Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

66

MISCELLANEOUS.

tism," "Liturgies," "Creeds," ,""Priests," Articles," or " Offices." Neither can he get out of it the doctrines of the Trinity, the Atonement, Original Sin, or the Christian Sabbath. The New Testament, he goes on to say, knows nothing of the sacraments of the church, and it contains no dogmas of inspiration, or of eternal punishment! Surely these are extraordinary conclusions for one who has stood forward to aid in the prosecution of those who ventured to critically examine the literal structure of the Bible, and who have arrived at some of the same results! But although these things cannot, according to Dr. Irons, be got out of the Bible, he professes to believe in them; not, however, because the Bible teaches them, but because the church has taught and decided upon them. He believes, on this authority, that the Bible had a supernatural origin, but that it does not contain all revelation. The church, he maintains, had also a supernatural origin, and that to the church has been given the remainder of the revelation! He asserts that the cause of the Biblicist is a ruin already, and that it has not a shadow to rest on; the true foundation, he argues, is the decisions of the church, as they are presented in the creeds, articles, and liturgies of the church! Hence it may be seen that that portion of the professing church, of which Dr. Irons is regarded as an ornament and leader, is plainly drifting away from the Word as the only true source for all spiritual teaching, and setting up the church as the great authority for all its chief doctrines. This seems to be a necessary consequence of accepting creeds, the doctrines of which cannot be found in the Scriptures; it also belongs to that ecclesiastical power at which this high church party is aiming with so much hauteur and perseverance. The love of dominion in the church shuts out the true light which comes from the windows of heaven; it also opens the door for the admission of innumerable perversities and mistakes, which sure to harass and perplex.

are

Another phase of the same spirit has just been presented by the "Church Congress' held at Norwich during the first week of the present month. The papers generally concur in representing that assembly to have been decidedly High Church in its tendency; and that although it consisted of persons holding different views of doctrine and discipline, the

66

519

main drift of opinion ran all one way, and that with a force and perseverance rarely found in meetings avowedly convened for the purpose of discussion. Among the subjects debated were "Science and Theology;" "Preaching, its Adaptation to the present Times;" "The Position of the Church in Ireland;" 'The Duty of the Church towards the Heathen;" "The Education of the Poor;" "The Conscience Clause;""The Court of Final Appeal;" and some other matters of a strictly sectional interest. They were all ventilated with the leading atmosphere, without arriving, however, at any other decision than that indicated by the tone of the principal speakers; and although there were a few disposed to suggest compromises, and to view debatable matters in a somewhat liberal and lenient spirit, they had but small chance of making any favourable impression. Allusion to dissentients were received with derision, and any uncivil remark about nonconformity was accepted with applause. As a party the "Congress" seems to be resisting the liberal influences which are pressing on society for admission, and defying that spiritual liberty which is now striving to make itself felt throughout the world and to provide for the people a truer sense of their religious position and blessings. It is noticeable that this Congress, although composed of bishops, other dignitaries, and clergy, treated the subjects which came before them rather as political than religious problems, having for their object more the establishment of ecclesiastical authority than the development of spiritual life, and that they appeared to assume-"The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are we."

Among the confusion which mistaken sentiments on matters of faith are producing, it is somewhat refreshing to know that the requirements of charity are remembered. A remarkable instance of this has been developed by the establishment of "The Ashley Down Orphanage." Two long and interesting articles explaining some of the means by which this remarkable institution is conducted and supported will be found in recent numbers of the London Review. We feel assured that the readers of the Repository will have pleasure in learning some particulars respecting it. Ashley Down is near

[ocr errors]
[blocks in formation]

Bristol. The Orphanage was established upwards of thirty years ago, by Mr. George Müller, who has collected within its walls twelve hundred orphans, and he manages to support and educate them through the aid of voluntary benevolence, many of the authors of which are neither known to him, to the public, or to each other. He proceeds on the principle of relying upon the goodness of the Divine Providence for all he needs in carrying on the work of a wise and necessary charity. He is a native of Germany, and being educated for the ministry he came to England as a missionary under the London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews. Circumstances led to his relinquishing this peculiar work. This was about the year 1830, when being impressed with the belief that means would be provided by the Lord for doing what is really good, he set about to establish the Orphanage. At first its growth was slow and its income small, but it has wonderfully increased from a few hundreds to some thousands a year. These sums, he says, pour in upon him for his acceptance for the work, and they chiefly come to him from individuals unknown to him personally, and in many instances anonymously. The variety of the sums sent, and the sources from which a great number of them are said to have been produced for the purpose, are very curious and interesting. We regret our limits hinder us from entering into some of those details. But by these means he has been enabled to provide a home, to build school houses, maintain and educate the above number of orphans, the great majority of whom are girls. Their health is carefully looked after, and sickness among them seldom amounts to more than one per cent. Their education consists in that which is simply necessary, having a moral and religious tendency, such as is well adapted to make them excellent domestic servants. They read, write, and sew well, and at proper opportunities they are permitted to play and otherwise enjoy themselves, this being a part of that discipline which regards their physical education. This institution, though so large, and supported altogether by funds voluntarily provided, has no names attached to it as patrons; no board of directors, no lady collectors, no paid staff of secretaries, no advertisements. The rich and the poor subscribe to it, and they each receive the same treatment

from Mr. Müller. He never gives the names of subscribers, and holds out no inducement to those who might give from the love of publicity or ostentation. He says, "I feel grateful for every donation, even the smallest; but if tens of thousands of pounds could be obtained by holding out such an inducement, God continuing to help me as He has done hitherto in this matter, it would not be held out." On this principle he obtains abundance of supplies, and one of his greatest difficulties arises from the circumstance that so much comes to him anonymously, and puts it out of his power to acknowledge what he receives or to send the donors a report. Surely this must be a wonderful institution! one over which the Divine Providence is watching with so much evident care, and maintaining with so much marked benevolence. We do not remember to have met with anything like it in the whole history of charities. May it not be classed among those evidences which show the New Jerusalem to be descending from God out of heaven? for is it not eminently adapted to draw attention to the great principle of doing good without the interposition of selfish motives?

Since our last, the "British Association for the Advancement of Science" and the "Social Congress" have held their annual meeting: the former being designed to investigate and record the truths connected with the phenomena of nature; and the latter to inquire into the difficulties of society, and suggest means by which to promote its welfare. The purpose of both is to ascertain a knowledge of those principles by which the civilisation of mankind may be promoted, and to put them into practice; hence, while they are institutions of the new age, they may be considered as running in parallel lines, though in a lower sphere, with the objects of the New Jerusalem. In looking over the reports of the former, we cull the following notice, which may not be without its interest to some of our readers :-"This morning, a tall, thin, pale enthusiast, who gave his name as Wilson, was observed in the reception-room of the Association putting up some large and queer pictures, or drawings, comprising hieroglyphics, when there was a general call for Sir H. Rawlinson, in the absence of Champolion, to decipher. On inquiry, I learned that these mystical designs were the illustrations of Professor Wil

son's

6

MISCELLANEOUS.

'Formative Metaphysics.' The professor proceeds upon the theory of correspondences, as initiated by Esop and developed by Swedenborg, and proposes to pourtray the constitution of man by means of geometry, mensuration, and colour. Blue, it seems, represents heaven, or the sun's influence; red represents man; and yellow the earth. No. 1 of the diagrams represented 'The Awakened Conscience,' being a vision that appears in the night for that purpose. It is composed of eight blue angels' heads, or spirits of labour, with coronas,' on which is written Awake and work, if you would find repose.' The eight faces are formed by an everlasting line. Another diagram was the key to the truth. The professor went on amidst the scientific crowd, of which one or two paused now and then, and very soon turned away with a smile. It is my work,' said the professor; 'whether men heed it or not, I do not care much.' He was, in expression, what one might have imagined that old man in Rasselas' to have been-the astronomer who fancied that by watching at his telescope he kept the planets moving in their courses." Who this Professor Wilson is, and why he should be said to have undertaken to explain the correspondence developed by Swedenborg, by statements so unlike anything that Swedenborg has said, seems remarkable. If any of our friends know any more of those matters by which light could be thrown upon them, it would, no doubt, be interesting and acceptable.

In glancing over the inaugural address by Lord Brougham to the Social Science Congress, we notice among the long list of topics to which he refers, that in speaking of co-operation he said "The cause of co-operation owed almost everything to Mr. Pitman; and the service he rendered by the manner in which he conducted The Co-operator could not be too extensively acknowledged." This is Mr. Henry Pitman, a New Churchman, and brother to those of that name who are so well known to the Church.

MISSION WORK IN LONDON.It will be interesting to our friends no doubt to know that our proposed New Church cheap day school was opened October 9th, in Cromer-street, behind Argyle-square, London, and is attended with decided success. 89 scholars were brought the first week, the second the number was raised to 123; and the likelihood is,

521

that in a very short period the whole number the school can accommodate300, will be taken up. Mr. Seddon, the excellent teacher whom we have been happy enough to secure as head-master, is evidently just the person to carry out the objects the friends of the school have in view, and is proceeding in the best manner with its organisation. We can have no doubt that this school will be a blessing to the neighbourhood, and altogether a complete success.

But the object of our present notice is to call attention to the fact that a children's school was not the whole plan aimed at in purchasing the building. It contains three rooms for schools. These will be occupied by the boys, girls, and infants' schools. But it has also apartments for a family dwelling for a person to take charge, and to keep all clean and neat, a parlour well suited to be a committee room, and a large room for a ladies' meeting, to work and to confer together for the promotion of good among the poor. The building has in its vicinity low streets and alleys, containing thousands upon thousands of people who are very low and very poor. We wish to try what can be done, by the Lord's blessing, in striving to help and to raise these. We wish to organise tract delivery, visiting, adult schools, and whatever other appliances can be brought to bear upon these. We are convinced that the New Church principles can help them as no others can, and we are determined to make the experiment. We have one friend admirably adapted for the work, who would give his whole time and energies if aided by a very modest sum. If fifty friends would subscribe one pound each annually, we are convinced great good could be done in this direction. Our own immediate friends at Argyle-square have aided so liberally that we can hardly think of calling upon them for this extra use; but we appeal to those friends especially in isolated positions who have the means of aid, and who have not the continuous calls which are made upon those who have societies to support, and entreat them to help us in this most charitable effort. Our aims would be to reclaim the drunkard, to instruct the ignorant, to raise the down-trodden, to let the weak and the weary feel that the New Church is a messenger to them from the Lord. If this be persistently done, we do not doubt that extensive use will be

[blocks in formation]

the result, and the light of the church being seen in good works, men will glorify our Father in heaven.

Already the opening of the school and the preparation for it, has induced much inquiry and dissipated much ignorance. Some people came to inquire if we were Jews, and when they were told that the New Jerusalem meant a higher and more excellent kind of Christian church, they went away pleased and satisfied. Some came to ask if we were Protestants, and said that some opponents had been persuading them against sending their children because we were not Protestants. These were told we were the most real Protestants; that we loved the Lord Jesus and the Bible supremely, we had nothing to do with unintelligible mysteries or superstitions of any kind, but worshipped the Lord, loved our neighbour, and strove against all evil.

If our friends will aid us in this wished-for effort, we shall be able to make the principles of the church familiar among the people as "household words;" and while carrying out the Lord's will in preaching the Gospel to the poor, Jerusalem will indeed become a praise in the land.

All contributions can be sent to me, 28, Richmond-crescent, Barnsbury, London, and will be duly acknowledged in the Repository, and accounted for in an annual report.

J. BAYLEY.

NEW CHURCH COLLEGE.-The theological students of this institution are generally working well, in preparation for their future calling. The Rev. O. P. Hiller has been reappointed Theological Tutor, and commenced his course for the present session on Tuesday, the 3rd October. His duties will now be more strictly confined to teaching the theology and philosophy of the New Church, in consequence of the thoroughly satisfactory nature of the instruction communicated to the students in classics, mathematics, and natural philosophy. For these latter subjects we have secured the services of the Rev. Wm. Kirkus, LL.B., and his staff of assistants. Mr. Kirkus is a graduate of the University of London, full of energy, well-informed, and admirably calculated to get as much work out of his pupils as possible. He resides about two miles north of the college, and gives his services partly at the college but principally at his own house.

The experience of the college during the previous sessions had led the Council to conclude that it was rather tutorial than professorial instruction which was needed by our students. The Conference confirmed this view, and the present arrangements have secured its realisation. The students are taught by tutors as well as attend lectures, and undergo examinations. The examinations to which they are periodically subjected not only test their knowledge, but prepare them for those which are to be subsequently passed at the University of London.

On the 26th September the Governors of the college held a special general meeting for the purpose of revising their laws, so as to enable all bonâ fide members of the New Church to become Governors, on payment of the fees which were originally adopted, without election, and at the same time to place the management of the college more immediately under the direction of the Council. The subject had been well ventilated beforehand, and a code of Laws of the New Church College, for which we have not room in our present number, adopted. On passing these laws, in accordance with the arrangements entered into at the last Conference, the sum of £3,000. Consols becomes at once placed in the hands of the trustees of Conference acting in conjunction with an equal number of the college Governors as a Building Committee. This committee has already held two meetings, at the second of which the architect was present. The plans prepared before last Conference have been reconsidered in reference specially to the possibility of reducing the estimate of £5,000. for the cost of completing the college buildings, and of increasing the breadth of the central chapel without encroaching on the wings. Other particulars have also been entered upon, but as we are unwilling to have this notice prolonged, we must omit enumerating them for the present; suffice it now to say, that every New Churchman may become an Annual Governor of the college on payment of £1. 1s. to its funds, and a Life Governor on payment of £10.; and that there is the heartiest coöperation between the Governors of the college and the Conference of the New Church.

Subscriptions may be forwarded either to the treasurer or secretary of the Conference; or to the treasurer of the college, Mr. J. Baily, 20, Old Jewry,

MISCELLANEOUS.

London (E. C.); or to its secretary, Henry Bateman, 32, Compton-terrace, Canonbury.

ers.

MANCHESTER MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The quarterly arrangement of this Society is published, giving the arrangement of Sunday services at thirty-one places of worship. These services are conducted by twenty-nine ministers and lay preachServices are appointed at all the places on each Sunday in the quarter, either by the agents of the society or by gentlemen appointed by the respective societies. In addition to these services, a monthly lecture is given at Bury on the Sunday afternoon, by the Rev. R. Storry; and a similar lecture at Blackburn on the Sunday evening, by the Rev. E. D. Rendell. At these lectures, we are informed, arrangements are also made for the administration of the Sacraments of Baptism and the Holy Supper. The Rev. J. B. Kennerley also visits Ramsbottom and Rhodes during the quarter, for the administration of these sacraments. Public tea meetings are announced at Heywood, Longton, Manchester, Oswaldtwistle, Rhodes, and Salford. The dates of these meetings and the subjects for consideration in each case are given. Special services are held at Bolton for their church anniversary and in aid of three of our public institutions; at Oldham, Besses-o'th'-Barn, and Worsley, for their church anniversary; and at Oswaldtwistle for the Sunday school. Public lectures are given on the Sunday evenings at Besses-o'th'-Barn; at Heywood, by the Rev. R. Storry, on the general subject of "the Ministry of the Spirit;" and at Salford, by the Rev. J. B. Kennerley, on "The Women of the Bible: their life-lessons."

The above summary represents a large amount of useful labour-quite as much as the pecuniary resources of the society will enable the committee to undertake. If we might offer a suggestion to the committee, it would be to seek the aid of the committee of the National Missionary Institution, to enable them to carry out an earnest course of week-night lectures in the several churches and meetingrooms under their control. Such a course could not fail to be beneficial, both in instructing and interesting those already acquainted with the doctrines, particularly the young, and also in calling the attention of strangers to the church.

523

VISIT OF THE REV. T. L. MARSDEN TO ABERDARE.-In Aberdare, Glamorganshire, South Wales, there are a few receivers of the New Jerusalem doctrines. They wrote to the Rev. T. L. Marsden, of Dalton, requesting him to visit them, and on the 5th August he complied with their urgent request. The following is a brief outline of his visit:-Mr. Marsden preached from the 28th Matthew, 18-20, on the 6th August, in the morning, on the Nature and Importance of Christian Baptism, and enforced the duty of dedicating ourselves and families, through this ordinance, to the service of the Lord. At the conclusion of this service, three children were initiated into the New Jerusalem by baptism. Through the kindness of a Dissenting minister, who offered the gratuitous use of his chapel, Mr. Marsden was enabled in the evening to deliver an expository discourse on the 8th Psalm, to a small but exceedingly attentive congregation. This is the first missionary visit of a minister of the New Jerusalem-if not into Wales itself, at least into Glamorganshire-and it has been the means of inaugurating a spirit of deep inquiry among persons who were previously unacquainted with the doctrines of the New Church.

WARREN LANE.The school anniversary took place Sunday, October 7th. The Rev. T. L. Marsden, of Dalton, in the morning addressed the teachers and scholars, and called their attention to a series of correspondences. In the afternoon he took for his subject, the Pillar of Cloud by Day, and the Pillar of Fire by Night. (Exod. xiii. 20-22.) In the evening the subject was the Descent of the Fire of Jehovah and its results, the Conversion of Israel to the True God. (1 Kings xviii. 38, 39.)

NOTTINGHAM (Hedderly-street Society). On Sunday, September 17th, and three following days, the sixth anniversary services of this society were celebrated in the Peoples' Hall. The visit of Mr. R. R. Rodgers, of the New Church College, proved to be one of great delight to the members and friends, and the attendances at the Sunday services were very numerous and respectable. The subject of the morning discourse was-

[ocr errors]

Why and How God is Said to Curse;" and that of the evening-"The New Church: Who are its Members, and What

« AnteriorContinuar »