Page images
PDF
EPUB

strates, next in dignity to the bishops, and they are styled "Very Reverend." The other class are rural deans, whose office is to visit the several dioceses and report to the bishops.

5. ARCHDEACONS. There are sixty in England: they inspect districts of the several dioceses, and give various instructions for the repairs, &c., of churches. Their style of address is

"The Venerable."

6. RECTORS. These are priests, who, by law, have the spiritual care of parishes, possessing all the tithes and emoluments.

7. VICARS. These, also, are priests, having the charge of parishes, as sub. stitutes for those noblemen, or others, who legally claim the "great tithes :" they have allotted to them the "small tithes" on gardens, grass, &c., and surplice fees, for their support.

that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God," 2 Thess. ii. 37.

As to the past working of this episcopacy, the history of England and Scotland, especially under Henry VIII., Elizabeth, James I., Charles I., Charles II., and James II., gives most fearful details of cruel intolerance, unrelenting tyranny, and bloody persecution. “The glorious Revolution," however, under the Presbyterian king William III., and the "Act of Toleration," which that wise monarch insisted on having passed on his ascending the throne, shielded Dissenters from the barassing bigotry of the episcopacy. This shield has checked its pernicious operation, especially with the growing intelligence of the nation, and the power of public opinion with the advancement of scriptural knowledge; but even now its operation generates most of the bigotry, intolerance, and uncharitableness, that prevail in almost every parish through the nation, leading the priests of the Church of England generally, and many

8. CURATES. These are "priests," who assist the rectors and vicars, generally performing the chief, or the whole duties of the parishes, and are commonly paid miserable stipends. 9. DEACONS. These occupy the low-private persons, otherwise estimable, est or first order or rank of the clergy, preparatory to their being ordained priests in the Church of England.

with them, to look with scorn and contempt upon Dissenters from the hierarchy, however learned, pious, and honoured they may be, and many are such, as the faithful ministers of Christ.

There are, also, several other classes and stations of the clergy, which form the vast hierarchy of the existing Though God has graciously raised up "episcopacy of the Church of Eng- a considerable number of pious, evanland." But such is the manifest dis- gelical ministers in the Church of Enghonesty of the writer of that article, land, several of whom, by relatives at that he conceals almost every part of it. court, have been made bishops, the I leave you to compare it with pure working of its episcopacy prevents many Christianity as taught in the New Tes- conscientious persons from entering its tament, and then to answer your own ministry; while young men, destitute question, whether it is scriptural? To of piety, are brought up under it as to call this system "apostolical," seems a a genteel profession. How can it be a daring outrage upon Divine truth; for matter of wonder, while such zeal is it has nothing Christian in it but the manifested for its priestly orders and its names of bishop and deacon, which are episcopacy, that such numbers of its truly scriptural,-bishops being pastors clergy, even directly from the universiof congregations, and deacons the ma- ties, should become papists? They have nagers of the secular affairs of those little to change in the system, except churches, every other part of this form the queen, as head of the English hierof episcopacy being taken from that archy, for a supreme pontiff, as head of hateful imposition of Antichrist pre- the Romish hierarchy! The Government dicted by the inspired apostle as "the in England selects the dignitaries of the Man of Sin," "the Mystery of Iniquity," episcopacy chiefly for political purposes; "the Son of Perdition," "who opposeth and the inferior clergy obtain their and exalteth himself above all that is "church livings" by family interest, called God, or that is worshipped; so or by purchase, and very commonly at

The working of this part of "episco

PUBLIC AUCTION! This calls forth the malicious scorn of infidels, as "traffic-pacy" in the "Church" may be seen

from one example given in a petition to Parliament for the Abolition of Ecclesiastical Courts: "One suit in the bishop of Durham's court, in 1822, having exposed the defendant to ten weeks' imprisonment, and expenses in that and the courts of common law, which, together, amounted to £1,178 12s. 1d., for not paying an Easteroffering of tenpence!"

The Rev. David Simpson, after referring to the twenty-six bishops in his church, and their usual mode of enrich

ing in souls!" and episcopal clergymen in America reproach England for enduring this system, which they call more atrocious than their slave trade, which they say is only trading in bodies. Truth constrains me to write these things; yet it is with deep sorrow: and in proof of their correctness, and in illustration of what I have stated, I will give you the testimony of two eminent clergymen. The Rev. Mr. Scott, in his Commentary on Rev. xviii. 12, 13, on "the merchandise of the souls of men" by mystic Babylon, or popishing their families by means of "churchRome, denounces this iniquitous system in his own church, thus: "This commerce in the souls of men is the most infamous of all traffic that the demon of avarice ever devised; but by no means uncommon." And he adds, after referring to the African slave-trade, "Yet even this, cruel, unrighteous, and hateful as it is, must not be considered as the worst traffic, EVEN OF THIS OUR LAND; for the souls of men are traded for by those who take care of them, for the sake of the emolument, and the abundance of the delicacies obtained by it; and then either leave them to perish in ignorance, or poison them by heresy, or lead them on the road to hell by a profligate example. How fervently should we then pray, that God would raise up reformers, who may contend as firmly, perseveringly, and successfully, against this vile merchandise, as some honourable and philanthropic persons have against the accursed slave-trade!"

Another branch of this "Church episcopacy" works outrageously upon the nation, the " Spiritual Courts" The archbishops and bishops appoint the judges of them; and they, without a jury, as in the Queen's courts, determine all questions respecting the right of succession to personal property, the legality of marriages, the distribution of intestates' estates, and the truth or falsehood of religious opinions. The law still arms "archbishops, bishops, and others having ecclesiastical jurisdiction, with full power to punish, correct, and repress all manner of errors, heresies, sins, vices, hypocrisies, and superstitions."

livings" and other " 'preferments" in their gift, says, "These are all so many heads of the church, in a very strong sense of the words, the king or queen of the country being a kind of archhead. Moreover, the bishops of the Establishment are, contrary to all ancient usages, chosen by the civil power, the clergy and people over whom they are to preside not having the least negative upon their election. When they are chosen, too, they take their seats in the Upper House of Parliament, and act in most respects like unto the temporal lords. I will not say that this may not be good human policy, supposing the kingdom of Christ to be a merely worldly sovereignty; but it appears to me utterly inconsistent with the spirituality of our SAVIOUR's empire, and has had for many ages a most unhappy effect upon the interests of religion in the world. If the gospel of Christ gave encouragement to such a state of things as this, much as I now admire it, I would reject all its pretensions, as a Divine scheme, with indignation. I do not wonder that the world abounds with infidels and infidelity! What pity, however, men will not distinguish between the gospel itself and the additions which have been made to it by interested men! And then, as to the titles by which the heads of the Church are designated; they appear to carry the most indisputable marks of the antichristian apostacy. HIS GRACE THE MOST REVEREND FATHER IN GOD, WILLIAM, BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE, LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY! THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN

GOD, JOHN, BY DIVINE PERMISSION, LORD BISHOP OF LONDON! What is there in the titles of the pope of Rome that is more magnificent than the sound of these words? How unlike is all this to the spirit of the gospel and the character and conduct of the lowly Saviour of mankind! Matt. xi. 28-30; xxiii. 1-12."

I have never met with any Churchman that was satisfied with this hierarchy and "episcopacy;" few of them seem to understand it. From the time of my first learning its nature and claims I never could endure the enormity, the imposition of designing men,

and, therefore, I was compelled to become a Dissenter. Many clergymen, known to myself do now groan under their episcopacy: they endure it because, being established by law, they cannot alter it: many submit in silence; some, as I have shown you, grievously complain. I leave the whole to your serious consideration; and praying that you may be guided by the Holy Spirit, according to the Scriptures, into all the truth, and after a life of holiness on earth, in joy and usefulness, you may inherit eternal glory, through Jesus Christ,-I remain, your affectionate father, Ꮎ.

The Fragment Basket.

[blocks in formation]

THE TRUTH IN JESUS.-I love the tract cause, because, without sacrificing one distinctive principle, it is the truth, "the truth in Jesus," without the encumbering influence of a given form, or the repelling aspect of one we do not prefer. Who can tell of the numerous hands, hearts, and heads that wrote the contents of these volumes, what was their name, save disciples of Christ? The conflict they create is between the conscience of the reader and the power of truth; and this is the effect they aimed at. What they effect,

they effect noiselessly; yet before their penetrating, melting, refining influence the power of iniquity is broken and disappears as the bands of winter are dissolved before the breath of spring; and here is the "hiding of their power."J. Romeyn.

BEWARE OF THE FIRST CROWN.—A professed gambler, who has retired from a life of dissipation, warns us to "beware of the first crown." The moment you win you are lost-ruin is the final issue-you cannot compete with gamblers who understand their business, and you must be ruined. We wish those who visit the houses of gamblers, would remember that caution before they begin to play; before they taste the drugged wine cup, before excitement overpowers the reason, before their doom is fixed.

SECRET PRAYER.-The Christian's secret intercourse with God will make itself manifest to the world. We may not see the husbandman cast the seed into the ground, yet when the corn grows and ripens we know that it was sown. The mere professor, who may be found everywhere but in his secret chamber, may think that with care he shall pass for a good Christian; but he mistakes, for the spirit WILL discover itself, of what sort it is. He who would walk safely and honourably, must walk closely with God in secret.—Cecil.

Poetry.

THE NAME OF JESUS.

HAIL! glorious name, which he the God-man bore
While erst on earth he dwelt in power and might,
And, (contrast strange !) the garb of lowness wore;
He, God, Creator, Lord of life and light,
The Sun which rose to radiate the night
Of moral darkness, never to descend
Till time shall be no more: the flight

Of rolling years will but new lustre lend

To that most holy name at which mankind shall bend.
Transcendent and incomparable name!
Theme for angelic song in that high sphere
Where love divine is kindled into flame

In seraph breast! let worlds and systems hear,
And, rolling in their Heaven-ordain'd career,
Tune forth sweet music at the joyful sound4
To angels wonderful! to men how dear!
Oh, can there one of all the race be found
Whose heart impassion'd, doth not at that name rebound.
All-powerful name! the grave resisted not,
But gave up its possession at the sound,
And death and sickness were alike forgot;
The heart that knew but sorrow did rebound,
And for the griefs of mortals joy was found;
The blind, who lived in night profound, did see;
The lame, who walk'd not, lightly trod the ground:
At thy command and name all ills did flee,

Thou who didst come to time from thy eternity!

Exalted name! which towers o'er each and all
The names they magnify on earth, all hail!
Kings, rulers, statesmen, conquerors, poets fall,
And men perchance pour forth a transient wail;
But thou shalt live, and o'er thy foes prevail,
Till time and all its evils cease to be.
And when thy impious foes no more assail,
Thy ransom'd flock thy glorious face shall see,
And shout and sing thy praise throughout eternity!

The Children's Gallery.

THE BLIND BOY. A LITTLE blind boy was asked what forgiveness was. He replied, "It is the odour that flowers breathe when trampled upon." Did not this sweet youth, to whom the world was dark, who could never more see the pleasant light of the sun, give the true idea of forgiveness? It is not difficult to feel kindly toward those that love you and confer favours upon you. But to have a store of good wishes and kind deeds for those that abuse and treat you ill-to

S. H. M'K.

be like the cinnamon-tree, that sheds a sweet perfume around the axe-man that wounds it, this is hard! But it is what the meek and lowly Jesus did, and what his true children do. Here, then, little folks, is a test to know if you love Christ "If ye love them" only "that love you what thank have ye ?" How do you feel when your playmates treat you ill? Can you return good for evil? Can you pray for those that injure you? If so, you are "the children of your Father which is in

heaven, who maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good." Remember, Now, that one way to manifest the spirit of forgiveness is by kind words. A missionary in Jamaica was questioning the little black boys on Matt. v., and asked, "Who are the meek?" A boy answered, "Those who give soft answers to rough questions." This accords with what Solomon says, "A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger."

"Then deem it not an idle thing

A pleasant word to speak;

The face you wear, the thoughts you bring, A heart may heal or break."

THINGS SMALL AND THINGS
ᏀᎡᎬᎪᎢ .

BY MRS. ANNA BACHE.

"MOTHER," said little Harriet, "I wish I was grown up, and very rich."

"As times go," said her mother smiling, "I think you are pretty well off as you are. Don't you think so?"

"Oh yes, mother, I know that I am very well off indeed. It was not of myself I was thinking."

"What were you thinking of, then?" "Why, ma, I was thinking that in almost every book I read there is something said about being useful; and I often hear you and father say that there is no plea sure like that of doing good. Now I should like to be able to do good and to be useful."

"You did good yesterday, when you saved your grapes and carried them to Sarah Thomson's sick child: and you are useful to me now while you are stitching that wristband."

"Yes, ma; but these are such little things."

[ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

"Pour in more water, Harriet."

"I can't ma; it will run all over the table cover."

"Why can't you pour all the water that is in the pitcher into the tumbler?"

"Because the tumbler is less than the pitcher, mother, and won't hold so much." "Is it any fault of the tumbler that it won't hold so much as the pitcher holds?" "No, ina, be sure not," replied Harriet laughing. "It was not made to hold as much. It is holding as much as ever it can."

"As the tumbler holds water according to its capacity, do good according to yours, Harriet, and your works will be acceptable to your heavenly Father, and useful to your fellow-creatures. Bring me your little Bible."

Harriet brought the Bible. Her mother opened it at the 41st verse of the 12th chapter of St. Mark, and read these words:

"And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury; and many that were rich cast in much.

"And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

"And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in than all they which have cast into the treasury.

"For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

"You see, Harriet," said Mrs. Butler, closing the Bible, "that it was not the amount of the gift, but the spirit in which it was given, that made the widow's mite a valuable offering."

"Yes, mother; but still I should like to be able to do great things, and give a great deal of money. I should like to pay for building a chapel or an hospital. I should like to go for a missionary to the heathen."

"Well, Harriet, I am glad to be able to tell you that it rests with yourself to begin to do what you wish as soon as you please."

"Mother!" exclaimed Harriet in astonishment.

"Listen to me, my child," said Mrs. Butler, taking Harriet's hand in hers. "God has put these wishes into your young heart. He has planted a good seed: it must be your work to nourish it, that it may grow and thrive and bring forth fruit. If you really wish to devote yourself to the service of God and your fellow-creatures, every day will give you an opportunity, perhaps more than one, of acting upon that wish."

"How, dear mother?"

[ocr errors]

"By acting out in little things the spirit that makes you wish to do great

ones."

CHINESE WORSHIP.

THE Chinese worship the spirits of their ancestors, on the occasion of a festival, called "the feast of tombs." They suppose that spirits in the eternal world eat, drink, and sleep, and need money, as we do in this life. Large supplies of food are

« PreviousContinue »