Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

MEMOIRS OF MR. JOHN STEVENS.

285

nay gospel" is often strong; but assur-churches of the baptist denomination." edly we ought to bear it patiently, for if "Many of the followers of the late Mr. this is the style in which they animad- Huntington were greatly attracted by vert on their own brethren whom they his ministry, and flocked to hear him. consider to be right in most points but Providence Chapel, Gray's Inn Lane, wrong in one or two, it would be unrea- was about this time in the course of sonable to expect from them much erection for the celebrated 'coal-heaver,' courtesy of language when they refer which was the occasion of the Huntingto us from whom they differ so widely. tonians repairing in great numbers to We can scarcely deem ourselves Grafton Street. But," adds his bioaggrieved if they talk of us in the same grapher, "Mr. Stevens was soon disdialect in which they are accustomed covered to be too Arminianized for to discourse of their intimate friends. them." After his removal to York Street he had for some years great apparent prosperity, and the church became very large; "but, alas !" exclaims the writer, "how soon did the gold become dim, and the fine gold changed!

Another common mistake this book may assist us in rectifying. It is sometimes thought that there is much more unity and concord in the churches over which ministers of this class preside, than in churches which are under the pastoral care of those who are called "moderate Calvinists." If that to which Mr. Stevens devoted his labours may be taken as a specimen this appears to be an unfounded supposition. There is no evidence of anything in his own deportment or spirit to scatter his flock, and he certainly possessed the power of interesting large congregations. But the people he gathered do not seem to have been more happy and contented than the people are in the majority of churches. The numbers he attracted by his preaching were large, but there appears to have been among them a great want of adhesiveness. His settlement at Grafton Street was immediately followed by the withdrawal of about eighty of the members; yet this loss was soon retrieved, the chapel becoming crowded, and large additions being made to the church. "The influence of his powerful talents was discovered," we are told, "in the rapid increase of his congregation, the spiritual effects of his ministry, the excitement produced by the somewhat controversial character of his preaching, and the cogent arguments with which he was wont to assail the strongholds of error existing in the

"Suddenly there arose in the horizon, 'a little cloud,' not larger than a man's hand,' nor very unlike the appearance thereof; which, though not at first assuming a portentous character, soon presented a threatening aspect, and overspreading the heavens with blackness, burst and congregation with the direful elements of forth in all its fury, and deluged the church war, strife, and division! This unhappy affair, which involved Mr. Stevens in a serious contention with some of his deacons, and a considerable portion of his people, terminated in a dissolution and breaking up of the church in

the month of December, 1822; Mr. Stevens, and those adhering to him, retaining possession of the chapel, and the rest withdrawing to Lisle Street, and afterwards removing to Soho chapel, Oxford Street; of whom Mr. George Wyard is now pastor." p. 55.

A new church was formed on the first Lord's day in 1823, consisting of 163 members of the former church, including the pastor. He continued to labour among them nearly twenty-four years, and at the time of his death left about 400 members, who, we are told, highly prized his ministry. But, it is said also, that during this term 926 persons were received by him into the fellowship of the church. Now if we add 926 to the original number of 163, we find the aggregate to be 1089. If there were at the end of this time then but 400

[ocr errors]

members, we are ready to ask what had become of the other 689? Allowing for deaths, removals, and exclusions, a fair proportion, is there not still a marked disparity between the number received, and the number in fellowship twenty-four years after the formation of the church? Is it unreasonable to conjecture that many of the people he had drawn together were people of a restless character, people who had become dissatisfied with former instructers, and who were not likely to be long contented with him? Is it not a natural supposition that the people who had been attracted by "the somewhat controversial character of his preaching," were people of controversial tastes and habits, and that those tastes and habits operated afterwards unfavourably to permanent concord? It does not seem easy otherwise to account for the fact that a church in London consisting of 163 members-none of them mere nominal members, but all present at its formation-into which in the course of twenty-two years 926 were received, should yet at the expiration of that term number only "about 400."

It is not to statistics that we are disposed to appeal when the question is, what style of address is most suitable for the pulpit, or what doctrine is most conducive to the welfare of a church? The New Testament is our standard, and we advocate conformity to its dictates, and to the examples it furnishes, irrespective of apparent results.

But

if others appeal to statistics, it is only by considerations drawn from statistics that their argument can be met. Now we have known cases in which ministers whose congregations did not increase rapidly, have been urged by injudicious friends to adopt a style which, considering the predilections of surrounding

professors, would be likely to fill their places. Mr. Stevens was pointed out, at one period, as in this respect a model, and the large accessions to his church were adduced as reasons why his mode of thinking and speaking should be followed. It is right, therefore, that the ultimate results of his ministry should be tested, candidly but carefully. He was an excellent specimen of the class to which he belonged. His talent was indisputable, and his life, we believe, was unimpeached. His habits were devotional, and there is every reason to suppose that he was thoroughly conscientious. But there is great truth in a remark which was made to us thirty years ago by a judicious observer of our churches, when speaking of a minister whose sentiments were what were then commonly called "high," and who was suffering from a dissatisfied spirit in his flock; "These good men," said he, "generally make their people a little higher than themselves." How often have we seen illustrations of the truth of this saying! Such men have climbed a hill, and looked down on their neighbours in the valley; but Alps rise o'er Alps, and high as they had gone, there was something yet higher perceptible in the distance, and inviting to their followers. We do not wish to point to the evils from which they suffer in an unfriendly spirit, nor would we boast as though there were no such things in the churches with which we are connected; but we do think deliberately, that if the doctrine these brethren teach were as much more scriptural than that which prevails in our circle as they themselves suppose, it would produce in their churches more obviously than it does, a corresponding pre-eminence in "the peaceable fruits of righteousness."

BRIEF NOTICES.

The Paragraph Bible. The Holy Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments, according to the authorized version, Arranged in Paragraphs and Parallelisms, with an entirely new Selection of References to Parallel and Illustrative Passages, Prefaces to the several books, and Numerous Notes. London: Religious Tract Society.

When the notice which appeared in our January number was written, this work had not been printed long enough to render it safe to bind it; but having now seen it in elegant costume, we take the opportunity to say that it is to be obtained handsomely bound, and to advise our young readers to inspect it in that state. Many of them will undoubtedly prefer it to any other, on account of its portability, its beauty, and the instructive accompaniments to the inspired writings which it contains. We submit, also, to the conductors of the society the propriety of placing it before their elder friends in an octavo or a quarto form.

Lectures on the Gospel according to Luke. By the Rev. JAMES FOOTE, A.M., Minister of the Free East Church, Aberdeen, Second Edition. Edinburgh and London: J. Johnstone. 12mo. Three Volumes, cloth.

It would delight us exceedingly to find that the mode of communicating and receiving instruction which in Scotland is called lecturing was become popular in the southern part of this island. In that case we should expect that our friends would become grounded and established in the true doctrine of Christ more completely than they ever can be where public teaching is confined to the delivery of pulpit discourses of a more rhetorical character, which require less study on the part of the preacher, and afford less solid advantages to the hearer. That this will be the case in an increased degree at no very distant period, we fondly hope, as education, intelligence, and a desire to examine the foundations of currently received opinions advance. Meanwhile, there is no class of books which we receive from our northern neighbours with greater satisfaction than the commentaries occasionally published by their more judicious and skilful men on single books of scripture. Mr. Foote is known among us as the author of an excellent treatise on Effectual Calling; and these lectures will establish and extend his reputation. They are printed in the same form, he tells us, in which they were preached in the congregation to whom he ministers. He adds that, "all very long criticisms would have been unsuitable in popular discourses; but criticism has been often introduced, where it was thought that it could be brought to bear in a perfectly intelligible, brief, natural, and useful way. The author can truly say, that while he was studious of

simplicity, both in matter and in style, he read
and consulted a great many authors, and was
at great pains to make up his mind decidedly as
to the meaning of the sacred text. In general,
he has given only the result to which his
examinations led him; occasionally, however,
he has given a full statement of the steps by
which he was led to the result." We will add,
that there is just that proportion of criticism
which would be acceptable to one of our most
intelligent congregations in this country, and
that our best instructed ministers will find
enough well conducted investigation to repay
them for a perusal of the work. Mr. Foote's
sentiments are thoroughly evangelical, his
judgment is sound, and his productions are evi-
dently the result of much thought and reading.
Is Christianity from God? or, a Manual of
Christian Evidence for Scripture Readers,
City Missionaries, Sunday School Teachers,
&c. By the Rev. J. CUMMING, D.D. Lon-
don: Arthur Hall and Co. 12mo., pp. 284.
Infidelity, it is said, is a characteristic of the
age. If, as there is too much reason to believe,
this witness is true, it is of the last importance
that every disciple of Christ should set himself
in earnest to counteract and arrest the evil.
One way in which he may do this is, to be
himself an intelligent believer of the Christi-
anity which he has professedly espoused-
knowing not only what he believes, but where-
fore he believes it-and being thus prepared
"to give an answer to every man that asketh
him, a reason of the hope that is within him."
This duty is specially incumbent on those who
are placed in a position favourable for forming
the character or guiding the inquiries of others;
and hence the scripture reader or home mis-
sionary, the sabbath school teacher or head of a
family, should not regard himself as thoroughly
furnished for his particular vocation until he
has made himself familiar with the evidences by
which the genuineness, authenticity, and inspi-
ration of the scriptures are supported. In the
present day this point is easily secured,-works
clearly and forcibly written, adapted to the
attainments and circumstances of all, being
very accessible. To those who have neither
time nor ability to consult larger and more
elaborate treatises, Dr. Cumming's "Manual"
will be found invaluable; and we think the
doctor has rendered great and good service to
the cause of Christianity generally, and to the
parties for whose benefit this work was specially
designed in particular, by this treatise. This
Manual of Christian Evidence abounds with
the "seeds of thought," while many points are
amplified and illustrated with great originality
and beauty. Among other topics introduced
and ably discussed are the following, Does crea-
tion prove the existence of God? Is a revelation
from God to man probable and necessary? Is

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

We are indebted to this pleasing and instructive volume for the article in our present number entitled 64 Facts and Observations." The names of the lecturers may be learned by referring to the extracts there given, one being taken from each, and his name appended to it. The subjects are. The Characteristics of Romanism and of Protestantism God in History The Bearing of Commerce on the Spread of Christianity-The Common Origin of the Human Race-Modern Infidel Philosophy-The Possession of Spiritual Religion the surest Preservative from the Snares of Infidelity and the Seductions of False Philosophy -The Characteristics of the Middle AgesThe French Revolution of 1848. The Church and the World -Internal Evidences of the Divine Inspiration of Scriptures of the Old and New Testament Cardinal Wolsey Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Bart., a Study for Young Men. The book will be found a very acceptable addition to the library of any young

man or young woman.

Poems by EDWARD HENRY BICKERSTETH, Curate of Banningham, Norfolk, Cambridge: Macmillan and Co. London: Sceleys. 18mo., pp. xii., 236.

Having completed his preparatory studies and entered upon ministerial engagements, Mr. E. H. Bickersteth has made a selection from the poetic compositions in which he had exercised himself from time to time during the last five years, and has sent them into the world under the auspices of his respected father. To his father's friends, as well as to his own, they will give pleasure; and though we do not anticipate for the volume much more than this, the evidence it affords of piety, talent, and good sense, renders it probable that the world may become indebted to the author hereafter for more valuable productions. A short specimen will be found on a preceding page.

The Pastor's Wife. A Memoir of Mrs. Sherman of Surrey Chapel. By her Husband. London: C. Gilpin. 8vo., pp. 464. When we received this work it was our intention to give such a review as might enable us to hold up to our readers those parts of the character of the estimable lady to whom it refers as might be imitated with the greatest advantage. Other demands on our time and space have, however, interfered with our design, and we now feel that some notice of it must be taken immediately. Without the slightest hesitation we can commend it to our readers as

an interesting and instructive piece of biography with which they will do well to make themselves acquainted. Many of them will take our word for this, we trust, without waiting for proof; but we hope that an opportunity will soon occur for presenting them with evidence of the truth of our opinion, in the form of

extracts.

The Mirror of Sunday School Teachers: containing Biographical Memoirs of One Hundred Eminent Sunday School Teachers: with two Essays, I. On the Importance of Sunday Schoo's. II. On the Office of Sunday School Teaching. By the Rev. THOMAS TIMPSON, Author of the "Companion to the Bible," "The Youth's Key to the Bible," "British Ecclesiastical History," &c. London: Book Society for Promoting Religious Knowledge, 12, Paternoster Row, 1848. pp. viii., 376.

Our only regret respecting this work is that our recommendation of it has been so long delayed. The plan and the execution are equally good. The biographical part includes sketches of twenty-four ministers, six ministers' wives, twenty missionaries, eleven female missionaries, eight deacons, eleven superintendents, fourteen philanthropic gentlemen, and nine philanthropic ladies. All these being persons who took a lively interest in the instruction of the young on Lord's days, it will be believed readily that their memoirs are pleasing and suggestive. The Essay on the Office of Sunday School Teacher is divided into chapters on the Dignity of the Office of Sunday School Teacher-the Grand Object of Teacher's Means of employing his ObjectSunday School Teachers-the Sunday School Qualifications of Sunday School TeachersQualifications of Superintendents-Benefits of Sunday Schools to Teachers-Sunday School Teachers' conduct to their Colleagues - the Spirit of a Sunday School Teacher in his Duties-his Discouragements-his Temptationshis Encouragements and Motives to Diligence. Judicious observations are made on these and similar topics. We know of no work better adapted to excite and cherish the sabbath school spirit, or to yield assistance to those who are engaged in the arduous employment of which it treats.

Conversations on British Church History: adapted to Youth. By J. K. FOSTER, Canterbury, late Resident Tutor of Cheshunt College. London. Price 2s. 6d.

These papers were published some time ago in the Sunday School Magazine, for the instruction and benefit of the young, and they are now republished in a volume at the request "of many who perused them in their original form" They include seventeen "Conversations," and embrace many of the principal events in church history, from the times of our British ancestors down to the eighteenth century. They are written in a familiar style, the tone is evangelical, the spirit is good, and parents and teachers may place the book in the hands of their children and pupils with safety and advantage. Should a second edition be

called for, we hope Mr. Foster will not give any countenance to the absurd tradition about Constantine and his vision of the cross.

What are the Bishops doing? An Appeal to his Grace the most Reverend Father in God, John, by Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of the Cathedral Church of Christ in Canterbury; Primate of all England and Metropolitan. With a Dedication to the Right Honourable Lord John Russell, Prime Minister to Her Majesty Queen Victoria. By a Freeholder of the Province of Canterbury. London: Gilpin. 12mo., pp. 174.

laws ordaining that if a slave on the Lord's day did any work at the command of his lord, he should be set free, and his lord punished by a fine of thirty shillings; but that if a slave acted thus of his own accord, he should be beaten with a cudgel, or "save his skin by a fine." He cites also indulgences granted by the protestant Elizabeth and her immediate successors authorizing their beloved people to edify themselves on the Lord's days with bull-baiting, cock-fighting, dog-fighting, quoits, wrestling, bear-gardens, and theatrical shows. We thank the author for his facts, but to some of his inferences we demur.

pp. xv., 284.

With the laudable object of placing evangelical enjoyments before the unconverted specimens of Christian "ballad-literature." attractively, the author has produced these He states, however, that "He has not been homely inelegant diction and imagery, defec. very nice about rules of syntax and prosody, tive rhymes, and the like, wherever such peccadilloes in style have contributed to the more many instances, he has purposely retained forcible expression of his meaning. Nay, in much of the bald colloquiality, and coarse, off-handed bluntness which would characterize ordinary conversation." This testimony is indisputably true; and we fear that the "peccadillocs" are numerous enough to frustrate his benevolent intentions.

This is a bold and earnest appeal to the primate of all England by a freeholder of the Evangelical Melodies. London: Dalton, &c., province of Canterbury. He writes like a man fully awake to the evils of church and state, which he has set before the archbishop in a way that must have made his ears tingle, being one of the evangelical party. Among other things the freeholder tells his primate what some of the archbishops and bishops have done, as well as what they are doing, to make a gain of godliness. "Dr. Markham, predecessor of the late archbishop of York, is said to have given, on the Christmas-day before his decease, the sum of £47,000 to his forty-seven grand-children, thereby evading the legacy duty, though so deeply indebted to the nation and the government; and to have left £100,000 besides real estates. His successor is believed to have amassed a much larger sum, though he lived in princely luxury. The Standard newspaper announced that the stamp duty paid on the probate of the will of the late archbishop of Canterbury was £1500; the personal estate having been valued at £120,000, which is exclusive of freeholds." pp. 78, 79.

"By the probates at Doctors Commons it appeared in 1828, that the personal property of twenty-four bishops who had died within the preceding twenty years, amounted to the enormous sum of £1,649,000, an average of nearly £70,000 for each bishop. This was the sworn value of the personal property only; and some of the bishops are known to have had very large possessions in real property." p. 84.

It is on record that a bishop of Clogher went to Ireland without a shilling, and after eight years died worth £400,000! The bishop of Cloyne, who died in 1826, left £120,000 to his children. On the 12th of July, 1832, Mr. Grattan presented to the House of Commons a statement from the probates of wills, that ten of the Irish prelates had left in personal property, exclusive of real estates, £1,575,000!" p. 95.

This is a specimen of what the bishops have done, and for what they are doing we must refer our readers to the book itself.

Dies Dominica. Voices and Admonitions from
the Old Saxon Times, on the Observance of
the Lord's Day; being an Historical Essay
upon the Sabbath from the earliest ages of
the Saxon Church to the present day. By
F. SOMNER MEREWEATHER, Author of
"Bibliomania in the Middle Ages," &c.
London: Simpkin and Marshall. 24mo.,
pp. 51.

Mr. Mereweather quotes ancient anglo-saxon
VOL. XII.-FOURTH SERIES.

The Northern Whale Fishery. By Captain
SCORESBY. London: R. T. S. Monthly
Series. pp. 192.

This work gives a general view of the history, localities, methods, dangers, and utility, of the whale fishery. It is intended as a companion to the monthly volume on the Arctic Regions: both are abridged, with modifications and additions, from Scoresby's volumes published at Edinburgh in 1820. It will be interesting to intelligent boys generally, to sea-faring men, and to many other persons, particularly in the north-eastern part of the island. Opportunities have been taken frequently in the course of the work to introduce remarks of a decidedly religious character.

Repentance, what is it? and for whom Neces-
sary?
Leeds:
By ROBERT BREWER.
Heaton. London: Green. 32mo., pp. 30.
A small, neat tract, showing that repentance
includes a conviction of personal guilt-an
apprehension of danger sorrow for sin -a
resolute forsaking of every evil way-and is
Christ; and that its necessity is testified by
always accompanied by faith in our Lord Jesus
conscience-by the word of God-and by the
love of God to man as displayed in the gospel.

Jewish Witnesses that Jesus is the Christ. Edited by RIDLEY H. HERSCHELL. Second Edition. London. Royal 18mo, price 3s. Though all the narratives are not equal in merit or in interest, yet the collection is a good 2 Q

« AnteriorContinuar »