Dear Sir, A FREE INQUIRING CLASS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE DEFENDER. On Wednesday evening, the 21st inst., a very interesting lecture was delivered in the Common Hall, Hackin's Hey, in this town, in connection with the above Association, by the Rev. Joseph Baylee, D.D. Subject: Whether the destruction of the Canaanites be repugnant to the character of Deity or not.' The meeting though small was very attentive, and I have no doubt went away greatly edified by the clear and concise manner in which this old infidel argument was met. At the close of the lecture, the Rev. Doctor intimated that 'he should be happy to explain any portion of Scripture respecting which difficulties might exist in the minds of his hearers.' No one, however, availed themselves of the opportunity. I would here remark, Mr. Editor, that the Inquiring Class in connection with the above Association (the time of meeting is daily announced by hand bills) affords the Secularists and Mormonites of Liverpool ample opportunity of bringing their objections to the Bible in contact with that Book; and it strikes me very forcibly that if there is any truth in their system, it ought to stand a little sifting, and if it will not stand siftlng, it is time that such rotten systems should be exposed, that the public should be placed on their guard. If these gentlemen (?) (I mean the Mormonites) do really and truly belteve (which I very much doubt) that the 'Book of Mormon' is a revelation from God let them bring all the arguments they have in its support into public discussion, and I am sure the Christians of Liverpool will readily enter the 'lists' with them. I perfectly agree with the observation which 'Observer' made in number 20 of the 'Defender,' in his article on 'Why do Mormon Elders Avoid Discussion?' He says, 'Why do they avoid discussion? simply because they are afraid of an exposure.' But I would go still further than Observer,' and say, They avoid discussion, 1st, Because they know too well that the doctrine which they teach is false. 2nd, That their system is all a dodge to rob the unwary people of England and to induce them to leave their homes and countries, with bright hopes of future wealth and happiness, which, alas! pass away like the morning mist, leaving nothing behind but the sad reality-starvation aud death! 3rd, That their prophet and seer, Joseph Smith, was an Impostor. 4th, That the story of the Golden Plates is a Lie. And, lastly, That all their pretensions to having received a revelation from God is nothing more nor less than a base fabrication. If, Mr. Editor, any of your readers (who may be Mormonites) think contrary to us, and that the above assertions are erroneous, let us by all means have a public discussion, and I have no doubt that if any of these gentlemen will communicate with the Honorary Secretary of this Associatian (whose address by the way can be had on application at 90, London Road, Liverpool), arrangements for a public discussion might be entered upon, and then the public will have an opportunity of judging for themselves. If I might be allowed to propose a question for discussion, I would propose the following, viz.: 'The Divine authority of the Book of Mormon.' Expecting soon to hear that arrangements are being made for a public discussion, Liverpool, Nov. 20. 1855. I am, 'SPECTATOR.' BIBLE DEFENCE ASSOCIATION. Instituted 9th April, 1855. [A young friend in Halifax, deeply interested in the defence of Christianity, wrote to us some time ago asking about the constitution and rules of a Bible Defence Association. His note unfortunately has fallen aside. As, however, he is a subscriber to the Defender,' we beg to submit to his attention the fol lowing rules for such a society, unanimously adopted at Liverpool, and, we should think, equally suitable for Halifax, and all other towns in the kingdom, where there is a desire to organize for the defence of Scriptural truth.—ED.DEF.] RULES. I.-NAME. That this Society be called the · BIBLE DEFENCE Association.' 11.-OBJECT. That its object be the Defence of the Bible, and the Criticism and Exposure of all Anti-Christian Error, with especial reference to the various forms of modern infidelity. III.-MEANS. That the means made use of for the accomplishment of this object be-Lectures, Discussion, Inquiring Classes, Tract Distribution, and any other plan of operation which may be agreed upon. IV.- FUNDAMENTAL BASIS. That the Association recognizes the following Fundamental Doctrines of the sacred Scripture, (and that it does not hold itself responsible for the individual opinion of its members on other minor points,) viz. : 1st. The Trinity of persons in the Godhead. 2nd. The Depravity of Man in consequence of the Fall. 3rd. The Atonement and Intercession of Christ. 4th. The Justification of Sinners by Faith alone. 5th. The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Conversion and Sanctification of sinners. 6th. The right of private judgment in the interpretation of the Bible. V.-CONSTITUTION. That the business of the Association be conducted by a Committee, a Treasurer, and a Secretary; to be elected annually from the members, at a General Meeting called for that purpose, to be held in the month of September. VI.-FUNDS. That all members of the Association be expected to contribute not less than One Shilling, nor more than Five Shillings annually, to the funds. III.-DISCIPLINE. That the Committee possess power to dismiss any member who may be found guilty of immorality; and that any person, after having joined the Association, who shall Deny the Inspiration of the Bible, will, from the time of such act, and by virtue thereof cease to be considered as having any connection whatever with the Association. VIII-MEETINGS. That all the Meetings of the Association be opened and closed with prayer. IX. ALTERATION OF RULES. That none of the foregoing rules be altered, except at a General Meeting of the Association, called for that purpose. N.B. Any person wishing to join the above Association, can receive every information, by applying at the office of the Association, 90, London Road.. PERCIVAL P. WILLIAMS, Hon. Sec. Pro. Tem. 'THE DEFENDER' AND 'THE BIBLE AND THE PEOPLE.' Ir is with much pleasure that we have to announce to our readers an arrangement, which will enable us more fully and effectually to accomplish the great objects for which the Defender' was commenc d. We have all along felt that, from the number and pressure of other engagements, we have not been able to achieve all that we contemplated, and that is desireable in so important an advocacy as that in which we have engaged. Much has, of necessity, been overlooked and neglected that would have greatly contributed to wider success. There is a line impassible even to the most earnest and diligent workers: and we have weekly and daily felt how much more time and energy the Christian Church should be willing to devote to the defence of its bulwarks in our periodical literature, than it has yet given. Amid the too general apathy, it is pleasing to find some devoted workers in this department of Christian effort. Among the most active and successful of these, is the Rev. Brewin Grant, of Birmingham,' -a gentleman who has not only on the platform publicly confronted the ablest advocates of infidelity, but who, in 'The Bible and the People,' a monthly periodical of several years standing, has made a valuable and permanent contribution to the literature of Christian defence. Finding its mode of issue not the most suitable for the object contemplated, and his other engagements increasing, he thought that we might, with propriety, unite our efforts in a weekly periodical, combining the advantages and eliminating the defects of both. For some time this had been our own conviction; and it is with the utmost gratification that we have to announce that from the commencement of the new year, the two will appear as one, under the title of the Bible Defender. At present, we do not contemplate the alteration of its form or price, but under our joint management we anticipate its increased value and usefulness as an organ for the exposition and defence of the great facts and principles of the religion of the Bible -the only religion for the people. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. Communications and works for review to be addressed to the Editor, 50, Grainger Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, either direct, or through the publishers. The real names and addresses of correspondents required, though not for publication. In future, all communications must reach us at least ten days earlier than the date of publication, if intended for immediate insertion. Our correspondents in different places will do us service by giving us prompt informa tion of what goes on in their localities. Our correspondents are requested to write on only one side of the paper. The Editor does not undertake to return rejected communications. Covers for Vol. 1. may now be had, lettered, at one shilling each. A few sets of volume 1st are now ready; and may be had at 3s. 6d. When any parties have difficulty in getting 'THE DEFENDER' through the booksellers, 6 copies can be sent direct from the Office to any address, on prepayment by postage stamps, or Post Office Order." THE CHEAPEST OF HYMN BOOKS. Now ready, the CHEAP EDITION of the EVANGELICAL HYMN-BOOK, Containing One thousand and fifty-six Hymns, carefully selected and classified from all available sources, with a few originals, IN CLOTH, 18; LARGE TYPE EDITION, IN ROAN, 1s 6d. Ministers, Churches, Sabbath School Teachers, and others requiring quantities, may have the small edition at 8d., and the large one at 1s 2d. per copy, Specimen copies of the two editions sent on a remittance of 2s. 6d. The advantages of this Hymn-book are— 1. That it is sufficiently large to contain the best Hymns of Watts, Wesley, Doddridge, Cowper, Montgomery, Kelly, &c. 2. It contains One Thousand Hymns, adapted for congregational use. 8. It is thoroughly unsectarian and eclectic in its character. 4. There is no danger of any material alteration in the work, as both are stereotyped. HUNTER & Co., 50, GRAINGER-ST., NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE. NOW READY PRICE ONE PENNY, [In a Neat, Coloured Wrapper], TRUTHS FOR THE PEOPLE: A MONTHLY SHRIAL, Devoted to the Instruction of the People in the great Truths of Christianity; and specially adapted for young Christians, and earnest enquirers. Containing short, and interesting Articles, with striking Facts, illustrative of the Power of the Gospel. PRICE ONE PENNY. RE-ISSUE OF "TRUTHS FOR THE PEOPLE.' Will be ready on Dec. 15th, for Jan. 1st, 1856, No. 1. 'THE GREATEST OF ALL EXHIBITIONS.' LONDON: Houlston and Stoneman, 65, Paternoster Row. GLASGOW George Gallie and Co., Christian News Office. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE: Hunter & Co., 50, Grainger Street. London: HOULSTON & STONEMAN, 65, Paternoster Row. HUNTER & Co., 50, GRAINGER STREET, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE : AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. THE DEFENDER: a Weekly Magazine, OF CHRISTIAN EXPOSITION AND ADVOCACY. "Who knows not that truth is strong, next to the Almighty; she needs no policies, nor stratagems, nor licensings to make her victorious, those are the shifts and the defences that error uses against her power."-MILTON. THAT MAY BE POSSIBLE WITH MAN WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD. (Continued from our last.) Fellowes smiled good-naturedly, and then said, 'I was going to observe, in relation to the present subject, that it is "moral and spiritual" truth which Mr. Newman says it is impossible should be the subject of a bookrevelation.' Harrington, apparently without listening to him, suddenly said, 'By the bye, you agree with Mr. Newman, I am sure, that God is to be approached by the individual soul without any of the nonsense of mediation, which has found so general-all but universal-sanction in the religious systems of the world?' Certainly,' said Fellowes, nor is there probably any "spiritualist" (in whatever we may be divided) who would deny that.' Supposing it true, does it not seem to you the most delightful and stupendous of all spiritual truths?' 'It does indeed,' said Fellowes. 'Could you always realize it, my friend,' said Harrington. 'Nay, I was once a firm believer in the current orthodoxy, as you well know.' 'Now you see with very different eyes. You can say, with the man in the Gospel, "This I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see.' 'I can.' And you attribute this happy change of sentiment to the perusal of those writings of Mr. Newman, from which you think that I also might derive similar benefits?' No. 23, Vol. II. |