Sidor som bilder
PDF
ePub

Lord Holland, Lord Calthorpe, and the Earl of Harrowby, expressed a strong opinion against the proceedings of his lordship, who was obliged to become his own advocate; not one of his right reverend brethren, of whom many were present, having thought fit to utter a syllable in support of his mode of proceeding, though urgently called upon to favour the house with their views on the question. We certainly could have wished that, on a subject so peculiarly within their province, some of their lordships had frankly stated their opinion. The lord chancellor voted for the reception of the petition, though without meaning to inculpate the bishop. The petition was ordered to be received.

In the former instance, the petition had not been laid upon the table; their lordships appearing to entertain a hope that the strong dispprobation expressed of the bishop's proceeding, by all who took any part in the discussion, would prevent any necessity for having recourse to ulterior measures. Our own views of the whole subject have been so often stated, that we do not think it necessary to enlarge on it at present. His lordship intimated that he had abridged his list of questions. We have not yet seen the amended edition, and therefore can say nothing of it. We understand that the subject is likely to be mooted in the house of commons be fore the close of the present session.

OBITUARY.

To the Editor of the Christian Observer.

THE REV. J. J. DEWE. THE following short memoir has been written with a view of adding to the many instances upon record, of the effective support derived from genuine Christianity, in seasons of the deepest depression and distress; instances which, if they cannot convince those "who would not be persuaded though our Lord rose from the dead," are yet eminently calculated to console the stranger and pilgrim upon earth," who, in travelling to "a better country," dreads the “dark valley” which lies be. tween the land of his sojourning and his eternal home. The subject of this brief notice was the second son of the Rev. J. Dewe, Rector of Breadsale, in the county of Derby. After receiving a classical education at home, he resided some years in a large town, with a view to the medical profession. Though not at that time under the influence of religion, he was mercifully preserved from the vices into which young men simiJarly circumstanced too often fall. His principal check was the fear of wounding the feelings of his pious parents. At about the age of twenty-one, he became deeply impressed with a sense of his alienation from God, of his danger as a sinner, and the necessity of a change in his principles and affections. His views of Divine truth were at first comparatively obscure; but his sincerity

was fully proved by his subsequent rapid and progressive" growth in grace, and the knowledge of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." After this decided alteration in his views, he became zealously interested in the eternal welfare of his fellow-creatures, and expressed an ardent wish, that, if possible, he might spend his life in preaching to others that Gospel which, he trusted, had become the "power of God unto the salvation" of his own soul. The bias, of his mind, on this subject, was so strong, that his friends thought it right to yield to his wishes; and he was ordained deacon to the church of St. Peter's, Nottingham, in December 1814. His ministerial exertions were marked by assiduity and faithfulness, and, there is reason to believe, were accompanied abundantly by the blessing of God. About eighteen months after his ordination, he was presented to the perpe. tual curacies of Parwick and Alsop which parishes he found in a deplorable state of spiritual ignorance, and much involved both in vice and poverty. But by preaching the Gospel faithfully and diligently, in season and out of season; by teaching, exhorting, and rebuking continually, both in public and from house to house; and, above all, by constantly imploring that Divine blessing upon his labours on which alone he depended for success, he had, in a few years, the satisfaction of seeing a mate. rial change in the moral and religious

State of his people. In addition to this spiritual improvement, he enjoyed the happiness, with the liberal support of his excellent patron, of carrying into effect some judicious plans for the relief of their temporal distresses.

At home or abroad, in public or in private, among rich or poor, learned or unlearned, he never seemed to forget that it was his duty to "be about his master's business." He had, I think, more than any person I ever yet knew, " a single eye to the glory of God:" he was ever upon the watch for opportunities of doing good; and, in every conceivable manner, both "spent and was spent" for his people and for the world.

Mr. Dewe had, for some time, been in a delicate state of health, and was at length compelled, though very reluc tantly, to relinquish the regular discharge of his public duties for more than a year previously to his death, which took place on the 4th March, 1822. When first he had reason to believe the king of terrors to be approaching, he said, "Eternity is very awful: it gives me an idea of infinite space, upon which there is nothing upon which I can rest the sole of my foot." Shortly after adding, "But Christ is like a bright star shining in the dark expanse; and fixing my eye upon him, I shall be safe. He will be my guide, as the pillar of fire was to Israel travelling by night." Hav. ing been for a time absorbed in the con. templation of eternity, he seemed to view the approaching scene with additional composure. "Observe," he said, "I feel impressed with awe, but not with dread, at the prospect before me. The valley of the shadow of death is dark, but I am fully confident that I shall be supported; 'I fear no evil. I believe I can with perfect sincerity say to my God, Thy will be done.'" The real tranquillity and resignation of his mind were evident to all around him, and fully evinced the sincerity with which he spoke. Nothing at this time seemed so dreadful to him as the idea of man recommending himself to God by his own works: he said he felt horror-struck at the thought, asserting repeatedly his assurance that salvation was wholly of grace, and that the atonement and merits of Christ were the only safe ground of our hope and reliance Throughout the whole of his affliction be continually recurred to this topic. "Christ," he said, " is my all; he is my

wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption."

The symptoms under which he labour. ed were now relieved; and for a time his sufferings were in a great measure suspended. But still, being fully convinced, notwithstanding the hopes now entertained by his friends of his recovery, that he was near his eternal rest, all his thoughts seemed absorbed in meditation upon his approaching change. When the last attack seized him, he shewed many indications of bis increasing "meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light." The Bible appeared surprisingly perspicuous and familiar to him. "Every thing in Scripture," he said, " appears to me beautifully clear and symmetrical: many passages which I had before studied, I now view quite in a new light; and I think I could explain to you the whole Bible, if I had strength."

In addition to the foregoing particulars, I cannot omit mentioning this faithful servant of God as an example of patience under affliction. For many weeks together, he was obliged to sit up in bed or on a sofa day and night, in much bodily distress, and without the power of sleeping more than a few minutes at a time yet not a murmur ever escaped his lips. I shall never forget with what an expression of resignation he once said of his sufferings, "This is hard work, but I am content; I am in the hands of a merciful God, and he can and does support me on a bed of languishing."

When he thought death nearly approaching, he said, with great earnestness, "Do tell my dear people that on a dying bed, in the immediate prospect of eternity, I am deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrines I have held and preached to them." Throughout his illness, he uttered much that was strongly indicative of the happy state of his mind. "I feel anxious," said he, addressing his surrounding relatives and attendants," to give you an account of my experience during my affliction, as I shall not be long with you. It may be useful to you and to others, to know, what the experience of a dying Christian is. I seem to have tasted of almost every spiritual trial and joy during my illness. I have at one time been overwhelmed for a moment by sceptical doubts, at another with painful apprehensions respecting my own interest in Christ. But now all trial seems to be

over. Now I know indeed whom I have believed; and am persuaded he will keep that which I have committed unto him until that day. My happiness is inexpressible. I cannot tell you what I feel. A veil seems to be drawn be tween me and all misery. My bodily sufferings have been great, greater perhaps than you can conceive; but I as. sure you I would cheerfully suffer even a thousand times' as much, for the sake of the happiness I now enjoy. I now long to depart, and to be with Christ." He added much more on this and other occasions which, detached from the affect

ing circumstances of a death-bed, might appear to many readers in too triumphant a strain for general edification, But the natural solidity and freedom from imagination which characterized his mind, added materially to the force of his words, if indeed any thing had been necessary to be added to the weight of what came from his lips at such a season, and with such an expression of voice and countenance, as carried with it irresistible evidence of the sincerity with which every thing was spoken.

ECCLESIASTICAL PREFERMENTS.

Rev. C. Lloyd, D. D. to be Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, and Regius Professor of Divinity, in the room of the Rev. Dr. Hodson, deceased.

Rev. Ashhurst Turner Gilbert, B. D. Vice-Principal of Brasenose College, to be Principal of that Society, in the place of the Rev. Dr. Hodson, deceased.

Very Rev. the Dean of Hereford, to a Prebendal Stáll in that cathedral.

Rev. Henry Huntingford, LL.B. Fellow of Winchester College, to the Rectory of Hampton Bishop, near Hereford.

Rev. David Williams, LL.B. second Master of Winchester College, to the Vicarage of Wigmore, Hereford.

Rev. Edward Dewing, M. A. of Jesus College, Cambridge, to the valuable Rectories of East and West Rainham, Norfolk.

Rev. G. P. Buxton, to the valuable Rectory of Mildenhall, Wilts.

Rev. C. Collier, Curate of Shotley, Suffolk, to Hambleton Vicarage and Braunston Curacy, Rutlandshire.

Rev. R. J. Francis, to the Rectory of
Charleton St. Mary, Norfolk.

Rev. C. Collier, Riby V. Lincolnshire.
Rev. Mr. Bethell, Burnham V. Bucks.

D. W.

Rev. J. Baker, M. A. Spiritual Chancellor of the Diocese of Durham, to St. Mary the Less Rectory, Durham.

Rev. Samuel Carr, Fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge, to be Perpetual Curate of St. Mary Quay parish, Ipswich.

Hon. and Rev. R. Bagot, a Prebend of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, vice Heath, deceased.

Rev. C. B. Sumner, to be a Canon of Worcester Cathedral, vice Bagot.

Rev. Henry Plimley, to be Chancellor of the diocese of Chichester.

Rev. T. C. Adams, Foleshill V. county of Warwick.

Rev. R. S. Barton, Alconbury cum Weston V. Huntingdonshire.

Rev. B. Benson, Heckingham V. Line,

DISPENSATIONS.

Rev. Francis Coke, to hold Sellack V. and the Chapelry of King's Chapel annexed, with Gladestry R. Radnorshire.

Rev. G. F. L. Nicolay, to hold Little Marlow V. Bucks, with St. Michael and St. Martin Vintry R. London.

Rev. T. Lane Freer, Rector of Hansworth, Staffordshire, to hold with his Rectory, Wasperton V. Warwick. shire.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

E. G.; W. W.; E. P.; A CONSTant Reader; B.; J. M. W.; NEMO; D. R. N. LUTHER; F. S.; and PRESBYTER, are under consideration.

E. T. will find the interpretation which he has sent us of Rom. ix. 3. from Dr. Dwight, anticipated by another correspondent.

Several articles of literary information arrived too late.

MEDIATOR is incorrect in stating, that the prayer for Christ's church militant on earth is used only when there is a communion. It is frequently used on other occasions.

We are sorry that the Address of the Committee for the Relief of the Suffering Irish, arrived too late for insertion. We can only again earnestly cominend the object to our readers.

ERRATA.

Last No. p. 317, col. 2, place Cambridge, two lines from the bottom, five lines

higher up.

Present No. p. 354, col. 1, 1.5, for Dr. White, read Dr. Smith.

CHRISTIAN OBSERVER.

No. 247.]

JULY, 1822. [No. 7. Vol. XXII.

RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATIONS.

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

upon the aspect of the times with emotions of gladness or of sorrow, of confidence or of apprehension, according as the eye of his mind contemplates the bright or the dark side of things. When, on the one hand, be considers the soundness of our Protestant creed, and the purity of our national worship; when he sees the obligations of the Sabbath-day acknowledged; estimates the piety, learning, and zeal of the clergy; calculates the number, the respectability, and the influence of the real servants of God; marks the brilliant career of public religious institutions, and the zealous exertions and beneficial examples of private Christians; he is ready to transfer to his own land the exclamation, which the.wicked prophet could not refrain himself from addressing to Israel of old, "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! and thy tabernacles, O Israel!" But when, on the other hand, he sees the Divine principles of our CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 247.

holy religion assaulted by the torrent of blasphemy and impiety that has recently swept over the land; when he beholds, as we have lately witnessed, a daring spirit of insubordination insulting all the established authorities of the country; when he contemplates our divisions in religion, and our too often deserted churches; when he reflects on the efforts of evil minded men to involve all the clergy in the disesteem which justly attaches but to a part of their number; is compelled to witness the irreligious example of so many of the rich and great, and the profligacy of so many of the poor, and perhaps,

all,

God's laws allowed even by the legislature of the country; the glow of exultation must subside, and be succeeded by a painful apprehension, lest God's anger should be provoked, and his fury poured out upon our land. For he is well assured, that "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach unto any people."

Indeed, setting aside the consideration that the affairs of the world are governed by a God that hateth iniquity, and that empires rise and fall at his control; it must appear at once, even from natural principles, that morality gives strength and power to a nation, and that the abounding of vice must involve it in ruin. The prince of Latin historians has so happily expressed his sentiments on this subject, and the truth of them was so manifestly and forcibly exhibit ed in the history of the empire he wrote, that I shall make no apology for the length of the Latin quota

[ocr errors]

3 F

tion which I subjoin in a note*. Nor need I be concerned about the length of the English one which follows in the text. Its excellence speaks its own apology, or rather shews that it needs none. It must indeed have been a matter of the most sincere satisfaction to the mind of every serious man who witnessed the late meeting between the sovereign and his people, on the most august and interesting occasion on which a sovereign and people can meet, to hear him who was then receiving the sceptre of his ancestors so faithfully admonished of the necessity of "encouraging morality and religion," as the foundation of the prosperity of his future reign, and reminded that "the responsibility of the ruler bears a proportion to the height of his station," and urged to consider "the peculiar obligation to holiness of him who sits on a throne, as having to answer at the great tribunal of judgment, not only for his own personal conduct, but for the influence of his manners and actions on the present and

*“ Ad illa mihi pro se quisque acriter intendat animum, quæ vita, qui mores fuerint; per quos viros, quibusque artibus domi, militiæque et partum et auctum imperium sit: labente deinde pauJatim disciplinâ, velut desidentes primo mores sequatur animo: deinde ut magis magisque lapsi sint, tum ire cæperint præcipites; donec ad hæc tempora, quibus nec vitia nostra nec remedia pati possumus perventum est. Hoc illud est præcipue in cogitatione rerum salubre ac frugiferum, omnis te exempli docu

menta in illustri posita monumento intueri inde tibi tuæque reipublicæ quod imitere capias; inde fœdum inceptu fœdum exitu quod vites. Ceterum aut

[blocks in formation]

future happiness of millions." The sermon before his majesty on his late visit to Ireland, by the learned prelate for whose able defence of the great doctrine of the atonement the religious world is so much indebted, was another instance of equal fidelity. And while such truths are thus faithfully preached by bishops and by archbishops before sovereigns and courts, the Christian patriot cannot believe that all is yet lost. But I am detaining my reader too long from the passage alluded to.

"No nation," said the Archbishop of York, in his sermon preached at the coronation," can ever be happy at home or respected abroad, unless its counsels and laws are administered by the prudent and the honest, by the moral and the religious; and though virtue and piety have higher rewards than it is in the power of man to bestow, yet is it the most essential service that a sovereign can render to a State, to encourage morality and religion, by a marked and uniform preference in the distribution of dignity surround the throne, and ought and power. If indeed those who to reflect its lustre; if those whose stations make them at once objects of envy and imitation; if such men are worthless or wicked, the influence of their example will extend itself in every direction, and profligacy, originating in this source, will be rapidly diffused through all the gradations of society.

"It is this condition of a people, this general depravation of morals, which is the last calamity that can befal a state. When the whole mass is corrupted, no excellence of political institutions, no wisdom of the legislator, no justice of the ruler, can be of any avail. The influence of law is always less powerful than the restraints of conscience; and how, indeed, shall the laws of man be enforced in a community where the laws of God are set at defiance? Such a state may, for a time, be distinguished by

« FöregåendeFortsätt »