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Harbinger, Oct. 1, '67.

Christ but the way of the Lord more perfectly. Then we all needed furnishing with arguments from the divine oracles wherewith to assault the erroneous systems that surrounded us. Our position was aggressive, and so it is still, and our magazine with such controversy on baptism, creeds, church order, the relation of the church to the world, must still be within reach of our members and available to reach those to whom we may carry the writ of Quo Warranto?

Still there is now a large proportion of members in our churches to whom we have taught the Gospel from the first. Among us they have learned to obey and love Christ, and the controversy with those who have the truth in part only has no meaning for them or very little. For such, and many others, a magazine is wanted that may be called a family journal. Christian parents have to me lamented that the necessary character of the Harbinger is not such as made it a welcome or hoped for guest in their households.

Could you not, then, in view of such a want as this, regularly devote a space in each month's issue to simple exposition of Scripture, literature illustrative of Scripture story, geography, or customs, with other matter that would give the Harbinger an attraction for the younger members of a Christian household and for those full grown Christians whose time or talents forbid them taking part in controversy. I do not by any means intend it to be inferred that I think the Harbinger has been altogether void of this sort of matter, but I suggest that it should always have some so that it would be regularly looked for. Passages from church history and lives of notable saints would do well in this department.

There is another method of acting to eliminate unnecessary controversy from your pages, viz.: restricting the form of discussion to those matters that have separated us from the rest of professing Christians, e.g. the discussion with a Baptist Minister is right as a discussion because it concerns the matters on which we differ from Baptists. On the other hand, the questions between pre-millennialists and post-millennialists I would not allow to be discussed, but would give good affirmative articles on either side a suitable place, steadily refusing to insert controversial letters that those articles might evoke. I would do the same with regard to the question as to the Modus Operandi of the Holy Spirit in the church.

There are

those who would designate their view on this matter by the word indwelling, others by the term communion, others recognizing the distinction would affirm both. But

this controversy has nothing to do with our relation to the denominations of socalled Christians. So when a brother has something good to say about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit let him have the opportunity in the Harbinger without allowing the controversial spirit to be expressed by succeeding letters, and so of the other phases of this question.

I have heard of brethren wishing for a magazine to be entirely open to some of these questions, and I have heard of some who intend to start such a magazine, and I wish all such to know that any such movement would be regarded by me and others as eminently sectarian. Our numbers are increasing, but we are yet very far from being strong enough to sustain divided efforts. Bro. Milner's prudence prevented us sustaining any loss by his conduct of the Advocate, but it is in the memory of many that a spirit of rivalry of a vicious sort was evoked by a publication once issued at Nottingham-not by Bro. Wallis. If more than one magazine should be considered necessary now.

It is

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Several intimations of desire for a more liberal supply of family reading have reached us, and though, taking all things into consideration, we are not certain that compliance will improve our issues, yet would we meet the wishes of subscribers so far as can be, and, therefore, our Family Room" is at once thrown open, hoping to make its furniture and visitors such as shall meet the requirement.

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On the other point mooted by Adelphos (the regulation of controversy) we with him, and have been striving to bring it into the shape he suggests. We have not much difficulty in the matter, except with a few hobby-riders, who are ready to trot out whenever an incidental sentence crosses one of their favorite conclusions. But they must be disregarded. We shall look for affirmative articles in which the writer sets forth his own conclusions without regard to what may have appeared on the other side. This of course applies to such questions as are thus named in the foregoing. With those who assail the faith and order of the Church of God we shall measure swords, or rather words, without let or hindrance. There are, too, certain practical questions which it will be better to deal with by the more direct form of controversy.

As to another periodical! Well the less

we say about it the better. We know that two or three pre-millennialists have been sounding in certain directions, and we understand what they would like to do. But we have faith in the good sense of the brotherhood as a whole. So soon as two or more periodicals are desirable we have no doubt that our General Meeting will declare the fact, and (as we told the

LETTER FROM

To the Editors of the Harbinger.—In your report of the Annual Meeting, reference is made to an invitation given to me to resume the work of an Evangelist. As I was not present and made no application, I think it is due to myself and the Churches to say a few words. I can most truly affirm that I have never considered myself efficient for this great work, and also that I never sought it, directly or indirectly, no, not even from heaven itself, unless it be involved in that prayer,—

Thy will be done." When I first gave myself wholly to evangelistic work, it was effected by the efforts of an Evangelist and a number of Churches, while my spirit for some time strove hard against it, for I had not the remotest notion of giving my whole time to preaching. Previously, while engaged in farming, I had for years preached the gospel with some cheering results,many turned to the Lord and were baptized, both men and women. During the time I was wholly given to the work about one hundred and forty became obedient to the faith. I earnestly hope they will be found amongst the Lord's jewels at his coming, but if only a few are so found, the unprofitable servant shall feel abundantly rewarded. Two years last March, I decided to settle in business for awhile, that I might through a stationary adode, have a direct and constant oversight of my children, and still labor in the Gospel as opportunity might afford. Had our Lord asked me when I thus decided for business lacked you anything? I could most gratefully say nothing. There was no lack of brotherly love, means, confidence, nor of co-operation. This is very evident from a letter which I received from the Treasurer of the Evangelistic Committee, dated Jan. 5th, 1864, in which he says,-"I am sure that what I am going to say is true, there is no Evangelist in England, that the brethren in Southport, Wigan, and the neighborhood are more pleased to see than Edward Evans." In the same year a letter of similar import from the Committee appeared in the Harbinger. If these letters were a little more moderate in their style of commendation I could with greater ease refer to them. But after all into business

Harbinger, Oct. 1, '67.

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I went, in company with a partner who had the practical management. And what has been my lot? Some of the heaviest trials common to man fell one after another upon me and my family,-accidents, losses, fever, severe illness, nigh unto death, and lastly a wreck of no small capital manifested itself, from which, I escaped with a publicly attested character, more precious than the gold which took to itself wings and fled away, and so obtained from every grade of character, sympathy, benevolence, respect, and praise. Thanks be to God for his matchless grace which always sustains or makes a way of escape in every dark hour. My next intention was to carry out my long cherished notion of going to Australia, and I was about putting forth every effort to go there at once, when I found that the Annual Meeting had unanimously invited me to resume my former position of labor. Well, if the Lord of the harvest has by a frowning providence chased me out of business,-if he has worked in his people to will and to do in this matter of invitation to Gospel labor,-if it is indeed his will for me to be one of his laborers in the great harvest, I have only to say, "the Lord's will be done!" My desire however is to proceed to Australia; but if it becomes clearly manifest that in this work to which I am so freely and kindly invited, I am in the right place; may the Lord preserve me in it, and direct all my thoughts and steps, and cause me even to realize and enjoy that blessed assurance, that my sufficiency for so great a work is in him; and thus richly experience the faith of him who said, "We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead." But should it become manifest to me or to the Churches, that my work is not that of preaching the Gospel in the capacity of an Evangelist, I shall willingly and with speed leave the position and serve our Lord in some other way, which he may be graciously pleased to open for me. Yours beloved, in the hope of being led by our Father's hand in the right way,

Bath.

EDWARD EVANS.

Harbinger, Oct. 1, '67.

LETTER FROM DR. BUCKBEE TO G. H. ANDERSON.

San Francisco, Cal., June 21st, 1867. My dear Brother. I have now been about two months on this coast, and our mission has been greatly prospered. I have addressed the people sixty-four times, visiting nearly forty different towns, and congregations, travelling 1559 miles, and have put into circulation fully 1000 Revised New Testaments. I have spoken before Baptist, Disciple, Methodist, Congregational, and Presbyterian assemblies. The Baptists and Disciples are a unit. Every church and pastor is heartily with us. The Pædoes begin to show fight. But our own brethren stand fire. They are firm as rocks. I shall also obtain material aid, I hope not less than 5,000 dollars to assist in the prosecution of our great work.

Brother Earle has done a good work here, in a general way. The accessions, however, to our Baptist churches have not been large save in some few places, where we had stirring pastors and brethren with back-bones, who were disposed at once to point young believers to the duty of being immersed without delay.

While all feel grateful to God for the new interest awakened in religious matters, the friends of immersion feel that there should have been a plain teaching by our good brother on the subject. It is hoped, and believed by our friends, that our mission at this time was providential. The plain rendering of the words relating to baptism in the Revision awakens here a tremendous opposition from the Pædo ministers, and the subject is being canvassed with an interest never exceeded at the East.

I feel happy in the work. The Baptists and Disciples on the coast number about 5,000 members. There is a good feeling between them. Many contemplate with deep interest the hope that they may ere long be a united people. I meet many who talk freely of the possibility, and who are disposed to canvass the question candidly and without prejudice. The Baptists have a few good churches, and many feeble ones. Their greatest need is strong preachers. My impression is that if we had twenty-five such men as Dickerson, who would be willing to come here and work, they would each of them, inside of two years, be surrounded by self-sustaining churches. Poor men should not come. There are too many such already. This is a splendid country. You have no conception of the vast extent of territory; its untold and varied productiveness and resources agricultural and mineral. climate is heavenly. Cities are growing up like magic. The industrious man or woman has work in abundance and ample wages.-There is far more social culture and educational progress than I looked for. Christianity has a glorious field here. Pædobaptists know this, and have sent some of their best men, We have neglected the field too long. I hope this year we shall begin to thrust forth laborers not drones, into this field now ripe for the harvest. Remember me to brethren McGrew, Goe, King and Dickerson. I shall be here probably full four mouths more, and would be glad to hear from you. Yours in Bible bonds,

C. A. BUCKBEE.

Its

LETTER TO

Bethany, W. V., June 10th, 1867. My dear brother Earl.-Your letter is very welcome to us. We have watched your labors in Australia with constant and prayerful interest. We rejoice to know that the two young brethren who have recently joined you from the United States, are so cordially received. May the Lord bless all labors for the glory of his name.

We are having a time of unexampled interest in the cause among us. Our Evangelists are alive to the work, which Providence is opening up before them, and thousands are bowing to the Cross. The numbers of the disciples are daily increasing, and the piety and zeal of the congregations are steadily growing, under the auspices of restored peace and returning political harmony. Our cause has been severely tried during our recent unhappy

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and distressing war, but we have come out of the furnace purified of some dross, and more thoroughly fitted for the service of the Master. We have had some fine meetings in our own church, and at several mission points near us-adding in all, over thirty to our members. We had no protracted meeting, but finding a steady interest in the preached word, we just continued our preachings from night to night, till the harvest was gathered.

Bethany College, your alma mater, has, on account of her border situation, suffered from the divisions and alienations of the war; but we are happy to inform you that she is rallying nobly from all her depressions, and promises to outstrip herself in the course of public usefulness. We had eight graduates this year, and every one of them not only fine scholars

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Harbinger, Oct. 1, 67.

monstrate, by your continued distinguished services in the good cause of human salvation, that it has been wisely bestowed.

Be pleased to present our kindest fraternal regards to brethren Gore and Surber. They have our constant and earnest prayers for their success in the divine work to which they have dedicated their lives. Mrs. Pendleton unites with me in warmest Christian regards both to you and to Brother and Sister Magary. His name is familiar to the saints of the United States, and dear to us all for his generous zeal in our common cause. May the Lord bless him with many days and ever increasing power for good.

Do not forget to cheer us by a frequent word of good news, and remember us always in your prayers.

Most truly, your friend and brother,
W. K. PENDLETON.

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You

Dear Bro. King. know of my appearance in Birmingham. In Manchester I enjoyed the society of Bro. Rotherham and preached both in the city and in a neighbouring town (Bowdon). From Manchester I went to Liverpool where I have preached two first days, and was at one cottage meeting. I also preached in Wigan and in Golborne. I have been in Southport over a week enjoying the hospitality of our worthy sister Coop, preaching on Lord's day and during the week in the evenings I had also excellent audiences in the Promenade. I return to Liverpool to-morrow to preach once more, and then, on Tuesday, as I calculate I'm off to Scotland. I cannot leave without recording my sense of gratitude for the loving manner in which I

have been entertained by the brethren in England. I trust I have gathered some experience which will be of service to me in Scotland or in any other place. I hope that the year we have entered upon will be one to which those who shall compose the next annual meeting will be able to point with satisfaction, as a year during which the great principles we plead made great progress. For my part I feel that my visit has done me good. If I had less faith in the Gospel before, I think I have more faith now. Perhaps this is the best way to put it-I believe that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all the believing. Wishing you many blessings, I remain your loving brother in Jesus, C. ABERCROMBIE.

Harbinger, Oct. 1, '67.

Items of News.

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CARLTON, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.Dear Brother King,-I have the pleasure of again recording the triumphs of the Gospel in this place. The earnest and faithful labors of our esteemed and gifted Bro. Surber continue to be greatly blessed, both in winning souls to the Saviour and in building up the brethren in the faith. He is devoting much attention to the latter branch of his Master's work, and more especially in behalf of those amongst us young in years and young in the faith. The numbers added during the past month are by baptism, twenty-three, by letter, one, and from the Baptists, one. Yours in the July 27th.

faith.-A. THOMSON.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES.-In Sydney, we have a large congregation under the care of Matthew Green, who is sustained to Evangelize, and whose wife has just joined him from New Zealand. We hope to write you more fully next mail. Bro. Green you know well. He is doing well-many immersions and an increasing congregation in the Temperance Hall. We have the stone foundation nearly set for our new house at Newtown, which will cost from £700 to £800. We are alive to the necessity of finding room for our worship in hope of glorious results. In haste,

J. KINGSBURY.

ARMADALE. We have been favored with a visit from Bro. Rae extending to four months. He took leave of us last night. The brethren have been built up in their most holy faith; some have been restored; two received from the Baptists, and five by faith and baptism. Bro. Rae has delivered lectures on most important subjects, which have won for him a name, and for us a better appreciation by the public, of which we have striking proof. We are persuaded, had circumstances permitted him to make a much longer stay the results would have been very considerable. On behalf of the Church. PETER SCOTT. September 10th. PETER MCCLUSLAN. Dear Brother King, Since my last report, I have continued my labors in Armadale. Our public meetings have been well attended. The last night we were there two decided and will be immersed by the brethren during this week. We have not had the success in Armadale we expected. Still many are favorably impressed and the principle we plead are better understood. If the brethren but stand fast in one mind and strive together for the faith of the Gospel the good cause will make greater progress in the future than it has done in the past. Yours in the Lord, J. RAE.

[P.S.] In the report of the Annual Meeting in Scotland, I am represented as saying, "My labors in Pathhead were nipt in the bud, by the Free Church refusing the use of their meeting place." That is a mistake. It was at Methlehill, near Leven where the School-room we held our meeting in, through Free-Church influence, was taken from us and our efforts to establish a church there frustrated as described.

BRIGHTON.-The truth is still conquering and sinners are being won to the Saviour. Others have learned the way of the Lord more perfectly and saints are being edified. Since our report in the July Harbinger we have had sixteen additions by immersion and seven that had been previously immersed. There are also several inquirers who we hope will shortly come into the church. I visited Piltdown on the 1st of September-we had good gatherings. I immersed one into the great Name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Yours in Christ Jesus, B. ELLIS.

ANNAN.-Dear Brother King,—I have been holding forth the word of life at Annan and Dornock for nearly seven weeks. Five have put on Christ, and others are hopeful. Our former place of meeting being incommodious the brethren have taken another. We have had a good deal of opposition, chiefly from the Independents; but many are beginning to see things differently and I think, by continued effort and earnest prayer, much good will result. Yours in the One Hope,

DANIEL SCOTT.

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