speak is called the Son of Man. His submitting to be so designated was an act of deep condescension in him who was emphatically the Son of God, but it was one of those acts of humiliation to which honour succeeded, for although as the Son of Man he was for a little time lower than the angels, it was that even in his humiliation he might be crowned with glory and honour, that he might be set over the works of Jehovah's hands, and that all things might be put in subjection under his feet. The Scripture in which these remarks are suggested is a quotation by the apostle Paul in the 2nd chap. of his epistle to the Hebrews, from the 8th Psalm. His design in applying it to the man Christ Jesus was doubtless to evince his supremacy by showing that this language was never verified in the case of any other man, neither in Adam, nor any of his sons. Christ is therefore the head and chief of the human race. In him the human nature has been elevated and dignified as it never was in any other instance, but if it were so in his humiliation when he tabernacled amongst us as "a man of sorrows," &c, how much more so is it now his humanity is glorified," he being by his Father's right hand exalted," &c, where "he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet." That however with which we are more particularly concerned at present is the fact that the Lord Jesus is supreme in his Church, inasmuch as "the father gave him to be head over all things to the Church." He is therefore, be it remarked, officially supreme in relation to his Church. For, first, he is its great prophet. The Church has been at different times favoured with other teachers of various orders, such as prophets, apostles, evangelists, as well as a succession of pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints and the edifying of the body of Christ. But all these, even the most eminent of them, were inferior and subordinate to the great Teacher from whom they received not less their communications than their commission. They came not with "I say unto you," but with "thus saith the Lord." He however came, saying, "verily, verily, I say unto you." Yes he required men to keep his saying, assuring them that thus doing they shall never see death. To this greatest of prophets we are not only required to hearken, but to render implicit obedience. We however proceed to remark, that the head of the Church is not only supreme there in the prophetic, but also in the sacerdotal office, as "the great high priest of our profession.' His supremacy in this momentous office appears in this, that while other priests had been previously appointed by God "to offer both gifts and sacrifice for sins," yet the sacrifices which they offered, though they were repeated year by year continually, could not make the comers thereunto perfect. No; not even him who did the service, because it was impossible for the blood of bulls or of goats to take away sins. In addition to this it may be remarked, that these persons, though made priests by divine authority, were but men having infirmity, and therefore were not suffered to continue in office by reason of death. Such then were the priests of the order of Aaron, and over all these our great high priest stands conspicuously and gloriously supreme; inasmuch, as in the first instance he brings an all-sufficient sacrifice, even himself, whom he offered without spot to God, when he bare our sins in his own body on the tree. The blood of his cross moreover cleanseth from all sin; it both justifies and sanctifies; nor must it be forgotten that he hath an unchangeable and everlasting priesthood. Now we conceive it to be sufficiently clear from the New Testament, that under the christian dispensation there is no other official atoning priest besides the one of whom we are speaking, and who is by way of eminence styled the Great High Priest of our profession. Indeed, we need no other, since he by one offering hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. It is unquestionable, that the entire Church of Christ is styled a royal priesthood; but it is equally indisputable, that it is only figuratively, and by courtesy, in order to express the sacredness of their character in the sight of God, and the acceptableness of their various services to him through Christ Jesus. All those, therefore, who at present assume the office of priest, whether in the papal or episcopal Church, must be regarded in this respect as usurpers and imposters. Be it remarked further, however, that the Lord Jesus is not only supreme in his Church as a teacher in the chair of instruction, and as a priest at the altar of sacrifice, but also as a soverign on his throne. God hath set him as king on his holy hill, and has said to him, "thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever," &c. As King, the Lord Jesus sits alone on his throne: there he admits no partner. In his Church, he is sole soverign, while his disciples are equally his subjects, having nothing to do in this kingdom beyond maintaining allegiance to the king by yielding implicit obedience to his laws. They have no dominion over each other's faith, though they are bound to be helpers of each other's joy. Such then is the supremacy of him whom God hath highly exalted. This is the supremacy assigned to him by the father, and joyfully conceded to him by the lips, and lives, and hearts of all his true disciples. This supremacy of Christ is doubtless his right, regarded as equal with the Father, so that men are bound to honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. The last great article of the christian faith which we have adopted as a distinguishing principle, is the simple spirituality of Messiah's kingdom. This we hold in opposition to all those who would place over the Church of Christ a temporal head, and who would render it subject to human laws. In respect to its essential character, this kingdom is diverse from the kingdoms of this world, so that it cannot be blended in design, principle, or administration with any other, without fatal injury. Such a union is adulterous, profane, and ruinous to genuine spirituality. The kingdom of the Messiah is spiritual in its origin; it has its foundation in the power and wisdom of the highest who has himself established her. Her character is spiritual. The only real subjects of the kingdom of Christ are spiritual persons, such as are "sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints." Its laws are also spiritual; they are not the commandments of men-no not even of princes, but the mandates of Jesus Christ. The purposes moreover for which it was at first erected, and for which it still exists, are purely spiritual; they are the salvation of sinners, the perfecting of the saints, and the glory of Christ. These, then, are the momentous principles of the faith which all consistent dissenters bold. (To be concluded in our next.) CORRESPONDENCE. OUR CONNEXION. "OUR Connexion," Mr. Editor, according to the testimony of some of your zealous correspondents, whose stirring contributions appear in about every other number of your monthly periodical, must surely be a very bad connexion. The smallness of our num. bers, the stinginess of our Churches, the stupidity of our ministers, and our utter degradation in comparison with any other section of the Church, are subjects of constant animadversion with the worthy brethren to whose well-meant productions I take the liberty at present to refer. It is not my purpose, just now, to inquire how far the evils alleged do in reality exist, or whether they are not sometimes exaggerated by those who appear most zealous for their removal; it is evident, however, that the means employed for this laudable purpose do not always succeed, if indeed they do not in some cases produce effects the very reverse of what is intended. These observations have been suggested by a hasty glance at the pages of some six or eight numbers of the last year's Repository; but as it is likely their contents have, by this time, more or less escaped the recollection of your readers, I pass them by, and come at once to the first number of the year which has but recently commenced -a number which will be had in everlasting remembrance by our families and our Churches, as containing a beautiful sketch of the life and labours of the late incomparable pastor of the Church at Loughborough. Passing by the second article of that number, I beg a moment's attention to some statements (statistical statements I suppose I must call them) which occur in the third. In a retrospective survey of the denomination, the writer of that article finds, amongst other things, lemnly calls upon us to weep and mourn before God," have no existence whatever, except in his own troubled imagination. "Thirty Churches," we are told, "had no addition by baptism last year:" "not a SOLITARY INDIVIDUAL" in these communities "professed the Gospel, or scripturally put on Jesus before men." Now to this representation I object, as incorrect in its details, and altogether unfair in itself. Fifteen of those Churches have had but little more than a nominal existence for the last twenty years; why then are we called upon, just now, to shed our tears over their apathy and barrenness, as though some blighting, withering influence had befallen them in the year preceding the Derby Association? With regard to several others of these thirty unflourishing communities, (two, to my certain knowledge; and more, it is possible, if their history were known,) the year in question, that is, the year in which, according to the last number of the Repository, "not a solitary individual was added to their numbers," was a year of very considerable, through mercy almost unparalleled, prosperity. They had the satisfaction of seeing many give themselves to the Lord and to his Church; although, perhaps from forgetfulness, perhaps from the miscarriage of a letter, (a thing which has frequently occurred) or perhaps from some other circumstance, their statistics do not appear in the "tabular list" to which the writer of " Our Connexion" so 66 confidently appeals. Upon the whole it is evident, that the worthy pastor of Ænon chapel has given himself credit for an amount of information regarding the statistics of our body which at the time he did not possess, since some scores, it may be hundreds of individuals, have " scripturally put on Christ" where he has reckoned "not a solitary soul!" It would be well if the "institutions of the Connexion," next referred to, were better supported;" and far be it from me to suggest a quietus for covetousness or apathy, but speaking the words of truth and soberness, I believe something must be said for the depression of the times; something for large and oppressive chapel debts; and something for the claims of local institutions, which in some places are very considerable. The following sentence, (perhaps there is some error of the press,) but as it stands it is hardly intelligible, "I fearlessly aver, that the tobacco and snuff dealers receive many times the amount from one member, than that which flows into the treasury of the Lord." I am not for my own part a dealer in either of the above-named commodities, but may sometimes expend a trifle on more questionable things." But 66 In 2., Our Connexion during the past year has presented some things that are hopeful. "Revivals of religion," for example; and these revivals, thank God, are not, as the article on "Our Connexion" would seem to imply, peculiar to Yorkshire: many others of our Churches were equally blessed. the Church of which I am a member, a series of services of a very interesting character were held for this special object, and were followed by the most delightful results. But they did not appear in the "Patriot' newspaper; they were not emblazoned on the pages of any weekly or monthly periodical; they do not occur in the "tabular list;" and hence it is assumed that they never took place. 3. "Sorrowful events" are said to have occurred, and to this memento every emotion of filial reverence, and every chord of tender sensibility, says Yes! Though over the remains of our departed worthies we "sorrow not as those without hope;" "they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." When our fathers die we turn with an increased sense of dependance to our father's God; we rejoice that the champion of our host lives for ever, and under him, spite of every discouragement and every difficulty, we may hope to "do valiantly." Portsea, Jan. 7th. THE ACADEMY RESOLUTION. To the Editor of the General Baptist Repository. SIR, I have carefully read over and over again the resolution adopted by the Academy Committee in reference to a successor to the late highly-esteemed and lamented tutor; but as that resolution is to me, and some others, rather obscure as to its meaning, I should feel obliged if you, or they who drew it up, would answer the following questions, as it may tend to throw some light on the future movements of the Connexion in reference to this important subject. 1. Is it the unanimous opinion of the Committee, that in order to secure the services of the Rev. J. Stevenson, the Academy should be removed to London. 2. If this question is answered in the affirmative, how is this opinion to be made to harmonize with the resolution of the Association, or with the private and oft-repeated in public expression of opinion in former years, by the very same persons, of the importance of the Academy being conducted in one of the Midland Counties. Was not this the ostensible reason for the establish. ment of the Loughboro' Education Society? 3. If my first question is answered in the negative, how can it be said that the resolu Church, which should be founded in any country, and in every subsequent age, with respect to its officers, ordinances, worship, and discipline? Is there Scripture evidence sufficient for us to conclude, that the primitive Churches commemorated the death of Christ by celebrating the ordinance of the Lord's-supper every Lord's day? If so, Is the practice binding upon us? DID the apostolic Churches raise their funds for the support of the cause, and for the relief of the poor, by making a collection every Lord's day? DOES the word translated fellowship, in Acts ii. 42, more properly signify contribution, or collection? REVIEW. AN ESSAY ON THE SUPREMACY AND GLORY OF MESSIAH. By J. J. POULTER. 12mo., pp. 320. Ward and Co., London. THIS extended essay on the supremacy and glory of Messiah is divided into twelve chapters, containing a disquisition on supremacy and glory-Christ's infinite superi. ority to creatures-his equality with the Father-the attributes of his sovereign dominion-his primeval glory-his physical, intellectual, spiritual, millenial, judicial, and celestial glory and an attempt to improve the subject. It cannot be expected in the narrow space allotted to us, that a notice of every section of this work should be given. Suffice it therefore to say, that it has cost its author very considerable labour; and that he has brought together a very extensive range of topics, biblical, historical, and critical, which more or less bear on the general subject. There are many passages and sections which strike us as containing valuable thought; and at times the compo. sition is pleasing. But there are sentiments occasionally advanced which appear erroneous, obscure, or far-fetched. For instance, at page 105, we read, "God is a spiritand yet he possesses form, otherwise he could not have said 'Let us make man after our image.' Again, "It is impossible to think on God without attaching to his name a habitation and form." "This soul or spirit (of man) differs but little from the spirit or life of animals, until, by an inspiration from heaven, it is impregnated with an intellectual quality, which renders it susceptible of the highest intellectual im. provement; for there is a spirit in man; 'but the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding.'' VOL. 4.-N. S. H These are singular statements. Indeed the discussion about mind and spirit is full of startling errors and conjectures. On the whole, while the perusal of this work in many respects is adapted to interest and improve, we know of no work of the kind that more imperatively requires judgment and caution in the reader. CHRISTIAN BAPTISM EXPLAINED, AND MODERN EVASIONS OF BELIEVERS' BAPTISM EXAMINED AND REFUTED. By T. H. HUDSON. H. Copley, Sheffield. THIS is an able pamphlet, and contains as much argument and proof as could well be condensed in the space for two-pence. We shall be glad if brother Hudson is encouraged in its sale. THE WIFE AND MOTHER; OR HINTS TO MARRIED DAUGHTERS. By A MOTHER. Tract Society. 24mo. pp. 366. THIS is a valuable and instructive work, exceedingly suitable as a gift to a newly married daughter, whether her husband be a gentleman, a professional man, a minister, or a tradesman. The hints on a great variety of subjects which come under the range of a wife's duties and engagements, are very important. COMPAnion for Leisure HOURS. Tract Society. 16mo., pp. 256. THIS is a beautiful book. Its gilt edges, its rich embellishments, its interesting articles both in prose and verse, render it a pleasant companion for leisure hours; and an elegant and appropriate gift, or keepsake. It has about it the air and finish of the PLANTS. 16mo. square, pp. 160. Tract THE BAPTIST CHILDREN'S MAGAZINE THE GRASS. THE FLOWER. 16mo. square. THESE are four-penny numbers of works of the same order and style as those mentioned above. PROCEEDINGS AT THE HALF-YEARLY THE HOME AND COLONIAL INFANT THIS pamphlet gives a variety of impor tant information concerning the system and operations of this important society. It will be read with interest by Sunday-school teachers, teachers in infant schools, &c. THE BAPTIST CHILDREN'S MAGAZINE for January, 1842. Edited for the Proprietors, by the REV. S. WIGG. THE volume for 1841 is equal to any of its predecessors. The articles are many of them written with much spirit, and are Some of the wood cuts are admirably executed; replete with interest and instruction. and as they were designed expressly for the work, they decidedly augment the value of the little volume. The number for January is an improvement on the former series, both in size and type. Its cuts, on representing the Snowballing, and a Ride on the Sled, are excellent; and the subjects to which they refer will lead our young readers to see the danger often resulting from an indulgence in the rough sports of winter, as well as the evil of disobedience to parental authority. OBITUARY. MRS. ANN MARLOW.-In the Church of Christ we often see proofs of the apostle's assertion, that God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has prepared for them that love him. Mrs. Ann Marlow, late a member of the Broad-street Church, Nottingham, was a bright example of humble piety, and the power of divine grace to support the mind under the most trying cir. cumstances of poverty and personal affliction. She was born at a village in Derbyshire. Her parents were poor, and not in the enjoyment of evangelical religion; but strictly conscientious, and anxious to bring up their children in morality and industry; rightly judging, that if they could not give them a fortune, they could endeavour to instil into their minds proper principles to govern their conduct through life. There were no Sunday-schools, and they could not pay for other teaching, so that her mother was their only instructor. When our friend was seven years old her father died, which rendered the pecuniary circum. stances of the family still worse; and she being the oldest, went in her tenth year to obtain her livelihood in service. As time passed on she lived with credit in different families until she married, and three years afterwards she and her husband came to reside in Nottingham. Neither of them were then pious, but attended the ministry of the Rev. R. Smith. Her husband first experienced spiritual concern. He worked for Mr. Rogers, father of the late Rev. T. Rogers, of Fleet; and the latter frequently talked with the men about their eternal concerns. It was some time before she was a helper to her partner in these things, often telling him "she would go with him to the meeting, but would never be dipped." At length a very dangerous illness brought her to reflection; she saw herself on the brink of the grave with no hope for eternity. She begged her husband to ask Mr. Rogers to visit her, which he immediately did, and opened to her the consolations of the Gospel; but her guilt appeared to her so aggravated by her neglect and opposition, that she dared not take comfort from his repeated conversations. On her recovery she went to the house of God, truly hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and found the promise to such abundantly fulfilled. Mr. Pollard, the minister at Quorndon, was that morning the preacher, and the word came with consolation to her heart. "I sat," she said, "with my eyes fixed on him, fearful of losing a word. After the sermon he gave out, 'How cheering is the Gospel sound, Salvation free through Jesu's name,' &c. O what a load was taken off my guilty conscience! I felt overjoyed, and as though I could have flown to the pulpit." Subsequently she and her husband were baptized. Twenty-eight years ago he died, after a lingering illness, leaving her with eight children, some of them quite young. She trained |