wards, "If any obey not the word of this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." How distinctly does the apostle lay down the rule! We are not to harbour feelings of ill-will and enmity against him, but simply and plainly to "avoid" him, to "keep no company with him," except it be to "admonish" him of his sin; "not to bid him God speed, for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker in his evil deeds." 2 John 10,11. Now to simple, faithful men, this reasoning is abundantly sufficient. It is nothing to us that times are changed, and we shall be called bigots and illiberals, and lose popularity. It matters not that we have formerly advocated the cause of this Society, and it would be inconsistent in us now to renounce it. God's command is plain and peremptory, and we must obey, whether we discern other reasons or not. But in truth, other reasons, both many and weighty, force themselves upon us.

First, we should avoid such persons for their sake. If we keep company with them at religious meetings, bandy compliments with them on our respective liberality and piety, we give them to suppose that we consider their heresies and schisms to be of no consequence; and so far as in us lies, we most uncharitably confirm them in their errors and evil ways, whereby their souls may be endangered.

Again, for our own sakes, we shall do wisely to refrain from associating with them, lest peradventure, by evil communications, we may be beguiled into the same fatal errors. And lastly, for the sake of others, we should avoid them. If our weaker brethren see God's ordained ministers consorting in religious matters with those who have separated from the Church, and have "caused and are causing offences and divisions," they know not what to think. They are led to suppose that God's truth is something uncertain; that they may believe or disbelieve what they choose. In vain will the parochial minister, according to his ordination vow, "be ready with all faithful diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines, contrary to God's word," (see Ordination Service)in vain will he "admonish the people tha they defer not the baptism of their children," (see Rubrick for private baptism,) -in vain will he exhort them to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment," (1 Cor. i. 10,) if they have been told that the differences of opinion between the various members of the Bible Society, that is, the Socinian, the Baptist, the Independent, and a host of others, are "minor differences," and therefore of little moment. CLERICUS.

VOL. XIX.

(From the Nottingham Journal, Nov. 27, 1840.)

BIBLE SOCIETY.

To the Editor of the Nottingham Journal. Sir, I was very sorry to read a letter in your last journal from the Rev. John Storer, of Hawksworth, objecting to the proceedings of our Nottingham Bible meeting, and to the union of Churchmen with Dissenters in the British and Foreign Bible Society.

as

As the phrase "minor differences" used in the annual report, appears to be misunderstood, will you allow me to explain its meaning? We cannot suppose, though we should rejoice if we could, that all the members of the Bible Society are true Christians, or that the differences between all its members are only minor differences: individuals who do not hold what we consider the essential doctrines of the Gospel, may belong to the Bible Society: our difference with them is not to be regarded as minor many who are orthodox in their creed may never have experienced any change of heart, and may never have felt the value of that book to the circulation of which they are willing to contribute: the difference between true Christians and such is certainly uot minor. There are, however, in unionwith the Bible Society multitudes of various denominations, who, we rejoice to believe are renewed by one Spirit, exercise faith in one Saviour, and are looking forward with good hope to one heavenly home. It is of these, and these only, that the report speaks, when it makes mention of minor differences; the language of the report is, "God has disposed the hearts," not of all the subscribers to the Society, but "of many of his people to merge minor differences in the prosecution of its object." These differences we do not call "minor," because we regard them as of no importance; for error in religion is and must be of importance: we call them "minor" simply in comparison with those great points, with regard to which there is no difference amongst true believers, viz., the renewing of the Holy Ghost, that true faith which is the medium of justification, and that holiness of heart and life, which is the fruit and evidence of faith. And when we speak of Christians "merging their minor differences," we do not understand any compromise of principle, but merely their so far merging them, as notwithstanding these differences, to regard each other as brethren, and cheerfully to unite together in any good word and work.

And is it not right for true Christians thus to unite together, and especially, to unite for the circulation of that Book which they all believe to be written by inspiration

D

of God, and to be profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness? Do the passages of Scripture, quoted by your correspondent, really forbid a union of this kind? They do, indeed, call upon us to separate from our Church fellowship, parties who disturb the peace and Christian love of the body to which they belong-they call upon us to separate from our Church communion those who are guilty of disorderly conduct, or who deny the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel-the doctrines received from Christ and his apostles; but, surely, they do not call upon us to separate from all, however eminent for their faith and their holiness, who cannot pronounce our own Shibboleth; or to shut up our Christian affection within the narrow walls of our own party! If Scripture is to be interpreted by Scripture, what says Paul to primitive Christians who differed with regard to the propriety of eating meat under special circumstances? "Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not, despise him that eateth, for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth." What says the same apostle to Christians who differed with respect to the observance of particular days? "He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it." "Why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?" So far from the people of God being enjoined to keep apart one from another, they have received a different commandment from him whose servants they are: "This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as he gave us commandment." This love is to be founded, not on unity of denomination with ourselves, not on agreement on minor points, but on common sonship to God. "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God; and every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of Him." If believers have not all attained to the same measure of light, yet so far as their sentiments are one, they are called upon to unite in their practice; "whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule let us mind the same thing."

In conclusion, let us look at the result, supposing your correspondent's interpretation of scripture to be received; if, according to that interpretation, there is a duty devolving on churchmen, there is a like duty incumbent on all Dissenters who believe that their churches are more scriptural than the Establishment; and all the sects must raise the wall of separation higher than

it ever has been before; they must regard with indifference, although not as your correspondent tells us, with enmity, all their fellow-Christians who do not see eye to eye with themselves; they must "avoid them," "withdraw themselves from them," and take heed that they never bid them "God speed." Is this Christianity? Is this from the God of love? Is this the evidence of a spirit of love? But let us look at the result, if a different, and as we believe, a more true interpretation of the passages quoted be adopted. Christians of all parties, breathing a spirit of love toward all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and separating themselves from none but those who would disturb their Christian affection one to another, who by their unholy conduct deny the Lord that bought them, or who 'bring in damnable heresies;" in short, Christians of all parties striving who shall love the most, sympathizing with each other, praying one for another, and joining heart and hand in the use of divinely appointed means that that kingkom which is not "meat and drink," but which is "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost," may universally come, and the will of the Lord be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. Which of these results would be the exhibition of the unity for which the Saviour prayed, I leave your readers to judge. And am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

RICHARD ALLIOTT.

Castle-gate, Nov. 24, 1840.

IRELAND.

DONAGHMORE, NEAR DUNGANNON.

On Friday, the 8th of December, the neat, elegant, and beautifully situated Independent Chapel, which has been erected for the Church and Congregation of the Rev. James Hanson, for many years a minister of the Irish Evangelical Society, was opened for divine worship. Two sermons were delivered on the occasion, one in the morning, by the Rev. G. N. Watson, of Belfast; the other in the evening, by the Rev. J. D. Smith, of the Congregational Union. The sermons were heard with deep and unbroken interest.

The chapel is situated on the side of one of the many hills which adorn, with peculiar and diversified loveliness, the neighbourhood of Donaghmore. Through Mr. Hanson's personal exertions the entire of the sum incurred by its erection, has been defrayed. It will seat about 300 persons, and was well filled on the day of its being opened.

On the evening of the following day a

social tea-party was held in the chapel, when upwards of 100 individuals, among whom were many Roman Catholics, enjoyed the excellent repast provided; after which they cheerfully participated in that higher enjoyment, which consists in the "feast of reason and the flow of soul."

Addresses during the evening were deli

vered by the Revs. J. Hanson, G. N. Watson, and J. D. Smith.

The whole of the services were pleasant and refreshing; and our prayer is, that temples of similar interest, erected for the pure worship and service of Jehovah, may everywhere stud the desert places of our too long benighted land.

MISSION SCHOOL, WALTHAMSTOW. This school was instituted November, 1838, and commenced with eight children. So soon as it was known applications became numerous, and in two years its numbers increased to thirty. With increasing numbers an increase of room was required, and the house at first occupied affording facilities for enlargement, and possessing many local advantages, it has been deemed advisable to add a wing to it, which will make it capable of accommodating fifty children with comfort, but this involves an expenditure of from 6007. to 700. More than 2007. has already been supplied by the prompt kindness of friends, as the list will show; and the committee, while expressing their gratitude to those who have already helped them, appeal with confidence for aid to those who are interested in the cause of missions, and in the happiness of missionaries' families.

Sums received since the last list was printed:

Great changes have lately taken place, both in our public affairs, and in my family. The death of our late King, Frederick William the Third, and the accession to the throne of William the Fourth, have excited every where considerably sympathy and interest, yet most of all in this our city. It is a real consolation to my mind that the upright and truly pious disposition of our present King, inspires the pleasing hope, that his reign will be conducive to the promotion of the best interests, both of Church and State, so far as human instrumentality is capable of aiding a Divine cause. I enjoyed the privilege only a few weeks previous to his elevation to the throne, to proclaim before him and his Royal Consort, who is much advanced in the divine life, the Gospel of the grace of our blessed Saviour, and of his love towards fallen sinners; and but a few days preceding his accession, when still Crown Prince, he paid a personal visit to the Missionary house, attending, in its commodious hall, a sermon delivered at the anniversary of the Society for the amelioration of the morals and the condition of prisoners. He embraces every opportunity of expressing himself in the most decided and unequivocal manner, in favour of Gospel doctrine, and Gospel principles, showing his attachment to the same, not by mere words, but by deeds also. Dr. Strauss, (a pious Chaplain to the Court) is often seen about his person. May He, who is the only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, grant to our King the assistance of His Holy

Spirit, that, enlightened by wisdom from above, he may know how to bring those troublesome and complicated questions relative to the Roman Catholic Church, and to some of his Lutheran subjects, to a desirable issue and termination.

In the midst of the general mourning occasioned by the lamented death of our late King, it pleased God to visit me with a severe domestic bereavement, by the death of a beloved mother, who had hitherto superintended my household affairs with a truly maternal care and unwearied attention. Her mind was in a pleasing state of preparation for a blissful eternity. Having once more refreshed her spirit by a devout participation of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.

And

Amidst these painful changes in public and private life, I have been called to many active exertions on behalf of the cause and kingdom of our blessed Redeemer. Among the rest, I paid a friendly visit to some of the branches and associations of our Missionary Society; preaching their anniversary sermons at Neusalz, Glogau, and Buntzlau, as well as in different other places. It afforded me great pleasure to witness in this short excursion of a fortnight, such a lively interest in the propagation of Christ's Gospel among the heathen nations. indeed we have great reason to bless God for the success which it has pleased him to grant to our missionary labours in the five stations occupied by our Society in South Africa: namely, Cape Town, Zoar, Bethany, Bethel, and Flemba, where thirty-four persons have been added to the church of Christ, whom we have reason to regard as truly converted to God, justified and sanctified through faith in Christ, and obedience to the truth. We have also some catechists at Beaufort, under the superintending care of the Rev. Mr. Fraser. Next week we intend sending out an additional missionary, and four females, engaged to four of our missionary brethren, who have laboured for some time past in the heathen world.

(From a Berlin Paper.)

When the present King made his solemn entrance into Berlin, the following inscription adorned the Frankfort Gate:"God bless the King and the Queen!" One of its pillars was decorated with a statue and the symbols of Justice, containing these words, "Wise, just, strong :" whilst the other pillar exhibited the statue and the symbols of Charity, with the threefold motto, " Pious, mild, gracious," (condescending.)

Extract of a Letter from Erasmus to Paul Voltius.-Written in 1519.

Should you happen to know any line of

life calculated to afford solid rest and peace to your mind, wearied as it is by the tumult of human passions, and longing after repose, name it to me, and I shall immediately join you in taking up the pilgrim's staff, and hasten together with you in pursuit of it. For I also am completely satiated with the constantly varying and wearying scenes of life which, with the impetuosity of a violent driver, hurry us on in our earthly career. But I really fear, lest in entering upon any other line of life, the old troubles would still overtake us at each successive step. If you, therefore, can prevail on yourself still to go on in your present career, I would advise you to seek rest rather from within, than to import it as it were from without. But should ye be unable to hold out any longer in your present situation, implore Christ, the highest as well as the kindest, that whatever course you may choose, he may be pleased to overrule it for your real good. I am alone here, overwhelmed by a flood of troubles. Never, my dear friend in Christ, had I formerly any idea whatever that such a mass of poisonous matter did subsist in human nature.

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CONVERSION OF THE JEWS. "To love the Jewish people is a natural dietate of piety."-Mr. Robert Hall.

The efforts made at the present time in England for the conversion of the Jews, are nearly confined to the labours of Christians belonging to the church by law established. Is it not desirable that some further efforts should be made by dissenting Christians generally, to promote so blessed an object? Perhaps it is from want of publicity that the matter has remained so long without the consideration of Christians of different denominations. Hundreds of poor blinded Jews are annually passing into eternity, ignorant of the great Deliverer. Surely their

condemnation and banishment from God's favour, demand some effort from us also, who profess to have found "eternal life in believing on the Son of God."

This hint is given with the hope that some Christians may think of the subject, and devise some means whereby these elder children of our Father's family may yet gain a seat at his table in his kingdom," with whom, among the multitude redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, they with us may unite to sing, "Thou art worthy to receive honour, and power, and blessing, for ever and ever. Amen."

In a little work, price 6d., entitled "The Useful Christian," published by Mrs. Binns, of Bath, is a chapter on this subject, worth reading by such as desire the salvation of the Jews.