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far distant isles of the sea, every reflecting mind will acknowledge that much has been done to excite esteem for, and admiration of those who have left their native land, with all its early associations,-who have severed the ties of social relationship, and the endearments of the family circle, to carry out this laudable and deserving object.

While we do not feel disposed to concur with all the schemes which are put forth, nor the systems which are adopted to raise the thousands which are annually subscribed for the promotion of missionary labours in foreign lands, nor to discuss the point how far these funds are, or are not properly and wisely applied, or in accordance with the wishes of the subscribers, we cannot withhold our tribute of praise, or pass too high an eulogium on the disinterested motives, the patient perseverance, and the indomitable energy of such men as Dr. Carey and others of his class, in their anxious solicitude, and sincere desires, to spread the word of life amongst our benighted fellowmen in heathen countries.

But while applauding and admiring the efforts, the motives, and the sacrifices which have been made to promote this object, and allowing the strong and powerful claims which this portion of our fellowmen have upon us, as a more highly-favoured people, to do this, not only from their deplorable ignorance, and wretched degeneracy from all that can raise them in a social or moral scale, but also from the fact that to christians are committed the oracles of God. And to the church of Christ the words will apply, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." And while we earnestly pray "that the word of God may have free course, run and be glorified," we also sincerely wish every success to the self-denying labourers. We must not overlook the fact, that there is, dear sir, in Our own country, celebrated as it may be for its advancement in science and civilisation, but still imperfect in the attainments of civil and religious liberty. such scenes of moral depravity, and utter disregard for all law, either human or divine, which opens up such a field of usefulness and sphere of action in the exercise of missionary labours, that must lead every thinking Christian to acknowledge that the "Harvest truly is

very plentiful, but the faithful labourers are very few."

Not to trespass too much upon your valuable space, by referring to the bane. ful and paralysing influence of the church of Rome, in her rapid march, and strenuous exertions to spread her degrading and damnable heresies amongst us, nor dwell upon the dogmatical and contentious spirit exhibited by the established church, in her claims for the pernicious and repulsive doctrines of spiritual supremacy and baptismal regeneration, The following extract taken from the City Mission Magazine for the present month, is illustrative of the fearful moral depravity, and degraded condition of thousands of our fellow sinners, and this in what is termed a christian land.

This extract, although referring to the time when first it attracted the notice of the City Mission, is yet descriptive of scores of such places and scenes at the present time in many of the lowest and densely crowded parts of this great metropolis. The writer of this had an opportunity not long since of visiting one of the low lodging houses in Rosemary Lane, such as those referred to in our extract, which afforded but too clear and striking evidence of similar scenes as those described below by the City Missionary of the Old Pye Street district, which is immediately at the back of Westminster Abbey. He says,

"In giving a description of this district, it will be necessary to look back at what it was twelve years ago; and whether looking at it in its physical or moral aspect, it requires little penetration to perceive that it was a spot long neglected. I have described it on a previous occasion as being one of the most wretched and vicious districts which blot the map of the metropolis. A busy nursery of vice and crime, and the very focus of a kingdom's worst criminality. Neither Whitechapel nor St. Giles's could vie with it in the scenes of depravity it could exhibit. It was not always a safe matter for a stranger to pass through it,-if he did so, he would hardly be induced to pay it a second visit. The district contained 190 houses, which appeared incrusted with the filth and smoke of generations. Wretchedness and ruin appeared on every side. Its population amounted to upwards of 700 families, or rooms occupied with about 3000 souls.

Among

these were 500 couples living in an unmarried state, besides as many houses destitute of the word of life. Wherever you turned, the inhabitants were to be seen in groups of half-dressed, unwashed men and women, loitering at doors, windows, and at the end of narrow courts, smoking, swearing, and occasionally fighting. And swarms of filthy, naked, and neglected children, who seemed as well-trained to use language as profane, and do deeds as dark as those of their parents."

"The cockpit in the district, and the Penny Theatre in the neighbourhood, besides a few other buildings for purposes too dark to be recorded here, were the only training schools for this class of the population. Young and old were alike left to grow up and pass away from time into eternity, without one to to point them to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world."

"It is scarcely necessary to say that this district is occupied by a criminal population. How could it be otherwise? The midnight burglar, the pickpocket, the coiner, and the passer of counterfeit money, seemed to have their head quarters here. These, along with fallen females, occupied one half of the district, and the remainder was possessed by beggars and hucksters. Of lodging houses for travellers there were twentyfour, and of public houses there were seven. The courts in the district were the principal scenes of vice. A description of one will suffice as a specimen of the others,"

"New Court contained twelve houses, with six rooms in each. I have seen and known as many as seventy-two persous living in one of these houses; and I recollect, in the course of three months, sixty-nine young persons being transported, and one executed at Newgate,

out of No. 2.

I might go on describing the streets and courts of the district, but after all I should say it would give but a faint idea of what I have witnessed. I have soen upwards of forty policemen beat out of Old Pye Street, by the inhabitants, while attempting to take a thief."

"Numberless are the instances of children who are driven from their homes by their parents, for their want of success in bringing home the property of others, whom they were sent out to plunder. But the heart sickens while I recite such matters, and enough has

already been referred to by me, to shew what was the state of this once neglected population,-a disgrace to the very name of England."

This account, dear sir, which is but too true a picture of what is really existing around us, will, I trust, be sufficient to convince your readers that there is equally as much need for faithful, zealous, and energetic attempts to send the word of God among this class of our fellow countrymen, as there is to send it to the heathen nations abroad.

(To be continued.)

Obituary.

Death of J. A. HALDANE, Esq. Edinburgh.

In

This eminent individual whose name has been familiar to the religious public for the last half century, was removed by death, on Saturday, 8th February, in his 83rd year. Notwithstanding his protracted period of life, he was in the enjoyment of his usual health till about ten days previously-being able to conduct the religious services in the church as usual. At the Jubilee Meeting which was held in honour of him, in April, 1849, ample testimony was borne to his christian zeal and usefulness, both in itinerating throughout Scotland, and connected with his own charge in Edinburgh: for after leaving the East India Company's Naval Service, he gave up his time entirely to the service of the gospel. 1799 he was ordained pastor of the church assembling in the Tabernacle, Leith Walk. In 1808 he left the Independent connection, having adopted scriptural views as to the ordinance of baptism. His sound views of doctrine, and the clear forcible manner with which he declared the gospel, and enforced its obedience, are well known. He has also done essential service to true religion by his writings in defence of the leading doctrines of christianity, in opposition to the prevailing errors of the day. Upwards of forty years ago he took a leading part in the controversy with the British and Foreign Bible Society, on account of their connecting the Apocrypha with the sacred scriptures which led to the formation of the Edinburgh Bible Society, for publishing the pure bible without note or comment. which has been most successful ever since. For many years also Mr. Haldane acted as Secretary to the Baptist Home

Missionary Society for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, the duties of which he performed in the most zealous and efficient manner.

His remains were committed to the dust on the Friday following, attended

POPISH AGGRESSION. During the present month, while we are preparing our March number, Parliament is discussing the question of the Papal Aggression. Lord John Russell has brought in his Bill upon the subject. At the time we are writing, the whole extent of that bill is not fully explained. But it disannuls all Popish titles taken from places or districts, alienates to the Crown all property bequeathed to individuals under such titles. The subject will excite much discussion.

The Papal Aggression has placed Puseyism and its advocates rather at a discount. Popular feeling has been excited against them to a considerable degree; the public have sense enough to know that their insane proceedings, and the secession of a few of these imbeciles to the Romish church, gave the main impetus to the scheme of Nicholas Wiseman and Pio Nono. The Evangelicals (so called, or rather miscalled) are taking advantage of what has proved to them a kind of god-send This section in the establishment, previous to the introduction of the Papal Bull, were gradually dwindling away, and reduced to a small fraction. But now they begin to hold up their heads again. But they may rest assured their triumph will be short, and their day will come. It has been our conviction for years,-that, taking them as a body, greater enemies to the civil and religious liberties of men, than the evangelical clergy, do not exist. We believe there are more Jesuits, in the popular sense of the term, among them than even among Puseyites.

It may

take some time, and require some circumstances to fully unmask these gentry; but there can be no doubt that ultimately their intolerance and time-serving, hidden under the garb of sanctimoniousness, will be exposed to the light of day. The public would do well to beware of them.

BIBLE MONOPOLY. The spirit of free trade seems to extend to other articles beside corn. Monopoly, and legislative restrictions seem to be anything but palatable to the present generation. And a monoply in printing and publishing the Bible, meets

by a concourse of several hundred per. sons, from the different denominations of Baptists in Edinburgh, and other religious bodies, who all united in bearing testimony to the worth and eminent virtues of the deceased.

with a due share of attention aud opposition.

While writing these remarks, we happen to meet with a specimen page of a Glasgow, under the title of "The PortBible published by Mr. M'Phun, of able Folio Family Bible." It appears that attempts have been made to suppress the publication of this work. We do not pretend to judge of the points of law between Mr. M‘Phun and his opponents: but, by means of some quirks, the case

was decided against Mr. M'Phun; but public opinion is evidently in his favour. However, instead of the work being suppressed, as Mr. M'Phun's opponents hoped, he has boldly come forward, and is now issuing the Portable proved state, and at the extraordinary folio Family Bible, in a decidedly imlow price of Twenty Shillings for the whole Bible, strongly bound in leather, and gilt edges. The typography is beautiful, and the notes, selected from Henry and Scott, are copicus and full. But what struck us as a peculiar feature in this edition of the Bible, and which will materially enhance its value and utility to the Biblical Student, is the insertion, between the two columns of references, and a body of critical Notes text, of a double column of copious

We

selected from our most eminent Biblical scholars. On the specimen page now before us, containing portions of Gen. xliii. & xliv., we have Notes selected Bush, Patrick, Chardin, and Pyle. from Stackhouse, Fuller, Ainsworth, scarcely need to say that the erudition of any one man, however eminent, could giants in Biblical literature; nor conld never equal, much less surpass these the productiom of any individual mind come up to these selections. We consider Mr. M'Phun to be doing great working classes, by the publication of service to the public, especially to the this edition of the Bible, and we hope that he will be fairly remunerated for his outlay of capital. Mr. M.Phun bids fair to become, in the north, what Samuel Bagster has been for many years in the south. To both these gentlemen the public are greatly indebted.

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Part X.-The Ordinances of Christianity.-The Apostles' doctrine.-The fellowship. The breaking of bread.-The Prayers.-The Prayers of true Christians differ from that of others. The Prayers of a Christian Church not confined to Officers.-Office-bearers appointed to the administration of Ordinances.-The doctrine and ordinances of Christ have the promotion of charity for their object.-The law of forbearance.

FROM what has been said, then, we may observe, with regard to the internal order of a Christian church that, while the members of it are under the influence of the faith, hope, and love of the gospel, they will, as did those at Jerusalem*, continue stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine; standing fast in one spirit, and in one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel, In this strife every individual must bear his part, according to the gift bestowed on him by the head of the church. For there ought to be no drones or slothful servants among them: and every member, without exception, will, at one time or another, have an opportunity of employing his talent, and shewing his attachment to the apostolic doctrine. They will likewise continue in the fellowship, that is, in minister

ing to each other, according to the ability that God giveth, not grudgingly, but cheerfully, for the sake of him who freely gave up his Son for them: nor sparingly, but liberally, according to the example of him who, though he was rich, yet for their sakes became poor, that they through his poverty might be rich.' The prudential maxims of the world, however natural to man, ill comport with the gratitude of them who owe their all, through time and eternity, to the grace of the Lord Jesus. While they trust that grace for the life to come, they will not deem it unreasonable to trust his gracious providence for the life that now is. He to whom much is forgiven, loveth much; and the sense of much forgiveness from God, ever will shew itself in cheerful liberality to relieve the needs of

Acts ii. 49.

K

his people. Were we to attend to this, and ask, How comes it to pass that the streets of towns and cities, which we say are inhabited by Christians, swarm with indigent beggars of the same religion? what answer could be given? I am sure we cannot suppose, after reading the new Testament, that genuine Christians will, while any of them lives in affluence or ease, suffer any of their brethren to be under the necessity of begging their food or raiment. Provision for the subsistence of the poor, to be levied, and enforced by human laws, is doubtless necessary in every state or community of this world, in one way or another. But this very necessity is, without more, sufficient to prove that such societies are not societies of genuine Christians.

The first apostolic church, and indeed all the other churches mentioned in the New Testament, also continued stedfastly in the ordinance of breaking bread, other wise called the Lord's supper, shewing forth, agreeably to his dying command, his death until he come again. This was the chief purpose for which the first churches assembled on the first day of every week; and those churches, planted by the Apostles, are the proper patterns for genuine Christians in all ages. In this ordinance all the members of every Christian church, being perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment, represent the whole redeemed company, the general assembly and church of the first born. They are all members of the body of Christ, or of the church of which he is the head: and in partaking of one bread, and one cup, as the symbols of his broken body, and shed blood, they shew forth

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their common faith and hope through him. The very nature of this ordinance evinces the necessity of their celebrating it in fervent charity among themselves. When there are divisions or schisms of any kind in a church of Christ, or when they retain among them any whom the Lord commands them to put away, they cannot eat the Lord's supper. They may indeed partake of the appointed symbols; but so doing, in such circumstances is only profaning the sacred institution*

The primitive churches continued in the prayers-They were commended to God, and to the word of his grace-They were taught to look to him, and to him alone, for supplying all their wants. Christians are encouraged, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, in every thing, to make their requests known unto God. All the ordinances of the house of God are to be administered and gone about with prayer to the head of the church.

Diligence and fervour in prayer, keep pace with one's sense of his guilt, and his need of forgiveness. Man cannot make an unreserved confession of his guilt, without the hope of forgiveness. Palliations, excuses, and apologies of all sorts, are incompatible with faith in the blood of Jesus, which cleanseth from all sin. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead- is demonstration that his prayers are heard As he suffered and died in the room of his people, so he ever lives to make intercession for them; and as surely as the Father 'granted to him the request of his lips, life for evermore,' so surely will he grant to all his brethren whatever is needful and fit for them.

Devotees of all sorts (Christians

1 Cor. v. and xi, 18 ad fin.

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