EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. MEETINGS FOR UNITED PRAYER AT CANNES. Dear Dr. Steane,-When, a few weeks ago, I wrote to you, I mentioned how highly we were favoured in this place in regard to religious privileges. There are here several little knots of Christian people --small congregations-all, I believe, supplied with faithful preachers of the Gospel; so that we have, if we wish to avail ourselves of them, ten or eleven opportunities every week to hear the truth more or less powerfully proclaimed. I also mentioned to you that the only drawback to this very cheering prospect was, that among these Christian brethren there was not apparently the love, and certainly not the union, that there ought to be; they stood too much aloof from one another, and yet they had got entangled with each other in such a way that they were all like a troublesome skein, which, the more you pull it, the worse it gets; and the knots seem, for every day, to get tighter, and more impossible to untie. Many were concerned and grieved, and some made it a subject of daily prayer, that this state of things might be altered. One day, a Christian gentleman residing here, himself a member of the Church of England, came and told us that he wished to draw as many of the Christian people as possible together at a prayer meeting. He merely fixed an hour on the following Tuesday, when the chapel built by Admiral Pakenham would be open. It was the least sectarian ground that could be chosen. There the Scotch services those of the French Free Church, generally conducted by M. Napoleon Roussel -and those of the Brethren, or, as they here call themselves, the Bible Christians, are always held. No one was regularly invited; it was a mere intimation. How acceptable it was to the Christian people here showed itself by the numerous attendance on the said Tuesday morning. The place was almost full. No one knew how it would turn out; no preliminary arrangements had been made, except that Professor Chapui, from Lausanne, had been requested to take the chair-a wise choice in every respect, not only from his own rare qualifications, but from his standing outside all the little differences here. Some had expressed their wish that there might first be a meeting of pastors to agree on what should be done; others said, and I believe wisely, "Let them come together and pray first, and agree afterwards." Waiting to agree before we pray together, seems like waiting to be righteous before coming to Christ. Come as you are, with all your strife and dissensions, only you don't wish to keep them, and you will pray yourselves out of them and into a right spirit; "For, out of the heart proceedeth all evil," says Jeremiah. Professor Chapui opened the meeting by reading 2 Cor. xiii., after which a hymn was sung, and he prayed beautifully. A pause ensued. No one knew what would come next. But the Lord did. He gave to one of His servants a spirit of prayer and supplication, which was poured out in the words of a fervent prayer. Again a pause. A hymn was sung, another portion of Scripture was read, and after a pause, another prayer was heard. The hour fixed for the duration of the meeting was nearly at an end, and Professor Chapui pronounced the benediction. Many, I hope and believe, went away truly edified, and I have not the slightest doubt that the influence of this meeting has been felt in many quarters, though in others, for a time, the kind wishes of the originator may have been disappointed. The knots of the skein were too hard to be unravelled at once. They will, however, in time give way to persevering prayer. Every Tuesday morning, at eleven o'clock, have we met, since the time described above, and stayed there till twelve. Truly delightful has that hour seemed to some of us, I know; I trust, to many. Every time it has been with regret that I have seen the minute hand approach the number of twelve on the dial. The meetings have always been conducted in the same simple way, pauses intervening now and then. There were objections to the usual way of calling on persons to pray, and, therefore, the meeting has been left in this way very much to take its own course. It may interest you, however, to know that those who have hitherto engaged in prayer have been Admiral Pakenham and the Rev. Mr. Douglas, of the Free Church of Scotland; Mr. Evans, of the Church of England; M. Napoleon Roussel, of the Free Church of France; M. Espinette, of that of the Brethren; Professor Chapui, of the Swiss Free Church; and M. Boucher, pastor of the French congregation at Aixen-Provence. The visit of the latter, which * The prayers have been in French or English, according to the convenience of the speaker. EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. took place shortly before Christmas, seemed almost an answer to prayer. His very remarkable preaching brought all denominations together, and he spoke indiscriminately in the different places of worship, so as to break down some of the prejudices regarding stone walls. More, much more, will come of this. We must expect great things from God-more life among the Protestants here, natives and foreigners; more unity amongst them in the face of Roman Catholics; and last, not least, awakenings in that degenerate Church. Such are the subjects that every Christian heart ought to feel to be so important as to send him as a supplicant to the throne of grace. May the Lord grant these petitions to His people assembled here. I ought to mention to you that our meetings have not been so numerously attended as on the first occasion. Many were curious and attracted by novelty. When the sieve is shaken, such people fall through and disappear. May those who remain be in right earnest and pray the others in again, as well as all who yet keep aloof. You will, I am sure, think of this little meeting, and unite in it with warm sympathy. Yours in Christian love, BELGIUM. prosperous. Yes; the work does make progress, thanks be to God! It is PROGRESS AMIDST DIFFICULTIES. Jumet, Dec. 15, 1858. Sir and honoured Brother, --I am very grateful to you for the generous interest you I have spoken to you more than once in have manifested in the work which is being former years of the district of Centre, lying accomplished in this little kingdom of Bel- between Mons, Brussels, and Charleroi, and gium, and which continues to be miracu- of my missionary efforts among its numelously supported by the Lord. The expres-rous population; I believe I can now say sion is not too strong, considering the that the Gospel has there taken root. numberless and continual difficulties which a very small tree at present; but it will surround us. grow and develop. The committee has come to the determination of establishing a minister in this field, which, humanly speaking, gives me great hopes of success. Another time I will give you more ample details; in the meanwhile, I recommend this new mission to the prayers, and also to the aid, of the brethren of the United Kingdom. Since I last had the pleasure of seeing you I have been busily engaged in enlarging our temple, which had become too small for the increasing number of people who attended the service there. We have constructed at the side of this building a large school-room, which accommodates 150 pupils, and next spring we propose to erect in a neighbouring commune a good house, which will contain apartments for the teacher, and a large hall, that can be used both for a school-room and a place of worship. I would wish to tell you that one of our brethren has generously undertaken the responsibility of this enterprise, although he is only a collier. He wishes to devote his little savings to give permanence to the work which is going on in this commune, on condition of a small subsidy and a moderate location. It is to be desired that this conduct were imitated in France and Belgium, as it would much diminish the outlay of the considerable sums collected in England and Scotland for the erection of temples, &c., which might then be appropriated in a more effectual manner for the maintenance of the work. In this way, be assured, the good cause would certainly gain, and become stronger and more The 1st November, which is consecrated to idolatry by the Papists under the name of the day of Toussaint, was on the last occasion a happy festival day to the Churches of Charleroi and Jumet. There was a Bible conference in the morning at Charleroi, and in the evening at Jumet. The temples were crowded; hundreds of people were obliged to go away for want of room. In the course of the day, at least 800 persons heard the testimony which God has rendered to His beloved Son in His holy Word. It was an imposing spectacle to see the large audience listening, with silence and delight, to the beautiful and solemn words which were spoken. Let glory be given to God alone through Jesus Christ, and to us, confusion of face! Do not conclude from this, that our task is light, and our course easy. The priests of Rome render sincere testimony to our EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. success, by the gigantic efforts which they make to oppose us. I will only speak to you of the missionaries. For two months, two brigades of missionaries, composed of three each, have been going from commune to commune; they preach every day, casting the most violent invectives against the Protestants. "God is hiding himself," they say, "Satan in fury agitates Belgium by means of the most cruel enemies of the Church." These are the Protestants; we are monsters and agents of debauchery and disorder. In a political point of view, they flatter the people in the most shameful and impious manner, in order to regain their empire over their minds. I will just give you an example of a hymn, or rather of an impious song, composed by one of the missionaries, and sung in the Church of Jumet during the mission. The song was accompanied by the instrumental music of Jumet: "Jumet est la commune, Où nous trouvons tout bien; REFRAIN. "Oui, la foi, l'industrie, Jumet est la patrie Des hommes bons et forts, &c. Nul people sur la globe Un seul compte pour trois. Toujours exempts de crimes, Moutons ensemble aux cieux," &c. One thing which is surprising is, that with all their invectives against us and such ignoble flatteries, these men did not succeed in exciting the people against me. The fact is, that the mission only lasted a fortnight, and I knew nothing of it. I was astonished at meeting so many priests in my walks, and it was quite in an indirect way that I was informed of the existence of the mission. Is it not admirable? The only person who insulted me was the curé himself; and he took care to do so when there was no one to hear him. I conclude by telling you that it is wise for us to look for help to God alone, and not in man. I believe that stormy times are at hand, and that our growing Churches must expect to encounter serious difficulties, not to say persecutions. Can you believe that the heads of the Liberal party have yielded themselves in our district as instruments to the fury of the priests? that men have been dismissed from work because they attended our service and sent their children to our schools? In God's name, pray for us; let us work while it is day. I am, Sir and honoured Brother, with distinguished consideration in Christ, Your devoted, PRUSSIA. J. JACCARD, Pastor. ROYAL PATRONAGE OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND EVANGELICAL SOCIETIES-IMPARTIAL DISTRIBUTION OF ORDERS-GOSSNER'S MISSIONARY INSTITUTION-DEDICATION OF THE PALACE OF THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS FREDERICK WILLIAM. Berlin, January 18, 1859. Sovereigns always exercise some influence upon the various affairs of their dominions, and that influence is greater in proportion as their character and position is stronger. So it was with us in secular as well as in religious matters. It was not surprising, therefore, that the Christian people of this country should be curious to learn what course the Prince Regent would take in relation to certain discourses arranged under the auspices of some eminent societies in this city, towards which the King had always evinced a decided mind. There are especially two of these societies which ought to be mentioned: the Scientific, and that with which you are acquainted, the Evangelische Verein. The Scientific Society is exactly what its name imports. It holds discourses on appropriate subjects, as, for example, "The Personal Character of Voltaire," the first of this season, and delivered by Professor Hettner, of Dresden. It possesses also a library of popular books for public use. But it never interferes with religious things, but confines itself to its own province. It is only just, however, to acknowledge that it pays the greatest attention to the selection of interesting subjects for its lectures, and provides able men to deliver them. With regard to the Evangelische Verein, EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. I must mention that the programme for the present season comprises neither the name of Dr. Hengstenberg nor of Dr. Stahl. The latter resigned his position in the Oberkirchenrath, and his resignation was accepted by the Regent, a member of which body, Dr. Von Mühler, is chairman of the other. Yesterday evening the first discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Prochnow, late missionary in the East Indies, who appropriately took as his theme "Eighteen Years in India." H.R.H. the Princess of Prussia was present, and Prince Alexander of Prussia, while the Prince Regent and his Royal Consort honoured by their presence the first two lectures of the Scientific Society. You will see by this that their Royal Highnesses are intending to do justice, and to give their personal sanction to every enterprise of consequence. We are led to the same conclusion by the list of gentlemen who, on Sunday, at the festival of the Orders, received decorations from the Prince Regent. It is true that not so many divines as in former years obtained these distinctions, but it is abundantly evident that no party spirit prevailed in their distribution. The Superintendent-General, the Rev. Dr. Hoffmann, who read prayers and preached the sermon on the occasion, in the Royal palace, was decorated with the Order of the Red Eagle of the second class. Whatever you may think of these matters, we shall agree that the development of religion is not much influenced by them. As Mr. Prochnow drew attention yesterday to the national character of India, you would be entitled to ask for some account of what he said. But you will be more interested in his references to Father Gossner's mission work there, which I must be permitted to enlarge upon, as it is closely connected with the state of Gossner's Missionary Institution. This blessed man's work, and the success attending it, are well calculated to illustrate the wonderful power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. After he quitted the Church Missionary Society, he determined to have no more to do with missionary affairs, but to devote himself entirely to his congregation. The reverse, however, happened. A young man full of faith and zeal presented himself to Father Gossner, and requested his help to enable him to become a servant of Christ among the heathen. Steadily as he refused, he was assailed and at last overcome by the unwavering faith and love of the young man. The path of his vocation was beaten, mutual faith and love laid the foundation stone of his institution, and it has remained until Gossner's death, on the 31st of March last. It was without reason that fears were entertained that this excellent institution, at the death of its founder, would cease to retain its original character. The committee was enlarged, but the principal question was, who would become its Principal. When it was understood that the Rev. Dr. Buchsel had been elected, I cannot forbear telling you that many of its true friends were surprised at the choice. Although Dr. Buchsel had in former days been an intimate friend of Gossner's, yet every one connected with him knew that his feelings towards him were greatly altered after he came to Berlin, when Buchsel became first a Superintendent, then a Councillor of Consistory, and a little while after Superintendent of the Newmark, a portion of the province of Brandenburg. Besides, there were some remarkable reports circulated respecting circumstances connected with the election; and it was no secret that Dr. Buchsel held with Dr. Hengstenberg, whose views he embraced at the Berlin Conference in 1856; and people were still further struck with the protest of Dr. Von Mühler, a member of the committee, against his election, presuming that it arose from Dr. Von Mühler's apprehension that he would give predominancy to High Church principles in the conduct of the institution. But all has cleared up. During the latest period of his life Father Gossner recovered his confidence in Dr. Buchsel's Evangelical views and sober-mindedness, and wished that he should become his successor. There can be no mistake in these statements, for our deceased evangelist had himself written down his wishes, and the paper was found after his death; and this influenced the committee in their choice. When Dr. Von Mühler found that his protest was of no avail he retired from the committee. You may judge for yourself that Dr. Buchsel will by no means be able to do for the institution all that Gossner did, since he is pastor of a large congregation, Councillor of Consistory for the province of Brandenburg, and Superintendent-General of the Newmark; and oftentimes is obliged to take journeys for weeks and even months together. The working Principal is, therefore, the Rev. Mr. Prochnow. He gives scriptural lessons to the missionary students; he conducts the Bee, the mission journal; he holds Divine service at Elizabeth's Hospital, EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. founded by Gossner, and takes spiritual care of the sick-all the works of faith and love that dear Gossner had laid to his heart. They are now, doubtless, in the best hands, for Mr. Prochnow was dear to Gossner before he left for India, twenty years ago. The best understanding is fully established between him and the committee, and there is much ground to hope that this excellent missionary institution will continue to answer the purpose of its founder. Certainly it would be a subject for much regret if it did not do so, for the missionary work connected with it may be fairly represented as prosperous and large. Besides heathen countries, it embraces Australia and America. In these parts of the world its efforts are, of course, directed to the spiritual necessities of European emigrants. In Australia and the Isle of Chatham there are nineteen missionaries, and about thirty in America, who are sustained by their own congregations. Two more are assistants in Africa. In the possessions held in the East Indies by the Dutch there are twenty-six missionaries, part of whom are supported by a missionary society in Holland, and part maintain themselves by their own handicrafts. Gossner's mission in India proper is altogether dependent on the society in Berlin both for subsistence and direction. The missionaries there are labouring partly in Bahar, Ganges mission, and partly amongst the coolies. At the Ganges station there are nine, five of whom are married. According to the latest reports, since the Indian rebellion has been suppressed, the number of converts is greatly increasing. Our brethren there are rejoicing in the hope that the day of the Lord's grace will soon rise over all India. Characteristic of the work amongst the coolies are these words, written down by Gossner in January, 1857: "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.' (Is. liv. 2,3.) Help us, Almighty Beater of paths, and gird us for the course, for fighting on the right hand and on the left; and if we be discouraged, strengthen our hearts again! When the fishermen are drawing, help them to draw their nets. Pray. We must get all the coolies; the devil shall not keep a fish-bone, except those that our Saviour throws away, because they are foul fish and worth nothing." In spite of persecution, and of the strong and cruel revolution, the congregation at Chota Nagpore has increased. When the brethren returned after an absence of eight or nine months, nothing met their eye but devastation and destruction, and sighing, they exclaimed, "It will be the struggle of a life to recover what we have lost!" But scarcely are five months elapsed before all is rebuilt and restored,-houses, schools, villages. All the Christians lent a helping hand; and the fifty Christian villages which existed before the rebellion have become two hundred and five. Here we may truly say, "The harvest is great, but the labourers are few." May this word of the Lord be laid to the heart of the Protestant Church in Germany, that more of her living mem bers may give themselves to their Lord's service! The income of the society last year amounted to 4,901 th. 9 gr. and 1 pf. (about 7357.), and the expenditure 4,459 th. 14 gr. and 11 pf. (about 6687.), leaving a balance of 441 th. 24 gr. and 2 pf. (a little more than 667.) But a new obligation is laid upon the society. Most of the missionaries in India are blessed with families, and when they cannot be educated there, they must, for this purpose, be brought over to Europe at the expense of the society. Let us put our whole confidence in Him who bears this missionary work in His gracious hands, and will support it by the instrumentality of those who have tested how kind the Lord is! You will be pleased to hear that an interesting religious service took place here on the birthday of the Princess Frederick William, which I ought to have mentioned in my last letter. I refer to the consecration, if I may so call it, of the recently repaired palace, in which the Prince and Princess are to reside. Dr. Strauss, one of the Court Chaplains, preached on the occasion from Ps. cxxvii. 1, and spoke of the house as a home of love, a sanctuary of light, and an abode of Divine peace. The sermon is published, under the title of "The Dedication of the House." British Christians will unite with those of Prussia in the devout wish that the abundant blessing of Almighty God may rest upon the youthful Royal pair in their new palace. 0. |