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his own pen, standing before this advertisement in one of the streets of Plymouth, and chiselling underneath, of it, and of the system which allows it,-THIS IS INFAMY! How strange were any one to come across and offer to him a crowquill! DEVONIAN.

Plymouth, March 19, 1846.

CONFIRMATION.

To the Bishop of London.

MY LORD, When, during the past week, you administered what is termed "the rite of confirmation" at a church near to which I reside, you cautioned those on whom you were about to lay your hands against reading any publications the sentiments of which were opposed to the tenets of your church, or entering into discussion with any persons whose views did not accord with the same. But, my lord, if the Church of England be that true church which is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone," it must be too stable to be injured by all the assaults of men, and it is declared that the gates of hell itself shall not prevail against that church; and the most ample discussion would only tend to confirm the purity of its doctrines and the propriety of its ordin

ances.

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Were your lordship fully convinced that "your church" was based upon this solid foundation, you surely would not fear for the safety of the superstructure; but does not your caution imply fear? "As iron sharpeneth iron, so discussion imparts activity to thought and energy to mind. It is upon stagnant waters that scum and filth accumulate, rendering them not merely useless, but injurious let a stream roll through these waters, and they are purified. And if we could obtain a fair and free discussion of every subject within the legitimate sphere of human inquiry, how much error and superstition (the scum and filth of the mind) would be removed. Truth, my lord, will bear the closest investigation; courts the severest scrutiny; looks most beautiful when exposed to the brightest light; gains some of her fairest laurels in the field of controversy; and gazes with dauntless front upon a host of foes. Error, on the contrary, (born in darkness, and conscious of deformity,) shrinks from examination; dreads exposure to the light; shuns the scene of honourable conflict; and trembles in the

presence of her enemies, unless sustained by human power; then she can be bold, and act the tyrant too. As your lordship is said to be a successor of the apostles, it must be supposed that you are well acquainted with their writings. You will of course remember that one of them, in addressing the Thessalonians, desired them to "prove all things." Proof implies examination; examination the exercise of thought and judgment; these induce a state of mind which enables a man to arrive at something like a satisfactory conclusion respecting the questions at issue. This the apostle knew, and he also knew that a heavenly system would bear the severest test of man; consequently he applauded the Bereans for comparing the doctrines which he (an inspired apostle) taught with the truths of Scripture. Had your lordship, whilst cautioning your hearers against the statements of some men, directed them to compare the doctrines and forms of " your church" with the pages of inspiration, I would not have taken up my pen on this occasion; but as your lordship was prudently silent on that point, I feel compelled to raise my voice (feeble though it be) against the priestly notion, inculcated upon the minds of large masses of the population, that all is gospel which the Church of England teaches. And, my lord, I cannot understand, what benefit, you, and your united brethren, do, or can confer upon those who "go to be confirmed." At their baptism, they were declared "to be regenerated;" to be "made members of Christ; children of God; and inheritors of the kingdom of heaven." Now, if these inestimable blessings were really bestowed on that occasion, blessings, by which they would be fitted for, and entitled to all the privileges of the Christian church, it does not appear to me that all the bishops united, could impart any additional good. And, why these individuals require the laying on of a prelate's hand, to "certify them of God's favour, and gracious goodness towards them," is something akin to the marvellous. That assurance they must have possessed, if they believed in the baptismal service; a service so positive in its statements, that it is more to be mourned over than wondered at, that so many souls are deluded thereby. Who, my lord, will be responsible for this delusion at a future day? "It is required of those who would be confirmed, that they be able to repeat the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer,

the Apostles' Creed, and the Church
Catechism," a modicum of knowledge, to
gain so large an amount of supposed
good. It is of course important that
all should be well acquainted with the
Decalogue, because it came direct from
heaven, and because its requirements
are so admirably adapted to the social
circumstances of man, whilst it urges
the pre-eminent claims of God. The
"Lord's Prayer" too, deserves our high-
est regard, because taught by him who
spake as never man spake. But, why a
knowledge of "the Apostles' Creed"
should be deemed equally important, it
is not easy to divine. Oblivion has
thrown its dark mantle over the period
when, and the person by whom, it was
written; one thing is almost certain, and
that is, that it was as little known to the
Apostles as to the Antediluvians.
to the Church Catechism, since it has
neither the impress of divinity, nor any
claim to apostolical sanction, it is doubt-

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less to be learned merely to exercise the memory. I would suggest, that something more instructive might be taught for that purpose. And now, my lord, can you, do you, really believe, that these Confirmation services have any tendency to promote the glory of God? Does your observation convince you that they are beneficial to man? Does the deportment, and style of dress, of many of those who kneel before you, prove that they have "renounced the pomps and vanities of this wicked world?" Does conscience never whisper that there may, that there must be, something wrong in a system so encumbered with forms and ceremonies,-a system so unlike "Heaven's easy, artless, unencumbered plan, "that he who runs" may mark

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the difference?

I am, my lord,

Yours, with all due respect,
A NONCONFORMIST.

London, May 8, 1846.

THE CHRISTIAN WITNESS.

TO ADVERTISERS.

THE guaranteed Monthly Sale of the CHRISTIAN WITNESS being upwards of Thirty Thousand Copies, diffused throughout the three kingdoms, renders it incomparably the most advantageous medium for Advertisements of Books, Schools, Sales of Property, Charitable Institutions, Apprentices, Servants, or Situations Wanted, and General Business.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE VERY LOW SCALE OF CHARGES:

Five lines and under, 8s. 6d. ; and Two Shillings a line beyond. Bills of two leaves stitched in, Five Pounds; four leaves and upwards, Five Pounds Ten Shillings.

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N.B.-All Advertisements and matters relating to business to be sent to the Publisher. All Communications, Books, &c., for the Editor, to be addressed, post-paid, to him at the Publisher's.

LONDON, AUGUST 1, 1846.

THE WORLD'S CONVENTION.

THE long-looked-for Convention is now at hand, and its sittings will commence on Tuesday, August 4. Its objects, as set forth by the Committee, are; first, to ascertain the state of the Temperance cause in all parts of the globe; secondly, to receive suggestions as to the most effectual methods of extending the Temperance Reformation; and thirdly, to effect the formation of a Temperance Union throughout the world. The resolutions for conducting the business of the Convention strike us as admirably adapted to the occasion. One feature of this Convention deserves particular notice, and distinguishes it from most other conventions that

VOL. III.

we remember. It is not to end with mere private discussion amidst the delegated body. On the evening of each day during the sittings, meetings are to be held in various parts of the metropolis for the advocacy of the general object; and on Friday, August 7, a grand demonstration is to take place in Covent Garden Theatre, which has been expressly engaged for the occasion. No money qualification for delegates is to be insisted on; but as the expenses of this great measure, carried out efficiently, must necessarily be heavy, it is expected that all bodies sending delegates will contribute to the Convention the sum of at least one guinea. Such are the facts of the case, which we earnestly commend to the attention of our readers. The event is one of great

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moral magnitude, and does the highest credit to those with whom the idea originated. It is full of the deepest interest to the patriot and the philanthropist, and to him who is both and something more-the enlightened Christian. We see from the American Union Temperance Journal, that the editor of that invaluable publication, and a number of the principal Temperance-men of the United States, are to attend the Convention; and among the rest, the celebrated advocate, John Gough,-of whom an account is given in another part of this Number; also some of the most eminent ministers of various denominations. The presence of those gentlemen in our metropolis is an event which cannot but be viewed with interest by men of all sects and parties amongst us. From the communication we have received, we observe that arrangements are being made for sermons by the American brethren on the sabbaths preceding and following the sittings of the Convention-a measure which we most highly approve, and we cannot but express a hope that in all our principal metropolitan chapels facilities will be afforded for that important object, even where the authorities may not have seen their way clear to identify themselves with the Temperance movement. There are few amongst us who will hesitate to bid it God-speed, and none who will refuse to the descendants of the Pilgrims a hearty welcome to their father-land. As a matter of speculation, did space permit, the subject is exceedingly tempting; but we must desist. We shall endeavour to give an ample view of the whole proceedings in our next Number.

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any other portion of the church of Christ in Britain; nay, than all the other portions united, Need we point to Dr. Hoppus' great work on Schism," to which nothing even approaching to justice has yet been done? or to Dr. Harris' "Divided Church made One," a production worthy of its parentage, and more need not be said? or to "The Christian Church considered in relation to Unity and Schism," by the author of "Hours of Thought," which, with all the works of M'Combie, deserves to be much better known in England? Coming down to smaller yet meritorious productions, pages would be necessary to indicate the mere titles of publications on Union by Independent pastors issued within a year or two. From these in our present number we have given valuable selections, together with a highly important paper adopted by the Scottish churches, and the admired disquisition of Dr. Cox, from the Eclectic Review. In addition to these we have set forth the gems of the conference on Christian Union held at Liverpool. Concerning the whole of these pieces and fragments we may state, that, without pledging ourselves to every sentiment, they have throughout, with. very small deduction, our entire concurrence; and few things in our official career have yielded us a larger measure of solid satisfaction than the simultaneous publication of such a mass of precious matter, on one of the most momentous subjects of inspira tion. Concerning the Alliance itself we have freely spoken our opinions,-opinions not hastily formed, but weighed with the deliberation and solemnity due to the subject and the circumstances.

CHRISTIAN UNION.

THE world's convention will be immediately succeeded by another event, to which we also invite the attention of our readers. Properly managed, this assembly may prove one of great importance to the interests of religion throughout the whole world. We have reserved ourselves till the present month, as being the proper time for standing forth to offer our contribution in advancement of the great object, and instead of a series of nibblings at the question for a number of months preceding, we have brought our materials to bear upon the whole subject at once; so that the present may emphatically be designated "The Union Number." It is a fact that the Independents, apparently the most divisive of all bodies, are in advance of all, in their love and pursuit of union. It is a fact beyond contradiction, that on this subject they have written more, and written better, than

DR. CHALMERS ON THE ALLIANCE. SINCE the completion of our articles on the "Alliance," we have received a pamphlet issued by Dr. Chalmers, on "its design, its difficulties, its proceedings, and its prospects, with practical suggestions;" and as time is a great point in such a matter, we cannot allow this month to pass without bringing it before the notice of our readers. Dr. Chalmers takes exception to the term "Evangelical," and says, "Let them but attempt to define the name which they have assumed, and the single word 'Evangelical' might prove a Pandora's box, that shall break up whole enterprise." For this he would substitute the term "Protestant," as both definite and safe. This being rectified, he would go at once to work in repelling Popery; but first he would renounce all creeds as the basis of the Associa tion. On this delicate matter he speaks as follows:

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There is "now a pretty general conviction, that no basis of union in the form of so many articles of faith should have been proposed at the outset of this enterprise. This is a complete inversion of the right order-causing the first and the final to change places-of a process which should not begin thus, but will perhaps end thus."-"We would have no articles of agreement save one, or at most two-the first, a willingness to co-operate in all such present measures as themselves might deem advisable for defending a purely scriptural religion against the inroads of Popery; and, secondly, a willingness to co-operate in all such prospective measures-for most of these measures still lie in dim and uncertain futurity before us-as themselves shall afterwards deem advisable, for perfecting and making palpable to the world that union which ought to subsist among true Christians of all denominations."-"Whoever they may be that are admitted, it implies no recognition on our part either of their theological or ecclesiastical systems-no recognition even of their Christianity. I would state our terms of admittance in no other way than by simply proclaiming the objects of our alliance."

On this ground the worthy Doctor is not a little vexed at the resolution come to at Birmingham, not to "invite American slaveholders." Let us hear him:

"By this resolution, then, we have thrown away a glorious opportunity of holding converse with ministers who might otherwise have come to us from that tainted region. Theirs is the most fitting question for a special committee that can well be imagined, where those strangers whom we have unfortunately debarred would have been in the best possible circumstances for being inoculated with British feeling, and for receiving the benefit of all those suggestions which Christian wisdom might have offered for their guidance in the truly difficult position where Providence has fixed them. It seems to us as if an opening to a great achievement of Christian usefulness had been closed by this resolution-an evil that can scarcely be repaired by the correspondence proposed to be held with Christian brethren in different parts of the world, especially with those who may be engaged amidst peculiar difficulties and opposition in the cause of the gospel. We should have greatly preferred the actual presence of these men, and to have held oral converse with them, rather than distant letter-writing. The Alliance, we hope, will, by their open protest both against Popery and Puseyism, hold their face as a flint against the most powerful of this world's hierarchies. But let independence have its perfect work. There is a party of injudicious Abolitionists in America who have greatly distempered and retarded the cause of emancipation; and let us not give way to the fanatic outcry that they are attempting to excite throughout the misled and deluded multitudes of our own land."

Everything being settled as to name and terms, the Doctor would have the Alliance go to work. In the good old style he pours himself along as follows:

"Have we not at this moment an insidious

and advancing Popery to fight against, ard this in various ways and on various walks of exertion ?-through the medium of the press; through the medium of our pulpits; through the medium of parliament; through the medium of those constituencies by which either the present parliament might be controlled, or future and more Christian parliaments might be formed. Is there no probability of introducing there a thoroughly devoted, even though it should be a very small body of patriots in the highest sense of the term, and fixed upon, not on any principle of secular politics, but because prepared on every fitting occasion to lift their Christian testimony, and to take the Christian side on every question which involved in it a Christian principle. They might not be formidable in numbers; but in moral weight, if but consistent, and united, and rational, and calmly resolute withal, they might, like the little party of Wilberforce, attain to high authority both in and out of parliament. Nor would they suffer from the analogy between the specific objects of their noble and virtuous endeavours-the one to abolish the slavery of persons all over the earth, and the other to abolish the slavery of minds, then by waging war against the cruelty of unprincipled and unfeeling avarice; and now by waging war against the cruelty, no less hideous or revolting, of a most tyrannical and debasing superstition. A testimony ever and anon in the high court of parliament, against Jesuitism in all its forms, whether of naked Popery, or of Popery under the garb of Protestantism, and under the Puseyite modification of it, such a testimony given forth in high places, and re-echoed to by the public conscience from every quarter of the land, would operate with most wholesome effect in reviving and keeping vigilantly awake the spirit both of religion and liberty in our nation. It will indeed be wretched, if either at the next or future meetings of the Alliance, the attention of so many zealous and enlightened men shall be diverted from this potent and most productive walk of immediate usefulness, because, otherwise employed in what at present is wholly out of place in settling the articles of their union, they, although most obviously one in spirit, cannot be brought to agree in what might well be termed the scholastics of theology."

"The misled and deluded multitudes" of England and Scotland will probably retain their own ideas of American slavery, notwithstanding the exasperation of the worthy Professor. Our more discerning readers will, if we mistake not, think that the path pointed out by Dr. Chalmers is even a nearer way to the end than that which the projectors are now pursuing. The following is his own summary of the whole :

"With all deference, then, to the collective mind and wisdom of the Alliance, we would submit for their adoption the two following suggestions:-1. That whether they assume or not the title of the Protestant Alliance, they shall in effect become one, and take instant measures of inquiry and defence against the inroads of Popery in all its forms. 2. That without attempting any organization of their owa for

missionary work, they shall strongly recommend this work to all ministers and members within the circle of their influence, so as that local efforts might be commenced and kept up everywhere for the Christian good of the families in their respective neighbourhoods; and that a committee shall be formed both for correspondence and publication, by whom it might soon be made palpable that a great Home Mission is in effect going forward under the auspices of the Alliance. And our third suggestion we submit for their consideration. 3. That committees shall be formed of members taken from various denominations, and this for the express design of treating on the subject of their respective differences, with a view to one or other of the following conclusions:-(1.) Whether the differences might not be so adjusted as that churches of various name and now aloof from each other could merge into one and the same body? (2.) If not, what bond of affinity or mutual recognition could be devised which might make it apparent to the world that, under their subsisting diversity of name and form, they are one in substance and principle-or one in Christ Jesus?"

Such is the deliberate conclusion of this eminent man; and had anything further been necessary to confirm us in our view of the delusive and impracticable character of the scheme as it now stands, we should have found it in his elaborate Essay. He has brought to his task sagacity, genius, eloquence, and experience, all of the first order; and if he has, notwithstanding, so signally failed, who may hope to succeed? He has, however, entirely demolished the projected framework of the confederacy, and replaced it by one of his own creation, which the first breath of discussion will carry away. Dr. Chalmers is a great poet as well as a great orator, and this is not the first nor the fifth time he has given the reins to fancy and excited the ridicule of shrewd practical men; but never certainly did he plunge deeper in the mire than on the present occasion. Let us glance at his three points.

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1. Popery.-The Alliance is to work the "constituencies" against Popery! "A testimony ever and anon" is to be lifted up in "the high Court of Parliament against naked Popery, or Popery under the garb of Protestantism, and under the Puseyite modification of it!" Protestant Dissenters, are you prepared to enter an Alliance for such purposes? Is not political justice something as well as gospel truth? there not to be even one word in Parliament in behalf of reason and justice, not to mention Sacred Scripture, in relation to the Irish Church, the great and mighty promoter of Popery in these realms? So long as this mountainous vampire of oppression, outrage, and wrong continues, the septennial increase of Roman Catholics in the British empire will advance from hundreds of thousands to millions! The

overthrow of the Church of England Establishment in Ireland would be no unmeet task for the Alliance, and its accomplishment a most essential service to the cause of Protestantism throughout the whole earth. It would be a grand clearance of the field for a successful war against the Man of Sin; but having aided in achieving this, the Alliance can do little more in that direction. The great conflict must be carried on to victory by the Pulpit, the Press, the Sunday-school, the Tract Society, and the Bible Society; and, by God's grace, they are equal to the conflict.

2. Home Missions.-The Alliance is to take Britain under its "auspices," recommending the work of Home Missions to "all ministers and members." Is such a recommendation really necessary at this time of day? Are the Independents, the Baptists, the Methodists, and other Bodies still dead to the necessity of this work? If so, is this Alliance the body most likely to breathe with effect upon the dry bones? If so, and if no other power than this be brought to bear upon them, generations will have passed away before these nations shall attest the joy of a spiritual resurrection. But the churches of Christ are not dead to this necessity; they are about their Master's business, which they understand far better than this Alliance can teach them. Existing communities,-Unions, Associations, Conferences, and Presbyteries, we think, are the proper, the only parties to deal successfully with this matter, and conduct it to a triumphant issue. The fact, that the bulk of such communities know little or nothing about the Alliance, and care less than they know, renders the proposal of its interference with their affairs utterly preposterous. The probabilities are, that the mass of the churches would express a wish that the Allies would go home and mind their own affairs. Dr. Chalmers is clearly under the beguiling influence of the spirit of Presbytery. But the meridian of the North will not do for calculations intended for us Saxons. The Doctor, with all his science, is wholly unacquainted with the peculiar genius of English Dissent; he does not understand its intense love of liberty, and its burning jealousy of all foreign interference. He is dreaming of a central power analogous to the Scottish Church Commission. But our readers will further see that this subject has really nothing whatever to do with the point in hand-the "manifestation of Christian Union."

3. Committee on Differences.-The idea of so adjusting differences "as that churches of various name, and now aloof from each other, could merge into one and the same body," is among

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