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sentiment can calmly state, and ably defend his religious principles, and when his heart is as generous as his principles are inflexible, he possesses strength and beauty in an eminent degree. May God, of his infinite mercy, diffuse a rich abundance of this spirit among all good men."

We trust the efforts now making visibly to unite the good of all parties

will be crowned with the Divine blessing. We are happy to think that the brethren who are pledged to this union are too well known to be zealously affected towards every good work in their respective communions, to excite a moment's apprehension that they can compromise their principles, or sacrifice truth at the altar of a spurious charity.

REMARKS ON A LETTER

TOUCHING THE CONTROVERSY IN THE SECESSION CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.

To the Editor of the

YOUR correspondent, in May, 1843, has, under the title of "Ecclesiastical Controversies of Scotland," disappointed us two ways; for we naturally expected an account of the threatened secession from the ecclesiastical establishment; and when we found that Seceders were the theme, instead of history, we met with arguments.

Of the Westminster Confession your correspondent says, "It seems to teach, that, in no sense, did Christ die for the non-elect, so that there can be no more sufficiency in Christ's sacrifice for them than for fallen angels." But allow me to ask the person who signs himself the "Author of the Strictures," whether that is sufficient which does not suffice? Does your author believe that Christ's death suffices to save the nonelect? Are they saved by it? Is that sufficient to accomplish an object, which, being provided, the object is not accomplished? I am not unaware of what your author may reply; but this amounts to no more than that his mighty word sufficient must be so explained as to mean what is not sufficient, without something else to supply that wherein it is deficient. Grant the same license to the other party, and they can defend their theory.

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Your author says, were this (the limited atonement) true, what foundation would there be for any man who

Evangelical Magazine.

did not know that he was elected to venture his salvation upon Christ ?" Passing by the unscriptural phraseology, I reply; that the foundation for believing in Christ, is, that "it is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners ;" and that God commands us to believe on his Son. Those of whom your author speaks, as "feeling the pressure of this difficulty," were, therefore, troubled with feelings, without reason.

That cant phrase for the sinner to get in to Christ, is complimented as very expressive, which it may be, without being very wise, and such language may well excite suspicion. But those who use it are said, "never to have affirmed, that Christ intended to save all men." How, then, did he die to save all men? Was the boasted sufficiency an accident, which did not enter into his intention? But we are told, " he intentionally removed all legal obstacles, and thus all practical difficulty is removed." What! Is it no prac tical difficulty that still the sinner will not believe? While this difficulty remains, is the way open for the sinner to get in to Christ? Can he get in without believing? And does your author's favourite sufficiency provide for every man's believing? If so, will not all men be saved? But my chief query is,

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AN APPEAL TO YOUNG GENTLEMEN IN BOARDING SCHOOLS.

what is the necessary effect of your
author's admission, that Christ did not
intend to save all men? Will this do
nothing to block up the way for the
sinner to get into Christ?
Will men

not say, as Christ did not intend to
save all, perhaps he did not intend to
save me? Is not this the very same
difficulty, as that for which the limited
design of the atonement is denounced?

Your author tells us of the effects of preaching that doctrine," the hearer may say, Christ died for the elect, but am I one of the elect?" But one of "Christ

your author's hearers may say,
died sufficiently for all, without intend-
ing to save all those who are left
to the mere sufficiency will never be
saved; for this will be the lot of those
only whom he intended to save.
am I one of these ?"

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But

Your author says, the intended view of the atonement inspires the fullest confidence, that if I am willing to be saved, I shall not be rejected. Is this all that the favourite theory can do? Why, the rejected doctrine can do the same! Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power," and the man who knows he is willing, may know he is elected. I shall not stop to object to this turning of the sinner's eye upon his own willingness, as the ground of his encouragement to believe, which is believing in himself, instead of keeping his eye upon Christ,

the only object to inspire faith; but I am content with showing that, if it were correct, the man who can prove his willingness, can prove his election; and therefore may take equal comfort from believing that Christ died only for the elect.

Your author tells us how well they preach who say, Christ died for all, though without intending to save all. Whitefield preached as well as they, when he believed that Christ died for the elect alone. For whether this be true or false, (of which I say nothing,) they who think the scriptures teach that doctrine, must preach it as the scriptures teach—that is, to every creature-beseeching them to be reconciled to God. As to all the difficulties that may be supposed to lie in their way, these are substantially the same as may embarrass those who, with other views of the atonement, believe Christ did not intend to save all. If we cannot get rid of these difficulties, we must discharge our plain duty, and wait for further light.

As I know not who is the author of the Strictures on Dr. Marshall's work, I avail myself of my ignorance to object to the insinuation against some of the Seceders, as if they were prevented, by mere want of moral courage, from avowing their sincere belief.

AN OLD CORrespondent. May 3, 1843.

AN APPEAL TO YOUNG GENTLEMEN IN BOARDING SCHOOLS,

ON BEHALF OF THE SONS OF MISSIONARIES.

MY DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS, Many of you take a lively interest in the missionary cause. Juvenile missionary meetings are among the most interesting that are held. You-at least many of you may be considered the children of the kingdom, and are the hope of the churches. Those who now take the lead in the missionary enterprise will, in a few years, be lying beneath the clods of the valley. It is our prayer, that you may be imbued with a double

portion of the missionary spirit. You hear with delight of the success which has attended the labours of those who have gone as ambassadors to the heathen, but you can form only a very imperfect idea of the difficulties encountered by these voluntary exiles from their native country. Amidst the various trials peculiar to missionaries, nothing proves such a source of deep anxiety as the future prospects of their children. The numerous engagements

of the missionaries will not allow them to devote to the education of their children that time and attention which the importance of that object requires. Very few of the missionaries can send home their children to be educated at their own expense. In some instances, where the children have been neglected, and allowed to mix with the heathen, the most fearful consequences have followed.

We would appeal to your sympathy on behalf of those children who have been born, and partly brought up, in heathen lands, and who, owing to the peculiar circumstances of their case, are deprived of those privileges which you enjoy.

An institution has been established at Walthamstow, for the sons of missionaries. Ten or twelve have been admitted, and the benefits derived have

become very apparent. Accommodations have been provided for forty or fifty boys. As soon as the missionaries abroad know that such an institution has been commenced, they will thankfully avail themselves of the privileges thus afforded, and will send their children by the first suitable opportunity.

In order to carry on this important institution, more subscribers must be obtained. We therefore appeal to you for your assistance. Many young ladies in boarding-schools are subscribing to the institution for the daughters of missionaries. We feel persuaded that the subject has only to be brought before you, and it will meet with your hearty approval and cheerful support. Most of you have pocket-money, which, of course, is at your own disposal,

therefore many will be able to do something for this desirable obje ct. One young gentleman will perhaps offer his services as a collector, and another may be chosen to act as treasurer, who may, every six or twelve months, forward the money to the institution.

It may perhaps require a little selfdenial on your part, but this will be more than compensated, by the thought that you are relieving the anxieties of missionaries, and are the means of promoting the temporal and spiritual welfare of many youths, who might otherwise grow up in ignorance, and become a curse to the church and the world, instead of a blessing.

Be it mentioned, to the honour of some two or three boarding-schools, that they have been subscribing to this institution from its commencement. No sooner was the appeal made to them, than they promptly responded. They immediately agreed to raise two pounds per annum.

May the God of all grace enable you to devote yourselves unreservedly to Him now in the days of your youth, then will you be deeply concerned for those who are anxious to enjoy similar privileges with yourselves.

Yours, very respectfully
and affectionately,

PIRITADI.

P.S. As much will depend upon the countenance given by the tutors to this appeal to their youthful charge, it is hoped that they will not only sanction it, but propose it, and give it all that encouragement which the importance of the object demands.

PLEASURE AND PAIN.

IN visiting my native land, after seventeen years' absence, it has been a source of great pleasure to see the cause of Christ prospering. Much real good is now accomplished in the cities and large towns, by a vast number of

suitable agents, whose daily business it is to attend to the moral and spiritual condition of the people. The Home Missionary Society is sending the torch of truth through the dark villages and hamlets of our country. One thing

has been very observable-the great increase of a missionary spirit in many of the churches. While labouring among

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the heathen, we have heard of the death of one and another of the leaders in the missionary band. Our fears have sometimes been excited, lest men likeminded should not come forth to the help of the Lord against the mighty. These fears have now been removed. In looking around, I may say, My fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?" But I rejoice to see many in their places, apparently possessing a double portion of their missionary spirit. The late Dr. Bogue ventured to express a hope that a time would come, when the churches in Great Britain would raise ten thousand pounds annually for the missionary cause. Several societies are now raising nearly one hundred thousand pounds each. The friends of the Redeemer are now (comparatively speaking) "aiming at great things, and expecting great things." The pleasure experienced has arisen, not so much from the largeness of the sums collected, as from that excellent spirit which of late has pervaded many of the public meetings; a deep conviction of the importance of the object contemplated-the salvation of a ruined world -giving from a conviction of duty, instead of being acted upon by excitement; and a powerful impression of the necessity of a Divine influence to give effect to missionary operations.

One source of pleasure has arisen from finding the ladies engaged so efficiently in this honourable work. As collectors they usually succeed better than gentlemen in obtaining subscriptions, and have more time to devote to the object. Many ladies have, of late, rendered very important service by the use of their needle. Boxes of plain articles sent by them for the use of the schools at the various mission stations, will greatly tend to encourage the children in the acquisition of useful knowledge.

It has been remarkably pleasant to see the young take so active a part in

the missionary cause. Some of the most interesting meetings that I have had the pleasure of attending have been those held by our juvenile friends. Who will soon forget the pleasure produced at Exeter Hall on Easter Tuesday? May we not hope, that from among the thousands then assembled, there will come forth another Morrison, a Milne, or a Williams? Some of our best missionaries now in the field have been trained in Sabbath schools. It is delightful to hear parents teaching their dear little ones to lisp a missionary hymn, and to see them drop their pence into a missionary box. Ye mothers in Israel! pursue this plan; imbue the tender minds of your offspring with a missionary spirit. It will grow with their growth, and strengthen with their strength; and thus will they be qualified for great usefulness through life. Only let the hearts of British youth be rightly affected with the importance of this subject, and there will be no lack of men to go forth as ambassadors to the heathen; nor of collectors, committee men, &c., to carry on the home department of the missionary enterprise.

While going from county to county, pleading the cause of missions, we meet with much which is productive of great pleasure, and we would express our most sincere thanks to those friends who "have shown us no little kindness" but we also become acquainted with much that is calculated to depress our spirits and pain our hearts. We have often been distressed to witness, in some places, a want of interest, in others a very thin attendance, and in others an improper mode of conducting the meetings.

A want of interest in the missionary cause is lamentably observable in many places, both in town and country. The subject appears to have no place in their thoughts except just at the anniversary. At one place no bills have been printed to give publicity to the meeting. At another, the minister having been absent the preceding Sabbath, there was nothing given out respecting

it. Converse with some of the deacons of these churches about the various parts of the heathen world, and the labours of missionaries generally, and you will find that they know far less about these things than some of the Sabbath school children who are interested in missionary work. When Mr. Nott was about to return to Tahiti, a deacon of a church asked him to take a letter to his son. Mr. Nott expressed his willingness to do so if his son was in that part of the globe to which he was going. The deacon said, he did not just then remember the name of the place where his son was, but he believed it was somewhere up the Mediterranean. Could this officer of a Christian church have felt any interest in foreign missions? I have sometimes inquired, Have you any regularly organized missionary society connected with this place? The minister or one of the deacons would reply in the negative. depending simply upon

Are you then the collection

at this meeting for all that you send to the Parent Society? Oh no, it would be quickly answered, Esquire B. always subscribes a guinea a year, and there are four or five more who subscribe regularly every year. One or two of them give ten shillings, and the others five. And then there is Mrs. N.'s missionary box; that generally turns in about thirty shillings. So that we manage to send altogether from fifteen to twenty pounds a year to the society. We think that is pretty well for a small place like this. You know, sir, we have not any very rich folks here.

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21. 15s. I leave the reader to fathom the depth of their interest in the missionary cause.

A brother missionary had to preach on behalf of the Society, on a week evening, in a certain town in the north. They collected, after the service, 17s. 6d. About 12s. had been expended in getting bills printed for the occasion. Then there were the travelling expenses of the missionary. Such a destitution of interest in the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom cannot but be painful to those who have consecrated themselves to missionary work, and who visit the churches to ask assistance in carrying the gospel to the millions of heathen perishing for lack of knowledge.

Another source of pain has been from the small numbers attending missionary meetings. This may be attributed to the want of interest in the cause. Three missionaries were appointed to attend a missionary meeting, in a very respectable part of the metropolis. At the time the meeting should have commenced, there was scarcely an individual in the chapel. About eight o'clock there might be from two hundred to two hundred and fifty; the galleries not opened, and the lower part not one quarter full.

I was appointed to preach a missionary sermon one week evening, in the north. There were two or three dissenting chapels in the town, but it was thought the friends at the Kirk would not attend at a Dissenting chapel, therefore it was agreed that the missionary sermon should be preached in the Kirk, as the Dissenters would have no objection to go to the Kirk. This place of worship would seat about two thousand. My congregation consisted of three ministers and about two hundred people. Whether did I preach with pleasure or with pain?

Think for a moment upon the numbers attending the monthly missionary prayer meetings. Where two or three congregations profess to unite on these occasions, I have known a less number present than we frequently have,

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