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PUBLI8HED BY SPECIAL BEQUEST, HALIFAX : Nova Scoha Pwnrnro Co., Cobweb Obanyilm and Sao^villb Sts. 1876. PREFACE. The Falmouth Street Presbyterian Congregation, Sydney, C. B., was organ- ized in July, 1875, in accordance with the action of Synod, which met at Montreal the month previous. The Rev. J. D. McGillivray, of Newport, preached the first sermon to the new congregation in the Temperance Hall on the second Sabbath of July. On the first day of January of the present year, the Rev. J. Murray, formerly of New London, P. E. I., af^er a cordial and unanimous call, assumed the pastoral superintendence. On that day, he preached a sermon from the words of Nehemiah — " The God of Heaven, He will prosper us, therefore we His servants will arise and build.'' Afler the sermon, with the confidence of faith in the first clause of the text, the second clause was adopted as a congregational resolution. A Building Committee was appointed, a subscription list opened, and the preliminary steps taken to erect a place of worship. The congregation, which was composed of but twenty-five families at the start, had thirty members added, principally by profession, at the Communion in March. The very eligible site on Falmouth Street was secured, and early in May building operations were commenced. The Church is 56 by 39 feet and 21 feet joist, with a roof of 32 feet rafler. The tower is 47 feet high, the belfry 9 feet, the spire, including ball and vane, 44 feet, in all 100 feet. The first floor contains 54 seats in addition to a large circular seat for the choir. There is a basement 9 feet high under the entire building, and a Gallery in front, capable of seating seventy. There is a commodious platform pulpit. The painting and gilding, the partial staining of the windows, and the upholstery work which is uniform in all the seats, lend an air of elegance and comfort to the whole building, which proves quite an ornament to the town. The cost including site about $5,500. / The church was opened for public worship on Sabbath the 19 th November,^ by Dr. Burns, who preached from Rev. xxii. " I saw no Temple therein." A PREFACE. The ReT. D. McDougall, oi Cow Bay, and the Pastor were on the platform and took part in the services. Mr. McDougall also took the Gaelic Service thereafter. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was dispensed in the afternoon. Dr. Burns preached again in the evening and also at the special Thanksgiving Service on Monday forenoon. On the evening of that day the following lecture was delivered, and is herewith published by special request as a memorial of the opening and ior the benefit of the church. The contribution in connection with the opening amounted to S202, though the people uad contributed very liberally indeed, both in money and labour previously. I A. i'ri • ■ . - i\ ^ :l LECTURE. — -r-sa-» Col. 3 : 15, iMt olauie,— " Be te thakkfdl." , "We directed your attention, this morning, to various grounds o£ gratitude with which we are furnished. "W'e recounted the " Mercies of God," and showed the practical influence their recital should exert. Common mercies, personal mercies, domestic mercies, social mercies, civil mercies, spiritual mercies, — mercies as individuals, as families, as citizens, as Christians. I have been specially requested to bring under your notice to-night, our ecclesiastical mercies, — our mercies as members of the great Presbyte- rian fa'^'ly. I have been led to understand that esteemed friends not conne A with us, have expressed a wish in this direction. There is a certain propriety, too, in coiinexion with the o' ining of a Presbyterian Church that there should be some reference to _.-*resbyterian principles* I am not what is counted a strong Denominationalist. I had not among my manuscripts any lecture on Presbyterianism proper. I have written hurriedly and interruptedly since coming here the expository part of to-night's discourse. It is, therefore, the small dust of the balance, I oflfer you, rather than heavy bullion. " Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I you." Let me assure you at the outset, that though a true blue Presby- terian, " I believe in the communion of saints." I have much more in sympathy with an Episcopalian or Congregationalist, a Baptist or a Methodist, who is a spiritual " Israelite indeed," than with a Presby- terian who is not. I believe that often too much attention is paid to the points in which we differ, and too little to those in which we agree* After all, our differences as members of the one great Evangelical Protes- tant family are but the ridges in the ficAd — not the rifts in the rock — on which we all stand in common ; and the more that ai< children of God, we obey the mandate of our King, " Get thee up into the high mountain,' we shall find as in connexion with the rice fields that skirt the Himalayan range in India, the furrows and the fences will graduall]^' f 8 disappear. Although we he comparatively little among the thou- sands of Israel, we can discover much reason for compliance with the Apostolic injunction, — " Be ye thankful." I. Be ye thankful for our Apostolic Constitution, as a Church. I shall not allude to our Dogmatic Theology, to those cardinal doctrines which enter into the composition of our Theological System, not a few of which we share in common with other portions of the great Protestant family. I take for granted that these are understood by most of you. I confine myself especially to our Church polity. 1. We hold by the essential Unity of the Church. Whether it be viewed in its Old or New Testament aspects — in its visible or invisible forms, the Church is One. It commenced not at the ascension of her Lord, or on the day of Pentecost. It stretches back to Creation's dawn, and forwards to the " Consummation of all things." Jesus came not to plant a new tree, but to graff into the old olive, from which the natural branches had been dissevered those which were wild by nature : not to rear a distinct temple, but to break down the middle wall of partition between those [canopied by the same roof, and who were built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner Stone. Whatever then formed the privilege and peculiarity of the Church, before Christ's advent, we hold, was designed to continue in force, unless Christ abrogated or altered it. The Church (Ecclesia) as the very name imports, is a company of called ones, — those called out from the world and consecrated to God, — the professedly godly, whom the Lord hath set apart for Himself, — the people formed for Himself, to show forth His praise, gathered out of the lands from east, west, north and south. Hence, the first Martyr speaks of Israel as " the Church that was in the wilderness." Hence we read in the New Testament of the Church in Philadelphia, the Church in Ephesus, and Sardis, and Laodicea, and Thyatira, and the other sections of Asia Minor. Hence the allusions to special individuals, as *' Nymphas and the Church which is in his house ;" and to certain " tidings " coming " to the ears of the Church which is in Jerusalem ;" and God setting some in the Church as office-bearers, whose names are enumerated, (CoL 4 : 15, Acts 11 : 22, 1 Cor. 12 : 28). The Church visible, composed of all making a credible profession, together with their offspring, — symbolised by the field in which the tares and wheat grow : or the net into which the good fish and the bad are gathered. The Church invisible, composed of all genuine believers, spoken of as " the Church of God which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts T 9 20 : 28), Or where it is written, " Christ loved His Church and gave Himself for it," &c,, " that he might present i"-. to Himself a glorioua Church." We are CJiurch-men, loj-^al, loving, Churchmen ; yet with every true Presbyterian, Christ, in all things must have the preeminence. Christ- ianity must carry it far ovav Ghnrchianity. He must increase, everything else decrease. Points of polity must ever occupy a secondary and sub. ordinate position, must be " on either side," while in His peerless perfection we enshrine, "Jesus in the midst." II. As Presbyterians we hold by the one class of spiritual officers in the Church, aid the equality in rank of all belonging to this class. The Apostle.; had a peculiar pre-eminence. They must needs hava seen Christ and been personally called by Him. Hence Paul's question, "Have I not seen Christ*?" and that other allusion, "At last. He was seen of mo also, as of one born out of due time." The Apostles, therefore necessarily stood apart, and could have no successors. Even the highest Episcopal authorities concede this. Thus Dr. Barrow says : " The Apostolic office, as such, was personal and temporary, and there* fore, according to its nature and design, not successive nor communicable to others, in perpetual descendence from them. It was, as such, in all respects, extraordinary, conferred in a special manner, designed for special purposes, discharged by special aids, endowed with special privi- leges It was needful for the propagation of Christianity and founding of Churches. To that office, it was requisite, that the person should have an immediate designation and commission from God, that he should be endowed with miraculous gifts and graces, that he should be able according to his discretion to impart spiritual gifts, and that he should govern in an absolute manner, as being guided by infallible assistance to which he might appeal. Now such an office, consisting of so many extraordinary privileges and miraculous powers which were requisite for the foundation of the Church was not designed to continue by derivation, for it contained in it divers things which apparently were not communicated, and which no man, wdthout gross imposture and hypocrisy, could challenge to himself." When the figment of Apostolic succession is thus summarily discarded by the most reliable and respectable Episcopal authorities, we need not be careful to answer the High Churchmen in this matter, or ask them, as we might, to supply the " missing links" in a chain, which, on their own showing, has nothing to hang by. The " Evangelist " had a special mission then as he has now. 10 The Pastor or Teacher is the standing spiritual office-bearer — called soraetimea Presbyter or Elder, with reference to his age and attainments, sometimes Episcopos or Bishop with respect to the nature of liis duties. But, invariably, these two agree in one. The two titles, Bishop or Overseer, and Presbyter or Elder, like the two dreams of Pharoah, are in their interpretation, one. Gibbon, tViO sceptical historian, an im partial witness certainly, the very reverse of friendly toward any religious system whatever, yet possessing a subtle intellect, capable of grappling with facts — in his celebrated " Decline and Fall of t)ie Roman Empire," declares, in speaking of the Government of the Church before the first great Nicene Council (A. D. 325), " the public functions of religion were solely entrusted to the established ministers of the Church, Bishops and Presbyters, two appellations, which, in their first origin seem to have distinguished the same office and the same order of persons. The name of Presbyter was expressive of their age, or rather, of their gravity and wisdom. The title of Bishop denoted their inspection over the faith and manners of the Christians who were committed to their pastoral care." Had the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls designed that there should be an order of Bishops distinct from the Elders, and superior to them. He would have, in some way, mentioned it. The fact that it is never whispered or hinted at by Him, shows unmistakeably that He had no such intention. Never do we read of Bishops and Presbyters as if they were separate, but these names are interchanged indiscriminately, to describe the same office. Call James, Cephas and John as witnesses. They were pillars in that Church of the Living God, which is itself the Pillar and ground of the truth. How c'o they testify ? We will all agree in counting them Bishops of the very first order. Yet y^mea says, " Is any man sick, let him call for the Elders of the Church." (V. 14). He makes not the least allusion to any other class of spiritual officers. In II. John I., the beloved disciple, who probably knew most of the Master's mind, givet himself no higher title than that of simple Elder. "The Elc'er uuto the elect Lady and her children whom I love in the truth." Those who contend for a graduating scale of dignities, always agree in assigning to Peter the uppermost place among the Apostles. But when we ask Peter himself, he does not think of himself more highly than he ought to think. Ho assumes no other title than that which belonged to his brethren. Far from claiming a lordly designation, he puts himself on the same platform with the humblest Elder, saying, " Tlie Eldei's which are among you, I exhort, who am also an Elder," (1 Peter V. 1), I 11 his on lich 1). Knowing the tendency of poor, proud humanity to exercise " dominion over men's faith," and anticipating t^ arrogant claims that a corrupted Church would put forth in his own favor, and that of his so-called successors, Peter, in the 2nd and 3rd verses, goes on to say, " Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof; neither as being Lords over God! a Heritage, but being en8amj)le8 to the flock." Here, everything savoring of pride, of pretension, of precedence among the office bearers of the Church is discountenanced. It is to be specially noted that the expression " taking the oversight," in the original {epiecopountes) from Upiscopos, the noun signifying Bishop, might be rendered as well " acting the part of Bishop towards.'' Thus the Elders of the first verse, amongst whom he classes himself, are in the second exhorted to discharge the duties of Bishops — to perform episcopal functions, thus plainly proving the Elder or Presbyter and the Bishop or Overseer to be one and t ae same persons. In perfect harmony with the views of that illustrious triumvirate of Apostles, are those of their ** beloved Brother Paul." He was not behind the chiefest of the Apostles. He had peculiar opportunities of knowing his Lord's will to which none of them had access. In writing to the Church at Phillippi, he addresses the " Bishops and Deacons," — -the first having to do with the soul and spiritual things, and the second with the body and things temporal. To show how thoroughly he regarded the Bishop as being the same with the Elder — 'look to the 20th Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. There you will find that when the Apostle was hurrying on to Jerusalem, unable to delay at Ephesus, where he had before labored three yeai-s, he forwards a despatch' to the Elders of the Ephesian Church to meet him at Miletus, the Port of Ephesus, 30 miles distant. There he delivers the beautiful and exquisitely pathetic charge which occupies 18 verses of that Chapter, from the 18th to the 36th. Into its details it is aside from our purpose to enter. What wo wish specially to notice is the fact that the parties who, in the 17th verse, are styled "the Elders of the Church," are, in the 28th verse, denominated Bishops. " Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves (says he) and to all the flock (Peter's very figure) over which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the Church of God." The Elders of the former verse are the Overseers or Bishops {episcopous) of the latter. Yet further ir bring out this perfect identity between the Elder or Presbyter and the Bishop or Overseer, turn with me to Paul's Epistle to Titus I. 5 -7. There we read as follows : — " For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting and 12 li^il ordain Elders in every city, as I had appointed thee : if any bo blameless, tlie husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly. For a Bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre." Here the Elders of verse 5th and the Bishop of verse 7th are undeniably identical. Were it otherwise, the one would be a complete " non soquitur " from the other. It would be entirely destitute of point and propriety. Elders nad to be appointed at Crete to supply a felt need in the Cretan Church. Titus is left on tlie Island to superintend their election and ordinati n. To direct him and the people in their action on the matter, the Apostle enumerates certain qualifications which behoved to be possessed by Elders. Why the necessity for such features marking an Elder ? For (he proceeds to show) a Bishop must be blameless as the steward of God." How utterly irrelevant if the Bishop be a different person from the Elder. The eminently judicious Dr. King fittingly and forcibly observes on this passage, " That the term Elder used at the commencement, is exchanged for the term Bishop at the conclusion, while the same oflSce-bearer is spoken of. An Elder must have such and such qualifications. Whyl Because a Bishop must be blameless as the steward of God. Does not this identify the Elder and the Bishop 1 If not identification is impossible. Were it said, the Lord Mayor of London must devote himself to his duties for the chief magistrate of such a city has great responsibilities. Would not the language bear that the Lord Mayor and the Chief Magistrate were the same office-bearer^ Otherwise the representation would be absurd, for why should the Mayor devote himself to his duties because some other person had great respon* sibilities? Yet the Mayor and the Chief Magistrate are not more identified in this comparison than are the Elder and Bishop in Paul's instructions." • III. A third principle of our Presbyterian system is the Plurality of Elders in the Church , and the distinction between the ruling and th« teaching Elder. In the passage from Titus just quoted to establish the sameness of Bishop and Elder, Paul's son in the faith is instructed to set in order the things that are wanting by ordaining (literally choosing by sufirage) Elders in every city. Wherever a Church was formed it lacked an essential part of its organization if it was not supplied with Elders, not one, but a body of them. These primitive Apostolic Churches had not one Bishop or Presbyter exercising supervision over an extensive district^ i! f 13 say, in this case, the whole Island of Crete, which woiild indeed be limited compared with many a diocese of to-day, — but " in every city.'' Wherever a coterie ot Christiana was collected, there a number of Elders had to be appointed. Recalling to your minds the memorable meeting between Paul and the representatives of the Ephesian Church at Miletus which we have already adduced in proof of the oneness of the Presbyier witii *^^he Bishop, and the Bishop with the Presbyter, you will remember that P.\ul sent for, and met with, not the Elder, but the Elders of the Church. The terms of the address would indicate a number, " yourselves," " you all," and so forth, and then the affecting scene at the close when they " all fell on Paul's neck and kissed him." In the single city of Ephesus there was thus a body of Elders or Bishops. Hence too at Philippi where first in Europe the Standard of the Cross was planted, we find a plurality of spiritual officers, Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the Saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi " with the Bishops." It was the Apostolic way to have Elders elected and set apart wherever there was a Society of Christians. Hence, in connexion with Paul's first Missionary tour when he was associated with Barnabas, starting out from Antioch in Syria, thence by Cyprus to Antioch in Pisidia, and then to Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and back again, partly along the same route, interrupted as they were in their labours by fierce persecutions, they would not allow the work of having Eldert appointed, to be overlooked, though their being driven about so much might have excused them. Luke in his history informs us (Acts xiv. 23,) " and when they had ordained them Elders (literally chosen for them by suffrage) in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed." As bringing out the distinction between the ruling and the teaching Elder, let one passage suffice. 1 Tim v. 17. — " Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy'of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." Here are mentioned, not two different offices certainly, but two distinct classes of individuals filling the one office of Elder. The first class simply ruling, the second, teaching as well, in addition to " ruling well," " labouring in word and doctrine." The "especially" or chiefly defines and emphasizes a special, particular class who, by the faithful discharge of their prescribed duties, merit special notice and reward. It is the same word (malista) that is used in such passages as these, " chiefly they that were of the circumcision," " chiefly they that 14 'M were of Caeser's household." In the one passage, the persecutions of the Apostles are mentioned, first in general, and then amongst them, the Jews have an unenviable prominence given to them. In the other passage, the Italian Christians send greetings to Philippi, but prominent amongst them in the warmth of their love-messages, were certain members of the Imperial family. So here the earnest labourers in word and doctrine are singled out for special honour, and promised in double degree, the reward of the good and faithful servant. IV. A fourth principle of our Presbyterian system is that of Papular Election. How was it with the choosing of a successor to Judas — who by transgression fell] The election was made by the christian people at a devotional meeting held for the purpose, presided over by Peter» The whole narrative is given iii Acts i. 13-28. The eleven apostles were there, but they did not presume to make the appointment. The Mother of Jesus was there. His Brethren too, but no precedence is given to her or them. It is the action of the hundred and twenty Disciples who form the infant church. In verse 23, we are informed, " They appointed two, (or nominated) Joseph called Barsabas, who was sumamed Justus, and Matthias." Then follows prayer, and the custo- mary method of choosing by lot, when Matthias is elected ; elected, not by the eleven Apostles with whom he was at once numbered, but by the " men and brethren " whom Peter addressed. Thus even this extraordi- nary office of Apostle had its vacancy filled, not by its own members, but by the entire membership of the church ; and you will observe that though in the 20th verse it is called " a Bishopric, it is termed in verse 25th " this Ministry." If thus in the highest office ever known in the church, popular election was so plainly carried out, we might expect it in the case of the rest. Accordingly we find that the same course was pursued in the appointment of the Deacons, who had to do with the management of the poor and the outward business of the House of the Lord. The Apostles convene the church and submit the proposal. — Acts vi. 5-6. " And the sayinsr pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Simon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch, whom they set before the Apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands oii them." The choice you will observe is the action not of the Apostles, but of the "whole multitude" The after ordination is 15 I I done liy Apostolic hands. So with the Elders. Though in Acts 14-23, our translation makes Paul and Barnabas "ordain Elders in every city." The word for ordmn means properly " to elect by a show of hands," as is fully declared by the best scripture expositors, and frankly admitted, even by the most approved prelatic authori- ties, such as Dean Alford. They had Elders in every city, elected by popular vote. Not one man with us, or a select body of men can presume to appoint the spiritual overseers, or the subordinate officers. We follow the Apostolic pr ictice of leaving it to the christian people. V. As Presbyterians we hold ordination to be the work, not of a single Bishop, but of several acting in concert. In the case of the Deacons, the Apostles though personally present in Jerusalem, seem to have but participated with others in the ordination service, if they did not actually waive their own preferential claim, " whom they set before the Apostles, and when they had prayed, Ihey laid their hands upon them." — (Acts vi. 6.) So, in the scene at the Syrian Antioch when Paul and Barnabas were designated to special missionary work, there were certain prophets and teachers there, to whom the Holy Spirit said : " Separate me Barnabas and Saul." Accordingly not any Apostle at all, or any single individual, but this body of leaders in the church, set apart the great Apostle of the Gentiles, and his true yokefellow, to their great work — (A'ts xiv. 3.) "When they had fasted and prayed, and laid MetV 7ian(?s on them, they sent them away." • There cannot be a clearer case in point than that of Timothy. He was specially dear to Paul, who had " no one like-minded." Yet, it was not by his spiritual Father's hands, or the hands of any of the Apostles, acting separately and singly, that this beloved young Minister was ordained, but by the collective company of Presbyters or Elders. "Neglect not (says Paul in 1 Tim. 4 : 14,) the gift that is in thee which was given thee by prophecy (that is, " in consequence of certain intima- tions of the Prophets, who were numerous in that age of spiritual gifts, making him out as one who would be an eminent Minister.") And how was the gift communicated, and the solemn ordination eflFected 1 Not by the might nor the power of any one man, )iowever influential, but by God's Spirit, and " with the laying on of tlie hands of the Presbytery." VI. The right of appeal comes in as a sixth principle of our Presby- terian system. If you will read carefully the fifteenth chapter of Acts, you will see where we find our authority for this. There we have the account of a dispute about circumcision, which occurred in the church 16 |[ I If afc Antioch, and which originated in tbo insidious efforts of certain Judi izing teachers that had crept in. Even the authority of Paul himself and his distinguished comrade was not sufficient to settle the trouble. It was accordingly agreed to refer the whole matter to " the Ajjoiftles and Elders at Jerusalem." This was the first christian council So little of infallibility however was claimed by the whole bench of the Apostles and elders, or conceded to them, that at first the question of reference occasions keen disputations. James acts as Moderator of Synod. Peter states the case clearly and calmly, indicating a course which the moderator thereafter logically and luminously follows up and embodies in a deliver- ance that contains and conveys the mind of the court. The decrees in which tlie Synodical finding is embodied are accompanied by a Pastoral letter, and two prominent members of the Synod are deputed to accom- pany tlio Antioch delegates on their return, that by their presence and council they may secure a favourable reception for the ecclesiastical decision, and the accompanying documents of which they were made the bearers. You thus observe that the reference was to the Apostles and Elders in solemn council assembled and that the conclusion arrived at was by the Apostles and Elders. The deliverance framed to cover that conclusion was drawn up by the Apostles and Elders, and the delegates were appointed by them to act as assessors with the Antioch Church. We frankly admit that the brethren are spoken of as present at the meeting, and as assenting to what was done, and as joining in the letter which accompanied the Acts and Proceedings of the Court. But this only indicates that deference to lay members of the church, that disposition to consult and co-operate with them which we ever love to evince, at least, all of us who would not be Lord's over God's heritage. It has been fully shown by a distinguished authority that, without all controversy, such points as these are established here. " Eirst, That the original reference from Antioch was not to the brethren, but to the Apostles and Elders. — Acts xv. 2. "Second, That it is not said that the brethren assembled to deliberate on the question, but (v. 6,) " that the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter." "Third, That we do not read of any of the brethren speaking on the subject submitted, but that they " kept silence" while others spoke. — (v. 12.) "Eourth, That the. decrees are not said to be ordained of the brethren," but " of the Apostles and Elders which were at Jerusalem." — Acts 16:4. " The unprejudiced inquirer will observe that the private members of 17 the Chnrcl here designated " the hrethren," did not ordain the decrees nor ipeak in the meeting, nor assemble to deliberate, nor was it to them that th« appeal from Antioch was brought. He will on the other hand remark that they were present in the assembly, that they concurred in the finding, and that as it was important to show that all the Chris- tians in Jerusalem were unanimous on the subject, the letter embodying the decision was written in their name as well as in that of the Apostles and Elders." "The Apostles and Elders assembled, deliberated and decreed." " The brethren were present, listened and concurred. The Apostles and Elders were, as we would say, members of court, the brethren were only auditors who gave their assent to the decision of the rulers."* VII. As Presbyterians we hold very strongly by the Headship of Christ. This, as well as some others of the points I have enumerated, we share in common with other sections of God's heritage. Yet, to us it has come down as a sacred Heir loom, a precious deposit entrusted to our keeping, which we have been wont to guard with a holy vigilance, which has been identified with the struggles of a " Cloud of Witnesses," and embodied and embalmed in martyr memories. Our Faith in this great article of our Creed is founded on such scripture passages as these : . , EpL i, 20: 3. "He (God) raised Him from the dead, &c.," "and gave him to be head over all things to the church which is his body» the fullness of Him that filleth all in all."— Eph. v. 23. " For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is Head of the Church, and He is the Saviour of the body." — Col. i, 18. "And He (Christ) is the Head of the Body, the Church, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead that, in all things, He might have the pre-eminence." In contending for the Headship of Christ over the Church and the Nations, we are at issue with those who recognize the Sovereign Pontiff — sitting, a fallible creature, in the Temple of God, showing Himself that He is God ; and also with those who own the Headship of the reigning Monarch making it the 36th canon of their Creed — *' That the King's majesty, under God is the only supreme Governor of this realm, and of all other his Highness' dominions and countries, as well in all spiritual, or Ecclesiastical things or causes as temporal.}* We dispute the right of the Civil power to intrude within the spiritual domain. * Prof. Withrow— to whose admirable little work I am indebted in the preparation of this portion of the Lecture. 18 I I) ! ill In all matters purely civil we yield the utmost deference to th-e powers that be. None have ever exceeded us in loyalty. Wo teach our j)eople while they " fear God " to " honor the Queen and meddle not with such as are given to change." Wo are ever ready along with our brethren of other denominations to render unto Csesar the things that are CjBsar's — but we sternly insist on " rendering unto God the things that are God's." We cannot away with Priestly or Prelatic or Erustian assumptions. Wo stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. We say to any potentate that would trench on the territory of conscience, " Thus far shalt thou go but no farther." We echo the testimony of our Apostolic Fathers, in confronting the rulers, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God judge ye." Wo ring out the clear, clarion note which has been the battle cry of religious liberty through the ages, ' We must obey God rather than man. " Your time to-night will not admit of my referring to what are known as the doctrines of our Church, but most of you are more or less acquaint- ed with the truths " most surely believed amongst us." Calvinian or Calvinistic, men call them, but they are more properly Paulinian or Biblican, for it was the province^of that marvellous Frenchman, (deemed by his contemporaries, at the age of 22, the most learned man in Europe, and of whose writings it is said, a thousand editions were circulated during his life-time) systematically to arrange, and logically and lumin- ously to expound, those cardinal doctrines which form the staple of the Pauline Theology. These doctrines have had graven on them, at sundry times and in divers manners, the seal of divine approval. They have received the sanction of *' the goodly fellowship of the Apostles and the noble army of martyrs." In their favor, God's hidden ones witnessed a good confession. The^ Reformers before the Reformation testified of these, and as for the " Giants of those days" themselves, they preached none other Gospel. Calvin but removed the rubbish that had gathered round the true foundation : he but brought out in illuminated characters those portions of the precious parchments which superstition had dis- torted and dimmed. And so with reference to our beautiful Church polity, on which we have specially dwelt. Its principles we believe to be founded on the Word of God, where the Jewish Synagogue with its bench of Elders is presented to us as the model of the New Testament Church. Its grand outlines are observable among those Christian communities which were freeest from the leaven of that " mystery of iniquity" which even in Apostolic times '* did already 19 to tbe ach our die not ith our things }od the nptions. e. We iscietice, y of our it in the 3." Wo cry of 71 man. e known icquaint- 'inian or liuian or (deemed I Europe, circulated id lumin- ile of the them, at 1. They ostles and witnessed sstified of preached t gathered characters I had dis- :ul Church rod, where » us as the observable e leaven of Ud already work." These principles were held by the refugees from the ten bloody persecutions of the old Iloman Empire. Vigilantius and hia fnUowers who nobly protested against the growing corruptions of the Church, in the iourth century, hold theoi. The Paulicians of the seventh century held them, and fled to the frowning fastnesses of the Alps to escape the wrath of the adherents of the Hierarchy. They were the princii>les of the Original Church in England, for, when Augustine the monk was sent thither from Kome, he found Churches organized wliich had existed since the first century, and which, it is believed, were planted by Paul when " he took his journey into Spain." The first form which Christianity assumed in Ireland was Presbyterianism. Succat, — afterwards called Patricius (St. Patrick), a Scotchman, planted 365 churches, to each of which he assigned a Bishop or Presbyter with a bench of Elders for the Government of the Church. The Culdees, whose Theological Seminary at lona was the source whence the religion of Jesus circulated throughout Scotland, were Presbyterians. Columba, the Irishman who paid back to Scotland the debt which his then favoured isle owed to Patrick the Scotchman, sowed, in concert with twelve Presbyters, the seedg of Presby- terianism in that land which is now its head-quarters. Among our honoured fathers we rank " God's slaughtered saints — Whose bones lie scattered On the Alpine Mountains cold." The Israel of the Alps in whom was fulfilled the Patmos seer's vision of the woman fleeing into the wilderness to escape the Papal dragon, preserved, amid the smiling valleys of Piedmont and the rugged gran- deur of those everlasting hills which stood as watchful sentinels over their peaceful homes, preserved in their primitive purity, those time- hallowed principles which are dear to the hearts of all Presbyterians — till the myrmidons of the Papacy came down like wolves on the fold, and they were killed all the day long, and accounted as sheep for the slaughter. ;. , The Covenanters of Scotland and the North of Ireland served themselves heirs to the Waldenses of the Cotti.an Alps. They were tortured, not accepting deliverance. There's many a lowly cairn and mossgrown stone and blood-dyed hillock in the dear old land, that form the mute though meet memorials ^f the "great wrestlings" of that "Cloud of Witnesses." Be worthy sons of such worthy sires. Buy the truth and sell it not- Barter not away privileges wrung from the grasp of crowned and mitred 20 f I fl tjTanny at such a price. Set a high price on principles which have made so many lives sublime and so many deaths glorious. II. *'/?e ye thanlful" for the field opeiicd up hufore us! The lines have fallen to us in pleasant places — yea, we have a goodly heritage ! While thankful for the empire to which we belong — embrac- ing one sixth of the world's population, under the firm but gentle sway of the best of Sovereigns, God bless her ! let us be thankful specially for the good land we live in, and the fiiir Dominion of which we form a part. Our countrv is larger than the entire United States — larger than the whole of Europe, embracing an area of four million square miles, and supplying field and sustenance for teeming myriads. We touch two Oceans. We link two Hemispheres. No pent up Utica confines our powers. Ours is a boundleL,3 continent, within whose bowels are secreted the food and fuel for millions yet unborn. These limitless prairies, piercing mountain ranges and peaceful valleys ; those fields and forests unexplored where men will yet be " famous according as they have lifted up axes on the tall trees" — those " continuous woods" where roll the Saskatchewan, the Winnipeg, the Asainniboine, the Fraser, " and hear no sound save their own dashings," will, bye and bye, be swarming hives, and crowded marts, echoing the hum and hurry of an intelligent and industrious population. To us, in concert with the other sections of Christ's one Church, her glorious Head, who takes in the whole at a glance, is saying : — " There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed, go ye up to pessess the land." Never more clearly than now has the summons sounded, "go through, go through the gates, prepare ye the way of the people. Cast up, cast up the highway, gather out the stones, lift up a standard for the people." III. Because of the successful termination of the Mutual Conferences of the four contracting Churches now composing the Presbyterian Church in Canada, is the Lord saying to us to-day, " Be ye thankful." For Presbyterian Unions already accomplished we have reason to thank God. For example, in Scotland in 1820, the Burghers and Anti-burgh- ers became the United Secession, and it again, 28 years thereafter, in 1848 joined with the Relief in forming the Ui/'^d Presbyterian Church. In 1840 the old Light Burghers joined the Church of Scotland. In 1852 the Original Seceders (the McCrie body) came into the Free Church — and now, the Reformed Presbyterians have followed in the same course. The cutting the caucer of Unitarianism out of the bosom of i i 21 Irish Presljyterianism was followed by the Union of the Synod of Ulster and th« Secedcrs, causing our fair Hibernian sister to "prosper and be in health " as never before. The year 1858 witnessed the union into one compact body in Australia, of her three Presbyterian Churches. New Zealand took similar action about the same time. The United States and the British American Provinces have witness- ed several such Unions also. Among our neighbours on the other side of the line, the principal have been : the Union at Pittsburgh in 1858 of the Associate and the Associate Reformed into the " United Presbyterian Church of Korth America ;" and the Union 1 1 years thereafter, in the same city, (in Nov., 1869), of the two great divisions of the Presbyterian family in America, known as the Old and New Schools. The Eastern and Western sections of our Dominion have already each witnessed two Unions. In 1840, "the United Synod of Upper Canada" (formed in 1818 of Ministers from the Associate Church of Scotland and the North of Ireland), joined the Synod of the Church of Scotland. On the 6th June, 1861, the Canada Presbyterian Church was formed in Montreal, the residt of a Union betv;een the Presbyterian Church of Canada, the offspring of the disruption in 1844, and the United Presby- terian Synod which was planted in 1833 h three ministers, Robertson, Proadfoot and Christie, who were designated to Canada by the United Associate Synod of Scotland. In the Presbyterian Unions of British North America, Nova Scotia has borne an honorable part. It has led the way. The first there, pre- ceded by three years the first of the Scottish Unions. The Union of 1817, in New Scotland, foreshadowed that of 1820 in Old Scotland • between the same bodies, whose wranglings over the Burgess oath had been for a lamentation. In 1769, the birth year of Wellington and Napoleon, 10 years after the conquest of Quebec, two worthy members ot the Burgher Synod, David Smith and David Cock, said " Here are we, send us " to the Macedonian cry wafted acres? +he waters from that then distant and destitute colony. Years after, ti.^ Anti-Burgher Synod received a similar appeal, which touchingly besought them "in the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ and for His sake, for the advancement of His cause, and the salvation of precious souls in the wilderness, to send with all conve- nient speed, a minister to labour in word and doctrine." James Mc- Gregor, then "the only preacher under their inspection," was at once 22 set apart to the work. With beautiful simplicity and humility, yet with characteristic resoluteness of purpose, says the youth who was destined to be the Apostle of Nova Scotia : " I was thunderstruck. I never till then met with an event to deprive me wholly of a night's sleep. I resolved to go." For many years, these two sections of the Presbyterian Family, •worked apart, till in 1817, " after (we are told) much consultation and prayer " they came together, thus heading the long catalogue of Unions, during the nigh 60 years, since, when the Lord of Love has been so signally gathering into one the dispersed of our Israel. Nova Scotia's second Presbyterian Union took place in 1860, the year before the last Union in Montreal, and between the same parties. And now, within the same royal city — the commercial metropolis of the Dominion, after an interval of fourteen years, our Canadian Presbyte- . rianism so long divided, has become one. The negociations commenced at the first General Assembly of the Canada Presbyterian Church, held in Toronto, in June, 1870. During these five years there has been, as before the first Union of 1817, " much consultation and prayer." " For the divisions of Eeuben there have been great searchings of heart." Clouds have, at times, darkened the horizon. But the breath of prayer and the wind of the spirit have blown them away. Churches that met in the fierce conflict have been folded in a fraternal embrace. Outpourings of the spirit in different quarters have caused increasing endeavours to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of Peace. Brethren that had fallen out by the way are beginning to present the seemly spectacle of brethren dwelling together in unity. Let gratitude warm our hearts to-night for the remarkable answers that have been given to the many prayers offered for the Peace of our Jerusalem. IV. For the increase of numbers, of resources, of strenijth, of ahllity, to do the work of the Lord with enlarged efficiency, which the Union has brought, "be ye thankful." Our condition separately stood thus : In the Canada Presbyterian Church 3 Colleges, 19 Presbyteries, 338 Ministers, 650 Congregations, 78 vacancies, 50,702 Communicants. In the Church of Scotland in Canada, 3 Colleges, 11 Presbyteries, 141 Ministtrs, 17 vacancies, 179 Congregations, 17,247 Communicants. ... . • In the Presbyterian Church of the Lower Provinces are 1 College, 10 PfesbyterieS; 124 Ministers, 138 Congregations and 18,082 Com- I 23 till I winnicants. In the Church of Scotland in the Lower Provinces, are 6 Presbytei'ies, 31 Ministers, 41 Congrej^ations, and 4,622 Communicants. Our United Church had thus at the Union a total of 6 Colleges, 40 Presbyteries, 650 Ministers, or 800, including Preachers and Student Mis- S'onaries,ovsr 1,100 Congregations, and 100,000 Communicants. In many of our Congregations, especially the Highland ones, the roll of memborship gives but an inadequate idea of our numbers. The census test is, all things considered, the most reliable. According to the last taken, that of 1871, there are in the Dominion, of Baptists, 137,453; Congregationalists, 21,829; Roman Catholics, 1,492,049; Wesleyan and New Connexion Methodists, 419,979 ; other Methodists, 156,092 ; Church of England, 494,049 ; Presbyterians, deducting 20,000 for the dozen American Con- arcsations and other Presbyterians that have not entered the Union, (a deduction rather in excess of the reality), the sum total of our United Church will be about 600,000, making it thus considerably the largest Protestant denomination in the Dominion. But God forbid that we should be vain of mere numbers. Remembering the tests to which Gideon and his host were subjected, they may reveal weakness rather than strength. It has been well said that churches should be weighed, not numbered. May we when weighed in the unerring balances of the sanctuary not be found wanting ! Let us pray that this increase of material may be accompanied and followed by a corresponding increase of moral power, and that our Church in her united, yet more than in ' er separated capacity, may receive, not the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. We cannot too often repeat it that mere increase of numbers does not necessarily involve increase of power. The brave man of old was stronger with his noble resolute 300, than when his eye glanced proudly along the serried ranks of the many thousands of Israel. These melted away under the application of their leader's test : those, were enabled to stand in the evil day and having done all to stand. He who brought fire out of the rock, and wrung wat(ir from the fleece still reigns King in Zion. With him have we renewed our solemn league and covenant as King of nations and King of saints. He has answered our united prayer " Jehovah Shal'om," the Lord send Peace. He has spoken peace unto His people, yet, is he summoning us to war, even to the great battle of God Almighty. With the addition just made to our numbers we run the risk of vain-glorious self-confidence. He would have us stand still and see the salvation of God, all boasting excluded, without one vaunt- ing word. With us too He may hsL^Q to insist, " the people are too T I 1 !. ti II I ! I li 24 many," there must be a weeding out, " lest Israel vaunt themselves against me," saying " mine own band hath saved me." Our tendency is to trust in chariots and horsemen, instead of to remember the Lord our God. Bring up the re-infoi-cements, more men ! more men 1 as if we would leave Jehovah so much less to do, and our own arm would get us the victory. He would have us know, ** the battle is not your's but the Lord's." If we be made strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, clad in the whole armor of God, and clothed with humility, at the same time, we will, as a united Church, look forth from our windows, *' fair as the moon," in purity of charactv.^ ; " clear as the sun," in the manifesta- tion of the truth ; and in the strictness and impartiality of our discipline, the strength of our moral convictions, and the concentrated energy we bring to bear against the giant forces of Evil, " terrible as an army with Banners." V. " Be ye thankful for the large family to which you belong." In the Fatherland, there are five principal Presbyterian bodies, with nine ^tdditional, inferior in size and importance. There are 48 Synods, 276 Presbyteries, 4546 Churches, 42,000 Office-bearers, 1,195,148 com- municants. On the Continent of Europe are many Presbyterian Churches — and others which, though not in all respects, purely Presbyterian, are formed substantially after that model. Australia, inchiding the Synods of Victoria, Queensland, New Zealand, and New Hebrides, has 330 ministers, and 384 charges. In the United States, Presbyterianism has presented six types. 1. The Dutch, from Holland ; starting in 1623, in the region of New York. 2. The English, introduced under Puritan auspices, and taking root specially in the soil of New England. 3. The German, from Fatherland, planted in Pennsylvannia and Northern Virginia. 4. The French, which was Huguenot in origin and spirit ; and found a settlement in the sunny South. 5th. and 6th. The Scotch and the Irish, or the Scotch-Irish, for the two blended ; though the latter had the predominating influence. The Scoto-Hibemian element has pervaded the regions where American Presbyterianism was strongest and has exerted a mastering, moulding power. The Presbyterian denominations of the great Republic are eight ; though three of them be comparatively small. The Reformed Presbyterian in two divisions, the Reformed German and the Associated Reformed (South). 25 sunny -Irish, luence. where Itoring, jpublic formed related I The great overshadowing body is called " the Presbyterian Church in the United States ;" the largest section of the Presbyterian family in the world. Its first Presbytery, composed of seven members, met in Phila- delphia in 1705, its first Synod in 1717, and its First General Assembly in 1789. It consists now of 35 Synods and 174 Presbyteries. Its ministers number 4597, its licentiates 309, its home missionaries 1012, its colporteurs 136, its communicants 495,654, nigh half a million; its total income for the past year over nine million dollars. This vast Presbyterian organization has foreign missions in India, China, Siam, Syria, and Japan, whose converts for the past year number 1400. There are 13 Theological Seminaries with 550 students of theology receiving aid in the prosecution of their studies. Throughout the entire United States, there are 84 Presbyterian Synods, 475 Presbyteries, 11,521 Congregations, 8,441 Ministers, 979,- 139 Communicants, and an annual revenue of over 12^ millions of dollars. Take the world-wide view, and the aggregate is much greater than we have been in the habit of supposing. Throughout the entire world, there are 146 Presbyterian Synods, 1,180 Presbyteries, 20,133 Churches, 18,774 Ministers, and a population of 34,351,877. Taking in the Lutherans that come so close to us in many things, there would be added a population of 20,579,768, making fifty five millions in all, the laigest half of the 107 millions of Protestants in the world. " Be ye thankful" then for this, that ye are linked to a great and good company. The Pan Presbyterian Confederation that is to convene next j'-ear, will reveal our belonging to the largest division of the Protestan^ family, and thus be a practical refutation of the notion entertained by not a few, that Presbyterianism is a plant indigenous to the Scottish soil^ and cannot thrive when transplanted elsewhere. Many shall then come from the east and the west and the north and the south, to attest its capability of growth and expansion on every soil, beneath every >xky. Again, let the caveat be thrown in, not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, because of our honourab' ancestry and numerous relations. If we compare ourselves with ourselves, or measuiu ourselves by ourselves, we are not wise. VI. Let us show our gratitude to him who hath done the great things for us, whereof we are glad, by considering one another to provoke unto love and to good works, and by coming up together to the help of the Lord» to the help of the Lord against the mighjty. Our Union should secure 1i 28: for Us a better division of our field, and a more equable distribution of our forces. Some posts are over manned, while others are neglected. Our petty rivalries have perpetuated weak and struggling interests, to the neglect of fields that are white already to harvest. Our Union should work in the way of re-adjustment and re-enforcement. I^ew vigour should be infused into our Home Mission operations. Those portions of our church that have been as yet, little better than " playing at " foreign missions, should shake themselves from the dust and put on their strength. Our Union si ould be accompanied by an increase of christian liber- ality and personal effort and spiritual power. Some object or objects should be selected in whose behalf a memorial thanksgiving fund should be raised. If the mercies of God so abundantly showered on us do not influence us to present our bodies anew on His altar a living sacrifice, our lip expressions of thankfulness will be a mockery and a sham. Oh ! let ns see to it that there rest not on our re-constructed church the curse of *' Meroz." "Great God of Love" Hold back the curse of Meroz from our church, "Which fed to fullness on the bread of heaven, Sleep's o'er tl:« cup of blessings, And forgets to gatlier up, . . . The fragments of the feast. For famished, suppliant Heathen ! The call to our church seems alreadv sounding clear as that which woke the stillness of Shiloh's shrine. It finds expression thus ; " spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes for thou shalt break-forth on the right hand and the left." May we hold ourselves at the Lord's beck and bidding, with all the ardor and alacrity of the boy prophet crying tremblingly yet trustfully, " Here am I, for thou didst call me," "speak. Lord, thy servant heareth." " I will hear," not what policy or in- terest or inclination may dictate, but " what God the Lord will speak." Be ours the Mizpeh memorial ! when we have so many Ebenezcrs dotting the pathway of our retrospect, and casting their shadows before to gild the Horizon of our future. To the conquest of this fair land for Him who claims it as His own, let us march forth as a united company. We are living in a grand and awful time. "This day is to us a day of good tidings." There were never as many christians as to-day. Nor were there ever as many Bibles. A single Society has circulated more copies in a year than existed in the entire world in 1804, when that Society was formed. In 1792, but one Missionary Society, now they are counted by the score. Then but one or two Missionaries, and no native Preachers ; now, 27 me, or in- 3eak." otting gild Him a day Nor more jn that by the now, 2000 European and American Missionaries, and hundreds of Natives teUing to the perishing millions the story of Jesus and His love. Then no converts at all, now tens of thousands feathering round the cross. Then, XI 3 2s 6d, the tiny rill of Christian Liberality, now a gushing stream of Millions of Dollars, on whose bosom blessings untold are being borne to many lands. Then the River of Life was boomed and bar- red, and the Gospel Ship freighted with the true Bread, held off from the famishing, like the scene outside Derry nigh two centuries ago — now the tide has risen, and over every boom and barrier, the heaven-sent vessel is being gloriously carried, and "the famine, not of bread nor of water, but of hearing the word of the Lord," is being graciously supplied. In Asia amongst 600,000,000 in its eastern, western and southern sections 70 years since, strangers alike to the message and the messenger, the Word of God is not bound, and there are seen the feet of thera that bring the good tidings. Ethiopia stretches out her hands unto God. Whereas darkness covered that land and gross darkness her people, her borders are girt with a luminous fringe, and even, amid the Egyptian gloom of the interior " the morning light is breaking — the darkness dis- appears." The Isles wait for God's law, and form the crossing stones for the stately steppings of Zion's King, as with sword girt on His thigh. He marches forth to conquer the Nations. The wall, whose circuit of 1,500 miles environs China, and symbolized the obstacles to the entrance and diffusion of the Gospel among her 400,000,000, has been scaled, if not overthrown. Turkey and Persia, the Jachin and Boaz in the Temple of the false prophet, totter to their fall. The Continent of Europe witnesses the overturning of thrones and the upheaving of dynasties, — the shakings among the nations that harbinger the coming to these sinning, sorrowing nations of Him who ought to be their desire ; the hurricane, earthquake, and fire, preceding the " still small voice," God's marvellous whisper, that is to speak our erring planet up again to the bright brotherhood of worlds whence it has wandered. , « The entire World is on tiptoe, her dry places long and pant for the approach of tlie Living Waters. Thank God the River is rising. It widens its bed. It overflows its banks, and no pOM-er on earth or hell can presume to stop it. '''"■'''■ ' " " ji,*' ' , ■ ♦ Waft, waft ye windB His Story, ^ ~, , And you ye waters roll, / Till, like a sea of glory, It spreads from pole to pole. 28 VII. Finally, beloved, let our present Union intensify our longings for a yet grander confederation — when all ( f every name and nation shall be gathered into one fold, under one shephfd. — Incited yet more by this visible incorporation to love the brotherhood, ^'^t us realize more than ever the fellowship of kindred minds to bo like to that above. No grander spectacle have we witnessed here below, than when, in that spacious Hall, so providentially provided for the purpose, hand joined in hand, and heart beat responsive to heart, and there rose our song of jubilee " as the voice of a great multitude, — and as the sound of many waters." But we shall see yet greater things than these. The General Assemblies of earth will fade into insignificance when we come "to the General Assembly of the Church of the Firstborn whose names are written in Heaven." What a surpassingly glorious meeting will that be ! Our Assemblies here will seem to have no glory, by reason of that glory which excelleth. At the close of the Franco-Prussian war, the triumphant victors came to Berlin for a reception of welcome. As each regiment approach^ d the city gate from the Thiergarten, it was halted by a choir, demanding by what right it would enter the city. The regiment replied in a song, recounting the battles it had fought and the victories it had won. — Then there broke from the admiring Choristers the joyous acclaim : " Enter ye the city." And so the next came up, recounting its deeds, and so another and another was challenged and welcomed. They marched up the Linden between rows of captured cannon ; and with the banners they had borne and the banners they had taken, they saluted the statue of grand old Frederick, — the creator of Prussia. So, when the warfare of earth shall have been accomplished, and the kingdom of Christ assured, the phalanxes of His church shall go up to the City with songs and tokens of victory. "We belong now to different regiments. We vary a little in our colours, like the soldiers from the diversified Principalities of which the now con- solidated Fatherland is made up. But we even now feel as they, that we have one cause, one Captain, one glorious Fmperor, who has on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, Kiuf, of Kings and Lord of Lords. " One army of.the living God. ^ ' s , : . At Hia command we bow, ,,,.,. Part of the host have croBs'd the flood, '- ;,"'" And part are orosaing now." As we tarry in the enemy's country, the " esprit de corps " runs through the ranks. Our commander's messages — " Love the brotherhood/* t 29 " Let brotherly love continue," — we are trying to carry out better than once. No more stealing a march on one another. No more pouring shot, hot and heavy, into each others lines. No more standing apart, but, "shoulder to shoulder." Not face to face, to conflict, but back to back, to conspire, forming one solid square, in front of a common foe. "We visit one anothers camps. We sing and talk beside each other's pickets. Our mutual interchanges become more freqiient and fraternal. Resting thus on our arms, we have been refreshed. The Banner over us has been love. "We have foretasted the sweetness of the Upper Banquet- ing House, where the same broad Banner will bo our canopy, and a blissl'ul Eternity be spent in recounting the struggles of the wilderness^ and enjoying the rest that remaineth to the people of God. "We hail the day when the armies of the taithful shall win the entire world for Him whose right it is. " By little and little " are they now driving out the " armies of the aliens." The places where Satan's seat is, are being gradually captured. Bye and bye, the Prince of this world shall be cast out, and the Banner of Salvation wave triumphantly over his remotest stronghold. Then will the bugle blast be " homeward- bound," and the march " home again" of the victorious veterans to the German capital, will be re-produced on an infinitely grander scale, when the " ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads." Presbyterians, Episcopalians* Congregationalists, Methodists, Baptists, all the separate detachments of the Sacramental Host, in united array from the fields of their bloodless conquests. Through the pearly gates they will pass, singing Halelujahs. Along the golden streets they will march, to lay their trophies at His feet, on whose Head are the " many crowns." Oh ! that, with yonder sacred throng ! We at His feet may fall ! Join in the everlasting song And crown Him Lord of all ! M