ness. They may be cultivated with the utmost care and vigilance, but will ever fail to produce real advantage, and leave the pursuer in eternal disappointment. "What fruit had ye, in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death." But in following an opposite course you have found, that "godliness with contentment is great gain." We now proceed III. To illustrate the apostle's exhortation. "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." 66 It is dangerous even to go into the way of temptation. 'My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." But the situation in life in which some are placed, will sometimes necessarily prevent their avoiding intercourse with those who practise the works of darkness; and yet we may be placed in their midst, and not have fellowship with them. Joseph in Egypt, Lot in Sodom, were living in the midst of the unfruitful works of darkness, but yet they had no fellowship with them. Jesus Himself was grieved with the wickedness of those by whom He was surrounded, and wept bitterly over Jerusalem. This we mention for the encouragement and direction of such, as are placed in the midst of ungodliness and exposed to the taunts and ridicule of them, that practise the unfruitful works of darkness. These works produce no benefit to man, but contrariwise. For example, if we look at the material world, these works of darkness have altered its character, tarnished its splendour, introduced disorder, diffused sterility: the air is charged with tempest, the ocean lashed into storms, venemous reptiles are multiplied, beasts of prey prowl and devour, and a thousand evils have been occasioned by these unfruitful works of darkness. As it regards the moral world, the nature of man, these works have darkened the understanding, caused reason to be unyielding to God; affections perverted, are earthly, sensual, and devilish; will untractable; all his powers and faculties are Where there is real fellowship, there is affected by these unfruitful works of dark- mutual affection, and mutual interest; But if we view them with regard when these are wanting, there is but the to death oh! the death of those who shadow of fellowship. To illustrate this indulge in the unfruitful works of dark-point, we may refer to the case of Naomi ness-how awful! how solemn! And and her daughters, also the friendship then, as it respects the grave and eternity, that subsisted between David and Jonathese unfruitful works will not bear re- than; and a higher degree of fellowship flection. Sinner! what will you do in in the communion of saints, and, above the day of visitation? "Let the wicked all, in the Christian's communion with his forsake his way and the unrighteous man God. This is a foretaste of heaven, and his thoughts, and let him return unto the affords more joy, than when the corn Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and wine and oil of the wicked increase. and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." ness. : Again these works of darkness, instead of bringing glory to God, dishonour His name. The name of God is blasphemed; His authority contemned; His power defied; His holiness injured, and His goodness insulted. And is not such conduct a display of the basest ingratitude, and egregious folly? The wise man tells us, "Shame shall be the promotion of fools;" and God himself hath declared— "They that honour Me, I will honour, but they that despise Me, shall be lightly esteemed." Who will be able to stand, when the mighty God laughs at His calamity? and yet this will be the case with every impenitent sinner, dying in that state, and seeking happiness in these unfruitful works of darkness. To have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, is to go not in the way of ungodliness; to have no affection for, no interest in these works. In reference to your excellent Society, we may apply the words of Solomon, as fully illustrating the doctrine of our text, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness;" for " wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise❞—(Prov. xx. 1). For it may be asked, "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contention? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? they that tarry long at the wine, they that go to seek mixed wine." Therefore have no fellowship. "Look not thou. upon the wine, when it is red, when it giveth its colour in the cup, when it mov eth itself aright. At the last it biteth thou that sayest a man should not commit like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." adultery, dost thou commit adultery? How different the contrast in the sober thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou and righteous character! The blessing of commit sacrilege?" While on the conthe Lord is in his house, in all his con- trary, a correctness of conduct and the nections in life, in his intercourse with force of example is sure to add great society, and upon all his undertakings. weight to faithful reproof. "Abstain from "He shall be like a tree planted by the ri- the very appearance of evil." "Let your vers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit light so shine before men, that they may see in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, your good works and glorify your Father and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." which is in heaven"-(Rom. ii. 21, 22). For the path of the just is as a shining light, which shineth brighter and brighter, until the perfect day." If you want to be directed to a wise man, a kind husband, a tender parent, a faithful friend, and a real Christian, I will point you to that individual, who will "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but will rather reprove them." We now proceed to consider The important principle in our text, not to have fellowship, but to reprove the works of darkness-may be argued and urged from our own personal peace and advantage, the salvation and blessedness of our fellow-men, and our supreme love to God. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good IV. The practical importance of the report: if there be any virtue and if there principle in our text. "Rather reprove be any praise, think on these things." them.' We close our remarks, by way of imNothing is more difficult, at some sea-provement. Most affectionately would we sons especially, than a wise administra- caution you against self-complacency, tion of reproof. Some persons are too self-righteousness self-confidence, and severe-others are too lenient-some are pride. It is not total abstinence, but the injudicious-and others are ill-timed righteousness of Christ, "which is unto in their rebukes; and thus the beneficial all, and upon all them that believe," which results are frustrated. Admonitions rightly will be a sufficient ground for our acceptadministered are invaluable blessings. ance with God and justification in His "The reproofs of instruction are the way sight. We would also address those who of life." Therefore "have no fellowship have been afflicted, but are restored. with the unfruitful works of darkness, but You may well say, "What shall I render rather reprove them." This is to be done unto the Lord for all His benefits toward with affection, meekness, faithfulness, me? I will take the cup of salvation and tenderness and care. To neglect this duty call upon the name of the Lord. I will is sinful; much good will result from its pay my vows unto the Lord now in the right observance; therefore embrace presence of all His people. Precious in every opportunity of reproving these the sight of the Lord is the death of His works of darkness by suitable admonition. saints." To the young (and happy am I These works must not only be reproved to see so many interesting youths preby discreet precepts, but also by the force of correct example. This mode of reproof is most powerful and influential: for what will it avail, though the best principles be inculcated, in language the most elo quent, if the apostle's language may be addressed to the Instructor-" Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? sent,) I would recommend this important counsel: "If sinners entice thee, consent thou not:" "but seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Finally, let us all, in the Lord's strength, be more than ever determined to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Amen, and Amen. Review of Books. ANCIENT HISTORY. History of the Macedonians, the Seleucidæ in Syria, and the Parthians. From Rollin, and other authentic Sources, both ancient and modern. pp. 136. Price 2s. Religious Tract Society. THIS volume closely printed in columns like its predecessors, completes, we presume, a set of ancient Histories, closing as it does with a general title page and preface. We have had the history of the Egyptians, the history of the Carthaginians, the history of the Assyrians and Chaldeans, Medes and Lydians, and the history of the Persians; and the fifth part is now before us. The object has been to interweave modern information with the histories, that have been handed down to us; to purge those histories of their fabulous statements; to bring into more prominence the physical and topographical information, hitherto so much overlooked, respecting the countries to be passed in review; and chiefly, whatsoever was done, "to do all to the glory of God." The work has been very ably performed, and especially demands the encouragement and the gratitude of all, who are engaged in the responsible task of education. There are in it proofs of judicious and conscientious pains-taking, and the marks of a well stored mind. A DEMONSTRATION OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, AND THEREIN OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. BY RICHARD GARBUTT, B.D. pp. 132. cl. bds. Religious Tract Society. A REPRINT of another of the treasures of the seventeenth century. Mr. Garbutt, who styles himself "sometime Fellow of Sydney College in Cambridge, and afterwards Preacher of the Gospel at Leeds in Yorkshire," was a learned and a pious man, who here set himself to prove that Christ is risen from the dead, and to show why and for what end He rose. His proof is not brought from Scripture alone, but in part from extraneous records, while the sacred narrative is fairly and fully reasoned ont before the objector. There is sterling worth in this little book. CHRISTIAN CONSISTENCY: or, the Connexion between experimental and practical religion. Designed for young Christians. By E. MANNERING. 2nd Edit. cl. bds. pp. 187. THE DEVOTEDNESS OF A CHRISTIAN CHURCH TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST, ELUCIDATED AND ENFORCED. A discourse delivered at Henley-on-Thames, April 19, 1842. Before the East Berks Association. By E MANNERING. Price 4d. Baynes, 28, Peternoster-row. THESE two plain, earnest and wholesome treatises are from the pen of a laborious minister in the metropolis, who has done well to find, or to make, time to convey through the press counsels and appeals, the more valuable because they seem to be ripened by observation of the various shades of Christian character, especially as it is seen in large cities. Useful as a pastor, we wish he may be yet more useful as an author. In the volume on Christian Consistency there are some particularly excellent passages, both in the way of admonition and of encouragement; but both these attempts to serve the Church of Christ deserve at its hands a ready welcome and a profitable use. THE LIFE OF CYPRIAN. pp. 150 This, we conceive, is an impartial life of Cyprian. He is praised where he is right, and blamed where he is wrong; and proof is given in the citation of his own words, that the writer's judgment is according to truth. We should like to see a few more such memoirs; it might tax heavily the patience and diligence of a competent man, able to execute such an office in relation to some of the succeeding fathers; and yet it would be a noble thing, if nobly done. 4 ALFRED or, Memorials of a beloved Child. pp. 31. Houlston and Stoneman, Paternoster-row. AN affecting monument in memory of a child of nine years old, "out of whose mouth God perfected praise." We hardly ever meet so touching a little history. It is eminently calculated rightly to impress the infant heart. POPERY, AN ENEMY TO THE GOSPEL. BY EDWARD DALTON Esq., Secretary to the Protestant Association. pp. 34. Baisler, 124 Oxford-street. THE author of this address, delivered at a public Meeting, is well known for his zeal in defence of Protestantism. He has here, with much earnestness, urged upon his hearers the opposition of Popery to the Great Bible principle-" Search_the Scriptures; and has adduced some strong facts, in support of his charges. The speech is reasonable, and will no doubt be useful. THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN IN BELIEVERS. By John Owen D.D. cl. bds. Religious Tract Society. WE should think it a piece of impertinence, to set about praising this discourse. Enough, to mention that this edition of an imperishable work has been carefully revised, the punctuation corrected, and an analysis added. THE FLY. PP. 32. THE GALL INSECT. pp. 32. Religious Tract Society. WE have already noticed some of these little botanic and entomological gems. They are among the most interesting and attractive of this Society's works; and we rejoice to see that the plan is to be tried in another region, for "The Hand" is announced to be preparing. The whose series, as yet, has been admirably executed, HYMN FOR THE JUBILEE OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY, JUNE 1, 1842. By the Rev. DR. COX. O'er every land and every sea, Hail to the work of fifty years! But not to us, and not to them, Then lift the voice, and let the song EVANGELICAL REGISTER. AUGUST, 1842. THE JUBILEE OF CHESHUNT COLLEGE. THE Jubilee, or Fiftieth Anniversary, of Cheshunt College was celebrated on Thursday, July 7, when the Trustees invited the attention of the Christian public to the following very brief sketch of its history, which will prevent the false impression which might otherwise be produced on some minds, that the Institution has existed only during the fifty years of its location in Cheshunt: "The late Countess of Huntingdon, illustrious and honourable by more than an earthly nobility, animated by a fervent zeal for the diffusion of Evangelical Christianity, originated in addition to other measures having the same high object, a College for the educational preparation of young men eligible to the office of the Christian Ministry. The building selected for this purpose was situated at Talgarth, in the county of Brecon, Wales. And, on the 24th of August, in the year 1768, it was publicly opened; on which occasion a sermon was preached by the Rev. George Whitefield. During the continuance of the College at Talgarth, her Ladyship had the satisfaction of seeing one hundred and twenty-five men of God' proceed from it, to teach and to preach the Gospel of Christ; of whom a few remain unto this present,' but the greater part are fallen asleep.' It may serve to revive pleasant and sacred associations in the minds of some, and may not be unprofitable to any, to be informed, that among those who there kindled their ministerial lamp, were a Clayton, late of the Weigh-house, London; an Eyre, of Homerton; a Ford, of Stepney; a Parsons, of Leeds; a Roby, of Manchester; a Matthew Wilks; a Griffith Williams, of Gate-street Chapel, London; and a Young, of Margate; men who, in various ways, served their generation, and eminently promoted the Kingdom of Christ. "In the year 1787, several friends to the cause of God and His Gospel, knowing that the aid afforded by Lady Huntingdon must cease with her life, (Her Ladyship's income being only a jointure,) offered themselves to form a Society for the continuance and support of her College, when it should be deprived of her fostering care. This proposition being highly approved by Lady Huntingdon, she was pleased to appoint ten persons to act as Trustees to the Institution, whenever her decease should call such a trust into exercise; to whom, also, she bequeathed her furniture, books, and other articles belonging thereto. "Immediately after Lady Huntingdon's death, which happened on the 17th of June, 1791, the Trustees called together the friends of the Institution in London, for the purpose of devising the best means of carrying into effect the trust reposed in them: when it was determined to remove the College from Wales, and to provide a suitable house and premises in the neighbourhood of the Metropolis; and, shortly after, the freehold of the premises now occupied, situate at Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, about fourteen miles from London, was purchased-consisting of a family house, with offices, a large garden, and orchard, bounded by the New River, with a field adjoining; comprising, in the whole, upwards of nine acres. This house was publicly opened for the New College on the 24th August, 1792, when the services were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Crole, Eyre, Platt, and Kirkman, who had been students at the College in Wales. A neat chapel has subsequently been erected on the premises, which was opened for public worship at the Anniversary Meeting, held on the 9th of July, 1806; and, in the year 1821, a new building was erected, for the accommodation of twenty students. "The design of this Institution is, not to serve the interests of a demomination, but to promote the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ by the publication of the glorious Gospel of His grace both at home and abroad. All, therefore, who desire its prosperity are solicited to assist it more liberally and actively-by donations, con VOL. XIV. Y |