70 70 REVIEWS AND CRITICISM. of death, that is the devil." Oh! the wonders wrought upon that tree. Oh! the glories we behold, and the blessings we receive under that tree. Here we meet with God, rejoice in him, and learn to serve him without fear. The earthly Eden is gone: its trees are all dead; but "the Tree" remains, and by it we shall be safely brought to the Paradise of God. Australian Evangelist. J. C. GROWTH IN GRACE. GROWTH in grace manifests itself by a simplicity, that is, by a greater naturalness of character. There will be more usefulness and less noise, more tenderness of conscience and less scrupulosity, there will be more peace, more humility. When the full corn is in the ear, it bends down because it is full. THE LOVE OF CHRIST MAN's love is full of vicissitude. Society, wealth, an evil world, the flesh in us, may change it in a moment. It is not so with Jesus. He is always the same in his love. Every scene revealed of him tells of the Reviews and Criticism. The Truth as it is in Jesus; Four Sermons. BY CHARLES GORDELIER. London: J. Gadsby, George-yard, Bouverie-street. THESE sermons are instructive, sensible, earnest, and orthodox; they make no pretention to eloquence, nor is there any straining after effect; they may be read, as they should be, for quiet enjoyment and improvement in the things by which we may edify another. The Christian Brave; or, some remarkable Passages from the Life of Mr. A. Roberts, of Connecticut, U.S. BY T. SEAVIL. London: Elliot Stock. THE honorable epithet "The Christian Brave" was given to Roberts by the Pawnee Indians, among whom he lived for several years. His was the true heroism of a pure christianity. The volume under notice gives us many passages in the life of this remarkable man, the effect of which is to make us long for more such. The fire of divine love burned in his honest loving soul, and he seemed to live only to impart good to others. His labours among the Indians his self-denying trials in California-his efforts in Rome, Leghorn, and Maltamany of which were crowned with signal success, more than justify the title given him by the Pawnee Indians. Not having been heard of for the last ten years, it is feared that this devoted soldier of the cross has fallen in the battles he incessantly waged against sin and misery. The Scattered Nation; Past, Present, and Future. Edited by C. SCHWARTZ, D.D. London: Morgan and Chase, 38, Ludgate-hill. We have before us one of the best magazines in the interests of God's ancient people that we have hitherto seen. If the future numbers should be equal to the first, we predict for it a wide circulation and great usefulness. The January number contains articles from the Editors, the Rev. A. A. Bonar, J. Finn, Esq., (Poetry by) Mrs. Finn, Dr. Margoliouth, Dr. Graham, &c., &c.; with extensive information of work among the Jews, deeply interesting to all who love that ancient people of whom concerning the flesh Christ came. MONTHLY RECORD OF PASSING EVENTS. Woman's Duty in the Publication of the Bible Preachers; being a reply to Mr. John THE first of these pamphlets takes the 71 seeing it is neither required or commanded of God, it is, as Paul says, to the shame of a woman to attempt it (1 Cor. xiv. 35), and therefore not to the honour of any man to encourage it." Neither of these tracts is exhaustive. Much more might be said; but by reading both much information may be derived pro et con. Mr. Copland's argument from parthenas, a virgin, and gune, a wife, is defective. Apart from other considerations, we think gune means a woman, whether a wife or not, and though mostly given to the married women, is no more confined to them than woman in England is. Dr. Campbell says gune in Greek, like femme in French, signifies both woman and wife. In Matt. xiv. 21, we are told "And they that had eaten were about five thousand men besides women and children." Are we to suppose that all this crowd of women were married? Christ on two important occasions calls his mother by the same word. Could he with propriety say "wife what have I to do with thee?" or "wife behold thy son"? (John ii. 4, and xix. 26. The argument therefore on gune and parthenas is broken, and this is Mr. Copland's grand argument for women's preaching. Monthly Record of Passing Ebents. THE BATTLE OF THE CLANS.-The preparations for battle between the Ritualists and Anti-Ritualists appear at first sight to be of a very formidable character, as if they really meant victory or secession. First, the Evangelicals, and then the Tractarians, have had formal interviews by deputation with the Archbishop of Canterbury on the subject; and between them comes a party whom we may call the Moderates, who have also had their say to his Grace. The Archbishop must be fairly puzzled to put all parties off with fair words. He protests against any alteration of the Prayer-book, and then protests against the extreme views and practices of the Ritualists, who profess, with some reason, to find in the liturgy and rubrics of the Prayer-book ground sufficient to justify all they do. He hinted, indeed, that convocation might do something, which every one knows that it will not and, indeed, cannot. Under all circumstances, it is tolerably clear that no effectual check will be given to the Romanizing party without the adoption of measures that will make much much greater changes than its opponents intend. To make the Church of England truly Protestant now, is impossible, without something like an ecclesiastical revolution, which all parties dread. Each of the great parties into which the establishment is divided desires to see its own views predominant, without producing an unseemly break up of the bonds of State patronage, pay and patronage, which bind them all together. THE SUNDAY EVENING SCIENTIFIC LECTURES having been compulsorily suspended, pending the decision of the Court of Queen's Bench as to their legality, their promoters are naturally very sore upon the subject. For our part, we think they had better have been let alone. Let alone, these scientific sceptics would have before long found the powerlessness of their principles to interest or attract the people at large. But to suppress their movement 72 MONTHLY RECORD OF PASSING EVENTS. by force will galvanise it into seeming vitality again, and give it another start. The cry of "persecution" will be raised against the well meaning friends of the Sabbath who have interposed in this matter, and many will think that to be equivalent to an admission that the views and arguments of the lecturers could not be fairly met and answered. A large enthusiastic meeting of "those of the working class who are opposed to the opening of museums, &c., on Sundays," was held on Febuary 6th, at Exeter Hall, under the presidency of the Earl of Shaftesbury. Mr. T. Chambers, M.P., Mr. Payne, Rev. Canon Miller, and Rev. Newman Hall, addressed the crowded audience, hundreds being unable to obtain admission. It is by such gatherings as these, and not by the forcible suppression of the scientific lectures above-named, that public opinion will be enlisted in favour of Sabbath observance. PARLIAMENTARY.-The first reading of another Bill for the abolition ofchurch-rates has been obtained by Mr. P. Hardcastle, and the second reading will probably take place before this reaches the eye of our readers. It is hoped that the majority will be so decided as to give the Bill an impetus sufficient to carry it this year through the House of Lords.-Mr. Bouverie is to bring in a Bill to allow the Fellows of Colleges in the Universities to decline conformity to the liturgy of the Church of England.-The University Tests Abolition Bill, and a Bill for the substitution of one uniform oath to be taken by members of Parliament, are also to be introduced. This latter Bill is likely to occasion some stir, as it releases Roman Catholic members from their former separate declaration of allegiance. UNION UPON PRINCIPLE.-Certain Scotch preachers have put forth a circular, having for its object the promotion of unity amongst christians upon the basis of an agreement upon the doctrines and precepts of scripture. They hold that the diversity which exists upon these two parts of revealed truth, arises not from any deficiency or obscurity in the record, but from a blameworthy want of honest diligence in seeking to arrive at its true interpretation. They maintain that a certain and accurate knowledge both of doctrines and precepts is attainable, and that the spread of the gospel and true unity amongst christians is not to be looked for till they are perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment. The late Dr. Carson strongly maintained the same views, and urged them with great force in a tract published by the Baptist Tract Society. It will be seen that the principle of union here enunciated is precisely the opposite of that which forms the basis of the Evangelical Alliance, where acknowledged diversities of sentiment on many points are distinctly recognized. Among those who have taken their stand on this principle, are men who are widely known for their learning and high character. They include Dr. Buchanan, Dr. Cairns, Dr. Wylie, Dr. Eadie, Dr. Fairbairn, Dr. Guthrie, and many others. The want of honest study of scripture, with the view of ascertaining its real meaning, is the great want of the day, and we hope that more will come of this circular. THE MORTMAIN ACT.-Real property, including mortgages on real property, cannot be bequeathed for religious purposes. A bequest of several houses to Regent's Park College, and another to one of the denominational Missionary Societies, have recently become void on this ground. It is well that this should be known. SAD CALAMITY.-A new Baptist Chapel in course of building at Luton, in Bedfordshire, was blown down by the violent gale on Sunday, February 11th; and in its fall it fell upon and crushed the old chapel, where, half an hour before, seven hundred people were assembled. Both buildings are now masses of ruins. Most providentially no one was hurt. CONVOCATION has been again setting itself against justice and common sense, by deciding (by 46 to 15) that the famous "Conscience Clause' in Government School Trust Deeds is uncalled for and not "safe as regards the teaching of the Church." Happily Parliament is not likely ever to consent that the Church should have its way in the matter. No COMMUNICATION.-The Hillingdon Burial Board have determined to erect the two chapels in their cemetery-Episcopalian and Dissenting-so that they can be connected by a "covered way." To this an "earnest churchman" objects on conscientious grounds, as it would connect a consecrated building with a building not consecrated. We believe the bishop's fees for consecration are somewhat heavy, and why should a conducting medium be established by which some of the virtue might be drawn off without paying for it? Certainly this should not be. It would be like tapping your neighbour's gas in a surreptitious manner. WORSHIPPERS. BELIEVERS are variously described in the Word. One description of them is this, "We are the true circumcision who worship God in the spirit." Translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, a kingdom of freedom, it is that they may have "boldness to enter into the holiest." "Redeemed from among men, the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb;" it is, that in fellowship with Christ, they may sing the "new song" which none besides can learn. We speak of "places of worship," there is but one place for the whole church-the holiest within the veil, where they enter in spirit by the blood of Jesus. Short of this we are not true worshippers wherever we may be; and entering there by faith in praise or prayer, we are true worshippers whatever our place. Our position as believers is described Heb. xii. 22-24, "Come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem," &c. From this mount and from this citizenship ascends the incense of worshipping hearts. In our meetings as believers do we sufficiently acknowledge the element of worship? That preaching and teaching are wisely ordained of God for "the edifying of the body of Christ" is clear; and to these we give their full place; but do we sufficiently enter into the element of worship? For this, the first thing is to realise that we are in the presence of our God, that our communion is with Him, not with outward things. A sense of this, which only the Holy Spirit can give, will raise us above time's shifting elements, and fill the soul with a holy sense of nearness to, and fellowship with, the things of that "kingdom which cannot be moved," and which is "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." Such a habit of mind, abstracted from the things of earth, whether pleasing or painful, as the soul approaches its God is both profitable and lelightful to the believer. Why should the common things of earth intrude upon our hours devoted to fellow3hip with God? They will not if the heart is right and the mind instructed in the ways of the Lord. All will be left at the foot of the mount, while the soul ascends to see God only as manifested in the face of Jesus. But, it may be said, time's burdens must be taken thither to cast on him,-time's duties need strength which must be sought. True: but these will be mentioned as things at a distance then, which have pressed, and will again press the spirit, and prayer will be laid up on these accounts; and the child of God will come down from the mount of worship strengthened to endure and calmed and girded for duty. For true worship there must be love as the effect of the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. Our legal spirit questioning the love of God hinders us: we are not free often, but subjects of that fear which "hath torment." He that feareth is not made perfect in love:" not brought to the full enjoyment of that love which rests on him in Christ; and this is necessary in order to enter into the blessedness of worship. We are followers of him who said, in conscious communion with the Father, "I knew that thou hearest me always," and here we may walk "even as he walked; for he declares, "Thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me." The element of heaven is worship, and the more we enter into its enjoyment here, the more we have of heaven. The design of preaching and teaching appears to be to bring the soul into the position of a worshipper. Hearing the testimony of Jesus, the soul is attracted to him in faith and love, and worships; having the promises brought to the heart, the believer adores the Father as his covenant promise-keeping God: and each fresh view of the excellency of the Lord draws out the soul in further admiration, love and praise. To display himself is God's great design in the written and preached word, thus attracting his people in fervent worship, and so filling them with a sense of his presence as to banish other things. Who, when thus attracted, can be occupied with the vain trifles of time? Or who can join, ere the last sound of professed prayer or praise has ceased in the sanctuary, in profitless conversation? What effect must this practice, too common among us, have on those that are without? It cannot testify of the Spirit's power in our midst, nor shew the unbeliever that we have been treading where the value of the soul is felt, and the preciousness of the blood of sprinkling apprehended; where the evil of sin has been acknowledged and the atone APRIL, 1866. 4 74 CHRIST: THE COMPLETENESS OF HIS SALVATION. ment rested in; and where petitions for the increase of the Redeemer's kingdom and the salvation of souls have been made. Rather let us witness by our words, if any, that, brought into God's gracious presence ourselves, our hearts yearn for them that meet with us still unblessed, and from the place of safety where mercy has hidden such undeserving ones as we are— "Point to His redeeming blood, The most fervent worshippers are the strongest workmen. M. A. B. ww CHRIST: THE COMPLETENESS OF HIS SALVATION. IT is useful to distinguish between what the REDEEMER hath done for us, and what we receive from him. That is salvation, This is its effect. Of our best experience we must say it is imperfect; but of the Salvation of CHRIST it must be believed that it is finished and unalterable, nothing can be added to it, nor taken from it. It is not an improvable benefit, whose efficacy is dependent on our faith; but a sure and perfect mercy from which the power of faith is derived, and in which the reason of living by faith alone is founded. This, then, must be proclaimed, for faith comes by hearing. We preach the completeness of his salvation because it includes a perfect righteousness-redemption actually purchased--sin terminated, and a victory obtained. A perfect righteousness. When he was made of a woman he was made under the law, that, by his constituted subjection to it, many might be justified by his obedience. Magnifying the law and making it honourable; fulfilling its commands and establishing its authority: he is accepted in the covenant of grace as "the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth," "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh; GOD sending his own SON, condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SPIRIT." This, then, is one of the powerful impediments of our salvation, and this is "the name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." "He Redemption actually purchased. gave himself for us, that he might ransom us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works." Our life was forfeited and the curse of the law adjudged us to perdition; but he substituted himself for us, and hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. His death cancelled the penal sanction, and delivered us from the wrath to come. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, for by one offering of himself, he hath perfected for ever them which are sanctified; and is entered into heaven with his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Sin terminated. Not indeed by a positive destruction of its being at present, but so as to be no longer judicially chargeable against any that believe in his name. By an interchange of persons between him and his people, he was made sin for us, by having it imputed to him, and being thus accounted guilty; when he was. 66 cut off, but not for himself," he "finished the transgression, and made an end of sins, and made reconciliation for iniquity." Our guilt was obliterated, its legal chargeableness against us annulled, and our old man, the body of sin, was crucified with him when he bowed the head and gave up the ghost. A Victory obtained. Our glorious CHRIST left nothing undone which our salvation required. He gave his life a ransom for us, and purged our sins by his blood; he girded himself also with strength as a man of war; and went forth as the LORD of HOSTS, mighty in battle to abolish and break down the gates of hell. He fell, indeed, or seemed to fall; but by dying he overcame him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and when he had rested awhile from the toils of warfare, and had given vitality to the grave by lying in it, he cast off mortality, rose as the first-fruits of them that slept, and ascended up on high, leading captivity captive. All heaven was in triumph on the occasion, and sang, "Lift up your |