The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-12-03 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD

INVITATION TO UNITED PRAYER,

FOR THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ON WED-
NESDAY, IST OF JANUARY, 1845, BEING THE FIRST
DAY OF THE NEW YEAR.

DEARLY BELOVED IN THE LORD,—It is with feelings
of grateful thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, that I
now, for the ninth time, renew my annual invitation for a
general concert for Prayer for the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit, which, be divine permission, wilt be held on the
fist day of the New Year, Wednesday, January Ist, 1845.
Upon entering upon so spiritual a service, it will be well
to hear in mind that striking passage in the 59th chapter
of the Prophet Isaiah—" Behold, the Lord's hand is not
shortened, that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy,
that it cannot hear : but your iniquities have separated
between you and your God, and your sins hate hid his
face from you, that he will not hear."
For, whilst this scripture shews us the Lord's readiness
to hear our petitions, and his ability to grant our utmost
desires, and thus encourages us to draw nigh to a throne
of grace," it will lead us to do this with a deeper sense of
ous manifold infirmities, with a humble confession of our
individual shortcomings, and with a personal application
to that " precious blood, which cleanses from all sin."
Thus it was that holy Daniel offered up his prayer.
First, with humble confession, and then with earnest sup-
plication.
And, surely, at this time such a course is peculiarly re-
quisite, to give us that confidence in prayer, without
which it cannot be effectual. For, without referring to
those open transgressions of the ungodly, for which " the
Lord is angry with then. every day," consider the present
state of the church of Christ Who that compares his own
personal religion with the standard laid down in the Wot d
of God, but will be ready to smite upon his breast, and
say, with the publican, " God be merciful to me a sinner."
For reflect upon the description given of the ministers of
Christ, and of the trust reposed in them. They are called
Men of God," " Ambassadors for Christ," " the glory
of the churches ;" they are " in Christ's stead ;" they are
set as " examples of the believers in word, in conversa-
tion, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity ;" they are
" put in trust with the gospel ;" they " watch for souls, as
they that must give an account;" and such is their love
for their divine master, that they "count not their lives
dear unto themselves, so that they might finish their
course with joy, and the ministry which they have received
of the Lord Jesus."
Such is their high and holy calling. Who that minis-
ters before the Lord, when he compares himself with this
standard, will not feel as the pi“phet did when he said,
" R o is me for I am undone, for I am a man of unclean
lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips."
(Isaiah vi. 5.)
Then mark the description given of the Lord's faithful
people. They are " the salt of the earth," " the light of
the world," " a city set upon a hill ;" they " have their
conversation in heaven ;" they are directed " to 11,M forth
tne word of life in the midst of a crooked and perverse
generation ;" to be followers of God as dear children; to
walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and given him-
self f. r us ; to be " as servants who wait for their Lord,
that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto
him immediately."
It it be asked where shall we meet with Christians of
th s scriptural standard? Will not the tn, st devoted
among the Lord's people be ready to say, " My leanness,
my leanness. Wo unto me, the treacherous dealers have
dealt very treacherously." (Isaiah suit,. 16.) How ne-
cessary, then, is it, when we enter upon this spiritual ser-
vice, to bear in mind the scripture to which I have refer-
red.

For the new year approaches under such interesting cir-
cumstances, as may well call forth our most ardent pray-
ers. Thus, through the good providence of God, there i 3
at this moment peace throughout all the amid. The So-
vereign liuler of the Universe, also, has given to our gra-
cious Queen so large an extent of territory, and such a
commanding influence among the nations, that there is
scarcely a portion of the haoitable globe, into which either
our Christian missionaries, or* the pure Word of God,
may not tied an entrance. Such is he present position of
the British empire, so peculiarly favourable for the spread
of divine truth.
Further, whilst in England there are, alas, many things,
as noticed in former addresses—which, to use the words
of the Pcopoet Ezekiel "are for a lamention, and shall be
tor a larnentte ion," still the new year will come in, under
these encouraging auspices. That there is a general feel-
ing amongst the influentidl orders of society, that the
prosperity, if riot the absolute safety of our country de-
pends upon diffusing sound Scriptural religion among the
working classes ; raising their moral condition by encou-
i aging them in habits of industry, temperance, and fru-
gality
; and in promoting their ge..eral comfort by short-
ening their hours ot labour, improving their dwellings, and
assisting them in husbanding the resources which their
own good conduct may supply. Various steps have been
taken for carrying these benevolent sentiments into effect.
May we not expect that these plans, if the Lord be en-
CI ested, may prove the germ of far greater ble-sings. That
they may produce kindlier feelings amoi g all classes, a
closer union among tile members of our church, and es-
pecially a greater readiness to receive the glorious truths
of the Gospel of Christ.
In Scotland, also, the dawn of hope appears. For whilst
at the do-e of the last year, we bad but to lament a dis-
ruption in the established church ; during this year, we
might have seen the general assembly of those who left
her communion, meeting in a truly Christian spirit, with-
out using any reproachtul words against their brethren,
bnt, in deep abasement of heart, humbling themselves be-
fore the God of their Fathers, for their own personal
short comings, and fur the low state of religion through-
out the land.* Surely this is a favourable sign—for if hu
malty be the soil in which Christian love flourishes, may
we not hope that this lowly spirit, if earnest prayer be
made, will lead to a fervent desire that every separaiing
cause may be removed, and that all who believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ, may as His disciples of old, " be knit
t,getber in love," and brotherly union. Oh ! that it may
be thus, that He " who devises means, that his banished
ones be not expelled from Him," t would yet so unite the
two churches, that they might, like Ephraith and Judah,
be "as one stick in the hand of the Lord."l:
In our sister land also more pleasing prospects appear.
Those " monster meetings," as they have been termed,
which last year distracted the country, are now no more :
and by the blessing of God upon the society for educating
the native Irish in their own language, and other religious
institutions, a deep impression has lately been made in
several places, and a great desire produced for the Holy
Scriptures, and for the faithful preaching of the Gospel of
Christ.

The cause of God's ancient people also is assuming a
more interesting state. The influx of the Jews into the
holy land has been very great of late. There is no more
room in Jerusalem for them, and they have already spread
over a part of the Turkish quarter. The number of in-
quirers after the truth are increasing. Some have been
publicly baptized under most Irving circumstances; per-
mission has also been given to erect our Protestant Church
in Jerusalem; the building of which will be again resu-
med. Added to these tokens of God's returning favour to
his people, the Sultan has issued a decree, wit hdravving in
some cases the punishme❑t of death from those who re-
nounced Mahomedanism, thus abrogating to that extent
the laws of their prophet, and this in the 1260th year of
the Hegira!
Such are the circumstances with which the new year
approaches.

Do not these favourable tokens afford powerful reasons
for our again uniting in fervent prayer for the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit, and for doing this under a sense of our
own manifold shortcomings, with humble confession of
our sins, and with earnest supplication, that nothing may
separate between God and us; but that having all our sum
put away through " the blood of the lamb," and our souls
clothed with His perfect righteousness, we may " draw
near to the throne of grace with a true heart, in full assu-
rance of faith," remembering that the Lord has said
" open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." " Ask what
thou wilt, and it shall be done unto thee."
Allow me then to renew my annual invitation, and to
request all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, to com-
mence the new year, by uniting in the general concert for
prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, on Wednes-
nesday, Ist Of January, 1845.
The following suggestions are respectfully offered, to
assist those who are desirous of a similar union on Wed-
nesday, Jan. 1, 1845

"la. Let Christians follow the example of our blessed
Lord, (Mark i. 25,) who rose up a great while before the
day tor secret prayer. Let them thus secure the blessing
of Him who says. " Pray to thy Father which is in secret,
and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee
openly.

ind. Let them call upon the Lord in their families,
for his Spirit to be poured upon themselves and their
households, their neighbours, their country, including
Great Britain and Ireland and our Colonies, the ministers
of the Lord, the churches of Christ, the remnant of scat-
tered Judah and outcast Israel, and upon the Gentile
world,

" 3d. Where circumstances will admit of a morning
service, let the congregation be assembled, and, in Addi-
tion to the appointed prayers and a suitable sermon, let
all who are devoutly disposed partake together of the
Supper of the Lord—or, as may be more convenient, let
the whole congregation meet in the evening for public wor-
ship, and let an appropriate discourse be preached.
"4th. Let the ministers of the Lord meet on the fol-
lowing day, with their bre,hren of their own communion,
in earnest prayer for themselves, their flocks, the whole
body of Christ, and the world at large ; and then especi-
ally consult together uprm' the most effectual means for
hastening the coming of the Lord's kingdom, and parti-
cularly for the continuance of such a general concert for
prayer, that the sear may proceed according totbis devout
commencement."

May the Lord accompany these means of grace, or such
others as may be adopted, with his abundant blessing!
Oh! may it indeed be a season of special refreshment from
the presence of the Lord !

fet this be the prayer of all who read tbis paper; and
as the new year is now approaching, it would be a great
kindness if those who approve the object, and have influ-
ence over the press, would republish and circulate this
invitation, which any one, into whose hands it muy fall,
has full permission to do.
Peace be wi, h all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity !
Thus prays their affectionate Brother,
And servant in the Lord,
JAMES HALDANE STEWART.
S't. Bride's, Liverpool.

* SPe the rublished Reports of the General Assembly of the
Free Church of Scotl ind, in May and August. 1841.

t Sam. xiv. 14. Ezek. xxxvii, 29.
II See their Report, particularly that of the Irish Society for 1844.

CHESTER CATTLE FAIR.—The usual November cattle
fair was held on Thursday. There were but few milch
cows shown. Fat Beef of good quality was worth sd. per
lb. and sink. Fat sheep sold for s;d. and 6d. The horse
fair was indifferently attended. The show was poor and
the demand limited.

MISS MARTINEAU AND MESMERISM.

The Atheneum contains a long communicati n from
Miss Martineau, detailing the particulars of a wonderful
cure which, she says, has been effected by mesmerism,
after a serious illness of five years and a half. Of the
character of the disease under which she suffered, she
thus speaks :—" This is not the place in which to give
any details of disease. It will be sufficient to explain
briefly, in order to render my story intelligible, that the
internal disease under which I suffered appears to have
been coming on for ninny years; that, after warnings of
failing health, which I carelessly overlooked, I broke
down, while travelling abroad, in June 1839 ; that I sank
lower and lower for three years after my return, and re-
mained nearly stationary for two more preceding last
June. During these five years I never felt wholly at ease
for one single hour. I seldom ha] severe pain, but never
entire comfort. A besetting sickness, almost disabling
me from taking food for two years, brought rite very low,
and, together with other evils, it confined me to a condi-
tion of almost entire stillness—to a life passed between
my bed and my sofa. It was not till after many attempts
at gentle exercise that my friends agreed with me that the
cost was too great for any advantage gained ; and at length
it was clear that even going down one flight of stairs was
imprudent. From that time I lay still, and by means of
this undisturbed quiet, and such an increase of opiates as
kept down my most urgent di-comforts, I passed the last
two years with less suffering than the three preceding.
There was, however, no favourable change in the disease.
Everything was done for me that the best medical skill
and science could suggest, and the most indefatigable
humanity and :amily affection devise, but nothing could
avail beyond mere alleviation. My dependence on opiates
was desperate. My kind and vigilant medical friend—the
most sanguine man I know, and the most bent upon keep-
ing his patient hopeful—avowed to me last Christmas,
and twice afterwards, that he found himself compelled to
give up all Lope of affecting the disease—of doing more
than keeping me up, in collateral respects, to the highest
practicable point. This was no surprise to me, for when
arty specific medicine is taken for above two years without
affecting the disease, there is no more ground for hope in
reason than in feeling. In June last I suffered more than
usual, and new measures of alleviation were resorted to.
As to all the essential points of the disease I was never
lower than immediately before I made trial of mesmer-
ism." Miss Martineau then gives the following narra-
tive :—" On Saturday, June 22, Mr. Spencer Hall and
my medical friend came, as arranged, at my worst hour
of the day, between the expiration of one opiate and the
taking of another. By an accident. the gentlemen were
rather in a hurry—a circumstance unfits ottrable to a first
experiment. But result enough was obtained to encou-
rage a further trial, though it was of a nature entirely
unanticipated by me. I had no other idea than that I
should either .trop asleep or feel nothing. I did not drop
asleep, and I did feel something very strange. Various
passes were tried by Mr. Hall ; the first that appeared
effectual, and the most so for some time after, were passes
over the head made from behind, passes from the forehead
to the back of the head, and a lit,le way down the spine.
A, very short time after these were tried, and 20 minutes
from the beg nning of the seance, I became sensible of an
extraordinary appearance, most unexpected, and wholly
unlike anything I had ever conceived of. Something
seemed to diffuse itself through the atmosphere—not like
smoke, nor steam, nor haze—but most like a clear twi.
likh-, closing in from the windows and down from the
ceiling, and in which ore object after another melted
away till scarcely anything was left visible before my
wide-open eyes. First the outl ne of all objects was
blurred : then a bust, standing on a pedestal in a strong
light, melted quite away ; then the opposite bust ; then
the table with its gay cover; then the floor, and the ceil-
ing, till one small picture, high up on the opposite wail,
only remained visible, like a patch of phosphoric light.
I feared to move my eyes, lest the singular appearance
should vanish ; and I cried out, 0! deepen it ! deepen
it!' supposing this the precursor of the bleep. It could
not be deepened, however ; and when 1 glanced aside
from the luminous point I found that I need not fear the
return of objects to their ordinary appearance while the
rasses were continued. The busts re-appeared, ghost-
like, in the dim atmosphere, like faint shadows, except
that their outlines, and the parts in the highest relief,
burned with the same phosphoric light. The features of
one, an Isis with bent head, seemed to be illumined by a
fire on the floor, though this bust has its back to the win-
dows. Wherever I glanced all outlines were dressed in
this beautiful light ; and so they have been at every
Ae-ance, without exception, to this say ; though the at).
pearance has rather given way to drowsiness since I left
off opiates entirely. This appearance continued during
the remaining 20 minutes before the gentlemen were
obliged to leave me. The other effects produced were,
first, heat, oppression, and sickness; and, fur a few Lours
after, disordered stomach, followed, in the course of the
evening, by a feeling of lightness and relief in which I
thought I could hardly be mistaken."
The second application of mesmerism was made by
Miss Martineau's maid. " Mr. Hall," says Miss Mar-
tineau, " was prevented by illness from coming over, too
late to let me know. Unwilling to take my opiate while
in expectation of his arrival, and too wretched to do
without some resource, I rang for my maid, rind asked
whether she had any objection to attempt what she saw
Mr. Hall do the day before. With the greatest alacrity
she complied. Within one minute the twilight and phos-
phoric lights appeared ; and in two or three more a deli-
cious sensation of ease spread through me—a cool com-
fort, before which all pain and distress gave way, oozing
out, as it were, at the soles of my feet. During that hour,
and almost the whole evening, I could no more help ex-
claiming with pleasure than a person in torture crying
out with pain. I became hungry, and ate with relish, for
the first time for five years. 'There was no heat, oppres-
sion, or sickness during the serance, nor any disorder af-
terwards. During the whole evening, instead of the lazy
hot ease of opiates, under which pain is felt to lie in wait,
I experienced something of the indescribable sensation of
heal h. which I had quite lost and forgotten. I walked
about my ro nog, and was gay and talkative. Something
of this relief retrained till the next morning; and then
there was no reaction. I was no worse than usual ; and
perhaps rather better.

_ .
" Nothing is to me more unquestionable and more
striking about this influence than the absence of all re-
action. Its highest exhilaration is followed, not by de-
pression or exhaustion, but by a further renovation.
From the first hour to the present, I have never fallen
back a single step. Every point gained has been steadily
held. Improved composure of nerve and spirits has fol-
lowed upon every mesmeric exhilaration. I have been
spared all the weaknesses of convalescence, and carried
through all the usually formidable enterprises of return
from deep disease to health with a steadiness and tran-
quillity astonishing to all witnesses. At this time, before
venturing to speak of my health as established, I believe
myself more firm in nerve, more calm and steady in mind
and spirits, than at any time of my life before. So rr.uch
in consideration of the natural and common fear of the
mesmeric influence as pernicious excitement—as a kind
of intoxication."

Miss Martineau mentions several incidents. " Another
striking incident occurred in one of the earliest of my
walks. My mesmerist and I had reached a headland
nearly half a mile from home, and were resting there,
when she proposed to mesmerize me a little—partly to
refresh me tor our return, and partly to see whether any
effect would be produced in a new place and while a fresh
breeze was blowing. She merely laid her hand on my
forehead, and in a minute or two the usual appearances
came, assuming a strange air of novel,y from the scene in
which I was. After the blurring of the outlines, which
made all objects more dim than the dull gray day had
already made them, the phosphoric lights appeared, glo-
rifying every rock and headland, the horizon, and all the
vessels in sight. One of the dirtiest and meanest of the

steam tugs iii the port was passing at the time, and it was
all dressed in heavenly radiance—the last object thit any
imagination would select as an element of a vision. Then,
and often before and since, did it occur to me that if I
had been a pious and very ignorant Catholic, I could not
have escaped the persuasion that I had seen heavenly vi-
sions. Every glorified object before my open eyes would
have been a revelation, and my mesmerist, with the white
halo round her head, and the illuminated profile, would
have been a saint or an angel."