Harbinger, Aug. 1, '67. Items of News. BIRMINGHAM AND WOLVERHAMPTON.— During the last month three have been baptized in Wolverhampton, and since the last notice several in Birmingham have also been thus buried with Christ. CHESTERFIELD.-D. King is now preaching to most attentive, though not large, congregations in Chesterfield. He visits Sheffield with a view to facilitate planting a church there. July 19. DERBY.-TO David King,-Sir, I have been some time with the Wesleyans, but, a brother from Lincoln having called my attention to New Testament Christianity, I turned to the Scripture to test it for myself. After careful study, I saw it essential for my salvation to be immersed after faith, and I went to Nottingham on last Lord's day and was immersed by Bro. Mumby. With the blessing of God we intend to have a church here. I say we, because there is a brother and sister here who were baptized by you in Birmingham, in February, 1866. I therefore write to you for samples of tracts, information as to getting the Harbinger, Old Paths, &c. Ander son's translation I have, and think it will help me much. We shall have no rest until there is a Church established here. I have much to contend with, but, bless God, they cannot stop me if He is with me, nor will they damp my courage.Yours in Jesus, J. G. DUMFRIES.-I have very much pleasure in reporting that the work of the Lord has been making good progress in this locality. We had a visit of W. Hurt, from Ireland, which I think is of great benefit, as he is a God-fearing soul-loving man, much calculated to remove that prejudice which exists against the cause we plead. At the close of his visit, two men came forward and confessed the Lord and were baptized into his name. A few days after, three others, two women and one man, confessed the Lord. May they all continue stedfast unto death that they may receive a crown of life. July 6th, 1867. JOHN KERR. BRIGHTON.-We are hard at work here. Not, I hope, without success. Already I have immersed two. Others are inquiring, and we hope ere long to see a move in the right direction. I preach on the Level Lord's day afternoon to a large company of people-from 500 to 800. The truth is creating quite a sensation. Several have had short and desultory debates, but the truth conquers. It always did and it always will. We have good gatherings in the evening. Hall comfortably filled. What we want here very bad indeed is a new Hymn Book. When shall we have it ? B. ELLIS. LEICESTER.-Dear Bro. King,-We are happy to report further progress here, thanks to your timely visit and Brother McDougall's present labors. The Church has been edified and twelve have been immersed into the Death of Christ, five of whom are promising youths and maidens from our Lord's day School. We feel constrained to go on in the good work; and unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God, we will ascribe all honour and praise and glory, for ever and for ever-Amen.-Yours, &c. L. SIMPSON. LINCOLN.-I have pleasure in announcing another addition to our number. Last night Chas. Larkin was immersed. He is brother to the two men who were frozen to death here in the winter. Bro. Mumby was with us on Lord's day. Good meetings out of doors in the afternoon and in the room in the evening. H. CLARKE. BEDLINGTON.-A report of Lectures against Baptism and the Disciples, by that Rev. gentleman who attacked J. B. Rotherham upon the same subject, is to hand, but too late for insertion. The Lecturer seems to have made himself ridiculous in the estimation of discerning people, though he perhaps threw a little dust into the eyes of the entirely uninstructed, to whom his addresses were adapted. He quoted from "The Question Settled," by the Editor of the Harbinger, and was pleased to intimate that said Editor is, without doubt, a very respectable man; but that a little more Greek would do him good. This, if it mean anything, must imply that the Greek of the pamphlet in question is at fault. We shall respectfully call upon him to prove his implication, and if he cannot, we shall conclude that a little more honesty is far more necessary in his case than Greek in ours. He was invited to meet us in discussion, but he had other work to do. Pity then that he did not attend to that work, and let our book alone.-ED. DEPARTED IN THE Obituary. THOMAS WILKINSON, of Hull, aged 84 years, after an illness of five weeks, on the 21st of June. He was twenty-five years in fellowship with the Church. He died, as he had lived, rejoicing in the faith. HOPE OF LIFE Harbinger, Aug. 1, '67. ETERNAL. WM. WOODWARD, of Bulwell, aged 49 years. After a season of protracted suffering, borne with Christian fortitude, he fell asleep in Jesus June the 29th. WORDS FROM THE WORK TABLE.-No. XXIV. "I will lay down my life for thy sake."—John xiii. 37. "I am ready to go with thee both to prison and to death."-Luke xxii. 33. "If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee."-Mark xiv. 31. THESE are the expressions of the ardent and impetuous Peter. What bold words-All may forsake, yet not I!--Persecution, prison, death, but no denying or forsaking-I am stronger than all! Nothing can shake my fidelity! Alas, alas, vain-glorious one! A simple question from a servant-maid put thy vaunted courage to the test, and the Master was thrice denied, even with oaths and curses. Peter was an impulsive being, often lacking discretion, and very selfreliant. These characteristics clung to him till the crucifixion. During the life of Jesus he was rash and variable, but after the ascension we find a change his name and nature more in accord-Cephas-Peter—Rock -Stone-symbol of firmness and steadfastness. Peter was selected to share the privilege of preparing the last repast for his Lord. I think that John and he must have gone about that work with a large degree of wonder, and solemn feeling, not understanding, yet conscious that strange and painful events were about to transpire. In a large upper room the Lord and his disciples met to partake of the last passover. The beloved John was leaning on the Master's breast, with Peter evidently seated not far from him. Fine contrasts in character are these two disciples. The restless energy of Peter rushes before the will of the Lord-John waits to learn that will. The evening meal finished (the last that these loving ones would take together), during which Jesus had uttered great truths, which they comprehend not and had given a striking lesson on humility, showing them how to be truly great, for on their way they had disputed upon the point. The Lord manifested his deep affection by the tenderness of his address when speaking of his departure and their inability to follow him—“ Little Children!"-intimating their weakness and his yearning over them— their need of love and sympathy. As a binding, strengthening power he gave them a new commandment-"Love one another as I have loved you." What deep love is here enjoined. As I have loved you! Who has reached this altitude? But here Peter, in his impetuous manner, questions the Lord as to whither he goeth, assuring him of his readiness to sacrifice liberty and life for his sake, and even after Jesus intimates that a trial awaits him and that he will yield to the temptation and need to be converted, Peter almost contradicts him, passing over his intercession, as though uncalled for, and re-asserts his readiness to follow even unto death. I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest_me." When the little company dispersed, Peter and some others moved on with Jesus to the Mount of Harbinger, Aug. 1, '67. Olives, where, desiring them to "tarry and watch," he retired for prayer. What an agony of prayer it must have been! The account in Mark xiv. has always struck me as peculiarly sorrowful. All his teaching, his loving discourses, the warning of temptation—all were insufficient to keep Peter awake and watching. "Peter, Simon, sleepest thou! Couldest thou not watch one hour? Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation." Another gentle admonition. But Simon sleeps on. He cannot even watch with his Lord. Where is his boasted strength? Where his deep love when at such a time he could rest at his ease? The betrayer arrived and Peter was then awake, for he used the sword to defend the Master. Jesus was led away and Peter followed afar off. John entered into the palace, but Peter for a time kept outside and doubtlessly, listened to much that was said about Jesus by the ribald mob and felt somewhat ashamed of his connexion with the Nazarine who had told him of Satan's desire to sift him. Yes, Peter, the sifting time has come, Satan watches his opportunity and speaks through the servantmaid" thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth." Now Peter where is 66 thy vaunted courage? Surely thou wilt acknowledge thy companionship with Jesus? Ah, no: Satan gains the advantage, Peter denies, saying, I know not neither understand I what thou sayest-the cock crows-but Peter heeds not. Again Satan approaches and tests him-"This is one of them," and again the denial is uttered. 'But surely thou art one of them, thou art a Galilian, thy speech betrayeth thee." How now, Peter, hast thou no remembrance of thy Lord? No, for with oaths and curses he declared he knew not the man. The Master whom he promised not to forsake, though all the world forsook, is thrice denied. The cock crows and Jesus turns upon his recreant disciple a look which recalls all to his mind, and sends him forth to weep. Bitter were the tears shed by that self-confident man, and fully did he understand the Saviour's words"When thou art converted strengthen thy brethren." It was only by passing through such an ordeal that one of his temperament could be fitted for the work God had for him to do. It needed that baptism of tears to equip him for his great apostleship. It needed that bitter experience and deep humiliation, to enable him to sympathize with the tried and tempted, to whom he would be sent to proclaim the gospel of peace. It was needful that his self-dependence should be checked that he might be better fitted to warn the presumptuous, to prepare him to deal gently with the erring and to strengthen the brethren in every time of spritual need. It was a difficult lesson-that it was thoroughly learned we are assured by what passed just before the ascension. 66 Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" "Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." Three times does Jesus utter the searching query, and each time does the humbled Peter refer to the knowledge of his Master. No boasting of his affection, even when Jesus in the first instance added "more than these." There is no vaunting reply. How different from his former declaration, "Though ALL men forsake, yet will not I." Peter evidently understood that Jesus in the threefold interrogatory referred to his threefold denial and to the pride of heart which drew forth his former declaration of superiority. He is now changed to a humble loving man. There is a strong chain binding him to his Master, injury forgiven, confidence restored. Not as formerly the respect and love which were due to his Lord only, but also that absorbing personal love, by which Harbinger, Aug. 1, '67. soul is bound to soul, filled his heart. "Thou knowest" springs from the deep experience of his own weakness. With modest confidence he throws himself upon the knowledge of the Lord-his own heart might deceive him, his boasting might be vain, but that could never be at fault, and on that he rests. That Jesus was satisfied with the reply is manifested by the commission. Peter was called to feed his lambs-his tender lambs-to watch over them to prevent their falling. Who so fitted to be watchful as he whose feet had slipped, but who had regained his standing? Who so fitted to feed them with love as he who had been lifted up and sustained by such fulness of love? Not only are the lambs committed to his care, but the sheep are entrusted to his guidance. He must go before them, warn them of danger, nourish them with food suited for them. How important he deemed these duties and how solicitous to fulfil them, we may judge from 2 Peter i.—and how earnestly he instructed his fellow-elders to feed and to guide the flock we learn from 1 Pet. v. Not even the intimation of the martyr-death that awaited him could shake his faith. "Follow me," were words of comfort to Peter, for they assured him that, though trial and death awaited him, strength to resist temptation would be his, and that he would be faithful, even unto death. What lessons of deep import may be gathered from this narrative. Disciples of all grades may derive strength and comfort. The seemingly strong may slip by the way, but a look from the Lord, though it cause them to weep, will reassure, and his hand will lift them up if the tears they shed are tears of sorrow for the sin, tears of bitterness for the wrong committed against the Saviour. The strong may learn to bear with the infirmities of the weak, and learn how to lead back the erring, and cover the sin of the sinner when that sin has been repented of. Jesus did not taunt Peter with the denial-his peace was not broken by repeated reference to it. How differently do some virtuously indignant people act. An erring one would retrace his steps, he strives to be useful, he puts forth what efforts he can; but the friendly hand grasps not his, he is repulsed by shrugs, shakes of the head, hints of what he has been and of what he has done, his looks and words are watched, and he finds himself mistrusted; he is depressed and hindered in his upward onward course. Not such is the lesson given by our Lord's treatment of Peter. Let us not be lovers of sin, but let us be Christ-like in our treatment of sinners, and like Peter may we with boldness be able to say,—“Lord thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee." "Love, pure and holy, is a deathless fire; Its object heavenly, it must ever blaze; Eternal love a God must needs inspire, When once he wins the heart and fits it for his praise. "Self-love dismissed-'tis then we live indeed; In her embrace, death, only death is found; Come then, one noble effort, and succeed, Cast off the chain of self with which thy soul is bound. "Oh! I would cry, that all the world might hear, Ye, self tormentors, love your God alone; Let his unequalled excellence be dear, Dear to your inmost souls, and make him all your own." Birmingham. LOUISE. Harbinger, Sept. 1, '67. WHY CHRISTIANS ARE NOT MORE HOLY. Ir may be reasonably inquired how it happens that many live so strangely contrary to the principles of Christianity. But before I give a direct answer to this question, I desire to ask also, how it comes that swearing is so common a vice? Why is it that men are guilty of so gross a sin as this? There is neither ignorance nor human infirmity to plead for it; it is contrary to an express commandment and the plainest teaching of our blessed Saviour. Do but find the reason why so many men practice this notorious vice, and you will have found the reason why the generality of even the better class of people live so contrary to the principles of Christianity. Men swear because they do not intend to please God in all their actions. Let a man have enough piety to intend to please God and then he will never swear. It will be as impossible as it is for a man who intends to please his friend, to abuse him to his face. It seems but a small and necessary part of piety to have this sincere intention; and he has no reason to look upon himself as a disciple of Christ who is not thus far advanced in piety. Yet it is purely for the want of this that you see such a mixture of sin and folly in the lives of professed Christians. It is for the want of this intention that you see women profess devotion to our Master, yet live in all the folly and vanity of dress, spending their time in idleness and pleasure. Let a woman but feel her heart full of this inten tion and she will no more desire to shine at balls than she will to dance upon a rope to please the idle crowd. She will know that the one is as far from the wisdom and excellency of the Christian spirit as the other. It was this intention that made the primitive Christians such eminent examples of piety and godliness and that gave us such a glorious army of saints and martyrs. And if you stop here and ask yourself the question, why you are not as pious as they, your heart will tell you that it is neither through ignorance nor inability, but simply because you never intended it. You observe the same worship, and you are strict in it, because you fully intend to be so. And when it is your full intention to be like them in their ordinary life and to please God in all your actions, you will find it possible to be strictly exact. You will then have as much aversion to anything vain as you now have for profanity; you will then be as fearful of spending your time or fortune in a foolish way as you are now of neglecting the public worship. Let a preacher be but thus pious and he will converse as if he had been brought up by an Apostle. He will no more complain of the frowns of the world than he will of the want of a laced coat or a running horse. Let him but intend to please God in all his actions, and then he will know that there is nothing poor in his profession but idleness and a worldly spirit. Let a tradesman have this intention and it will make him a saint in his shop. His every-day business will be a course of wise and reasonable actions made holy to God by being done in obedience to His will and pleasure. He will buy and sell and labor and travel, because by so doing he can do some good for himself and others. But as nothing can please God but what is wise and reasonable and holy, he will consider not what arts or application will soonest make him richer than his brethren, but what will make a worldly business most acceptable to God, and a life of trade one of piety. This will be the temper and spirit of every tradesman who intends to please God in all his actions. I have chosen to explain this matter by appealing to the intention, |