After the first gush of emotion had subsided, the gentleman sat down and told the lady how those few gentle words had been instrumental in saving him and making him what he now was. "The earnest expression of 'No, not lost for ever' followed me wherever I went,' ," said he, "and it always seemed that it was the voice of my mother speaking to me from the tomb. I repented of my many transgressions, and resolved to seek that Saviour my mother had so often told me of, and by the mercy and grace of God I have been guided to him and have found salvation." Monthly Notes on Passing Events. PARLIAMENTARY RESULTS.-The Parliament which has recently been dissolved has passed seven important measures in the direction of religious equality. In 1866, the Bill for abolishing certain Ecclesiastical qualifications for Office, and the Dublin Professorships Act. In 1867, the Oaths and Offices Act, and the Transubstantiation Declaration Act. In 1868, the Irish Burials Act, the West Indies Ecclesiastical Grants Act, and last, and most important of all, the Compulsory Church Rates Abolition Act, which may be called the crowning Act of many Parliamentary struggles. THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE of 1868 will be memorable for two things. First, for the significant fact that the Times has reported its proceedings each day in a prominent part of its columns-thus paying tribute to the growing importance of religious bodies outside the Established Church, and amongst these to that body which is most numerous and compactly organized, and therefore the most likely to have influence in the event of the disintegration or disestablishment of the State Church. Secondly, for the letter written by Dr. Pusey to the assembled Conference, urging the importance of preserving definite religious endowments in our National Universities, and which had a reception so cold as to make it evident that the leaders of Wesleyanism are not now to be inveigled by their friendship towards the Church of England into any step that would be contrary to the principle of religious freedom. A letter from an ex-president, the Rev. T. Jackson, experienced a far more cordial reception, wherein the venerable patriarch of Wesleyanism expressed a decided opinion that whatever might have been the case in former days, the rationalism and ritualism found within the Establishment rendered it unworthy of their support, and that an amalgamation with the Church of England was legally, morally, and religiously impossible. Old birds are sometimes to be caught with chaff, but not in this case. The reception of Dr. Pusey's letter by the Conference is the most serious rebuff which the advocates of University exclusiveness have had. They speak in the name of religion, and they find men as religious as themselvesminus their high Churchism-willing to trust the interests of religion not to State enactments but to the Providence of God and the zeal and care of the churches of Christ. MAKING A VIRTUE OF NECESSITY.Compulsory Church-rates being abolished, churchmen are bestiring themselves to devise " ways and means "of meeting the expenses which public worship and the repairs of churches involve. The Archdeacon of Salop suggests that rates should be laid as before, hoping that churchmen will honorably contribute, but adding, that in his opinion, "no persons regularly attending a Dissenting place of worship should be called upon to make payments for the expenses of public worship at the Church." Of course not, but how long is it since he and his clerical brethren thought, or acted as if they thought just the opposite! And now that which is after all but the barest justice is referred to as if it were a new truth. The scales are rapidly falling from the eyes of churchmen under the friction of circumstances, which, as all admit, "alter cases wonderfully. The excellent Vicar of Doncaster, Dr. Vaughan, has, we find, laid the altered state of things before his seatholders, and they have come to the decision that the expenses of worship, &c., should be met by a monthly "offertory," or as we should say, collection, morning and evening. This is as it should be, and we venture to say, that the Church-rate will only be missed where there is distrust between the clergyman and his people arising from undue assumption or bad management on his part. THE CONSERVATIVE DEMONSTRATION at the Crystal Palace on Monday, Aug. 18th, is called unsuccessful even by Conservative journals, so that we need not say that it was well nigh a failure. The only speaker of note was Mr. Newdegate. Lord Fitzwalter, one of Mr. Disraeli's new Peers, presided; and the usual denunciations of all who touch the Irish Church as being friends to Romanism were very plentiful. But these have well nigh lost their effect, as the present election reports clearly show. LORD NAPIER.-It is good to find civil rulers and military commanders ready to acknowledge God in the results of their plans and labours. In reply to a deputation headed by the Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord Napier remarked that it was primarily through the overruling of God's gracious providence that the issue of the Abyssinian expedition had been such as to call forth the gratitude of the captives and the nation at large. The high calling of many of the prisoners as servants of God, and their consistent Christian bearing under trying and perilous circumstances, led him, not only to take an interest in their safety, but also to feel inwardly assured that God would not permit them to fall by the hand of a cruel tyrant. THE DIRECTORIUM ANGLICANUM has been issued in superb style for the direction of "priests" in the Church of England in the celebration of the Communion Service. Some of the directions given are more minute and absurd than those in the Talmud itself, which is saying a great deal. Instructions as to expectoration, saliva, teeth-washing, &c.; cautions respecting a fly or a spider falling into the "blood" (not wine); what to do if any of the "blood" drops on the table or the cloth; how the "blood" is to be "sucked up," the wood scraped and the scrapings burned, or the linen to be washed three times over the chalice, and the ashes or ablutions preserved with the relics!-Can anything in the superstitious observances of Pagan priests rival these? WILTSHIRE AND SOMERSETSHIRE BAPTISTS. From the circular letter recently issued by the Association in these counties, we learn that the average amount raised annually by 20 churches in towns is £78; and that 15 village churches with an average membership of 68, raise for the same purpose an average amount annually of £28! Surely Baptists have not yet developed the resources of voluntaryism when such statistics as these can be given. BUNYAN'S TOмB, restored in 1862, is again reported to be defaced, and the recumbent figure utterly spoiled. It was surely enough to spoil his immortal allegory by re-writing it for Tractarian purposes: his tomb might have been left untouched. THE "BULWARK OF PROTESTANTISM.” -We thought we had done with this phrase, so continually used by the bishops and clergy of the Church of England to designate its worth and excellence; but the Bishop of Carlisle is determined not to give it up, and calls upon Dissenters to cease from their "suicidal conduct" in seeking to disturb the existing status of the Establishment. But, somehow, Dissenters don't and won't see the policy of trying to bolster up a Church_which, instead of being the "bulwark of Protestantism," bids fair to become the greatest buttress of Popery which England contains. MISCELLANEOUS.--The Rev. H. Christopherson, formerly congregational minister at St. John's Wood, has been appointed to the incumbency of Bedford Chapel, Bloomsbury, where he succeeds Mr. Bellew, the elocutionist.- -The Church in the Strand, called St. Mary-le-Strand, is shut up. The Rector having applied for a faculty to alter it to suit ritualistic observances, the parishioners have opposed the application, and, pending the settlement, the church is closed. Another instance of the unsettling nature of ritualistic disputes. Goode, Dean of Ripon, editor of the Christian Observer, and, decidedly the most learned man in the Evangelical party in the Church of England, died suddenly on August 13. Mr. Disraeli has appointed Mr. Gregory, the ritualistic clergyman of Lambeth, to the vacant deanery, thus giving another proof of his one-sided policy. Dr. Essays and Expositions. THE ROOT OF THE MATTER. "My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken ME the fountain of living waters, and hewn them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."-JEREMIAH ii. 13. "Your hearts shall live that seek GOD.-Ps. lxix. 6. "Let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth ME.-—Jer. ix. 24. "Of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." ROм. xi. 36. "The Lord is my portion saith my soul, therefore will I hope in him."-SAM. iii. 24. CERTAIN injurious mistakes and withering shortcomings prevail amongst professors of religion in our times. The ignoring of foundation-principles-indulging in speculative thought-acting from impulse or for expediency-or fostering indolent comfort, and selfishly avoiding action at all-regarding present ease and temporary success rather than essentially profitable, though future substantial, albeit slow-growing good—and such like. This sowing to the flesh, which invariably results in a corrupt and corrupting harvest, is the ruin of multitudes who know not God. This worldly wisdom-false philosophy—allowed, not warned against, not prayed down, becomes a pall of darkness, a hindering clog, to the Christian's spirit. The world thrives by compromise-by self-interest-by deceit; but the Church of Christ cannot so increase, for all such is hateful to the Lord her God. God himself ever acts on principle, and the spirit of righteousness imparted to them who are born of him is like its author, and moves them to be "followers of God as dear children." Such habits too effectually tempt the soul to seek NOT GOD, but only his gifts; not His glory, but our pleasure. Thus 'tis easy (and ah, how this easy religion is grasped at) to express thankfulness (or perhaps it is only being glad not grateful) when both basket and store are filled; when the social circle is unbroken by death, and unbruised by disease; when peace and plenty compose the animal frame ! But how is it, believer, when the olive tree fails to fruit-when the vine is mildewed-no ox in the stall-when the caterpillar and locust are permitted to ravage? What say you when the wicked-the openly godless succeed and get their own way; but not you? Do you well to be angry? Is there cause for repining or excuse for unbelief? Have you nothing left to be grateful for? Have you any less than before? Is God less your God? Hath HE changed? Is HE halting between two thoughts-whether to smite or sparewhether to curse or bless-to strip or fill? You dare not say so; then why think it? Christ can read thoughts: this discipline of privation is needed; he knows it; perhaps to train you to higher service-purer aspirations. Nor fear the process― 66 'He breaks your schemes of earthly joy, That you may find your all in him." "Storms are the triumph of his art." There are many mysteries in his ways; deep beyond any line of ours to fathom; there must be. The existence of sin, the sufferings of infant innocence, the misery of soulless animals, the bringing of wicked devices to pass, the isolation and ignorance of the unnumbered millions of the heathen. But have we no mysteries of mercy, rich in proof of his unutterable goodness, faultless wisdom, boundless power? And has not every one of them a hundred tongues to cry "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" The character of God is consistent-"He is of one mind." If we can prove God good by one token-wise and mighty in one instance-we know he must be the same always-everywhere-to all. He cannot err; his counsel shall stand. He doeth all things well. "And in the world of bliss above, Where he doth ever reign, These mysteries shall be all unveiled, And not a doubt remain." What, then, is the godly man's refuge under every pressure?-what his shield to meet all flaming darts of temptation ?-what the righteous spring of patience and energy?-GOD HIMSELF. And if your satisfaction and hope be derived from any other source whatever, it will surely be oft disturbed; and if it do not lull into fatal sleep by its delusive smiles, will yet wither, corrupt, and leave you miserable, blind, naked, profitless. Every change in the wind of circumstance will serve to divert the course and render doubtful your arrival at port. But if our compass be the pole-star of God's character and our obedient eye rest on his ever-guiding hand, caring not to know the " 'reason why" of his dictates, our frail barque will answer her helm, and "with Christ in the vessel," we shall "smile at the storm." Yes, CHRIST; for he only is Immanuel-God with us. No man hath seen God at any time; none have discovered his glory or found his friendship,-none can come to him but by Jesus the Christ. In him dwelleth the divine fulness, and in him-in him alone-the completeness and perfection of every comer is secured before God. Such was the tender purpose of his mighty grace when he openly exclaimed, "Come unto ME all ye that labour and are heavy laden-I will give you rest.” Who, then, would be strong in all conditions-happy at all times? Let him seek to have his soul filled with just views-loving, humbly appropriating views of the attributes of God, the glory of his will, and the justice of his rights. Let him lean all his weight on these, where only they become available,—in the humanity and mediation of Jesus. The feeblest touch of loving faith is the link of communication by which the mountain becomes a plain, and night is turned to day. But is not this presumption? Has man in very deed a right to draw so near to God? The answer is at hand. What God himself promises man may not be hindered from seeking—cannot be prevented from receiving. Apppearances that contradict principles cannot possibly be real; and every feeling or fear that belies a promise must itself be a delusion. God is himself the cause of all he does-the object of his own purposes. Is he that to us? In what we have engaged and are now pursuing, is our chief purpose to do the will of God?—our most longed-for enjoyment the proof of his favour? This is to exalt every act into a means of grace "-to make every experience a tabernacle of fellowship. This is to succeed in every righteous work as a covenant necessity; not, it may be, in the precise order, time, and mode we have settled in our fancy, but "Beyond our utmost wants His love and power will bless; To praying souls he always grants more than they can express." It would be quite impossible to read the dark and dreadful pages of history-gaze around on the sinful and suffering present of the world—without sinking into the gloom of Atheism, unless we might cast the burden of our bewildered senses on the proved perfections of the adorable Jehovah. We dare not lightly regard the flood of guilt and the deluge of wretchedness by it brought in; we dare not trifle with the condemnation and certain ruin of the ungodly. May the memory of our weeping Master imbue us more with the spirit of mournful Jeremiah; and while we rebuke with holy indignation, warn, as ourselves knowing the terrors of the Almighty; teach with the decision of learners at the great Prophet's feet, and preach the whole gospel to every hearer ; and yet, after all, meet with mocking rebuffs, cold indifference, or deceptive assent; what is to prevent our throwing up alike our service and our hope? What? Why even this-the unchangable perfections, the absolute sufficiency, the holy Sovereignty, the all pervading glory of the attributes of God in Christ. Whence arises dissatisfaction of soul? Even from the disappointment of self will. Let me now be honest with my own experience. Must I not trace most of my depression-bitterness-darkness-vexation to my failures-when self has in some way or other been the spring of my motives? But if I have been enabled to glorify. God by being "careful for nothing," but have, according to his precepts, sought first his kingdom and righteousness, has not my peace flowed like a river? While I have maintained this just order and put in the fore front of my requests the most important of petitions, “Thy kingdom come,” I have believed with joy unspeakable not only that my daily bread would be given and my trespasses forgiven, but that all things should work together for good, and minister to the "Kingdom, power and glory" of our Father who is in heaven. For, remember, it is not more impossible that the rising of the sun should produce darkness on earth, than that the glory of the Sun of Righteousness should culminate in the noon day perfection of eternal day without bringing into its immortal life and unsetting light all those who fear his name and look for his appearing. But if I am wishing merely a personal escape from punishment, pain and shame-if I am working for the praise of creatures or giving to be seen of men-I may speak peace to my own heart, but he will say, "I never knew you;" and no saying can be more awful, for the seal of the foundation of God is this-"The Lord knoweth them that are his." Then let me also remember all this holy separating truth has a practical bearing, and is fitted for influential results. It is not merely for the meditative quiet of the godly soul, or to the draw secret love, or tune the melody of the heart, but "that the man of God may be perfect-thoroughly furnished unto every good work." Nor can the servant of such a Master, the labourer in such a vineyard, the heir of such a kingdom, be fitted by inferior means. All the education the wisdom of man can afford, all the talents the creator bestows, may leave him but sounding brass (however bright)—a tinkling cymbal (however musical). This is the victory that overcometh the world—our faith,—working by love; this the ground of our righteous joy—that we know him; and this the root of pure contentment-"our sufficiency is of God," this the assured prospect-" to him shall the gathering of the people be." Beccles. S. K. B. |