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within the last few years, are enough to make us tremble when we see how long suspicious cases were allowed to proceed, before they were brought forward for discipline, and, at the same time, how promptly Mr. Jordan was seized upon for the high crime and misdemeanour of presiding at a Wesleyan Missionary Meeting, held in a town-hall, a place of merely secular resort. What vigorous efforts were made by Dr. Bagot, owing his seat among the Peers of the realm, and the emoluments of his bishopric, to his professed Protestantism, to stem the advancing tide of Popery in his diocess, and in that part of it whence the leaven, if introduced, could not fail to spread, as we find that it has spread, throughout the kingdom? But when a faithful Clergyman gives a practical expression of brotherly love to a religious body, decidedly orthodox and Protestant,-willing, too, to maintain amicable, though independent, relationship to the Church,-he is at once visited by the strongly-marked displeasure of his diocesan. Popery may spread, the Popery, connexion with which, on the part of the supreme earthly head of Bishop Bagot's church, would incur the high penalty of forfeiture of the crown, and if anything is done, it is done deliberately, quietly, and as if with an anxious fear to avoid giving offence to the subjects of him whom the official documents of the Church (and such are the Homilies) declare to be the "man of sin ;" but a friendly recognition of the Christian character of Wesleyans, and of their plans for spreading Christianity in foreign lands, beyond the limits of the Church, for Mr. Jordan's conduct went no farther than this,-is dealt with at once and decisively, and with not the slightest regard to consequences. Does it not

seem as though, of all crimes, the one most imperatively calling for undelaying episcopal interposition is that of acknowledging non-Episcopalians as a part of that entire brotherhood which we are commanded to love,-to love, be it observed, not in word only, but in deed and in truth? That love which may not be expressed, ought not to be cherished.

As to "confusion," in such a case it was out of the question. Had Mr. Jordan proposed to neglect his own proper work, while he attended to that of others; had he sought to mix Methodism and Churchism together, making some tertium quid which neither could recognise, and in which the officers of either would find themselves they knew not where, called to do they knew not what; the authorities of Methodism would have been as ready to complain of such a subversion of order, as those of the Church. But here is not the slightest approach to anything of the kind. The most powerful microscopes, the most accurate testing experiments, would fail to discover the element of confusion in Mr. Jordan's conduct. Nothing that ought to be separate was even attempted to be mingled. When two neighbours meet each other with friendly salutations, are their domestic affairs thereby confounded? Peter once thought he should create confusion by going to the Gentiles; but he was taught, that what God had cleansed, he was not to call unclean. And when the church itself, acting upon its unchristian prejudices, contended with the Apostle on the subject, he thought it sufficient to reply, that God had decided the matter by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. "What was I," he asked, "that I should withstand God?" an expression which suggests some weighty considerations, of which we will only mention one, respectfully submitting it to all evangelical supporters of High-Churchism,-that to refuse intercourse and acknowledgment to those whom God recognises by the baptism of the Holy Ghost, is to withstand God. It is not a harmless submission to prejudice for the sake of peace. It is a submission which hardens one party

in their error, and involves the other in the guilt of withstanding God. How far this conduct may have weakened the cause of evangelism, and limited the usefulness of its Ministers, we leave it to them to determine. For ourselves, we cannot look on their present position without seeing in it much which says, "Ye have sinned against the Lord, and your sin has found you out."

Much is said about "the evils of division ;" and where division exists as the result of evil tempers, or is carried on by means which evil tempers prompt, most assuredly much mischief must be the result. All this is in direct opposition to true Christianity, as positively enjoined in the New Testament; and so far are we from justifying it, that we would oppose itand so, we believe, would Mr. Jordan-as strenuously as the Bishop of Oxford himself. But this is far wide of the true question. First, it is assumed that the Church of England is the only true Church in this country; and then, that all separation from it is evil. But the conclusion is worthless, because the assumption is unsound. Let an opposite assumption be made, and separation may exist without evil. Suppose it be assumed that the Church of England is a section of the Christian church under one particular form, and that Wesleyanism is the same under another form. We refer not now to others; because we are discussing a particular, not a general, question. Our remarks are particular, as a matter of course: no one will understand them as being exclusive. Now, men are variously constituted; and He who has given us the Scriptures has not so constructed them as that, ordinarily, all must unavoidably understand everything in them in the same manner. The great matters of Christian orthodoxy are, indeed, plainly revealed; but as men are, and as they are likely to be for a long time to come, there are subjects connected with doctrine, worship, and discipline, on which different opinions will exist. Now, it is a law of human nature that men act most efficiently when they act freely, and as with their whole soul. Mix all these Christians in one body, and either the differences will show themselves, and disorder and genuine schism be the result, or, if they be powerfully restrained, though it be by true charity and mutual forbearance, yet the consequence will be, that a large portion of energy will be held in abeyance, and neutralized, and thus withdrawn from that fulness of power which Christian operations demand. Suppose that, in such a case, there be the junction of those who agree, in a church formed accordingly. If, when thus separately formed, they refuse to recognise each other, and to maintain a genuine unity by fraternal love, and its proper manifestations, evils will certainly result. But the same temper would have produced the same evils, had the separation not taken place. But let Christian charity be preserved; let all "holding the Head,” and having the great principles of a Christian church, be recognised, and just as well might it be said that the existence of independent nations leads to war, as the existence of independent churches leads to unbrotherly controversies. Men like the Bishop of Oxford first assume that their own Church is the only right one; and then, concluding that all others are wrong, they speak of the evils of Dissent. They will not see that they make the evils which they profess to deplore. We venture to say that neither the Church nor Wesleyanism was injured by his friendly recognition. We have known occasionally, we wish we could say frequently, similar instances; and this we have known, that neither has been injured, that both have been benefited, that the peace of the parish has been delightfully promoted, and that the cause of our common Christianity has been materially advanced, 4 0

VOL. I.-FOURTH SERIES.

advanced according to the old mode, "See how these Christians love one another!" Let separate churches employ their respective energies in doing good in their providential spheres; let there be mutual recognition, arising from mutual love and esteem; let them not stand aloof from each other in haughty individuality; but, by occasional intercourse,-prudently managed, of course, let the world be shown that they agree on great points, while they differ in others; and though their differences render separate action proper, their agreement both prevents hostility, and guides their action, though by different paths, to the same great object, the glory of God, in the final triumphs of his truth.

Thus acting, too, the differences which misunderstandings created, will be gradually cleared away; while those arising from various views of the less-explicitly revealed portions of Scripture, will likewise be undergoing a gradual process of removal. They who thus live in love, are walking in light; and in this state of mind there will necessarily be perhaps a slow, but still a certain, approach even to oneness of opinion. An enforced uniformity will never produce unity; but genuine unity, though for a time without uniformity, to uniformity will eventually come.

Dissent, we acknowledge, has its evils, speaking of all as Dissenters who differ from others. The Church dissents from us, as well as we from the Church. And if they who differ will likewise quarrel, much evil must result. But the sin is in the quarrelling, not in the differing. If, speaking of things as they are, the Church will haughtily stand aloof from all other Christians in England, will condemn their Ministers as false prophets, themselves as severed from the body of Christ, with whom all intercourse is sinful; it is impossible, in the present condition of human nature, but that this should be met and repelled with argument written with indignant feeling; and of warm feeling, it is not easy to regulate the precise degree. But they who kindle the fire are to blame for the boiling over. Animosities are thus easily engendered, and the angry strife of parties may at length not only destroy the peace of the commonwealth, but endanger its stability. But whatever be the results of this resolute exclusiveness, and results there surely will be,-we do here solemnly and publicly protest against being at all answerable for them. We have not declared war against the Church. We have never assumed a hostile position. Our separate existence has done her no harm, nay, has done her much good. But if she will claim to be, not only a Church, but the Church, the body of Christ, separation from which is departure from the covenant of God; if she will thus teach what we believe are most dangerous doctrines, and proclaim and carry on war against all other Christian people in the land, our duty will be clear. We have not taken up our position on light grounds, and we are resolved to defend it.

But what are they doing in the Church whose views are professedly more liberal? Do they mean to let Mr. Jordan stand alone and undefended? The evils now existing in the Church require now stronger measures than their feeble, individual protests, which attract no attention, and produce no effect. They must assert their own liberty. They must vindicate with spirit the vehemently-assailed doctrines of the Reformation. They must not so speak of the Church as to give the whole weight of their character to the cause which they believe to be dangerously heretical. They may speak of the dangers of Tractarianism; but deeds are more than words; and while the Wesleyan is rejected as a withered branch, a dead member, the Tractarian is still treated as a brother beloved. If they thus, practically,

make common cause with the Tractarian, they must with him stand or fall. God's truth is to be loved more than the Church; so that the latter must be even opposed, when the interests of the former demand opposition. Each in his own sphere, and according to his own ability, must act on the principles adopted by Mr. Jordan. Tractarianism must be driven back, or the Church is ruined. A Tractarian church is not one that a Christian state ought to select for the purposes of national instruction; and by itself, a Tractarian church would not outlive the age of the nonjurors.

For the present, we have done. We once thought of examining these exclusive claims, and of showing that they are not in accordance with the true doctrines of the Church; and also of establishing, on these very doctrines, the church position and character of Wesleyanism. But, for two reasons, we refrain. First, we prefer considering these subjects by themselves, and not as mingled with others in a casual controversy. Second, Mr. Jordan has himself done it. In the "Watchman" of November 5th, there is a letter addressed by him to his clerical brethren, ably vindicating his own conduct, and proving, by the very arguments which had suggested themselves to our own mind, that, according to the Articles of his own Church, Wesleyan Ministers are true Ministers, and the Wesleyans themselves a true church of Christ, though not exclusively so. We very particularly recommend this excellent and masterly letter to our readers. It is the more valuable as showing all who desire to be shown how they may maintain and manifest brotherly love with Wesleyans, without departing from the ground laid down by their own Church. We honour Mr. Jordan more than ever for this important exposition of true church principles. Whatever becomes of the Church in the stormy times that seem to be approaching, he will have taken those steps which had they been taken, and firmly maintained, by all genuine Church-of-England Protestants, would have saved it, would save it now, were they now taken. We sympathize with Mr. Jordan. If he have made to himself many foes, he has gained many friends, whose prayers will be many and earnest that God may be his Guardian and Guide, and his everlasting portion.

SELECT LIST OF BOOKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED,
CHIEFLY RELIGIOUS,

WITH CHARACTERISTIC NOTICES.

[The insertion of any article in this List is not to be considered as pledging us to the approbation of its contents, unless it be accompanied by some express notice of our favourable opinion. Nor is the omission of any such notice to be regarded as indicating a contrary opinion; as our limits, and other reasons, impose on us the necessity of selection and brevity.]

Early Days: or, the Wesleyan Scholar's Guide. No. I. 16mo. pp. 32. John Mason. We have been favoured with a specimen of this new juvenile periodical, and have been exceedingly gratified therewith. In our opinion, it is exactly that kind of publication which our schools, both week-day and Sabbath,

have long, very long, required; which religious families, parents, and guardians of the rising generation will hail as a valuable desideratum in Wesleyan educational literature; and which all conductors of establishments for the education of youth will do well to obtain, for the welfare of their interesting charge,

The contents are numerous, and exceedingly well selected, being exactly adapted to the objects contemplated in this beautiful Magazine: several of them are original, and from the pen of some fair contributors who have long been engaged in teaching "the young idea," and whose kind and hearty services in behalf of this work will, we are sure, be highly appreciated. If the subsequent Numbers of "Early Days" maintain the character which the one now on Our table so richly deserves, we do not hesitate to predict that it will stand at the very summit of all similar productions in the religious world. When we consider the amount of children in the Wesleyan schools, and the great mass which compose the juvenile portion of the Wesleyan families forming Methodist congregations and societies, the circulation of this work will, most probably, be immense. If Committees of management and Teachers of schools, together with the heads of families, and guardians, will set a proper value upon, and respond to, the efforts of the Wesleyan Book-Committee, to meet the necessities of our youth in these stirring, eventful, and fearfullyimportant times, the sale of "Early Days" would monthly exceed A HUNDRED THOUSAND. With less, we frankly declare, we shall not be satisfied. Let all put their hands to the endeavour, and we shall soon see what may be effected.

The descriptive Testament; containing the authorized Translation of the New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. With Notes, explanatory of the Rites, Customs, Sects, Phraseology, Topography, and Geography referred to in this Portion of the sacred Pages. Especially designed for the Study of Youth. By Ingram Cobbin, M.A. Illustrated with Maps and

Engravings. 8vo. pp. 432. William Smith. A beautiful volume, which fully corresponds with the professions contained on the title-page; so that, on the whole, we have been gratified in the perusal of it. The customs of the East, on which considerable light has recently been thrown, are frequently introduced in illustration of the sacred text; indeed, this forms the leading and most interesting feature of the work. The phraseology of Scripture is noticed as largely as the limited size of the book permitted; and many Greek and Roman customs, with modes of speech and dress, receive a concise, but comprehensive, illustration, well adapted to enrich the classical taste of the young, and enlarge

their views of the word of God. We can cheerfully recommend this instructive manual as a valuable Christmas present and New Year's gift.

Gilbert's Geography for Families and Schools. 12mo. pp. 172. Gilbert.This volume assuredly contains multum in parvo, written in a very interesting style, with maps beautifully clear and exceedingly well got up. It ought to have a permanent place on the familytable, and to be read to those who surround it, by way of reviving in the memory what had been learned at school. The long winter evenings, which have already come upon us, furnish ample opportunity for such delightful and instructive exercises.

The Egyptian. By the Author of "The Jew." Square 16mo. pp. 154. Tract Society. An excellent introduction to the perusal of more elaborate works on the subjects of which it treats.

England in the Seventeenth Century: or, a History of the Reigns of the House of Stuart. 12mo. pp. 456. Tract Society. A brief view of some of the most important transactions pertaining to the civil and religious history of Britain, with which we cannot be too familiar. The volume before us cannot be read without exciting feelings of gratitude to God, who gave us such " great deli

verance."

Twelve Hundred Questions and Answers on the Bible, intended principally for the Use of Schools and young Persons. By M. H. and I. H. Myers. In two Volumes. 12mo. Vol. I., Questions, pp. 98; Vol. II., Answers, pp. 132. Longman and Co.-To the conductors of Bible-classes, and the Teachers of week-day, and the more advanced scholars in our Sunday, schools, this work will be exceedingly useful.

12mo.

The Grievances of our Mercantile Seamen, a national and crying Evil. By Thomas Clarkson, M.A. pp. 27. Longman and Co.-We have perused this tract with thrilling interest. The evils of which the philanthropic author complains are numerous and aggravated. We hope this publication will be widely circulated, and that it will induce others of influence and wealth to follow in the wake of our spirited and benevolent author.

Lectures on "The Pilgrim's Progress," and on the Life and Times of John Bunyan. By the Rev. George B. Cheever, D.D. 8vo. pp. 182. Fullarton. We are far from acknowledging our assent to every position which the author assumes in these Lectures; at

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