PRITTLEWELL.-(Christ Church.)—The gratifying result at the close of our Sunday School year is that 60 prizes have been awarded viz., 46 for attendance and 14 for examination. In no case is a Sunday School prize awarded for attendance, either here or at Trinity Church, Southend, if a scholar have not been present in time, with books brought to school and lessons learnt, during each time the school is open on at least 44 Sundays in the year for a third, 47 for a second, and 50 Sundays for a first.

On Thursday, December 18, ult., at the close of the evening service, a sewing machine was, on behalf of the subscribers, presented by Bishop Gregg to Mrs. Bragg as a token of their gratitude and esteem for her most kind and valued help so unostentatiously given in the work connected with Christ Church Mission Hall.

WARRINGTON.

(Emmanuel Church.)-In connection with our Christian Association, on Monday, Dec. 8th, Mr. John Hall read a paper on "The Life and Times of John Wycliffe." The paper was a very interesting and instructive one, and was attentively listened to by a large and appreciative audience.

On Friday evening, Dec. 12th, the members of the Prayer and Scripture Union held their annual tea meeting. Tea was provided for them in the schoolroom at 6-30, after which the evening was spent in a social manner. The Rev. William Mules delivered a suitable address, in which he explained the objects of the Union. Mr. J. Hall also addressed the members. There are over 100 members in our Sunday School Branch of the Union, of which Mrs. Spinks is the local secretary.

The usual monthly meeting of our Band of Hope was held in the Schoolroom on Monday evening, Dec. 15th, the Rev. W. Mules presiding. The programme included a recitation by Miss Ada Jackson, a duet, "Voices in the

air," by Mrs. Howard and Miss M. L. Paul; a reading by the Chairman; and a song by Miss Ray. A humorous dialogue entitled "Miss Diddle's Lodgings" was given by Misses Ray, Messrs. Jas. Ray, Walter Ray, Teare, and others. The entertainment was, as usual, interspersed with temperance melodies sung by the children.

Baptised.--On Dec. 3rd, Annie, daughter of Joseph and Annie Shadbolt.

The following is a list of the Special Advent Services in Emmanuel Church ::

Subject for Advent: "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh."

Nov. 30th The certainty of His coming.

Dec. 7th The manner of His coming.

:

14th The purpose of His coming.

21st: The time of His coming.

Christmas Day: The rising of the Day Star.

A

Official Entelligence.

MEETING of the General Standing Committee was held at Christ Church, Hemel Hempstead, on Friday, 12 Dec., 1884. The Rev. G. J. Lacell, Rector of Christ Church, Hemel Hempstead, has been appointed Secretary of the G. S. C.

APPLICANTS FOR THE MINISTRY. Applicants for the Ministry in the Reformed Episcopal Church in the United Kingdom, otherwise called the Reformed Church of England, should apply (for the south) to the Rev. G. J. Lacell, Rector of Christ Church, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, or (for the north) to the Rev. W. Mules Vicar of Emmanuel Church, Warrington; or (generally) to the Rev. C. Snosswell, A.K.C., Vicar of Christ Church, Braintree, Essex. Before an applicant can be accepted a personal interview with the Bishop is in all cases necessary.

SUSTENTATION FUND.

All contributions for the Sustentation Fund should be sent to Mr. H. Davies, 27, Sandstone Road, Stoneycroft, Liverpool.

BA

The Thirty-nine Articles.

ARTICLE XXVII.

Of Baptism.

APTISM is a sign of profession, whereby we publicly avow our faith in Christ, and are grafted into the visible Church. It represents the death of believers with Christ, and their rising with Him to newness of life. (Gal. iii, 26, 27; Rom. vi, 3-5; 1 Cor. xii, 12, 13.)

The Baptism of young children is in any wise to be retained in this Church, as agreeable to ancient usage, and not contrary to holy Writ. (Mark x, 13-16; Luke xviii, 15, 16; Acts xvi, 15, 33.)

[There is not in the Word of God one instance of any person born of Christian parents ever being baptized when grown up. There was never any Society of Christians that forbade children being baptized till more than 1000 years after Christ. Infant baptism had been practised by the Jews when receiving proselytes before and at the time of our Lord. The custom of infant baptism then existing must have been intended to continue or else He would have given some command against it. So far from this, the words "all nations" which He used (Matt. xxviii, 19), necessarily included infants. There are certain popular objections against Infant Baptism which it may be well to notice.

1. There is no example in Scripture of infants being baptized therefore they ought not to be baptized. Answer: There is no example in Scripture of women receiving the Lord's Supper, therefore, &c.

2. In Matt. xxviii, 19, and Mark xvi, 16 grown-up persons are to be taught and profess faith before baptism infants can't be taught or profess faith: therefore they ought not to be baptized. Answer: In 2 Thess. iii, 10 "If any would not work neither should he eat." Infants will not and cannot work, therefore they should not eat. 3. Baptism is a sign of repentance and faith. Infants can't have repentance or faith: therefore infants onght not to be baptized. Answer: Circumcision is "a seal of the righteousness of faith" (Rom. v, ii). Infants can't have righteousness or faith: therefore infants should not have been circumcised

The foregoing Answers will show the weight and worth of the Objections.]

Medical Missions.

Notes of a Sermon by Bishop Gregg, D.D., and M.D., preached in Trinity Church, Southend, on Sunday evening, 7th December, 1884.

TEX

EXT: Acts x, 38, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.

I. What is a Medical Mission? An effort to do good to the bodies and souls of the sick-poor. It is as unsectarian as Christianity. The Gospel is its message, and Healing is the means. The testimony of the Earl of Shaftesbury is: "From what I have myself witnessed, I have come to the conclusion that the union of the two agencies-healing and preaching, is almost absolutely essential if the poor are to be reached."

2. Who was the Founder of Medical Missions? Jesus Christ Himself was the first Medical Missionary; then His Apostles and Disciples; and in England the first Medical Practitioners were the clergy, who for hundreds of years acted in this capacity. Respecting Christ and this work, see Isa. liii, 4; Matt. viii, 16, 17; Luk. v, 15; ix, 2, 6, 11; x, 8, 9. "Healing and preaching" are the agencies which Christ Himself joined together for carrying on His work in the world.

3, Where is the field for Medical Missions? Wherever there are poor with suffering bodies and sin-stricken souls "The field is the world." The work in modern times has been, and is being, tried abroad in Turkey, Persia, Syria, China, Formosa, Palastine, Japan, Madagascar,

Africa (Livingstone was a Medical Missionary), India, &c. On the continent of Europe, in Paris, Florence, Rome, &c., and at home in Edinburgh, London, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Oldham, Salford, &c. There are at the present over 130 qualified Medical Missionaries engaged in this blessed Christ-like work of "preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” 4. Why was, and why is, sach a plan adopted? Because Divine Wisdom suggested it, Divine Compassion adopted and practised it, and man's need required, and still requires it. Such a method convinces the world of the practical reality of Christianity.

5. When can we give it practical effect? When we can find a suitable Medical Missionary; a suitable Room; a suitable Dispenser; and when we can find sickness combined with need. The beginning may be small; but we know not whereunto such may grow.

How happy, if we should have in time here a Christian Medical Mission fully equipped-a Christian medical man able and willing to give his whole time to this work ; a qualified Christian nurse to tend the sick poor; and a Cottage Hospital so much needed in this place. In such a work as this there is room for all :

"Though we may not give our thousands;
We can strive to do what's right;
And the least we do for Jesus,
Will be precious in His sight.

Here is a field for the skill of man; for the tender loving sympathy and labour of woman; yes, and as there are sick poor amongst children, there is room for young workers also.

"Only ten little fingers! not very strong it is true,

Yet there is work for Jesus such little hands can do ; What tho' it be but humble, winning no word of praise, Yet here is work for children, working in little ways.' Some of you know the Strand in London, and that beautiful Hospital which takes its name from Charing Cross, and which has such an able staff of Physicians, Surgeons, Students and Nurses. Up to the 31st December last nearly three quarters of a million (725,661) patients had been. treated there, where there are 150 beds, and the annual expenditure of which is about £12,000 a year, and now this excellent hospital needs enlargement. Do you know how In 1815 Dr. Ben

it came into being? Let me tell you. jamin Golding opened his consulting room in Leicester Square free for the poor. Many patients were too poor to pay even for the medicine. Well, God raised up two noble chemists to supply this need. Then he raised up good Mr. John Robertson, who gave his services as Hon. Sec. for 44 years, i.e., from 1818 until he died, September 16, 1862. In 1823, by the aid of benevolent friends a house was taken in Villiers Street, and was called the "West London Infir. mary." In 1827 this name was changed to "Charing Cross Hospital." In 1831 the first stone of the present building was laid by the Duke of Sussex. In 1850 the freehold was purchased, and on 24th September, 1883, a charter of Incorporation was granted.

The day of small things is not to be despised. The little one becomes a thousand; and to give practical effect to our faith I hereby convene a meeting to be held (D.V.) tomorrow evening in the large vestry room of our church, to take such steps as may seem desirable for the formation of a Christian Medical Mission in this neighbourhood for the benefit of the sick poor, without distinction of sect or party.

THE

HE Young WOMEN'S Christian Association came into being in the year 1855. It is open to all young women of all classes of Society. It is unsectarian and undenominational. Its objects are:

1. To unite together, for mutual help, sympathy, and instruction in spiritual things, young women of all classes who truly love the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To seek to win young women to Christ for salvation and for His service.

3. To provide friends for them, especially for those who come from the country into towns.

4. To promote the moral and social well-being of all through various agencies.

5. To afford protection to those who need it, and thus to help them to avoid the dangers and temptations which they may meet.

For some years there were two Associations, but in 1877 these were united under the Earl of Shaftesbury as president, Lady Kinnaird and Mrs. Pennefather being vicepresidents, and so wonderfully has this organisation grown that the Report for 1884 shows a list of 990 districts, in which 1092 referees and secretaries represent this excellent work. Thus, in London 96; other parts of England 620; Ireland 167; Scotland 122; Wales 25; Jersey 2; Abroad 60.

The Association consists of two parts-The Prayer Union, for real Christians; and the General Circle, open to all who desire membership.

There are in connection with the Y.W.C.A., in some towns, Institutes and Reading Rooms, Homes and Boarding Houses for young ladies in business, governesses, and for servants; and Agencies through which the various classes of young women can obtain situations.

The

The most terrible troubles young girls get into arise from their ignorance of some of the temptations to which they are exposed. A wise friend at hand, to advise, would prevent many a life-fall, and it is this and more which the Y.W.C.A. wishes to make it easy for young women to obtain. Y.W.C.A. is so arranged that if its members go from one place to another they can take a letter from the secretary of their branch and thus have an introduction to friends elsewhere. May God bless so noble an institution and so excellent a work. Further information may be obtained from Miss L. M. Moor, Cossington, Clifton, Bristol.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All Letters, Books for Review, &c., to be sent to the Editor of The Reformed Church Record, 51, Old Bailey, London, E.C.

All news should reach the Editor not later than the 18th of the month preceding that in which it is desired to appear.

All communications should be written on only one side of the paper and should be accompanied with the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

The Editor does not undertake to return rejected communications. Those sending newspapers should plainly mark the paragraphs which they desire to be noticed.

THE REFORMED CHURCH RECORD can be had from any bookseller and newsvendor for one penny monthly, post free three-halfpence, by giving the name of the London publishers, Messrs. E. Marlborough, and Co., 51, Old Bailey, London, E.C.; or will be sent post free for one and sixpence per annum, by Mr. S. Page, 10, Aiken Street, Warrington.

Intending Advertisers should communicate with the Secretary, Advertisement Department, Reformed Church Record, 10, Bewsey Street, Warrington.

Reformed Church Record,

JANUARY, 1885.

Practical Sympathy Fund.

E are indebted to English Churchman" (a member of the Established Church) for the suggestion

of a "Practical Sympathy Fund" whereby it has been proposed to raise by next Easter a sum of £500 as an expression of practical sympathy with the Protestant and Evangelical work of the Reformed Church of England. Sums of £5 and £25 have been offered conditionally upon the whole amount being raised by next Easter. The amount is not a large one, neither would it be difficult to raise if our exact principles and position were thoroughly understood; but the gauntlet which all movements must run is in this world one of misrepresentation. We have received, and do receive much encouragement often where least expected; but it would be needless to deny that our greatest difficulties have at times arisen where we should have expected greatest help.

Our aim is very simple: viz., To provide an ecclesiastical. refuge in the present distress for Evangelical and Protestant church-people driven out of their churches by ritualism, or left to perish by neglect. During the short space of about seven years, one of our churches, though po01, has locally raised over £10,000, and another some £5,000 for this work. The means which we adopt is the Gospel rather than the Law. We have adopted a revised book of Common Prayer which does not teach Baptismal Regeneration, the Real Presence, or Auricular Confession; and in our pulpits we endeavour to set forth "the Gospel of the Grace of God" as the only remedy for man's condition.

We wish the most hearty success to the Church Association, and all other Agencies and Ministers, who desire, and try to advance the cause of Christ on the lines of the Protestant Reformation, and we surely shall not appeal in vain to those who love the old paths of Evangelical truth when we ask them, in our efforts honestly to do God's work to assist us, and thus to "Come to the help of the Lord against the mighty."

[All friends willing to aid us in the "Practical Sympathy Fund" will oblige by communicating with the Rev. G. J. Lacell, Christ Church, Hemel Hempstead, Herts.]

Temperance.

By the Right Rev. Bishop Baldwin, D.D.

WE

E need a ministry thoroughly alive to the great work of Temperance Reform. One of the great questions of the day, now thundering at our doors, which no sophistry can answer and no indifference overlook, is that of the great subject of temperance in relation to the churches. In the face of the awful and acknowledged evils of the liquor traffic, the untold misery and horrible. crimes everywhere resulting from it, it seems to me it is not merely wrong, but culpable in the extreme for the Church to stand apart in cold and haughty indifference. The liquor traffic, in the eloquent language of Mr. Gladstone, combines within itself the combined evils of war, pestilence and famine. The bitter cry of London which has aroused

the sympathies of England, and quickened its pity into mighty activity, is only the same sad, bewailing cry that is rising up from every land, wherever this devastating traffic rolls onward on its course. Every day we ministers of religion meet it as the hindrance, not as the help, to the Redeemer's cause. We find it emptying our churches while it fills our jails; devastating our homes while it crowds our cemeteries; making the rich poor, the strong weak, the free slaves; demonstrating in every possible way that it is the most unbridled and ferocious ally that Satan ever employs to tempt the heart of man, or drag him downwards to his certain doom. In the face of these awful and admitted facts, who are the people to throw themselves athwart the path, and stop, if possible, its way? Surely the members of that Church which professes to be imbued with His Spirit; who for the joy that was set before Him, enduring the cross, despising the shame.

No one, I imagine, will deny the truth of what I say, but still the practical question remains: What sacrifice are we willing to make to demonstrate our sincerity and to help the helpless in their struggle to be free? From the teaching of Scripture, from the arguments which the case itself presents, I would say the sacrifice demanded, if sacrifice at all it be, is our total and continuous abstinence from the use of all intoxicating liquors when used as a beverage. This is the position which I assumed some years past when burthened with the spiritual wants of a vast congregation. And this is the position I would still retain as Bishop of the diocese of Huron.

[A new edition of Bishop Gregg's Tract, "Drink: What it Costs," has been published (price One Penny) by Messrs. E. Marlborough & Co., 51, Old Bailey, London, E.C. The Right Hon. John Bright, M.P., says, respecting it, "Its facts are striking and deplorable."]

The Christian Medical Mission.

THE

"PREACHING and HEALING," Luke ix, 6.

HE great mission of Christianity, as set forth in the Gospel, is "To preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luke ix, 2.)

The name JESUS means both the Saviour and the Healer, "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases." (Ps. ciii, 3.)

Jesus Christ came as a Preacher and as a Physician. He was the first Medical Missionary. "Himself took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses." (Matt. viii, 17.) This was the way in which Christ worked: "Jesus went about all the cities and villages teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (Matt. ix, 35.) "He received the people, and spake unto them of the Kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing." (Luke ix. 11.) "Whithersoever He entered into villages or cities, or country," (Mark vi, 56) "great multitudes came thither to hear and to be healed by Him of their infirmities ” (Luke v, 15); and "He healed all that were sick." (Matt. viii, 16.) This was the way in which His Apostles worked: "Preaching the Gospel and healing everywhere." (Luke ix, 6.) This was the command which the first Christian Missionaries received from Christ Himself: nto whatsoever city

unto them, the Kingdom of (Luke x, 8, 9.) "He sent

ye enter, Heal the sick and say God is come nigh unto you." them to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luke ix, 2.)

This was the work of Paul and his friend Luke, "the beloved Physician" (Col. iv, 17):

The Gospel was the message, and healing was the means. In England, the Clergy, &c., were the first regular Medical Practitioners, and for hundreds of years they prescribed medicines for the sick.

Of late years the subject of Medical Missions has occupied. much attention in the Christian Church, and there are at the present time more than 130 legally qualified physicians and surgeons employed in all parts of the world as Medical Missionaries, making known the true character of Christianity

in ministerial and medical aid.

The Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society has existed since 1841; the London Medical Mission was founded in 1871; and similar work is carried on in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Oldham, Salford, and other large towns.

THE CHRISTIAN MEDICAL MISSION is unsectarian (there is no sectarianism in misery), and it desires to carry out, so far as it can, the great principles and practices of Christianity, as laid down by Christ Himself for the spread of His work in the world-" PREACHING THE GOSPEL and HEALING EVERYWHERE" (Luke ix, 6); "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." (James v, 14.)

SOUTHEND, ESSEX is (so far as is known) the first small town in the United Kingkom where an agency of this kind has been begun, and the demands upon the time of its promoter (who has privately been engaged in this work for some years) has made it desirable, if not compulsory, that the work should be duly organised.

For this end he has sought and received the valued co-operation of a Council and Committee, and God's blessing is earnestly sought upon the work. THE CHRISTIAN MEDICAL MISSION wishes to be the Friend of the SICK Poor, and to help those "who have need of healing," without any undue interference with the more remunerative duties of the medical profession generally.

THE PLAN OF ACTION is as follows:- The patient for a small sum buys a C.M.M. Ticket. This ticket he or she brings at the time and place appointed, to the physician or surgeon in attendance, who writes a prescription, which is given to the patient. The patient then takes it to the chemist, and (as the physician and all the other officers give their services gratuitously) there is not any further charge for the medicine. (Bottles, &c., are extras.) Tickets may be purchased (either by the poor themselves, or by anyone for them) and further information may be obtained, either from the authorized chemist, or from any member of the Council; but the right is reserved to decline to recognize any ticket presented by anyone considered unsuitable.

The gentleman who has (pro. tem.) accepted the honorary position of Consulting Physician has had many years' experience in the treatment of disease, and holds the highest medical and surgical qualifications from the University of Dublin, and from the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of Edinburgh.

ΤΗ

Protestantism.

Most cer

By the Right Rev. Bishop Baldwin, D.D. HERE is an increasing tendency on the part of some to assimilate the creeds and ritual of the Church of England with the doctrine and practices of the Church of Rome. The word "Protestant" is now scouted by thousands who claim to be inalienable members of that Church whose new birth was one tremendous protestation against the doctrine of the Latin communion. tainly does the Church of Rome hold rightly the Catholic faith concerning the blessed Trinity, the incarnation of our Lord, the truth of His miracles, the certainty of His resurrection, and the reality of His future coming. If therefore our reformers had had nothing further to say concerning her they should in all reason have remained within her pale. But they had; they entered their emphatic protest; and sealed it with their blood, against certain distinctive doctrines which in their judgment were not only inimical to, but actually subversive of the Faith. With one voice they protested against the elevation of a so-called tradition to the rank and dignity of the canonical Scriptures. They protested against the sacrifice of the mass; against the assumption that the mysterious and awful death of Jesus Christ could ever be repeated; against the cultus of the Virgin Mary; against the invocation of the saints and martyrs; against the doctrines of Purgatory and supererogation; in fact, against every doctrine which interfered with the priesthood of Christ-His position as sole Mediator between God and

man.

And I may ask, was there nothing noble in all this protestation against error? Have not all God's people been protestants against some form of evil? Was not Elijah protestant against the voluptuousness of the court of Ahab and the idolatries of the House of Israel? Were not all the prophets in the name of God continually lifting up their voices to protest against false alliances and unholy lives? And now have we discovered that our martyred dead were wrong, and that really there was little or nothing against which it was their duty to protest? If so, our existence is uncalled for, and our separation beyond the limits of excuse. For the sake of unity and in the interests of peace we should abolish our distinctive articles and re establish the union which their formation broke.

The Right Way.

YOUNG man in Edinburgh was very anxious to speak to others about their souls; so he addressed himself one morning to an old Musselburg fish wife, and he began by saying to her, "Here you are with your burden." “Ay,” said she. He asked her, "Did you ever feel a spiritual burden?" "Yes," she said, resting a bit, "I felt the spiritual burden years ago, before you were born, and I got rid of it, too; but I did not go the same way to work that Bunyan's pilgrim did." Our young friend was greatly surprised to hear her say that, and thought she must be under grevious error, and therefore begged her to explain. "No," said she, "when I was under concern of soul, I heard a true Gospel minister, who bade me look to Christ, and there I lost my load of sin. I did not hear one of those milk-andwater preachers, like Bunyan's Evangelist." "How," said our young friend, "do you make this out ?"

"Why, that Evangelist, when he met the man with the burden on his back, said to him, 'do you see that wicket gate?'"

"No,' said he, 'I don't.' 'Do you see that light'? I think I do.' 'Why man," said she "he should not have spoken about wicket gates or lights, but, he should have said, Do you see Jesus Christ? Look to Him and your burden will fall off your shoulder. He sent that man round the wrong way when he sent him to the wicket gate, and much he got by it, for he was likely to have been choked in the Slough of Despond before long. I tell you, I looked at once to Christ, and away went my burden." "What," said this young man, "Did you never go through the Slough of Despond ?" "Ah," said she, "many a time more than I care to tell. But the first time I heard the preacher say, 'Look to Christ,' and I looked to Him. I have been through the Slough of Despond since that! But let me tell you that it is easier to go through that slough with your burden off than it is with your burden on you."

SAVING FAITH.

It may be thou thinkest that though thou canst not do all by thyself alone, yet, Jesus Christ offering thee help, thou canst of thyself embrace it, and use it for thy recovery. But, O sinner, be convinced of thine absolute need of the grace of Christ; for truly there is help offered, but thou canst not accept it; there is a rope cast over to draw shipwrecked sinners to land; but, alas! they have no hands to catch hold of it. They are like infants exposed in the open field, that must starve, though their food be lying by them, unless one put it in their mouths. To convince natural men of this, let it be considered, first, that althought Christ is offered in the Gospel, yet they cannot believe in Him. Saving faith is the faith of God's elect; the special gift of God to them, wrought in them by His Spirit. Salvation is offered to them that will believe in Christ; but how can you believe? (John v. 44.) It is cffered to those that will come to Christ; but "no man can come unto Him except the Father draw him." It is offered to them that will look to Him, as lifted up on the pole of the Gospel (Isa. xlv. 22); but the natural man is spiritually blind (Rev. iii. 17), and as to the things of the spirit of God, he cannot know them, for they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor. ii. 14.) Nay, whosoever will, he is welcome; let him come. (Rev. xxii.