Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

ply for all their wants. "Behold, I leave in the midst of you a poor and afflicted people." "Yet have I never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

ALL IN CHRIST.-Man, or woman, or child! do you want anything? Are you anxious about the matters of your soul? Are you disturbed, are you ignorant? Do you feel, "It is wisdom I want," or "It is righteousness I want," or "It is peace I want," or "It is power I want," or "It is heaven I want?" Well, it is all in Christ. In the knowledge of Him it is eternal life. And do you understand, it is all with Christ? You do not receive it from Christ; you receive it with Christ. "He that hath the Son, hath life." There is no salvation out of Him. We become bound up with Him by faith, and then all that belongs to Him is ours. As it is all in Him, it is all with Him. Once more, it is all for Christ. Do you understand that everything we receive is to go back to Him?-it is given to us that we may glorify his holy name. Are you justified? Are we sanctified? Are we blood-bought? Are we temples of the Holy Ghost, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ? It is that we may have liberty to serve God, and glorify the name of our Redeemer.

Thus,

all that salvation implies is in Him, all that salvation implies is with Him, and all that salvation implies is for Him in time and eternity. My brethren, Christ is a root, Christ is a rock. He is a root out of which flows the sap of grace, through the branches, and the soul that is united to Him, as a branch, receiveth it. He is the Rock of ages; and the soul that is based on Him, the gates of hell cannot prevail against; it shall rise up a mighty tower unto the skies, a building that shall manifest the wisdom, the power, the grace, and the glory of God throughout eternity.-The Rev. C. Molyneux.

SAFETY IN SUFFERING.— But believers, remember, there may be true grace where there is no comfort; there may be saving faith without assurance. A soul may be in a pardoned state, though in a troubled state. Your sins can never be triumphant, your graces never decay, your souls can never be lost, your God and you never separated. The devil could as soon pluck Christ out of heaven, as out of a believer's heart. He sits as fast upon his throne here, as there. The Devil could not enter into the herd of swine without Christ's leave, and will he let him carry his lambs ? -Remains of the Rev. J. Mason.

Entelligence.

NEW BAPTIST CHAPEL, DOWNTON, WILTS. The foundation-stone of this chapel was laid on Thursday, Sept. 11th, amidst somewhat novel and very interesting circumstances. The stone was laid by four little boys, three of whom represented some of the principal members of the congregation, and largest contributors to the new building; while the fourth, the son of the minister, represented the remaining part of the congregation; the whole four at the same time representing the rising race, and proclaiming the advantage which the next generation, as well as the present, would be likely to derive from the new place of worship. After the stone had been placed in its position, the four little fellows worked vigorously with the trowel for about five minutes, much to the interest of those assembled, and when they had completed their task, an excellent address, suited to the occasion, was delivered by the Rev. T. Hands, of Salisbury. The friends then took tea together in large numbers, and in the evening a good and spirited meeting was held. A bottle was deposited in the stone, containing a piece of vellum, with a suitable inscription. The amount of the contract for the chapel is £1,276. The amount subscribed by congregation before the laying of the stone was £805.

NEW PARK STREET, LONDON.

On Thursday, September 11th, the teachers of New Park-street Sunday-school held a meeting for the purpose of pre

senting to their late superintendent a testimonial for his past services during the years he held office in the above Sundayschool. At the close of the evening lecture, the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon took the chair. Mr. Evans then stated the object of the meeting, and how the teachers had cheerfully given toward the testimonial then about to be presented. The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon rose and gave a very suitable address, referring to Mr. Cutler's past labours, and the prosperity of the school under his superintendence, and presented to him, in the name of the teachers, a very magnificent time-piece, inlaid with the following inscription:"Presented, by the teachers of New Parkstreet Sunday - school, to Mr. William Cutler, as a token of their christian love, on his retiring from the office of superintendent, Sept. 11th, 1856." The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon then presented to Mr. G. Kimber, the late secretary, in a similar manner, a Union Tune-Book, with Watts's and Ripon's Comprehensive Selection of Hymns, handsomely bound in morocco, with the inscription inlaid with gold. Both gentlemen having returned thanks in a suitable manner, the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon concluded with prayer.

BURY, LANCASHIRE.

On Monday, August 25th, a series of interesting services were held in the Baptist chapel, Bury, in connection with the settlement of the Rev. A. Ashworth as

pastor of the church. In the afternoon sermons were preached by the Rev. W. F. Burchell, of Rochdale, and the Rev. F. Howarth, of Bury. The Revs. J. Roseman and W. Thorburn, Independent ministers resident in the town, conducted the devotional parts of the service. A public tea was prepared in the school-room, of which some 150 friends participated. At six o'clock the religious engagements were resumed, in the course of which prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Smith, of Bacup; the Rev. T. Dawson, of Liverpool, under whom Mr. Ashworth had spent several years as a student, delivered the charge; the Rev. J. Harvey, of Little Leigh, addressed the church; and the Revs. J. Howe, of Waterbarn, and P. Prout, of Haslingden, addressed the congregation. Considering the unfavourable state of the weather, the attendance was very good. All present appeared to be deeply interested in the solemnities of the day.

ILFRACOMBE.

On Tuesday, September 9th, services were held at the Baptist chapel, Ilfracombe, at which the Rev. J. J. Brown, late of Leicester, was publicly recognised as pastor of the church. The morning service commenced at eleven o'clock, when the Rev. E. Hands, of Appledore, read a portion of Scripture and prayed; the Rev. S. Newnam, of Barnstaple, asked the usual questions; and the Rev. Thomas Winter, of Bristol, preached from Acts xx. 22 to 27; after which the Rev. T. Sheldon (Wesleyan) concluded with prayer. A public tea meeting was held at five o'clock, at which about 150 persons sat down. After tea, H. Lee, Esq., of Clifton, took the chair, and the assembly was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Sheldon, Newnam, Hands, Little, Lovering, Dann, and Winter. The project of a new chapel was warmly entertained, the present building being too small, and the approach inconvenient. A very eligible site has been offered, and about £400 has already been promised.

BAPTIST ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND, On Tuesday, September 9th, a meeting of Baptists from various parts was held at Stirling, for the purpose of forming an Association for promoting spiritual religion in the denomination; for encouraging and aiding young men in preparing for the work of the ministry; and for affording assistance to the smaller churches in maintaining the ordinances of religion. An excellent spirit prevailed, and resolutions were adopted as to the basis and operations of the Association. Mr. W. B. Hodge, who presided, was chosen treasurer, and Mr. Wm. Tolmie, secretary. head quarters of the committee will be Glasgow, but the annual Conference will be held in various towns.

KINGSBRIDGE, DEVON.

The

On Tuesday, September 9th, the church and congregation worshipping in the Bap

tist chapel, Kingsbridge, Devon, held a public tea and service for the purpose of recognising the settlement of the Rev. Thomas Peters as pastor. The meeting

was numerously attended. After singing and prayer, Peter Adams, Esq., of Plymouth, was called to the chair. Several important practical addresses were given by Richard Seck, Esq., of Hazlewood, and brethren Adams, Holmden, T. Nicholson, of Plymouth, and other friends. A strong and prayerful feeling pervaded the meeting that God would graciously condescend to seal, with his divine approval and blessing, the future ministerial and pastoral labours of our esteemed brother.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES.

Mr. G. W. Humphreys, B.A., of Bristol College, has received an unanimous invitation from the church at Arlington, in Gloucestershire, which he has accepted. He has commenced his labours.-The Rev. W. Barker has resigned his charge at Blackburn, Lancashire, and has accepted the pastorate of the church assembling in Church Street, Blackfriars, London, to which he has been cordially invited. He entered on his stated duties on the third Sabbath in September.. The Rev. W. Jarrom has resigned the pastorate of the General Baptist church, Isleham, Cambridgeshire, and is desirous of taking the oversight of a small church in a neighbourhood near the rail, and offering an opening for a gentleman's school. The Rev. Johr Price, late of Weymouth, has accepted the cordial invitation of the Baptist church, North Row, Warminster. -On Lord's-day, July 20th, the Rev. R. J. Langridge, Independent minister, from London, after he had preached on the Baptism of Christ, and made a statement of his reasons, was baptized by the Rev. E. L. Foster, in Stony Stratford Baptist chapel, in the presence of a large and attentive auditory. He commenced on Lord's day, August 31st, his regular labours as the pastor of the General Baptist church, Nuneaton, having accepted the unanimous invitation of the church to that office. The Rev. J. J. Joplin, who has been for rather more than two years pastor of the Baptist church at Keynsham, near Bristol, has resigned his charge, and accepted an invitation to become the minister of the new Baptist chapel at Chippenhan.

[ocr errors]

Obituary.

THE REV. G. T. PIKE,

We deeply regret that it is our duty to announce the decease of this devoted minister of Christ. The mournful event took place on Wednesday, September 10th, at his residence, Stogumber, Somersetshire. He was greatly beloved by his charge, and highly respected in the neighbourhood. His death has caused a breach in the church not easily again filled. The funeral took place on the Saturday after. his death.

THE CHURCH.

Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone."-Eph. ii. 20.

NOVEMBER, 1856.

THE LOVE OF THE SPIRIT.

BY THE REV. JOHN WILLIAMS.

It is a singular fact, that while discourses and disquisitions without number have been preached and printed on the Love of God the Father, and on the Love of God the Son, few only have either been preached or printed on the Love of God the Spirit! Indeed, there has been not only too great a neglect of this important subject, but both in our bodies of divinity and in our pulpits, views of the Holy Spirit and his work have been set forth which seem calculated to excite the apprehension that the Third Person in the glorious Trinity did not share with the Father and the Son in their ardent and world-wide philanthropy. Whatever is true of the Father and Son as to their love of man, is equally true of the Holy Spirit!

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS GIVEN THE BEST PRACTICAL PROOF POSSIBLE OF HIS LOVE TO OUR WORLD.

To His inspiration we are indebted for the Bible-the holiest and best of books! "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God," &c. (2 Tim. iii. 16); "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter i. 21). These texts, no doubt, assert the inspiration of the Old Testament Scriptures only, they being at that time the only Scriptures in the hands of the church. But what is true of the Old Testament writings is as true of the New Testament writings; for the New Testament writers were assured by Christ, prior to their entering upon the work of teaching Christianity to the world, that they should be endowed with power, the Spirit,-from on high, to qualify them for making known to mankind all necessary truth. And when they after. wards affirmed their inspiration, as they were ever bold to do, the unimpeachable integrity of their characters, with the supernatural signs and wonders wrought by them, gives us the fullest confidence that they were neither wicked impostors nor deluded fanatics. When Jesus was calling the attention of his apostles to his approaching departure from them, the important work he had marked out for them, and the severe trials that awaited them, he consoled their hearts with the promise of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter (John xiv. 16, 17, 26; xv. 26; xvi. 13, 14). It is important to observe that these promises of the Holy Spirit were given to the apostles, and they ensured their participation of those supernatural gifts, by which they were to work miracles, and announce infallibly the will of God to man! These promises were not made to all believers in all ages, for believers in all ages have not received the powers indicated in VOL. X.

M

our Lord's words. Promises of the enlightening, comforting, sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit abound in the Scriptures; but they are not in the texts just quoted! These texts are very important, not simply on account of the proof they afford of the inspiration of the New Testament writers, but also as warranting the distinction sometimes made between revelation and inspiration. "The merest glance at the Holy Scriptures shows that there are contained in them some facts and truths which the human mind itself can arrive at by its ordinary processes and means of obtaining knowledge; and others which can only be known by a supernatural communication. The latter alone belong to revelation; but inspiration deals with both. By revelation, we understand a direct communication from God to man, either of such knowledge as man could not of himself attain to, because its subject-matter transcends human sagacity or human reason; or which (although it might have been attained in the ordinary way) was not, in point of fact, from whatever cause, known to the person who received the revelation. By inspiration, on the other hand, we understand the actuating energy of the Holy Spirit, guided by which the human agents chosen by God have officially proclaimed his will by word of mouth, or have committed to writing the several portions of the Bible."* This distinction is important, and is strikingly illustrated in the promises of the Holy Spirit given by our Lord to his apostles. "He shall teach you all things." "He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." Here is revelation promised-the communication by the Spirit, of truths the world by wisdom could not find out! "He shall bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you." Here is the promise, not of any new revelation, but of Divine aid, to recall to memory, with a view to put on record, the facts that had transpired under their own cognizance. They were inspired by the Holy Spirit,-guided into all truth, both when recording the facts of history and when communicating a new revelation. In the one case, however, they were simply supernaturally aided in making a wise selection and a faithful record of past events; in the other case, they were informed by the Holy Spirit, how we know not,-of doctrines, precepts, and principles, which have wholly escaped all human observation, and have evaded all human research! Mark, then, what we owe to the love of the Spirit. The Bible, this most precious treasure, is His gift. This priceless boon, so profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, for making us wise unto salvation, the world has received through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is indeed a glorious truth, that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son," &c. It is not a less glorious truth, that Jesus loved sinners, and came into the world to save them. It is, however, an equally glorious and necessary truth, that the Holy Spirit loved us, and gave us the Bible to guide us to salvation and eternal life. Wherever the light of the Bible shines, there a bright and splendid display of the love of the Spirit is made.

The forces by which the progress of moral evil in the world has been resisted we attribute to the Holy Spirit. There is an infidelity that prevails in the church, as there is an infidelity that prevails in the world. That which we have been accustomed to call infidelity shuts out God from his proper place in the control of the universe, and to the hands of chance or fate commits the reins of universal government. Thus it does the next thing to denying the existence of the Creator altogether. The infidelity that prevails in the church, is that which shuts out the Divine

* "Journal of Sacred Literature." July, 1856. Art.: Inspiration.

Spirit from His rightful place in the moral world, and, without accounting for the good that is done on the earth, or by supposing that it is the outgrowth of some remaining germ of goodness in fallen humanity, refuses to acknowledge it to be the fruit of His love who alone is "the fountain of all goodness," and from whom alone "all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, do proceed." In our creeds and catechisms we avow our belief in "the total depravity of human nature," and yet by the conviction we cherish, that the Spirit of God works only where and when he works savingly, we stultify that belief, and give to depraved human nature the honour of originating and producing much good by its own unaided powers. We maintain that fallen man can do nothing but that which is evil, and then with the same breath we maintain that all the good that falls short of soul-saving conversion is not of the operation of the Divine Spirit. We call it "natural virtue" to show that it springs from man's nature, and is not divinely produced. Here is a glaring inconsistency. Man is first of all pronounced wholly vile,-indeed this is the Scripture view of him,-and then, when forced by indubitable facts to admit that there is a large amount of good in the world that does not involve the complete deliverance of man from the guilt and power of sin,— because we imagine that the Spirit of God works only where he works thoroughly, we ascribe that to some other power than the Divine! And hereby, too, we do great dishonour to the Holy Spirit. We rob Him of the glory due to His name, by attributing to other influences what cannot possibly be produced but by His power! There is much real goodness in the world, there ever has been,-that we dare not confound with "righteousness and true holiness;" '-a good deal of domestic, social, political, mercantile, and commercial virtue, that has existed apart from the religious life, and in connection with manifold forms of human depravity. How is this to be accounted for? You cannot account for it

if you lose sight of the Spirit's operations, and aver that only when true religion is the result, are his influences present. From the beginning God's loving Spirit has been in the world. Aye, the world would have been a perfect pandemonium without his restraining influences. From that dark hour when the chief of apostate angels seduced our first parents from their allegiance to their Creator, the Spirit of God has been on earth to counteract the working of that malignant spirit, that with so much craft effected the ruin of our race. The first promise of a Saviour was virtually the setting up of that remedial economy, the high aim of which was to destroy the works of the devil. And as any arrangement for the recovery of our lost world would have been incomplete and inefficient without the ministration of the Spirit; from the beginning, the Spirit must have been in the world, to restrain the operations and check the progress of moral evil. The world has long been the scene of a mighty moral conflict. Two mighty spirits have been doing battle, the one to destroy, the other to save man! And the good we see in the past and in the present, we are bound to regard as the fruit of the operations of that Spirit who has loved the world too well to abandon it to the will of its merciless

adversary the devil! Ah, you say, what a dark history is the history of man! True, but what a far darker history it had been, had not the Holy Spirit been in the world! It is true, indeed, that darkness and pollution have covered the earth. But it might have been worse! Mankind might have sunk lower,-have become viler! The earth from its paradisiacal glory, instead of being turned into a waste howling wilderness, might have become a hell, and men might have become devils. That such a catastrophe has not ensued, let us gratefully acknowledge to be a proof of the love of the Spirit!

« AnteriorContinuar »