Imagini ale paginilor
PDF
ePub

IRISH SEAMEN'S FRIEND SOCIETY AND BETHEL UNION.

President:-The Hon Justice Crampton. Treasurers:-Messrs. Guinness and Mahon. Honorary Secretaries :- Rev. J. DruryRev. R. Dill-Rev. G. Gould and Rev. J. Greer.

Secretary:-Alexander Boyd, Esq. Members of Committee: - Rev. Richard Brooke. J. S. Blackwood, Esq. L. L. D. Rev. William H. Cooper. Willian Carson, Esq. Rev. Richard Dill. Rev. John Drury. Rev. George Gould. Rev. William H. Graham. Rev. John Greer. P. D. Hardy. Esq. Captain Janns, R. N. Rev. William B. Kirkpatrick. Rev. R. Masaroon. Rev. Thomas C. Maguire, Joseph Napier, Esq. Q. C. Alexander Parker, Esq. Matthew Pollock, Esq. John Singleton, Esq., M.D. Rev. William Urwick. Rev. William Wilson. Rev. John West.

CONSTITUTION OF THE SOCIETY.

I.

The object of the Society shall be, to promote the present and eternal welfare of Seamen trading to Dublin, and the other ports of Ireland, and of other persons connected with Shipping.

II.

The MEANS whereby the Society shall endeavour to accomplish this object shall be:

1st-By procuring suitable premises for religious services, and for reading and school-rooms, for the use of Seamen and others connected with shipping.

2nd-By employing salaried and gratuitous agents for conducting religious services, visiting Seamen, &c.

3rd-By circulating the Holy Scriptures, religious tracts, and other useful publications, by the establishment and encouragement of Day and Sunday Schools, for the children of Seamen and others connected with shipping, and by promoting the regular observance of religious worship among Ships' Crews.

4th-By providing or recommending suitable lodging-houses for Sailors on their arrival from sea, and encouraging amongst them habits of morality and economy.

5th-By the visits of Agents and correspondence with the friends of Seamen in other ports at home and abroad, and especially with the "British and Foreign Sailors' Society" in London, with a view to the promotion of the same objects, as far as the influence of the Society may extend.

[blocks in formation]

Guineas or more, or Minister making a collection on behalf of the Society to the like amount, shall be a Member for life. The Subscriptions shall be considered due on the 1st day of May, and 1st day of November in each year.

IV.

That the Doctrines chiefly to be insisted on shall be, the necessity of repentance towards God, of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit's influence to renew and sanctify the heart of man; and that all who hold these doctrines shall be heartily welcomed, and are hereby invited, as co-operators for promoting the objects of this Society.

V.

That the concerns of the Society shall be managed by a Treasurer, a Secretary, and a Committee of not less than Twelve Members, annually chosen from the members of the Society, and holding the doctrines mentioned in the preceding rule, who shall meet for business once a month, or oftener if necessary; five to form a quorum. VI.

An Annual Meeting of the Society shall be held in the month of January, for the purpose of receiving a report of the proceedings of the Committee, and of the receipts and expenditure; and to choose officers and a Committee for the ensuing year.

PROPOSED EVANGELICAL

ALLIANCE.

AT the Meeting of the Aggregate Committee of the Proposed Alliance, held at Liverpool, on Thursday evening, January 15th, 1846, Sir Culling Eardley Smith, Bart. being in the Chair, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

The Rev. J. HALDANE STEWART moved; the Rev. Dr. BUCHANAN Seconded:

"That, in seeking the correction of what we believe to be wrong in others, we desire, in humble dependence on the grace of God, to obey ourselves, and by our practice and influence to impress upon others the command of Christ, to consider first the beam that is in our own eye; that we will therefore strive to promote, each in his own communion, a spirit of repentance and humiliation for its peculiar sins, and to exercise a double measure of forbearance in reproving, where reproof is needful, the faults of those Christian brethren who belong to other bodies than our own."

The Rev. Dr. MASSIE moved; the Rev. J. TOD BROWN seconded:

"That, when required by conscience to assert or defend any views or principles wherein we differ from Christian brethren

who agree with us in vital truths, we will aim earnestly, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to avoid all rash or groundless insinuations, personal imputations, or irritating allusions, and to maintain the meekness and gentleness of Christ, by speaking the truth only in love."

The Rev. J. A. JAMES moved; the Rev. W. W. EWBANK seconded; the Rev. Dr. URWICK Supported :

"That while we believe it highly desirable that Christians of different bodies, holding the head, should own each other as brethren by some such means as it is hoped the proposed Evangelical Alliance will afford; we disclaim the thought, as injurious and uncharitable, that those only who openly join this society, are sincere friends to the cause of Christian Union: that, on the contrary, we regard all those as its true friends who solemnly purpose in their hearts, and in any way profess that purpose with their lips, and fulfil it in their practice, to be more watchful in future against occasions of strife, more tender and charitable towards Christians from whom they differ, and more constant in prayer for the unity of the whole body of Christ."

The Rev. Dr. BUNTING moved; the Rev. Dr. STEANE seconded:

"That we therefore would invite, humbly and earnestly, all ministers of the Gospel, all conductors of religious publications, and others who have influence in various bodies of Christians, to place on public record, in any way they prefer, their serious purpose to watch more than ever against sins of the heart, or the tongue, or the pen, towards Christians of other denominations; and to promote more zealously than hitherto, a spirit of peace, unity, and godly love, among all true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ."

The Rev. EDWARD BICKERSTETH moved; the Rev. J. H. HINTON Seconded; the Rev. J. COOPER and the Rev. T. WAUGH Supported:

"That while several reasons may hinder Christians, who belong to the Society of Friends, and to other denominations, from direct union or co-operation with this Provisional Committee; we desire to acknowledge all those of them as Christian brethren, who, except with reference to the Divine institution of the Christian ministry, and the authority and perpetuity of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper,' adhere to the same basis of evangelical truth, and manifest in their lives the fruits of righteousness; and to practise towards them, no less than towards believers of other bodies, the same maxims of forbearance and love."

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]

The late William Jones, M.A., Baptist Minister and Vice-President of your excellent association, departed this life on the 21st. Jan. 1846, to enjoy a life eternal, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away," reserved in heaven for us, who are kept by the power of God, though faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

The remote cause of his death was an accident which befel him, as he was going to chapel on Lord's-day afternoon, the 4th of January. The day being stormy, it is supposed his cloak got entangled between his legs, as he was stepping out of the house, by which he lost his balance, and by the fall broke a small bone near the hip, commonly called the neck of the thigh bone. He was carried into the house by some of the passers by, when medical assistance was immediately obtained. Though at the time be suffered acute pain, yet being put to bed, and a composing draught being given, the pain greatly subsided, and for some time, to all appearance, he continued rallying, and hopes were entertained of his recovery. This favourable state of things lasted until Wednesday, the 21st Jan, the day of his death. No more than an hour before the sad occurrence, a friend of his, a clergyman, had been with him, and engaged in prayer by the bed-side, which affected him much, as it left him in tears, and drew forth the petition of the publican, “God have mercy upon my poor soul." These were the last words he was known to utter. His feelings seemed to have overcome him; for shortly afterwards, he was found in a weak state, and before medical aid could be brought in, the spirit had returned to God who gave it, in his 84th year.

His remains were deposited in the family

vault in Bunhill Fields, on Friday the 30th Jan. where they repose with those of his late wife and brother, until the resurrection of the just.

William Jones was born in the year 1762, at the village of Poulton, in Cheshire, about half way between Chester and Wrexham, where his father and grandfather before him occupied a considerable farm, under the ancestors of the Earl of Grosvenor. He was at first intended to follow his father's occupation, but early discovering considerable ability he was sent to Chester with a view to be educated to enter the Established Church. It was while here, that the writings of the excellent A. M.Lean fell into his hands, which gave his mind, to use his own phrase, "such a twist," that he never afterwards recovered. About the year 1786, he was baptised by the same excellent individual, and united to a small band of professing Christians, holding sentiments similar with his own, at Chester; not long after this he removed to Liverpool. While here, engaged in business as a bookseller and publisher, he was chosen as pastor by a body of Christians whom he himself had been chiefly instrumental in collecting together, to worship God after the manner of the so-called Scotch Baptists. It was while residing in this commercial town in 1800, that he commenced publishing his "Theological Repository," his first work of any note, which periodical continued until 1808. About the year 1809, he removed to London, where he also commenced and carried on business as a bookseller and publisher, combining the author with the tradesman, and the Christian and elder with both. His writings and preaching in a short time attracted considerable public attention, and though now dead, yet he will long continue to speak to the public in his excellent "History of the Waldenses," his "Ecclesiastical Lectures," as well as by his "Biblical Cyclopædia," not to omit his last work upon Nonconformity;" all of them breathing the spirit of the gospel, being like the title of many of his Magazines, truly Evangelical. The beneficial tendency of his writings even attracted the notice of royalty, and our present beloved Queen caused flattering tokens of her approval to be bestowed upon him; and, by so doing, conferred a favour upon Dissenters in general.

66

But it is unnecessary for me to say more about one, whose public character and writings are so well known, and more especially since he has left behind him, in manuscript, with a view to be printed, an autobiography, the last literary work he was engaged on, and therefore combining the knowledge of his matured, intelligent, and lengthened existance.

Perhaps Mr. Jones was the oldest Baptist

alive, especially the oldest Baptist minister. For sixty years, or more, he had showed his attachment to the Saviour, by making conscience of the order and mode of going in and out of the house of God, according to Ezek. xliii. 11. His motto was that of the excellent John Lock-"The Scriptures themselves are the best body of theology; they have God for their author, salvation for their end, and truth without any mixture of error." I am, Rev. Sir, yours,

DAVID EVANS. Deacon of his Church.

MOVEMENTS OF POPERY.

The following announcement of a proclamation for a solemn ceremony, as thanksgiving for the happy spread of Romish tenets in England, is taken from the Roman correspondence of a German paper, and will serve to show that the Vatican is no careless spectator of the perversion now spreading amongst the Sectarian party:

Rome, Jan. 19. On the 14th inst. the vicar-general of the Catholic Church. Cardinal Patrizzi, issued a proclaimation to the people of Rome, which runs thus:-"Not a few persons, distinguished for piety, have besought us with earnest prayers to grant permission for the solemn festival of a novena, (nine day's service) in the Church of the Jesuits, in order to implore, from Almightly God, the wider spread and lofty increase of the Catholic faith in England. The Holy Father has not only listened favourably to this pious request, but, furthermore has provided to all the faithful, who take an active part in the ceremony, a partial indulgence of three hundred days for every visit, and a plenary indulgence to those who attend the novena five times at least, it being understood, that, at the same time, such persons are to approach the confessional and Lord's Supper. This nine day's ceremony is to begin at eleven o'clock, a.m., on the 17th inst. in the Church above named. Whether ye look, my Christian brethren, at the first and noble aim in behalf of which these public prayers are offered to the Almighty, or whether ye calculate the gain of the holy indulgences, by means of which we may shorten the punishment due to our sins-in either case, ye must, in every way, to the best of your strength, interest yourselves in the matter, and take part in this pious exercise, by praying the giver of all good, and the Father of all mercy, that He will pour out over their realm and its inhabitants, His light, and those gifts of grace, for obtaining which alone our prayers will be effectual."-Times, Feb. 6.

The province of England, contained 146 Jesuits in 1841, and 164 in 1844. The Jesuits have 33 establishments, houses,

colleges, residences or simple houses. They show themselves more openly than in other countries; and the colleges and houses are generally called by the name of some saint. Thus they have the college of St. Ignatius, St. Michael, St. Stonislous, St. John the Evangelist, St. Thomas, of Canterbury, &c. Their principal establishment is the college of Stonyhurst, in Lancashire. It contains 20 priests, 26 novices, and 14 brothers. The province of England, has 20 missionaries at Calcutta. The English government protect them as much as the Protestant missionaries, and even assists them at the present moment to establish a new college, especially devoted to China. The vice-province of Ireland, contained 63 Jesuits in 1841, and 73 in 1844. They possess, in Ireland, the college of Clongowes, Tallabeg, and Dublin. In Dublin they have recently founded a second college.-Church of England Mag.

Bavarian Palatinate, Dec. 13.-A report is current here, that the extensive castle and ground belonging to Deputy Keller, in Edisheim, had just been purchased by government for the purpose of converting it into a monastery. For what order of monks the new monastery is destined has not yet transpired, but such establishments are multiplying with unwonted rapidity in Bavaria.

Grand Duchy of Baden. Progress of Ultramontanism.-Deputy Welcher, recently in the Baden Chamber, laid particular stress on the efforts lately made by the Jesuit party, to re-establish the ancient hierarchal despotism-"Another Romish party, says he, is daily fostered and favoured, while the liberal Catholics are neglected, the freedom of the University annulled, those teachers of Catholics moral philosophy and canon law, whose liberal principal raised a barrier against the encroachments of ultra-Romanists, are removed, and the University so entirely ruined, that a professor lately declared, while standing by the grave of one of his colleagues, It is no little wonder if Freiburg professors wasted away in body and mind. The destructive effects of the system on bodies are doubly deplorablepaining, offending, and ultimately lavishing the liberal and enlightened Catholic clergy, it leaves the laity a prey to the intrigues of the rankest Jesuitism, and, mocking the advances in civilization and mental culture, undermine at once the best foundation of ecclesiastical and civil polity."

Popery in the University of Oxford.The Times" says:-There appeared a few days since in these columns, an extraordinary statement from a Correspondent, who signed himself M. A.,' and upon whose veracity we have every reason to place implicit reliance. The communication referred to, affirmed, that in the rooms of more than

66

one student of the University of Oxford might be seen at the present moment, a small wainscoat book closet, externally as plain and unpretending as possible, exciting no suspicion, and affording no clue whatever to the mysteries within. This seeming book-closet, however, being opened, is found to be a portable altar, in the language of 'M. A.,' as rich and gorgeous as gold and emblazonry can render it. In its form," continued the writer, "it copies the triptic of the Roman Catholic altar. The inner side of either door presents richly emblazoned scrolls upon which are pourtrayed, with suitable inscriptions, the passion of our Saviour, and such like scenes. At the back of this cupboard altar, and in the vesica, is fixed the cross, now bare, and now, where the proprietor is rich enough to command the treasure, adorned with the figure of the Saviour, and other accompaniments of a similar nature. The ground is painted a deep blue, and is studded with stars. At this altar, the fac simile of many used in Romish families, the early matins of the students are devoutly offered up." The "Times" states, that although the authorities of the University have had the opportunity of contradicting this statement, no such contradiction has yet been offered.

Happy deliverance from Papal Bondage— Signor Ciocci, the author of "Iniquities and Barbarities of the Church of Rome in the Nineteenth Century," informs us that the Rev. Dr. Camillo Mapei, lately a priest and canon in the city of Rome, has recently left the Romish Church, and has been married to an English lady at Liverpool. And that the Rev. Mr. Crespi, until lately a Capuchin monk and missionary of the Propaganda at Rome (to which office he was appointed by the present Pope, Gregory XVI.), has recently arrived in England, and is now zea lously engaged as a Protestant Missionary among the poor Italians in London; and also that, Mr. Valci, not long since a mem ber of the Church of Rome, who, during three months, has been suffering in a Sardinian dungeon, into which he was cast for distributing Protestant tracts, has just made his escape to this country. The last two gentlemen are co operating with Signor Ciocci, in his efforts to ameliorate the condition of his poor countrymen in this kingdom. Those who, like SignorCiocci and his friends, are so well acquainted with the mysteries of the iniquitous Papal system, and who have experienced in their own persons the inflic tion of its cruelties, and in the gracious providence of Almighty God have been brought "out of Rome," require no urging to a continual warfare against that apostate Church. Why, alas are Protestants so lukewarm? Must we taste Rome's cruelties before we arise and protest against her abominations?

THE

PROTESTANT ADVOCATE,

Erish Missionary Magazine,

AND

CHRISTIAN WATCHMAN.

APRIL, 1846.

SPIRITUAL STATE AND CLAIMS OF IRELAND.

"THE IRISH HARP ON THE WILLOWS;"

OR THOUGHTS AND SOLICITUDES RESPECTING THE CAUSE OF CHRIST IN IRELAND, ADDRESSED TO THE MINISTERS AND MEMBERS OF ALL EVANGELICAL CHURCHES.

THE pamphlet, the title of which we have given above in full, was presented to us by its esteemed and amiable author, soon after we had penned our last month's REVERIE on the subject of the EVANGELICAL COMMISSIONER. We were struck at once with the contrast between the more cheering view of Ireland's spiritual condition which we had just been taking, and the melancholy tones in which the Irish harp on the willows' seemed to wail forth its complaint. We recollected, too, that time was, and that not long ago, when this minstrel of Erin was wont to strike a livelier and more animated note upon the subject; to tell of listening multitudes crowding round the herald of salvation on her green-clad hills, and in her smiling valleys; and to array her future spiritual prospects with all the gay colours of the rainbow. We were somewhat surprised and startled at the change that had taken place in the character of his strains, when we found him hanging his harp on the willows, and instead of the livelier sounds that had rung from its wires when touched by his hand in by gone days, calling us to join him in notes of lamentation, mourning and

woe.

We discovered, however, on our first glance into the pages of his pamphlet, that Ireland alone was not the cause of his sorrow; but that he laments "the general dearth of divine influence, which for some time has been passing over Britain, America and elsewhere; and though this, as he observes, "affords no consolation," but "only adds to our grief," we yet confess we were somewhat relieved from the apprehension that his views of the peculiar state of Ireland would appear contradictory to those which we had been so recently endeavouring to express.

We were still more relieved from this apprehension when we found him acknowledging, a little further on, that "If the writer have erred in stating those necessities, it has been perhaps in throwing too much gloom into the picture. They were certainly no gloomy pictures which he was wont to draw of scenes in Ireland; and we wonder not that his recollection of these brighter sketches should have induced some misgivings as to the dark and sombre shades that he here throws over her spiritual landscape. Perhaps he has felt that, in former days, gay fancy led him to dwell on the bright and sunny parts of the scenery, to the exclusion of those which were gloomy and clouded; to make amends for which, his present sketch exhibits more of the

VOL. II.

L

« ÎnapoiContinuă »