Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

said, "Mother, have not I a father? If I have, could not I see him like other children?" and she said this inquiry of the little child so touched her heart, that she was most anxious from that moment to accompany her husband. Thus, by the simple question of this little child, more was accomplished than could have been by the help of missionaries and solicitors, or magistrates and judges.

"On the following Sabbath, the public services were continued, and in the afternoon at the 'Lord's table' there was a large gathering, and perhaps as great a variety of race as could be seen on such an occasion in any other part of the world. It was, indeed, a cheering sight to see so many castes and races now composing one family and drinking of the same cup. From such a scene we realize more than we can elsewhere the unity of the Church of Christ.

"During the Conference week a missionary meeting was held. The chairman was Baboo Sadamanlla, the senior native deacon of the Church. The speakers were all natives, and the arrangements for the meeting were made by themselves. We are glad to see the lay element brought forward. One of the lay brethren, Baboo Das Rout, the teacher of the English school, acquitted himself remarkably well. One of the speakers was from the American Mission at Balasore; he is a native of this neighbourhood, but he had not seen Cuttack for several years; and as he expatiated on the altered circumstances of the Christian community in Cuttack, he became so excited, and seemed to have so much to say, that he would, if he had not been checked by the chairman, have continued his speech till midnight. No collection was made, but we hope this important item will not be forgotten next year.

on

"The Conference commenced Monday, the 14th of November, and was continued during the whole of the week. Very interesting communications were read by the secretary from the secretaries of the Religious Tract Society, the Vernacular Education Society, the Translation Society, and the American Tract Society. The mission in Orissa is much

indebted to the Bible and Tract Societies, both in England and America.

"A manuscript copy of a new hymnbook, in Oriya, was presented to the Conference by Ghonno Shyam, and it is an interesting fact that by far the greater part of these hymns are the productions of Oriya Christian poets. The Rev. J. Buckley reported the progress he had made in the revision of the Old Testament, and the Rev. J. Stubbins reported that he hoped soon to complete the new edition of the Pilgrim's Progress. Owing to the lack of funds, the Conference, we deeply regret to say, was unable to order the printing of any more tracts for the present.

"The Rev. J. Stubbins, however, was requested to prepare a tract on the worship of God, which will contain prayers suitable for different occasions. Heathen worship consists of vain and endless repetitions, and many persons who are inquiring after the truth are not unfrequently most anxious to be taught how to pray. Not a few instances have come under our own notice. Amongst such persons a tract of this kind will be eagerly received, and will, we are sure, be productive of incalculable good.

"There was an unusually large gathering of native preachers, assistant preachers, and colporteurs, on the day their appointments were made. When Gunga Dhor, whose eye is now dim with years, was asked the question, 'Where would he like to be stationed for the year ?' he quaintly replied, My mind says, Go here and go there, but my body says, Rest on your bed and sleep.'

66 At the close of this interesting service Thomas Barrick read a most elaborate paper on the duty of Christians to contribute to the cause of Christ. He received, as he richly deserved, the warmest thanks of the Conference. The paper, in a condensed form, will be printed for circulation amongst the native Christians. After the thanks of the Conference had been given to Thomas, Gunga Dhor took off his woollen jacket-a garment which he much needed at this season of the year-and laid it on the table before the chairman, saying, 'Money I have none, but this I give as a contribution to the

cause of Christ; let it be sold and its value given to the poor.' The chairman, much affected with the disinterestedness of the poor old man, begged him to take back the gift, as he knew he could not, without serious inconvenience, dispense with it. When the meeting broke up, we reminded Gunga of the time when he was the only native Christian in Cuttack, and the dear old man became so excited, as he spoke of the wondrous things God had wrought, that we could scarcely restrain him.

"One very valued native brother has been called away during the year. He died at Berhampore, He was an excellent preacher, and his life was a living exemplification of the doctrines he taught.

"A favourable report was given by the examiners and tutors of the students in the Mission College.

"The reports from some of the stations were of a pleasing character. At Riplee there had been several additions from the heathen, and two or three of the converts had given unmistakeable evidence of their sincerity, in the sacrifices they had made, and in the persecutions they had en

GENERAL.

dured. The Rev. A. Miller, of Balasore, gave a very interesting account of the Northern Orissa Mission. At all the stations there had been evident signs of progress. At Millnapore, a new chapel had been erected, and on the day of its dedication services were conducted in: Oriya, Bengalee, and Santal. The Rev. O. R. Bachelor, M.D., had established a goodly number of schools in the Santal country, and there were openings for

more.

"The Rev. W. Hill, of Berhampore Ganjam, owing to the embarrassed state of the finances of the mission, is retiring for a season. The Conference very warmly commended him to the Churches in England. It was to all the brethren a source of the deepest regret, that not less than two brethren have been com pelled to quit the field in consequence of the inability of the committee to sustain them. When the fields are white over to the harvest, it is sad indeed to remove the reapers. Instead of decreasing our staff of missionaries, they ought to be increased tenfold."

Intelligence.

It seems likely that the history of the present Parliamentary session throughout will be of small interest or importance. This month, like the last, has been undistinguished by a single feature of political value; and we look back to it in vain to find even a single measure to which we can think it worth while to direct the attention of our readers. It is said that Parliament will be dissolved at the beginning of July. Till then, both the Government and the House seem determined to do nothing beyond carrying on the ordinary business of the country.

American affairs continue to excite deep interest. The speech of Mr. Lincoln, on his entrance on his second Presidency, was singularly appropriate, and distinguished by the most Christian and patriotic feeling. Sherman's progress continues all but unopposed, and it is expected that Lee must soon retire from Richmond. One thing we regretnamely, that the constitutional amendment, to which we referred last month, has not as yet received the requisite ratification from two

thirds of the States. Only eighteen have as yet voted for it, while twenty-five are neces sary; and three of those whose vote was counted on by the friends of the measure New Jersey, Delaware, and Kentucky, have thrown it out. The ultimate adoption of the amendment is certain, but it may now be two or three years before the requisite number of States join in the ratification.

The case of Bishop Colenso is at last de cided. The committee of Privy Council, by whom the judgment was given, did not enter at all into the merits of the case: what they decided was that the Bishop of Capetown, by whom Dr. Colenso was deposed, had no eccle siastical jurisdiction whatever, and that his act of deposition was therefore null and void. Of course there is nothing now to prevent Bishop Colenso from returning as soon as he pleases to Natal, where he will no doubt train up, by his nurture and admonition, & race of very intelligent unbelievers.

The case of Dr. Colenso is another illustration of the unfortunate position of ecclesiastical affairs. Every month, almost every day,

[ocr errors]

furnishes fresh evidence of the evils resulting from the alliance between the Church and the State. Many of our readers have already heard of the step that has been determined on by the Baptist Union in regard to that alliance. It has been decided to recommend general petitioning in favour of "an inquiry' into the whole subject. This is a request that ought not to be refused. We trust that the committee of the Union will be fully sustained in this important movement.

[ocr errors]

We are glad to announce that most of the arrangements have been made in regard to the approaching anniversaries of our Societies. The introductory prayer meeting will be held in the Mission-house on Thursday morning, 20th April, the Rev. H. Dowson, of Bradford, to preside. On the same evening, the Rev. J. Prichard, D.D., of Llangollen, will preach the annual sermon, on behalf of the Baptist Missionary Society, to the Welsh residents in London. On Lord's-day, the 23rd, sermons will be preached in the various chapels in the metropolis. The annual members' meeting of the Mission will be held on Tuesday, the 25th, the chair to be taken at ten o'clock. On Wednesday the annual sermons will be preached by the Rev. George Gould, of Norwich, and the Rev. William Arthur, M. A., Secretary of the Wesleyan Mission. The annual public meeting will be held in Exeter Hall, the chair to be taken by the treasurer, Sir Morton Peto, Bart., M.P., at eleven o'clock. The Revs. C. Vince, C. Bailhache, R. Macmaster, Dr. Tidman, Secretary of the London Mission, W. Sampson, expected to arrive from Serampore, and other brethren, are expected to take part in the proceedings. We hope that the meetings will be all of them largely attended, and accompanied with much blessing from on high.

DOMESTIC.

DARLINGTON.-Induction and welcome services were held here on Thursday and Friday, February 23rd and 24th, in connection with the settlement of Mr. J. H. Gordon, late of Astley-bridge, Bolton, as pastor of the Archer-street Church. At half-past two on Thursday afternoon, the Rev. Alex. McLaren, B.A., of Manchester, preached in the chapel, the Rev. W. Walters, of Newcastle, taking the devotional exercises. The chapel was filled; and the sermon, founded on the 132nd Psalm, and delivered in the preacher's best style, was listened to with rapt attention. At half-past five a public tea party was held in the Mechanics' Hall, and between 300 and 400 persons sat down to tea. After tea a public meeting was held, under the presidency of George Williamson, Esq., of North Shields. Mr. J. Williamson, senior deacon, made a statement on behalf of the church; and Mr. Gordon responded. Then followed a series of

highly interesting addresses, from the Rev. H. Kendal (Independent), as representing the ministers of the town; the Rev. W. Hanson, of South Shields, as representing the ministers of the neighbourhood; the Rev. W. Walters, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, as representing the Northern Association; the Rev. A. McLaren, B.A., as representing the Association of Lancashire and Cheshire; and the Rev. G. W. Conder, late of Leeds, the spiritual father of the new pastor. On the following (Friday) evening, the services were brought to a close by a sermon from the Rev. G. W. Conder, in the chapel. Mr. Conder delivered the identical sermon which was blessed of God to Mr. Gordon's spiritual enlightenment and blessing (John xiv. 8, 9), and the chapel was crowded, to the occupation of the aisles.

SHEEPSHED, LEICESTERSHIRE.-On Tuesday evening, March 7th, a meeting was held at the Baptist Chapel, Sheepshed, for the purpose of presenting a testimonial, accompanied by a purse containing nearly sixty sovereigns, to the Rev. J. Bromwich, the esteemed pastor of the Baptist Church in that place, who for thirty-seven years has proclaimed to them "the unsearchable riches of Christ," with great acceptance and usefulness. The chapel was beautifully decorated for the occasion, and a large company sat down to tea at five o'clock, after which a public meeting was convened, when the Rev. T. Bumpus, of Loughborough, was called to the chair. The meeting was opened by singing a hymn, and prayer by Mr. Black. The chairman stated the object of the meeting, and proceeded, at the request of the committee, to read the testimonial. Mr. B. Christian, ono of the deacons, was then called upon to make the presentation to Mr. Bromwich, which ho did in a most appropriate and affectionate manner. Mr. Bromwich having intimated his grateful acceptance of this valuable present, and his hope that this mark of esteem would tend to "stir up the smouldering fires of life," and to encourage his devotion and zeal, the chairman successively called upon the Revs. E. Stevenson, G. Hester, and J. Mason, of Loughborough, and the Rev. J. Barnett, of Blaby, to address the meeting. The speeches delivered by these gentlemen were of a more than ordinarily thoughtful and interesting character, and were listened to with profound attention.

SCARBOROUGH.-The friends statedly assembling for Christian worship in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, Scarborough, have just completed the first year of their present ecclesiastical existence. On Sunday, March 5th, the anniversary sermons were preached morning and evening by the Rev. J. Acworth, LL.D., now residing in Scarborough; and on the following Wednesday evening a meeting,

John Barry, Esq., in the chair, was held for the purpose of inviting a minister of the denomination to the pastorate, and of concerting measures for providing at once a permanent religious home. It was stated by the treasurer that all the expenses hitherto incurred by this effort to establish another Baptist church in this rapidly-extending town had been fully met, owing mainly to the all-butgratuitous manner in which the students of Rawdon College, as well as ministerial brethren generally, had rendered their official services; but also in part to the spontaneous pecuniary aid of one or two friends at a distance. It was further intimated that an eligible plot of ground for the erection of a chapel is on the eve of being secured; and that as soon as any fair proportion of assistance from without is promised the erection will be proceeded with. The friends on the spot are prepared to do their very best, but to do the work alone is beyond their power.

prayer

CHENIES, BUCKS.-On Thursday, March 16th, services were held in connection with the settlement of the Rev. W. C. Ellis, as pastor of the Baptist church, Chenies. A large number of ministers and friends partook of tea in the schoolroom. The public meeting was held at half-past six o'clock, under the presidency of J. J. Smith, Esq., of Watford, who, after a hymn had been sung, and offered by the Rev. J. Lawton, of Berkhampstead, delivered a kind and appropriate address, declaring his attachment to Chenies and the church of Christ assembling there, and cordially welcoming the pastor to his new charge. Addresses of hearty welcome were delivered by the Revs. J. Butcher, of Weston Turville; R. Bayne, of Rickmansworth; T. Peters, of Watford; J. Preston and J. H. Snell, of Chesham; and G. Warne, of Sarratt. Mr. Ellis also addressed the meeting. During the evening several suitable pieces were sung by the choir.

ALLERTON, YORKS.-A large and enthusiastic meeting of the friends of the Rev. W. E. Winks, the newly-elected pastor of the Baptist church in this village, was held on Monday, Feb. 6th. Upwards of 400 persons took tea together on the occasion. After tea, the chair was taken by Samuel White, Esq., one of the deacons, who, on behalf of the church, gave Mr. Winks a cordial welcome into their midst. Highly interesting and appropriate addresses were also given by the Revs. R. Hardy, of Queensbury; B. Wood and H. Beevers, of Bradford; L. Barrass, of Rawdon College; D. Calvert (Independent), of Allerton; and Q. Parnaby (Independent), of Wilsdon, The pastor then thanked the church, the congregation, and the ministers, for the hearty welcome they had given him, and expressed a hope that his union with the church at Allerton would prove a mutual blessing,

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.-On Sunday, Feb. 12th, the Rev. J. Grenwood, B.A., of University College (late of Chilwell College), commenced his labours as pastor of the Baptist church, Bourne, Lincolnshire.-Mr. W. Wheeler, of Minster, near Witney, has accepted an invitation from the church at Lechlade, Gloucestershire.-The Rev. W. K. Armstrong, B.A., of Berwick, has accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the Baptist church, Mint-lane, Lincoln.-The Rev. J. Thomas, of Amlwch, has accepted a unanimous invitation to

become the minister of the church at Moriah Chapel, Dowlais, Glamorganshire.—The Rev. A. Peet has accepted the pastorate of the church meeting in the old Baptist Chapel, Sharnbrook, Beds.-The Rev. G. Pung, of Glemsford, has accepted the pastorate of the church at Ebenezer Chapel, Cottenham, Cambs.-The Rev. J. Parish has accepted the pastorate of the church at Okeington, Cambs.-The Rev. W. Samuel, of Rhuddlan, has accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation from the Baptist church at Cwmbach. Aberdare.-The Rev. R. G. Moses, B.A., of Lymington, has accepted an invitation to the pastorate of the church at St. Clements, Norwich.-Mr. James Williams, of the College, Haverfordwest, has accepted the unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the churches, Hebron and Soar, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire.-Mr. H. A. James, of the Metropolitan Tabernacle College, has accepted the unanimous invitation of the church at Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire.-The Rev. T. Phillips a few weeks since publicly announced his intention of resigning the pastoral charge of the church at Earl's Barton at the close of the present month. His address is No. 2, St. Philips'-terrace. Kensington, W.-The Rev. J. L. Whitley, of East Dereham, Norfolk, has accepted the cordial invitation of the church in Great George-street, Salford.-Mr. D. T. Phillips, of Haverfordwest College, has received and accepted a cordial and unanimous invitation to become the pastor of Lantwitt Major Baptist church.-The Rev. H. Watts, of Golcar, has resigned the pastorate of the church at that place, and has accepted the call of the church at Stanningley, near Leeds. -Dr. Emlyn Jones has resigned the charge of the church at Salem, Cardiff, and has taken to that of the Tabernacle, Merthyr. address is, Thomastown, Merthyr.-The Rev. W. K. Dexter has resigned the pastorate of the church at Thurleigh, Beds.-The Rev. E. S. Pryce, B.A., has resigned the pastorate of the church at Windmill-street, Gravesend, which he has held for upwards of twenty years. Mr. Thomas Henry Holyoak, of Bristol College, has accepted the invitation of the Bath-street Church, Glasgow, to the pasto rate vacant by the removal of Mr. Boulding to London.

His

THE CHURCH.

"Built upon the foundation of the "Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone."

MAY, 1865.

THE CHRISTIAN IN THE SANCTUARY.

BY REV. N. HAYCROFT, M.A.

ALTHOUGH it is a gratifying feature of the times that attendance on public worship is increasing, there is in some quarters danger of mistaking its character, and exaggerating its importance. Outward rites were so extensively imported into Christian worship by the Church of Rome that the relics of their influence still linger amongst Protestants; large numbers regard their presence in the sanctuary as more acceptable to God than their worship in the family or in solitude, and confound an observance of religious solemnities with the culture of the inner life. From an erroneous view of public worship the working classes are urged to attend early morning service in the churches, and the daily reading or chanting of the Liturgy is deemed acceptable to God, although there may be no spectators of the performance; while many persons think that regularity in public worship constitutes them devout, though their lives are unadorned with the beauties of holiness.

In view of such errors it is needful to remark that "God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth." No worship is accepted by Him unless it spring from penitence and faith; and true worship, the communion of the soul with the Father of Spirits, is everywhere acceptable. There is nothing in the sanctuary to render it more acceptable there; it is as grateful to the ear of Deity when offered in privacy or in the domestic circle, as in the cathedral or the chapel. To secure the acceptance of his worship, or to enable him truly to unite in the worship of others, a man must be devout before he enters the house of prayer; the condition of his mind, not the sanctity of the place, is the indispensable element.

In the case of multitudes public worship and true religion have obviously no connection with each other. The participation of some persons in religious observances is an unmeaning ceremony, perhaps a profanation. On the part of others the worship is only a pleasing ceremony, which charms the ear, awakens a dreamy sensibility, or ministers a voluptuous gratification; there is in their minds no reverence or faith, no realizing the invisible, no prostration of the soul before their infinite Creator. It is possible to attend

« AnteriorContinuar »