Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub

consideration of it ought certainly to lead us, amidst our zeal for the diffusion of education, to endeavour, at the same time, to give a right current and direction to the power which we impart. For the art of reading is like a sluice of water, which, if conducted in a safe course to its proper end, is an instrument of the mightiest power in promoting objects of the greatest utility; but, if turned from its appropriate channel, may become the cause of most extensive mischief.

This ought especially to be kept in mind in reference to those who move in the humbler walks of life, and whose occupations leave but a very scanty portion of their time to be employed in reading. Their natural inclinations prompt them to give such fragments of time to the perusal of works which have too often a pernicious tendency, or which are at the least useless, (and every thing that is useless is pernicious,) and yet, what they thus read becomes, in a great measure, the elements of their ordinary thoughts and opinions, and contributes to give a complexion to their whole character. While, therefore, there are so many worthless publications continually presented, in a cheap and inviting form, to solicit the notice of the lower classes of society, and calculated to meet, and gratify, and strengthen, the evil propensities of their nature, we would urge it as the imperative duty of Christians, vigorously to prosecute the war in favour of the bet ter description of books, and to give the widest circulation possible to those which, dealing with men as fallen and sinful creatures, are fitted to convey to them the solid instruction which they require, and to engage them to the consider ation of those things which belong to their everlasting peace.

We know of no little work better adapted for this purpose than that

of which we have here prefixed the title; which was originally published in the year 1796, and has passed through several editions in this country, and been reprinted in America. The instruction it contains, the principles which it is its aim to form, and the moral and religious character illustrated in the course of it, are exactly those which men require to render them truly happy. Could its substance be but carried into the breasts of the mass of our people, and come forth in the visible shape of their daily walk and conversation, what a change would take place upon the face of society! O what a new and blessed world would arise!

When we assure our readers that it is executed in the best possible manner within the limits prescrib ed, a very short statement of the plan of this treatise will, we trust be the best means we can employ for recommending it to the notice of every real friend of religion and of the people. It was professedly and of purpose drawn up with the view of " alleviating the anxieties, and increasing the happiness, of the labouring poor." It commences with a concise statement of the great principles of religionthe character of God-the condition and prospects of man—the remedy provided for human guilt and depravity-the means by which men are prepared for the kingdom of heaven-and the doctrine of a state of retribution beyond the grave. The second chapter is upon the experience of religion; and setting out with the principle that all real piety has its seat in the heart, treats of the question, how the truths of Scripture affect the mind when savingly applied by the Holy Spirit; which is done, we think, in a manner the most simple and intelligible. In the third chapter, a view of the practical influence of religion is exhibited; and,

by the manner in which the particulars under this head are illustrated, the writer has discovered an intimate acquaintance with the real circumstances of those whose benefit he was so anxious to promote, and an accurate knowledge of their besetting sins and temptations, and of the way in which religion is brought to bear upon their character and habits. The fourth section considers the importance of religion to the usefulness and hap piness of the common people; and addresses them, first, in their personal character, as immortal and accountable beings; and then, in their relative capacity, as servants, as husbands and wives, as parents and heads of families, and as citizens. In the fifth chapter, the means best calculated for promoting the knowledge and spirit of religion amongst the common people are stated and recommended-the diligent reading of the Scriptures a regular attendance on the preaching of the word-devout meditation-and secret prayer. And the work concludes with a most earnest address to parents and masters.

ge.

It is not so easy to fix upon a few, as to find a great many, passages in this little work which may serve to convey an idea of its neral substance and character. The two following may be regarded as faithful witnesses to the sound practical instruction it contains, and the spirit of animated devotion which it breathes throughout.

"There is a wide difference between these self-abasing convictions of the spirit, which are connected with salvation, and the remonstrances of a natural conscience in unrenewed men. The latter are chiefly excited by the commission of gross or of outward sins, which subject the transgressor to present inconvenience, disgrace, or distress. The former are promoted by a dis. covery of the opposition which the heart feels to the authority of God, its insensibi lity to his infinite amiableness, and its ingratitude for his unmerited goodness; they

lead us to review our past life with grief and contrition; they excite unfeigned solicitude for reconciliation with an offended fess, that we deserve to perish, they make God; and, while they constrain us to conus willing to be saved in whatever manner a holy and gracious God shall be pleased to appoint.

"The blessed Spirit of illumination and grace, having humbled these awakened men under the mighty hand of God, next leads them to a believing, joyful acceptance of the mercy offered in the Gospel; he gives them to know, that God is in Christ he hath set forth Jesus as a propitiation for reconciling a guilty world to himself; that the remission of sins; that there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ; and that whosoever will may take of the waters of life freely. Now God appears not only glorious in holiness, but rich in mercy; a just God and Saviour; a God in Christ, justifying the ungodly who believe, and saying in their behalf, Deliver from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom. in the mind of the awakened sinner. 11Now the cheering dawnings of hope arise luminated by the Spirit, I see a fountain opened for my many iniquities; and I am assured that Jesus died, the just for the unjust, to bring sinners unto God. His blood cleanseth from all guilt; his power saves to the uttermost; his invitations are free and unlimited; and his promise tells me, that he will in no wise cast out. Now arrives the solemn and memorable hour, of infinite importance to these awakened men, when, through the great Mediator, they approach the throne of the God of peace, when they deliver up the weapons of their rebellion, when they unfeignedly surrender themselves to the grace and the government of the Almighty King of Zion, and entrust the everlasting interests of their immortal souls to this all-sufficient Saviour. And now it is, they are made the happy partakers of that faith which is by the operation of the Spirit; they receive the record which God hath given of his own Son; they rely on the great atonement for the pardon of their guilt; they depend on the perfect righteousness of Christ for their justification in the sight of an offended and infinitely holy God; they plead the experience of his quickening, sanctifying grace; and they lay hold on the covenant of promise, as their security for the enjoyment of all spiritual blessings. So soon as men are thus led to rely on the Saviour for righteousness and redemption, they become new creatures in Christ; old things are done away, and the time past seems far more than sufficient to have wrought the will of the flesh; the high imaginations are laid low, and the af

fections captivated to the love of Christ; his love constrains them; the influence of sin is opposed; God is supremely delighted in; and the things of time, however joyous, are counted as the small dust of the balance, when compared with the pleasures which are at God's right hand. This astonishing change, which, in the hour of reconciliation, passes upon their minds, is styled, the renewing of the Holy Ghost, and the blessed effects of it are, growing comfort and holiness; and both of these, in all their gradual progress to perfection, are invariably attributed to the residence of the Spirit in the souls of the regenerated. He fills them with peace and with joy, by bearing witDess that God hath accepted them through his beloved Son; that his anger is turned away; that he hath adopted them into his family, and given them, not only the honourable title, but all the inestimable privileges of children. That the hope of glory may accompany the joy of believing, the Spirit farther testifies, that if children, then we are heirs, heirs of an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, which God, who cannot lie, hath promised, and which is reserved in heaven for all who love the Saviour. Thus, through views of God as a reconciled Father, through the prospect of immortal joys, and through a noble elevation above this miserable world, they go on their way rejoicing. But these comfortable influences of the Spirit, are diminished or withdrawn when the people of God indulge in sinful conformity to the world; when they act an undutiful part to their heavenly Father, or fail to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour. Hence it is evident, that the sanctifying influences of grace are as necessary to our peace and comfort, as the most satisfying assurances of our interest in the divine favour. Sanctification means the continuance and progress of that spiritual life which was begun in believers, when renewed in the spirit of their mind.

An infant of a day hath all the parts and faculties which he shall enjoy when he arrives at manhood; but these, while in infancy, are imperfect and feeble: they grow with his growth, and strengthen with his years. Thus is it with the man of God; sanctification confers no new principles, capacities, and pursuits: but it invigorates those which the new creature already possesses, and cherishes them gradually, until he arrives at the fulness of the stature of a man in Christ. Being renewed in his mind, he sets his affections on things above; he presses forward for the prize of his high calling; he lives under the power of the world to come; he loves the Saviour with all the ardour of supreme

delight, and consecrates his talents to the honour of God. In filial submission, he resigns his interests to the divine disposal, saying, Father, not my will, but thine be done. He studies, through grace, to walk humbly with God; and it is his daily endeavour to enjoy nearer and more constant fellowship with the Father and the Son, through the Spirit. This delightful inter course, while it elevates his views to heaven, neither leads to presumption nor fills with arrogance; on the contrary, it promotes the sincerest humility, under lively impressions of his unworthiness, and excites to watchful circumspection, lest he provoke the Holy One of Israel to withdraw his gra cious communications. Such is the gradual progress of the work of grace on the hearts of believers, and such are the feelings of the soul when led by the Spirit; they do unite the ardour of triumphant joy in God, with deepest humiliation for past offences; the confidence of children, with the reverence of godly fear; the comfort of pleasing God, with the conflicts of selfdenial; the hope of glory to be revealed, with the fear of seeming to stop short in the heavenly journey. O happy, though hidden life! May I live the life of the righteous! May I daily experience their abhorrence of sin, their gratitude for redeeming love, their joy in the Saviour, their fearfulness of offending, their jealousy over themselves, their mortification of earthly affections, their eagerness to glorify God, their esteem of the saints, their elevation above the world, and their ardent longings for heaven! Your hearts reply, Amen; let us also delight ourselves in God." Pp. 53-58.

"Hence arises another important Christian duty, that, namely, of invigorating and cherishing these heavenly plants by means of religious ordinances. Thus, believers are described in Scripture as trees of right⚫eousness planted by the rivers of water, which bring forth fruit in their season, and are flourishing even in old age, when others fade. The word of God, the sanctuary and its impressive solemnities, the secret devotions of the closet and family, these are the peaceful streams which water the vineyard of the Lord, and these are the sacred chan. nels through which the Almighty Spirit conveys to believers renewed supplies of life, and strength, and fruitfulness. The word of God is their counsellor in straits, and companion in the pilgrimage of life; and many in every age can say with the Psalmist, When our sorrows abounded, we would have perished, unless we had found comfort in thy most perfect word." By the prayer of faith they are strengthened with all might in the inner man, and kept

in peace, being staid on God. In his tabernacles, they behold his power and glory, and are brought near to God as their exceeding joy. At his table, they remember his love more than wine, and the fruits of their Redeemer's death are sweet unto their taste. With gratitude they welcome every return of that day which brings them the renewed evidence, that their Lord is risen, and hath triumphed over death and the grave. With Simeon, they go up to the temple to worship: with Lydia, they attend to the things which are spoken of the Lord; with Asaph, they meditate on the works of God, and remember the years of the right hand of the Most High; with devout Cornelius, they wor ship God in their house; with the disciples going to Emmaus, they take sweet counsel together, and talk of him who redeems Israel; and with the first Christians, they continue stedfast in the apostle's doc trine, and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.' Pp. 65, 66.

God himself hath consecrated, and which

[ocr errors]

For its own intrinsic excellence, we would therefore point out this cheap publication to general regard; and recommend it to be introduced especially into the cottage of the labourer, and have a place in every school and village library. But besides being valued for its own sake, we are persuaded that, as having proceeded from his pen, it will also be highly esteemed

by every one who has had an opportunity of knowing any thing of the character of its author, and will be endeared to those to whom he was personally known. There is a very interesting memoir of him prefixed to the present edition of this treatise, drawn up by one who possessed favourable opportunities for appreciating his worth, and who has done himself great credit by the sketch which he has here given of his friend.

Among the faithful servants of God, who have now entered upon their rest and their reward, we have enjoyed the privilege of knowing not a few. But we can scarce, ly recollect one who approached more nearly than Mr. Bonar did, to the character of the patriarch who "walked with God;" of the prophet in whom was found "the excellent spirit;" of the apostle who "leant on Jesus' bosom, and whom Jesus loved;" or who appeared to possess more of the same mind that was in him-higher than all patriarchs, prophets, and apos tles-whose "meat it was to do the will of him that sent him, and to finish his work."

GOVERNMENT

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

INDIA.

ORDER RESPECTING SUTTEES.

Presidency of Fort William, Feb. 1822.

The commander of the forces desires that a copy of these instructions be circulated from the Brigade Office, to the posts and stations dependent upon your command.

(Signed) G. H. FAGAN, Adj.-Gen. "Whereas it has appeared, that during the ceremony denominated Suttee (at which

Hindoo women burn themselves) certain acts have been occasionally committed, in direct opposition to the rules laid down in the religious institutes of the Hindoos, by which that practice is authorized and forbidden in particular cases: as, for instance, at several places pregnant women, and girls not yet arrived at their full age, have been burnt alive; and people after having intoxicated women, by administering intoxicating substances, have burnt them without their assent whilst insensible: and inasmuch as this conduct is contrary to the Shasters, and perfectly inconsistent with every principle of humanity, (it appearing

from the expositions of the Hindoo law delivered by pundits, that the burning a woman pregnant, or one having a child of tender years, or a girl not yet arrived at full age, is expressly forbidden in the Shasters, and also that the intoxicating a woman for the purpose of burning her, and the burning one without her assent, or against her will, is highly illegal, and contrary to established usage,) the Police Darogahs are hereby, accordingly, under the sanction of Government, strictly enjoined to use the utmost care, and make every effort to prevent the forbidden practices above-mentioned, from taking place within the limits of their thannahs; and they are farther required, on all occasions, immediately on receiving intelligence that this ceremony is likely to occur, either themselves to proceed to the spot, or send their Mohirrir, or Jemedar, accompanied by a Burkundaz of the Hindoo religion, to learn of the woman who is to be burnt whether she has given her assent, and ascertain the other particulars above-mentioned relative to her age, &c. &c. &c. In the event of the female who is going to be burnt being less than sixteen years of age, or there being signs of her pregnancy, or on her declaring herself in that situation, or should the people be preparing to burn her after having intoxicated her, without her consent, or against her will, (the burning a woman under any of these circumstances being in direct opposition to what is enjoined in the Shasters, and manifestly an act of illegal violence,) it will be then their duty to prevent the ceremony, thus forbidden and contrary to established usage, from taking place, and require those prepared to perform it to refrain from so doing; also to explain to them that, in the event of their persisting to commit an act forbidden, they would involve themselves in a crime, and become subject to retribution and punishment; but in the case of the woman being of full age, and no other impediment existing, they will nevertheless remain on the spot, and not allow the most minute particular to escape observation; and in the case of people preparing to burn a woman by compulsion, or after having made her insensible by administering spirituous li. quors, or narcotic drugs, it will be then their duty to exert themselves in restrain. ing them; and at the same time to let them know, that it is not the intention of the government to check or forbid any act authorized by the tenets of the religion of the inhabitants of their dominions, or even to require any express leave or permission being required previously to the performance of the act of Suttee; and the police officers are not to interfere and prevent any

such act from taking place. And, lastly, it will be their duty to transmit immediately, for the information of the magistrates, a full detail of any measures which they may have adopted on this subject, and also on every occasion, when within the limits of their thannahs this ceremony of " Suttee” may take place, the same being lawfully conducted, they will insert it in the Monthly Reports.

(Signed) G. H. FAGAN. Adj.-Gen."

SOUTH SEA ISLANDS.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. D.
Tyerman to a Lady in England, dated
Taheite, Nov. 24, 1821.

All our brethren, the Missionaries, received us with the most cordial affection, while the natives were not backward in giving us every proof of their joy on our arrival. The power and wisdom of God, as displayed in the structure of this wonderful island, can only be exceeded by that stupendous and marvellous change which has taken place among its inhabitants: a change which fills me with incessant astonishment and joy. Had I opportunity and leisure to describe the former moral condition of this people, it would be unnecessary that I should do it to you: suffice it to observe that it was peculiarly the place where Satan's seat was, and if ever that awful being were allowed an incarnation, it was here. The details of this wickedness, given us by the Missionaries since we have been here, are enough to fill us with horror. How many human victims almost daily bled upon their cruel altars! Two-thirds of the infants born were instantly murdered by the hands of their mothers. I saw one woman, the other day, who had destroyed eight of her own offspring; I have heard of another who killed nine, another seventeen, another twenty !!! The god of thieves, for there was such a god here, was faithfully served, while crimes of other kinds too horrible to be named, every where defiled this beautiful land. All the worst passions of human' nature were indulged in the utmost possible extent. But, where sin abounded, grace much more abounds!

Own

God has done great things for this people. The faithful and holy exertions of his servants are most amply rewarded. The prayers of the British Churches are indeed heard; and all the expenses which have been incurred, are now fully repaid. () that you and all whose hearts are engaged in doing good to the heathen, could but witness what I have already seen; it would fill your soul with amazement and gratitude!

« VorigeDoorgaan »