Harbinger, May 1, '67.

should not be one, was not, as we understand it, given by H. S. E. for the purpose of intimating that, he saw no reason, but merely as shewing that the Baptists are ready to consider the question. Of course we understand that H. S. E., and all with him, would join R. S. in saying "No Union with on Open Communionist and receiver of state aid!" The course taken by Mr. Taylor, and justifiably repud

iated by his Baptist brethren, is in England properly characterized by baptists generally as a disgrace to the Baptist name but that is no reason for our not taking advantage of their willingness to hear and consider our plea, if that can be done, without yielding any point of the faith or order of the Church of God, and without sanction on our part of their sectarianism.

It

ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA.-Dear Brother King, I am keeping busy and that with gratifying results. Eight persons have been baptized since I wrote. Last evening, after prclaiming the plan of Salvation through the only name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, six or eight individuals made appointments for conversation at their houses. They have all been attending very regularly lately, and some of the number are prepared to submit to the Lord. This Colony indeed presents a fine field for evangelistic labor, for plain, faithful, and affectionate preaching and teaching. is cheering to see it has a chance of being better occupied than formerly. In place of one man given wholly to the work there will soon be two. Bro. Earl, at Hindmarsh, and Bren. Gore or Surber, in the city of Adelaide. Such are the promising openings and the interest and kindness of brethren, that, were I physically stronger, and better able to bear the summers, so trying to some, I should, before this, have yielded to the repeated requests to bring over my wife and little one, and to make this land my home and sphere of labor. For health's sake, and to gratify a long felt wish, my expectation is to go to America, California, or Oregon, in the course of a few months. Many whom I sincerely love, try their best to dissuade me from taking that step. I have almost promised that if I do not I will return to South Australia; another promise I have fully made and am prepared to stand by, viz: that if I should go to America and find all the people converted and not needing an evangelist I will return here by the very first ship. In Cox's Creek the interest increases. On one occasion the Chief Justice was present, while the brethren attended to the breaking of bread. Bro. Kidner has baptized one-a young man of great sincerity and ingenuousness, as well as perseverance: if faithful, he will yet be useful. I am just leaving for the district for a couple of days. I intend visiting from house to house, several who are

decided and some who are interested; I shall also (D. V.) preach each evening.Yours in the Lord, JAMES W. WEBB. Jan. 28, 1867.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.-Dear Brother King,-With pleasure I record the success of the Gospel and the continued progress of the Church. During the past month nineteen persons have "put on Christ" by being "baptized into his death." The interest has daily increased; many are deeply interested, and several have decided for Christ and will shortly obey him. Bro. J. W. Webb is doing a good work in Hindmarsh, South Australia, and is expected to return to Victoria, to labor in connection with the suburban and country churches. Last week we were delighted by the arrival of our long looked-for and beloved brethren, Gore and Surber. The day of their arrival (Tuesday, Feb. 19th) was very rainy, but notwithstanding the rain and mud, a large number of brethren were congregated to welcome them. They were cordially received, and in the evening a large audience assembled to bid me farewell, and the meeting was changed to a reception meeting. Brethren Gore and Surber addressed those present. At the earnest request of numerous Brethren, I consented to remain a few days longer, before departing for Adelaide. On Friday, Feb. 22nd, a tea meeting was held to give a public welcome to Brethren Gore and Surber, and to bid farewell to myself. A large number of persons were present, and the greatest interest and harmony prevailed. Addresses were delivered by Brethren Exley, Thomson, Coles, Gore, Surber and myself. On Lord's day, Feb. 24th, two very excellent discourses were delivered in Lygon Street Christian Chapel, at 3 p.m. by Bro. Gore, and at 6 30 by Bro. Surber. A crowded audience listened attentively and was much benefited I have no doubt. The brethren have made me many presents in token of their esteem and affection; two of them, useful and valuable, are worth about £40. In company with Bro. Gore I leave to-morrow

for Adelaide. Bro. Surber remains in Melbourne. Yours in Christ, H. S. EARL.

Feb. 26, 1867.

LINCOLN.-The following is from a local newspaper:-"The Coming of the Lord, and the Restoration of Apostles. In the Corn Exchange, on Wednesday last, David King, of Birmingham, editor of the British Harbinger, lectured on the above subject, chiefly in reply to the lecture of Monday evening. The lecturer examined scripture for the purpose of showing that the personal coming of the Lord was and is the hope of the church, but that His coming is not in scripture presented as pre-millennial. In allusion to the alleged signs of the Lord's speedy advent, he pointed out that the same signs had existed in every century since the return of the Lord to heaven, and argued, that could it be proved that we are upon the eve of a great European struggle, that that would no more be a sign of the speedy coming of the Saviour than was the thirty years' conflict in which the first Napoleon was a chief actor and which afflicted Europe at large. On the Restoration of Apostles, he argued that they are neither wanted nor promised in the Bible. That the followers of Edward Irving, who are now claiming to have the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including Apostles with all the powers of the original twelve, are utterly unable to demonstrate their claim. In support of this conclusion he argued from scripture that Apostles were given only for a time, now past,' until that which is perfect is come,' and that the perfection alluded to was fully realized before the last of the Apostles died-that is, the perfection of the New Testament Scriptures and of the order and ordinances of the church. He then read accounts of the calling of the modern apostles (said to be restored to the church in 1832), and argued that in their calling and subsequent deliberations to determine what they would avow as truth they were not only without the smallest amount of proof that they were of God, but that the whole proceeding, from then till now, has been such as to demonstrate deception, either in that the actors are themselves deluded, or that they design to deceive others. The lecture was listened to with marked attention and interrupted by frequent applause. At the close the lecturer intimated that an invitation had been sent to Mr. Sargent, who had lectured in favour of the claims of the Modern Apostles on the previous evenings, inviting him to be present and to put such questions as he desired, but that that gentleman thought it better to avoid such public testing of his claims. He, the lecturer, considered that on subjects so vastly

important, public discussion is called for and should be had, if parties can be found who would engage in it in a Christian spirit. This he was prepared to do, and he begged to invite the gentleman to a full, fair, kindly, and public investigation of his claims." The meeting in the Corn Exchange was large, though the night was unfavourable. Other meetings were held and learners were instructed in the Disciples' Meeting place. On the Lord's day evening following D. K. had a good meeting and concluded a discourse upon "faith" by receiving the confession of one who has been long seeking the way. A number of the congregation went out to the water and he was at once immersed into the name of the Lord Jesus. The Church in Lincoln has increased and in other particulars is in a pleasing condition.

LEICESTER.-During our Bro. M'Dougall's visit he drew the attention of the Church to the Scripture teaching concerning the First Resurrection. This led to so much thought and study of the word that when he returned he was urged by the brethren to present the same truths publicly on Lord's day evening. Two evenings were devoted to this subject, and it proved not only edifying to the Church but also an attrac tion to thoughtful and devout professors of religion to attend the proclamation of the Gospel, and, as our recent additions have shown, was not without fruit. This led the way for other themes, and three evenings were devoted to the majesty of Jesus as the Son of God. The scripture testimony to the meaning of his death was fully brought out. The audiences were so large and attentive that we decided to hold the meetings every evening. This we have done for eighteen successive evenings, and have had large and attentive audi

ences.

As many objections were raised and many inquiries made upon baptism Bro. M'Dougall devoted three evenings to the subject of Christian Baptism and three to an examination of the babysprinkling argument. Such has been our work. We have prayed that God would grant us a great opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel and when it was preached that it might run and be glorified. We He has graciously answered us. have received into the Church during our brother's visit fifteen souls, of whom we could give interesting particulars. Looking back upon the many difficulties from which He has delivered us and the glorious success of his truth, we can praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men.L. SIMPSON.

Harbinger, May 1, '67.

MARYPORT.-Dear Brother King,—I am glad to inform you that Bro. Hurt has for the last three weeks been preaching the Gospel here. His labors have been well received, and we consider him a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Church has had one addition by baptism and we have reason to hope for more. I may remark that after a visit of three weeks to the Churches in this district Bro. Hurt's services as a permanent evangelist for the district will, if possible, be secured.-J. F.

DUMFRIES.-We have had a visit from G. Sinclair, of Whitehaven, who delivered a series of discourses to attentive audiences, setting forth the Ancient Gospel. At the close a young man came forward, confessed the Lord, and was immersed into the holy name. Next day two others also made the good confession. The following day I had the pleasure of baptizing the wife of our newly-baptized brother Hutchison. There still seems hope and encouragement in persevering, as there are still some desirous to know the mind of the Lord. Would that the Lord " harvest.

BEDLINGTON.-Dear Bro. King,-Since my last we have added four by baptism. There are promising appearances of much good being done in the district. The Church, with myself, will be exceedingly glad to see you when opportunity offers. J. CARR.

LIVERPOOL. Since we reported two months ago we have been blessed by seeing six persons put on Christ in baptism. We trust that they may prove faithful unto death, that they may receive the crown of life. G. C. 17th April. CRICCIETH.-Since December 23, twelve have made the good confession and been added to the saved. W. WILLIAMS.

Obituary.

FALLEN ASLEEP IN JESUS.

MAGGIE, eldest daughter of A. HUTCHISON, president of the Church in Dumfries, on the 15th, at Auld Mills, after I had the pleasure of

J. KERR.

SOUTHPORT.-The Church has opened a new meeting-room. A tea was provided for all the fishermen, but a ship wrecked in the morning kept them engaged, so another company had to be found for the feast; and thus, instead of the fathers, about eighty of their children did justice to the tea. Over fifty children attended the Sunday School, and most of them came to the evening preaching, as also a number of adult strangers. It was, perhaps, the best day we have had in Southport. The address is-Christian Meeting Room, Little London, Southport.

BANBURY.-During the last month the Church has been refreshed by several discourses from Bro. D. King, who was with us over two Lord's days. The meetings were generally good. Wardington was also visited.

BIRMINGHAM.-Several were added to Birmingham Churches during the last month.

BLACKBURN.-A letter, dated April 5, reports two additions to the Church, and refers to others almost ready.

MERTHYR TYDVIL.-One was added to the Church by baptism on the 7th of April.

spending at her bedside the previous afternoon, when her eyes sparkled with the glorious hope of soon enjoying the society of those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. During the afternoon she commended the love of Jesus to some of her acquaintances, recommending them to obey the Lord, that they might enjoy Him hereafter. Even up to five minutes before the spirit took its flight, when bowing at her bedside and committing her spirit to the arms of her Saviour, with an audible voice she said "Amen." J. KERR.

On Lord's day, 17th of March, EDWARD EVANS, of the Rossett, aged 81. For thirty years he was a consistent member of the Church. During eighteen years of that time the meetings were held at his house (Cox Lane), the place where primitive Christianity was first established in this country. Our aged brother was a good sample of the simplicity and purity which spring from the truth as it is in Jesus. In manliness and godliness he walked before the Lord and before men, and his end was peace. There was no special disease, but simply the mechanism of the tabernacle worn out. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord; yea, saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labour, and their works do follow them."

G. G.

Harbinger, May 1, '67.

The Gospel lying in a meeting-house, or in the dwelling-houses of the members of a dead church, who never read it nor talk about it, The cannot bring the world to Christ. Gospel, to turn the world to Christ, must be in the temple of God, the spiritual house of lively stones, built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. It must be where God dwells; where Christ dwells; where the Holy Spirit dwells. It must be in a church that feels something of the importance of saving the world.

There is one thing certain, and that is, that to preach the gospel successfully, the preachersm ust be men of faith. Nor is it sufficient to believe the Bible, or to believe Jesus is what he claims to be, or that the Gospel is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes. They must believe that they can turn men to God by preaching the Gospel, the Lord being with them. The man who believes this preaches with zeal, animation and power, with full assurance of faith and hope inspiring every thing around him. The man who starts out with the settled conviction that the world can never be converted, reads, or thinks he does, in the countenances of the people, unbelief. This re-acts on him and throws gloom over him and he throws out his discouragements to the people. Gloom spreads over all.

But we have yet another way of looking at this subject. There are some things hard to trace from cause to effect. There is no effect without a cause. But, then, the cause lies hid so deep down that we It would are not always able to trace it. puzzle any philosopher to trace cause and effect, and show how it was that all the arts, improvements and inventions of the past fifty years had been hid for six thousand years, and now are brought forth in the short space of our own memory. Suppose some man, fifty years ago, to have been reasoning from the improvements, inventions and arts of the past six thousand years, with all the statistics of all the previous ages before him, what data would he have had to reach what we have now in fact? With his finest reasoning from the past, he could have made no approximation to the present. Take a sample. The power of steam existed a hundred years ago as much as it does now, but man knew nothing about it, or its application and use. What had any man in all the past to reason from, to enable him to arrive at any conclusion in reference to what steam would be doing one hundred years later? What had any man in the history and statistics of the world fifty years ago from which to reason and reach the conclusion, that now the civilized world would be checkered over with iron rails, on which

cars would carry thousands of people at the rate of from twenty to forty miles per hour; or that wires would be stretched across continents, and a cable laid across the Atlantic, through which intelligence would be communicated with more rapidity than the motion of the globe on its axis in its daily revolution? Could any man have reasoned fifty years ago that reaping, mowing, threshing, ploughing, and planting, as also sewing and knitting, would now be done by machinery? Before the art of printing was discovered, what had any man to reason from to give him the most feeble conception of what would be done in that art?

In the same way what was there in the time of Wickliff from which any man could have reached the conclusion that the civilized world would at the present time be filled with Bibles as it is; or that a copy of the Bible, printed in English, could be bought for thirty-five cents; or, if a man could not buy it, benevolent societies would give it to him? Who, standing back in the days of Wickliff, Tyndale, Cranmer, &c., when people were punished with death for reading the Word of God in their native language, could have reasoned from their past or their present, to our present, when men would be sent all over the land, carrying Bibles to the private houses, selling and giving them to the people, and exhorting them to read it? Who then could have reasoned from any thing in their past or present, and come to the conclusion that, at our period, thousands of children would be gathered into assemblies every Lord's day to receive instruction in the sacred Scriptures? In the same way, there was nothing in the past when Luther was born from which any man could have reached the conclusion that he would shake all Germany. Seventy-five years ago there was nothing from which any man could possibly have reached the conclusion that Bible translating into the languages of the earth would have reached its present magnitude and importance. Nor was there any thing then in the history of the past from which any man could have reached the conclusion that a vast body of people, numbering some 600,000, would now be gathered and united on the Bible alone, making the best effort in their power to return to apostolic ground, and receive every thing as it came from God at the first ?

We do not mention these things to show that nothing can be learned from the past, or even that it is not profitable to refer to the past; but to show that, in Divine Providence, things are brought out, both temporal and spiritual, of a most wonderful