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Life of Henry Stilling.-Missionary and Education Society. 279

By this providential dispensation, ||But God reigns. It is the Lord's do our church in this state has been de-ing, and we bow submissive to his prived of one of her most distinguish-dispensations.

ed and devoted Ministers.

Doct.

Schaeffer combined many excellent

qualities in his character, which caus

Life of Henry Stilling, translated

and we hope, that our learned friend who is engaged in this enterprise, may meet with that liberal encouragement, which he so justly deserves. To such of our readers as are unacquainted with the work, we would merely state, that it is very popular in Germany, and has been extensively circulated in this country. In the language of the Prospectus, " it breathes a spirit of piety, is replete with remarkable and highly interesting incidents, and represents to us the character and life of

ed him to be much beloved by his||from the German by Rev. Doct. Hafriends, and respected by all his ac-zelius.-We are pleased to hear that quaintances. In his profession, he this celebrated work is about to be was a burning and shining light.- translated into the English language His talents and services in the cause, to which he so faithfully devoted himself, and for which he sacrified his life, will long be held in grateful remembrance by the friends of our church. His zeal was ardent, his devotion entire, and as long as God gave him strength, he was constant and unwearied in his labors for the glory of his Divine Master and the salvation of souls. As he approached the borders of eternity, he experienced many severe trials and sufferings; but he was cheered by that joy of hope, which raises the immor-a christian, whom God conducted tal spirit high above the pains and through many severe trials and diffisufferings of its decaying tenement. culties." We have received the We learn, that a short time previous to proposals for the publication of the his departure, he expressed his appre-work, and offer them to our friends hensions, that as his end approached for their patronage. The work is to he would be too weak to give such be printed in one volume of 400 or manifestations of his faith as he wish-450 pages octavo-it will be pubed; but that after having continued lished as soon as 500 subscribers shall for some hours in a state, in which he appeared unable to speak, he suddenly revived, exclaiming, "victory, victory," and then folded his arms over his breast, and expired.

have been procured, and afforded to them for one dollar and fifty cents.

Missionary and Education Society. In this triumphant manner died -The third annual Meeting of the this worthy brother. His loss wili Domestic Missionary and Education be universally felt and deeply la- Society of the Lutheran Church in mented through the church. All the state of New York, will be held who love the cause of our Evangel-at Schoharie (C. H.) on Wednesday ical Zion, have reason to mourn the the 4th of May next.

The annual fall of a main pillar of her strength. sermon before the society, will be

preached the Rev. J. Z. SENDER- the Magazine was published by the LING, of Brunswick. The Board of Conference, know how to estiDirectors will submit a Report of mate its influence, in promoting the It was then their proceedings during the past interests of our cause. year. The officers for the ensuing extensively circulated and liberally year will be chosen, and other impor-patronised. It has always supported tant business of the Society transacted. itself. While it was under the diA general attendance of the officers rection of the Board, it was sustainand members of the Society, anded without any expense to the SociRepresentatives from Auxiliary So-ety, and it might have been continucieties is expected.

having presented themselves for the ensuing year, it was thought advisable by the Board to discontinue it, after the expiration of the present year. The Editor, in taking leave of his readers, offers them his best wish

begs those who have favored him with their friendly assistance in conducting this work to accept his grateful acknowledgments.

Selected.

ed on the terms upon which it was hitherto published without drawing on the funds of the Society; but the With this number, our edito-printer having considerably advanced rial labors will terminate. The Mag-in his terms, and editorial difficulties azine was first commenced by the Western Conference of Lutheran Ministers and Candidates in the State of New York, and published by them for 3 years. It was then transferred by the Conference to the Board of Directors of the Dom. Miss. and Ed-es for their future welfare, and he ucation Society of the Luth. Church in the State of New York, for the benefit of the Society. The last year it was published under the direction of the Board. And now, after four years labor in this cause, we think that we can safely say, that the Magazine has disappointed none of the hopes, with which it was commenced by the Conference, and continued by the board of Directors to this period. We believe, that all will be ready to allow, that during the short time it was published by the board, it was an advantage to the Society by publishing its proceedings, explaining its objects to our people, representing to them the wants of our church, and endeavoring to excite a Missionary spirit. All who have had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the affairs of our church in this state, during the time

FRENCH CATHOLIC CHURCH.

In our last we published an article respecting a secession which has lately taken place in the French Roman Catholic Church. The Seceders call themselves the Orthodox Catholic Church, and have put forth the following articles of faith:

1, The word of God is our only guide of faith.

2, We admit the three symbols of the Apostles of N* and of Št. Athanasius,

3. We recognise as canonical all the books of the Old and New Testaments that the Reformed Church admit of as such, and we consider the reading of them as of indispensable necessity.

* This is unexplained. [Query] Nice ?

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4. We believe that there are two suppose that receiving a sacrament is sacraments of divine institution-a meritorious act. It is not an evi

Baptism and the Holy Supper. We admit the others only as pious ceremonies, that have existed from the period of the church.

dence of your goodness, but of your faith. It does not show that you are righteous; but that God is merciful, and that you trust in his mercy.This is a point not regarded as it ought to be; and especially by world

5. The services of the sacrament will no longer be performed in Latin, but in a familiar tongue after the rit-ly people. ual of the church.

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They think, or they pretend to think, that we who come to the Lord's supper, claim to be better than other men; more holy and less wicked. If any Christians do claim this honor, it is from ignorance of

6. Auricular confession is not of divine precept; we do not require it of any one; but the faithful before approaching the Holy table should prepare themselves to receive gener-themselves and of the gospel. We al absolution. have not, or certainly we ought not

mit it to the piety of the faithful.
8. We admit a Hierarchy in the
church, and this Hierarchy is to be
composed of Bishops, Priests and
Deacons.

9. Our veneration for the saints, consists in thanking God for the grace He bestowed upon them.

10. Religious instruction being of the first necessity for the people, we consider it the most important of our duties to disseminate freely the bread of the word of God.

SACRAMENTS.

thy creatures.

7. We do not recognize any days to have, any such idea. We feel of abstinence. As to fasting we sub-and know that we are sinful, unworOur desire is to obtain forgiveness and immortal life; and we believe that this salvation, this life immortal, is to be obtained through Jesus Christ, and in no other way. That he only is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, God has revealed to us his word; and he invites us, and all men, to come to him, in that way, and be saved.— With thankful and humble hearts we accept this invitation. In receiving the sacraments, we acknowledge before the world, that we are sinners, justly condemned by God's holy laws. Our desire is to submit to his righteousness, and do his will in hope that we shall be accepted through our faith in the Saviour's merits, and our trust in God's gracious promise. Perhaps you say, for many do say, that we Christians are no better than other men. pretend to be better? Say if you please (God only is to be the judge; say) that unbelievers live as well as we live. We reply, that they ought to live better, very much better, than we, if they would live without a Saviour-if they trust in themselves. and reject the gospel. Were we as good as you think yourselves, we perhaps, should also trust in ourselves, and walk in our own ways. Knowing that we are wicked; de

It is obvious, that receiving the sacraments will not profit us at all, nor do any good, except they are used in sincerity, with devout sensations, and religious motives. Very few Christians, if any, feel that degree of piety, that humble devotion to God, that ardour of gratitude and love, which his mercies merit, and his word requires. We all fall short of this, as of every perfection. No one need be discouraged, nor to absent himself from the Lord's table, because he is not yet all that he desires to be. But those who come

with indifference, or from worldly views, ought not to expect any spir

itual benefit.

Secondly. Christians should not

Do we

siring to be saved; believing in Je-that he died and rose again, not only sus Christ, and being determined for all men generally, but for us in through God's grace, to renounce our particular. Baptism assures the faithown righteousness and submit to his, ful penitent that his sins are blotted we make a religious profession; and out by the sprinkling of Christ's receive the sacraments. Let us then blood; that he is taken from the inquire "what are the benefits, world into God's spiritual kingdom; whereof we are partakers thereby?" that he is made the child of God, by What advantage is there in Chris-adoption and grace, and is a joint heír tian communion? What good effect with Christ of an everlasting inherihave the Christian, ordinances, on tance. The bread and wine in the those who receive them with a right other sacrament, symbolize the offerfaith and sincere devotion? ing which was made for our sins The benefits are many and great. they assure the faithful receiver, that The first I shall mention is obedience as natural food strengthens our body to the divine command. Nothing can and continues life, so the offering, be more reasonable, or more obvious, which Christ made on the cross, shall than that they, who desire to be sa- be as spiritual sustenance to our imved through Christ, should do the mortal souls; that we shall live by things which he commands. It would him. And is not this too great a be very absurd, and totally unavail-privilege, a very great benefit? What ing, to employ a physician to heal can be more comforting than such our bodies, and not follow his pre-memorials of God's mercy? What is scriptions. In regard to the Physi- more likely to strengthen our hope cian of our souls, the absurdity and folly would be still greater. Our spiritual health is infinitely more important and our spiritual Physician is infinitely more wise and infallible. He perfectly knows what we need ;ing love?" his means are adapted to the end; and he is altogether able to make them effectual. His ordinances are appointed in perfect wisdom, with a gracious view to our benefit. He commands us to receive and to use them. Are we wiser than God? Can we pretend to receive Christ as our King, while we refuse to obey his precepts? This, then, is one good and weighty reason for the use of ordinances we obey God; we sub-faith of Christ crucified, to take his mit to his authority.

and make us thankful? After receiving such pledges of the Saviour's love, why should we not go on our way rejoicing? "What should allay our lively hope, or damp our flam

A third benefit in receiving the sacraments, which we have in part anticipated, is, that we hereby declare ourselves on the Lord's side: we make a public profession of our faith in Christ, and our trust in the word and promises of God. It is a public testimony that we have chosen the Lord to serve him; that we receive the doctrines of the gospel, and are not ashamed to confess the

cross and be his disciples. In reI observe as a second reason, that ceiving the sacraments, we declare the sacraments are memorials of God's that salvation is of God only, and mercy and love. They represent what from his free grace. And we are Christ has done and what we may taught, as in other cases, so especialhope for. They are, particularly, ly in this, that according to our faith seals of God's covenant with his cho-it will be done unto us. This is not sen people; they are sanctified tokens that we appertain to God's household; that we are members of Christ's mystical body, his church;

only profitable, but "generally necessary to salvation." Our Saviour makes it essential that we are not ashamed of his cross; that we volun

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tarily confess him before men.

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St.I am well pleased." We have bePaul says, "With the heart man before our eyes, and rendered visible, lieveth unto righteousness, and with that infinite expiation, by which the the mouth confession is made unto just vengeance of heaven was diversalvation." All the righteousness ted from a whole race of sinful morwe can boast of, or pretend to claim, tals; by which we are permitted to is from our cordial sincere faith in draw nigh to God, in full assurance Christ, who alone can merit for man, of faith; by which a way is opened but that we may do the will of God, through the vail, and sanctified for and work out our salvation, he re-us to the holiest place-to the third quires that we witness this good confession, and declare before the world, the wonders that he doth for the children of men.

heaven. Nothing can we conceive of which so strengthens that faith, by which the just live. It is bodily food so sanctified as to feed the soul. "The cup of blessing," says an apostle, "which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ? Yes, says Christ himself: "This is my body, which is given for you ;— This is my blood, which is shed for you. Do this in remembrance of me." "My body is meat indeed; my blood is drink indeed." Is not this, then, a very great benefit? It is the means by which we most surely obtain what we spiritually most need, Divine grace; the strengthening of our faith; the exaltation of our hope; the sanc tification of our heart.

Fourthly. And this will lead our thoughts to another, and very great "benefit whereof we are partakers thereby." The sacraments are means of grace, and they are among the most essential and efficacious means, by which we are edified and strengthened in spirit to hope in God, and to do his will. It is the doctrine of the gospel, and true as the foundation on which it stands, that we are not able of ourselves to help ourselves; that our sufficiency is of God. Except, our natures are renewed by the sanctifying influence of the divine Spirit, our faith would be cold, unfruitful and dead. Certainly our help is in God only and how is that help to But these benefits are not all. We be obtained? By those means most might show, did the time admit, how evidently which God has himself ap- very much the ordinances of Christ, pointed. Prayer stands among the and especially this, his holy comfirst: but it may be doubted wheth-munion, excite in our hearts charity er ever prayer, even this holy exer-and Christian affection, and engage cise, by which the believer's soul us more diligently in acts and works has daily communion with God, is so of kindness and love. When we see, efficacious, is so powerful in building what we are so affectingly in this saus up in the faith and fear of God crament brought to see, how God lo as frequent and devout communing ved us, it would seem scarce poss:in the Lord's supper. By it, as St. ble that we should not love one anPaul observes, "we do show forth other. Can we, without great inthe Lord's death till he come." We consistency, feel enmity towards any repeat, as it were, the sacrifice, by one, for whom such a Saviour died. which we are saved. By the eye of And how great is the benefit; how faith, we see that mangled body, that profitable to our souls. How neces-. streaming blood, which was sufficient sary to our immortal glory is the berto reconcile the world to God. Weût of being made more perfect in seem at once to hear the groans on love!

Calvary, and a voice from heaven, We might also add much on the "This is my beloved Son, in whom great advantages of decision in our

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