ATTENTION TO STRANGERS IN OUR go, that I get no good during the ser CHAPELS. To the Editors of the Primitive Church Magazine. vice;" or, "I did attend the Baptist chapel a few times, but no one ever spoke to me or took the least notice of me; or if they did, they appeared to DEAR BRETHREN,-How few of us think me intruding: but now I go to are there, who, whilst we profess to de- chapel, where from the first, I resire the extension of the Redeemer's ceived a hearty welcome, and feel mykingdom, act as though we were sincere self comfortable." in our professions. How exceedingly It becomes us then to see to it that rare are the cases in which it may be our conduct be such as to attract and said of any of us, he "hath done what not to repel sinners, for we may depend he could." We are all, as a body, la- upon it, that unless we do, our places of menting the low estate of Zion. We worship will never be filled as they complain of the smallness of her num- ought. bers, and we profess to make our prayer By the way, a short time ago, two to our heavenly Father on that account, friends of mine, members of a Baptist supplicating him to pour out his Holy church, were on a visit to London, and Spirit, to incline the hearts of many on the Sabbath evening went to a Bapsinners to come within the sound of the tist chapel. They went in good time gospel, and to create them anew in expecting that the chapel-keeper or other Christ Jesus. person would put them into a pew, not Now, while this is perfectly scrip- feeling at liberty to go into one themtural, and what we cannot do without, selves, lest they should be occupying let us see to it that we act as though we the place of a regular hearer. They were anxious for the conversion of sin- stood at the door, but no chapel-keeper ners, and the enlargement of the church. made his appearance; and the different "Go," says the Great Head of the members of the congregation on going church, "out into the highways and in passed them by unnoticed, or with a hedges and compel them to come in, that look of icy coldness. They remained my house may be filled." Thus, whilst in this way during the singing of the it is God alone that can effect anything first hymn, and the reading of the Scripgood, we are commanded, and should tures, but no person ever asked them consider it as our highest honor to place in. They then left and went to a chapel ourselves in his hands, to be made use of another denomination, where, (behold of as instruments in effecting that good. the contrast!) they were on the instant Instead, however, of our going out to invited in, and placed in a comfortable bring in the outcasts, &c., is it not the seat. Well might they exclaim with case, that we rest content with attend- the Saviour, "I was a stranger, but ye ing the means of grace ourselves, and took me not in." "He came to his never think of inviting others to come own, but his own received him not." and partake of those blessings that we so richly enjoy? On the contrary, when a stranger appears in our chapels, more especially if he be poorly clad, do we not look on him with an amount of coldness and indifference not at all cal- To the Editors of the Primitive Church culated to induce his future attendance; and in some instances do we not appear to look upon him with a degree of sus- DEAR SIRS,-By this the apostle inpicion, as though we considered him as dicates a subject, on which he would not a spy, come to see the nakedness of have written, had it not been needful, the land?" and the mind of the Spirit, that he 66 J. H. C. THE COMMON SALVATION. Magazine. This is no imaginary case, but a should rather take his pen in defence of deeply to be deplored matter of fact. I truth, against some bad men who had have frequently heard such remarks as crept into the churches for mischief, these, "I would go to the Baptist chapel and to guard the saints against their but they look so coldly at me when I do evil influence. The words have been interpreted thus: "the salvation com- Jude seems to have had in his mind, mon to Jews and Gentiles." But this what Paul thus expressed: Eph. i. 3; does not suit the connection, which "Blessed be the God and Father of our does not touch on the Jewish contro- Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us versy on either side, throughout the with all spiritual blessings in Christ, epistle. The phrase has been explained according as he hath chosen us in him by some, as meaning "the salvation before the foundation of the world, that common to all men," i.e., a provision we should be holy, and without blame made for the salvation of all persons, before him in love." Such blessings as without distinction. But this is alto- regeneration, in which, in common, they gether unsupported, and I am fully are born of God-pardon, by which they persuaded that such a doctrine is not to are all freed from punishment-justifibe found in any part of the sacred pages. cation, by which they are, in common, This epistle is not written to any other freed from all guilt, and cleared from than saints-"to them that are sanc-all charges which stood against them— tified by God the Father, preserved in made as free from charges of crime, as Christ Jesus, and called." Therefore from deserved punishment, through the salvation must be that which is him who bare their sins in his own body common to all such; for to them he on the tree-adoption, by which they would have written upon it, had he are all put among the children, and been permitted to have followed his own taught to call God their common Father mind. Instead of this subject, he was -union with Christ, by which they are directed to write on two points of Chris- all one in Him-one common body, of tian doctrine which had been abused and which he is the one Head-sanctificaopposed:-the grace of the gospel. This tion, by which they are all dedicated to had been abused, by being turned into the love and service of, and fitted to a license to sin. The dominion of God-love him, and live with him for everthe lordship of Christ over his people, hope, by which, in common, they lay together with the proper authority given hold on heaven, and the inheritance of to men in office, and places of trust, to the saints, which is secured to them, in enforce the commands of God, the common, by one title, having, in comSovereign Lord and Master. This had mon, a pledge and earnest to warm been opposed, and with bad manners their hearts, and stir them up for their and violence, spoken against by men of heavenly journey. Last Lord's-day, I unruly spirits. Now, in distinction felt much comfort, and had considerable from, but not in opposition to these enlargement in preaching on this subpoints, he calls the subject on which he ject, and beg to commend it to my dear would have written, "the common sal- brethren, as a large, and fruitful, and vation." What does he intend, but the delightful subject for meditation. large mass of spiritual good, with which THOMAS OWEN. all true believers are blessed in common? Cranfield. Reviews. "Honduras:" A Record of Facts, and and the committee of the Baptist MisReply to a Pamphlet entitled " Belize." sionary Society, led to a separation between By WILLIAM NORTON AND FREDERICK them, and much unpleasantness to both parCROWE. 8vo., nearly 150 pp. London: ties. The church, collected chiefly, under Stewart & Murray, Printers, 15, Old God, through Mr. Henderson's labors since Bailey. Our readers will have some knowledge of what has occasionally appeared in our pages, that certain differences arising between Mr. Henderson, missionary at Belize, Honduras, this separation took place, has to its utmost ability, both supported Mr. Henderson as its pastor and kept up the stations, though deprived of all aid from the Society. A little, and but a little, has been sent from a few individuals and churches in England shall stand up in the strength and vigour of manhood, and need its aid no more. It is lamentable that the committee did not avail itself of the opportunity thus afforded of getting out of all its difficulties. The and Scotland, who sympathized with them Christian missions, and the spread of the in their trials and efforts. gospel through the world. The indepenThe church at Belize may now be re- dence of the West Indian mission churches garded as a missionary society, laboring to was hailed with gladness, and it will be a diffuse the word of life into the dark places jubilant season, and may it soon come, when of Central America. It were well if all all the stations now dependent on the Society churches assumed such a character, for the church of Christ is God's own, ancient, only missionary society, founded by his own wisdom, and blessed with the guidance of his word, ordinances, and Spirit. This missionary society-the church at Belize-now committee cannot support Mr. Henderson, asks for support from the churches of Christ yet there is a difficulty, or at least we may in England and elsewhere. Many, though suppose there is a great reluctance to abansincerely wishful to aid in the spread of the don this branch of the mission,-the church gospel, feel a difficulty in supporting Mr. nobly steps in and says, we will do both to Henderson and the brethren who are labor- the utmost of our power. If the committee ing with him, because they have ceased to had replied, Well since we cannot agree, be connected with the Baptist Missionary we will give up all into your hands, and wish Society. Should we not, say they, be sup- you great success in your important work; porting a factious opposition, aiding a man something like this would have been noble, who is unfit for the work in which he is en- commendable, and christian, and might gaged, and doing harm rather than good? have healed most of the wounds that had These are very proper questions, and answers been made. The committee acts otherwise, to them should be given by all who ask for and determines to sell the chapel, and for support under such circumstances. The ever alienate it from the use of the church. publication referred to at the head of this The church is thus deprived of a place of paper, has been written to explain these worship. How different the conduct of the matters, and deserves a candid considera- committee to the West Indian churches, tion by all who would judge rightly respect- which had not only the places of worship ing them. granted them, but another gift added of a It is very desirable, when parties cannot very large amount. Before the sale of the work peaceably and successfully together, property had taken place, it should have especially in the wide field of missionary been been shown that the church had become labor, that they would separate honorably, so corrupt, had so entirely departed from and avoid all bitter recriminations and evil the truth of the gospel, and the principles surmisings, injurious to the character of a and practices, which as a denomination we good man, wherever he may be. The meek maintain, that it would have been a violation est man in all the earth once spake unad of trust to allow them the use of it. The visedly with his lips, but a man's character trust-deed respecting the property at Belize must not be judged by certain instances of must surely be very different from the deeds weakness and infirmity, but by the main that secure to the Baptist churches at home current and uniform tendency of his whole the use of their places of worship. So long life. Mr. Henderson has his failings, we as any church uses the place for the end for do not deny that he spoke rashly on certain which it was put in trust, the trustees, for occasions, but that he is a laborious and anything that we know about trusteeship, useful missionary all will admit who know have no right to interfere; it is only when his history. Nor do we wish to raise his there is a departure from that use that they reputation by damaging the reputation are called upon to act. Here, however, is a either of the Society, or its agents, Messrs. church against which no charge of error, Buttfield and Kingdon, with whom the first either in doctrine or practice, is preferred, differences commenced. To all his accusers except one, which the committee professes we would say, to your own Master you must to take no cognizance of, at once deprived of stand or fall: "It is a very small thing to a place of worship which had been erected be judged of man's judgment." The wit for its use, and long enjoyed. If the comnesses for Mr. Henderson's integrity, and mittee had no confidence in the ultimate Christian and trust-worthy character, are success of the church, and the progress many and creditable. the mission, then it might have allowed The church at Belize.-The circumstance the use of these premises, retaining to itself that a mission church has become indepen the power of sale when they could no longer dent, self-supporting, we cannot but deem benefit the mission. We do not wish to delightful and encouraging to all who feel enter into any dispute with the committee, concerned for the permanent progress of especially as the thing that we do from our of hearts regret is now past, nor should we have they have acted wisely, and in the fear of dwelt upon it so long but from a wish we God in all they have attempted for the felt to present the case of the church at Be- honor of his name. In humbly advocating lize in a light that must secure it some the cause of the weak and unpopular, we sympathy. But we come to this brief con- must rest satisfied with the testimony of a clusion, and we think it is not a hasty one, good conscience and the hope of advancing nor one formed without a careful considera- the cause of truth. tion of all that has been published on this subject on both sides, that so long as the church at Belize continued faithful to her trust, for Christ's sake they ought to have enjoyed the free and full use of all the premises that had been purchased for their benefit. Is the mission then, for which so many thousands of pounds of the Society's money have been expended, to be given up, and is all to be lost? Now, can any one who feels rightly affected to missions, say, Yes, leave that place as David left Mount Gilboa, saying, "Let there be no dew on thee, nor rain, nor fields of offerings ?" An appeal is now made for aid to continue the mission which the Society has given up. Is this to be considered as hostile, as factious, as opposition to the Baptist Missionary Society? It is really supplying their lack of service, and as we who support this appeal for Belize shall rejoice if the funds of the Society can be more usefully employed elsewhere, we hope they will rejoice equally if others attempt to carry on what they have begun. The aid given to Mr. Henderson, and the church under his care, is a real service to the cause of Christ; and we hope the time will soon come when the committee will feel that nothing is hostile to them but what is really injurious to the spread of the gospel. Christ is preached, and therein we do rejoice; aye, and will rejoice. Spiritual Blindness, the result of man's voluntary opposition to the truth. A Discourse delivered to the Baptist Church, Bristo Street, Edinburgh. By Andrew ARTHUR. 24mo., pp. 29. A plain and judicious discourse on a grave and difficult subject, founded on Mark iv. 10-12. Besides this text, others of a similar import are examined and illustrated, and arguments employed to prove that the blindness and hardness of the sinner, which leads him to despise and reject the gospel, is of his own creating; and that it is a state in the production or continuance of which God is never an active agent. Our author endeavors to show, that in those passages in which God is said to harden the heart, the sense is not that he operates on the heart by a direct act of power, but by simply allowing the sinner to follow the guidance of his perverse will, in resisting all the messages of the true God, and refusing to comply with his commands, and that thereby obduracy is induced and increased. The object of the writer is to remove stumbling blocks out of the way of anxious and inquiring souls, for whom he evinces a laudable sympathy; and such persons especially may read the book with much advantage. We are not sure that our friend goes the whole length of what the Word of God teaches on We feel it a duty to lay the claims of this the subject, nor are we perfectly satisfied branch of the missionary field before the that his explanations have removed all the churches. Let them consider that the work difficulties with which it is surrounded; of missions is their own work, that a mis- nevertheless, the work contains so many sionary society is but a creature of the church, valuable thoughts, and the remarks are that the church should rule and govern made in such a modest, and for the most it, and not be governed, or enslaved, or part, scriptural style, that we can honestly, checked by it. If any church, therefore, and do most cordially, recommend its pedeem it right, after a careful examination of rusal to our readers. facts relative to the station at Belize, to afford aid, no power on earth has a right to forbid. Our conviction is, that if the sale of the property at Belize had been referred to the decision of the churches supporting the Society, that sale would not have been made to this day. . Views from Calvary. By WILLIAM LEASK. The young are a most important part of the community. They will be the men and We devoutly wish that the mission church, women of the next generation. As they with its devoted pastor and the agents con- shall be, intellectually and morally consinected with them, may continue to enjoy dered, so will be our country, and to some such rich manifestations of God's presence extent the world at large for generations to as those which have crowned them since come. We cannot, therefore, estimate at they became independent, and which will too high a rate the importance of giving to be the best proof that can be given that our youth a solid and liberal education, and The Appeal; a Magazine for the People. imbuing their minds with just sentiments | On all questions relating to nonconformity and sound principles. It is a pleasing fea- our friend is thorough-going, and in the adture of the times that deep sympathy is vocacy of its principles and in opposing its almost universally felt for this class, and foes, the trumpet of the "Church" gives no that so many appliances are at work to raise uncertain sound. Although on the comthem in intelligence and worth. Nor can munion question neutral ground is occupied, it be denied that the Christian church has yet we are glad to notice that very decided taken her full share in originating and sus views are taken of our distinctive sentiments taining these movements. It may be doubted, as Baptists; and in the volume will be found however, if in the zeal to promote general some well written articles on the subject, education, sufficient concern has been shown in a tone very decided and uncompromising. by Christians to get our youth well in- We congratulate ourselves that a penny structed in the great evangelical system. magazine of such a character is connected Education may refine our manners, and with our denomination, and strongly recomstrengthen our intellects, but the gospel, and mend it to the patronage of our churches. the gospel alone, is the panacea for all our moral maladies. We fear this is too much lost sight of by those whose duty it is to honor the Scriptures and to exalt the Saviour. We rejoice therefore in the appearance of such a work as that at the head of this article, whose object it is to keep the A Magazine for a Half-penny! What cross in sight, and to view all those subjects would the grand-sires and the grand-mamas that relate to the government of God,—the of a former generation say, were they to condition, necessities, and destiny of man, visit our world again, and see such things as in the light which is poured forth from these? The "Appeal" is good as well as Calvary. With its sentiments and design cheap, and we hope that the day is not far we are very much pleased. It contemplates distant when it shall sell in thousands where God as a Ruler and a Father. Man in at present it only circulates in hundreds. youth, manhood, and age. Christianity, Were Christians alive to their duty this doctrinal, preceptive, and practical. Phi- would soon be realized. It is full of life losophy-sentimental, sceptical, and sound. and pith, and well-suited to its design, viz., Time-shadows and substances. Eternity- to accompany the tracts issued by Christian judgment, separation, and association. All Instruction Societies and other instituthese important subjects are contemplated tions of that nature. It really reflects great in the view of Calvary. Almost every page credit on the conductors, that, month after is replete with gospel sentiment and Scripture allusion. It is the very thing we want for inquiring youth of our day. Its style is glowing and poetical though not ornate, and is enriched with quotations from our best poetical and prose writers. It has our warm and most cordial recommendation. To our young men and young women especially, we say, read it! read it!! read it!!! The Church, Vol. III., for 1849. Pp. 336. Leeds: J. Heaton; London: A. Hall & Co., and B. L. Green, Paternoster Row. month, matter so diversified and useful is gathered together, and yet always contributing to one end-the arousing the careless, and instructing and guiding the inquiring. Its narratives and anecdotes, which occupy a large space in its pages, are generally of the most useful kind, and not unfrequently are very interesting and touching. Its appeals to the conscience are bold and honest. It has nothing denominational or sectarian about it, and it ought, from its merits and object, to be patronized by all the friends of evangelical religion. The Bible Class Magazine. Vol. II., for 1849. London: Sunday School Union, 60, Paternoster-row. Our contemporary has again run the round of twelve months, and looks as fresh and vigorous as ever. Arrived at the third anniversary of his existence he will lose no- This work must have been a powerful thing in the esteem of his friends by a com- auxiliary to the teachers of Sunday-schools. parison with former years. The work No teacher should be without it. We conabounds with good essays on the leading sider the articles on the Tabernacle-its truths of Christianity, and the duties and structure, furniture, and services, very varesponsibilites of the Christian life. It has luable, and the whole volume, if studied, a good number of "interesting facts and must tend very greatly to raise the chaanecdotes illustrative of the power of the racters of that most important class of lagospel and the evils of a life of impiety." borers for whom it has been established. |