persons. The receipts are as follows: — £ s. d. By collections, tea, &c., at the laying of foundation-stones - 17 16 6 ,f the opening services and bazaar - - - 76 12 o „ domations - - - . - - 67 13 o jfi62 I 6 Total cost of building - . - . 372 6 10 Receipts ----- 162 i 6 Debt ------ j£2io 5 4 Two hundred pounds have been borrowed at four per cent, interest. Most liberal aid was rendered by D. Radford, Esq., and Mrs. Radford, Mr. and Mrs. Wilcock, senr., Mr. and Mrs. Wilcock, junr., Mr. and Mrs. Rowe, Tavistock, and many other noble-hearted friends, belonging to our own and other denominations of tHe Christian church. SycUnham. — Extensive alterations have been effected in the school -rooms of this place. The old room was damp, cold and cheerless, aflfording but poor ac- commodation. The walls have been raised considerably, and a stable and gig- house have been placed at the base ; and the school-room has been comfortably fitted for its purpose. The cost is about /"So. The re-opening took place on March 13th. Br. Carvath, of Week St. M!ary, preached an interesting sermon to a large audience. A public tea was provided, and the tables were well filled by visitors and friends from far and near. A public-meeting was held in the evening, over which Mr. J. Helson, of Broadwood, presided. Able addresses were de- livered by the Brethren J. Carvath and Gr. Wame. D. Murley made a brief reference to the cost of the alterations. The proceeds of the re-opening, including subscriptions, amount to about jf 30. Both the chapel and school-room here are now in very good repair. Prorvidencc^ Broadpark. — ^A noble effort has just been concluded here for the liquidation of the remaining debt on the premises. For some time past our friends at Providence have had this effort in contemplation, and a few months since collectors* books were issued, and a committee appointed to prepare for a bazaar on Tuesday, June i8th. Mr. T. Braund, of Shebbear, in fulfilment of an old promise, came to our aid. Having won, when on this station, the warm es- teem of a large circle of friends, Br. Braund attracted a large audience, even at the morning service. He took for his text Gen. xix. 29. The sermon was a graphic delineation of the characters of Abraham and Lot, and was full of practi- cal points and salutary lessons. The morning service was followed by a public luncheon, laid in Mrs. Symons' bam, kindly lent and prepared for the occasion. A goodly number availed themselves of the opportunity of testing the quality of the tempting viands. After luncheon an adjacent bam, kindly lent by Mr. Glan- ville for the holding of the bazaar, became the scene of resort. The well-laden stalls afforded ample evidence of the assiduity and indefatigable labours of the ladies of the bazaar committee. A pubUc tea was provided about five p.m., of which about 300 partook. A meeting was held in the evening, when the chapel and school-room — which can be thrown together by the opening of the folding partition — were crowded by a large and enthusiastic congregation. Mr. J. Squire, of Portgate, presided. The meeting was ably addressed by Br. T. Braund and Mr. J. Wame, of Bodmin, and a financial statement was made by D. Murley. The debt on these premises was about £\^o. Towards this our long-tried and generous-hearted friends, Mr. and Mrs. Heard, of Lyddaton, promised the noble sum of ;f 50. This gave a most encouraging stimulus to the proceedings. The collectors did well. Miss E. A. Symons collected £i2 los. ; Mrs. Vallance, £\ IDS. ; Miss Brimacombe, £^ ; and Mrs. Common, £\, Several small donations were also received. These sums together with the proceeds of the bazaar, and the collections, were sufficient to free these premises — erected but a few years since and still as good as new — ^from all encumbrance of debt. Other minor efforts Digitized by Google 474 KILKHAMPTON CIRCUIT. might be adverted to, that are not devoid of interest and Christiaii generosity, bat fearing to trespass farther on your space, I conclude. D. MU&LEY. KILKHAMPTON CIRCUIT. For about eighteen years this circuit has been engaged in repeating itself in chapel-building; about every two years a new chapel has been erected. At Providence, Kilkhampton, Eastcott, Bradworthy, Hartland, and Harbour Cross, new chapels have superseded the old ones. At Coombe, Bush, and Gooseham Mill, we have chapels instead of cottages. At Woodford and Woolfardisworthy new chapels are needed. The old chapel at Edistone being in such a state of dilapidation, the trustees and friends decided a few months since on building a new chapel and school-room. Mr. R. H. Beckle^, near Holsworthy, was instructed to prepare plans and spe- cifications. This bemg done, with few alterations the plans were adopted, and in about a fortnight the tenders of Messrs. E. Ellis and J. Shute, builders, Bideford, were accepted. The foundation-stone was laid on Friday, June 28th, by J. Haynes, Esq. Although members of another church ( Wesleyan) Mr. and Mis. Havnes are inte- rested in the prosperity of the Bible Christian denomination, ana many times have handsomely contributed to its funds. When I waited on him -unik a view, and presented the "compliments " of the trustees, he humourously said, "You must have a good deal of audacity or confidence to ask me to do such a thing." I replied, "Yes, sir, Confidence, inspired by former acts of kindness, &c." He readily consented. At 3 p.m., a large number of people assembled to witness the ceremony. After a hymn had been sung, prayer offered, and Scriptures read, in which R. Spencer, J. Coles, and E. V. Stephens took part, R. Spencer having stated the object of the meeting, and the reasons why the honour of laying the stone was conferred on ^. Ha^es, Esq., and his ready compliance with the request of the trustees ^ear, ear, m all directions), presented him, in the name of the trustees, with a nand- some trowel, silver-mounted, bearing the usual inscription, and also a mallet, and requested him to proceed. The mortar being spread, and the stone properly ad- justed, Mr. H. declared the stone " to be well and trulv laid, in the name of (rod the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.*' and deposited j^5 on the stone. (Mr. and Mrs. Hajmes had given before, and also made other promises for the bazaar, horse labour, &c.) Others having placed sums of mone^ on the stone, the congregation moved into the old chap«l, and £. V. Stephens, nom Torrington, preached a very appropriate and excellent sermon. About 200 took tea in Mr. Cook's bam (kindly lent for the occasion, and in which we hold our services until the chapel is opened), the provisions being given by Mesdames T. Walter, R. Heard, J. Burrows, J. Cory, W. Da3rmon, R. Hopper, and J. Pillman. A very interesting meeting was held in the evening — the last service in the old chapel— addressed by Messrs. J. Coles, E. V. Stephens, R. Spencer, and M. Hoare. The proceeds of the day amounted to jf 20. More would have been realised, but many of the friends had given already to the collectors. The chap>el will seat about eighty persons. The cost of chapel and school will be about /250. As all the people in the locality seem to be interested in the movement, ana tiie friends havmg promised to draw all the mason's materials free of charge, by the time the chapel is opened we hope there will not be more than one-third e clear. Will not some of our friends at home help us ? We are not a circuit, we are only one society. I earnestly appeal to the entire Denomination for help. Let one and all say that there shall be built, in the beautiful city of Christchurch, a church worthy of the Bible Christian denomination. All subscriptions to be for- warded to Mr. Bourne at once. Many of you will be coming to uiis country, and I am sure you will be pleased to see a noble " chapel." July 19th, 1878. W. H. KsAST. PORT ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Dear Br. Bourne.— -When I first came to this Colony I found it easy to write home to my English friends ; whether I could well spare the time or not, I could scarcely resist the impulse that often came upon me, to sit down and write them about customs and experiences new to me, and which I thought would be interest- ing to them. And though I find it difficult to write now, after being silent so long, it is not because my interest in my old home and my old friends has abated in the least. The old home feeling is as strong as ever, and my interest in all that relates to your welfare and success is unaltered. I have found some new friends on this side of the globe, and a great deal to interest and gladden me in my work, but nothing can obHterate the happy memories of earlier days. My appointment to Port Augusta from Kadina resulted most unfavourably for me. My health suffered seriously while there, on account of the intense heat, and arid atmosphere. And at the end of twelve months it was found necessary to remove me in order to prevent my being completely laid aside. This I vexy much regretted, because I felt that my work in Port Augusta was not done. But I know that the Lord could carry on His work without me, and I never before felt so much the need of health and strength in order to do the work of a Bible Christian Missionary. It was a great trial to me to be unable to join in singing with Grod's people for want of bodily 9trength, and to "ed -so utterly exhaasteci Digitized by Google PRAYER AND MISSIONS. 521 after a little work. But our removal to the Mount Torrens Circuit, was the means of a rapid and wonderful change in the state of my health. This little quiet, charming circuit is situated among the hUls, from twenty to thirty miles from Adelaide. The country is so picturesque, the air so salubrious, the circuit so quiet, that in a short time I could ride, and sing, and walk as well as I have ever been able to do. My appointments made it necessary forme to ride 15 or 16 miles every Sunday, and preach three times, which I did with comparative ease. I never felt greater pleasure m my work than while in this circuit ; it was a great pleasure to make known the gospel message to a great many who seemed eager to know the truth. The Lord was with us, and a considerable number of persons were brought into the church. Well, in this circuit we expected to remain our term, if our life was spared. And I am vain enough to believe that both preacher and people shared the same feeling and confidence in each other. And so my removal to Port Adelaide was both unexpected and painful ; but as it was the wish of the Committee, and the general opinion of the members of the Conference that I should be appointed there, I could not refuse. It will be a great surprise, no doubt, to persons in England, to know that a Bible Christian Minister had never before been stationed in the principal Port of the Colony, and probably it has been a mistake ; but Port Adelaide has never made such progress as within the last two or three years. In that short period, townships have been laid out, formed, and thickly populated in its vicinity. A great number of the houses are built of wood, and a whole street has sometimes been put up in a few months. We have never had a very strong hold of the Port. A small chapel was built about ten years ago on what is called Portland Estate, which is reaUy Port Ade- laide ; the AustrSian people have a strange tendency of giving a name to almost every section of land that is sold, and calling it a township. And so we have a considerable number of townships situated within a nule-and-a-half from the centre of Port Adelaide. Portland Estate chapel, being connected with the Bow- den Circuit, and the minister living so far away, never made any progress, and ultimately became so low that there was a great deal of talk about closing it alto- gether. I found only a few people, a small chapel sadly out of repair ; and this was the nucleus from which to start our new enterprise. I am thankful to say that our prospects in this place have very considerably im- proved ; the congregation has increased, and a few have been converted and joined the church. We have extended our work to Glanville — a township adjoining the Port ; have secured a piece of land in one of the principal streets ; and have let the contract for building a very nice chapel, that will cost, including land, ;f 1,100, capable of seating about 250 persons. The comer-stone is to be laid on Saturday, August 31st. This is a very promising enterprise. We have commenced preacn- ing in our own residence, and there is a good attendance. The Lord is with us, and so we are in good spirits, expecting to reap a good harvest. If any of our friends coming to this Colony will just drop me a line stating the name of the vessel in which they intend to sail, I will gladly meet them on their arrival, and may probably assist them to get into steady employment. Your sincere friend, August 6th, 1878. R. Kellky. PRAYER AND MISSIONS. A Missionary prayer-meeting is held at Lake, Shebbear, on the first Sunday in the month at 7 a.m., conducted by young men at the college preparing for the ministry, and other friends in the neighbourhood. Will friends in other places unite their earnest supplications on the same Sabbath for a blessing on the mission field ? " The harvest is plenteous." T. B. [Is it too much to ask or to expect that friends in every place will hold a Mis- sionary prayer-meeting evenr month. The first Monday in the month might be the most convenient time for people generally, and if it were known that there was general concert in prayer tor this particular object, surely the faith of many would be increased, and their enthusiasm be kindled into a mighty flame. — ^Ed.] Digitized by Google 5«* Briton Ferry. — The first anniversary of this chapel was celebrated on Sunday and Monday, October 6th and 7th. The circumstances were very unfavourable. The large tm-works in the town, emplo)dng several hundreds of hands, had been idle for three months, and at the iron-works 160 men have been dismissed, there being nothing for them to do. During the past three months eight of our most active and liberal members and several of the congregation have removed to other places to reside. Some of the friends thought it would be better to delay the anniversary for a short time, but the majority thought differently, and all agreed to do their best at once and to see in a few months what could be done by a special effort. £r. Smallridge, of Llantrissant, preached three excellent sermons on the Sunday. A tea-meeting followed on the Monday ; about 100 visitors sat down at the tables. A public-meeting was held at seven o'clock. Mr. Kimble, of Neath, presided, and in a short and appropriate speech introduced the following speakers : — E. V. Stephens, J. Smallndge, and J. Jeflfrey. A powerful and blessed influence seemed to rest upon all present. The chairman, previous to the makij^g of the collection, generously offered to give a donation equal to the amount given by the congregation, wnich was more than fulfilled. We hope when the accounts are made up to have a net balance, as the financial result of the anni- versary, of about ;f 9. J. Jeffrey. Weston-Super-Mare. — The Bible Christians in this town have held one of the most successful anniversaries they have ever had. Three sermons were preached on Sunday, Sept. 29th ; in the morning and evening by the Rev. D. Murley, and in the afternoon by the Rev. £. S. Shelton. The sermons were highly appreciated by the congregations, the attendance was excellent, and the collections double what they were last year. On Tuesday the annual tea meeting was held. Several friends had been working hard to secure a large party by the sale of tickets, so that more than 100 persons sat do¥m to a bountiful supply of tea and cake, pro- vided by Mr. H. Mulier, which was excellent in quality and gave general sati^ac- tion. At seven, a public meeting was held. Mr. W. Spencer, with his genial spirit, in an able manner presided on the occasion. The report, which was read by Mr. Thomas Dashwood, showed that owing to the transfer of deeds and other incidental expenses there was a balance due to the treasurer of£^ 14s. lod. The Rev. F. Hastings gave a humorous and interesting speech, interroersed with incidents that had come under his notice during his recent visit to Cornwall, which was much enjoyed by the audience. He spoke very highly of the labours of local preachers, and believed that they were doing a great work. The Rev. T. Gould endorsed the observations of the previous speaker. He stated that it would have been utterly impossible for him to have accomplished the work he did, while employ- ed as a missionary in the foreign field, had he not adopted the Methodist system of class leaders and local preachers. The Rev. D. Murley delivered a speech of great excellence on the obligations, motives, and rewards of Christian work, in- terspersed with several anecdotes that had a telling effect. The Rev. D. Davies expressed his surprise at being called on to make the collection speech. He ob- served that the various branches of the great Methodist family had acquired skill in that kind of work. The speaker, however, was found to tie the right man in the right place, as but few, we believe, could have performed the task better. After the usual votes of thanks, this deeply interesting meeting was brought to a dose. The collections and profits of the tea being in advance of those of last year, the chapel committee will be able, with the subscriptions, donations, and pew rents, to' pay off the balance due to the treasurer, and ;^io of the diapel debt. — Weston Mercury, Week St. Mary Circuit. — The anniversary oi St, Gennys chapel took place on Tuesday, September 17th. A sermon at three p.m. by Br. T. C. Jacob. Pro- visions, for the tea given. A public meeting under the presidency of Mr. Pethick, addressed by S. Tickel, T. C. Jacob, and 3ie writer. It was a good service. Miss Shepherd presided at the harmonium. Our friends are doing well at this place. Tresparrett chapel anniversary was held on Wednesday, Sept. i8th. Sennon Im Digitized by Google CHAPELS. 5x3 the afternoon at three, followed by a public tea. Provisions given. A good public meeting in the evening, under the presidency of our old friend Br. R. Coxy. Our friends have decided to pay off ;^I2 of their debt at once, and to hold a bazaar about Christmas to pay off ;^50 more. There is a good chapel in this p»lace, but a heavy debt. A nne congregation, and a pretty good society. All the sittings are let, and more wanted. The anniversary of Promdence chapel was held on Thursday, September 26th. Here our Friends have been in the habit of having the school and chapel anniver- saries together, but this year they have had them separate — ^a great improvement. Both were successful. Service in the afternoon, then a public tea, a good meeting followed, presided over by Mr. Herring (Wesleyan). Messrs. G. Strout, W. Tucker, T. C. Jacob, J. Cory, and J. Bendle took part. Mrs. Northy, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Harry, and Miss Coad presided at the tea tables. Our friends here have a mind to work. But we much want a revival all through the station. October sth, 1878. J. Bendle. New Brompton. — The anniversary of our chapel here was held on the 6th and 7th of October. Mr Allin, of London, preached two excellent sermons on the Sunday, which were highlv appreciated. The chapel was as full as it could be, forms put aU along the aisle. Collections considerably ahead of last year's. On tne Monday, a public tea was provided in the school-room, to which over two hundred sat down, and for tMFO hours the waiters worked hard. Tea being over, we repaired to the chapel for the meeting, which was a good one. Speakers, Bros. Allin, S. Jory, T. Davey, and R. Squire. Mr. Glover in the chair. The choir sang several interesting pieces. The anniversary was declared to be " quite a success." The total proceeds, including collections, donations, and profits of tea, were ;f 13 145.^ id., which is an advance upon last year oi £(> 9s. lod. The chapel, though lately enlarged to twice its original size, is not by any means large enough to accommodate the people. It is crowded on a Sunday evening. And . the school-room, though large, is not large enough for the school. Something ought to be done to enlarge our borders at once. The friends are in good heart, and we are all looking forth to a glorious future. Stoke. — ^The anniversary was held on the 6th and 8th of October. Sermons on the Sunday, by R. S(][uire, fair congregations, and collections good. On the Tuesday we haa a public tea, followed by a Meeting, which was presided over by Mr. Hooker, from Chatham, and addressed by S. Jory, T. Davey, J. Palmer, and R. Squire. The meeting was of the right sort. Its effect was good, and the old debt of ;f 100, which is of many years* standing, is to be removed. A good blow was aimed at it there and then, and promises were received amounting to between £\ 5 and ^f 20. Our prospects in this circuit are very cheering. At Chatham, as well as at New Brompton, we have a fine congregation. * What we now want is a revival. There are signs of a coming shower. A few have been added to our societies since the last Conference. New Brompton, Oct I2th. R. Squire. MiLLOM. — This chapel greatly needed alterations and improvements. Besides several minor improvements, the back end of the chapel outside has been cemented with two coats, tne two entrance doors closed and one large central entrance made, without a crack being caused, with vestibule inside, the partition being relieved by eight long plates of fluted glass, and a gas pendant in the centre. The work was let for /"Sj los. to Mr. W. Tomlinson, a member of the congregation, who has done his work very creditably. The re-opening services began with a tea and public-meeting on Saturday, Aug. 24th, when the brethren W. Whitham (Primi- tive), W. Hambly (Baptist), of Haverigg, J. Hender, R. Nicholas, W, James, and J. Harris, local preachers, gave addresses. On Sunday, Aug. 25th, three sermons were preached ; m the morning by Rev. W. Whitham ; afternoon and evening by Rev. W. Hambly. The chapel was very full at night. Collections and profits of tea, £^ 4s. 2d. This is considered good in the face of such low wages, and com- ing, as it did, exclusively from workmg people. Collecting books have been issued, and a bazaar is to be held on New Year's clay next. The anniversary of the chapel was celebrated on Sunday, Sept. 29thy when thq Digitized by Google 524 BEDMINSTBK NEW CHAPEL. Rev. G. H. HinchlifFe (United Methodist), Barrow, preached morning and even- ing, and the Rev. R. Jones (Welsh Presbyterian), of the town, in the after- noon. Splendid congregations assembled to hear the word of life. At the evening service the chapel was filled to excess. Annual tea on the following dar. The public meeting was well attended, and ably addressed by Revs. G. H. Hincn- liflfe, J. Todhunter (Wesleyan), J. Hender, and Mr. W. James. The report showed that the debt had been reduced jCio during the past year. ;^io more has been paid off since the anniversary. Collections and profits of tea /'lO 12s. gd. The chapel choir rendered very efficient aid at all the re-opening ana anniversary services. jAios Hkndkr. BEDMINSTKR HKW CHAPEL. MRS. TERRETT'S APPEAL. Dear Mr. Bourne, — No doubt you have been expecting to hear from me respecting THE THOUSAND GUINEAS. I am ghul to teU yon that I am getting on little by little, and if you could find a comer somewhere in the Magazine to say that I intend sending on a report to appear in December Magazine, and at the same time call attention to the advertisement, it would remmd those dear friends who have promised, to send on their donations,' and others who have not promised, but intend helping me, may be indnced to send on at once, so as to be in time for the report. Yovan very truly, S. M. Tkuueit. COLLEGE EXTENSION FUND. SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED. Previously acknowledged ;^776 11 ^ £ s. d. Mr. T. Harris, BuDcworthy -100 Br. T. Braund, 2nd instalment and an addition thereto -760 Mr. Christmas, Hartland -050 ;f S. d. Mr. J. Hicks, Hortknd -026 Rev. (3 Bs.) -090 Rev. Joseph Shaw - -100 Tonng friends at 'Wmkleigh 100 Dear Mr. Bourne, — The friends in the Denomination generally will be glad to hear that the College still prospers. At present there are 115 pnpils. It would be a truly delightful diing to see the premises free from debt, — and freed from debt they will no doubt be when our friends wake up to the importance of it. The list of subscriptions is smaU this month ; but we hope for better things. The friends will apply themselves soon, no doubt, to lift the weight of debt, so that the entire profit on working the College may be devoted to help candidates for the ministry. Trade is dull and has been so for a year or two ; if a change come, it must be for the better. May it soon be. We are, dear friends, Totirs faithfully, W. HIGMAN, Secretary. C. HOBBS, Treasurer. VALEDICTORY SERVICE. On Monday evening, the 19th instant, the members of the church and con- gregation worshipping at Union Street Chapel, Chatham, met to take leave Digitized by Google BRIEF NOTICES OF BOOKS. 525 of the Rev. J. O. Keen, who is leaving for Swansea. And if there can be any- thing gladdening about a farewell service, then most certainly the meeting was a happy one ; such pleasant things were said and such beautiful expressions used b^ the speakers respecting Mr. Keen as a pastor and a preacher, that all felt highly pleased ; but all who have made the acquaintance of the rev. gentleman, or who Know him as a preacher, are aware that the friends at Union Street have lost an eloquent preacher, an excellent pastor, and a real gentleman. The rostrum presented a pretty appearance, handsome bouquets being tastefully arranged on either side the desk. Short but appropriate addresses were given ;• the chair being filled by Mr. Hooker. One of the most pleasin? duties of the evening was weU performed by Mr. E. Brown, who on behsuf of the church presented Mr. Keen with a handsome escritoire. Mr. T. Bray, representing the class which for the past two years Mr. Keen has conclucted in the study of Theology and Biblical Homiletics, presented him with Tennyson's Poetical Works. Mrs. Keen, who has been a teacher in the Sunday-school, and is beloved both by teachers and scholars, was presented with a very pretty work-table ; the presentation was made by the Superintendent, Mr. Williamson, who spoke in high terms of Mrs. Keen as a Christian lady and a Sunday-school teacher. Br. J. Smith (Zion) congratu- lated the friends on the financial and spiritual prosperity with which they have been blessed during Mr. Keen's pastorate ; speaking for himself, he said ne felt extremely sorry to part from one who had been among his warmest friends. Mr. Keen's parting words were earnest and touching ; he sincerely thanked them for the very beautiful and useful presents, and their kindly expressions of appreciation and love. He reminded them of the good work which, by united action, they had already done, and trusted that still greater success would crown their future efforts. Commending them all to the care of God, he bade them an affectionate good-bye. Some appropriate hymns were sung during the evening, Mr. Thompson presidmg at the harmonium. — Chatham News* 77i€ Caravan and the lempUy and Songs of the TUgrims, Psalms cxx. — cxxxiv. By Edward Jewitt Robinson. Wesleyan Conference Office. (Price 3s. 6d.) An exposition of the <* Pilgrim Psalms,'' distinguished for its easy and yet forcible style, its apt illustrations, its vigorous thinking, and an indefinable spiritual charm. Here are two or three sentences to justify this high praise, which will reveal the character of the building as well as any single brick can do. " The man who walks in the ways of the Lord is happy in his family. * Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house,' — the inner sides of it which look upon the court. . . . The clinging vine is a symbol of attachment, grace, and fruitfulness, dressing the props and walls to which its clinging tendrils hold, with leaves that shade the verandah and cool the house, and enriching them with clusters of juicy fruit * that maketh glad the heart of man,' (Psalm civ. 15). The pious and loving wife, the screen, adornment, and crown of the God-fearing husband who is her support and strength, so spreads the table that, however plain, it is a feast ; so pours the water that it turns to wine ; so smiles that aU the room shines with comfort and pleasure ; so speaks that the house is full of charm- ing music ; so lives that the master is happy every where because most ^happy when at home." The Little Printer's Boy, The Gate and the Glory Beyond it, Gabriella ; or, The Spirit of Song, The White Rose of Deerham, FouK^of Hodder and Stoughton's Shilling Series, handsomely got up and most attractively^written. Digitized by Google 526 BRIEV NOTICES OV BOOKS. 7X/ Gnat AfostU; or, Pictures from the Life of St. Paul. A book for the young. By Rev. Jabez Maulat. Wesleyan Conference Office. (Price as.) Adui&ably done, and profusely illustrated. Light Amid the Shadows. By Mrs. Hutcheon. Wesleyan Conference Office. Will surely drop, as a word from heaven, into many a sorrowful and bruised soul, filling it with " calm sunshine " and hallowed deUgnt. Three People. By Pansy. People's edition. S. W. Partridge & Co. (Price IS. 6d., paper boards ; 2s. in cloth.) A STORY of American life, detailing the ravages of strong drink, so graphically told as to enchain the attention to the end, while the lessons are so well and forcibly, though not obtrusively, put, that all persons must be benefited, young men especially, by its perusal. Ten Nights in a Bar-Room^ and What I saw there. By T. S. A&thuk. John Kempster & Co. A CAPITAL, large-type, illustrated edition of this well-known and favourite Ixx^ Children's Worship, A book of Sacred Song for Home and School. Edited by Henry Allon, D.D. Hodder & Stoughton. (Cloth limp 8d.) Dr. Allen's rare qualifications for a work of this kind are wdl known, and, as might be supposed, are evidenced on almost every page of this *< Song-book " of nearly 500 pages. Dickinson^ s Theologicdl Quarterly. October. R. D. Dickinson. (Price 2s.) This number contains several very able articles, and is in every respect equal, we think, to the best of its predecessors. The Study and Homiletic Monthly. October. R. D. Dickinson. (Price is.) Much matter — varied in kind and in excellence — ^is compressed into this serial^ chiefly intended for the use of preachers. In the excellent suggestive commentary on St. Matthew's Gospel, we could have wished a sentence or two from the pen of the Rev. C. Stanford, had been introduced under the i6th verse of the 5th chapter. This is what he says, " There is a world of significance in the solemn poetry of inspiration which represents the people who have broken law as ' sitting m darkness and the shadow of death.' The shadow of death. Near, very near, to the spot where the shadow is the substance must l>e. As the lamb unaer the shadow of the lion ; as the dove tmder the shadow of the eagle ; as the fugitive under the shadow of the falling sword, so m?iy a spirit be under the shadow of death. Yet while men allow this in theory they deny it in practice. They naturally run from any other evil ; they naturally ieel no alarm at this, the greatest of all." Random Sketches. By Rev. Arthur Mursell. F. £. Longley. (Price 6d.) This is one of Longley* s Fireside series, and in his characteristic manner, Mr. Mursell briefly discourses " On Marrying," «' Trees," <