means alone, and without the employment has been the object of ceaseless hostility and of force, overcome both infidelity and pre-assault. It is scarcely credible that a fabujudice, and overrun the world with their lous legend, or a cunningly devised fable, doctrine. If we look more closely at the could have outlived so long continued an course pursued by these first preachers, their attack. The unbeliever may, indeed, point conduct and their success will, on the sup- to periods when his assaults upon it seem, position of imposture, appear yet more in- for a time at least, to have triumphed. But explicable. It was not in a distant country, the fact that such successes have only been or after the lapse of years, that they claimed gained over the gospel when perverted or divine honours for their Master; but at the obscured, and that every return to the purity very spot and time at which the events re- of the gospel has always been attended with ferred to took place, and where they were a revival of faith in it, turns the argument perfectly notorious; where detection would against the objector, and tends to prove that have been most easy, and imposture most the system itself must be true and divine. difficult. Deceivers could scarcely have This conclusion is still further confirmed by acted thus. Besides, no reason can be as- its happy influences, its beneficial results. signed why they should have attempted It has civilized the savage, tamed the barimposition in the matter. They gained barian, purified the licentious, shown itself nothing, and lost everything by it. Their the uncompromising foe of all vice and testimony exposed them to daily insult, out- oppression, the unflinching advocate of lirage, and death. Immense numbers lan- berty and virtue. If we are to test a tree by guished out their lives in dungeons, and its fruits, and a system by its results, this expired at the stake, as the penalty of their last test must prove decisive of the question so-called obstinacy. Now, when we remem- at issue.

ber that there is not a particle of opposing "The history of Christ and his apostles evidence, can we do otherwise than admit proves that they could not have been imthat the facts thus attested are proved? postors. The influence exerted by their Arbitrarily to reject such testimony is to do teachings, in all countries, through all subviolence to the laws of evidence-is irrational and absurd.

sequent ages, proves that they could have been neither impostors nor fanatics. The only alternative left us, the only conclusion to which we can come, consistently with the facts of the case, is, that Christ was, as he claimed to be, a teacher sent from God, speaking the words of truth and life."

"But Christianity consists of doctrines as well as facts, or, in other words, the facts are said to embody and teach truths which, when received into the hearts of men, become so influential there, as to be worthy of a divine original. If we submit these docrinal claims to the same historical test, we find that the truths embodied in the life, and taught in the ministry of Christ, have shown themselves to be adapted to the uni- An admirable little book for one who in versal heart of man; and that, under all bitterness of soul cries, "O that it were with forms of social development, and all degrees me as in months past!" EVANGELIST"seeks of mental and moral culture, they have to bring to thy mind," sorrowing disciple, actually exerted an influence unparalleled in "things that are past,"

Thy Past Impressions. By W. CLARKSON,
London: John Snow, 35, Paternoster-row.

the history of systems, and altogether un- "He bids thee to recall the days and accountable, on the supposition that the hours of time gone by, and to lay hold of the writers of the gospel history were also its history involved in them. Put forth thy inventors. Its continuance, too, is not less powers of recollection; bring back what has marvellous and unprecedented than its uni- vanished; give vividness to what has become versality. Its existence in the world, as an faint; and place the past obscure in the influential system, so many ages after its light of present consciousness. Come and promulgation, marks it out at once from all think again what thou once thoughtest, and other creeds. They can boast of a duration feel again what thou once didst feel! Recall approaching this, only among the stagnant thine own hidden experience-thy past feelnations of the East. Its continuance for ings, and convictions, and sentiments, and eighteen centuries, through the fluctuations hopes, and desires-concerning the glorious and storms of the western world, amid which objects of the spiritual world." all other systems of philosophy and religion Thy past impressions of sinfulness and have been shipwrecked, is altogether without guilt, of sentiment and feeling with respect parallel. The difficulty of believing that a to the people of God, the world, and those system of falsehood could have survived so things which are unseen and eternal, of the long, is still further increased, as we observe claims of Christ on thy devotedness, and enthat throughout the whole of that period it joyment from the means of grace, are set

before thee. Thy spiritual perceptions, as- | submit to our readers. "Could not every surances, faith, and joy, in the sweet season member of the church, the reader himself of "first love," are described. Evangelist to begin with, by earnest prayer for divine deals kindly and faithfully, as God's mes- direction, consider and search out whatever senger, to thy poor soul. Read, and the in his own habits and allowances may be Lord give thee understanding.

BRIEF NOTICES.

found hostile to the communication of divine love and the experimental operations of divine power?" " Might not our treatment of offences be made to conform with more exactness to divine law?" "Might not a Peace Lyrics, by H. G. ADAMS. London: greater use of christian fellowship and C. Gilpin, 5, Bishopsgate without. We discipline be made for edification, or spihail every attempt to promote the cause of ritual improvement ?" "Might not our inpeace, and with pleasure recommend these terpretation and observance of the Saviour's Lyrics" to the notice of our friends. Much laws, relating to his government and the of the poetry is above mediocrity, and the service of his people, admit, at the present sentiments advocated are to our minds un-time, of serious revision ?"

questionable.

We wish this little book a wide circulation

The Heathen World, by GEORGE E. SAR- among Church members. GENT. Eleventh thousand. London: Ben- Ministerial Support, and Ministerial jamin L. Green, 62, Paternoster-row. An Efficiency. London: B. L. Green, Pateradmirable little book, beautifully illustrated, noster-row. Originally the circular letter and so cheap that it may be in the posses- of the Bucks Association of Baptist churches sion of every boy and girl in our families for the present year, but reprinted with a and schools. Let those who desire to few alterations for the perusal of the chrispromote interest in the cause of missions tian public. The following principles are among young persons buy a few dozens and deduced from scriptural law, and from the circulate them. precedents established in the history of the early churches::

for exclusive dedication to the work of the 1. That there is a warrant in Scripture ministry.

cheerfully, and promptly given.
3. That this support should be liberally,

The Apostle of the Gentiles, and his Glorying. A Sermon preached before the second Aggregate Meeting of the Wesleyan Methodist Local Preachers' Mutual Aid 2. That all who are truly devoted to the Association. By J. B. MELSON, M. D. work of preaching the gospel, have a right London: Aylott and Jones, 8, Paternoster to entire maintenance from the church to Row. There is much to be admired in this whom they minister. discourse, but the parade of scholarship throughout the whole is to our minds a serious defect. What would some of the 4. That when churches are unable adeWesleyan Local Preachers think of" eccle- quately to support their ministers, they siological inanities," "transcendental the- should allow the liberty which the New ologics," "the moi and the moi-meme of Testament gives, and which Paul took, 2 Cor. xii. 5," a principle "in re minori, lessen then their demands upon them, and not equally true in re majori," and the com- let them have time to make up their livebination of "the exoteric with the esoteric lihood by other labours; always remembering in our great Wesleyan doctrines ?" We hope that downright inability is the only excuse that the sermon was not delivered from the for refusing to a minister full, adequate, and pulpit just as it has been issued from the liberal support. press. Perhaps the preacher has embellished it since.

The Old Infidel's Progress to Christianity: or, the Grace of God exemplified in the conPractical Suggestions, affectionately sub- version of William Holmes. London: mitted to the Churches of Christ. London: James Paul, Chapter-house-court, St. Paul's. B L. Green, Paternoster-row. These sug-We are not inclined to cavil at what we gestions were prepared by brethren, C. STO- deem to be imperfections in this interesting VEL and J. FREEMAN, "while visiting a pamphlet. Its recommendation is its denumber of churches suffering under spi- cided testimony to the sovereign grace of ritual depression and discouragement." God in the enlightenment of a dark mindThe deteriorating influences found to be at in the salvation of a guilty soul. We bework in Christian communities are enu-lieve our brother to be what he has declared merated, and remedial efforts recommended. himself to be, a debtor to mercy alone, and The following faithful enquiries, to be we rejoice with him in his marvellous detaken as a sample of others equally good, we liverance.

Reasons for renouncing Pædo-baptism. | Dissenters to-morrow." We question the By an ANTI-PÆDOBAPTIST. Montrose A. accuracy of the concluding statement in the Rodgers, 47, High-street, Aberdeen. The following sentence: "There is an Anglican writer successfully demonstrates that infant baptism has no countenance from Scripture, renders the church corrupt, and leads to a disregard of the plainest intimations of the Saviour's will.

Bishop of London; but there are multitudes of people in London,-I am one of themover whom he is no bishop, and does not pretend to be so." The law regards Mr. Hinton and ourselves as members of the established church; and Charles James most decidedly, by virtue of this state of things, pretends to be our spiritual overseer.

We

The Sunday-school Teachers' Pocket Book for 1851. By S. G. GREEN, B. A. London: intend to show this excellent pocket book to B. L. Green, 62, Paternoster-row. Sunday-school teachers of our acquaintance. It need only be seen to be approved. No one of those for whom it is designed should delay to purchase a copy.

The Church, 1850. The Appeal, 1850. These cheap, excellently printed, and useful publications, are too well established to need We have observed our recommendation. their rise and progress,- -we have from time to time scanned their contents, and found both profit and delight from their perusal. "The Appeal" is a specially important publication. We know nothing like it, as adapted to the unconverted of every class, and should hope that it has already been the means, in the hand of the Almighty Spirit, of the conversion of very many. We rejoice to know that thirty thousands of the Appeal" are circulated monthly. Were Christians more deeply imbued with the spirit of Him who came to seek and to save that which was lost,-and did they more zealously use every appliance for the salvation of their fellow-men, it would circulate by thousands more. We heartily wish success to both.

The Romish Hierarchy in England. A Sermon preached by J. H. HINTON, M. A. London Houlston and Stoneman, 65, Paternoster-row. We believe with our esteemed brother, that Romanism is "the" most corrupt and pernicious of all ecclesiastical systems," but that "however deeply the spread of Romanism is to be deplored, the religious activity of Romanists cannot be coerced." Let Protestant persecutors remember that "the chains which are forged for Romanists to-day, may be forced on

Entelligence.

SWEDEN.

The Petitions sent from England. LORD STANLEY, of Alderley, in a letter from the Foreign Office, dated Nov., 1850, says, "I am directed by Viscount Palmerston to inform you that the Swedish minister at this court has addressed to his lordship a note, stating that the several petition from the Baptists in England had been referred to he Court of Appeal, which had decided on laus Nilsson's case; but that the judges

I had been unable to reverse the sentence of the lower courts, because Olaus Nilsson's offence was in direct contravention of an existing law, and the Swedish minister states that the Swedish government has no power to alter that law, without the concurrence of the Chambers, and that those Chambers have hitherto refused their sanction to any such change.

"Baron Rehausen further states that the Swedish government had consequently been unable to interfere in this case, except by an

act of grace, in mitigation of the sentence cation between Gothenburg and that part of banishment pronounced against Olaus where they live, has been almost entirely Nilsson; but Olaus Nilsson having declined stopped. These poor people have no other to petition the king for such act of grace, the means of subsistence, than that of weaving Swedish government had been under the cotton stuff on hand looms, and are employed necessity of allowing the sentence to be car- by men who, for their gain, buy great quanried into execution." tities of cotton yarn from Gothenburg, and The intelligence received from Mr. Nilsson, let it out to such poor people, to be woven at shows that he had not declined to petition a certain low rate. Now, they have for the king for such an act of grace In a some time back, been unable to get anything letter dated Nov. 21st, and received Nov. to do in this line, and having no other way 30th, he says, "In regard to myself, the at present to get the means of support, I matter is now come to this, that the king would implore the charity of English Chrishas refused to give any alteration of the sen- tians To send a few shillings, would be a tence passed upon me by the Götha Hof relief in this present pressure. I will give Rätt. The fourth of this month I was sum- you sure directions to brethren, who will moned to appear before the town magistrate, faithfully dispose of however small a gift will where the king's decision was communicated be given. I beg your pardon for making to me; but, at the same time, the privilege mention of this. All the brethren and sisof petitioning the king was granted me, and ters are well, and happy in the Lord. The the time of thirty-nine days granted me for Lord has preserved us, so that no one has sending in the petition. Í have availed my- died of the cholera. We have rather had self of the privilege, although I have nothing the greater privilege of conversing more to hope from it, except the lengthening out freely with people upon the subject of relithe time of my stay a month or two more. gion. Praise the Lord. The district and town authorities are very

Prospects as to religious liberty in Sweden,

humane. They know that I am going into the country often, to visit my brethren, and "The authorities will probably," says Mr. spreading my sentiments as far as I can; Nilsson, "send me over to Denmark, as I [and] beside, we make no secret about our hope they will not push me out to Russiameetings here in the town, and still they Siberia. I shall probably have to leave my have not attempted to put me in prison. wife behind, until the spring. I will first May the Lord enable me to make good use visit Copenhagen, and from thence I will of such privilege these few remaining days write, and if time is allowed me, I will of my stay in Sweden. But in the country endeavour to translate some things from my the police officers are very low-minded, bi- diary, and such other occurrences as have goted men generally, and therefore I have happened among us, if they can be of any been in great danger, even for my life, when use for you." out among the brethren. I have not been "Surely the Baptist cause-the cause of out in the country for about a month, on God and of the truth-seems to be checked account of the cholera, which has occasioned in its very infancy in Sweden. Still, I think the people in the country to prevent people the struggle attempted by such humble from travelling, especially those who have means, is not without its interest, and we come from Gothenburg. But as the cholera trust that a spirit of enquiry has been appears to be at an end, I hope that the awakened, that will not be hindered by all preventing system will soon be given up, and I intend, as soon as possible, to visit the brethren, to take my final farewell, which, indeed, will be very trying."

the power that Church and State united, can put forth in Sweden. And still more, I think I am not mistaken in judging, from what may easily be perceived, that religious liberty will doubtless be given soon, and that Request on behalf of the suffering brethren the banishment which I have been subjected

in the country.

to, has awakened a deep feeling of indigna"One circumstance," says Mr. Nilsson, tion among the more liberal-minded and "I think it my duty not to omit mentioning. enlightened part of the nation, that will help Some of our people, especially two families, to hasten the sure, though slow death of have suffered great loss, considering their religious despotism, sustained by the Swedish means, through the taking away of some of clergy. It is of no ordinary interest, that a their property, for refusing to have their large body of pious Christians, in the northern children sprinkled; and now another cir- parts of Sweden, have, notwithstanding the cumstance is making the condition of these rigour of the law, separated from the State people still worse, as it almost brings them to Church, and formed themselves into a church despair for the most necessary means of independent of the State, although on Lusupport. Under the cholera, the communi-theran principles, with infant sprinkling,

and other ritual peculiarities. For this they seated halted; my light slumbers were have had to suffer, and still continue to easily broken, and I at once recognized the suffer heavy fines, and other troubles and voice of our dear brother Hinrich, enquiring molestations, from ecclesiastical and civil for me. A hearty greeting soon took place, authorities. They have chosen their own and the carriage proceeding on its way left pastors from among their own brethren, and me at Westerstide, where a warm reception although the authorities take their infants awaited me at the house of some brethren, by force, just as they do from the Baptists, and I once more experienced how easily and to be by force sprinkled by the State Church naturally a feeling of "home" steals over minister, they (the separatists) look upon us even in the remotest places, while in the such baptism as invalid, and sprinkle anew midst of those who are one with us in the these children by the hand of their own Lord. After exchanging a few words of pastors. As these people hold strictly to mutual pleasure and welcome we retired to the Augsburg confession of faith and the Lutheran rituals, and only carry out the The next morning, brother Hinrich and principle of the separation of the Church I proceeded to the estate of Fickensholdt, from the State, they cannot easily pass sen- where we were to enjoy the kindly proffered tence of banishment against them. But hospitality of the owner; nor can I without they find means of annoying them in other emotion retrace the attention shown us by ways, so that, from what I have been in- him during our stay. May the Lord accomformed, numbers have resolved to emigrate plish in him the promises bestowed on the to America, as several already have done. benefactors of his people. This, also, will speak loudly in favour of religious liberty.

"In the month of June a meeting was held in the southern part of Sweden, consisting chiefly of eminent clergymen, who discussed the question of religious liberty, and the majority of this meeting were wholly in favour of religious freedom. Such signs, I think, are sure indications that things will not long remain as they are."

DENMARK.

rest.

On Sept. 28, brother Hinrich and I drove to Felde, to see the chapel. While still at a distance, its new red roof, peeping out from among the green trees and thatched cottages which surround it, arrested our eye pleasantly. On alighting near the chapel, our brethren Reunners and F. Oncken met us, with countenances radiant with the friendliness of genuine love. Brother Reunners was superintending the finishing touches, which were now being given, and in the meanwhile, brother Balchin, and several other brethren joined us, all indulging pleasant anticipations of a happy morrow.

Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Förster left Hull, by steamer, for Hamburg, on Friday, Nov. 29, I now proceeded to examine the building, and arrived there on the afternoon of Sunday, which, owing to its locality and good execuDec. 1. They left Hamburg again on Wed- tion, leaves an agreeable impression, although nesday, Dec. 4, for Wismar, and went from as regards the architecture it is extremely Wismar to Copenhagen. Thus far their plain. It is situated most conveniently on journey was very pleasant; but on arriving the high road, where it forms the centre of at Copenhagen on the 5th, they were put the several parishes in which the members into quarantine for four days, that is, till of the church are scattered. The building Monday afternoon, which was both unplea is railed off from the road, and the intersant and expensive. Mr. Förster entreats the prayers of brethren for the churches in Sweden, and feels very thankful for the assistance he has received from them for the chapel and mission, during his stay in England. A list of contributions is prepared, and part of it will be found in the present number.

mediate space is to be arranged as a kind of shrubbery. One gable-end faces the road, and bears an inscription. The two walls forming the length of the chapel contain each four arched windows. The interior of the chapel is conveniently, but simply arranged, and confirms the pleasing impression made by its exterior. Between three and four hundred can be accommodated in it.

It is to a suggestion of our beloved brother, J. G. Oncken, of Hamburg, that this chapel owes its origin, and how would he have been delighted if he had been present to see the work accomplished, towards the execution of which he has so greatly contri

• One of the chapels mentioned in Mr. Oncken's circular in our November number.