Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB

ercise. That were to close up a treasure inestimable and exhaustless, as applicable to ourselves, and to our personal interests, necessities, and feelings, as any part of the scriptures whatever. It is true, that in applying the words of these books to the spiritual Israel, the spiritual Jerusalem, their first application to God's chosen people, the Jews, has by some been lost sight of; and that to recover it, they have by others been so forcibly taken back again, as to deprive the child of God by the redemption of Jesus' blood, of his richest store of truth and consolation. Either was unnecessary. The separation of Abraham and his seed from the generations of men, to serve the one true God, and live under his immediate guidance, while to all beside he was unknown; and to be called his peculiar people, chosen and beloved, while to all beside he was a vengeful enemy-this peculiar and extraordinary separation was but an emblem from first to last of the people since purchased by the Redeemer's blood, reclaimed from sin, and separated from a world lying in wickedness, to be the adopted children of God, to be governed by his laws, and led by his Spirit, and protected by his power. The analogy has in all things been preserved. However literally, therefore, every promise or warning may apply to the temporal affairs of the Jewish people, and however far they will be in the future, as they have been in the past, literally fulfilled to them, they are thence the more, not the less certainly, applicable, in a spiritual sense, to the church of God in Christ, and personally to every individual child of God who is a member of it. Whatever is true of the former, is true of the latter -whatever is addressed to the former, is addressed to the latter also-whatever is theirs is ours also, of blessing or of promise.

To illustrate my meaning, I will make use of the 35th chapter of Isaiah. It has been for many ages the song with which the afflicted has beguiled the hours of his affliction, the weary pilgrim's chant in all his passage through the desert world. The wilderness of the first verse, so sad and solitary, has seemed to be his own bosom, and the world over whose promise its blighting had extended. The message of encouragement in the fourth verse has seemed addressed him in his hours of fearfulness, trial and opposition. The succeeding promises were a stay amid the stubborn insensibility of men and the corruption of the abandoned earth. The eighth verse seemed to describe the way of salvation, made plain to the simple in the pure gospel light; and the concluding one, that eternity of unbroken bliss, which awaits the redeemed in the mansions of glory. But some will say this chapter has another meaning. The solitary desert is that land once flowing with milk and honey: parched now and thirsty, the habitation of the dragon, bringing forth weeds and rushes: the Lebanon, the Carmel, and the Sharon, are the places literally so named the promises are to the scattered, helpless and oppressed, to the yet blind and stubborn people of the house of Israel: the highway and the way shall be made hereafter for their return to Palestine, and the songs of everlasting joy be sung on the heights of Zion. Perhaps they say true. But this need make no

:

difference in our devotional use of the chapter. It means but the more certainly what it meant before. If we forget this latter application altogether, I am persuaded we do no wrong in taking to our bosoms as the chosen of God in Christ, the consolations and promises it contains. If we remember it, I am persuaded that by restoring it to the chosen of God in Abraham, we need not be dispossessed and deprived of them. That first temporal election and separation was the emblem of the spiritual-and the events and circumstances which so miraculously pursued those who were the subject of it in their temporal affairs, have their exact analogy in the spiritual conduct of those who belong to the election and separation in Jesus Christ. We have but to trace their history through, comparing it with what we know of others and ourselves in spiritual things, to perceive the analogy entire-and by the past may be instructed of the future. If our minds have been occupied with the construction of these scriptures, and unsatisfied respecting their just application, I do not say it is of no consequence to know-all truth is of consequence-and it were much too proud for man to say that what God has written is not necessary to be studied or inquired about. But to our devotion it is of no consequence; and to our personal application of the prophetic promises and threats it is of no consequence. If our hearts are warmed and exalted by the interpretation we have received, it is well-let it be present with us, and be used to that purpose. But if all we feel about it is a yet unsatisfied curiosity, it will but interrupt our devotion to entertain the subject-let us reserve it for our hours of study rather, and for this time take the Bible as we have received it, and fully understand it. There is indeed enough. If I have chosen the last chapter of the Revelation for my devotional reading, and I find in the first five verses a description of that place where the just shall reign for ever, which all that is most lovely and most pleasing to our senses is made use of to embellish, where the curse that has blighted our poor world is no more to be found, of which the greatest charm of all is that the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it—while my heart throbs with the anticipation of expected bliss, and grows careless for the trifles of this departing world, and rises in adoration of that Being whose face I am to see, and in whose desired presence I am about to dwell, I need not recal my heaven-gone thoughts, and check my anticipating joy, and withhold my strains of adoration, to determine where that blessed abode shall be. Or if in the tenth and eleventh verses I read that the time is at hand-that He comes quickly-and that at his coming, all must be determined in good or ill for ever, and to every man be given the portion he has chosen-while my awed spirit returns upon itself, to ask if it is ready, I need not stay the examination till I have satisfied myself if it shall be in ten years, or in fifty, or in five hundred. He that testifieth of these things saith, surely I come quickly-and if my bosom breathes the prompt Amen, it will be too full of its desires, and of the gladness of these tidings, to go to criticism and controversy upon the manner of his appearing. As much as we do know by previous study, it is

446

Directions for reconciling Differences amongst Friends.

good to bear in mind-it may increase our feelings by placing something more definite before us-the more we know of what God has revealed, the more we shall value and enjoy his word-let us despise not knowledge, for it is one of the objects we come to the scripture in search of. But for our devotion we know enough, be it in faith and simplicity ever so little; and this is not the time to inquire for more, unless by an aspiration to heaven to give it when it is necessary. Now is the time to make use of what I know, and appropriate what I understand. The prophetic scriptures are good for me in sadness, for they are full of encouragement-in doubt, for they are full of promise-in carelessness, for they are full of warning-in contrition, for they are full of mercy-nay, they are good for me in every case, for they are full of Jesus.

From the General Baptist Repository.

reasonable, moderate and satisfactory. And especially be careful, if the requisition be complied with, that it does satisfy; and that no further concession be expected or desired. Let not the offended insist too rigorously on full satisfaction; but rather give up a part of his just claims than exceed them. 1 Cor. vi. 6, 7. Let him be ready to forgive when he perceives evidence of the sincere repentance of the offender; remembering who has said, "If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses." Read also Mark xi. 25. Eph. iv. 32. Col. iii. 13. And let the offender be ready and willing to confess his fault and give reasonable satisfaction to the offended. Let both parties show a sincere desire and real forwardness for reconciliation and peace. Let them read together and pray over, the thirteenth chapter of the first epistle to the Corinthians; and sedulously endeavour to feel and exhibit the blessed influence of that love which is there so justly commended.

3. If the parties at variance can satisfactori

DIRECTIONS FOR RECONCILING DIF.ly settle the business, it is well, and often the

FERENCES AMONGST FRIENDS. GENTLEMEN,-Such is the imperfection and the depravity of human nature, that misunderstandings frequently arise among the best friends and the most sincere Christians; which, unless speedily cleared and properly treated, too often lead to altercations, offence and animosity. It is therefore highly desirable that, when such unhappy circumstances occur, they should be promptly and effectually removed. The following Directions for accomplishing this important object were found among the papers of the late Mr. John Taylor of Queenshead; and appear to have been written not long before his death. It has been suggested, that the insertion of them in your Miscellany might have a happy tendency, to assist persons, who are unhappily parties in these unpleasant contentions, to act in a manner and temper more consistent with the spirit of Christianity, than they sometimes display; and also to instruct those who endeavour to merit the blessing pronounced on peacemakers to pursue their benevolent and pious attempts, with more success than usually attends such friendly ef forts. With this view, they are submitted to your disposal. SELECTOR.

Rules to be observed by Friends who are at va

riance, if they wish to be reconciled.

1. Inquire plainly what is wrong; and wherein the offence consists. Like David to his angry brother, let the party who observes that offence has been taken, go to the offended person, and calmly but firmly inquire "What have I now done?" Or, if he cannot obtain access in person, let him inquire of a mutual friend; and like the same sensible young man "What have I done? What is mine inisay, quity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?" Such an inquiry will often produce an explanation that would heal the breach and restore friendship.

2. Let the offender ask what is required in order to remove the displeasure; and let the offended party take care that the requisition be

best. But, if they cannot, then, instead of accusing, reproaching and provoking each other, let them choose sensible, faithful and impartial men; and refer the whole business to them. Let both parties agree to regard the decision of these disinterested persons as binding: and when they have given their decision, let the matter be dropped.

4. In forming a judgment, let those to whom the examination has been referred, endeavour to ascertain the real facts of the offence which has been committed; and then keep to the subject themselves in investigating the ques tion, and labour to keep all parties concerned from wandering to other topics. Let them never censure or accuse any one without full evidence of his guilt. Let them take care that his accusers plainly and distinctly state what fault the accused has committed; and not extend their complaints to what has been intended. God alone can know the designs and motives of our fellow creatures; and it is seldom safe for us to guess at them. Let them be cantious to distinguish proof from presumption or probability; and take into consideration the circumstances of the offence; the temptations, causes, necessity, provocations, and all other extenuations of the crime that can be fairly pleaded. Let these have their full weight in favour of the offender: but expatiate little on the aggravations of a crime. It very seldom promotes reconciliation; but often retards or prevents it. Let them talk no more on a subject than it deserves. And, remembering the value of time, waste none of it in vain discourse, which never does any good, but often produces mischief.

5. In determining the business, let them consider the general dispositions and character of the parties; their usual conduct on other occasions and towards other persons; and take notice how much of the charge is true; how much certain, how much doubtful; and in the doubtful, on which side the greatest probability lies. Let them recommend such methods to heal the breach as are easiest, safest, cheapest, and most honourable and pleasing in the sight of God and

good men. Let them endeavour neither to grieve nor injure any of their friends; but recollect that God is their best Friend, and be especially careful not to offend him. If he has declared his will in the scriptures, on the subject in debate, let them be determined to follow it, at all hazards. But let them be sure that they rightly understand, and impartially apply what God says. Sense, reason, gratitude, and self-interest require that the will of the Creator should be the supreme law of his creatures.

be the most degraded as well as the most dangerous members of society. These glorious institutions are however but of modern origin, and may we not reasonably predict from the results which have already taken place, that if befriended and encouraged, the next generation will be vastly superior to the present. We must however not forget that we ought to have twice as many scholars in our schools as there are now to be found.

The advantages arising from the establishment of Sunday schools, are not confined to the young, for whose welfare they are formed. Most important benefits undoubtedly result to those who are employed in imparting the in

From the Sunday School Teacher's Magazine.struction they are intended to afford,-but that

THE ADVANTAGES OF SUNDAY

SCHOOLS TO THE TEACHERS.
It was the opinion of the writer who has been
designated" the poet of nature," and who has,
perhaps, exhibited to us a more faithful view of
human life and manners than any other, that

The evil that men do, lives after them,
The good is oft' interred with their bones.-
Shakspeare.

these advantages are too frequently lost sight of there is equally little reason to doubt, and it is the object of the writer of this paper to point out some of them to his fellow labourers, and particularly with a view to the encouragement of his junior brethren.

lights can never be consumed so profitably, as when employed in lighting others to heaven.

It is a most important and gratifying consideration in reference to the instruction in question, and one which should never be lost sight of by the Sunday school teacher, that in teaching others he instructs himself. An old This may in several cases be true, with refe- writer has beautifully observed "that to direct rence to the age in which men live, but the ho- a wanderer in the right way, is only to light nour and respect which may then be denied to another man's candle by one's own, which loses superior excellence or sterling worth, is gene- none of its own light by what the other gains" rally bestowed by time, and awarded by poste--and we may go further, and say, that those rity. Thus has it been with our poet himself -within fifty years after his death it was said by Dryden, that he was become "a little obsolete," but at the close of a century longer, a noble monument was erected to his memory, amongst those of our illustrious dead-and within the last few years, when another century has nearly closed, a mulberry tree planted upon his estate by his own hands, was cut down and each single piece sold at a high price, and was eagerly sought after as a precious memorial of the planter. That a similar testimony will hereafter be paid to the excellence of Raikes, the founder of Sunday schools, there is no reason whatever to doubt. The establishment of Sunday schools even now, is considered by many, to be one of the highest honours, and there can be little doubt that it will one day be the highest glory of which our country will have to boast. Then will the name of Raikes be had in remembrance, and his grave be regarded as a consecrated spot. Sir Richard Steele I believe, about a century since, speaking merely of the benefits likely to result from the education given in charity schools then recently founded, predicted that if encouraged, there would be very few in the next generation who would not be able to read and write, and have an early tincture of religion. How far this prediction has been verified we need not stop to inquire, inasmuch as it is now a comparatively rare thing, to meet with an individual who is at least unable to read, and many are the subjects of these early religious impressions and to what principally may this happy state of things be attributed? doubtless to the medium which Sunday schools afford for conveying useful and religious instruction to the minds of those who otherwise would be destitute of it, and who, by the want of it might

It is more than probable, that many relinquish the engagement in question, from a feeling that such an employment of the Sabbath is too great a sacrifice, and that its sacred hours might be devoted to purposes far more beneficial to themselves: but I would entreat the individual who relinquishes the duty on this ground, to put it to his own conscience, whether such parts of that holy day as are not occupied in public worship are devoted to purposes of devotion, reading the scriptures, and holy meditation, with a steady application and a vigorous mind. Are no visits paid or received? Is there no drowsiness, or listlessness, or sloth ?-Alas, the Sabbath is too often considered as an idle day, even amongst many who bear the Christian name; and if the scriptures and religious books do come under perusal, it is very questionable whether their contents are so much impressed upon the mind as when some immediately important object is had in view. Now what is the employment of the Sunday school teacher; it is in fact the perusal of the Scriptures, but with this additional advantage, that his mind is all activity, his memory is open to receive their sacred impressions, and his ingenuity is continually on the stretch to extract from them some important benefit in order to convey it to his youthful charge: the necessary consequence is, that his mind becomes expanded, his ideas are enlarged,-his reflection is increased,—and he recollects and recovers again the information and knowledge which he has derived at periods almost forgotten, consequently he is enabled to express his thoughts with greater fluency, and ease, and sensibility, and thus he realizes most important advantages.

The teacher, as he proceeds in his work, will be called upon to engage in prayer, to give addresses to the children, and in all probability to the teachers; and though I would be the last to convey the idea that these pursuits should be engaged in with a view to secular improvement or advantage, yet there can be no doubt, that when engaged in from the purest motives, they are productive of most happy results and advantages in this point of view. The teacher becomes a better and a more useful and intelligent member of society, as well as a Chris-inspired volume informs us, are realized by tian, and undoubtedly, therefore, will secure to himself the respect and esteem, and consequently, the support of the intelligent and wise, and those whose good opinions are worth having.

The teacher who enters into the spirit of his work, will frequently find it necessary to commit to writing many of his thoughts and sentiments. This is a singular advantage afforded to Sunday school teachers, by means of which, opportunities are furnished for exercising their pens, and interesting their brethren as well as improving a talent of vast importance.

But we will not insist upon secular advantages. If the Sunday school teacher in entering upon the important duty in question, is constrained by the love of Christ-is influenced by gratitude to God, and by an earnest desire to secure the best interests of the never dying soul, he is warranted from the testimony of Deity, to expect the communication of those spiritual blessings which will form the basis of his purest solace and comfort here, and remain imperishable beyond the grave. He will necessarily be diligent in prayer to the Most High, for the communication of spiritual blessings, both as regards himself and the young, whose friend he professes to be; and need a reference be made to the advantages which will undoubtedly follow? Has not our heavenly Father given us the amplest encouragement, and the strongest assurances that we shall be the recipients of his favours. He has told us to ask and we shall receive, to seek and we shall find; and he has encouraged us to believe, that he regards the prayer of the humble and the contrite; and he has moreover, appointed prayer to be the medium by which he conveys spiritual blessings unto us. How many after engaging in this good work, have become pious and valuable members of a Christian church, as well as honourable and useful members of society; and how many others have the same institutions eminently qualified for the sacred office of ministers of Christ. There are not only numbers in our own land who are the pastors of extensive and respectable churches, but there are numbers also who have crossed the mighty deep, and are engaged in the momentous work of evangelizing the world-enlightening the heathen-and converting the depraved, who would tell us that the Sunday school under the divine blessing, was the foundation of their usefulness, and the source from whence their acquirements were derived.

In a Sunday school, how frequently do we see all the best feelings and sympathies of our nature, called into powerful exercise. Do we not generally see in our schools a mutual interchange of Christian affection and regard

subsisting unimpaired for a series of years? and where we can breathe in this holy atmosphere, how many advantages are to be realized by the pious teacher. The associations which are there formed, in general resemble those, which we learn from the sacred volume, were engaged in by some of old, who spake often one to another-who took sweet counsel together, and who could walk to the house of God with pleasurable feelings; and the advantages resulting, are those which the same brethren who dwell together in unity. If one is borne down by sorrow, or is labouring under mental distress, where is the Christian Sunday school teacher, that would withhold his sympathy? If another is confined to the chamber of sickness, will they not all seek to comfort him with that comfort wherewith they themselves have been comforted of God. Or if we are oppressed by the iron hand of poverty, will they not, like the good Samaritan, willingly yield a portion of their temporal supplies. The writer once laboured with an invaluable friend in a Sabbath school, where the acquaintance was originally formed, and in him did his coadjutors realise a sincere, a tender hearted, and a disinterested friend; and when he was laid upon the bed of sickness and death, they did not forget him. A long and severe illness had exhausted his pecuniary resources, and a sum was subscribed amongst his fellow labourers, and conveyed to him by my hand. Never shall I forget the grateful emotions which for some moments, seemed to deprive him of utterance: at length, and within a very short period of his dissolution, he assured me that this affectionate token of regard, removed from his mind the only thing which discomposed it at that mo mentous period. He had been, he said, for some time, an expensive burden to an affec tionate sister, in humble circumstances,-this would afford him an opportunity to remunerate her attention and sympathy, and he should then spend the few remaining hours of his life with composure and peace. I. P.

From the General Baptist Repository.

RULES FOR A PROFITABLE SABBATH.

FROM AN OLD PERIODICAL.

In the first place. Watch and pray, as you value your souls, against a spirit of carelessness and indifference in religion. Remember that the life of a Christian is a life of self-denial. It is a race, a pilgrimage,--a warfare!-Its exercises are described by wrestling, striving, watching, and the like. And of all the drones in the world, drones in God's hive are the least deserving the approbation of the church, and the most under the frown of heaven. The scripture probably contains no expression of displeasure more impressive than that which is addressed to the Laodiceans, on this very subject,-" So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold or hot,-I will spue thee out of my mouth." Yet it is astonishing how soon we may be beguiled into such a frame of mind.

The commonness of religious exercises, the attractions of the world, and above all, the corruption of depraved nature, have a constant influence to produce this awful indifference. And few greater evidences can be afforded of it, than the neglecting the worship of God in his sanctuary, or carelessly trifling with the morning of a Lord's day.

Secondly. Rise early. Your enjoyment of the Sabbath, and your attendance upon the worship of God in the morning of it, greatly depend upon this. If you have much to do before you can unite with God's people in his house, the time of your rising must be arranged accordingly. A lazy sluggish professor, who can satisfy himself with consuming the best part of the morning in bed, is but ill prepared for the service of his Maker in the course of it. And scandalous it certainly is to any one who names the name of Christ, that a man who would rise for a sixpence, at almost any hour on any other day in the week, should shut his ears on the morning of a Sabbath, when God is calling to him from heaven, and be lulled by the devil to sleep.

The conduct of the wicked, who can rise at any time to unite in a party of pleasure; the conduct of heathens, who are waiting the rising of the sun, in order to pay the earliest adorations to him as soon as he makes his appearance; in a word, the conduct even of satan himself, who is always on the alert, to destroy, if possible, the comforts and souls of men, is a sufficient reproof to such individuals.

Thirdly. Endeavour to enjoy a good Saturday-evening. It was a custom with the Jews to have a season of preparation, previous to the duties of the Sabbath. Their Sabbath began at six in the evening; and at three in the afternoon began the preparation. God grant us that anxiety for the enjoyment of the Sabbath, which will lead to a preparation for it, as far as we are able; and a good frame of mind on a Saturday-evening will seldom lull a person to sleep, or make him indifferent about the worship of God on a Sabbath morning.

Fourthly and lastly. Think of the rapid approach of death, and endeavour to realise to yourselves the views and feelings you will then have of what you have been, and what you have done, and what you have left undone, when you are just going to give in your account unto God. It is a lamentable fact, there are not a few in our churches and congregations, who are all their life long planting thorns in that pillow upon which at last they must lie down and die; and none are doing this more effectually than the careless and the slothful. "Ah," says one on a death bed, "that I had been more actively engaged in the service of God!" "O," cries another, in the anguish of his soul, "that I could but live my time over again! What a different person would I be! O the sins I have committed,-the duties I have neglected, the Sabbaths I have murdered!" But it is in vain! He is just on the borders of eternity; and all the wealth of worlds can neither purchase him a respite from death, nor afford him an opportunity of retrieving his condition for ever! "O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end."

Rel. Mag.-No. 5.

[blocks in formation]

For the spring of delight, and the sunshine of peace?

Shall I praise thee for flowers that bloom'd on my breast,

For joys in perspective, and pleasures possess'd?

For the spirits that heighten'd my days of delight,

And the slumber that sate on my pillow at night?

For this should I thank thee, but only for this,
I should leave half untold thy donation of bliss:
I thank thee for sorrow, for sickness, and care;
For the thorns I have gathered, the anguish I
bear;

For nights of anxiety, watching, and tears,
A present of pain, a perspective of fears:
I praise thee, I bless thee, my King and my
God,

For the good and the evil thy hand has bestow'd!

The flowers were sweet, but their fragrance is flown;

They left me no fruit-they are wither'd and gone;

The thorn it was poignant, but precious to me As the message of mercy that led me to thee.

From the Christian Observer.

AN ENGLISH. HARMONY OF THE FOUR EVANGELISTS, disposed after the Greek of Archbishop Newcome, with Notes, Indexes, and a New Map of Palestine, showing the Travels of our Lord. London. 1827. WE rejoice to witness that widely increased attention to pure Biblical study, of which the large demand for such books as those on Mr. Bagster's catalogue, is a splendid illustration. Bibles of numerous shapes, sizes, and languages; Bibles with and without comments; Bibles for the cottage, the parlour, the kitchen, the pulpit, and the library of the student, are multiplying around us so rapidly, that we scarcely have time or space to discuss their merits. Some highly useful recent publications of this class we propose to introduce to our readers in another Number; and among others Mr. Williams's Cottage Bible and Mr. Boys's Exposition of the New Testament. The English Harmony which we have announced above is another most useful publication for assisting to promote an intelligent reading of the sacred page, especially by those who cannot make use of works of this kind, written in the learned languages. Archbishop Newcome's Harmony, though no Harmony is perfect, furnishes perhaps the best groundwork for such a publication, and Mr. Bagster's re3 L

« AnteriorContinua »