Oldalképek
PDF
ePub

the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.'

"Boonville.-In this place the people have not been able to support a minister, without aid from Missionary Societies. The population is scattered, and the people are much divided in religious sentiment; and many have cared for none of these things. The following account of the late revival is an abstract of a communication from the Rev. Ira Manly, who has supplied the Presbyterian church in that place, for a few years past:

"At a preparatory lecture in December of last year, parents were requested to bring with them their baptized children. The text selected for the occasion was'Come thou and all thy house into the ark.' An unusual degree of feeling and solemnity was manifested. Not long after this, I went to visit a family, in which three of the members were dangerously sick. I was not permitted to see the sick and converse with them. Returning home, I reflected that it would be wise to exhort those who were well, and whom it could not injure. I accordingly commenced a course of visiting and exhortation, which I continued through the winter. About this time, also, I received an account of the revival in Rome, from two of our young men, who had been there on a visit, and had become hopeful subjects of grace. Their warmth and zeal were a blessing to me. The next evening, in meeting, I gave an account of the revival in Rome. It was attended with a divine impulse. From that time our meetings increased, till they were full to overflowing. Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists, rushed together, and seemed to participate of the same spirit. We endeavoured to avoid exciting any party feeling. Soon after the revival commenced, a season for fasting and prayer was appointed, and measures were adopted to bring all the professors of religion to engage in the work. The preaching was plain and pointed. Prayers were much more fervent than usual. Ministers from abroad preached with much engagedness. Meetings of inquiry were attended with great interest. Members of the church agreed to pray three times daily for the out-pouring of the Spirit. Family visits were made. A young man from Hamilton College gave us considerable aid, in exhortation, prayer, and visiting. Some other young men also were useful. Conversions became frequent. This state of things continued with some variation till April. Some party feelings began to appear, and the Spirit seemed in a great degree to withdraw. Sixty-seven have been added to the Presbyterian church. Several have united with the Methodists, and some with the Baptists. The whole number of converts is probably towards

one hundred. The converts, with few exceptions, are attentive to the means of grace. Many of them are much engaged in prayer, and most are willing, when called upon, to take part in this duty. In the midst of means, God has shown us that the work is his, lest any man should boast. It is manifest, however, that if our churches would enjoy his special presence, they must put away sin, and walk in the way of his cominandments. Among the fruits of the revival are two flourishing Sabbath schools, a Bible class, and a Tract Society."

JEWS IN CHINA.

In a late Number of the Asiatic Journal, there is an interesting article respecting the Jews in China. They were settled in that country, as well as in other parts of Asia, many centuries prior to the Christian era; even as early as 1000 years before. They migrated from Persia by way of Khorasan. They say themselves that they came from the west, or from Siyu. They have a MS. copy of the Pentateuch; and they long kept up an intercourse with other Jews in Persia, and the more western parts of Asia. It is said they received some additions soon after the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, in 70. Some of them have become Mahometans.-They have a tradition, that Abraham, who they say was the nineteenth from Adam, was author of their law, and that Moses derived it from him. There is a great similarity between the laws of Abraham and Moses, and those of the Chinese. Their calculation makes Abraham to have lived 2000 years before our era; whereas our account places him about 1850 before. The period between Abraham and Moses is not very different in the two accounts. In the ancient Chinese laws, which originated with Abraham, as they pretend, are traces of a holy Sabbath. In their more ancient writings, they say that Adam was the first man—that Abraham was the real author of the law, which was afterwards published by Moses. They inculcate adoration of heaven: by which is probably meant the Invisible One who inhabits the heavens and all worlds.-Hence, in time, mankind, who worshipped the God of heaven, were led to fix their thoughts upon, and to adore heavenly bodies, as the Sun, Moon, and Stars; and fire, as the emblem of these. Abraham, they say, worshipped Heaven, but not under any figure or image. These Jews are said to be honest and industrious, and are esteemed by the Chinese. They have a synagogue 250 feet long and 150 feet wide, and dedicated to "the Creator and Preserver of all things." There is this inscription also on a tablet in the synagogue-" Hear, O Israel, Jehovah, our God, is the only Jehovah."

[ocr errors]

When the people enter the temple they take off their shoes, and when they pray they turn towards the West. The person who reads the law covers his face with a thin veil. They believe in a judgment, in a paradise, and place of punishment. The Sabbath is kept strictly by them.-But they do not attempt to make proselytes, nor even go into the temple where an idol is worshipped. Besides the Pentateuch, they have only part of Isaiah, Daniel, and Jeremiah.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL PRES

BYTERIAN SYNOD OF ULSTER.

The deliberations of this venerable body during the past month have been distinguished by all the warmth of the Irish character. The existence of Arianism in that connexion was the subject of discussion, and day after day, early and late, did the reverend pastors and elders debate the

matter.

The occasion was this, the Rev. William Porter, stipendary Clerk to the General Synod, was summoned before the Commissioners of Irish Education Inquiry, and in the course of his evidence avowed himself an Arian, and stated, that in his opinion, though orthodoxy seems to take the lead in the Presbyterian body in Ireland, yet there are amongst its ministers more real professed Arians, as the ministers in general are not fond of avowing their conviction.

On the meeting of the Synod, Mr. Orr read the usual Minute, "Mr. Porter continued Clerk."

Mr. MAGILL, of Antrim, then addressed the Assembly on the motion he was about to make. He held in his hand a copy of "The Fourth Report of the Commissioners of Irish Education Inquiry;" and in the first place inquired from Mr. Porter, whether the report of his Evidence before the Commissioners of Education Inquiry was correct? To which

Mr. PORTER replied: The evidence is correctly given, so far as my recollection will bear me out.

Mr. MAGILL was about to read the particular parts of Mr. Porter's Evidence, on which his motion was to be founded, when Mr. PORTER said, that he hoped the entire minutes of his examination would be read, and no garbled statement made to the Synod.

Mr. MAGILL then read the whole of Mr. Porter's examination, which may be found at page 136 of the Fourth Report. He complimented Mr. Porter for his readiness in giving his evidence; and expressed his anxiety that the mind of man should be left"free as the wind;" but he regretted that this body should have been wounded through the effects of Mr. Porter's evidence. He moved, "That Mr. Porter, having avowed himself an Arian before the

Commissioners of Irish Education Inquiry, be no longer continued Clerk to the Body."

It was seconded without comment by the the Rev. Mr. Simpson, of Dublin.

Mr. R. DILL, sen. supported the motion. Dr. WRIGHT, of Anahilt, expressed his sorrow that the motion had been made; protested against Arian principles; culogised Mr. Porter's fidelity as a Clerk to this Body; expressed his regret that Mr. Porter had been compelled to give evidence; advocated the propriety and honesty of his telling the truth, when he was on his oath, and concluded by moving, that though the Synod highly disapprove of, and disavow Arian principles, yet as Mr. Porter has always faithfully discharged his duty as Clerk, he shall be retained in his office.

This being seconded

Mr. PORTER denied that the present motion had been rashly made; and said that for many years it had been in a state of concoction. He said that these were not random assertions; for there were gentlemen in the house who had been solicited to join in the cabal against him. Still, however, as the season drew near, courage began to fail. It was found that no effective strength could be collected. The good work was, of course, necessarily delayed, till a more convenient season ;* and the mortification of seeing Mordecai, the Jew, sitting at the king's gate, had to be a little longer endured. He said the season for the attack had at length arrived; and although some were dissatisfied with him on account of religion, and some on account of politics, yet he felt satisfied, the whole of the present proceedings had their origin in personal hostility. Mr. Magill and Mr. Simpson are mere tools in the hands of designing men. Mr. Porter felt assured that his political feelings had their share in producing the present procedure; and that his advocacy of Roman Catholic Emancipation had been partly instrumental in producing the present motion; and entered his protest against the unjust and ungenerous principle; that he was to be held accountable, as their clerk, for any thing not illegal or dishonourable, which he might conceive himself called on to say, or to do, as a free born Irishman. He declared himself favourable to Catholic Emancipation; and protested against being made a victim to a party for having merely avowed himself friendly to a measure, which had, on three several occasions, received the stamp of the Synod's approbation. The present procedure against him could hardly originate in that; and as to the prejudice which may exist against him, on account of his religious sentiments, he had Mr. Cooke's authority for stating that he held those sentiments

with between thirty and forty members of the body. Differences in opinion had long existed, and he would not insult the body by supposing, that so long as it retains Arians in communion, they would exclude them from offices of ecclesiastical emolument. The Synod had chosen for its Moderators, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Crawford, Dr. Nelson, Dr. Dickson, Mr. Cumming (who was Mr. Porter's immediate predecessor in the Clerkship), Mr. Shaw, Mr. Bankhead, Mr. Dunlop, Dr. William Nelson, and Dr. Malcolm, who were all deceased; he would not name the living man, of new light sentiment, who had been chosen to fill our Chair, as it might be considered invidious; but as the Moderator is a spiritual or ecclesiastical office, and as men of these sentiments have been chosen to that office, without detriment to the religious character of the body, surely the secular office of Clerkship cannot be injurious. But the salary, the money to be derived from the situationthat is the rub against the grain, which has set on end the ministers' sanctimonious bristles. They admit men of openly acknowledged new light principles to ministerial communion, and places of spiritual trust, but are quite horrified at the idea of appointing a person of that description to a civil situation, if it happens to be lucrative. Mr. Porter contended that the situation of Clerk was always held during life or good behaviour; and although the words" Mr. such-a-one continued Clerk," were annually printed, yet he challenged any one to shew that they were not words of mere form. On this consideration he had been appointed to the office, and if fidelity has hitherto been regarded as the tenure by which the situation is to be held; and if the adoption of a different principle be now contemplated, then Mr. Porter contended the Synod was bound, as men of honour and fairness, to give him timely warning of the intended innovation. Should he be removed from office, the loss would fall on him and his family; but the disgrace would remain with the body; he had done nothing of which he should be ashamed; his religious opinions were as well known to his brethren the day they appointed him to office as they were at the present moment. He had practised no deception-he had betrayed no trust-nor would he bend his body to the unmanly stoop, nor his spirit to the unworthy concession. Should the Synod's confidence be now withdrawn from him, he should ever regret the privation; for their confidence was a possession which he prized most highly; but he had no retraction to make-no timeserving apology to offer. For eleven years he had officiated as their Clerk; with what ability, it was not for him to determine; but he would say, that with greater fidelity

those duties never had, nor ever would be discharged.

Mr. CARLILE, of Dublin, expressed his firm belief in the Trinitarian doctrinescondemned the causes which were the foundation for Mr. Porter giving his evidence

opposed subscription as having never purified any church-would have every man tried by the Bible alone -- expressed his belief that Arianism was on the decline. He saw nothing in the measure but mischief.

Messrs. Brown, Elder, R. Dill, Morell, Magill, Campbell, Bleckley, and many others addressed the house, and at halfpast seven on Tuesday evening, they adjourned.

On Wednesday morning, at 10 o'clock, the debate was resumed, and continued till 6 o'clock, when the roll was called on the amended motion, which was in substance that the Synod has heard, with the deepest regret, from the evidence of the Rev. William Porter, that though in early life he was orthodox, yet he is now what is usually called an Arian; and having expressed it as his opinion, that new-light principles have increased in this body, the Synod feel it their duty, while they admit the honesty and sincerity of Mr. Porter, to express their disapprobation of these opinions, as being erroneous; yet as his removal from the office of Clerk might be construed into persecution; and on account of the able manner in which he has discharged all the duties of his office, they do not consider it right to remove him. Carried by a majority of 31. Mr. Cooke, and many other Orthodox Ministers, gave notice of protest.-Adjourned.

Thursday. In the course of the day, Mr. Cooke made a motion for an Orthodox Declaration of the religious opinions of the Synod; to which he wished the signatures of the Members to be annexed. This led to one of the most animated and eloquent discussions which ever took place in the Synod of Ulster; and which, in importance, cannot be surpassed by any measure ever proposed in the Presbyterian Church. The debate lasted to a late hour on Thursday night. Adjourned at halfpast seven.

Friday. The discussion relative to the Declaration, or Test, of the religious opinions of the body, was renewed to-day; and was continued in the same powerful and eloquent manner until nearly eight o'clock in the evening. Adjourned.

Saturday. The debate relative to the Declaration again renewed and continued in a similar powerful strain as on the two preceding days. At four o'clock it was brought to a close, and the roll called. The motion was in substance :-

"That whereas some members of the Synod have made open profession of

Arian sentiment; and whereas Mr. Porter, in his evidence before the Commissioners of Education Inquiry, has declared it as his opinion that there are more real than professed Arians in this body; and whereas Mr. Cooke, in his evidence before said Commissioners, has declared his opinion, that, to the best of his knowledge, there are thirty-five Arians amongst us, and that very few of them would be willing to acknowledge it; and whereas Dr. Hanna, on a similar examination, declared his opinion that he presumes there are Arians amongst us; we do hold it absolutely incumbent upon us, for the purpose of af fording a public testimony to the truth, as well as to vindicate our religious character as individuals-to declare, that we do most firmly hold and believe the doctrine concerning the nature of God, contained in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: viz. That there are three persons in the Godhead-the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, power and glory; and that we do affix our signatures to the Declaration in the minutes of Synod, and that the Moderator should be intreated to write to absent members enjoining them to forward their signa

tures.'

The above Motion was body in two votes; and in the course of put to the the discussion, it was agreed that the last clause, relative to the affixing of names, should be withdrawn; and that the body do declare viva voce, standing up, when answering to their names. The votes stood thus:-117 Ministers and 18 Elders voted "I believe the doctrine"--2 voted "I do not believe ;" and four retired from the house before the roll was called--one of those four expressing himself that "he could not think of remaining to witness such acts as he was afraid were about to be committed."-Adjourned at half past four.

ORPHAN MARINERS' SCHOOL,

For the Support, Education, and Clothing of the Children of Scamen, who have been killed, or drowned in the Merchant Seamen's Service.

The Committee of the " Port of London and Bethel Union Society for promoting Religion among British and Foreign Seamen," having ascertained that there are many boys and girls in their day-school who are orphans, and some of them in very painful and distressing circumstances-came to an unanimous resolution, to establish an orphan school, on as extended a plan as they shall be enabled to do by the liberality of the British public.

The number of the destitute orphans of mariners is immense, and the gales of

567

every winter add greatly to the calamitous
during that season.
list by the frequent wrecks on our shores

City of London Tavern, Bishopsgate
A public Meeting will be held at the
Street, on THURSDAY, the 25th Ocтo-
BER, in order to bring this important
and national concern before the bene-
volent friends of the widow and father-
Gambier, G. C. B. President, has pro-
less. The Right Hon. Admiral Lord
mised (D. V.) to take the Chair on this
precisely.
occasion, at six o'clock in the evening

HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The Rev. W. Henry, of Tooting, has accepted the office of Corresponding Secretary to the above highly important appointment will not only secure the apInstitution; and it is hoped, that this probation of the Society's numerous friends, but also greatly tend to its enlarged prosperity. All communications are respectfully requested to be addressed bury. to the Secretaries, No. 18, Alderman

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL, LEWISHAM,

KENT.

The anniversary of this laudable Institution for the education of the sons of ministers of the Congregational order, was held on Friday, the 29th of June last. The day being fine, a marquee was pitched on the lawn, and a numerous assemblage of the friends of the Institution witnessed the usual examinations and exhibitions of by those of former years. the pupils, which were not at all exceeded department, the school had been examined In the classical by the Rev. Dr. Humphrys, on Wednesday preceding, to his entire satisthe faction. On this day the pupils were Geometry, and acquitted themselves much examined in Arithmetic, Algebra, and to the satisfaction of the intelligent and respectable company present. One of the elder pupils delivered an experimental prize was awarded by acclamation from lecture on chemistry, for which a special the whole assembly. Other prizes were also distributed to the pupils most deserving of such encouragement, and the exercises were concluded by the recitation of the last debate in the House of Commons, on the Catholic emancipation. This effort of pleasure to all who witnessed it. The memory and elocution afforded very great whole was closed by a suitable address and prayer. The chair was occupied first by the Rev. W. Chapman, of Greenwich, and afterwards by the Rev. J. Turnbull, B. A., of Brighton.

The expressions of universal satisfaction It was a day of real pleasure, and there is on this occaslou, could not be mistaken. something altogether inexplicable in the

fact, that this most worthy Institution, now in such hopeful progress, under so able a principal, and commending itself to all that is kind, and just, and benevolent, in the hearts of good men, especially of that denomination. Those poorer ministers it is designed delicately to assist, should, notwithstanding, have been permitted so much to languish and suffer, for want of that friendly support which members of the denomination are so well able, and, if acquainted with its merits and its claims, we should not doubt, would be as willing to afford.

The Treasurer to this Institution is William Alers Hankey, Esq. Fenchurch Street, London.

The next election will take place on Tuesday, the 30th of October, when three scholars will be chosen by poll from the list of candidates.

ORDINATIONS.

On Wednesday, August 1, was ordained over the church and congregation assembling in the Square Chapel, Halifax, Yorkshire, the Rev. John Barling, late of Hoxton Academy; the Rev. Joseph Cockin, having, through advanced age, resigned his charge.

Morning Service.--The Rev. R. Poole, of Kippin, near Halifax, commenced the solemnity with reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. T. Raffles, LL. D., of Liverpool, delivered the introductory discourse, and asked the usual questions; the Rev. J. Cockin, the late and venerable pastor of the church offered the ordination prayer; and Rev. R. W. Hamilton, of Leeds, delivered the charge; the Rev. J. Scott, Cleckheaton, concluded with prayer. Evening Service.-The Rev. A. Blackburn, of Eastwood, opened the service with reading and prayer; the Rev. E. Barling, of Buckingham, then preached to the church, and the Rev. J. Eagleton, of Huddersfield, to the congregation. Rev. Crisp, of Brighouse, concluded

with prayer.

On the 7th ult. the Rev. J. Redmayne, from Airedale College, was ordained over the church and congregation of Rillington, near New Malton. The Rev. Mr.

Taylor, of Kilham, (Baptist,) commenced the service; Rev. T. Hutton, of Pocklington, gave the introductory discourse, and asked the questions; Rev. J. Jackson, of Green Hammerton, offered the ordination prayer, and preached to the people; Rev. G. Croft, of Pickering, gave the charge; Rev. R. Pearson, student from Airedale, read the hymns, and Rev. J. Parsons, of York, preached in the evening.

On Wednesday, the 29th of August, the Rev. Robert Ross, M. D., formerly a Missionary under the Scottish Missionary Society, was publicly settled over the church and congregation assembling in the Old Meeting-house, Kidderminster, of which the Rev. Joseph John Freeman, now a Missionary in Madagascar, was formerly pastor. On the evening of the preceding day, the Rev. Mr. Harry, of Banbury, preached from 2 Cor. iii. 18. The services of the day were commenced by reading the Scriptures and prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Hudson, of West Bromwich; the Rev. Mr. Roaf, of Wolverhampton, delivered the introductory discourse, in which, in a very clear, and temperate, and able manner, he exhibited the nature of a church of Christ; the Rev. Mr. Dawson, of Dudley, proposed the usual questions to the church and pastor; which having been satisfactorily answered, the Rev. Mr. Barber, of Bridgnorth, offered up prayer for a blessing upon the union between them; the Rev. Mr. Redford, of Worcester, then addressed the minister from 2 Tim. iv. 5, "Do the work of an Evangelist," in one of the most eloquent and impressive charges that we ever heard delivered on any similar occasion; and the Rev. Mr. Mudie, of Chesterfield, concluded with prayer. In the evening the Rev. Mr. James, of Birmingham, preached to the people from Rev. iii. 2, “Be watchful."

RECENT DEATH.

On Lord's-day, September 9, died, at Enfield, Middlesex, in the 60th year of his age, the Rev. WILLIAM THOMAS, for 34 years pastor of the Independent congregation in that town.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND MINOR CORRESPONDENCE.

COMMUNICATIONS have been received during the last Month from the Rev.
Messrs. J. Bulmer--J. Slye--J. Bounsell--T. Lewis-E. A. Dunn-J. Barling-
J. Redmayne-R. Ross--T. Rooker--E. Greatbach-G. Redford--W. Jones.
Also from Messrs. E. Swaine-B. J. P.-J. K.--A Deacon-T. Thompson-R.
Simpson--J. Edmeston-J.-T. C. H.-T. H. Justice.

We shall be glad to receive the article promised by A. J., whose communications will always give us pleasure.

« ElőzőTovább »