John iii. 34. So also the writers and prophets of the Old Testament,-2 Sam. xxiii. 2; Ezek. xi. 1; Joel, ii. 28, &c. expressions, are to be regarded by us as proceeding from God.' How important is it that we should search the Scriptures which have been thus divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit; and seek by fervent prayer and humble dependence his gracious influence, that we may be led into all truth, and by them may be made 'perfect, thoroughly furnished unto every good work.' ”—P. H. S. III. "There appears to be three kinds or degrees of inspiration-prophetic, instructive, historic. "The prophetic I conceive to be the highest or most perfect kind of inspiration. God as it were speaks to his servant the prophet as a friend, lays open his future dealings, and thus stamps the writings of that prophet with his own seal. "The instructive though frequently rising into the lofty style of the former kind, is for the most part more on a level with the capacities of the great majority of Christians. Of this kind I consider the poetical, proverbial, and epistolary writings of the sacred volume. "The sacred writers were infallibly moved by the Holy Spirit to undertake the work; and received from him such an immediate and complete discovery of those things which could not otherwise be known, and such an effectual superintendency as to those matters which they might be informed of by other means, as entirely to preserve them from all error in every particular which could in the least affect any of the doctrines or commandments contained in their writings. "Nor was it merely the ideas and topics of discourse which they thus received by inspiration of God. They were directed by the same all-wise agent in the choice of the most proper words for expressing those ideas. It is not to be supposed that the Spirit who had directed all the preceding parts of the process should now leave the completion of the work to fallible instruments, who, by the use of improper and unsuitable modes of expression, might destroy the design of the whole. In such a case, uncertainty would hang over the sacred volume, and we should be at a loss to determine what authority was due to it. The superintendence of the Spirit was still necessary to ensure that the mind of God revealed to the writers should be faithfully expressed by them. And that this was indeed the case appears from the manner in which the writers of the New Testament speak of the then existing scriptures; for when, as they frequently do, they quote them as the words of the Holy Ghost, and declare their supreme excellence and the authority due to them, that 'the Scriptures must be fulfilled,' the Scripture cannot be broken,' &c. They evidently declare this, not of the ideas as existing in thought and conception "I would not be understood to mean that in the minds of inspired men, but as those the historical parts are of less value to the ideas are brought forth in writing, and sub-church, or, that they are less sacred; but stantiated in the products of their inspiration. It is not of the doctrine as mentally apprehended by the sacred penmen, but as manually written by them, that we are told that 'all Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' that 'the Holy Scriptures are able to make wise unto salvation.' So that we may conclude with Henry in his comments on 2 Peter i. 21, that the very words of Scripture are to be accounted the words of the Holy Ghost; and all the plainness and simplicity, all the power and virtue, all the elegance and propriety of the very words and "Historical inspiration I conceive to be the Holy Spirit's guidance of the judgment of the historian, both as to the selection of appropriate matter, and correctness, and fruitfulness, and impartiality in recording it. The matters of fact recorded in the Bible, were, I conceive, obtained by the historian in the ordinary way of observation and wellauthenticated testimony; and that it was by the ordinary gifts of the Spirit that they accumulated and selected the facts recorded; the use to which we find those facts applied by the sacred writers themselves, the inference or conclusion drawn from a fact, or, an effect ascribed to some preceding fact as the cause, I take to be of another kind. I would urge upon all the importance of separating the one from the other, on account of the different bearing that a matter of fact recorded by the sacred historian should have upon the conscience to the direct expression of God's will. "How many facts there recorded, unless compared with other facts of Scripture, would induce the most false conclusions? Your valuable space precludes entering upon proofs of this, but it must be apparent to every reader of the Bible upon the slightest reflection."-G. J. M. London R. Needham, Printer, 1, Belle-Sauvage-Yard, Ludgate-Hill. Two great impulses have moved the ancient and modern world,—the Power of Compulsory Association which combines the energies of men by constraint; and the Power of Voluntary Association which unites men by their own free will, to effect a purpose that is impossible to be done by any singly. [VOL. I. existing moral state of the people. Even the diffusion of the Christian religion, with all its improving and elevating influences, has not superseded the exercise of a power which, however it may be modified by an intelligent nation, is necessary to the peace and well-being of man. There are things, however, which arbitrary power cannot reach, and ends which it cannot attain, and these are effected by the power of voluntary The power of compulsory associa-association. tion in ancient times, by placing the This is that new power-the proresources of a nation at the absolute geny of modern times-which bids disposal of one or a few individuals, fair to accomplish more than the phiaccomplished wonders. The aque-losophy of the ancients ever dreamed ducts of Rome, the temples of Greece, of. What it is impossible for the -models of architecture to all ages,- greatest mind to do alone may be atthe city of Babylon-giant shadow of tained by the united energies of many. former greatness-and the everlasting And in this way the genius of one man, pyramids, are the monuments of its devising some great purpose, and englory. It brought armies into the listing human sympathies in its favour, field, won the victories of an Alex-may command unlimited resources, ander and a Cæsar, conquered nations, and make the field of his labours and and subdued a world. The arts and triumphs as wide as humanity itself. sciences, knowledge and religion, were How would the soul of Archimedes encouraged or extinguished, in a rejoice in the contemplation of such a great degree, at its dictation; whilst discovery! Or what would the noble the ignorance or intelligence of the authors of that extraordinary book, man who wielded it retarded or acce"The Century of Inventions," have lerated the progress of a people in given for this enchanter's wand to education and liberty. quicken his invention into life and Notwithstanding all the evil that reality? Lord Bacon, it is true, with resulted from the abuse of this power that more than mortal gaze which disin the dark ages, it was attended with tinguished his wondrous mind, appears many important advantages to soci- to have had some perception of the ety, and perhaps it was adapted to the capabilities of this power. "I take it," VOL. I. K vision; but it may be affirmed with confidence that it is the agent that shall bring about a greater moral change than any that the Earth has yet seen. he says, "those things are to be held the most exalted designs the heart of possible, which may be done by man can conceive. It is less liable some person, though not by every to the shock of accident or decay than one; and which may be done by most earthly things; it is not depenmany, though not by any one; and dent upon the life of an individual, which may be done in succession of but possesses a kind of immortality ages, though not within the hour-glass in itself by the perpetuity of the of one man's life; and which may be species. The progress of time, which done by public designation, though saps the foundation of the solid rock, not by private endeavour." These only strengthens and consolidates its prophetical intimations have already influence, and it performs, as Lord received a fulfilment in the success Bacon predicted, "in a succession of of undertakings that would have baf- ages, things not possible in the fled the might of all the deities of hour-glass of one man's life." Lucretius. By the application of What it is destined to work in futhis power, bridges of remarkable turity, is beyond the ken of mortal extent and proportions have been raised; canals have been made to intersect the country in all directions; the arts and sciences have been promoted; and that mighty agent, the steam-engine, has developed its marvellous powers, controlling the winds and waves, and staying the progress of time; books and knowledge are increased a thousand-fold, and circulate with the rapidity of an eagle's flight; and the projection of rail-appointed the influence of voluntary roads on a grand scale promises to association for the increase and staunite all England into one vast city, bility of his Church. of only a day's journey from north to In the primitive ages of the south, thus blending the intelligence Christian faith we find the disciples and excitement of the town with the of Jesus had all things in common, beauty and charm of the country. But and were of one heart and of one the services which voluntary asso-soul. And wherever the converts of ciations have rendered to human na- the gospel were found, they united ture in alleviating its woes and mise- themselves together in societies. It is ries, and divesting poverty of its terrors, are still greater than these. The hospitals, the Orphan Asylums, the Stranger's Friend Societies, and innumerable others, are the witnesses. What anguish have they not relieved? What species of evil have they not mitigated? All that has been done is nothing to what may be effected :- - For there is no object to which this power cannot be applied, whether it be the ordinary wants of human beings, or Christianity first tried the power of voluntary association on a great scale. Its divine Author, whose infinite wisdom and foreknowledge disarms the remotest events in their earliest origin, and who ever adapts his institutions to the circumstances of mankind, remarkable how early this new influence struggled with the Roman government, and overmastered it, and was again overmastered in its turn; till it broke forth once more in the light of the reformation, with a splendour which has continued to increase ever since. But we shall not pursue this part of the question further, lest we should enter on the path of controverted discussion. We wish to be understood as not directing any part of our observations to Church establishments, but only to Others consecrate their property to what has been, and may be, effected its service; and it is cheering to think by the power of voluntary association. of the sums that are yearly obtained We do not wish to interfere with any for this purpose, although not one existing agencies for doing good; our tenth of what we hope to see given aim is to excite our countrymen to ere long. employ those slumbering energies which remain to be roused into action. The limits of one article will not permit us to refer to other important societies, or we might write a volume on the subject; but in order to show in how short a period a society may rise to great usefulness, we cite the association of yesterday,-the work of an individual, of unquestionable piety, with an ardour of mind bordering on enthusiasm, and a Buonaparte in action. The Bible Society is probably the noblest of voluntary associations, because its object is universal and catholic in the highest degree. It London City Mission. It is an unites Christians of every name, draws contributions from every rank, and swells its resources from the whole community. Its agents are in all lands. There is not a town where its influence is not felt, and the sun When he projected the society, never sets upon the scene of its la- he found scarcely any supporters. bours. The elements were unfavourable, It has probably done more to nou- and the prudent and well-informed rish and perpetuate the spirit of bro-judged that his bark could not live therhood between the followers of upon the waters of public opiChrist, than all other societies put nion. He began the society withtogether. Far from injuring other out them, and in one year it was essocieties, it has shed the sunshine of its popularity upon them, and has warmed and nourished them with its genial influence. From its hallowed circle a number of societies have originated, and the fruits they have produced will be the seed of a numerous progeny. tablished, sending out fifty or sixty agents, and sustained by some of the choicest spirits of the Christian army, who, forgetting their own differences, directed their efforts against the common foe. And what a work it is in which they are engaged! No less than to evangelize the population of the The Missionary Societies are emi- Capital city of the World. The people nent instances of this kind. Their of London are not sufficiently alive zealous efforts to preach the gospel to to its claims at present, or they would the Heathen, the successful history not give so sparingly to a missionary of their labours,—their annual meet- embassy to their fellow-citizens and ings and fervent appeals, stir up the neighbours, while they freely support lethargic heart of Christendom, and a missionary enterprise to the Chimake the blood to circulate more nese and the New-Zealanders. actively through all the arteries and veins of the Christian body. The spirit of the early times is awakened, the martyr-zeal of the Church rises up, and men are constrained by the purest and the holiest philanthropy, An eminent individual of great to offer themselves as sacrifices upon penetration and foresight, suggested the altar of the Missionary cause. the formation of a general Correspond We hope very soon to see a better feeling prevail. May the Great Missionary who was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor, bless and prosper the London City Mission! ing Society all over the world, to love; whose vows have just ascended to the throne of the Eternal, and received the seal of the everlasting covenant, by which they have consecrated their soul, and body, and spirit to his blessed service? There is an ambition which has nothing of self for its object,—an ambition that is not of the earth, but looks to the hopes of eternity, and to the joy of beholding redeemed spirits in that kingdom which cannot be moved. This was the ambition of Howard, and it is the ambition of the Christian missionary. But the Young Men's Society might produce a thou Now what is to prevent the success of a society composed of that numerous class in many countries, the young men who are panting to do something for the moral emancipation sand Howards, and ten thousand of their fellow-creatures? And what missionaries. Who desires to see this result, and would not support the Young Men's Society with his talents nobler or more appropriate work can they engage in, than that of elevating the minds and purifying the hearts of and his influence? young men throughout the world? If at the call of a degenerate The Young Men's Society is under-church, kings forgot their quarrels, taken for this end,-to be composed nations their animosity, and all the of all young men who share in these youth and chivalry of Christendom, views, without regard to sect or party. making common cause, rushed into The parent committee is formed on the battle-field to wrest the Holy City the most catholic principles; and its from the infidels; shall not the voice principal object is to form branches of a purer Christianity arouse the in all parts of the metropolis and all might of every Christian youth, and, the cities of the world; to maintain subduing all discordant feelings to a general correspondence with them; harmonious music, inspire them with that they may act and re-act upon courage to attempt the rescue of a each other by way of stimulus, hundred cities from the hands of moand afford mutual assistance in ad- dern infidels? vancing the ultimate happiness of young men by all moral, intellectual, and spiritual means. youth, THE VOYAGE OF LIFE. Prudence my rudder, and my compass truth; The word of God is my unerring chart; Surely this is a society which ON Life's vast ocean launched in early ought to commend itself to every young Christian whose soul is not shut up in a nut-shell. We rejoice in the progress it has made; but if we can discern the signs of the times, it ought to advance much quicker when every thing else is going on so rapidly. Why cannot we congregate around us all those young and generous hearts that beat with ardour to a Saviour's Faith is my eye-glass, distant ports to view; fast, When storms arise, unto the cross, my mast; |