catechism, which maintains a guarded silence with respect to that impor tant and essential doctrine. In 1805, the Company of Pastors introduced into the churches of Geneva, a new version of the Bible; in the publication of which they not only omitted the confession of faith of the reformed churches of France and Geneva, which had been prefixed to all their former Bibles, but made also many very important alterations in the translation itself; particularly in parts relating to the Divinity of Christ, to original sin, and to the personality and offices of the Holy Ghost. This version is still used in their churches. These acts were followed by a rule passed so recently as May 3, 1817, by which all candidates for holy orders are required solemnly to promise, that they will abstain from preaching in the churches of the canton of Geneva, on the following subjects:-On the manner in which the Divine nature is united to the person of Jesus Christ; on original sin; on the manner in which grace operates, or on efficacious grace; or on predestination. This rule has been already twice acted upon, a candidate has been refused ordination, and a minister prohibited from preaching, for objecting to subscribe to it. Now though the mere circumstance of a limitation on the public, and perhaps intemperate, discussion of some of the points just alluded to, might have been conceived to have sprung from other causes than systematic heterodoxy in the majority of the Company of Pastors, yet the whole of the circumstances taken together can leave no doubt on the mind, that the church of Geneva has essentially departed from the orthodoxy of its predecessors. Indeed, in point of fact, it is credibly stated, that of the twenty-five persons who constitute the "Company of Pastors," only five hold the orthodox faith; while all the remainder unite in opposing it. The important consequences likely to arise from this circumstance may be inferred from the consideration, that Geneva is a university in which young men from various parts of Europe, and particularly from the reformed church of France, are educated in theology; and that the professors are chiefly, if not exclusively, selected from the Company of Pastors. Far the greater part of the students have imbibed the doctrines of their instructors; and by them the evil, it is to be feared, will be extensively diffused. The origin of this unhappy revolution of opinion may be traced to Rousseau, whose mischievous writings, while they excited in no ordinary degree the alternate praises and execrations of Europe at large, could searcely fail to produce a powerful effect on his immediate fellow citizens. Independently of other causes, a sort of perverted patriotic pride would naturally conduce to this result; though as Calvin was a great man also, his authoritative name and celebrity would doubtless tend to check the progress of the infidel opinions, or of those more plausible heterodoxies which are the half-way house to them. consequence is, that the Genevese clergy are halting between Calvin VOL. XLI. February, 1818. * T * The and Rousseau; and, by the inconsistency of their real and professed creed, have exposed themselves to the attacks of several writers, who have been lately engaged in a controversy which has arisen in conse quence of the ordinance already mentioned. The attack on the pastors is said to have been commenced by a young Genevese minister, who had attended some of Madame Krudener's religious meetings. His letter gave rise to the ordinance prohibiting the discussion of the topics just enumerated. Among other persons, a Scotch gentleman, who happened to be at Geneva, took up the cause of the young minister, and published several tracts explanatory of the Calvinistic opinions. Another Scotch gentleman has since addressed a letter to the pastors, accusing them of having deviated from the laws of their own church; on account of which communication they endeavoured, but as yet in vain, to procure his expulsion from the territory. This gentleman is now happily employed in superintending a faithful edition of the Scriptures, in opposition to that of the pastors, which has been already mentioned as mutilated and incorrect in many leading pas sages. In hopes that the publication of these statements may not be useless, either to the parties immediately concerned, or to the Christian world at large, they are tendered for insertion. The spectacle of a once pure and spiritual church denying some of the leading doctrines on which the salvation of mankind depends, is at once a painful and a monitory spectacle. It is not yet too late for many of the leading iudividuals concerned in so unhappy a change to "repent and do their first works," and return "to the Lord that bought them." May this be their happy lot! At all events, their sad example will not be lost upon the members of our own Scriptural Establishment, if it more forcibly remind us to guard against the first recurrence of worldly temptation and philosophical pride; if it shew us how fatally easy it is to blend a highly spiritual and orthodox creed with an unrenewed heart, ready to swerve at the first evil suggestion; if it make us individually walk more humbly with our God; if it excite us to new activity and perseverance in our efforts for instructing the ignorant, confirming the wavering, and sending to all parts of the Christian as well as the heathen world, that blessed volume which is the surest guide to a rising church, and the best preservative for a falling one. A CONSTANT READER. To the Editor of the Methodist Magazine. Inclosed I take the liberty of handing you a copy of the Imperial Ukase, issued by the Emperor Alexander of Russia (published in The Times of this day) which, from the spirit of genuine piety it breathes, renders it worthy the perusal and imitation of every reader of your valuable publication, and affords an additional proof of the experimental operation of true religion in the heart of that illustrious personage. It is, indeed, impossible to anticipate the benefit which the world at large may be led to expect as the result of such an example in so exalted a sphere of action, especially when placed in contrast with that of him whose destruction was the consequence of an opposite line of conduct. (Acts xii. 23.) If in your estimation it should be deemed worthy of insertion it will gratify your's respectfully, Mile End Road, 19th Dec. 1817. RICHARD FIELD. (From the Times of Dec. 19, 1817.) ALEXANDER OF RUSSIA.-UK ASE. Addressed to the Legislative Synod of Moscow, by Alexander, Emperor of Russia. "Moscow, 27th Oct. 1817. "During my late travels through the provinces I was obliged, to my no small regret, to listen to speeches pronounced by certain of the clergy, in different parts, which contained unbecoming praises of me, praises which can only be ascribed unto God; and as I am convinced, in the depth of my heart, of the Christian truth, that every blessing floweth unto us through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ alone, and that every man, be he who he may, without Christ, is full only of evil; therefore, to ascribe unto me the glory of deeds in which the hand of God hath been so evidently manifested before the whole world, is to give unto men that glory which belongeth unto Almighty God alone; I account it my duty, therefore, to forbid all such unbecoming expressions of praise; and recommend to the holy Synod, to give instructions to all the diocesan Bishops, that they themselves, and the clergy under them, may, on similar occasions, in future refrain from all such expressions of praise, so disagreeable to my ears; and that they may render unto the Lord of Hosts alone, thanksgivings for the blessings bestowed upon us, and pray for the outpouring of his grace upon all of us, conforming themselves in this matter to the words of Sacred Writ, which requires us to render to the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God, honour and glory, for ever and ever. (Signed) "ALEXANDER." ANECDOTE RELATIVE TO BISHOP WATSON'S The following letter, extracted from Memoirs of the late Bishop' Watson, written by himself, was addressed to him, and furnishes an anecdote which, both from the subject of it, snd the quarter from whence it was communicated to the Bishop, will be gratifying to our readers. MY LORD, Carlton House, May 4th, 1812. It affords me the greatest satisfaction to have it in command from the Prince Regent to make known to your Lordship, a circumstance which he is sure will, on every account, afford your Lordship equal. gratification to that which he has himself experienced from it. After dinner, yesterday, at Carlton House, the conversation turned upon the general immorality and profligacy of the present day, when principles and opinions subversive of all religion and morality, were not only the remainder of his life, but to have attended upon him with the fidelity and affection of a brother. One of the first inquiries proposed by Mr. Sugden was, "Is your soul happy in God?" The reply was, "Very happy, thank God! He cannot err. It is the Lord, let him do as seemeth him good." At another time, being asked, "Do you find Christ precious?" He replied, "Yes, very precious! My trust is in him. My plea is his blood. I have a hope beyond the grave." On Sunday, the 2d of Nov. Mr. Sugden said, "Silent Sabbaths are painful to one whose delight is to call sinners to repentance." He answered, "They are, but it is the Lord, and he cannot do wrong. Have you had a good time this evening?" Upon being answered in the affirmative, he said, "Praise God for that, he is good." On Wednesday, Mr. Sugden, being desired by Mr. Jackson to read and pray, read the 14th of John. He said, "That is fine;" and during prayer was much affected. Mr. S. then read the 23d Psalm: Mr. Jackson praised God as his Shepherd, and for the support he afforded him in his affliction. On Friday he said, his soul was happy in God, and while speaking of his goodness and mercy, lie said, "Above the rest this note shall swell, My Jesus hath done all things well." On Saturday morning he was very ill, After he had been washed, and his bed made easy, Mr. Sugden said, "Perhaps you will get a little rest." He answered, "There is no more rest for me here. I shall find rest to my soul." In the afternoon, wheu in extreme agony of pain, he cried aloud, " Glory! glory! glory to him." His faithful attendant observed to him, " Dying is hard work, but the Lord has promised support." He said, "Praise the Lord for that;" and after some time exclaimed, "I shall soon be at home." These words he frequently repeated, till about half past one o'clock on Sabbath morning, he entered into the joy of his Lord. Our people are usually very kind to their preachers, and very careful as to the state of the beds in which they put them to sleep. This, however, is not always the case, and, as far as my information is correct, it appears the disease by which our brother was so early removed, originated in his sleeping in a damp bed, and was accelerated in its progress and fatal termination, by his getting very wet in attempting to ford a river, excessive fatigue in walking, late studies, and long and loud preaching. Aberdeen, Nov. 1817. V. WARD. 1 DIED, in Farndale, near Kirbymoorside, Yorkshire, July 24th, 1817, John ClayTON; who had been an indefatigable local preacher and class-leader, nearly 19 years. As a Christian, he was a man of much prayer and genuine devotedness to his God. As a preacher, his sermons were scriptural, and well calculated to profit his hearers. In June, 1812, a considerable revival of religion broke out in Bransdale, (a part of the Malton circuit,) which may be principally attributed to his faithful labours there; so that the society in that place, of which our venerable friend was the principal leader, was considerably more than doubled. The revival did not stop here, it soon reached Farndale, the place where our friend lived, and where he had long laboured, by all the means in his power, for the salvation of his neighbours; an evangelical change took place in many hearts, a society was formed, and Farndale was taken into the Pickering circuit. Thus our friend lived to see his labours (in conjunction with those of his brethren) crowned with abundant success at home, as well as in other places. Let us hasten to the period of his dissolution. During the last half year of his life, his mortal frame gradually mouldered down to the grave; and his spirit seemed fully ripe for glory. He desired his friends to sing, after his decease, that hymn, which begins thus, "Tisfinished, 'tis done!" as expressive of his glorious triumph over death. A little before he died, he said to a niece cf his, who asked him the state of his mind, "I feel a firm confidence in, and steadfast reliance on, the mercy of God in Christ." She observed to him, "Dear uncle, this is what you have been endeavouring to live for a great number of years." He immediately exclaimed, with a heavenly smile on his countenance, "It is what I have long wished for, it is what I have long desired." Thus died J. Clayton, a man almost universally beloved. Appropriate sermons were preached, on the occasion of his death, by Messrs. Parkin and Anderson. A CONSTANTt Reader. 66 To the Editor of the Methodist Magazine' OBSERVING in your Obituary a list of pious worthies; I have felt it my painful, yet pleasing duty, to add to their num ber an old disciple. Hoping at some foture period to give an epitome of his life, I remain, your affectionate son in the gospel, JOHN WATERHOUSE. Reading, Dec. 24, 1817. THOS. DOBSON, Esq. was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth in early life; he joined the Methodist Society in the year 1750; subsequent to which period he manifested an unvaried attach-. ment to the doctrine and discipline of that society. Ile was a man of a strong mind and sound judgment. His piety was scriptu-, ral, deep, and constant; his manners courteous, affable, and unaffected; his conduct uniform, regular, and exemplary. After being a member of the Methodist Society sixty-seven years, he slept in Jesus, Dec. 23, 1817, in the 86th year of his age. May my last end be like his J. W. The grace of God manifested in the conversion and happy death of E. M. SHARPE, Esg. late of Elstow, near Bedford. the THE subject of these few lines, was of John Macartha Sharpe, Esq. Solicitor-General of Grenada, in the West-ladies, and grandson of the late Sir Gillies Payne, Bart. of Tempsford Hall, in Bedfordshire. He was born the 7th of Oct. 1791, and died 24th of March, 1816. his own mind was so wounded with conviction that he was never happy. On the 18th of September, 1813, Mr. Sharpe was married to Miss Eliza Moore, daughter of the Rev. Dr Moore, rector of Thurleigh, in Bedfordshire, and chaplain to his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence. For which union there is good ground for concluding both parties will praise God to eternity. On October 11, 1815, Mr. Sharpe was seized with the sickness which finished his earthly course. To the credit of the medical gentleman who attended him during the painful scene through which he passed, he was not backward to say, there was no hope of his patient's recovery. With this declaration, his tender and affectionate mother was thunderstruck! Feeling probation herself, she was deeply interestthe incomparable value of the Divine aped for the eternal welfare of her beloved son. From this she was led to say to him, grave ?" to which he replied, with much "Edward, have you any hope beyond the anguish, "I have none." This was a dagger to the heart of his afflicted by the preacher and other friends; to parent. From this period he was visited them he complained of hardness of heart, against light and knowledge for many and deeply deplored having sinned years. He was sorely harassed by the enemy of his soul. But when in this At an early period in life, when only a child, he was powerfully wrought upon by God's Holy Spirit. When only 11 years of age he was deeply convinced of , read the Scriptures with more than ordinary understanding for his years, by which he was confirmed in the truth of Divine revelation. But, like too many, be rested in these awakenings without making any farther advances; which he sorely lamented on his death-bed; when he was aware that he was fast hastening ato another world, and just going to stand at the tribunal of God. He was always frank to own his state of mind, and ever evinced a readiness to acknowedge his faults. His temper was irritable, and he was sometimes overcome with anger, which caused him the most pungent grief. His attendance at the Methodist chapel, his zeal in never suffering the cause of God to be traduced in his presence, without bearing testimony with firmness in support of it, arose from a consciousness that God required these things of him, though at the same time Bedford, Nov. 14, 1817. bitter agony, he said he would not murvouring by faith to behold a crucified mur against God. And while endeaRedeemer, God manifested himself to his soul in an extraordinary manner, and gave peace to his troubled heart. From this period his mind appeared to be entirely changed. This was noticed by all about him. His medical attendant signified that it was a pleasure to visit him; and a lady present said, "He had heaven in his countenance." He said, he loved God with all his heart, rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and advised all present to prepare to meet God. In this happy frame he continued till he breathed his last, and resigned himself into the hands of the Lord Jesus. MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. ASIA. BOMBAY. Ir would be as gratifying to myself as J. SMITH. to our friends and supporters at home, to conversions, and the prosperity of the send large and particular accounts of work of God in this part of the world; but though very little appears to have been done as yet, still there is no reason |