THE CHURCH.

"Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone."-Eph. ii. 20.

OCTOBER, 1849.

THE CHOLERA.

THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER.

"Shall there be evil in the city, and the Lord hath not done it ?"

Before this meets the eye of our readers, most of them will probably have called upon God in united public prayer to sanctify and to avert this judgment. We trust their prayers have been and will yet be the prayers of faith, and equally hope that He who "honours those that honour him," will graciously answer their petitions. A disease which has already brought mourning more or less into every circle, before the presence of which all must feel the ordinary uncertainty of life more than doubled; a disease which has turned the physical impurities of our towns into ministers of sudden death to an extent unknown in modern times, before the visitation of the cholera;-such a judgment ought to arouse, to alarm, to humble, to dispose to self-examination, to urge us, on those grounds of personal interest to which the scriptures so largely appeal, to hearken while it is called "to-day." And if thus generally sanctified, we may, with submission, ask the removal of such a fearful agent of Heaven.

But many of our readers will also have seen the scoffs of Infidel papers, the self-important philosophical contempt of one journal, and even what we can but consider the false philosophy of another, which we ourselves value very highly, and have often commended to the regard of our readers. It will probably have pained them much to see even a tendency, in so esteemed a writer, to negative and comfortless speculations on the subject of the efficacy of prayer. Respecting the unseemliness of the civil power taking the initiative in ordering the prayers of the church of Christ; of its employing enormously wealthy archbishops, &c., to require at the penalty of risking secular consequences all the clerical State officials to pray as the cabinet council's agent may direct,-respecting this impious interference with the rights of the Head of the church, and the office of the Holy Spirit, there will be no difference of opinion. Neither can it be reasonably demurred to that if any affliction which would be a proper subject of private prayer becomes so general as to be a social affliction, it should then become a subject of social prayer. Nor will any pious, any even serious-minded man, refuse to feel the solemnity of the warning, when a mysterious power is abroad whose commission may be to summon

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him, as it has summoned thousands, suddenly to give an account of his stewardship. It is, moreover, fully realized that material, physical agents are the immediate agents in these sudden deaths, as truly as were the awful tortures endured by Herod the direct cause of his agonizing death, while the pen of the evangelist (in whose opinions we have more faith than in those of modern philosophers*) records that the "angel of the Lord smote him." All this is fully recognized no doubt by our intelligent and pious readers; but they also have been accustomed to believe that there really is such a thing as a Divine judgment or a Divine chastisement, one worthy to be called so,-that an unusual measure or intensity of the sufferings which men endure is to be looked upon as a special act of God, intended to excite special attention. They have been accustomed to regard their God as a moral governor, and men, and christian men too, as free and responsible agents; and they have naturally felt that when the amount of human suffering, especially of human souls summoned to the bar of God, exceeds portentously the ordinary amount by which he at once proclaims and checks the depravity of our race,-that then he has some special reason for the variation,-that the stroke falls when it does and where it does, as the stroke of a Judge or a wise Father. Pious people also have always felt that their God could really answer prayer,that he was not fettered by any chains of destiny, even of his own workmanship, from dealing with his children and creatures according to the changes of their behaviour towards him,-that their prayers could therefore be strictly efficacious, in the sense, that if nothing unknown to the suppliant made it wiser to withhold, their heavenly Father would see in the prayer itself, a reason for granting the favour which otherwise he might have withheld.

So have we believed, so have we felt; and we have drawn out the statement definitely thus, that, when put in its strongest form, the christian may look at the opposite doctrine, that divine laws, physical ones especially, proceed in one inflexible course, and that the efficacy of prayer is exhausted in producing resignation to the being who ordained them; and then ask themselves which is the doctrine of the bible? of a bible addressed in its original communications not to religious philosophers, but to the common people, and intended to be understood by them? Which doctrine would "the many" gather from all recorded answers to prayer, from those of Abraham and Jacob to those of their Great Descendant and those whom he taught? Which would they collect from the instructions of not only "holy men of old," but from those of our blessed Lord himself? Which have they always found in the word of God? We think there can be but one reply to these questions, and we give it in the words of one of the most decided predestinarians and profound thinkers of modern times,† in a note of a conversation on the philosophy of prayer: "Certain fact, that whenever a man prays aright he forgets the philosophy of it, and feels as if his supplications really would make a difference in the determinations and conduct of the Deity. In this spirit are the prayers

recorded in the bible."

While, then, we reject Pharisaism, and prayers "taught by the commandment of men," let us not lightly surrender the very life and sweetness of our communion with God, namely, the confidence which we have towards God that "if we ask anything according to his will" he heareth us, and if we know that he hears us, "whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." Resignation is a happy duty, and one both exemplified and enjoined in the scriptures; but † Foster's Life, vol. i. page 229.

*Foster's Broadmead Lectures.

assurance that any request accordant with God's will he will grant (and no believer asks but with that condition implied), is a sweeter duty. It is, moreover, we think, the distinction, both in common sense and in scripture, between worship simply and prayer.

We may add, that we have the fullest confidence that a more comprehensive, a true philosophy, thoroughly and beautifully corroborates the teachings of scripture. At the request of some of our readers, we shall endeavour briefly to shew that it does, in an early Number. Meantime we would remind some that the child-like feelings of the christian are the reverse of childishness. They are the highest philosophy. And that one-sided logic, however severe, can be but half truth; and is, indeed, philosophistry, rather than philosophy; the love of subtle reasoning, rather than the love of wisdom.

"FEAR NOT."

A WORD TO THE FEARFUL.

BY THE REV. C. ELVEN.

It is a fact worthy of our regard, not only that there are many precious promises in the field of divine revelation, which, like the handful of corn dropped by the reapers on purpose for Ruth, seem especially designed for the "weak in faith,” but that there are above seventy of these promises having this prefix, "Fear not." Surely the reason must be, that the Lord of the harvest knew the greater portion of gleaners in this gospel field would resemble those first disciples, of whom it is recorded that "as they followed they were afraid."

"The

In the last Number of "The Church," is an excellent article on Difference between Faith and Presumption," well calculated to warn and alarm those who lay the flattering unction to their souls, that all the promises are theirs, while in truth "a deceived heart may have turned them aside," and they may have "neither part nor lot in the matter.' The design of the present article is to speak a cheering word to another class of readers, who, although their names are written in the book of life, as evidenced by their godly sorrow and hatred of sin,-their clinging to the cross for mercy,-their daily watchfulness and prayer,—their love to the house, the people, and the ways of God,-yet are "all their life-time in bondage," and, unlike the presumptuous, are so afraid of presuming, that they tremble to lay hold on "the hope set before them in the gospel." Yet, as good John Bunyan remarks of one of his pilgrims (Mr. Fearing), that he dwelt in the town of “Sincere," so we are persuaded it will be manifest in the developments of the last day, that when to many a presumptuous never-doubting professor the Judge will say, "Depart from me, never knew you," there will be a multitude who never, during their pilgrimage, could "read their title clear," that will then be acknowledged to be of those who have loved the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. To such, the following fraternal exhortations are affectionately submitted.

"Fear not" because the manner and circumstances of your conversion may not be so striking and so clearly ascertainable as in the case of others. Lydia, comparing the gentle opening of her heart with the mental agony and remarkable circumstances of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus,-or Timothy, knowing the Scriptures from his youth, so as, probably, like many of you, not being able to fix on the precise time when the first ray of heavenly light beamed upon his soul, comparing the manner of his conversion with that of the dying thief, or the Jerusalem sinners on the

day of Pentecost,-might just as well have doubted its reality. Thus that beautifully interesting character, Mercy, in Bunyan's inimitable allegory, was greatly distressed in the house of the Interpreter on this very account, and said, "Truly, Sir, my want of experience is that which makes me fear of coming short at last. I cannot tell of visions or dreams as my friend Christiana can; yet, as my Lord sees, I am come; and if there is any grace to spare, I beseech that thy poor handmaid may be a partaker thereof." Oh, then, ye poor doubting souls, hear the voice of the angel, "Fear not ye, for ye seek Jesus" (Matt. xxviii. 5).

"Fear not" because your gifts and attainments are not equal to others. One very dear to the writer, who was always a fearful disciple, but died in the peace, yea more, in the joy, of the gospel, and was often cast down, because she could not talk so much as other christians, found great comfort from one of Hart's experimental hymns, (on the margin of which she had written, "Read with many tears,”) especially from the following lines:— "Lord, when I hear thy children talk, (And I believe 'tis often true), How with delight thy ways they walk, And gladly thy commandments do; "In my own breast I look, and read Accounts so very different there, That had I not Thy blood to plead, Each sight would drive me to despair."

Then give to the winds your fears. and you shall never die.

Trust in the mighty Saviour's name,

"Fear not," although your faith be weak. Little faith can trust in Christ, and great faith can do no more. Your salvation depends not upon the measure, but the genuineness, of your grace; for, as an old writer remarks, "God brings not his scales to weigh your faith, but a touchstone to try it; if it be pure gold, though ever so small, it will pass current with him." Like those creeping plants which cannot support themselves, but throw their tendrils and claspers round the majestic oak or towering cedar; so you may cling to the tree of life, throw your arms round the cross, and sing,

"More happy, but not more secure,
The glorified spirits above."

"Fear not," on account of your spiritual weakness, to be active and devoted in the service of Christ. "What can I do?" is a thought which Satan is very likely to suggest to a fearful christian. The answer is, "Through Christ strengthening you, you can do all things." The little captive maid in Naaman's house spoke a word which resulted in the healing and conversion of her master. The woman of Samaria, weak as she must have been in knowledge and christian attainments, brought many souls to Jesus. The man who had only one talent was not therefore suffered with impunity to bury it in the earth. Besides, it is not the most gifted or the most confident christian that is always, or even commonly, the most useful. The most beneficial operations in nature are the least ostentatious and noisy. This bountiful harvest, with its golden sheaves, commenced by the unobserved germination of the seed beneath the clod, till gradually it became "the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." So we say to you, weak and doubting saints, speak, write, live, and act, for the conversion of souls, and the glory of Christ; and the more so, because it will be the very best exercise by which you can strengthen your faith. You will never get rid of your gloomy doubts by poring over them; but by going abroad in the path of christian duty, you will get through the fog and mists of unbelief, so as to walk in the

light of God's countenance all the day long. We would fain convince all christians how much their happiness is associated with their activity. It is easy to keep the sword bright which is daily used; but if you hang it upon the mouldy wall of indolence, it will soon get so rusty, that it will take no little time and pains to furbish it for use again. So with all our spiritual desires; the more we read our bibles, the more we pray, the more we labour, the more we give for the cause of Christ, the more easy and familiar will his service be to us. But once we are remiss in these exercises, once they are broken off or intermitted, it will be found new and hard work to begin again; we are fallen, and shall find it hard to rise.

"Fear not," again we say to the weak but sincere disciple, that you shall not hold out to the end. Were we called to maintain the spiritual conflict, and to go a warfare at our own charge, the strong would indeed be more likely to hold out than the weak; but the promise is given alike to all the family of faith, "My grace is sufficient for thee." If you were about to undertake a voyage to a distant land, you would feel that your safety depended not on the strength of the passengers, but on the security of the vessel, and the skill of the captain. These being competent, the weakest babe would be landed at the desired haven as safe as the strongest man. The vessel in which the whole redeemed church is sailing to glory is the "everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure. The pilot is the Saviour himself, who has declared you shall never perish. A heavenly wind is permitted to fill the sails; and "so an entrance shall be ministered unto you into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

Bury St. Edmunds.

THE YOUNG IN OUR CONGREGATIONS.

BY THE REV. S. GREEN, WALWORTH.

It has often been said that the young are the hope of the churches. Under God, we look to them for increase, strength, activity, and usefulness; and surely we are right. From among the young, converts most frequently come; an active church usually contains a large proportion of youthful members; and wheresoever attention is seriously given to the best interests of the young, the largest measure of that kind of reward is secured, in which faithful men of God most heartily rejoice. Witness the best conducted Sunday-schools, where pastors, and churches, and teachers, are of one mind and one heart.

It is therefore matter of great surprise and pain, that all the young of our congregations do not, in some cases at least, receive the attention which their importance as a class demands. The children of the poor are not neglected, as Sunday-school efforts abundantly shew; but those in our wealthier or more respectable households are comparatively overlooked. "There is no part of my own pastoral history, on which, in the forty-first year of my ministry," says Mr. James of Birmingham, "I look back with more penitence, than I do on my neglect of the catechetical instruction of the young." Many a pastor may adopt this language. What, however, is the remedy? Much may be done by the members of our churches, to which next month I may advert. For the present, I am thinking chiefly of ministers, "my own order."

The late Andrew Fuller, I believe, accustomed himself to keep a registry of every individual in each family of his congregation, that he might be assisted in making every one the subject of earnest and frequent sup