Gambar halaman
PDF
ePub

tish Bible monopoly, and succeeded. To secure to the public the advantages of the breaking up of the monopoly, he organized the Free Bible Press Company; and he has succeeded in effecting for Scotland, and for England and Wales, the above important reductions. Two things have resulted from his incessant labours. First, the increased circulation of the Scriptures beyond the most sanguine expectations of the Committee of the Bible Society, and of the friends of the Bible generally; and, second, he has saved to the public on what has been sold, even within the last two years, as compared with the former prices, above 100,000l.; and this amount will accumulate annually in proportion to the augmented circulation that shall take place. But in effecting these objects (through circumstances, the detail of which is here unnecessary) he has exposed himself and his family to ruin; and can only be relieved by the kind and prompt aid of every one who sympathises with the great work he has accomplished for mankind. With a generosity and devotement of property altogether unparalleled, Dr. Thomson and his family embarked their property in the enterprise to cheapen the Bible; expecting nothing more than a common rate of interest for their capital. They had no

free contributions to fall back upon. They sold what they printed at so small a profit, that, without injuring the fair interests of trade, they brought them within the reach of the poorest in the land. The Bible Society then reduced its prices. The School Bible formerly sold by that Society at 38. 4d., but by Dr. Thomson at 1s. 1d., is now sold by that institution at 10d.; and the School Testament, which formerly sold at 1s. 3d., but by Dr. Thomson at 6 d., is now sold by that Institution at 4d. The loss to the Bible Society is great, but it can be made up out of its free contributions. Dr. Thomson has no such resources, and he has therefore in two editions, and these the most popular, been exposed either to a heavy loss, or to the annihilation of his sales of those editions. The loss of the market by being thus undersold, and the pressure of commercial difficulties, have placed Dr. Thomson in a most painful position. Several meetings of gentlemen favourable to the most extensive circulation of the Scriptures have been held. A Committee has been appointed; and, it appearing to that Committee that the stock on hand amounts to upwards of 10,000/., it has been resolved to give the widest circulation to this brief statement of facts; and, as a means of immediate relief, earnestly, and respectfully to request that Bibles and Testaments may be purchased by every congregation in the kingdom, to the extent, if possible, of 51., and to any larger amount that ability and

kindness may dictate, for Day and Sundayschools-the families of the congregationand the destitute poor in the neighbourhood -to be given away, or to be resold. The fullest confidence is placed by the Committee in the kind and zealous service of every minister, of every congregation, in accomplishing this good work. The Committee will guarantee the execution of the orders that may be forwarded to them, and will be happy to receive Post-office orders (payable at the General Post-office, St. Martin's-legrand, to either of the Secretaries), or cash payments, that as little delay as possible may be incurred in affording that prompt relief to Dr. Thomson which his great sacrifices and services claim of the Christians of Great Britain. We remain,

Your faithful servants,
ROBERT AINSLIE,

Rev. Dr. ARCHER.

COMMITTEE.

Hon. Secs.

Rev. JOHN BURNET.

ROBERT ECKETT.

A. L. GORDON.

JAMES HAMILTON.

B. S. HOLLIS.

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

JOHN KENNEDY.
W. NICOLSON.
J.W.RICHARDSON.
JAMES SHERMAN.
ARTHUR TIDMAN.
HENRY BIDGOOD, Esq.
J. M. HARE, Esq.
JOHN SMITH, Esq.
E. SWAINE, Esq.

JOHN BLACKBURN. JOHN WILKS, Esq.
(With power to add to their number.)

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

With Four Maps, 4d. additional.

*16mo, PEARL TYPE, WITH MARGINAL REFERENCES.

Roan, gilt, 2s. 6d.; morocco, 4s.; morocco, elegant, 4s. 5d.; morocco, best flexible, 4s. 6d. With Eight Maps, Gd. additional.

This is an elegant Pocket Bible, peculiarly suited as a present to the Young.

SCHOOL BIBLE.-NONPAREIL TYPE. 12mo, Sheep, Is. 1d.; coloured sheep, Is. 3d.; roan, gilt, 1s. 6d.

NONPAREIL, 12mo, WITH VARIOUS
READINGS.

Sheep, 1s. 4d.; coloured sheep, 1s. 6d. ; roan, gilt, 2s. The Translators seem to have assumed that "the diversity of senses in the margin," where, as they express it, "there is great probability for each," should be always printed with the text; and learned readers know that the best translation is often given in the margin.

[blocks in formation]

*Brevier type, 12mo.-Sheep, 64d.; coloured sheep, 74d.

*Minion type, 18mo.-Sheep, 64d.; coloured sheep, 7d.

LARGE TYPE TESTAMENT FOR FAMILY USE.

Octavo.-Sheep, 1s. 6d. ; coloured sheep, 1s. 9d. Presbyterian Congregations may have Bibles and Testaments with the Scotch Psalms attached; or the Scotch Psalms separately, in various sizes of type, and styles of binding.

my name, there am I in the midst of them," Matt. xxiii. 19, 20

The brethren who met in London in 1846, to form the Evangelical Alliance, recorded their sentiments on this matter in the following resolution: "That as the Christian union which this alliance desires to promote can only be obtained through the blessed energy of the Holy Spirit, it be recommended to the members present, and absent brethren, to make this matter the subject of simultaneous weekly petition at the throne of grace in their closets and families, and the forenoon of Monday is suggested as the time for that purpose :And that it be further recommended, that the week beginning with the first Lord'sday in January in each year, be observed by the members and friends of the Alliance throughout the world, as a season for concert in prayer in behalf of the grand objects contemplated by the Alliance."

At the Conference by which the British Organization was constituted, that resolution was introduced into the fundamental laws. The Executive Council of the Organization have instructed their Committee to call the particular attention of brethren throughout the world, and especially in the British empire, to the latter suggestion.

If at any time special intercession be demanded, it is at the present. The year which is closing leaves on its record events of strange and momentous character. emissaries of irreligion, superstition, and

The

N.B.-Of those books marked the stock is larger infidelity have been busily at work among

than of those which are not so marked; and it would very much facilitate the object of this application, if purchasers would, in making out their orders, kindly insert a larger number of the books so marked than of the others.

EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE.-BRITISH

ORGANIZATION.

Dear Brethren,-God has instituted an inseparable connection between the duties and the privileges of his people-between the means and the enjoyments of grace. This is especially true of the duty of prayer. He has been pleased to convert the prompting of necessity and desire into the occasion of commanded fellowship with himself, the Father of mercies; and with his Son, the Mediator through whom his benefits are bestowed.

He has attached special promises to special supplications. And there is a peculiar emphasis in the assurance of audience and answer to the united entreaties of his saints. The Lord Jesus has said, "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father, which is in heaven: for where two or three are gathered together in

the people of this land. On the Continent the heralds of the truth have stood in the midst of convulsions requiring firm principle and strong faith.

A long and trying conflict appears to lie before the faithful. Concerning its end no believer doubts that it will advance His glory who ruleth over all, and maketh even the wrath of man to praise him. But while the battle rages-to abide steadfast at his post, to endure hardness, to overcome the world, to resist the devil-must be the concern of the sincere servant of God.

Such is not the time for fellow-pilgrims to wander in scattered companies over the plain. For their very salvation they must consolidate their ranks, and keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Cardinal principles, precious hopes, are at stake; and they must not be sacrificed for mutual jealousies and strifes.

No member of Christ's body can be guiltlessly inactive, while formalism, supersti: tion, infidelity, latitudinaranism, and profaneness are setting in with renewed and menacing activity, under every form of covert and avowed operation, upon a thoughtless world and a trembling church. And if the people of the Lord yield not to the

impulse of love, they may have to feel the constraint of necessity, urging them into closer and more manifest unity for the defence of the gospel.

But a united church will be powerless against these adversaries, unless animated and sustained by the Holy Spirit of promise. We are invited to urge our claim to His benediction, as part of our covenanted inheritance. Does the enemy come in like a flood? "The Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him," Isa. lix. 16. Is the progress of pure and undefiled religion impeded or endangered? "Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me," Isa. xlv. 11. To restore those who are humbled because of their insufficiency, all-sufficiency for all things is guaranteed through the power of the Holy Ghost. For this God will be inquired of; and when inquired of, their Advocate will not fail "thoroughly to plead their cause."—" Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full," John xvi. 23, 24. It was when the infant church all continued with one accord in

prayer and supplication," and while " they were all with one accord in one place,' that "they were all filled with the Holy Ghost," Acts i. 14; ii. 1. 4; -and thus were prepared to extend the word of life among the nations.

Permit us, therefore, affectionately to remind you of the annual engagement contemplated by the resolution to which we have referred. We trust that you will be able in every place to gather around the throne of grace many of the Lord's people, not excluding those who, though they hesitate to join the Alliance, may be inclined to embrace this opportunity of showing their love to the saints. We desire that the thousands of Israel should put HIM in remembrance who is the only resource in the cloudy and dark day.

May we have grace in all these exercises to subordinate the minor arrangements which distinguish the sections of the Christian confederation to the greater principles in which we are agreed! It is because of these that the enemies of our God and of his Christ make common cause against us. Important though our methods of administration be, in their proper relations-what are they in comparison of the ark of God and the cross of Christ?

Beloved, pray without ceasing,.with united importunity, with expecting faith; that the overflowings of error, and delusion, and wickedness may be restrained; that the adversaries may be subdued by the power of

grace; that the perturbations of kingdoms, and the strivings of the people, may be made subservient to the triumph of the King of kings and Lord of lords; and that the whole church may receive those abundant measures of grace by which it will be prepared for earnest co-operation in every work of faith. So love shall abound and truth prevail.

The posture of humble dependance, of earnest entreaty, is the best preparation for duty and trial. For "all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive," Matt. xxi. 22. "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them," Mark xi. 24. Therefore, "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him," 1 John v. 14, 15.

In this confidence come before God. Consecrate the beginning of the year to your Lord, and to you it shall be a happy year. Plead that it may be to the whole Israel of God a year of enlarged prosperity. May "the eyes of the Lord be always" npon you and upon all the saints, "from the beginning of the year unto the end of the year," Deut. x. 12. The Lord fulfil all your petitions. Amen.

By order of the Executive Council, CULLING E. EARDLEY, Chairman. EDWARD BICKERSTETH,

JABEZ BUNTING,

DAVID KING,

EDWARD STEANE,

Honorary

Secretaries.

WILLIAM BEVAN, Office Secretary. HENRY DU Puy, Corresponding Sec. London, Nov. 5th, 1847.

THE PROTESTANT UNION.

Ministers of religion and churches of Christ! we invoke your attention to a subject of no mean importance.

It needs no argument in defence and support of Life Assurance Societies ;-their utility is beyond dispute. No common authority has said, "That there is nothing in the commercial world which approaches, even remotely, to the security of a wellestablished and prudently-managed Assurance Society."

In the constitution of the Protestant Union will be found principles and provisions proper to itself. Its members are composed exclusively of ministers of religion, (including all denominations,) of wellaccredited character. Its annuities range

from 107. to 501., while provision is made for the children of such as may die and leave no widow.

It being ascertained, on the most satisfactory data, that from their known habits and modes of life, the temperate and the religious offer preferable lives for assurance, the rates of premium are graduated on the lowest scale compatible with the safety of the Institution.

There is no Proprietary. All surplus funds are divided among the members, and are applied either in the reduction of the premium, or in the form of a bonus to be added to the policy, provided it does not exceed 501.

But more distinctly to specify some of its advantages;-A minister ordained and married at the age of twenty-five, is anxious to insure his life for an annuity of 50l., what premium must he pay? Taking for granted that his wife is not younger than himself, his annual subscription would be 10. 1s. 8d. Should he die in the course of the year, it is true that his widow would only receive onehalf or two-thirds of her annuity, till such time as the deduction amounted to four years' annuity. It is, however, competent for any party or parties on her behalf, at once to pay the four years' annuity, from which moment she would be entitled to the full annual amount of 501. during life. Assuming that she live thirty years after her husband's death in widowhood, then, for the small payment of 2007., she would be the recipient of 1,500.

Again: Suppose that a member die after being inrolled for sixteen or twenty years, leaving no widow, but one child-that child is entitled to the sum of 2007.; or if there be four or more children, then the sum of 4007. is equally divided amongst them, unless the deceased parent may have otherwise directed in writing.

These are features which belong to no other assurance society in the kingdom; and to whom are such advantages proffered? -To the Ministers of Religion. There is no body of men more devoted and laborious -but none for whom is made so small and scanty provision. The great majority of them live restricted, and die poor. This is their glory. They make the sacrifice for Christ's sake. But with this Institution before him, where is the man that would leave his widow and her little ones to the cold and precarious charity of this cold and precarious world? Availing himself of the provisions here proffered, what a burden would it take from the mind, amid the pressure of his sacred duties !—what anxiety from his spirit in the article of death! It is just possible, that the loved ones whom we leave behind may be enfolded in the arms of a pure and lofty benevolence ;-we

cannot tell. It is equally possible, that they may be left within a single remove of pauperism itself. We would beseech our ministerial brethren not to expose their families to this hazard. Let the younger ministers especially enrol themselves as members. The advantages are decidedly in their favour. No one, if possible, should let the day of his ordination, and above all the day of his marriage, pass away, without finding his life assured.

There are, however, not a few holy and laborious men, who, out of their scanty provision, are wholly unable to avail themselves of these advantages. We appeal to the Churches and Congregations. Ye know after what manner these servants of Christ have been with you, at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind. Ye know how they have devoted their best days and energies to your service,-how willing they have been to spend and be spent, in promoting your highest interests. Is it too much to expect some little effort on their behalf? Would it be laying too heavy a burden on you, to ask you to insure the life of your pastors? Could not this be done with comparative ease by the larger number of our churches and congregations? Might not a few of the more wealthy combine to effect this end? What a solace would it be to the man of God! what a satisfaction to your own minds!

We solemnly deprecate the possibility of our widows and children being thrown as a burden on the churches which we have served, after that service is finished ;-and still more the possibility of their being left to all the vicissitudes and uncertainties of public charity. Let suitable provision be made for them while we are with them. If Providence has denied adequate means to the minister, we claim the help of the churches. To this, in virtue of his labours, he is most righteously entitled ;-and from our heart we do believe that there is justice enough, as well as piety enough, to concede the right, and prompt to action.

R.

It is scarcely necessary to add, that the excellent secretary, the Rev. John Hunt, of Brixton Rise, will be most happy to furnish all information touching the constitution and provisions of the Society.

REMOVAL.

The Rev. Henry Howard, of Rillington, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, has received, and accepted, a cordial and unanimous invitation from the church and congregation assembling in Ebenezer Chapel, Whittlesea, Cambridgeshire, vacant by the death of the Rev. Wm. Evenett, who had

been the esteemed pastor for the period of thirty-four years. Mr. Howard entered on his pastoral labours the first sabbath in November, with highly encouraging pro

spects of extended usefulness, and ministerial comfort. In this settlement, the church has received the answers to continued supplication and effectual prayer.

General Chronicle.

FRANCE.

OCCASIONAL REPORT OF THE EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE OF THE CHURCH OF LYONS, FRANCE.

(Continued from page 664.)

IN the interior of the city we have the like blessings on our labours to record. In a part of the town in which the nobility principally reside, and the Jesuits' college is situated, and where, until recently, our labours had been the least successful, one of our colporteurs has been selling, daily, more New Testaments than all the others together, and several families have been instructed in the gospel. Our chapel has been better filled this summer than any similar season heretofore; and the truth has been widely disseminated. We have reprinted two excellent tracts: "The True Cross," by the Rev. Dr. Malan; and "The Doctrine of Scripture on the Worship of Mary," by Mons. Bost. These have been abundantly distributed at the chapel and elsewhere. Our girls' school is giving us much satisfaction, by the serious impressions shown by several of the scholars. The adult school has also been blessed this year for several young men.

The colportage is going on round Lyons in an encouraging manner. Instead of allowing our agents to spread over large tracts of country, we have found it advantageous to concentrate their efforts on particular districts. They take the addresses of the persons who purchase the Scriptures; they return frequently to these houses, and they water what has been sown. By these means, doors are opened for the gospel, and the work gradually spreads.

We cannot include in this report, a notice of all our stations in the neighbourhood of Lyons, but we shall mention a new locality which our committee has taken charge of, agreeably to arrangement with the society which was labouring there. Tarare is one of the most difficult stations in France, but for which we hope the more as our faith is more tried. Most of the agents who have laboured in this mountainous district have exposed their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ, and since the work commenced, three and a half years since, the disturb

ances that have occurred to drive the evangelists from the place are innumerable. Hardly a week passes that Divine worship is not disturbed by a mob; and the presence of a police-officer at the chapel door has been frequently insufficient to maintain order. The persons who have embraced the gospel are immediately deprived of their employment, or any other means of support which can be taken away. We felt, that, after so many difficulties had been resisted, this station should not be abandoned. Much seed has been sown; there are still some few persons there unshaken by persecution, and many Nicodemuses. The municipal authorities have hitherto protected our worship against a fanaticised population. These circumstances have induced us to persevere; and we feel assured that our friends will think we have done right.

The following is an account of one of the conversions that have taken place there:A colporteur one day entered the shop of Mons. F., and offered him the New Testament. Mons. F. refused, but subsequently bought one, thinking it would serve him to refute the Protestants. He began to read his book, at first with mistrust; but, little by little, he took a liking to it, and at length it interested him very much. Still he felt some scruples; if the book taught him to pray and to resist sin, it also produced another effect, and was detaching him from the Romish church. Mons. F. could not believe that his ancient church could be in error; the book no doubt was false. Faithful to his church, he left off reading his book, and ordered his wife to make away with it; he wished never to see it any more. On this he left his house, but had not gone far, before he returned, and asked for the book again. His first order had not been accomplished; his wife had not destroyed it. On recovering it, he pressed it to his lips, and embraced it as a friend whom he had lost but recovered, and determined never to lose sight of it again. He continued to read, and for some time redoubled his devotional practices in the Romish church. He endeavoured to combat his own sins; and accomplished, by mere devotion, acts of superstition that the

« SebelumnyaLanjutkan »