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compelled to take greater liberties with the letter of the sacred than ever the "slashing Bentley" did with heathen Greek, and to lay aside its inspiration and consequent supreme authority. They have tried more to ascertain what the words of Scripture may mean, than what they actually do mean; they have sat as judges upon the merits of the testimony, and not as devout exponents of its significancy; they have thus made void the law, and substituted their own imaginations in its place. Mr. Martineau thus states the regard which, in his opinion, should be paid to the announcements of holy writ: Our own reason steps in and intreats to have a voice in the decision; it urges us not to adopt any theory about Christ's mission which does violence to the conclusions it has already drawn from other quarters; it begs to preserve entire its own faith and to hold every interpretation of this history false which cannot consist with it." Now, if this process of stepping in, intreating, urging, and begging, is to be allowed to pass current, where are we? but set afloat at once upon an ocean of endless speculation without any trustworthy pilot to steer our course to a secure and peaceful haven. One man's reason may reject this scripture doctrine, and another man's that fact, and a third's this precept, until all the foundations of our faith and practice are removed by the general licence granted to believe or disbelieve, every object of religious hope, trust, and joy vanishes, life becomes once more a span of being without any dennite aim in view, and death the awful threshold to an unexplored and dark eternity. The men who thus deal with divine truth, virtually strip it of all divinity, and reduce it to the level of their own imperfect and fallible conceptions. But let the point be settled that the Bible contains the writings of inspired men, and then both the doctrinal and ethical contents of the book have a stamp of supreme authority, which demands for them that prompt and reverent recep tion which is due to an infallible record, and which summonses human reason from the throne of judgment to sit at the feet of a teacher wiser than herself. In this way Mr. Means has argued and acted with reference to the particular point upon which he writes; adopting the principle that the Scripture is the only sure guide in the formation of religious opinion, he applied himself to a careful investigation of its meaning; and the result has been the abandonment of some of his former views, and a conviction of the truth of the atonement.

3. In briefly adverting to that process of change through which his mind has passed, Mr. Means acknowledges his obligations to various writers, whose works contributed to relieve those perplexities with which all enquiries after truth are in some degree connected. Locke's Reasonableness of Christianity led him to the conclusion that death was the penalty of sin, and that redemption included not only the communication of a clearer knowledge of futurity, but also the restoration of that eternal life forfeited by the first act of transgression. But the work which appears to have rendered him the most important aid, and of which he makes honourable mention, is the "Christian Atonement," by the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, of Nottingham, which formed the Congregational Lecture for the year 1835. He consulted it in order to acquire a correct conception of that view

of atonement commonly held by the orthodox dissenters; it dispelled the prejudices which the inconsiderate expressions of some of our old writers had occasioned, and of which our Socinian opponents have not been slow to avail themselves; while it promoted a correct apprehension of the important position which the doctrine of Christ's expiatory death holds in the economy of the divine government. Mr. Gilbert's volume, which ought to be, if it is not, in its second edition, has been noticed in our pages, but we may embrace the opportunity now afforded of again commending it to the careful perusal of our readers, and especially of students in theology. It bears the impress of an acute, comprehensive, and far-seeing mind; it has contributed to correct the erroneous impressions concerning the atonement which the severe spirit of some of the puritans put into circulation, and which expressions in several of our devotional hymns introduced to give point and antithesis to the poetry have perpetuated; it has been read with interest and approbation, we have reason to know, by some of the finest philosophical minds of the present day, and has found its way into circles where the productions of congregational divines are seldom allowed to penetrate; and the testimony borne to its utility in the case before us, must be alike gratifying to Mr. Gilbert and to the founders and patrons of the Congregational Lecture.

4. The views which Mr. Means expresses as to the personal dignity of the Redeemer, appear to us to be very defective. He still maintains the sole deity of the Father, admits the pre-existence of Christ, and assigns to him a nature originally immortal, with a communication of knowledge, wisdom, and power all but unbounded. Those in the present day who disclaim the essential divinity of our Lord, are in general equally adverse to the fact of his atonement; but Mr. Means, in holding to the latter unconnected with the former, vindicates himself from the charge of intellectual peculiarity by referring to the examples of Locke and Milton. He believes that the connexion between the two is continually "taken for granted both by advocates and opponents ;" and labours to show that no such connexion is necessary. Now, whatever "opponents" may think, we as "advocates" of both doctrines, honestly acknowledge that we do "take for granted" a connexion between them, because we cannot understand the scriptures in any other sense than as constantly affirming that the atonement was accomplished by an essentially divine person. But if Mr. Means supposes that by a process of abstract reasoning, we come in the first instance to the conclusion, that the work of atonement must be wrought by a divine person, and then interpret scripture so as to favour that hypothesis, he is utterly mistaken. We respectfully submit to him that all his arguments to show that the doctrine of the divinity of Christ is not necessary as an adjunct to the atonement are widely beside the mark, because, upon his own principle of the scripture being our safest guide in religious opinion, the point to be determined is not what we conceive to be fitting, but what the record vouches to be truth. We have read with care the chapter devoted to the consideration of the Redeemer's personal dignity, and we surmise that the writer has not submitted his judgment to the same infallible guide upon this subject, as that by which his enquiries were directed respecting the atone

ment at least there is no evidence of any attempt to ascertain the scripture testimony to the person of Christ. We would fain hope, therefore, that as one in the quest of truth, he has directed his intelligent mind to a sober and candid examination of the statements of the sacred volume upon this point, and that ere long he will agree with us in holding as part of the mystery of godliness, "God manifest in the flesh."

THE EDITOR'S TABLE.

The New Commandment, or the Christian's Test. Seeley.

London: L. and G

The Sacred Melodist. A Collection of Hymns and Melodies. By Ph.E Dixon Hardy, M.R.I.A. Dublin: Hardy and Walker. London: R. Groombridge.

The Holy Wells of Ireland, containing an authentic Account of those variaes Places of Pilgrimage and Penance, with a minute Description of the Panteras and Stations. London: L. and G. Groombridge

Religion and Education in America, with Notices of the State and Prospects of American Unitarianism, Popery, and African Colonization. By John Da more Lang, D.D. London: Ward and Co.

The History of Nelly Vanner, who died April 26th, 1839, aged Ten Years By John Curwen. Second edition. London: Ward and Co

A Practical Commentary, or an Exposition, with Notes, on the Episte James. By the Rev. T. Manton, D.D. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Cc. Religion, in Connexion with a National System of Introduction. By W. M. Gunn. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.

The Works of Josephus. Translated by W. Whiston. Part V. London: George Virtue.

Popular Airs and Sacred Melodies, adapted for social Singing. London R. Groombridge.

Canadian Scenery, illustrated from Drawings, by W. H. Bartlett. LondonGeorge Virtue.

Humility Recommended, an Address to the Students of Airedale College, delivered at the Anniversary Meeting held on Wednesday, June 24th, 154. By the Rev. John Kelly, of Liverpool. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. The Philosophy of Christianity, or the Genuine Christian. By Philip Dix Hardy, M.R.İ.A. London: Ball, Arnold, and Co.

The Mineralogy and Botany of the Bible. By E. F. C. Rosenmüller. The Biblical Cabinet. Vol. XXVII. Edinburgh: Thomas Clark.

The Colonial Magazine and Commercial Maritime Journal. No.9. Edite by Robert Montgomery Martin, Esq. London: Fisher, Son and Co. Howard and Napoleon contrasted, in Eight Dialogues between Two You Americans. London: Houlston and Stoneman.

An Examination of Socialism, the last of a Course of Lectures ag Socialism, delivered in the Mechanics' Institution by the Rev. Robert Ainsle London L. and G. Seeley.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

Dr. Henderson's Commentary on Isaiah will appear on the 15th instart. Shortly will be published, by Messrs. Ball and Co., The Church at Work: an Essay on the best means of promoting the increase of places of w of Congregational hearers, and of members in church fellowship: by Edwa Leighton.

In the Press, The Congregational Lecture for 1840; subject-The Connexi and Doctrinal Harmony of the Old and New Testaments. By the Rev. W. Lindsay Alexander, M.A. of Edinburgh.

Just published, a second edition, in foolscap 8vo. of Dr. Pye Smith on the Relation between the Holy Scriptures and some Parts of Geological Science.

TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES,
AT HOME AND ABROAD.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AUTUMNAL MEETINGS OF THE

CONGREGA

TIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND OF THE HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY IN CONNEXION.

These important services are to be held, D.V. in Bristol, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the 6th, 7th, and 8th days of October.

The following arrangements for conducting them have been agreed upon :— On Tuesday evening, the 6th of October, a preparatory devotional meeting will be held in Bridge-street Chapel, the Rev. H. I. Roper's, to commence at seven o'clock. At this preliminary meeting short addresses will be given, explanatory of the nature and design of the whole procedure, by the Rev. J. Blackburn, on behalf of the Congregational Union, and by the Rev. Dr. Matheson, on behalf of the Home Missionary Society.

The forenoons of Wednesday, the 7th, and Thursday, the 8th of October, will be devoted to meetings of the delegates of the two Societies, to commence at nine o'clock. On each day the meeting will adjourn for refreshment precisely at three o'clock. In these meetings the Rev. Dr. Bennett will preside. Papers have been prepared for their consideration on the following important subects:-1. The home missionary duties of churches, and the best arrangements for their successful performance. 2. Hints for the improvement of the constitution and efficiency of associations. 3. The want of a greatly increased number of able ministers, in connexion with the Independent churches and with their British missions, and the best means of supplying that want. 4. The education of home missionaries. 5. The most effectual plans for supporting British missions in connexion with the Congregational Union. Any ministers, or brethren in church fellowship, will be welcomed as visitors at these meetings, though not delegated. On the Wednesday evening a sermon will be preached in the Tabernacle, by the Rev. WILLIAM JAY, of Bath; worship to commence at half-past six o'clock. On the Thursday evening, a public meeting, specially devoted to the Home Missionary object, will be held in Castle Green Chapel, the Rev. J. Jack's. EDWARD BAINES, Esq. M. P. for Leeds, will take the chair at half-past six o'clock.

On their arrival at Bristol, ministers must apply for cards of introduction to the friends by whom they will be entertained, to Mr. John Smith, hosier, 6, Wine-street, by whom they will also be furnished with printed copies of the documents prepared by the Committees for the consideration of the meetings of delegates. If any ministers intending to be present at Bristol, and desiring accommodation while there, have not yet apprised the Rev. J. Jack, 28, Kingsquare, of their intention, it is earnestly requested that they will do this immeliately.

The Committees engaged in preparation for these meetings ask the prayers of their brethren, that all the proceedings connected with them may be guided and crowned with the Divine blessing.

BRITISH MISSIONS, IN CONNEXION WITH THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

ENGLAND IRELAND-AND THE COLONIES.

The Committee of the Congregational Union are most anxious to call forth the efforts of the denomination for the religious interests of the British people. Three Institutions, the Home and Colonial Missionary Societies, and the Irish Evangelical Society, labouring respectively for three important divisions of the empire, have been placed in connexion with the Union, that its utmost influence may be employed on their behalf. They all greatly need pecuniary aid.

The several Committees of those Societies will urge their respective claims on the attention and liberality of the churches. The Committee of the Union will plead for them all.

It has done so. An Appeal on behalf of British Missions has been put forth by the Committee of the Union. It has been published by Jackson and Walford, 18, St. Paul's Church Yard, at five shillings per hundred for distribution. The Committee request their friends to give it a wide circulation.

The practical point in that address, is to propose a general collection in all the churches for British Missions, simultaneously, on the last Lord's-day in October. The Committee already know that many churches will so collect. Let this practice once be established, and become general, every pastor pleading with his own people for his own country once every year, and great results will follow.

British Missions are at this juncture the especial duty of the British churches. The animating letter that follows, will show with how cordial and devout a spirit this appeal has been received by one honoured brother. It is published to aid, as it is eminently adapted to do, in producing and extending the right spirt among our churches and pastors in reference to British Missions. What might not the Independent churches accomplish for England, for Ireland, and for the Colonies, were they and their ministers all imbued with the holy ardour and liberality breathed in this encouraging communication!

“Ashton-under-Lyne, Sept. 14th, 1840. "MY DEAR SIR,-Your faithful and affectionate appeal on behalf of 'British Missions,' has reached our hearts, and I am instructed by the church and cogregation of which I am pastor, to assure you of their cordial concurrence and support. After having read the letter myself, and imbibed, I trust, its spirit, I forwarded it to a number of my friends, who also felt and acknowledged its powerful and heart-stirring appeals. Sensible of the importance of the object. and alive, in some measure, to our obligations, we brought the matter before the church, and a resolution was unanimously passed, pledging an annual collection in the month of October, together with subscriptions and other contributions; the amount to be distributed in such proportions as may be judged best, for England, for Ireland, and the Colonies. The way is now open for you; a very lively interest is excited, and if you will only oblige us by sending a deputation, and that as soon as you please, I can promise a welcome reception and liberal contributions. I sincerely hope that the excellent letter addressed by Mr. Janes to the Directors of the respective Societies now happily associated with the Congregational Union, will be productive of the desired and the best results. They are, I trust, prepared for vigorous efforts; and while they adopt measures in harmony with the advancing intelligence and wants of the age, let them inva extensive co-operation, undertake bold enterprises, and provoke, by their own example, the whole denomination to love and good works. Let them appeal again and again to the churches throughout the length and the breadth of the land, and never suffer them to rest till they are pledged to the cause. Let them lead on, and others will follow. Cæsar in extending his conquests and triumphs, never said to his men, 'go,' but ‘come.' I would also take the liberty of suggesting to the Secretaries the importance of a still wider circulation of their most admirable letter, now printed in the form of a tract. There is some thing, if I mistake not, in that address, which cannot fail to tell on christian hearts, and prompt to decisive efforts. Be of good courage, my brother brightening prospects are open before you. I pray that you may advance and move triumphantly onward. God is disposing the hearts of his people to aid you, and that generously; and your great, good work will, I feel assured, by his blessing, go on and prosper.

"I remain, my dear Sir, your's most affectionately,
"J. SUTCLIFFE."

"To the Rev. Algernon Wells."

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