Sivut kuvina
PDF
ePub

vital importance, that I trust to your indulgence for stating the following reasons for every sincere believer exerting himself to the uttermost to promote this union.

1st. That the whole Church of Christ in its present position, is in a state of sinful disobedience to the command of our blessed Lord, to "love one another." The guilt connected with this state will lay as a heavy burden upon the conscience of every one who reflects upon the frequency and urgency with which this command is enforced, and the little regard which has, in practice, been shown to it. For who that sincerely asks himself, Have I loved my Christian brethren with the love wherewith my blessed Saviour has loved me, but must feel guilty? And feeling his guilt, he will desire that this burden may be removed. Whilst, therefore, he entreats forgiveness for the past, his aim will be that his love may be fervent for the future; believing that the insensibility of Christians to this burden may have been one great cause why our prayers have not met with greater acceptance.

2ndly. That the great Jehovah delights in union: whilst there is a diversity in all his works, his purpose is unity-"to gather together in one all things in Christ," to make Him the Head over all to his Church. The Lord has also revealed our future blessedness to us by unity-one Father's house-one city-one country -one kingdom-one King over all, who is King of kings and Lord of lords; therefore, as we promote union, we are in our degree following the divine mind-using our endeavours to bring all into one bond of brotherly love.

3rdly. That whilst the Lord Jehovah delights in union, it is very dear to the heart of our blessed Saviour, he not only giving this as his new commandment, but making it the subject of his last prayer. Doing this in this very affecting manner, that if the belief and knowledge which are mentioned in John xvii., 21 and 23, are saving belief and knowledge, then our Lord seems to suspend the blessedness of the world upon the love of

his people. If it be only a belief and knowledge of conviction, then the glory of our Saviour is connected with it—the love manifested by his people being the proof to the world of his Messiahship. Whichever mode of interpretation, therefore, is adopted, it proves that the advancement of Christian union is of the first import

ance.

4thly. That the promoting Christian union is in perfect accordance with the ordination vows of the Church of England, and with her devotional liturgy. At our ordination for the priesthood, the Bishop asks, Will you maintain and set forwards, AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, quietness, peace, and love among ALL CHRISTIAN PEOPLE?

66

Previously also to receiving the Lord's Supper, the first prayer which we offer to the Divine Majesty is, Beseeching Thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all they that do confess Thy Holy Name, may agree in the truth of Thy Holy Word, and live in unity and godly love." When, therefore, clergymen are promoters of Christian union, they are carrying out their ordination vow, and all other members of our Church are acting in conformity to their frequent prayers.

5thly. The great benefits which would follow such a Scriptural union. It would put to silence the cavils of those who now speak so loudly against the party spirit of Christians. It would much lessen those angry strifes and contentions, which, alas! at present subsist between different members of the Church of Christ. It would promote a kind and courteous spirit in the ordinary affairs of life; remove the prejudices which distance and strangeness occasion, lead to an earnest desire that those conscientious differences which now keep them from a full union, might, if possible, be removed, and produce friendly discussions upon such subjects, instead of hostile disputes-each desiring that the Lord would give clearer light to his people, that they might at length have the same mind in all things."

6thly. It would enable Christians more readily to realize their final blessedness-that happy day when we shall see "eye to eye," and when clothed "in robes made white with the blood of the Lamb," we shall all stand before the same throne, and unite in the same song.

These are some of the reasons which I would respectfully offer to you, my beloved brethren, which should lead sincere Christians to use their efforts to promote the Scriptural union of all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. And as this cannot be expected without an abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit, it forms a very powerful motive for uniting in this concert for prayer, on the first day of the New Year, the more especially as the spirit of brotherly love, mutual forbearance, and harmonious concord and unanimity, which, as I am informed by persons who were present, was manifest at the late meeting at Liverpool for promoting Christian union, warrants the pleasing hope that this gracious God, whose name is "Love," and who is ever ready to hear the prayers of his faithful people, will vouchsafe a gracious answer to our petitions.

Bearing, then, in mind that the same general causes which have led to previous concerts for prayer, on the first day of the New Year in former years still remain, let me request you to reflect upon the various important events connected with the present period to which I have referred, as calling for special prayer for the abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit; and giving them the weight which I trust they merit, cheerfully accept this TENTH INVITATION FOR PRAYER, ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 1ST, 1846.

The following suggestions are respectfully offered, to assist those who are desirous of this union:

I. Let Christians follow the example of our blessed Lord, (Mark i. 25) who rose up a great while before day for secret prayer. Let them thus secure the blessing of Him who says, "Pray to thy Father which seeth in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

II. Let them call upon the Lord in their families, for his Spirit to be poured upon themselves and their households, their neighbours, their country, including Great Britain and Ireland, and our Colonies, the ministers of the Lord, the Churches of Christ, and more especially the Jerusalem Mission, the remnant of scattered Judah and outcast Israel, and upon the Gentile world.

III. Where circumstances will admit of a morning service, let the congregation be assembled, and, in addition to the appointed prayers and a suitable sermon, let all who are devoutly disposed partake together of the Supper of the Lord-or, as may be more convenient, let the whole congregation meet in the evening for public worship, and let an appropriate discourse be preached.

IV. Let the ministers of the Lord meet on the following day, with their brethren of their own communion, in earnest prayer for themselves, their flocks, the whole body of Christ, and the world at large; and then especially consult together upon the most effectual means for hastening the coming of the Lord's kingdom, and particularly for the continuance of such a general concert for prayer, that the year may proceed according to this devout commencement.

May the Lord accompany these means of grace, or such others as may be adopted, with his abundant blessing! Oh, may it indeed be a season of special refreshment from the presence of the Lord!

Let this be the prayer of all who read this paper; and as the new year is now approaching, it would be a great kindness if those who approve the object, and have influence over the press, would republish and circulate this invitation, which any one, into whose hands it may fall, has full permission to do.

Peace be with all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity!

Thus prays their affectionate brother, and servant in the Lord,

JAMES HALDANE STEWART.

St. Bride's, Liverpool.

Intelligence.

LIVERPOOL INSTITUTION FOR POOR INQUIRING JEWS.

AT a Public Breakfast, in 1838, at which there were about sixty persons present, one half, at least, of whom were clergymen, The Rev. Chancellor Raikes introduced a subject which at once commended itself to the friends of Israel, namely, the great desirableness of doing something to relieve the temporal distress, and the consequent anxiety of mind, of poor, inquiring Jews, (whose numbers were evidently increasing,) and so enable them to enter upon the important consideration with less distracted minds. This subject was so acceptable to all present, and so cordially received, that a committee was immediately formed; and it was determined to take a house as an Asylum for the poor wanderers, and place in it, as Superintendent, a pious married man. This was intended as an experiment for one year; at the end of which it was to be continued, or given up, as circumstances might incline the committee to determine.

The success which attended the labours of the Superintendent, (a pious and learned baptized Israelite,) was of the most encouraging kind; and had equal success attended the pecuniary department, the course of the Committee would have been clear. But this was so far from being the case, that towards the close of the year the Treasurer was £200 in advance to the Society, and the annual subscriptions did not amount to onefourth of the expenditure. Under these circumstances the committee were placed in a painful position, being most reluctant to abandon an Institution, which, under God, had been instrumental in bringing some of His ancient people out of the darkness of Rabbinical Judaism into the glorious light and liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: and yet the deplorably inefficient state of their finances seemed to leave them no alternative. However, as faithful soldiers of

the Cross, they could not abandon the vantage ground from whence they had so successfully assailed the enemy, without a struggle.

[ocr errors]

The struggle, however, was not now with the enemy, but with the Captain of their salvation in earnest prayer, that He would incline the hearts of His Gentile people to "come over and help them" in their "work of faith and labour of love," amongst their elder brethren, the Jews. Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give him no rest,' &c. Persevering prayer was offered up for some weeks without any apparent answer, and the committee were called together to come to a final decision. During the few intervening days between the date of the notice and their meeting, several large sums, besides a number of smaller ones, were unexpectedly received by the treasurer, with promises of support if they would only "be strong and of good courage," and go on trusting in the Lord. With such encouragements the committee did not hesitate to take the house for another yearand their faith was abundantly rewarded-for in little more than a week the debt of £200 was paid off, and the annual subscriptions increased by £100. This increased income, however, was scarcely equal to onehalf the expenditure; yet, notwithstanding, it frequently happened that the treasurer did not know from month to month where the supplies were to come from, they never failed during a period of two years and a half.

So much for the origin of the Institution, and the experience of the Lord's dealing with it. And it may be necessary to say a few words as to the employment of its inmates. They are required to rise at an early hour, and after cleaning the knives, &c., assemble for family worship at eight o'clock, after which they breakfast.

From nine to eleven they are engaged with the Superintendent, examining into the truths of Christianity. From eleven to one they receive secular instruction from Mr. Margoliouth, (another learned and pious Christian Jew, an under-graduate of Trinity College, Dublin,-now an ordained minister and who, it is interesting to know, was the first inquirer that entered the Institution); this consists of reading and writing the Hebrew, German, and English languages grammatically; Mosheim's Church History; Lardner's Outlines of General History, Geography, &c. The study of these subjects occupies the remainder of the day until evening, when Mr. Lazarus, the Superintendent, resumes his labours amongst them, which continue till the supper hour, after which the day is closed with prayer, and they retire to their humble beds about nine. Their diet and lodging are of precisely the same character as those of the Liverpool Workhouse, which, with the strict discipline of the Institution, experience has proved to be sufficient tests of the sincerity of those who remain

after a few days' trial. The system of instruction, it is hoped, will qualify some of them for entering the new Hebrew College, Palestine-place, where they will be prepared for ordination as Missionaries; and others may be fitted to labour amongst their brethren in our large towns, which at present are entirely neglected.

Upwards of 600 Jews have called upon the Superintendent, to all of whom he has set forth the Word of Life.

One hundred have entered the Institution, and forty-five have been baptized at their own urgent desire. In addition to these, some who had left without having been baptized, have since been admitted to that sacred ordinance; and there is reason to believe that the good seed sown at the Institution has taken root in the hearts of many others.

[The Editor strongly recommends this valuable Institution to his readers. He will be happy to receive contributions, or they may be sent direct to the Secretary, J. Rigby, Esq., Sandon Terrace, Liverpool.

POPERY.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM

DINGLE.

Sep. 22, 1845. PRIEST Mathew came to town on

Saturday night at 11 o'clock (20th September), to desecrate the Sabbath day by administering the pledge. A ball took place last night (Sunday) at the Temperance rooms. Invitations were sent to all the liberal Protestants. Two of the most respectable went. Dancing was kept up all night. I send you a specimen of a ball-ticket, not of last night, but of last January, to show that Sabbath night balls are not an unusual thing with the "True Church" members! "On Sunday Night, the 16th January, will be held a Dance at Redmond Barnet's in the Green Cow, for the Benefit of Joanna Slattery. Ladies and Gentlemen at option."

DECEMBER-1845.

PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.
Founded 1835.

THE object for which this Associapledged by its principles, is, to uphold tion was formed, and to which it is and maintain in their integrity, the Protestant Institutions of the country in Church and State; as will appear from the following fundamental resolutions, to which your attention is earnestly requested.

I. That the influence of true religion over a people forms the best security for their individual rights, and the surest basis of national prosperity.

II. That the British Constitution acknowledges in its principle and laws the Sovereignty of Almighty God, and the supreme authority of His Holy Word, and has provided for the Scriptural Instruction of the

4 c

people by its religious Establishments.

III. That in opposition to this principle of the Constitution, doctrines have of late been propagated that religion is unconnected with the duties of Legislation that in the eye of the State all religions are alikeand that support should be equally given or denied to all.

IV. That under cover of these doctrines, the members of the Church of Rome are zealously exerting themselves to destroy the Protestant character of the Constitution, and that the first object to which they direct their efforts is the overthrow of the Established Churches, as forming the main obstacles to their ulterior designs.

V. That to counteract these efforts, all who venerate the Word of God, and value the British Institutions, should be called on to co-operate in pointing out to the people the peculiar dangers of the present time, and in taking measures to inspire them with a just sense of the benefits and blessings of the Protestant Constitutution.

The present times are critical and alarming. Romanists, united and active in pursuing their objects, are taking advantage of the supineness and disunion of Protestants.

The Parliament of this Protestant country has undertaken to educate 520 students for the Romish priesthood. That is to say, 520 persons, whose sworn and religious duty it will be to teach and propagate Popery to the utmost of their power: to teach and propagate the Creed of Pope Pius IV.: doctrines, which this nation, by the solemn oath and subscription of its Sovereign, declares to be false, superstitious, and idolatrous; as also a large proportion of our legislators in both Houses of Parliament, have sworn them to be; to teach

66

blasphemous fables and dangerous deceits," and that which is "idolatry to be abhorred of all faithful Christians." (See Article XXXI. of the Church of England, and Note at the end of the Communion Service.)

In other words. by sanctioning, endowing, and taking into connexion with itself the Romish College of

Maynooth, this professedly Protestant State and Government involves itself in the guilt of teaching and maintaining,

1. The gross idolatries, Antichristian doctrines, and superstitions of the Church of Rome. (See the Creed of Pope Pius VI., and the Decrees of the Council of Trent.)

2. The necessarily demoralizing and soul subjugating system of the Confessional.

3. Perjury and Jesuitical evasion of all oaths and obligations.*

4. Intolerance and persecution: the extermination of Protestants, and of all whom the Church of Rome is pleased to call heretics. (See M'Ghee's "Laws of the Papacy.")

5. Sedition and rebellion against a Protestant Sovereign, and the prostration of the independence of Great Britain at the feet of the Pope. (See "Digest of Evidence on the State of Ireland," Part II.; and the Bull Unam Sanctum.)

6. Herewith, the most determined efforts to subvert the Church of England, and the profession of Protestant truth in these lands, and to frustrate the labours of Protestant Missionaries throughout the world. (To this the Romish priests are bound by their principles and oaths.)†

In addition to this, leading Members of Her Majesty's Government have expressly declared in Parliament, that on religious grounds they see no objection to the endowment of the Romish priesthood in Ireland.

For this, the present Government, it is evident, are only watching their opportunity, whilst others are prepared at once to go all lengths in the endowment of Popery. If the Protestants of Great Britain should become careless and supine, that opportunity will be given: and it will be seized without delay. There is no finality in the grant to Maynooth College. The contest is not over.

It

*See "The Nature and Obligation of Oaths in the Church of Rome." Dublin: Grant and Bolton. 1844.

† See publications of the Protestant Association, Nos. 4, 5, 6, 15, 19, 25. 38, 40, 43, 46, &c., &c.; Vols. III., VII., and IX., &c., in which all the above points are fully proved.

« EdellinenJatka »