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fear." "On every subsequent occasion of their meeting, till her death, seven weeks after, she expressed her peace in believing, and the absence of all terror in view of death. Dr. Beilby's Memoir.

LOWLINESS.-While the man of the world is aiming at something great, and crying, oh, that I were higher! the true Christian, with grace in his heart, cries, oh, to be lower, lower, lower! Give me humility, O Lord! When shall I be lower? Lowliness of mind is not a flower that grows wild in the fields of nature, but requires to be planted by the finger of God; and God is always willing to put a finger to this work. It is a most excellent disposition; it makes a worm stand higher than an angel. All experience has proved it safer and better to be humble with one talent, than lifted up with ten. It is one of those lessons a man sits down and learns at the feet of Jesus Christ. It is one of those parts of practice which enlist the sympathy of angels, and call down the care and condescension of Jehovah himself; for "he giveth grace to the humble." Palaces and thrones have no attractions for him, so he passes them by; but "to this man will I look, who is poor, and of a contrite heart." It is a preparative for receiving grace, and the effect of grace received; from both which considerations,

the more a man has of it the better. It not only fits a man for the grace of God, but puts him in possession of a God of grace; and he who seeks earnestly the best gifts will find this to be one of them. Let us not be satisfied with a small degree of this lowliness, but strive after it, make it an object-" so run as to obtain it"-and remember that he who is contented with grace enough to get to heaven, and desires no more, may be very sure that he has none at all.

THE POWER OF CHRISTIANITY.—The efficacy of christianity has been abundantly tried. We can point to results which it hath already produced, as sustaining all that we have affirmed of what it is adapted to effect. We can speak of its well-attested power to civilize the barbarous, to humanize the brutish, to enlighten the ignorant, to disenthral the superstitious, to scatter blessings without number wheresoever she finds a home. Hopes which philosophy could never kindle have been awakened by her voice; vices which philosophy could never curb have been effectually repressed; sorrows which philosophy could never soothe have been abated and staunched; science and commerce have never so flourished as when cultured beneath the influence of this religion.-R. Bickersteth.

Entelligence.

BAPTIST FOREIGN MISSIONS.

INDIA.

A recent number of the Missionary Herald mentions the very interesting fact, that change of religion is no longer allowed by law to deprive the convert of all his rights of inheritance, a circumstance which hitherto had often made the converts' support a pecuniary burden to the missionary or other christian friends. Another act, called "The Apprenticing Act," is also likely to have an important bearing on the welfare of the native christians, who have for a long time been oppressed by peculiar disadvantages, which this act will remove. When called by God's grace from the midst of their idolatrous countrymen, they are in a great measure constrained to depend upon artificial sources of subsistence. "No native workmen," says the editor of the Friend of India, will teach them a trade, and no native Baboo will willingly employ them. They will now, however, be able to apprentice themselves to Europeans, and thus obtain a knowledge of mechanics, which will place them in a superior position. They will be brought into direct rivalry, on fair terms, with other native classes, and we shall soon see that their superior regularity, and more than average honesty, will place them on high vantage ground." These things are pleasing to narrate. May the Jessening of outward hindrances open a

door for the entrance of conviction where hitherto it has been resisted.

We are sorry to notice that a considerable number of missionaries have returned from ill health. The fields are truly "white unto harvest," but the labourers in our mission become fewer and fewer; and neither men gifted for the work are coming forward to supply their place, nor is the money contributed to send them out, were they to offer themselves. The times demand, more than ever, much prayer that God would raise up suitable men for his work, both at home and abroad.

THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

The Meetings of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference have just been held in London. It is evident from the entire proceedings, that there is no disposition on the part of the dominant party to grant the slightest concessions to the reformers; the heads of the present dynasty are as haughty as ever, and as determined to put down, by the strong hand of persecution, every effort to render the Methodistic system more accordant with New Testament principles, and better adapted to the circumstances of the age. The most notable events in the present Conference are, the exclusion of Mr. Bromley, without even permitting him to appear in his own behalf; a vote, that Dr. Beaumont "deserves the censure of the Conference," on account of his lenient

and conciliatory measures; and last, though not least, the degradation of Mr. Rowland, for HAVING EXPRESSED THE OPINION that Conference had acted wrongly in the exclusion of Messrs. Everett, Dunn, and Griffith, and for having refused to consent to the exclusion of certain members because he believed that Jesus Christ would not expel them. To us the proceedings of the Conference have, from the first, appeared little less than infatuation. Surely they cannot long be submitted to. With our views, however, we should care little about them but for the libel they inflict upon christianity, and the infidelity they cause, and apparently justify. Wesleyanism has done much in the past, and no one can be more ready than ourselves to acknowledge it, to increase earnest and active piety: are we wrong in saying that it has now the awful responsibility of enlarging the numbers and strengthening the hands of the agents of infidelity?

OUR COLLEGES.

The Annual Meeting of the Bristol College Subscribers was held on the 26th of June. The Rev. R. Morris, of Clifton, commenced the service by reading the Scripture and prayer, and after essays by two of the senior students had been read, an address was delivered by the Rev. G. H. Davis. The reports of the examiners and of the tutors were highly satisfactory. The next session will open with twenty-two students. The Annual Meeting in connexion with Horton College was held on the 7th of August. An admirable and very useful sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Burton; and, at the wish of many who heard it, it is likely to be printed. The session opens with fifteen students. The pecuniary state of the Institution is better than last year. The reports of the examiners were in all respects very satisfactory.

HAMSTERLEY.

The Rev. Thomas Cardwell, formerly town missionary at Hartlepool, was ordained pastor of the Baptist church, Hamsterley, Durham, on Wednesday, May 22, 1850. The Rev. J. D. Carrick, of North Shields, opened the services, by reading the Scriptures and by prayer; the Rev. Wm. Leng, of Stockton-upon-Tees, proposed the questions, and offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. Thomas Pottenger, of Newcastleupon-Tyne, delivered the charge to the pastor; and in the evening, addresses were given to the church by Messrs. Leng. Carrick, Fyfe of Darlington, and Forth of Middleton-in-Teesdale; and by Mr. Pottenger to the undecided in the congregation. In connection with the same series of services, the Rev. T. Pottenger preached, on the 23rd of May, a recognition sermon to the Baptist church, Walsingham, which, in connection with the church at Hamsterley, is under the pastoral care of Mr. Cardwell. After the sermon by Mr. Pottenger, the audience was addressed by Mr. Fyfe of Darlington.

SKENFRITH, MONMOUTHSHIRE.

On Good Friday, March 29th, 1850, Mr. Thomas Richards, late student at Pontypool college, was ordained pastor over the Baptist church at Skenfrith, Monmouthshire. On the previous evening, Mr. Lewis, of Llanthewy, preached from Matt. xvi. 18, 19. In the morning, at 11 o'clock, Mr. Jones, of Goitre, introduced the service by reading and prayer. Mr. Clark, A.M. of Monmouth, delivered the introductory discourse, received the confession of faith, and offered the ordination prayer; after which Mr. J. W. Morgan, of Caerwent, gave the charge to the minister and the church from 1 Tim. iv. 16. In the evening, Mr. Clark preached from John vi. 68.

MALTON.

The recognition of the Rev. J. F. Earle, as pastor of the Baptist church at Malton, took place in August, in the chapel, which has been newly and neatly painted and cleaned for the occasion. The Rev. W. F. Burchell of Rochdale, gave a very lucid description of a christian church; the Rev. Mr. Ethera of Kilham, read the scriptures and prayed; the Rev. B. Evans of Scarborough, put the usual questions to the minister, offered the ordination prayer, and afterwards delivered to him an able and appropriate address; the Rev. W. J. Stuart of Hull, concluded the services with a faithful and affectionate discourse to the church.

POLEMOOR, YORKSHIRE.

At a church meeting held June 6th, 1850, in the Baptist chapel, Polemoor, Yorkshire, the deacons, in the name of the church, most affectionately presented their much esteemed pastor, the Rev. H. W. Holmes, with the sum of £20, thus testifying their approbation of his faithful and abundant ministerial labours during the twenty years and a half he has been with them. Holmes expressed his gratitude for the gift, assuring the deacons that he highly appreciated their kindness, receiving it as a proof of their love to him for his Master's sake.

BYROM-STREET, LIVERPOOL.

Mr.

The Rev. James Smith, late of NewPark-Street, London, has accepted an invitation to occupy the pulpit in Byrom-Street chapel, Liverpool, in order to raise a congregation, and form a church of baptized believers, in that place; and affectionately requests his friends to give him an interest in their prayers, that the Lord would crown his efforts with success. Mr. Smith's address will be No. 6, Soho-Street, Liverpool.

DUNDEE.

The Rev. James Blair, late pastor of the church in Stirling, has accepted an invitation to the pastorate of the church in Rattray's-Court, Seagate, Dundee, and commenced his labours the first Lord's-day in August. Mr. Blair was formerly Evangelist in connexion with this church, anei was favoured with the divine blessing on his efforts to a considerable degree.

THE CHURCH.

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

OCTOBER, 1850.

FRAGMENTARY NOTES OF VILLAGE SERMONS.

BY THE REV. JOHN FOSTER.

(Taken by one of his hearers.)

No. 10.

"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day, &c."-Luke xvi. 19.

How proper is it that we should begin, and carry on, and close our speculations, with the thought, that God is the Judge of the world. There are very few things we can think to much purpose upon, without this fact being distinctly before us; and if it be, it will produce a great effect. Think of a subject as pertinently and correctly as you please, if you leave this fact out, you will have thought one thing; but think also that God is Judge, and it will be another subject. It will carry a seriousness and solemnity such as it could not of itself. You may go into any company, project, or enquiry, and if you but introduce this thought, what an effect will it produce! Never did any shower after a long drought, or wind after a dead and feverish stagnation, produce such a change as this thought would effect. When we contemplate the prosperity of the wicked, this is a very useful thought, that God is Judge. When you see a good man in distress, as if blasted by heaven, this might produce a bad effect, had you not a solemn belief that God is the Judge of the world, and that another scene will explain all. These are very usual occurrences. You have seen a good man very much oppressed. I have one, now, in my recollection_ a man of great resolution, indefatigable diligence, actuated by excellent principles. His schemes have been formed with the maturity of a good judgment, and pursued in the spirit of a good man, and yet all blasted when he seemed just stepping into success. He has never given in, as we say, and yet has been unsuccessful. Suppose the oppressor of such a man to have no fear of God, yet surrounded by the good things of the world; he may feel defiance (in the way of carelessness and forgetfulness) of God, and still every thing go on the same; he may go through all sorts of hazards unhurt. At such a spectacle, is it not necessary you should have some thought to support your soul, and prevent it from sinking into a kind of Atheism? Yes, men should think when they see such things, that God is Judge, and will bring to light all mysteries. You often see men like Nebuchadnezzar, looking over the metropolis of his empire, and the meanest slave below him in chains and poverty. Now, the thought that God is no respecter of persons, will reduce all to the same level at

VOL. IV.

L

once.

What would you think of God if you conceived him as the friend of the rich and powerful, simply of the prosperous, if you conceived him to be what men are who have the greatest number of friends? There are men before whom friends spring up as by miracle; a man, it may be, has only to look round, and meets with smiles; if he travels, he finds everywhere the same obsequiousness and submission. Now, this would be the worst idea of God. But, then, the worst idea of God would be the first idea of man. It is a delightful thing that God is no respecter of persons. What a disordered world is this to love and adore! Is it possible for a good man to expect happiness here, where the rich despise the poor and the God of the poor?

"And it came to pass that the beggar died." Death is the great Deliverer. God sends him as an Angel to take account of all; he goes to every door; to every door and house of every good man; or when he has no house, as Lazarus, and takes him to a far better state. Yes, this system will not last long. Suppose you are a poor man. Cannot you compassionate a rich man ? Look at the glare of triumph! Cannot you see a dread eclipse coming over it? The gloom of death overspreads and quenches all his splendour. Think of his troops of friends! Will they come to his grave? They, perhaps, will go to his funeral to pay, as they call it, the last offices. But would they not be glad to think that they can go away and leave him behind? Nay, if before his death, prosperity forsakes him, those faces that used to smile on him, smile no longer. If a rich man should in one week be very rich, and lose all in that week, what a change there would be in the countenances of his friends! It is marvellous to think that human faces could appear so different! Suppose him to meet them, though they would try to get out of his way, he might say, "I look on this, and this, and this, and so on-what a strange eclipse! as if different persons lived in these bodies, as though another soul looked through that face!"

Who would envy that great king Belshazzar, who began one night in such splendid revelry, but ended it in such destruction? Yet how much was he envied by those who noticed all the preparations for the feast, by those who stood near the palace, if they were allowed to do so, who saw the guests arrive, the worthy associates of the monarch, as it appeared, when they were worthily rewarded! But who that had the fear of God would envy that man, when he saw the handwriting on the wall? Though it appeared mysterious, though he heard no voice, yet if he recollected there was a God, he could almost imagine what it meant.

"The beggar was laid at his gate." It is a privilege to relieve the poor; and to have no disposition to do it, is to be related to this rich man. This holds out a warning to every rich person who has the means of doing good, and not the will. For distress, there is sympathy in heaven; but what is there for avarice, for cruelty, for oppression? What different feelings in heaven towards people on earth! The rays of light are divided into different colours, and yet quite close to each other. Now, they can hardly be closer than the objects of these different regards; only a wall or a gate between them. Yes, Angels smile, the Almighty God looks with kindness, on men like Lazarus. But think how they look on such as this rich man!

In one sense, men will be all witnesses for or against one another at the Last Day. There will be a reference to social facts. Conceive yourselves brought to the Tribunal. You may not be called directly to give evidence, but facts in your memory will be the recording testimony, to prove the character of others; and so with respect to ourselves. Men cannot be long in the world without doing good or evil. There will be a mutual testimony borne by what persons have done to one another. A man may say, "Whatever I do to my neighbours, I shall make them witnesses. I

shall be but acting out my character. Let me take care, and remember that whatever I do will be testified by them, whether they like it or not." "The dogs came and licked his sores." There are men who treat their fellow-men like the brutes, who put their slaves on a level with their animals, and go to church all the while. This was our Lord's situation. No one felt regret at seeing the Lord of Glory there in the manger. So let his servants be consoled, if they are made the companions of beasts; they are but made like Lazarus, or like our Lord, who was lodged in the abode of brute beasts, apart from all the society of rational beings.

"And it came to pass that the beggar died." Did he deem this a sad event? No. It is a consolatory hope to a man of faith. When such a man as Lazarus enquires, "What can I do ?" he may say, "Why, I can die." That is the great consoling answer. When he finds nothing but contempt and neglect from all but these animals, then there is the exulting reply, "I can die." Every calamity would impel him faster to that remedy. He might be thrown out on the field or the road; but there this best friend, this divine friend sent by Him who did not send health or riches, met him. How strange then would all the past appear, when he felt himself rise up, strong and vigorous, full of power and light, and found all pain, and hunger, and disease, sunk down and lost,-when he lost nothing of any worth, but what he would regain with infinite improvement ! What a striking retrospect to see the last moment when he was lying at the rich man's gate! Look at this man, without any property, any spoil to divide. He has something worth while sending down Angels for from heaven. But there was nothing in the house worth taking to heaven! No, not a soul. No soul went from that house to heaven except to God as a Judge.

The immortal part alone is valuable. Angels are represented as conveying the soul of this poor man; and perhaps they do so to all good men. Perhaps this is a specimen of the manner in which God calls all his servants away. So, if there is a great distance to their abodes, here are guides; if dangers, here are guards; if solitude, here is companionship. No man would die with him. Though Jesus Christ laid down his life for such. Yet he found Angels waiting for him; and the mortal pains were more than repaid by such a transition.

"He was carried by the Angels into Abraham's bosom." The best above are appointed to receive others. This implies a state of intimacy. This great Patriarch was one of the most distinguished saints, the father of the faithful.

"The rich man also died." Imagine the avidity of his companions! With what eagerness did they fly, like eagles or vultures on a field of battle, to divide the spoil! How little would they think what was become of his soul! How would they laugh when the funeral was over, as those who divide the spoil! Did any one think of these two men together? There is still a difference; but it is reversed. How striking, to a good man, would be the exercise of faith on this difference!

"In hell he lift up his eyes." This was a most melancholy transition, to a man surrounded by affluence, and splendour, and pomp. What became of his flatterers now? What faces does he now behold? Yes, he is gone to society! But we are told he saw Lazarus; a more afflicting sight than all he could see around him. This is intended to strike our minds as the

last possible difference. The evil will know where the good are. Especially, evil oppressors will know the objects of God's favour and of their scorn. There will be time enough to make a comparison; there will be nothing, as on earth, to sweep away thought. On earth he might have said, "I have not time." There, he may make the contrast as long as he pleases, or, rather, as long as he is forced to see Lazarus.

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