victim out of his hands. The archbishop's proceedings were considered invidious and contrary to law, by which he greatly injured his reputation.† B. B. ON THE SPECIAL CLAIMS OF THE COLONIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY. (To the Editor.) SIR,-I have read with much interest the touching appeal on behalf of the Colonial Missionary Society in your Magazine for March, and cannot but hope that a call so urgent will tell promptly and powerfully on the religious public. Perhaps, however, you will kindly permit a few remarks from an individual, who having something to do with the enterprizing and colonizing spirit of the present day, feels very strongly for the prosperity of a Society scarcely second in importance to that of the "London Missionary Society" itself, and who ventures, with all deference, to submit a few observations to its conductors and friends. I have spoken in somewhat strong terms as to the view I take of the Colonial Missionary Society. I am quite aware that nothing in the magnitude of its conceptions, in the extent of its aim, and in the purity and simplicity of its means, can equal the vast design of subju gating the heathen world to the dominion of the Redeemer, and bringing all the ancient systems of idolatry to the dust. That Society is aiming at great things, and is accomplishing great things. The fields are whitening for the harvest to a vast extent, and rich and precious sheaves are being gathered by the reapers. But admitting all this, and rejoicing in all this, yet when I consider the extent to which emigration is now going on from the British isles, and that it is likely to be carried to a much wider extent; when I look at the rapidity with which inviting spots are opening to British enterprize on the one hand, and the increasing pressure of the times, which is forcing out multitudes of our industrious population on the other; when I see the deep interest which is now excited in the upper, in the lower, and in the middle ranks of society, to form new and extending dependencies on the British crown; and when I reflect on what in all probability these settlements are destined one day to become-aye, and speedily too-I confess that the design and object of the Colonial Missionary Society appears to be one of overwhelming magnitude. The effort to provide com petent religious instruction for such a population, going away from the rich privileges which Britain enjoys, to a land of which it may with truth be said, "The sound of the church-going bell And where little that is worth the name of Christianity is likely to be Strype's Annals, Vol. ii. p. 524. * propagated, except by the voluntary effort of British Christians-when I picture to myself these colonies multiplying, thriving with a rapidly increasing population, and attracting constantly settlers in search of wealth from distant shores; and moreover, that these settlers are carrying with them the discoveries and improvements of modern times in science and in the arts, the Colonial Missionary Society rises to an importance that trenches very closely on that of its elder and more magnificent colleague. Yet, Sir, and this is the point at which I am aiming-I am appre bensive the christian public, I mean that part of it who compose the base of that vast system of missionary exertion which is advocated in your pages, and in those of your monthly contemporary, know but little of the existence or operations of the Society alluded to. It is, I fear, but partially known, and feebly advocated, except in your pages. So far as my limited experience or information goes it is seldom adverted to, while the London Missionary Society is constantly before the eyes of the religious public, and vast efforts are being made to double the amount of its contributions; an object which, if attained, must be done, I conceive, by laying under requisition every source of supply which in these disastrous times (disastrous unquestionably in a mercantile point of view) can possibly raise. I hope, Sir, I have said enough to convince you that I do not undervalue the missionary cause. I have long done what little I could for it, and regret that it is so little, but my own view is, that while these mighty and increased efforts are making to raise every shilling that can be obtained for one object, the other should not be thrown so much into the back ground. Would it not be better, considering the cause as one-we may compare it to one vast army-to consider rather what position of the camp, or what description of the force seems weakest, and to send reinforcements to that point. In a mighty conflict for empire the general-in-chief, or the council of war, would not wish to have all his recruits to form a vast array of infantry, while the cavalry, or artillery, were weak and inefficient, or the commissariat department neglected or badly appointed. But is there not, contemplating the two objects of missionary effort, a vast disparity between what we may call the foreign, and what the British service in this army of the Prince of Peace? Could not some arrangement be entered into between these two great branches of the public service, so that the common supplies might be apportioned in some degree to the respective claims and the relative importance of the two societies? Surely to say this cannot be done, savours somewhat of party feeling rather than of that patriotic spirit which regards the cause of its country and its Prince as one, and aims to meet its adversaries at all points. If such a union of effort were thought worthy of consideration, would it not, instead of dividing, multiply, and enlarge the common resources? But if this cannot be done, can there not be yet other means adopted, although perhaps, after all, it would amount to much the same thing, for looking at the aggregate amount of contributions raised for religious objects; looking at the vastly increasing claims which are giving force to "the voluntary principle," our chapels, our associations, our colleges, our schools, and our various charities, as well as the support of the ministry among ourselves; and at the same time the appalling changes from affluence, or comfort, to indigence, which are continually occurring, not only in the world but in the church too, I cannot but be of opinion that there is a limit to public liberality, beyond which it cannot go. Yet if the Colonial Missionary Society is to be supported by distinct and separate contributions, let me again ask, is it sufficiently before the public mind? Could not our ministers generally be prevailed upon to bring it before their congregations? Could there not in many cases be an annual collection even, though it were small, for this specific object? It is the custom among our churches to have monthly missionary prayer meetings; at these seasons could not a certain portion of them, if but one in the year, be devoted to explanatory statements of the nature and claims of our colonies, and to bringing those claims before the churches, as demanding no small share of their prayers and contributions? And as the religious interests of our colonial dependencies must essentially connect themselves with the political character and relation to the mother country, are there not some of the newspapers of the day, that might be made vehicles both of information, and of appeals to the public? Surely the Editor of the Patriot would not refuse to employ a portion of his columns in pleading such a cause; and appeals thus made would probably reach many a liberal and kindly disposed friend who might never otherwise have it presented to his view. There are two aspects in which our rising colonies may be regarded, each of which appear to me to invest the efforts of the Colonial Missionary Society with pregnant interest. The first is, the character of the bulk of the emigrants leaving our shores. They are, I fear, in far the greater part alive to any and every interest affecting their future prospects rather than those which concern them as immortal beings; and if to so vast an extent countries are to be colonized by men possessing intellect, energy, and talent, and these in all their variety, but at the same time characterized by an awful destitution of decided religious principle; what must we anticipate that the moral condition of these rising settlements will become, should they remain destitute of the religious ordinances of the christian ministry? The progress of infidelity and impiety, it is to be feared, would be rapid and appalling. The other is, that in these colonies, some of them at least, "the voluntary principle," the genius of the christian religion and the New Testament, may have a fair opportunity of exerting its own energies unshackled-and free from the withering, blighting influence of a dominant state church. Does not this speak loudly to "voluntaries?" If this field be neglected, if our new settlements shall become hotbeds of infidelity or false philosophy; if atheism or socialism shall become rife and rampant there, what can be expected but that the advocates of state establishments will point the finger in scorn, and say, "see here the legitimate consequences of the boasted voluntary principle; what has it done for Canada, for Australia, for New Zealand?" O Sir, these are, to my mind, stirring thoughts, and I hope I shall be forgiven for having suggested them for insertion in your pages. As I have associated the Colonial Missionary Society with the London Missionary Society in the foregoing remarks, permit me, in conclusion, to advert to two other points of comparison or contrast, which, if I mistake not, will plead strongly in favour of the former. 1st. That contemplating the vast extent of " land to be possessed," and the formidable systems of idolatry to be brought down, the period cannot be anticipated, when the wished-for result will be considered as accomplished, or when gigantic efforts will be unnecessary; and during all this protracted warfare, comparatively small will be the help which can be obtained from the enemy's ranks. I know it is promised that "a nation shall be born in a day," and that when the Spirit's influence is poured out, results will be witnessed, greater and more heart-cheering than any thing which has been previously witnessed: yet these are prospects to sustain our faith, and animate our hope, but are not the rule of our duty. Aggressive attacks must continue to be made, and followed up for long years to come, and probably before even the outworks shall show any indications of speedily giving way. But what is the case with our colonies? Although it is admitted the great majority of our emigrants must be supposed to be either indifferent to, or prejudiced against the doctrines of revelation, still there are a goodly number of another stamp; men going from our churches and congregations, favourably impressed, and anxious to cherish, as far as possible, the growth of christian principle, and to found in the wilderness churches in accordance with the spirit of the New Testament as the fountains of life and salvation to the communities around them. Weak and feeble as regards the possessions of this world, they require temporary help; a few years hence, and in all probability as they take root in the soil to which they have been transplanted, and become men of substance, they will cease to require external help; they will have sown the seed which shall become a tree so great," that the birds of the air will lodge in its branches;" they will have deposited the leaven in the meal, which shall operate, assimilate, and diffuse itself, until "the whole be leavened." 2dly. When these blessed effects shall be in some realized, they will become most efficient auxiliaries in the missionary cause. Having themselves been helped, they will be willing and anxious to help others; and located in spots nearer to and in closer connection with the ends of the earth," to which missionary enterprize is chiefly directed, they will render tenfold service to the cause of our common Lord, for the timely assistance which, in the periods of their weakness and feebleness, was kindly tendered to them. measure Such, Sir, are some of the thoughts which have passed through my mind on the perusal of the appeal to which I have alluded at the head of this paper; if you think them worthy of a place in your excellent periodical, they are at your service, or if you otherwise decide, you can place them among other "rejected addresses." I am, Sir, yours, Z. Z. A QUESTION ON CHRISTIAN DUTY. (To the Editor.) SIR, I beg the favour of the insertion of the following query in your valuable periodical, hoping that it will attract the attention of some of your able correspondents, and elicit a reply calculated to guide in the path of duty and usefulness. Yours, most respectfully, AN INQUIRER. "If a Christian has been so successful in life as to realize an inde pendency, whether is it his duty to retire from business, and devote his whole time and talents to the promotion of the cause of Christ, in any way for which he is qualified, or to continue in trade, and give a large portion of, or even all, his profits to that cause? and by which course is he likely to promote that cause the more effectually?" Workington. THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD. EPHES. vi. 13-18. SOLDIER of Christ, arise, awake! With conscious Truth thy soul engird, Salvation's helmet, Hope, be thine, Thy feet be armed with Peace divine, His fiery dart by Faith withstand, And God's own Word, thy sword in hand, Soldier of Christ, in weakness strong, J. M'GAA. |