Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-04-19


change to the other extreme. After tha
there was no more superstition, and nc
even a belief in God. In one instance
it became necessary to pass law, aHowin
men to beHere in God, to protect the Delst
from persecution. 1t might be compared
he said, to children playing in swing
the more forward they are drawn. the NOR
backward they will go. So, the more for
ward they had been impelled by superstl
ton, the more backward they had gone II
impiety. This accounts for the state o
religion in France and Belgium in the be
ginning Of this century. Scarcely two o.
three evangelical ministers of the Gospe
could be found in the whole country
There were some Protestant churches
but there was no life in tllcm-no Christ
no benevolent misunderstanding but :
cold formality. 1t was universal DEATH
After the downfull of Napoleon, there was
some change for the better. Some British
brethren, travelling in the country, had
been the means of converting few indl-
viduals, among whom we're some ministers
of the Gospel. But, it was only since the
revolution of 1880, that revivals ofreligion
had been experienced. Now, they have
two or three evangelical ministers; and
ont of the old church, independent of it,
they have sixty or seventy churches form-
cd on the voluntary principle: i. e. who
refuse the aid Of government, in support
ing the Gospel. There is now scarcely a
city in France that does not enjoy preach
ing, though Frequently on a small scale.
They have also their benevolent institu-
ntios- Bible, Tract, Missionary. and Sab
bath school Societies. The Bible and
Tract Societies arc blest for much good.
Where VIC cannot send minister we send
a tract; and these little messengers are
often blessed 20 the cnlightening and con-
version of souls. At one OF their ami.
versasies in Paris, clergyman rose, and
related the case of a Socinian minister,
who had read many books of controversy,
respecting the Divinity of Christ, and the
kindred doctrines, but still remained a
champion of Socinianism, while living
himself in darkness and sin. While in
this state of mind, he was presented with
a little tract, entitled, "The Best Frend;"
which simply told Of Jesus. There was
not one word Of controversy in it. But
he felt that this was just the friend he
needed. He laid The tract on the table,
fell on his knees, and yielded up his heart
to Jesus, "And now," said the clergy
man, Il am that man. He is now one
of the most devoted ministers in France.
Many others have been converted by such
means.
Mr.. Bovtchct then called our attention to
the signs of the times in that country. The
Romish religion was declining, The vast
majority Of the people are not Catholics
They have no religion. There is this ad.
vantage, that they are without pre- ludice,
and can be brought under the sound OF the
Gospel. The present evangelical church.
es are composed chiefly OF converts from
this class. Ono of the most distinguished
Catholics in France has openly seeded
from the church of Rome. This has
made great impression. lie had been
at Rome, and returned and published a
book against Popcry. This book has
great influence.
InGdelity, too, is on the decline. Sensl-
bic men are sick of it. Many Of them say
thev are satisfied no human scheme will
answer their purpose. This is probably the
reason why suicides have SO increased
within a few years. A striking fact, illus.
trating the truth of this remark, had come
to his knowledge. A gentleman travelling
in stage-coach, gave little tract on the
worth Of the soul, to fellow passenger
After separating from tho person who gave
the tract, he read it, and was very much
aritatcd, and inquired Of fellow traveller
# he knew the person who gave the tract !,
and OH being answered in the affirmative,
he siad," Tell him he has saved my life;
for had determined to 60 home and set
nv affairs in order, and put an end to my
life. but now have learned that l Lave Il
soul 10 live for, shall not do it.
One of the most profound philosophers
in the land who has recently been 10
Prussia, declares his belief that it is i'm
possible TO establish good system OF cdu-
cation, which is not fo,'nded upon the b.
bic. Another distinguished person, great
poet, says he believes nothing but the 6!-
bic remains to be tried and expresses his
hope that the Bible will be placed in eve
ry family in the kingdom.
In view of these facts, said he, VIC are
greatly in need Of two things: l: we
want men. These can be sent only by the
Lord. Pray, therefore, that he would
send forth more laborers. 2. Our societies
are very weak. Religion has been so long
a time connected with the state, and sup
ported bv ii, that the people are not tram
ed to giving and if they were, they arc IN
| ,,n,hIa We want help Ol