CARDINAL CULLEN'S RECEPTION.-Car- as Ritualism, but which he characterised dinal Cullen held a reception at Holy Cross as a Roman Catholic revival in the bosom College, Clonliffe, near Dublin, consequent of the Church of Eugland. The sudden upon the acquisition of his new dignity in growth and boldness of the evil was shown the Roman Catholic Church. in a book called "The Church and the World," a book which he did not hesitate to say contained the most unblushing Ro he felt it his duty before God, as a Protestant who had sworn fealty to that Church, in which he hoped to live and die, to declare that there were traitors in the camp. This sin came softly; it came with sweet music and bright colours; with long processions, which some thought quite harmless, which some pronounced childish nonsense, and which others said were the work of piously disposed persons; yet along with them, he asserted, came every doctrine of the Church of Rome-even the Dean urged that the best remedy against ritualism was deep personal piety. After the presentation of a long address from the clergy, Cardinal Cullen said he was sorry that he had had no time to pre-manism and hostility to the Church; and pare a proper answer to this valued address. He had to return his sincere thanks for their kind wishes and congratulations on his promotion to the Roman purple. He felt that he had no claims or merits that would entitle him to the distinguished honour which his holiness had been pleased to confer on him; he felt sensibly that he was a useless servant. However, his holiness had determined to promote him, and, therefore, however unworthy he might be, he considered himself bound to accede to the wishes of his holiness, because he un-supremacy of the Pope. In conclusion, the derstood perfectly well that it was not a mere compliment to himself that was intended. It was a mark of his appreciation which he was happy to give to Irelandthe country which had firmly struggled for the faith, and had always preserved its fidelity to the Holy See-and a mark of his esteem and respect for all the clergy of Ireland. Ireland had always been attached to the Holy See, but more especially at present did the pope stand in need of this attachment. The spirit of revolution was triumphant in those states which had supported him. Austria, the last state, was now almost completely ruined, and the Emperor of the French held the hands of his friends, while his enemies were stripping him of everything he had. Now the Emperor was about to leave him at the mercy of the Italians, who were distinguished by the fiercest hatred to everything Catholic. Very possibly, within six months, this crisis would come about. Under those circumstances, Cardinal Cullen concluded, it behoves them to continue their zeal and attachment to his holiness. WE are heartily sorry for our Church of The Church has ordered certain days, as England friends. They are in a sad fix. fast days, to be observed by all good churchis about it is dangerous to do so. men; but the doctors say when the cholera doubt the doctors are right; so that every good churchman is in danger of losing his of dying of cholera, if he do. soul, if he do not observe the fast day,—or No Ar Pentrebach, the other day, the Bishop of Llandaff said he believed that had it not been for the Dissenters, the country would now be in a state of heathenism. Still he believed that Dissent was an evil. Some Dissenters preached what he thought to be true, and others preached what he thought to be false. For instance, he would not, like the Baptists, exclude children from the ordinance of baptism. Again, he did not believe with the Unitarians, who denied the divinity of Christ and the doctrine of the atonement; of course, as a churchman, he could not do so. He did not, again, DEAN CLOSE, having returned from his believe in Congregationalism, because he three months' holiday, preached a sermon believed the Church of England's system in Carlisle Cathedral on Sunday afternoon, of government to be founded on the New Sept. 8. Among other things, he touched on Testament, and that their system of church ritualism. The House of Lords had dis-government_was that of the church cussed it several long days, the Church of universal. Yet he believed that a very England had appointed a committee, and great deal of good had been done by the slumbering spirit of Protestantism had Evangelical Dissenters. Even supposing taken the field and sent deputations to the that Dissenters preached the whole truth, Archbishops, so that this could be no trivial the fact of their being divided was itself an matter. He alluded to what was known evil. Intelligence. IRTHLINGBOROUGH. back upon that must embrace many imTwo Services in commemoration of the portant things connected with the labours JUBILEE of the Sabbath-school in connec- of a Sabbath-school, that might well awaken tion with the Baptist Chapel, were held on remembrances of sorrow and of joy. The Wednesday, Sept. 12th. The "Report friends, the teachers, the ministers who read detailed only a few incidents connected first laboured in the establishment of the with the school, and the number of child-school, have most, or all of them, "passed ren who had been admitted, and had re- away." And how many little ones, whose ceived instruction during the lengthened sweet voices were once heard swelling the period of fifty years. Mr. J. Bloomfield Sabbath school song, have been called from preached on the occasion. The afternoon the school and home of love, to unite in the service and the public tea were well at- songs of the redeemed millions in heaven. tended; and the singing of some very ap- Some, too, we hope are found amongst the propriate hymns by the children proved the followers of Jesus on earth; and some, we great interest the teachers and friends of fear, who first entered the school with timid the cause must have taken to aid the little feelings and tender hearts, have grown up ones in that desirable part of worship-the in sin, and, drawn on by wicked associates, "service of song." have forgotten the early lessons of the school, and have forsaken the house of God where their parents worshipped, At the evening service, Mr. Bloomfield preached with that warmth, truthfulness, and acceptance with which God has so eminently blessed him, and for which so many of the churches of our land highly esteem him. We trust the gospel of Jesus Christ so lovingly and faithfully proclaimed to the people, and the earnest and godly counsel given to the members and friends of this long-standing cause of Christ, may have a practical and an abiding influence upon the hearts of all who heard it. The chapel was filled with attentive hearers, and amongst them were several ministers of the neighbouring churches,viz., Mr. Bull, of Wellingborough, Mr. Kitchen, of Ringstead, Mr. Willis, of Raunds, Mr. Newbold, of Catworth, Mr. Bristow, of Woodford, and Mr. Cook, who is now supplying the pulpit at Irthlingborough, with the prospect of becoming the pastor of the church. We trust God will give him pulpit power and gospel influence to win over the hearts of the people to love and pray for him; so that peace in their midst may be enjoyed, and ministerial prosperity given, by the ingathering of ransomed souls to the church of Christ. The announcement was given at the close of the service that the sum of £11 11s. was received during the day to help the teachers in their labours for another year in the Sabbath-school. The fact of a Sabbath-school having been in existence for fifty years shows that the friends connected with this ancient cause were in advance of many of the churches; as but few of our Sabbath-schools, comparitively, date their commencement so far back. FIFTY YEARS is a period to look The labours, too, of the 2,600 Sabbaths may recall to mind the deep anxieties, disappointments, and encouragements of the earnest and godly teachers. We rejoice to know that God is putting great honour upon Sabbath-school instruction, where the prayerful aim and persevering labour of the teacher is not simply to teach the "letter" of God's word (as many term it), but in simple, earnest form to explain the way of salvation, and show the willingness of Jesus now, as of old, to receive "little children." And thus, the influence and blessing of Sabbath-school instruction adds new life and vigour to the church's power and activity. How many of the pulpits, and other important spheres of religious labour, are traceable, under God, to the instruction of these timehonoured institutions, which, we think, are the glory of our land, and are made a bleswhen by them the moral and saving influsing to thousands of hearts and homes, ences of the gospel are known. And we say from our hearts,-GOD BLESS THE SABBATH-SCHOOLS'of every land; where the Bible is the one book, and the salvation and good of immortal souls is the one prayerful aim, of their teachers and friends. Whittlesea, Sep. 15, 1866. D. ASHBY. BEXLEY HEATH. THE Quarterly Meeting of the Building Fund was held on Sep. 5. After tea, the collecting cards were brought in, and donations given by various friends. Between £200 and £300 have been given aud pro mised, and every exertion is being made to erect a new chapel for the church here. The Lord still continues to bless us by additions, and a peaceful spirit. R. Newsom Esq., took the chair. Messrs. Silverton, Butterfield, Griffiths, Teall, Goodman, B.A., and Camp addressed the meeting. BAPTIST CHAPEL, TAMWORTH- were the only libel cast upon us, we should be willing to assent to its truth. It has not been generally on the rich and mighty, but on the poor of this world that faith has been bestowed. It is said, we Strict Baptists, of whom I am never ashamed to avow myself a member, are a bigoted people, and this I am not prepared to deny; but bigotry is not confined to our body, it is imbedded in the human heart, grows in ignorance and THE memorial stone of this chapel was on the traditions of men, and when brought laid on Friday, the 31st Aug., 1866, by to the light of God's truth is seen to be Sir John Thwaites, in the presence of a large hateful. But we are resolved not to give gathering of people; notwithstanding the up any of the great principles we hold dear. weather had been very wet and unfavour- Our business is to adhere to every "thus able the preceding days of the week, it saith the Lord," and not confer with flesh was remarkably fine on this interesting and blood; and the man who will thus occasion, which added much to the pleasure think and act will be respected. I have of the people who have commenced the the utmost contempt for any man who will noble work of building a new house for the bow at the shrine of human opinion, and service of God in this populous town, so not contend earnestly for principle. as to give increased accommodation to those who are desirous of attending the ministry of the much esteemed pastor, Mr. John Thurston. The ceremony was opened at half-past three o'clock, by Mr. Thurston giving out the well known hymn, "Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God;" which was sung with much apparent feeling. Mr. G. Wyard, Sen., then read the forty-sixth and eighty-fourth Psalms, after which Mr. Alderson, with great earnestness, sought the Lord's blessing on this effort. Is it hinted that we not respectable? What is respectability, but that a man should know Him whom to know is life eternal, and adhere implicitly to his will, and be prepared in defence of principle to sacrifice every worldly consideration? If I have this testimony in my own conscience, I care but little for the judgment of others regarding me. I said I was а member of the Strict Baptist body. I am so from conviction of the truth of our principles. I was a member of the Episcopal Church; but I studied the word of God, and I left conscientiously. Sir John closed his address with a very hearty desire for the prosperity of the cause and minister at Croydon. Sir John Thwaites then proceeded to lay the stone, which, being done, he spoke of the gathering that day and its object as claiming much gratitude, while looking back at the former experiences of those After singing another hymn, Mr. Kennard, who maintained the same principles the Treasurer, gave a brief statement of the as ourselves. The fetters and disqualifi- Building Fund, and made an appeal for cations that have rested on Nonconformists help, when donations were placed on the in this country are gradually being abol- stone to the amouut of £114. Mr. ished, and cannot be re-imposed. This Bloomfield next addressed the assembly, should be a satisfaction to every right- and in his usual cheerful manner very minded man, whether a member of the warmly congratulated the promoters of Establishment or a Dissenter, and especially this great object. After singing the so to us, having respect to the views of doxology, the benediction was pronounced, truth we hold as before the living God, and and the friends repaired to the Wesleyan to the principles we maintain respecting school-room to tea, of which about 200 the welfare of the soul of man and the glory partook. The evening service commenced of God; in which principles we are not at half-past six, in the large commodious permitted to bend to the dictates of any. I Wesleyan Chapel, kindly lent for the occaventure to assert my belief that the sion, which was well attended. On account members of the Church of England will of Mr.Thurston's indisposition, Mr. Kennard yet demand the right to think for them- presided. The service was opened with selves, untrammelled by the opinions of men, while those holding popish sentiments and practising popish mummeries will no longer be permitted to eat Protestant bread. As Nonconformists, we may be regarded as a poor and despised people, but if that singing a hymn. Mr. Bloomfied then read and prayed; after which the chairman made a few appropriate introductory remarks, and called upon Mr. Thurston to give a brief account of the rise, progress, and present history of the church and con gregation meeting for worship in Pump Pail Chapel, Croydon. His remarks for substance were as follows: "We have in our possession a document signed by one Amos Harrison, and several others, declaring that on the 8th day of July, in the year 1721, the dwelling-house of William Harrison was set apart and appointed for a place of worship for Protestant Dissenters from the Church of England, calling themselves Baptists; and this document was brought into the registry of the Lord Bishop of Winchester, and there registered accordingly. We have no means of ascertaining what progress was made for several years; but we find that, in the 1729, the chapel was built, and a Baptist cause established. We, therefore, suppose it is the oldest chapel and Dissenting cause in the town. During 137 years it has passed through many changes. The sun of prosperity has often shone upon it; but clouds have sometimes passed over it. It has had many pastors and members, many of whom have left the militant for the triumphant church. The doctrines of free and sovereign grace, ever since its beginning, have been preached in it. It would be tedious for me to go through its entire history. I will, therefore, speak briefly of the last seven years. In 1859, the church was without a pastor. Through the recommendation of our esteemed friend, Mr. J. E. Bloomfield, I was invited to preach in the months of July and August. This led to another invitation for twelve months, with a view to the pastorate. After prayerful consideration, and receiving the assurance that this desire was unanimous, I consented. At the end of nine months, by the unanimous vote of the church, I was requested to take the oversight, which I did, and was publicly recognized as the pastor. The congregation soon steadily increased, and many believers were added to the church. "For some time we have felt much inconvenience on account of the old chapel being so small, and unable to accommodate many who wished to attend and required sittings. It was re-pewed about four years ago, and the vestry thrown upon it; but still we re quired room. The Sunday-school continues small on account of the same difficulty. It was, therefore, resolved by the deacons that a church meeting should be held to consider the propriety of building a new and more commodious chapel, if we could obtain an eligible spot. At this meeting, it was agreed we should do so if we could raise funds for the purpose. A public meeting was convened in December last, and the subject discussed. The members and congregation were united in opinion, and promised donations to the amount of £308 10s., which we considered a good beginning. Collecting cards were issued, which were returned on Easter Tuesday, with the amount of £114 9s. 9d. After a short time the present site was purchased at a cost of £350; since which donations have been received, and promises from different quarters; but as the chapel, including the ground, will cost nearly £2000, a great deal more money is needed. I am happy to say the church is in peace, and there is some prosperity in the best sense; and I pray the Lord may prosper us more and more. "I have received many tokens of Christian love from some of the congregation, and many evidences of the word being blest to them; hence I feel a great union of heart to them, and hope they may be added to our number. We have lost many of our members and congregation by deaths, and removals to other localities; but others have come to fill their place. Two deacons have been taken from us by death, and one very aged is now confined to his room; but we have two who take a great interest in the cause, and have always shown the greatest respect and kindness to the minister-never yet a cross word or look. May the Lord continue to bless us with peace, add many more to our number, and make the new building a sanctuary for his glory, is our hearts' desire. 'Brethren, pray for us.' Mr. S. K. Bland gave out another hymn, after which the Chairman called upon the brethren to speak on their subject-"The Church of God.' Mr. Alderson spoke on "The Foundation;" Mr. G. Wyard, Sen., on "The Materials;" Mr. Meeres, on "The Framing and Completing the Building;" and Mr. Bloomfield, on "The Design of the Builder." This they were enabled to do in a clear, concise, and instructive way, to the gratification of all present. A collection was made which amounted to £14 19s. 14d, thus making an addition to our fund on this memorable day of about £129. United expressions of thanks to the Wesleyan friends were tendered for the use of their noble chapel and school-room, and these were very courteously acknowledged. The treasurer's financial statement was both animating and highly satisfactory. This closed one of the happiest days in the history of the church and congregation, who still meet for worship in Pump Pail Chapel. ONE WHO WAS PRESENT. BRISCOE, Printer, Banner-street, Bunhill-row, Finsbury. THE VOICE OF TRUTH; OR, Baptist Record. 44 SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE." IN ESSENTIALS, UNITY; IN NON-ESSENTIALS, LIBERTY; IN ALL THINGS, CHARITY. NOVEMBER, 1866. Expositions and Essays. CONCERNING SUBSTITUTION, IN RELATION TO THE WORK OF CHRIST. THE adorable Redeemer became "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." That in this work he stood as a substitute for men, is generally admitted; but the intention and result of his substitution are variously stated. Theologians of one class teach that "Christ was a substitute for the race;"* those of another that "he was not a substitute for our persons, but for our condition ;"+ while those of a third class teach that Christ was a substitute for his people-that, as a substitute, he died for them only. By those of the first and second classes it is believed that many for whom the Saviour died perished notwithstanding; while those of the third believe that all for whom the Saviour died will certainly be saved. The former must admit either that the divine purpose did not involve the salvation of all those for whom Christ was a substitute; or that his substitutionary work may, and in many cases does, fail of its intention. The latter maintain that the divine purpose did involve the salvation of all for whom the Saviour was a substitute, and that his substitution does not, and cannot fail of its intention. Now the question is, in what sense do these writers respectively use the word substitute? It seems scarcely possible for parties to arrive at such different conclusions, respecting the intent and result of substitution, only on the supposition that they attach different ideas to the terms which they mutually employ. Either the terms themselves must be ambiguous, or one of the parties must misapprehend their significance. In the proposition "Christ died for us," the teaching conveyed -in respect of the intention of his death-turns upon the meaning of the little word "for." It is admitted, however, that this English word is ambiguous. Hence the proposition may be interpreted to signify either that Christ died in our stead, or that he died for our benefit. When for the words quoted we employ the formula "Christ died as our substitute," we intend thereby to fix the meaning of the word "for" in this connexion. Is, then, the word "substitute " ambiguous also? If so, it determines nothing: the proposition still remains uninterpreted. The word "substitute" is not ambiguous in its application to things secularwhy should it be so in its application to things sacred? To be a substitute does not mean to act for another's benefit merely, but to act in his room or stead. It * Mr. Hinton, in "The Church." + Mr. Gilbert, in "Congregational Lecture." VOL. V.--NO. LIX., NEW SERIES. X |