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JAMES F. AVERY", M.D., one or the Vice Phksidents, IM THH OBAtR. l^u&UslieTi bj; teque0t of tlie ^ssocfatfon. J HALIFAX : PRINTED BY JAMES BOWES & SON. 1854. iiHE ^ 6 ^/•3 < iir A N^\ ADDRESS AT THE INAUGURATION 1 OP THE HaI^IFAX young MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIOlH. BY MATTHEW EICHEY, D.D. DRi.ivrEnEi) in TEMPERANCE IIALI., JANUARY lOrn, 1854. JAMES F. AVERV, M.D., one or the Vice Pbf.sjdents, IN THB CBAIB. |)ubUst)cn iis tcquest of ttic Bsaociatfon.' HALIFAX : PRINTED IJY JAMKS BOWES 6i SON 1854. x. IDDRESS. I Mr. Pr.ESIDENT AND RESPECTED CHRISTIAN FrIENDS, — One of our own poets, whose muse inhaled her deepest ^^n inspuati from the Oracles of God, has said — • ' A Christian is the highest style of man." > '.li aistasleful as tvis sentiment must be to tuose who array . iii-solvos against Revelation, I am strongly inclined to v'uuV. whether even an in iu?l critic would venture to stig- ;ii,.--;ij Vi IS a ■u'^re poetlcui exaggeration. The moral code of Christianity, ever;;' mJj^ icnows, has not unfrequently been panegyrized by writers, who, with flagrant inconsistency, have strenuously labored to sap the superstructure which they professed so ardently to admire, — for take away the doctrines and Divine authority of the New Testament, and its system of Y Uics is left without either sanction or support. There is however a significance in this fact that ought not to be overlooked. Does it not evince that the verdict of conscience often harmonizes w'th truth when the intellect is perverted by speculative error? Docs it not show that there is a majesty in Christian principle which exacts the reluctant homage oven of those who belong to the same moral category with Medea in Ovid ? — " Video meiiora proboquc, Dcteriora scqMor." Thou<»li the vassals of evil propensities themselves, they can uot but approve better pi 'uiciplcs iu others. J9St^6 * ADDRESS, Whatever feelings the exemplification of sincere piety may awaken in the sceptical, it is ah-ajs sure, though associated with the humblest condition in life, to receive a .species of respect from the wise and good which no resources of affluencc-no dignity of station,-no endowments of un. derstanding, or gifts of genius, in the absence of religious principle, have any powei to elicit. Among the prominent characteristics of a denizen of Zlon, as portrayed by the pen of Inspiration, he is described as one " in whose eyes a vile person is contemned, but he honoureth them that fear the Lord " Nor does the honour which he renders to such resemble a cold compliance with the maxims of conventional courtesy ; it is the spontaneo^.s tribute of the heart to apnre- ciated worth. ^^ It will, I think, be readily admitted on all hands, that there is no class of persons more justly entitled to this dis- criminatmg regard than young men, who not merely sustain but adorn a profession of Christian disciploship. ' No.^ to glorify God i. them would be to depreciate the grace by which, in the m .rning of life, they have been called to glorv and virtue In their renunciation of the pleasures of sin a a period when those pleasures solicit under their most d usory and seducing aspects, we cannot but recognize the blessed work of the Divine Spirit in one of its most convinc ing and attractive developments. No agency less potent could evoke from the centre of a heart naturally prone to unhallowed indulgence, and demanding with the fervid importunity of youthful desire, " >yho will show us any good ?" the devout aspiration, '« Lord lift thou up the light oi thy countenance upon us !" Such trophies of redeemL power are of peculiarly happy omen to the (.'hurch of God Christian young men arc strong; and pledged by their profession to consecrate their energies to the cause of AimilESS. 5 I Christ. Baptized for the dead, they reinforce the ranks of the sacramental host ; daJdciiinfr the liearts, and strcnf^th- cning the hands of older disciples. Especially is this the case when they afford practical evidence that they arc really alive to the responsibilities vrhich their position imposes, — that they yearn to testify their love to Christ by doinc good to the souls for whom he died ;— that whilst they exult in the privileges of their high adoption, they are emulous to be " the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crook- ed and perverse nation, among whom they shine, as lights in the world, holding fortli the v^'oid of life." When they manifest this spirit, it were suicidal in the Churches not to cheer them with their countenance and aid them by their counsel. If it be a fundamental hiw of our nature — as those who have studied tlie philosophy of the moral feel- ings tell us it is— that the vsympathy which docs not find an outlet through some channel of beneficent action flows back upon its sources, and congeals about the Avell-springs of humanity and compassion, tlien is it a dictate of the highest wisdom, not only to cultivate the activities of Cliristian lienevolencc ourselvf-s, ])ut also to afford tlieni all the encou- ragement and facilities in our power in ot/ie?\s. The object of our prcsonl fleeting is one, therefore, in which the hearts of Christians of all denominations may coalesce without compromise. Already has the announce- ment of the formation of the " Halifax Young Meii's Christian Association" diffused gladness through hundreds of families in this conuuunity ; and the numerous assem- blage now convened on so short notice and notwithstandinji the inclemency of the evening, to celebrate its inauguration, is a gratifying proof of the powerful and pervading interest which it has excited in the public mind. 2# § ADDUESS. I deprecato any reference to ,niight seem rsonal consideraticns that savour of sclf-seokiug, or justly expose nio to the charge of egotism. Yet I may be permitted to say, that had I measured the ability necessary to perform the duty that now devolves upon me by the estimate I entertain of the importance of this occasion; witii the deepest sensibi- lity to the honour intended me by the x\ssociation I should certainly have respectfully declined it. But I have long been taught to consider the first suggestion of conscience a much safer guide "n matters of duty, than any subsequent calculations of prudence, or motives of cxpedi^""--"'. And 1 trust I was prompted by a respect for that moral canon when I consented without gainsaying, to give this unimportant- expression cf the profound interest I feel in so good a cause. In order to form an intelligent appreciation of the charac- ter and claims of this Organi/atiou it seems necessary to look at its objects— at the elements which predominate in its constitution— and at the means and agencies by which it proposes to fulfil its benevolent mission. The topics thus suggested, it will immediately bo perceived, are opulent Iwth in argument and illustration ; but I shall endeavour to resist the temptation to expand them beyond the limits proper to be observed on tlie present occasion. That which forms the specific, distinctive object of this Association is, as its Avikhii aiatc—t he mproirmmt of the spiritual and merital comUtion of Yoiuig Men. By this very intelligible announcement we at once per- ceive that it takes no equivocal position. It avows at the very outset, humbly yet honestly, and in unmistakable terms, its principles and intentions. Those with whom this move- nient originated, having given themselves to the Lord, arc not asliamod to confess before the world, that a regard to '4 ADDRESS. 7 tlieir own and other young mo.ns spiritjid interests, is their first solicitude, — the most iuinulsive motive by which Ihej arc actuated. ^Vere it ctherwiso they wo ^ ue Hl-fitted for the function they have undertaken. Constituted as ♦his world is, he who i.s to be deterred or diverted from the path of duty by the c'.iilling leer of the formalist, or the ambitious prt.>vcrbt= and malignant inueudoesof the inlidol, is not likely to do God much service, or the souls of men much good. I dwell upon this point because it is. In my estimation at least, one of vcy great practical importance. ' t. is, I conceive, most desirable, that the dhtiiictkcly C ,Hian character and objects of this organization should be clei^rly apprehend- ed. "Whilst it looks with a benignant asrect on all legitimate efforts and enterprises whether to pronoto the material interests of Society, or the cause of moral reform, and hopes to exercise upon them all a friendly influence ; it yet humbly aspires to move in a higher orbit, —higher, I mean, in respect of the spirituality of its main design, and of the measures it proposes to employ for its achievement. And here I would take the liberty to say ;~F' zeal for the salva- tion of the souls of young men do not animate the heart of this Association ; if this should ever cease to be regarded and pursued as the primary object of its mission, its appella- tion will be a misnomr-, and its |)roniisc of usefulness an illusion. However skilfully tlie wheels of its machinery may be adjusted, their progro,-s will be tardy and joyless, and they will be coni^tantly in danger of htriking off into de- vious paths, unless like those in the \i>^ion of the holv Seer, they are instinct widi spiritual life If we would obtain fur ourselves, or be the organs of t!ie communication to others, of lleavcfrs largest blessings, wo must rospe.'t Heaven "n established order ; *' Seek Orst the kingdom of (.Jod, and his riglitcousDcss; and all these things chall be added unto you." 8 AI)1)KF.?S. ty The selectcst influences that descend upon man, to solace hi,'^ weary pilgr'nuago on cartli, — to enable him to fulfil hia cour«: with lidelity, and finish it with joy, do not anticipate but follow in the train of that " Godliness, which is prolil- hble unto all thini^s; having promise of the life that now ie, and of tliat which is to come." And in this pregnant consideration alone, — were I to lose sight of the; higher interests, and more sacred rela- tions and responsibilities of young men — do 1 find an argument in favor of the Association, which appeals to some of th.e strongest impulses of humanity. Looking at it only from the stand-point of tlio patriof, I would say to every benevolent individual in this community: Kejoice at its birth ; and foster it into vigorous efficiency. Are not all the oifices and influences by wdiich the character of society is moulded, and its destinies controlled, ordained in a lew brief years, to pass into the hands of young men ? You see them in uncounted numbers pressing forward with clastic step, to the marts of commerce, and the lialls of legislation; to the pulpit and the ))av ; to the chairs of (iur Colleges and Tniversities ; to ('\-ercis(! a most important influence upon [iubli(; sentiment by the les.-onsof the Hehool- room, or on pulilie in-osperily liy the humbler arts and occupations of life. Whether capable of ap[>rcciatlng the dcpos/fh'm ov wot, they nmst, by and by, be entrusted with the most })recioiis interests. A rich Inheritanco of resources and resi»onsibilitIe-i is, by ihe designation of Providence, just about to devolve to them. Js it jtnssiblo tluiii (o over-estimate the importance to society,— to their coinitry, or to tiicjii- solves, even in a temporal point of view, nf Iiavingthe hearts of young null brought under the control of tiiose potent and undying impulses to a right course of action, which tho roligiou of (lie Bible can ulono minister and suatuin ? I ADDRESS. to I am iiot unaware that it has often been insinuated, and sometimes unblushingly asserted, that the Gospel, because it does not make patriotism a subject of preceptive inculcation, if not positively liostile is yet unfriendly to the cultivation of a patriotic spirit. Never was an objection more baseless. What is patriotism ? Is its impersonation found in the super- cilious nationality of the ancient (J reek, who looked upon all beyond the precincts of his own classic clime as a mass of bar- barism ? or in the despotism of the Roman, regarding other tribes of the human family, as born only to be his vassals ? or in the prescriptive and anathematizing spirit of the dege- nerate Jew ? It would surely have ill accorded with the majesty and genius of the Gospel, to have consecrated by its authci-ity such typesof patriotism as thv;se, or indeed any other incompatible with the elevated injunction, Honour all men. Patriotism ' venerable and hallowed name— redolent with a thousand magic associations ! but how often cm- ployed to veil the turpitud*" of the most sordid designs. — It is the hollow profession by which the selfish politician, whoso bosom the truo avior patricc never warmed, makes the credulous multiiudo the facile instruments of his ig- noble purposes. It is tho war-cry of the. reckless dciina- gogue, who would unchain tho spirits of popular fury to overturn our most valued and venerated institutions, and rovi'l amidst tluiir ruins. It is at this hour the mud incanta ,io!i of the Sccularlht, wlioso creed is infidclitv, — whose law is lust, — whose uuguricc of social renovation and bliss arc deceptive as the ^'lozing fal.-(>li(»od by which tho father of lies seduced our lirst parents from their alle- giance to (Jnd;— whoso counsels, were they universally to prevail, would ltr(ak up the fountains of the great deep of human depravity, and let in u flood on the earih, before tho resistless sweep of which every vo8ti{fo of Christian ci\ Ilizu. JO ADDRESB. tion would disappear ;— the song of whose Atheistic millen. nium would be the dirge of a desolated world,— its homes, its temples, and its palaces commiiiglod in unljoundal ruin, llighteousness, and righteousness alone, exalteth a nation. When will an unbelieving and frivolous world listen,— if not to the voice of God,— to the trumpct-tongued foctsof histo- ry proclaiming this truth ! This is the only guarantee lor a nation's greatness and glory. Her military and naval efitablishments may command the respect of the world ; her statute books may burst with legislation ; she may erect her penitentiaries, and scatter her schools for secular instruction over the length and breadth of the land ; yet if religious principle be not the basis of the national character, there is :i blight upon all her prosperity, and the fabric of her liberty rests uj)on a foundation of sand, lie is the best patriot who juost eftectually iiromotcs the spread of Christian piety. Bat thero are interests, compared with which, all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them arc trivial as the toys that amused our childhood. Thero is a spirit in man ; and its existence will be mcasu»'ed only by the cpochr of inmiortality. lie tIio created it, and whose inspii-ation givus it understanding, alone fully compreliends its value. The loss of such a nature is u catastrophe from the contem- plation of which the mind instinctively recoils. I'ollock lamented bard !— in touching this theme, felt how inexprcK- iive were his most solemn notes, compared with the dread reality ; and looked around,— above,— for some harp ol' deej.. «*xhaustloss woe, to sing the obse(|uies of a lost soul,— but looked lu vum : — Ami t]yn\\ ^ (Jfiil liiiiisi'lf liitncntji, Tl ^ It ell. ml ciriiHMiiniiiK niuiid hid throne II' (u>.'iiii (if cltTiiily i.i unite i And tliin' M silcnrc in the Jii'iuvu of licnvcns," Hut there is 7iof silence thero when nn inniiortal soul is saved No; the Orchestra of heaven throws the full power of it* ADDREtJS. 11 melody into the pncan that celebrates the victory of grace in the rescue of a sinner from impending ruin. When augcli* endeavour to estimate the worth of souls they 'mdimduaUze them. Any other mode of computation would Ijewilder and overwhelm even their capacious intellects, "^eem not, my Christian friends, that I am uttering paradoxes ,- or stooping to the arts of the declaimer for rhetorical effect. I am speaking the words of truth and coberness. I am endeavor- ing to penetrate your hearts and my own, with the unflithomed import of those words of Christ — '* What shall a man give in exchange for his soul ?" and, — " There is joy in th^ presence of the angels of God over one sinner that re- penteth." Contemplated in the light of their immortal destination, and of the transcendent sacrifice offered for them upon the (^ross, the redemption of all souls is equally procious. He who converts any sinner from the error of his way, achieves a work of the iiighest beneficence. There are, at the samo time, obvious considerations, in virtue of which the conver- sion of the young, and especially of young men, assumes peculiar^importance. Fy^ery person who is brought to Glod. receives, with the pardon of his sins, a rich investiture of spiritual powers and influences to be employed for the good of others. No man livetli to himself. The Bible recognizes no moral neutrality, simply because there is no such thing. By an immutable condition of our l)eing, wo are constantly exorcising upon others an infUioiice for good or for evil, lie therefore who does not fear the Jjord from his youth cannot make the best of life. A man's probation for eternity, moreover, eminently licp within the limits of a low years in tlio earlier period of iiis intelligent existence. The courso tu which he commitf? himself when entering on the career of aetivo life — an 12 ADDRESS. association then formcd-a single resolution then adoptca, often gives a complexion to his ^^holo eharacter, and stamps Its ineffaceable impress on his eternity. The voluptuous egend of Ppgan mythology, respecting the ocean-nymph Ciree, w uch Jfomer and Virgil thought not unworthy of an ep>sod. ,n their immortal opies, conveys an important moral loudly monitory to young men. The youth who beguiled by her fascinations, accepted from her hand the encnantcd cup, became thenceforth the victim of an unrelent- ing dost:n^^ Touched by her magic wand, he immediately degenerated into brutality ; and if his mental faculties con- tinued, they served only to perpetuate the conscious, humi- batmg contrast of his present degradation with his primal dignity. ^ At a crisis so momentous in the history of young men the strong temptations of various kinds by which they aro' surrounded, corroborate the appeal which from the peculiar exposures of their position, they make to Christian sympa- thy^and consideration, \^y nature " alienated from the life of (.od ;" ,f (hey are not regenerated by the power, and well indoctrinated in the evidences and principles of the Cosnol the danger of their falling into some snare of the devil ij most imminent. One prolilic source of that dangcr,-and one which con- tributes to augm(>nt the malign influence of every other- is the sce,,tieal spirit of the age. It pervades a largo portion of our literature; empoisons in ma.iy in- stances the richest fountains of scientific knowld.ro ; and Hionopoli/ing the pretensions and the prai.sc of I'ldlosophy' jupcrciliously stigmatizes as Kmpiricism, all faith in thJ I iv.ne inspiration of the vScriptun^H, and in the greatest of all histuricul fucta-Christianity. With a foeundity perfect' I KPDRES!-. IS imps j ly inexhaustible, and a sagacity illuminated by Satanic inspiration, this Proteus evii adapts its forms io all sorts ol mental tastes, and moral proclivities. Is a young man fond of what, in common parlance, is called light reading { (not, I I apprehend, because there is a great deal of light in it). Those abortions of sickly, sentimental, often deeply sensual- ized minds, in the shape of Novels, with which certain portions of the press arc constantly ieeming, are at hand in any desired quantities, and recommended by every quality best fitted to dwarf the intellect and taint the heart. Doev^ he possess a mind of higher aspirings ? Is he accustomed to employ his leisure hours coji amore in scientific research ? in Geology, for example, the science most in vogue, and niosi progressive at the present time ? In how few of the productions of the Geologists of the continent of Europe, will he find, when any reference at all is made to religion, a respcctfid reference to the Biblical history of the creation. * Generally speaking, the subject, though lying directly in tlio path of their investigations, is either passed over in signifi- cant silence ; or alluded to in terms 'suggestive of a persua- sion that Genesis and Geology can never bo harmonized. Nor is the remark inapplicable to some of lofty pretensions in this department of knowledge, belonging to our own imporiul Isle. Among the Geologists of the Parent Land thoro arc those who in tracing professedly the restis^cs of Creation, betray a disingenuous purpose to extinguish amidst tho shadows of a dai'k and dateless antiquity, every morrf/, impression of the eternal power and godhead of tlic (Vcator. Many distinguished opj)osito examples indeed tliero are: some of them worthy of all (jhristian honour, as well as intellectual celebrity. In this class, the author of T/ic Old Red Sandstone confessedly ranks pre-eminent. Descend- ing under his conduct, into the rich mine of geologic u AIWREiit. knoivledgc, yo„ ,]iseov«- at overv stm , • i , gncnJeurs tliat toll of „„„,„„., 7 '7' "'""'»' li'o *-oicn,» "0 ".an )ivi„.: "11;: :'f " ""'^ ™'«!«»^ exultation- '■"o«-io,igo of (Licrc rirT"' « •■■"' ~'"i'-'>»»ive Ulan tl,e v,.,- ,„ „ , f'-'s-^ifications an.l ,Ic(,,il, "<-.'.o"i::r:::r?"f '"--"« '--.IS l'S»' an.1 t.utl,r„l a3 ,0 o,„i le i ! V'""'"'"-""' '" ''""''■ - "-'--., i„va,.iaHy ho, t,c 1 ',""""'■ '" ''° '■"«*■'" -'J -'IKAen m,a,lvi«,ny , ?' *^", '"''"''■"' "»"»"«• ''■"'Plo of J!.vcla,i„„ . „ , ' '' '"■;"*=' "'^^ "^""^ into ,ho i- .«i.H,K, to oo„fo."i;: •, ;;7''''^ -'t*'''' "'™' '-rce «l.0M I became a ,„a„ J ,, ' "™«'" ■■'» ■•' cl'iW ; but ''"^-:iatn:;:r«-''':-''-^''-''-invi.ueof '-■'""-Mo- .iui,h ,l„„i ,.;;"!'■-* ■';*•-""- "'■.■a(lo„ali„i.. ADPiii:??, 15 fiunous Carlyle, they soon soar into aerial regions, wlienc-^' they lose sight of the vulgar herd beneath, or look dowii u^jon them and upon their faith and fancies alike, with sovereign contempt. They arc now philosophers, falsely so called ; wise, but it is only in their own conceit. They have, however, become sufficiently initiated in the mysteries of that species of Pantheism, now so current in some circles, of which the central blasphemy is self-deificaiion, to be com- pletely emancipated from the slavery of the popular super- stition which reveres the Bible as the word of the livinc: a God. The oracles framed by the adroitness of the high priest of " this new consecration of humanity " are marked by more than Pythian ambiguity. In tiiis strange evolution of Teutonic transcendentalism — for it is in truth neither more nor less — wo recognize however two points of analogy t(» almost all the speculative systems of unbelief, shaded onlv with a veil of g:)ssamer :— Whilst it affects to dignify man, it really depreciates him ; and, acknowledging Cod in words. it virtually and practically denies Ilim. "We inquire, What is man— -his nature and destination ? And the response mut- tered from the " dream grotto " of this vain and deceitful |)hilo>^ophy is — •* We are — wc know not what ; light-spar- kles iloating on the juthor of Deity." AVe ask, What is them for the duties, of life ; to enable them to pass unscathed tlirough the midst of the fiery darts of the wicked one. flying Hi.ck around them, and yearly mowing down by thousands those who have neglected in the morning of life to place livemselves under the protection of the shield of faith. The momentous «juestion, " Wherewithal shall a young ma»i ••ieanse his way ?" never received a right answer bu" from the Inspiration that suggested it-" By taking heed thereto acx'ording to thy word r" and all observation and experience Illustrate the J)ivinity of the oracle. Under the benig- nant auspices of " the wisdom from above," only, are youth :safe. But here, tlicy are safe. Guided by Iwr counsels nnd animated with her holy inspirations, their lives will be J»»iW. useful, and honourable; and when they enter tlie vale of death, she will place upon their brow the victor's garland, the blessed prelude to the triumphs of immortality. Xobler juirposes than these, benevolence itself cannot desire to promote, or human agency hope to achieve : and these an; the objects which, in connexion with the iutelleciual ]>rogrcs3 of young men i). sacred and general knowledge, tiie Association we arc this evening assembled to innugurate. is 7)led,ire(l, by the principles that constitute its basis and its iwnd, to prosecute, in humble dependence upon the Divine blessing. The legitimacy and laudabloness of an enterprise My pure and lofty in its motives and aspirations would seem to be perfectly unassailable by argiment, unless some just «)eeasion can l)c found against the rectitude of its constitu- tional principles, or the wisdom of its practical measures. Of those topics -un(iuestionubly of fundamcutal iuiportanct- ADDRKSS. ]- -the present appears to be an appropriate time to offer some elucidations. *m i No profound or painstaking analysis is at all necessary in order to discover the spiritual elements that preponderate in the Constitution of this Society. They are few and obvious ; and, naturally blending together by virtue of their mutual affinities, they impart an aspect of divine simplicity to the cause— the surest test of its excellence, and, certainly, among the best auspices, under zealous management, of destined success. Those elements— three in number— may be dis- tinctively characterised as the bmkal, the evangelical, and tne catholic element. Let us look at these points. The young men ^-lio constitute this Association set out with the practical recognition of the principle laid down by the beloved disciple, that if they would be strong and overcome the wicked one, the word of God must abFde in them. On this they depend as " the shield of their help, and the sword of their excellency." This is the pole-star to which they purpose constantly to look, to determine their latitude, and direct their course. I would rather say ; this IS the Sww,— kindled in the moral heavens by the inspiration of the Almighty,— in the glorious light,' and under the genial warmth, of which, unshaded by the haze and unchill- od by the vapours of human dogmas and speculations, they enter into covenant to walk with God themselves, and to be workers together with Itim, in seeking the good of others. To the prayerful study of the Word of God, in their Bibh^ (.'lasses, by the members of this sacred League, I look as the very siicw of its strength,— the mainspring of its efficient operation,— and the divine source whence must '^manatc all its healthful and healing influences. And I speak advisedly, and emphatically, when I .«ay, their prayerful studv of the 18 ADI>UKSt. word ; loi ^.hiiu I doubt not that in their Jaudable dema to appreciate the varied literature and penetrate the profound H-icnec of the Scriptures, they ^vill collect around theui a choice selection of the best helps, furnit^hed m abundantly at the i)rcsent period by learning and research, lor those- purposes ; I confess I place nuich more dopenaence uj.un their devout invocation of the promised anointing of the Holy One, for their proficiency in biblical knowledge, than upon all other aids and resources put together. The iiible is best understood when we seek in it, not merely, nor princi- pally, the gratification of curiosity and taste, or an increjisc of intellectual illumination; but "virtues, powers, inspira- tions ;" when, as wo pass on from passage to passage, and from page to page, the utterance of the heart is ascendino- to its Author, like incense, in olden time, before the Oracle.— "Open thou mine eyes, that I nmy behold wondrous things out of thy law 1" There is no blinder guide to the inter- pretation of the richest portions of the jJivine word, than a r'ommentator who brings to the woik of ex[>osition a mind .'luiched with erudition but a heart utterly estranged from Mod,— ^vho undertakes that important function, leaning, in the pride of his attainments, to his own understandino. nistead of trusting in the Lord. Such expositors sadlv darken the counsel which they deem themselves competeiit to ilevelop. What devout student of the Scriptures in looking to such ••rities for the solution of doubts, or the dissipation of obscurities, has not proved them to be broken reeds, whcreoji if a man lean, they will go into his hand and pierce it? " I nave sometimes felt,"— says an accomplished theologian and s;-holai',— " I have sometimes felt, when reading works that exhibit the destructive processes of criticism, as onestandinir amidst the enfolding mists of uu autumn morn : it .-cemed *r' ADDRE3S, w f ■>, 4 as if Heaven itself had vanished from my view,- as if the mouDtains with their majestic outline had fled, and the mirror of the wuters reflected blank ncii-ation, and as if nothing were left but the narrow spot of em-th I was tread- ing, wet Avith the tears of creation and overhung with gloom. But I looked upwards to the throne, and IJim who sits on the right hand of it : I said, ' Hear n.e speedily, Lord, my spirit faileth ; Iiide not thy face from me, le"i.t I be like unto them that go down into tl e pit.' And then the eternal verities, the imperishable forms,-the Mediator, the mercy- seat, the adoring cherubim— were revealed in the splendour of a Father's smile; as the breath of the morning breeze scatters the vapours, and the mountains stand forUi lofty and immoveable as ever, while the bosom of the waters sparkles beneath the rising sun." Li thus delineating his own mental exercises and feelings, I\lr. Thompson^' h-,^ daguerreotyped tlie experience of which thousands have been conscious, but which no one before ever so vividly portrayed Happy will the fellowship of this Institute be, if dio^e united in it are imbued with these sentiments and regulated l)y these prineii-les in searching the Scriptures. Then will they not only admire the goodly stones and exquisite archi^ tecture of the temple of inspired truth ; but, passin.. by faith witiiin the veil, behold the glory of the enthroned SlIEKINAU. *k Another characteristic feature of the constitution under review, is its emngdkal element. And it certainly can create no surprise that an Association which takc^ the ]3iblo for its basis should be evangelical in doctrine J employ this epithct,-as T am persuaded it is used in the . 20 ADDRESS. Articles of the Association,— in no sense intentionally repellent towards those with whom the views of Christian •ioctrioo usually thus designated find little favour. But it seems necessary to distinguish things that differ : and this is eminently important :vhen the things in question involve eternal interests, and the difference an irreconcilable linta- gonism. If men, therefore, will give the name of Gospel to such things as a certain platform of ecclesiasticisni— to a mere system of ethics, or the opus operatum theory of sacra- mental salvation ; it surely behooves the friends of spiritual religion, to rescue that hallowed name from such gross per- version ; and vindicate its exclusive appropriation to the truth as it is in Jesus. And, have they not a high prece- dent for so doing ? " I marvel," says Paul to the Galatians, " I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel : which is not another ; hut there be some which trouble you, and would pervert tl j Gospel of Christ." Justification- not through the in idiuai of any official efficacy or authority wielded by mortal, but— through personal faith alone, in tiie blood of llim who on the altar of his Divinity offered himself without spot unto God, is the grand central truth, from which all the other doctrines in the evangelical system radiate as naturally and necessarily as light from the rb of day. Inseparably associated with, and resting immovably upon, this corner-stone, the entire faljric of vitai Christianity stands in all the grace and grandrnr . ' its; proportion,^. The depth of man's fall by sin, and it c dignity, purity and glory, lor his exaltation to which full provision is made in the purchase and promise of the Spirit, are not isolated dog- mas, but correlatives of the sacrificial death of him whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in hia «-4> ( ^ t w t( t ADDRESS. 21 Wood. Tjikc away any one of these doctrines, a.id you destroy tlie foundation ; you remove the kuy-stone frora the urch that s]xin.s the dreary cha^m which separates sinning man from his oflfended Creator. *U i^ t In happy accordance with that recognition of the suprc- niacy of the Scriptures, and firm adhe.>-ion to their vital doctrine.^, which distinguish this Association, is the spirit of genuine catholkky that pervades and animates it. It regards " faith in Christ Jesus, and love unto all t^o saints," as principles coeval in the experience of every true bd'^-.r^r; and the union of which is essential to the syninietrv of his character, tind the honour of Christiuiiity. And reallv, it is high time in this the nineteenth century of the Christian era, th it one of the divinest of niysffries,— that oUnotherly love,—\inv revealed to all who '.^ve our Lord J-siis Christ in sincerity ;—tin'e, that those who have one hone, one bapti.sm, and acknowledge one Lord; who arc members of the same spiritual household, and joint licirs of the same glory, should strike their hands, and blend their hearts, in a covenant of peace ; should heap coals of Hrc— the fire iji' charity— upon the odium theolfigkiuii, the acrimony that has been so long the reproach of religious cop,tr)versv ; and, —in honour of Ilim who prayed that all who believe itj him might be one,— utterly consume it. What are the points of dissonance among real Christians. <«mpared with those in respect of which they arc -it unity ? AVhjit are the eleii^ents of mutual repulsion that alienate, compared with the attractive forces thato-ight to draw then, together— the celestial ligaments which do in point of fact unite them so closely with each other, by uniting them aU to their Divine Head ?— If, moreover, '• the love of the truth that dwelleth in " our fellow-Christians, " and sti;dl be svitii 22 ADDUESS, thcin," i/i the only true motive and measure of our peculiar spiritual affection to them as such, who hatii bewitched us, that we sliould, for a moment, imagine that truth to be onibodied, not in the essential principles of the gospel of ('hrist in wiiich we agree, but in the denominaticnal pecu- liarities in which we differ ? Satanic sorcery furnishes the oidy ader^uate solution of the [liienomenon. The doctrines in which all evangelical ciiuvchcs sul^stantially accord, are, by eminojice, the truth; they contain the heroic medicines, — as they have been felicitously called, — of the Gospel jiharniacopoeia, sufficient, and alone sufficient, for the soul's maladies. Whoever, then, cxcm[)Ufies in spirit and life, unfeigned faith in those doctrines; with whatever form of sociatioi), will sustain the closest scrutiny ; and are justly entitled to tho unsuspecting confidence of all classes of [•rofl'sscd Christians, » ho have at heart the best interests of tlie generation now about to receive and exercise tho most important infiucix'cs on tlie cV.arch and society at large. < )n th(^ 7?if'a)is and ai((!nri(f>s by whiiih it is ])roposed to carry cut tho benevolent intentions of tlu! Association our lime will not ])crniit me to dwell ; albeit, to unfold their H[»ecial adaptations, in tlie latent principles of their influence, as well as in their actual operation, would furnish a higniy iuggestive topic, alike of pliilosophic interest and practical utility. JJut I must wavo its discussion; and content riiyself with simply referring to the J/ibrury mid lleiidiug •m i ADDliKSS- 28 llouin of the .Society, the mental wealth and attractions of whrch will be constantly receiving fresh accessions of select standard and periodical works, religious and literary ; to its meetings for prayer which will he open to all young men disposed to attend them ;— to its Bible Classes, whicli. stirroiinding from week to week tlic fount of Ins[)iralion will I'roni thence 'in their golden urns draw lio'ht ;' to its courses of Lectures on iioligious subjects, as well as on subjects lia\ing reference to religion, and, in a word, the em[)loyinent of every other available means whereby tlu increase of vital religion may be promoted/:^ bVom a machinery so admirably constructed ; and plied by tho zeal and energy of Cliristiau young men; wliose years and associations give them access to a numerous and interesting 'dass, almost preelu-led by their position from pastoral infiucnee, the most blessed results mny with moral certainty be anticipated. I freely confess that I regard Ihorisc nnd rapid ex- pansi Ml of those Societies as among the uiost animating MJgns of the (>vi iitrul limus tiiat are ))!issing over us. My spirit I'cjulrcs when J see tlieiu ahvady numbered by liuiidrods ; (iilfusing the leaven of truth and vital piety not only in the larger cities of England and America but in France, .- Ul>- II \lMir|,. ;., till I' .tiKttliuinii, 1>4 ADDRESS. world seemed abandoned to the crcpidations of the balance of chance ;— a moment when — if an imaginative association may be tolerated on so grave a theme — *hc (,}enius of Liberty, hovering over the fi< M of death, and awaiting with agonizing interest the issue of the mighty contest, may bo supposed to have felt a paroxysm of apprehension, lest she were doomed by her own reluctant immolation on the altar of despotism, to consummate the horrors of the day. But, the opportune appearance of the Prussian force changed in- stantaneously the whole aspect of the scene, struck terror into the armies of the alien, scattered them as chaff" before the whirlwind ; and entwined around the brow of Liberty the amaranth of triumph, still blooming in all its freshness. Friends of the Redeemer, and of a redeemed world ! Have \\c not reached a crisis in the great moral conflict, of which estrth has been the scene ever since sin pollu^^i' its soil i Look at the thrones and populations of contiKcntal Europe ! thrones resting u[)on a volcano ; their pedestal the (;aprice of political disaffection ; thei'- pomp a pageant denuded of its ancient prestige : populations, a large proportion of which aro gleaming in armor, and the rest groaning beneath the sway of military despotism ; sighing for ages, but hitherto sighing in vain, for a happier destiny. Look at tlio mighty heart of China convulsively throbbing for a higher than political eninneipation ! lalx)uring, as in the throes of national parturition, to bring forth some form of renovation and peace, the dim ideal of which her bewild- ered imagination depicts in the blended colours of holy Scripture and abject suiicrstition ! Is it not high time for the (Jiiurch of the living (iod to shake tlie locks of her hitherto untried strength, and marshal her sluml)ering Im&ts in the vnlloy of decisioti ? Is she [)repared for the rapidly coming crisis? I greatly lear, not. .Sho net.'ds n Mand writer. It :., ,.,M.hap., p'roper to st te, th tna n graph on the Sth pa,o. the purport .,f which was amieipated by the respect'l Cha.rmau m h.s opening remarks, was for that reason o,„ittod in the delivery The writer hu^wanngly ac.uiesced in the desire expressed for the printin.of tho Address •, .n the hope th,u its hnperfeeticms, of which ho is deeply conscious, arc no of such a nature as altogether to preclude the realization of the benefit antjc,puted by the Il.vu... Yorx. M.s-s Cu«,stu. A«soc,at,o., from its ^