communion with heavenly things, and draws nearer and nearer to God, oh! he is from first to last but a continued demonstration how justly it was predicted of Shiloh, that "unto Him should be the gathering of the nations." come to the Shiloh, or remain for ever burdened with the weight of their iniquities. And they do come to the Shiloh ; He is sending out His ministers to every section of the globe, and His Spirit is every where accompanying the message, making it mighty to the casting down of But if we can plead that the prophecy ignorance and unbelief. In one quarter has already received and is constantly and another, the nations are being sub- receiving a partial accomplishment, are dued to the Messiah; and though there not coming days charged with its unremay yet be wanting that magnificent in- stricted fulfilment ? We have alluded to gathering, on which, it may be, the pa- the possibility, that the gaze of the patritriarch was privileged to gaze, the king- arch when uttering the prediction, was on doms of the earth becoming the king- the glorious and palmy days of the doms of the Lord and of His Christ, and Church times, which the faithful from the whole human population bowing at the beginning have earnestly longed for, the name of the Redeemer, still there is and on which the inspired writers poured enough, abundantly enough, to prove that all the magnificence of their lofty descripthe prophecy is being gradually accom- tions. Who knows not, that Scripture deplished, and to give full pledge, that all lineates a period, at which an end shall be which Jacob saw, shall be yet glowingly put to the disorder and misrule, under exhibited on the stage of this creation. which earth has long groaned, and all And we say, again, that every sinner unto human sovereignty yield to that of Him whom Jesus Christ is "made of God, wis- who has on his vesture a name written dom and righteousness and sanctification "King of kings, and Lord of Lords?" and redemption," feels the fulfilment of Who knows not, that however long the prediction, and thus adds to the proof Christianity may have been depressed, that Jacob spake by the Spirit of God. however inconsiderable its progress The Saviour has not been compelled to say towards universal dominion, a day has to of this individual, as He said of impeni- advance, if indeed there be any truth in tent Jerusalem, "How often would I the assertion of prophets, when every rehave gathered thee as a hen gathereth ligion shall give place to the true, and her chickens under her wings and ye when in all its circumference the globe would not!" There has been in this case shall be crowded with the willing subjects a yielding to the admonition and the en- of the Lord our Redeemer ? And when treaty, which are brought to bear on this glorious and triumphal state shall wickedness; there has been a hearken-have succeeded to that of constant ing in faith to a message, which tells of the condition beneath which the world lies, and of a pardon which asks nothing but acceptance. There has been a clinging to promises which are "Yea and Amen" in the Mediator; which would never have been made, that is, had He not made good His suretyship. So that the converted man has been translated from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God's dear Son, and that too through an agency which could never have been turned on the side of the apostate, had there not been an interference of that Shiloh which was promised. And therefore is it in every sense true, that the work of mediation has procured for him all those means and assistances, which have been available to the renewal of his nature and that title to an incorruptible inheritance which could not have been gained by labours of his own. Hence it is not only the Shiloh to whom he has fled, but the Shiloh through whom he has obtained ability to flee and as he springs from the turmoil of corruption, and rises into conflict and frequent defeat, what predic- mentality through which, after so many | hung delightedly on, the strains which ages of but partial and interrupted suc- the others poured forth, and the innucess, Christianity will be raised to un-merable multitude who in successive gelimited sway. Enough that we are as- | nerations have embraced the truth all sured of the fact; enough that we know, were charged to proclaim, a multitude on testimony that cannot deceive us, that collected from far parted lands, from though the sceptre have departed from Ju- every shore on which the ocean beats, dah and the lawgiver from between his feet, from every spot on which the sun shines, yet not for ever. Oh! not for ever: "Unto these shall be combined into one brilliant thee" (saith the prophet Micah)" shall it gathering, and follow the Lamb whithercome, even the first dominion; the king- soever He goeth. We may believe, that dom shall come to the daughter of Jeru- throughout eternity Christ will continue salem." The sceptre shall be given back, to draw all men to Him; still shall He the lawgiver restored; but the sceptre be the point, towards which shall conshall be in the hands of Messiah, the verge whatever hath been redeemed from Prince and the Lawgiver shall be Jesus the consequences of apostacy; still will who was crucified and slain. And we He be the source of gladness, the wellknow, too, when the long exiled people spring of happiness to the millions who shall have been reinstated in the land of have entered, each by the merits of His their fathers, there will be a rapid con-blood. To Him shall the ransomed come, version of the whole Gentile world; so that the east and the west, the north and the south, shall each pour in its myriads of adherents to Christ. We know this, for we have "the sure word of prophecy whereunto we do well that we take heed." And knowing this, we have only to look onward to days which will break on our polluted creation; and as we behold with the eye of faith the earth turned into one temple, and that temple consecrated to Christ, and listen to the roll of one an ́them issuing simultaneously from every dwelling place.of man, and that anthem, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain," we have before us the scene which fixed, it may be, the dying eyes of Jacob on his death bed, and which composed all the grandeur of his assertion, that unto Shiloh should be the gathering of the nations. 66 Yet not all the grandeur: we look forward to a yet sublimer scene, to a yet mightier gathering. The millenial season, splendid as it will be and full of glory, is to terminate; and the new earth to arise as the everlasting home of those, who in every age have made their robes white in the blood of the Medi ator. While the millenium lasts, the gathering may not bring into close association the members of the Church, who have lived at different periods; but when the general judgment shall have passed, and time itself is lost in eternity, then shall there be but one vast family, and of this family shall the Shiloh be the centre. The first parents of our race, the patriarchs who possessed the earth while yet first in its beauty, the priests and the prophets of an early dispensation, with the many who discerned the Antitype in the sacrifices which the one offered, and around Him shall they congregate, from Him shall they derive accessions of knowledge and fresh materials for happiness. And then will be the final gathering of the nations to Shiloh; then will the promise receive its full accomplishment, when the men of every land, linked in an indissoluble brotherhood, shall crowd towards the Mediator as their common deliverer, their all in all, and cast their crowns at His feet and sweep their harps to His praise. God Oh! that none of us may be missing from this magnificent "gathering of the nations!" There is yet room for all; heaven is not full, but still opens its ample plains to those who by transgression forfeited their inheritance, among those whom the Shiloh shall send His angels to gather from the four corners of the earth. But shall we be there? alone knows; but of this we are assured, that there is not one of us, who would not shudder at the thought of being wanting at the great gathering of the people; not one who does not cherish some kind of hope, that he shall be reckoned with the ransomed; not one who dreads not the coming wrath, and having no hope but what shall make ashamed. There remains, therefore, nothing but that each examine for himself, whether he he has yet fled for refuge to the Shiloh. If he has, let him not fear; for Christ's sheep never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of His hand. If he has not, let him not despair; there is yet time to be gathered into the fold. Only let him not delay; in pausing for a moment he may be lost for eternity. WHILST SO many are endeavouring in this " dispensation of the Spirit," to uphold the notion, that the Church to which the promises belong consists not of all those who are brought to believe in Christ, and love God, but of all those who have conformed to certain rites and ceremonies, it is pleasant and satisfactory to see, that the recognition of the true unity of the Church is extending and spreading. We rejoice to note the signs of so healthy a condition of the Christian body. A public Meeting was held at Craven Chapel, on the second of January, for enabling Christians of different evangelical denominations, to declare their fellowship with one another in Christ; on which occasion some excellent addresses were delivered. From one-by the Rev. James Hamilton of the Scottish Church-we will make a brief extract: What, then, were the harmonising influences? One was thankfulness. If a group of persons took refuge from a storm under a tree or a gateway, they were always open-hearted and benignant. The peer then would exchange words with the peasant. What made them so cordial? Nothing but their common sanctuary, their common safety. While they saw passengers, draggling through the streets, and the rain dashing on the ground, they felt that they were themselves secure; security made them thankful; and thankfulness made them frank and harmonious. Common danger and common sorrow had the same harmonising effect. Ishmael and Isaac, when passing under the funereal trees of Machpelah, for a time laid their feud in the sepulchre of their father. Common duty had the same effect. For once in his life, the apostle Paul was heard in altercation with a Christian brother. Barnabas wished to take John Mark, but Paul did not. John Mark had shown an easy, indolent spirit, and Paul would not take him as a companion in their travels. When the dispute waxed hot, Barnabas took Mark, and also took leave of Paul. But, twelve years afterwards, Paul was labouring at Rome; and, when most of the companions were dispersed, and he felt the influence of advancing age, he began to think of the days he had spent in Antioch; and, writing to Timothy, he told him to come to him shortly, and bring Mark with him; adding, 'For he is profitable to me for the ministry." Paul was too magnanimous to let any old grudge stand between him and the ongoing of the Lord's own work. There was, however, one influence more harmonising still, and more lasting, because more endearing; namely, family affection. There was only one affection stronger than family attachment, and that was the love which a ransomed soul felt for an unseen Saviour. The latter was the deepest love in a believer's soul; it was a love whose power came fully out, whose strength was fully felt, only when the relationship of time was merged in the all comprehensive relationship of eternity. "The love of believers to each other was capable of increase by the influential circumstances which he had already noticed. They had not only common dangers and common duties, but common joys. Had not God, within the last half-century, given to the Missionary Society of each Christian denomination cause to rejoice in the precious sheaves it had gathered home? Had He not given cause to each Christian community to rejoice in the revival of His own work among themselves? The Lord thus called them to united efforts, to mutual brotherly recognition. Oh! that he would make them wise to hear His voice! Oh! that He would, by His mercies, melt and amalgamate them! Oh! that He would, by the threatening dangers of the day, bestir them to forget their ancient quarrels! Oh! that it might be with evangelical Churches as it was with the two brethren, Ishmael and Isaac-that their feud should be first healed at Machpelahtheir first real unity be a community in sorrow!" In reference to this subject, we may notice, that the incidental expressions of fellowship with all those who hold fellowship with the one Head, become increasingly frequent. At a recent Meeting of the London Missionary Society, to adopt measures for extending the Society's Missions in China, the Rev. Dr. Alder, Secretary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, after noticing the activity of Papists at the present time, observed" Then, there is another cause of strife and division existing among us, connected with a system which I cannot designate, because it appears to have no name. It is not Protestantism; it denies that it is Romanism. 'The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.' They do not wish, probably, to conduct us as far as Rome all at once, but they seem to be anxious that we should accompany them as far as Appii Forum, and the Three Taverns.' But we will remain under the broad banner of our common Protestant ism, or rather under the banner of Him whom we acknowledge to be our Head, and with whom we are one. Now, seeing that these evils are abroad, is it not most desirable that we should have some common ground on which we may meet, and on which while we stand, we may feel that we are one in Him who is head over all things to the Church-some spot on which we may unite within the ecclesiastical enclosure and partake of the dew of Hermon, while we taste of the blessedness connected with brethren dwelling together in unity? I feel that this is such a spot-that this is such an occasion. The missionary spirit in its character partakes of the charity and diffusiveness of the cross upon which it is based, and on which all its hopes for success rest. It is the determination of those who are officially connected with the Society from which I come, that in connexion with the missionary enterprise nothing shall divide, nothing shall separate. Since we are not prepared to take up any position in China, we have come to congratulate you that you are prepared; but although we shall not be there in one sense, yet we shall endeavour to feel that we are in another, because your agents are there. And why should we not ? Our Bible will be there; the doctrine of justification by faith alone will be there; the doctrine of the necessity of the influences of the Holy Spirit, in order to our regeneration and sanctification, will be there; the consolations of religion will be there; the purity of Christianity will be there. Why should we not rejoice then, and feel that you are-yes, you are, and will be, I anticipate, for some time to come, the representatives of our common faith." The Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel at the same Meeting said-" Am I asked why I take an interest in this work? It is because, when the Providence of God has called out a Protestant army to march directly to the invasion of idolatry, and points out the road to victory, I behold one regiment ready for the work; and, as I hear the military music, and see the unfurled banners, and watch the gleam of the bayonets as they advance on the road of duty towards the goal of victory, I cannot resist the impulse I feel, as the subaltern of another regiment, to raise my voice and cheer them on. Yes, I must give my comrades a cheer from my heart, and then go back to urge my own regiment to follow as quickly as it can, to engage in a warfare, that will break no widow's heart, that will throw no gloom over the orphan's home, but bring them undecaying joy in this world and the next.' sort. Review of Boobs. COLUMBUS AND HIS TIMES. pp. 152. A chapter of history rewritten with care and impartiality, and after a Christian We have too long been content with historians, who, even if professed Christians, seem to have forgotten their religion when they took up their pen, and have given us books, of which at least we must say that they are "without God;" we hope, and believe, that these things are no longer so to be. COMFORT IN AFFLICTION: derived from the Holy Scriptures. pp. 64. Religious Tract Society. THIS is a simple collection, "without note or comment," of those passages of Scripture, which are calculated rightly to direct and effectually to console the troubled mind. Instead of an attempt to classify them, the compiler has wisely begun with Genesis, and proceeded in order through the Bible; adding an index of subjects at the end. The book is an excellent companion for a sick chamber THE HAND. Power of the Hand. pp. 32. Religious Tract Society. PROCEEDING to another department of the works of God, this admirable series of treatises now passes to the Hand, promising to unfold next the wonders of the Eye, the Ear, and the Tongue. We are much pleased with this number. The volumes already completed, we see, each consisting of five numbers, are entitled-"Plants" "Remarkable Insects"-" Birds" and "The Wonders of the Waters." EVANGELICAL REGISTER. MARCH, 1843. THE PROGRESS OF PUSEYISM. PEWS.-In noticing lately the subject of the removal of enclosed seats, we treated as absurd the idea of returning to the ancient usage of having no seats at all in Church; we find, however, that this is gravely contemplated, for in the last No. of The British Critic, conducted now by the Rev. J. H. Newman, we read as follows: "To return to the point of having No seats, except as an indulgence. This we think would be the best; though we are not likely to have it in our time, and perhaps now there would be serious objections in practice. Under these circumstances, some people may think it not wise to suggest the plan. But, in our opinion, that which is really the best ought to be plainly declared, in order that if a proud, a worldly, or self-indulgent age is not prepared for it, it may at least recognize that fact, and learn to be humble. For this, and for many other things we have said, and hope still, God be willing, to say in due time and occasion, we expect to encounter scoffs and even grave rebukes. But by that we are nothing moved, so as we be found not to have hidden our light under a bushel. We repeat, then, that we would rather see, on entering a Church, nothing but the altar and its ornaments; the ministering priests and deacons; the pulpit, and whatever else is necessary; the naked floor and the worshippers or hearers thereupon. There is a power and a teaching in that sacred floor, which is lost if it be hidden. It teaches deep humility, unyielding constancy, unwearied patience, changeless perpetuity. The worshipper should throw himself upon it, as if it were the floor beneath the footstool of his heavenly Father, by contact with which he every time derived new strength and succour. There is a virtue, by the same rule that there is a naturalness, in falling down on the very ground-the very lowest place that can be got at-when in the act of confession and supplication. Hence it is that galleries are absurd and impossible as places of devotion." P. 463. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH.-In the same Number of the same notorious work, we read thus of the "article of a standing or a falling Church :" "The very first aggression, then, of those who labour to revive some degree at least of vital Christianity (!!) in the room of those gross corruptions and superstitions, which have in these latter days among ourselves overlaid and defaced the primitive and simple truth,—their very first aggression must be upon that strange congeries of notions and practices, of which the Lutheran doctrine of justification is the origin and representative. Whether any heresy has ever infested the Church so hateful and unchristian as this doctrine, it is perhaps not necessary to determine: none certainly has ever prevailed, so subtle and extensively poisonous. It is not only that it denies some one essential doctrine of the Gospel (as, e. g., Inherent Righteousness); this all heresies do: it is not only that it corrupts all sound Christian doctrine, nay, the very principle of orthodoxy itself; though this also it certainly does: but its inroads extend further than this; as far as its formal statements are concerned, it poisons at the very root, not Christianity only, but natural religion. That obedience to the will of God, with whatever sacrifice of self, is the one thing needful; that sin is the only danger to be dreaded, the only evil to be avoided; these great truths are the very foundation of natural religion : and inasmuch as this modern system denies these to be essential and necessary truths, yea, counts it the chief glory of the Gospel that under it they are no longer truths, we must plainly express our conviction that a religious heathen, were he really to accept the doctrine which a Lutheran language expresses, so far from making any advance, would sustain a heavy loss, in exchanging fundamental truth for fundamental error." Pages (390, 391.) VOL. XIV. 20 |