church of England, to the church of John Wesley; and, perhaps, in a somewhat qualified sense, to the church of John Calvin. But to the apostolic church the idea of a sacerdotal line, a priestly lineage, or a classic and hereditary priesthood, is a foreign and barbarian appendage. But perhaps we anticipate our premises in affirming the conviction that the Christian ministry is a proper and well defined ministry, different from the hierarchical, prelatical, and sectarian systems, in some very essential attributes and assumptions.

From this excursion, however, to return to the subject of the Christian ministry: One point clearly deducible from the tour of Paul and Barnabas, is, the necessity of free intercourse amongst churches and occasional visits and interviews on the part of those who have the management of the kingdom entrusted to them. The public administration of the affairs of the church is as much the concern of the Christian ministry as the particular duties of the members of their respective charges. If the public administration of the gospel be the duty of the church at all, it is the duty especially of its ministry; for they are but the agents of the community, and in duty bound to attend to these concerns. When Paul said the care of all the churches daily came upon him, did he intimate that he was the only Apostle that had that care-the only minister of Christ that owed such a concern? Did he claim to be archapostle or archbishop? By no means. Therefore

it was as much the duty of all the ministers to have this care as well as Paul.

That care was necessary and useful, or it was not. If it was not, then Paul sinned for cherishing it. But who will say that? It was therefore useful and necessary; and if so then, is it not necessary and benevolent still? But it is said that we have no persons on whom such care by authority devolves. Then a care essential to the preservation and prosperity of the church exists, for which no provision is made by an omniscient and benevolent Lawgiver! Strange doctrine! Provision is made. The materials are in the volume of God, and we want discrimination to use them. We think that since we have a perfect book, and no living apostles, writing and reading, without exhorting, watching, admonishing, reproving, rebuking, are all-sufficient and alone-sufficient.

We want an efficient Christian organization-an able, faithful, conscientious and benevolent ministry—Bishops and deacons-Elders in every church, who will co-operate with all the Elders of all the churches in a given district, and who will labor in the word and teaching, and provide for all the exigencies of times and circumstances.But as we advance this will be more and more apparent, A. C.

News from the Churches.

Russelville, Ala., March 5, 1842. BELIEVING it will not be displeasing to you to hear of the triumphs of the gospel, I have concluded to report some incidents which came under my own observation during a few of the past weeks.

I left Nashville about the 20th of January, with my family, on a preaching and visiting tour, through the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and several portions of Tennessee. We visited the churches at Franklin and Columbia, Tennessee; but owing to the fact that the disciples fail to keep the ordinances with the zeal and knowledge they should, it was very difficult to interest the world. The brethren, however, seemed willing to "go for ward," and I have reason to believe the visit was not in vain.

Before reaching this place I called at Florence, in Lauderdale county, Ala., and ad dressed a large assembly in the Methodist meeting-house twice. Next, I spent a few days in Tuscumbia, very pleasantly, where I met our esteemed brother Dr. W. H. Whar ton and others of our old friends. The church was in a languishing condition owing to the causes before assigned. There were six added, and I have heard from the brethren since, and they all manifest a disposition to meet and keep the ordinances in future. By this course the churches will prosper, but without it they will die.

On reaching this town, it being the county seat of Franklin, I understood that Doctor Sevier, son of the late governor Sevier, of Tennessee, was the only brother in the place: also I found three or four excellent sisters. Circumstances would not permit me to pursue my journey, and I commenced declaring the words of life to the citizens; and to my astonishment the people generally seemed deeply interested, and the second evening two excellent ladies made the good confession, I continued to labor about a week, during which time near twenty were immersed Being much fatigued, I sent thirty miles for brother Wharton to come to my assistance, who arrived two days after, and labored assiduously one week, and only left on yesterday.

There have been added in all, sixty-two; fifty-two of whom have been immersed into Christ, and the balance are from the Baptists. There are many others standing near the kingdom, and I trust they will soon sufficiently understand the truth to become obedient. To the astonishinent of every body, people from all walks in life have united to keep the ordinances of Jesus Christ.

It may not be uninteresting to learn that some eight Methodists have been immersed for remission; and some Presbyterians who have been pillars in the church at least 40 years, have become disciples of the Saviour. The familics of two Doctors and two Merchants have obeyed; we have one Lawyer, the Clerks of the county, Circuit and Chancery Courts, with their families, are rejoicing in the liberties of the gospel Also, the households at two taverns, the Jailor and all his household, the wife of the Post-Master, the wife and daughter of the Sheriff of the county, one shoe maker, one carpenter, one hatter, one grocer, several farmers, and several of the gayest young people of the place, have taken upon themselves the solemn profession of Christianity.

The best part of the whole matter is, the "eloquence of facts" has done it all; and I am more fully convinced than ever that the truth needs no embellishment to render it victoriT. FANNING.

ous.

Russelville, Ala., March 8, 1842.

By last mail I informed you that 62 had heen added in this place; but since that time I have immersed 12 inore, Amongst the last are seven young men, and some of them possess the first order of talents.

It is strange to see Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, and the world uniting upon the Bible to keep the holy ordinances, and all rejoicing in the one hope.

A happier congregation you have never seen than this is at present, and the menibers pledge themselves to meet weekly to observe the institutions of the Lord s house. Owing to bad health I shall be compelled to leave soon.

T. FANNING.

Georgetown, Kentucky, March 9, 1842.

I have just closed a glorious meeting of ten days at New Castle, resulting in forty eight additions to the congregation Of the above three were Baptists, two were Methodists, and six were received by letter or commendation from other congregations.

Brother William Morton was with me part of the time, and brother John W. Roberts were the resident Evangelists.

The sects are alarmed wherever we go, if we may judge from their conduct. They keep closed doors and strive to prevent their members from hearing. But many of them are too high minded and honorable to submit to such dictation.

Our co-operation is likely to be of infinite service to the good cause. I have seen 120 additions to the congregations where I have labored since the 1st January, 1842.

J. T. JOHNSON.

Georgetown, Kentucky, March 24, 1842. I returned last evening from a protracted meeting of four days, at Mortonsville, near Versailles, in company with brother William Morton, which resulted in 14 additions. Three of them were Baptists. The prospects were fine, but we were compelled to leave for our engagement at Shelbyville, which commences on to-morrow night, forty miles from this In my judgment, co-operation will prevail very speedily. The brethren of Woodford have acted nobly in the affair. They have raised upwards of four hundred dollars, to be expended in special missions of preaching the gospel in destitute places. The same scriptural principles are adopted by the co operations of Scott and Woodford counties. The plans adopted by these co operatiens to carry out the benevolence of the churches, will, in my opinion, be practised all over the State, as soon as ascertained. We ought now to have missions to the North and South, and to England and Europe. May the Lord speed that happy day! J. T. JOHNSON. Florence, Michigan, March 13, 1842. There is a small but flourishing congregation of disciples in this county, besides many brethren and sisters scattered throughout the state, a part of which we have found means of visiting; and for the mutual edification of the whole, and for the truth of the gospel, we have appointed a general meeting at Marshall, where brother Porter labors, to commence on Friday before the first Lord's day in June next; and through the Harbinger would invite our brethern in this State, Eastern, Southern, and Western States, as many as can make it convenient, to visit us. Brother William Hayden bas sent us word that he expects to he here the second Lord's day in June He will alter his arrangements, we hope, so as to be here on the first. It would be matter of great joy to us to have some of our teaching brethren present at that time-such as Campbell, Shepard, Bartlett, Moss, Henry, Johnson, or any others who can leave home, to call and see us.

J. GOODRICH,

Perry county, Alabama, March 12, 1842.

A small congregation has at length been formed even in Perry county, Alabama. About ten, however, limits our number yet. My avocation for a livelihood prevents any extensive labors on my part; but my occasional efforts are beginning to effect some good. The Temperance Reformation, concerning which your last Harbinger contains a few remarks, has lately produced some considerable excitement in this state. In the city of Mobile several thousands have taken the pledge, and among them a large number of habitual drunkards. I acknowledge my error, if any brother choose to call it one, of advocating publicly the cause of total abstinence from the use of ardent spirits. If we cannot per. suade men to become Christians, surely there is no harm in inducing them to become temperate. Indeed, it seems that some evils sometimes obtain such prominence in society that special attention is requisite in order to their extermination. No person is more confident of the entire sufficiency of the scriptures of inspiration for every purpose of benevolence and salvation than I am; and I would be glad for those brethren whose fears are excited, to read Paul's tee-total pledge-"If meat cause my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the worid standeth, lest I cause my brother to offend." Thus while it is perfectly lawful to eat meat, and those are to be condemned who arbitrarily command to abstain from meats and imposed unauthorized penance upon the disciples of Christ; still circumstances may exist controlling the relative duties of men, in which abstinence is virtue, and to eat is sin. So may it be with ardent spirits. Will any brother claim the right of using his Christian liberty when it may prove a snare to a weaker brother, or a temptation to an unbeliever?

The Christian doctrine is spiritual, and we serve not God in the letter. Time, place, and other circumstances often enter into the idea of right and wrong The crisis must,

to the intelligent disciple, ever be the directory of his conduct. Guided by the heaven. inspired principles of his religion, he will scrutinize the various movements in society around him, and aid or discountenance them, as they seem calculated to promote the great end of his existence, the moral regeneration and ultimate salvation of his fellow.

creatures.

A Temperance Society as a rival of the Christian Church, either as a means of salvation or as a benevolent and moralizing institution, we cannot countenance; but that any friend of religion should refuse to make the small sacrifice of an habitual glass ef wine or brandy, or even a favorite dish of meat, when by so doing he might strengthen the faltering resolution of a weaker brother, and perhaps encourage many sinners to draw nigh to the kingdom of heaven by becoming sober men, is to me rather a more alarming symptom than that a disciple should join the Temperance Society.

There were some whom Jesus commanded to "repent AND believe the gospel," as if some reformation was necessary before the evidence of his mission could effect them. I know of no character in this age more probably in that condition than the drunkard.But my epistle has already imperceptibly grown too long, and I must conclude with my best wishes and earnest prayers for the success of the good cause which you plead. A. GRAHAM. Belleville, Virginia, Jauuary 11, 1842. Minutes of the proceedings of the Athens and Morgan counties Co-operation Meeting of the Christian Church, by their delegates, convened at Union and Deerfield meetinghouse, in Morgan county, October 15, 1842.

Meeting opened with prayer by Elder J. C. Ashley.

Meeting was organized by appointing brother Ashley Chairman, and brother Laurentlus Weetree Clerk.

The following delegates appeared and represented the following churches:

The above named delegates declared themselves willing to become responsible in behalf of the churches they represent. for the respective sums placed to the name of each ehurch, for the support of two Evangelists to ride in this district.

On motion it was resolved, That the above amount of 397 dollars be used in employ. ing two Evangelists to ride in this district so long as said amount will pay them, at the rate of 250 dollars per annum, for two-thirds of their time, including all the Lord's days in said time; and when said sum shall fail at said rate, another co-operation meeting shall be called by the Evangelists employed.

Resolved, That the Evangelists shall be paid quarterly, and the subscribers may pay one half of their subscriptions in such articles of produce as the Evangelists may need; provided the same is delivered at the houses of the Evangelists on or before the expiration of each quarter respectively.

Brother John Sargent agreed to ride another year on the above conditions, beginning with the expiration of his present engagement next spring.

Resolved, That brethren Samuel Davis, Laurentius Weetree, and E. Die be a commit. tee in behalf of this meeting to contract with another Evangelist according to the above terms, in case brother Ashley cannot be obtained.

Resolved, That our next co operation meeting be held at East Branch of Sunday Creek Church.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be forwarded to the Editors of the Millennial Harbinger and Heretic Detector for publication, and that brother Ashley carry this resolution into effect.

On motion, the meeting adjourned.
Prayer by brother J. Sargent.

JOHN C. ASHLEY, Chairman.

St. Louis, Missouri, March 16, 1842.

I have the happiness of being able to inform you that we have organized a congrega tion in this place. This took place about three weeks ago. On last Friday we had a visit from brother David Henderson, of Jacksonville. He staid over Lord's day, and had the pleasure of introducing into the kingdom five by immersion-my son and son-in-law are among the number If we had a speaker among us, qualified to set the truth before the people, I have no doubt, from present appearances, we would have a large increase. We number at present 34. You may expect to hear from me soon. R. B. FIFE.

Louisville, Kentucky, March 23, 1842.

I have recently delivered some ten or more discourses in New Albany; the result of which was, the confession of twenty three persons of the name of the Lord.Were our churches properly organized, with their Pastors and ruling officers, and the ministry under proper regulations and in full operation, nothing could stop the current of truth. The light would spread, truth would triumph, and millions would be added to the number of the saved. B. F. HALL. Cincinnati, Ohio, March 23, 1842. We have added to our congregation within a few weeks last past, some 80 persons.We have more or less almost every week to confess the Lord.

J. CRANE

Victory, New York, January 14, 1842.

I have just closed another year of labor, toil, and anxiety, which has furnished materi als for much contemplation; but I have not a moment now to devote to it I have im. mersed 63 the last year. Nearly all of them are doing well The churches in this section, as a whole, are doing better than formerly. When I have more time I will write more. J. MILTON BARTLETT. Owingsville, Kentucky, January 25, 1842. I am happy to inform you that brother Rice, of Georgetown has just closed a meeting in this place, gaining twenty-four accessions to the good cause of our King-some of the most prominent men and their wives in this village! Praised he the Lord!

JAMES M. JOHNSON. Ohio City, Ohio, March 8, 1842.

I am happy to inform you that brother John Henry has held a ten days' meeting in this place, when twenty three were immersed, and three more united from the Baptists. The next Lord's day brother Robison preached, and six more were immersed and added to our number. Could brother Henry remain a few days longer, I think many more would obey the gospel. All that is wanting here to insure success, is a proper teacher.

J. G. NICKERSON.

CALVIN'S TESTIMONY IN FAVOR OF IMMERSION. RICHMOND, KY., August 10, 1841.

Brother Campbell—In a late discussion of the action of baptism, I read from Frey's essay on the subject the following translation of John Calvin, 1. 4, ch. 15., sect. 19:-"The very word baptize, however, signifies to immerse; and it is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

Mr. Montgomery said it was a gross perversion of Calvin-that Calvin never said any such thing.

I requested that the translation be examined by a man or committee competent; and my worthy opponent agreed to refer this and two other questions to Presidents Young and Shannon, to be reported and published as soon as possible; but he has failed to write out and present these questions. I have waited several weeks; and seeing the extract above, quoted in the Appendix of New Testament, No. 21, in nearly the same translation, I feel it my duty to let you know, (after waiting as I have,) that you, and the whole body of Baptist authors on the subject, (for they nearly all quote Calvin in the same way,) are accused by the wisdom of the Old School Presbyterians in Kentucky of misrepresenting John Calvin, in making that distinguished Pedobaptist acknowledge that baptizo means to dip or immerse, and that the ancient church practised dipping or immersion.

In one of your numbers you extracted from Calvin's Institutes two or three whole sections, including the short one in question. Mr. Montgomery said you had grossly mistranslated Calvin on the action and design; and to show that Calvin agreed with him, he translated the same long extract to his own liking. As I could not get him to write out his own translation, there is but little chance to correct his mistranslations: it seems to me, however, that you would effect some good among those who might listen to the evasions of that party, by saying something in defence of your translation of Calvin on the action and design of baptism.

I wish I had written you in time to hear from you before the 31st of August, when our debate is to be resumed; but it is too late now.May the Lord preserve us blameless! J. A. KENDRICK.