original. Its most simple meaning is to share something in common-or a common partnership. The purposes of church fellowship, then, are to share with our fellow-believers in all things which belong to them as the people of God. (1) We are to share with them in worship. Hence the exhortation, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." And it is of the utmost importance that we obey the injunction; for experience abundantly shows that there is a close connection between life and growth, and love for fellowship in worship. If, indeed, there are professing Christians who seldom thus unite with other believers-who only unite with them as often as they deem it necessary for the maintenance of their Christian character-it may be regarded as certain, that they are in a cold and unspiritual condition. It is a bad sign if we do not love the assemblies of God's people. (2) We are to share with them in all their obligations to service. Ministering to the wants of the poor, the sick, the afflicted-carrying the Gospel to those who are benighted, at home or abroad-all these duties devolve upon believers as united together as a corporate body. It is true that many of them may be discharged, in a way, individually. But it was not the Saviour's intention that they should be thus discharged; for all his directions on these points were given to the disciples collectively, or to churches through his servants. On this account, greater blessing may be expected on labour for Christ, in which the union of his people is manifestly seen. For thereby we honour him ourselves, and glorify his name before the world. (3) We are also to share with them in common blessings. "All things are ours." But, in God's dealing with souls, the blessings of his grace are often more fully realised by some than by others. If in fellowship, those who receive special blessings become the channel of blessings to all who are associated with them; "For we are members one of another," and, consequently, the joy of one is the joy of all, and the sorrow of one is the sorrow of all. How often has this been experienced in meetings for prayer or worship! We have gone, cold and barren; but, while assembled, God has made another to minister to our state, and we have returned to our homes rejoicing. These are some of the purposes for which we unite in fellowship, according to the will of our Lord. They are so important—so essential for the maintenance of Christian life, as well as for the fulfilment of the responsibilities of our position-that no one can afford to neglect fellowship; for if he does, he both imperils his safety, and is disobedient to the expressed mind and will of God. III. The question may be asked, With whom shall we unite in fellowship? The question is important, as many a young convert is perplexed by the number of different bodies of Christians that exist round about him. It most generally follows that a convert unites himself with the people amongst whom he was brought out of darkness into God's marvellous light. Sometimes, however, he may have received his blessing by other instrumentalities; or, he removes to another locality, and, in such cases, the question becomes one of great perplexity. We will, then, lay down a few Scriptural rules that may be helpful at such a time, and in such a condition. (1) În the first place, it is a clear duty not to unite with any whose terms of fellowship contradict the Word of God. One example may be given. If the standards or creeds of any church contain the doctrine of baptismal regeneration, the real presence in the Lord's Supper, or the power of the human priesthood to absolve from sin, or any other false doctrine, you cannot, consistently with your duty to the Lord Jesus, unite with that church. And, be it especially observed, that it is not what is proclaimed from the pulpit, but what is embodied in their doctrinal terms of fellowship, or their doctrinal standards, that constitutes the foundation of fellowship. This general example admits of a wide application. Before, therefore, any one seeks fellowship with a church, he should examine its creeds and doctrines (for many Christian churches have such in a printed form) by the light of God's Word. (2) It is very important that you unite with the church with which you most nearly agree; for agreement in doctrine and life is an essential condition of fellowship. "How can two walk together except they be agreed?" And, it must be remembered, that the more perfect our fellowship, the more we honour our Lord. We have seen that he prayed that we "all might be one;" and he also said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Where this agreement does not exist, it is occasionally the cause of much disaster. We have seen cases of members of churches differing from the pastor, differing from the church, and using all their influence, covertly or openly, to destroy the unity of the church, and to mar its prosperity. The spectacle is not only unseemly, but unwittingly such are instruments of Satan. They, in fact, mangle the body of Christ. Hence the urgent importance of uniting with the church with which you are most at one. (3) Once more, you should not unite with any church in which you would be expected to conceal any truth whatsoever. If it would constitute an offence to teach and propagate any doctrine of God's Word, you ought not to be found in such a place. Neither openly nor tacitly may we consent to hide anything that God has revealed to us. If we do, not only are we unfaithful to Christ, but we shut ourselves out from increasing light and knowledge. For if we are not faithful to what has been revealed, God will not reveal more. "To him that hath shall be given; but from him that hath not shall be taken even that he hath." These rules and remarks will be sufficient to supply an answer to the question proposed. IV. The duties of fellowship. Most of these will be gathered from what has been said under its purposes. A word or two, in addition, will therefore suffice. (1) We belong to the church with which we are united. We ought, therefore, to hold ourselves at its disposal for service. (2) We are bound to t submit to its discipline, if occasion should arise for its exercise, when administered according to the Word of God. (3) We must submit ourselves to its constituted authority, on the same condition-that the authority be exercised according to the Scriptures. (4) It is our duty to contribute, as God may prosper us, towards the necessary expenses of the church. (5) It need scarcely be added that service of love and self-sacrifice is owing from all to all. The following Scriptures may be studied in connection with the above points. (1) Acts xv. 22; xiii. 1-3; 1 Cor. ix. 19; 2 Cor. iv. 5. (2) 1 Cor. v. and vi. ; 2 Cor. ii. 1-11; 1 Thess. v. 14; 2 Thess. iii. 11–15. (3) 1 Thess. v. 12, 13; Heb. xiii. 17; 1 Peter v. 5, etc. (4) 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2; 2 Cor. viii. and ix. (5) On this point read carefully the First Epistle of John; and on the whole subject, the practical portions of the Epistles generally. Fellowship, entered upon and carried out in the spirit thus advocated, will be no mean foretaste of the fellowship of heaven. By sin not only. have the ties which bound man to God been rent asunder, but also those which bound him to his fellow. In Christ God is reconciled to believers, and believers are formed into one holy brotherhood, baptised into one body. Love is the great cementing power. God's love in Christ binds us to himself; and his love in our hearts flows out to all our brethren, and perfects our unity. Love, therefore, is the atmosphere, as indeed it is the condition of Christian fellowship. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John xiii. 35). The more perfect, therefore, our mutual love, the more perfect will be our mutual fellowship. Reviews. Lessons from Jesus; or, The Teachings of Divine Love. By W. P. BALFERN. Cheap edition. Passmore & Alabaster. We are glad that our publishers have issued a cheap edition of this gracious book. It will be read by many believers with much holy delight and profit. The gentle spirit of our beloved brother, who has been fitly styled " the Poet of the London Baptist Association," saturates all he writes with the sweetness which attracts and consoles. The Lord My Portion; or, Daily Weeds Divinely Supplied. By Dr. O. WINSLOW. Shaw & Co. ONE of our tea-brokers declares that his article is ALWAYS GOOD ALIKE, and we think we may say the same of Dr. Winslow's writings, only we should feel bound slightly to alter the line and say, ALWAYS GOOD AND ALIKE. The book before us is really good, instructive, and spiritual; it contains a profitable meditation for each day of the month; and if read through during that time, and then passed on to a friend, might be the means of much edification. Dogs, and their Doings. By Rev. F. O. MORRIS, B.A. Partridge & Co. IT is marvellous how the status of dogs has been changed by Christianity; from being pests to humanity they have be"the friends of man." They appear even to be rising in education, for we observed the other day a drinking place labelled, "WATER come FOR DOGS, which of course was not meant for us, but intended for learned mastiffs and reading spaniels. The sumptuous volume before us is not SO much a plea for our canine companions as a canonization of them. If these are not the dog-days they are certainly glorious days for dogs, when they have Sir Edwin Landseer and Harrison Weir as artists in ordinary to their canine majesties, and books in their honour printed exquisitely, adorned richly with engravings, and bound in gorgeous livery. Who would not be a dog! We throw out the hint to all so-called jolly dogs, who now rank among men. Secede, join your namesakes, be as sober as they are, and perhaps you will have your likenesses taken by Landseer himself. We wish this work a large circulation, for it deserves it. It will do great service in inculcating kindness to animals among young and old. Morning and Evening Sacrifice; a Handbook for Domestic Worship. Compiled by J. DICKERSON DAVIES, M.A. Snow & Co. A VERY good directory for reading the bulk of the Bible in the family in the course of two years. This may often spare the hurried dropping upon a chapter, which results in unsuitable portions being read, or in the repetition of the same portion to the neglect of the rest. We see there are a few outline prayers, and we join with the author in the hope that they will not be substituted for the spontaneous outflow of the heart. The Stolen Child, and Other Tales. By the Author of "The Basket of Flowers." Oliphant & Co. ONE of a very attractive series of books for the young, which will, we think, achieve a considerable reputation. We cannot find time to read each one. The names of the companion books are"The Pet Lamb,” The Easter Eggs," and "The Young Artist." "Magic Spectacles," by Chauncey Giles, issued by the same publishers, is a book which no child will weary of. The Scots Worthies By JOHN HOWIE, of Lochgoin. Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, & Co. WE did not review this work while we had only a part of it in numbers, because we are not gifted with prophetic powers, and cannot foresee the value of a whole from the character of a part. Now that we have the entire volume before us we are more than satisfied. The work is standard history, and ought to be read by every Christian; and this edition of it is both profusely and suitably illustrated, thus greatly enhancing the value of the work. "Spread it then, And let it circulate through every part Of our vast empire." Stone Witnesses; or, what some Old | good if not very striking, and had a Stones say about the Bible. By BURNETT TABRUM. Morgan & Chase. By such little publications as this the marrow of large and expensive works is conveyed to the multitude. When we had read it we preached a sermon from it, read a chapter from it to our students, and then gave it away to a brother minister. What better evidence could we present of our appreciation of this capital sixpenny-worth? Old Merry's Travels on the Continent: with numerous Illustrations. Hodder, & Stoughton. A SPRIGHTLY, genial, gossipy, but practical guide to the Rhine and to a Swiss tour. Having traversed the ground we can vouch for the writer's accuracy, and for the hawk-like manner in which he sees and pounces upon the titbits wherever they may be. Here may be the place to say how greatly we deplore the establishment of a lottery in connection with Old Merry's Magazine. We entreat the publishers to abstain in future from spreading a gambling spirit among our young people; and if they do not forbear the practice in future, we hope that no parent will allow the periodical to enter his house. This is written in the kindest spirit, but the evil is a very great one. History of the Congregational Church, Cockermouth, being Selections from its own Records. By W. LEWIS. H. L. Judd & Co., 15, Little New Street, E.C. THESE ancient records possess interest beyond the walls of Cockermouth, but they will be best prized at home. Congregationalists who value the memorials of their community will add this to their historical documents. Gems and Pearls; a Collection of Choice Readings from many Writers. By Rev. GEORGE SHAW. Hamilton, Adams & Co. QUITE a sufficiency of these collections may now be had, and we dare say they are all useful; but the least thing that makers of such omnium gatherums can do is to arrange their wares so that they may be serviceable to students; we are sorry that the compiler has not done so in this case. The extracts are very Gleams from the Lamp of Life; or, Counsel and Comfort by the Way. By Rev. H. J. BROWNE, B.A., Senior Curate of the Parish Church, Cheltenham. Morgan, Chase, & Scott. TWELVE brief but telling discourses, and we hope equally certain, under the full of gospel truth, sure to be read, blessing of the Holy Spirit, to prove useful. We are glad that Cheltenham parish church has such a preacher, but we regret that he is a preacher in a parish church. Memorials of Charles C. Mackintosh, D.D. By Rev. WM. TAYLOR, M.A. Edinburgh: Edmonston & Douglas. ONE of the earth's best men passed away when Dr. Mackintosh fell asleep. The Free Church of Scotland has had many noble, gentle-hearted men, whose lionlike spirits were clothed with a dovelike meekness, and such was the departed minister of Tain and Dunoon. We were stirred as with the blast of a trumpet ringing out full and clear, while we read the specimens of his sermons. God give to England and Scotland ten thousand more like him, and we should soon see greater things than we have ever known. The editor's introduction is highly interesting. We never tire of reading anything which helps to throw fresh light upon, or to illustrate that Disruption of 1843. As, one by one, the grand page of our National history-the giants of that victory for truth are called away, we do well to express afresh our admiration for their self-denial and heroism. May their mantle fall on each of us. We commend this book to all our brethren, with an extra injunction to our Evangelical brethren in the Establishment to read the day's diary"1843. May 18th.-A memorable day for Scotland; separated, with all my heart, from the State." Brother in the Establishment, "go thou and do likewise." The Bible Student. Hodder & Stoughton. The Spanish Brothers: a Tale of the THE highest encomiums are due to this ratives. The Child and the Book; a Manual of Method for Sunday School Teachers and other Instructors. By ROBERT DUNNING and JOSEPH HASSELL. Sunday School Union. A TEACHER Who could master and act upon the main principles of this manual would be sure to become a superintendent, or else a rara avis among teachers, for it contains the practical metaphysics of instruction. We do not, however, think much will come of it. As eloquence cannot be learned in the elocution class, so neither can the way of winning the attention and moving the heart be discovered by the examination of plans and methods. The best rods and lines, and the neatest artificial flies, will not enable some men to catch fish, while a ragged boy with a stick, a bit of cotton, and a pin, will sometimes draw out the finny creatures by scores. There is a knack in the business, a sort of spiritual tact, which good teachers seem to fall upon by instinct, and which hundreds of methodical instructors know no more about than of the way of the eagle in the air. Books like this are most useful to the best teachers, and least serviceable to those who take most notice of literal rules and miss their spirit. The gentlemen who have written this manual are men of large experience, and what they have written will, most of it, be endorsed by practical men. The Lost Found, and the Wanderer Wel- SEVEN excellent discourses, containing lead him to the cross. A Manual for Young Christians; being a Guide to their Path, Position, and Service. By EDWARD DENNETT. Elliot Stock. MR. DENNETT did notable service to the cause of truth by his work upon the Plymouth Brethren, which we commended warmly some few months ago; his present contribution to the welfare of the church is even more valuable. Pastors of baptised churches will look long and far before they find such a manual for their young people as this. It is so comprehensive, so sententious, so judicious, so spiritual, so scriptural, that to our mind it leaves nothing to be wished for except a general distribution throughout all our churches. It should be gone through by our Bible classes, and it might with advantage be read by all our members. We give elsewhere a chapter from it upon Church Membership, as well to justify our encomium as to excite a desire to purchase it. We do not know the price, but we suppose it would be eighteenpence or two shillings. The Christian Witness, and Christian's Penny Magazine, two organs of the Congregationalists, are well conducted, earnest, and useful. |