Графични страници
PDF файл
ePub

He was always ready to lend his assistance, by exhorting the children, and by giving advice in the management of Schools.

-a

But what distinguished him, perhaps, more than any thing else, was his unfeigned meekness and humility trait of character not always found in Hawaiian Christians. He was never forward or obtrusive, but always retiring. He never aspired to show, or elegance in dress, but always appeared in a plain garb. Although greatly respected and much noticed, both by Missionaries and by his own countrymen, he always had a low opinion of himself. He was far from trusting to his own works, although remarkably consistent in his deportment, and active in his Master's service. When near his last end, I asked him how he felt in view of death. He replied, with much feeling, "I fear I am not prepared: my sins are very great. I referred him to Jesus, the friend of

sinners. He replied, Yes; there is my only hope." He soon became insensible, and, after a few hours, ceased to breathe.'

In addition to these particulars we subjoin an observation made by Mr. Stewart so long ago as November 1824 in reference to Bartimeus:

'We called on Puaaiki to address the Throne of Grace. We had never heard him pray; but his petitions were made with a pathos of feeling, a fervency of spirit, and a fluency and propriety of diction, and, above all, a humility of soul, that said he was no stranger there. His bending posture, his clasped hands, his elevated but sightless countenance, the peculiar emphasis with which he uttered the exclamation, "O Jehovah!" his tenderness, his importunity, made us feel that he was praying to a God not afar off, but to one who was nigh, even in the midst of us.'-(Miss. Reg.)

Register of Events.

[ocr errors]

THE measure falsely termed THE DISSENTER'S CHAPELS' BILL has at length become the law of the land, inflicting an everlasting stain upon the statute book of the once christian and protestant England. The Amendments of the Commons came on for consideration in the House of Lords, on Monday, July 15. The Bishop of London moved that the Commons Amendments to the Bill, be taken into consideration that day three months.' His motion was introduced by a most excellent and effective speech, which did equal honour to his head and heart; and had it been his lot to address an assembly less resolutely determined to support the Premier in his dogged adherence to this unprincipled measure, an illustration might have been afforded of the maxim 'how forcible are right words.' Under present circumstances, however, the Bishop's motion, though ably supported by other members, was lost by a majority of votes much larger than is usually recorded in that house-the numbers being, for the motion 41, against it 202. The effect produced by this heart-sickening piece of legislation on every truly considerate and christian mind, is, a total distrust of both the great parties in the state whenever a question of real principle is involved, and a kind of desponding indifference as to which holds the reins of government when both have studied to shew themselves equally unfit to be relied on, mingled with an uneasy sense of impending danger which may at any time fall upon us when thus left to the guidance of men whose only rule of action appears to be the ever shifting standard which temporary expediency seems to dictate. Amidst the melancholy sensations, however, which such a state of things, cannot but excite in the mind of him whose

conduct is regulated by the unchangeable principles of the word of God, the only true and solid comfort is to be derived from the delightful assurance of the Psalmist, "The Lord reigneth: he sitteth above the water-floods; the Lord remaineth a king for ever."

A considerable disturbance has taken place in the country during the last month with reference to the OPENING OF LETTERS IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE by order of the Secretary of State; and a Committee of the House of Commons is, in consequence, appointed to investigate the matter. It may easily be supposed that the subject is one well calculated to excite the feelings of those accustomed to luxuriate in liberty as are the inhabitants of this free and favoured land; and a large field is thus opened in which the declaimers against law and government may successfully expatiate. But the calm and considerate Englishman will readily perceive that it is not without good reason that a certain limited and restricted power has been assigned to the government of the day, by which they may keep in check the unruly wills and affections' of misguided and wicked men; by discovering and frustrating their dangerous machinations before they can be carried into execution. The peaceful, and well-intentioned Briton, has no need to be under the least alarm or anxiety upon the subject; and should be the last to exclaim against those reasonable restrictions, which are necessary to prevent the exuberance of liberty being made use of for 'a cloke of maliciousness.' He may be well assured that the Secretary of State has far too much substantial employment, to spend his time in the indulgence of the crafty curiosity which might tempt idle or worthless persons, to pry into the secrets of others. In this, as in many other matters, he whose conscience is clear, may safely take the comfort of the Apostle's declaration, "Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil," where it is perfectly right, that upon the minds of men of another description should be impressed the salutary admonition, "If thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

[ocr errors]

On Tuesday, July 9, the Bishop of Exeter moved the third reading of his 'BILL FOR THE PROTECTION OF YOUNG FEMALES.' It was, however, subsequently withdrawn on an assurance given by the Duke of Wellington of the interest felt by the government in the measure, and their desire to find some means for overcoming the difficulties connected with it, in order that they might themselves carry out the leading points of it' during another session. On the whole, this is, perhaps, as satisfactory a course as could be expected. The Bishop of Exeter' rejoiced to hear the sympathy expressed on both sides of the House with regard to the measure, and he was also rejoiced to find that Her Majesty's Government was disposed to carry into effect the object of the Bill? Truly thankful shall we be, if his Lordship's benevolent intentions are speedily fulfilled by some means being devised for wiping off, in a measure at least, one of the most disgraceful stigmas which rests upon this professedly christian country, in allowing so many of the helpless and unprotected classes of society, to be exposed to treatment which would disgrace the most uncivilized and savage land upon the surface of the globe.

The LORD LIEUTENANT OF IRELAND-EARL DE GREY-has resigned the important post which he has held since the present government came into power, and the vacant situation is filled up by the appointment of LORD HEYTESBURY-formerly Ambassador at the Court of Russia.

The return of Mr. Spooner-the Conservative candidate for the town of Birmingham, by a large majority, is an event of no ordinary occurrence. It clearly proves the strength of conservative principles in the country, if only they were carried out in a manly and christian way by those who 6 bear rule and office among us.'

[graphic][subsumed]

THE SOUTH VIEW OF THE OLD BOCARDO PRISON, OXFORD,

AS IT WAS PRIOR TO ITS DEMOLITION, 1771

THE CHRISTIAN GUARDIAN,

AND

CHURCH OF ENGLAND MAGAZINE.

SEPTEMBER, 1844.

MEMORIALS OF THE ENGLISH MARTYRS.—No. VIII. Cambridge, London, and Orford.-Part H.

HUGH LATIMER, BISHOP AND MARTYR.

THE Report of Hugh Latimer's card-sermons spread not only throughout Cambridge, but far and wide through the whole country. The consequences appeared, however, first in his own university. The Popish party rose in arms against him. The Prior of the Black Friars (Dr. Buckenham) first appeared in the lists. In the same perverted taste, but in a very different spirit, he opposed Master Latimer, and brought forward dice to meet the cards of Latimer. But he managed the quaint conceit in a very bungling manner, wanting the wit and point of the former preacher, and engaging in his attack upon Latimer's sermons on an unfortunate subject: namely, the utter inexpediency of permitting the scriptures to be translated into English, or to be read by the people in the vulgar tongue.

Nothing can be more dull or senseless than the illustrations (to judge by the specimens which have come down to us) which he brought forward by way of argument. If the ploughman should hear this in the gospel, that "no man putting his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God," he would cease from his plough. The baker in like manner, learning that a little leaven will corrupt a large lump of dough, will peradventure leave our bread unleavened.'

Latimer was present at the preaching of this sermon, and it was soon known that he intended to answer the friar. A great multitude of all ranks in the university, from the doctors down to the undergraduates, came to the church to hear him. He exposed with ease the weak arguments of his opponent, and went on to shew how common and how admirable is the use made in scripture of such figures of speech as those 1844.

2 T

« ПредишнаНапред »