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the cause, are actively engaged in printing and distributing what they term the Oxford Tracts. These are already about ninety in number, and advocate the following doctrines:-That tradition (meaning thereby something unwritten handed down from apostolic times) is no less from God than the Bible, and that scripture and tradition together are the joint rule of faith;-that the sacraments, not preaching, are the only means of grace;-that all baptized infants are justified and regenerated; that faith does not precede justification, but justification precedes faith, and that baptism creates faith;-that if a man sin more than once after baptism, there is no forgiveness, though he repent;that the Lord's supper may be administered to dying insensible pergons, and even to infants;-that ministers in the apostolic succession have the gift of making bread and wine the body and blood of Christ; -that they have the keys of heaven and hell entrusted to them;that the church of Rome is a true church; but that all the Presbyterian churches, such as the established church of Scotland, the Dissenting churches in England, and the Reformed churches on the con-` tinent, are no churches; consequently, their ministers are no ministers, and their sacraments no sacraments; that they are not in covenant with God; and that Christ has not promised to be with them, but with those only who are in the apostolic succession-the Episcopalians; -that it is contrary to the teaching of the scriptures to bring forward the atonement explicitly and prominently on all occasions;-that the church of England no where restrains her children from praying for their departed friends;-that the mass is a sacrifice for the quick and the dead; and that the great and good men, whom the Protestant world have hitherto dignified with the title of Reformers, and hailed as benefactors to their race, are but Reformers, so called. The Oxford Trec's also maintain that the "Bishops are Apostles to us; Christ's figure and likeness, as certainly as if we saw upon each of their heads a cloven tongue, like as of fire.” The Dissenters are called a mob, and assailed with the most opprobrious and vulgar language. Such are some of the delusions put forth by these men, and they meet with the partial support of a great many who cannot go the entire length, but adopt them in part, both in belief and practice, each according to his measure of credulity."

EFFICACY OF INFANT BAPTISM.

THE Churchman, a paper published in New York by the Protestant Episcopal Church, contains the following information on the subject of infant baptism:

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We hold the doctrine of baptismal regeneration. The baptized infant is, with us, a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven; and this he is made by a sacrament; a mys terious and inscrutable means of conveying God's grace, the regenera ting influence of the Holy Spirit; and this is no figure, no metaphor embodied in action, no type, no bare symbol, no sign signifying that which may be or may not, no Jewish sacrament, as Timothy Dwight would have it; but a saving ordinance, a reality tenfold more real than any phenomenon that is presented to us either in time or yet in space."

In a recent number of the Lutheran Observer, immediately after the above paragraph, the editor makes the following remarks, which "appear to us to be highly judicious:"

"Infants made inheritors of the kingdom of heaven by sacrament! the regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit, conveyed to them by the sprinkling of a little water on their faces! What scripture, what reason is there for any thing like this? Verily, he must be a bold man, to say the least, who presumes to set forth such doctrine in the 19th century!"

We forbear making any observations on the above at present, as we have spoken pretty largely on the subject, in this and the previous number of the Herald. Much might be said, and profitably too; but we think there is a fair prospect that the old rubbish will soon be thrown off. Follow the light. Lutheran Herald.

News from the Churches.

Mollington, Chester, England, March 25, 1842

Most dear Sir-About a month ago I was gratified by the receipt of your favor of 9th January last, and wished to comply with your request-by answering it immediately; but I have had to regret that business at once important and urgent has until now prevented. * * *

*

We are thankful to be able to say the light of truth is certainly spreading in Old England, and the obedience of faith becoming more and more understood and acknow ledged. The hindrances most apparent are our want of accurate and able proclaimers, and a somewhat arrogant spirit in some of our-not strongest-menibers. * * This year we have reason to think we shall count up a considerable increase Tidings are almost weekly reaching us of little congregations springing up, and of intelligent persons from the sects giving themselves to the Lord in places where, Abraham-like, we supposed the Lord was not. Our highly esteemed Evangelist G C. Reid, of Dundee, is working hard. At this time he is in Glasgow. He is we believe sowing the good seed in a workmanlike manner. We expect him here in about six weeks. His success is hot immediate; but germination and vegetation seem going on, and we feel a pretty confident expectation that some harvest will be secured by and by.

We are sorry to learn from your letter to Mr. Wallis, which has appeared in the Messenger, that we may not, as yet, look for a visit from you. We are aware that a visit from you is no small matter, and would therefore not lightly speak of, or wish it. We are, however, daily becoming more prepared for one. There is a stir in religious affairs among all ranks here, such as has not been known for ages. In the established church Puseyism is gaining ground so rapidly that it is fully expected to attain the ascendancy before long. Methodism has latterly been much agitated. The Roman Catholics are anxiously anticipating a change in favor of their claims to the good things of the church of England; and these, with other causes, produce the almost general effects of inquiry, discussion, &c. 1 do not know that any great results have as yet been produced; but assuredly acquaintance with the scriptures (obscured indeed by the all but universal leaven of mystic influence for conversion) distinguishes the present agc, here, above all the past, as far as my knowledge extends. We are therefore of opinion that the great cause will soon only require an impetus to render it extensively successful

In our own little community we are gradually, though slowly increasing. Mr. Evan Jenkins, who for several years was principal person in the church at Wrexham, is now established in business in Chester, and is a great help to us. We now have elders and deacons, and find the benefit of oversight and service. But we also have to lament a want of growth towards Christian perfection, and some indifference towards the attain • ment of the exalted rank of "obedient children." Upon the whole, however, we have much reason to be satisfied and thankful.

In our little circle, after a good deal of discussion and consideration, we have much diffidence as to the application of most of those quotations that are made in support of Millennarianism, the second coming. &c. We are content to await the fulfilment of prophecy before affixing a specific meaning to prophetic words, conceiving that an improper application or meaning is likely to be as injurious to us as to the Thessalonians(2 Thess ii. 2.)-fully, however, agreeing with you that "to watch' and "be ready" is always safe and right.

We have lately had an American revivalist of the name of Wooliscroft, holding meet ings for the Wesleyan Methodists in Chester. If his extravagancies are to be regarded as a specimen of American revivalism, it may do for home use, but not for exportation. Many even of the thinking Methodists disapproved of his proceedings. It is, I have reason to believe, quite correct that the test of conversion was, being able to say alleluia; and that not a few in and around Chester were enrolled as converts, simply because when asked if they could "say alleluia," they replied in the affirmative and said it! It is reported that Mr. Wooliscroft hoasted of having challenged you to discussion, and that you did not dare to enter the lists with him! I rather think this veritable boast was occasioned by our names being mentioned as your friends, and from the circumstance ef one of their oldest local preachers with his household having been lately immersed by myself. We have just heard that two local preachers were a week or two ago baptized at Stockport in this county, and another a short time before at Lancashire. * Yours in the hope of meeting here, and hereafter.

JOHN DAVIES. Georgetown, Kentucky, April 27, 1842.

I have just returned from a visit to Jeffersonville, opposite the city of Louisville. E was accompanied by R. C. Rice, our Evangelist. We were received by the brethren in the most cordial Christian manner, and we spent eight days with them in the most de lightful manner, laboring in the word of the Lord day and night. The congregation was in good order, and marched up to the table in the best spirit. By a combined effort the result was most glorious. Fifty additions were made Of these one was a Presby terian, four were Baptists, and from ten to twenty were Methodists. The latter party kept up an opposition meeting during the time we were there; but it was of no availthe people would hear. The pillars of the sects are tottering in that city. I rejoiced to read your remarks on temperance. May the Lord bless you!

J. T. JOHNSON N. B. I came home by Grassy Spring, in Woodford county, one of the most liberal churches in the state. We had a pleasant meeting of a few days We received two additions one of them was a Baptist.

J. T J.

Bridgeport, Kentucky, April 14, 1842. flaying arrived home after a tour often months, through Indiana, Illinois, and Missour ri, I found my parents in good health, anxiously waiting my return. My labors were principally contined to Illinois; and I am happy to say that we found many of the congregations in a healthy condition, while their neighbors and children were ready to obey the gospel. The sects anticipated us in many of their towns where we lectured, with protracted sectarian-union meetings; but, thanks to the Lord, the truth triumphed in many places; and we had the pleasure of seeing above 600 persons submit to the reign of Prince Messiah

After a debate of four days with Dr. B. C. Wood, of the Methodist Episcopal Church on this proposition, “sprinkling or pouring is Christian baptism," we immersed one of the Moderators of the debate and nineteen of our opponent members.

Brother L. S. Patton was my faithful fellow laborer. He is a promising young man, and we hope he will do much good in the cause of our Master.

W. M BROWN.

I have heard from various sources of the very great success of brother Brown in the proclamation of the word. I trust his labors will continue to be a blessing to many.— Take care of the converts! Remember the Lord's words to Peter-Feed my lambs!Feed my lamb! A. C.

Georgetown, Kentucky, April 8, 1842.

The last fourteen days I have been laboring in the good cause at Shelbyville, 7 days; Mount Eden, 3 days; and near Newton in this county, 3 days. Brother W. Morton was with me at the two first named places. We gained five additions at Shelbyville, and roused up the whole community at Mount Eden, where the Baptists had kindly opened their meeting house to us. The people were greatly delighted, as we were informed.They need but a little more reflection to bow to the truth.

On Monday I returned home, (40 miles.) and united with brother Gano in the meeting six miles east of this place, where the Methodists had generously opened their meeting. house to us.

We continued till Thursday evening, and gained nine additions during the meeting We were treated kindly to the last by the Methodist friends; and some of them gave the hand of friendship as a token of their approbation of the principles of union for which we plead. J. T. JOHNSON.

Green Village, Columbiana county, March 31, 1842. We have just closed a four days' meeting in Green, which resulted in the conversion of forty five persons to the good cause of the Lord-43 by immersion and 2 from the Methodists that had been iminersed, and one backslider reclaimed. Bless the Lord for his goodness! Brethren Wesley Lanphear and CE Vanvoorhes were our laborers present in the word and doctrine. The meeting closed under favorable circumstances, nine having made the good confession the last night of the meeting. LEWIS TEMPLIN.

Jeffersonville, Indiana, April 3, 1842. I have just returned from the Republic of Texas, having been absent nearly four months. I went to that Republic in company with a considerable number of emigrants, who left Louisville, Ky., on the 9th day of December last, with intention to locate and settle themselves in the vicinity of the Cross Timbers. This section of country has of late excited considerabie interest in these parts. It is represented as being a beautiful, fertile, well watered country, possessing resources equal to any other region in the same latitude. The emigrants above named, instead of settling in the Cross Timbers, are forming a settlement on the head waters of the Trinity. This river is navigable for boats of a small size to the point where the settlement will be made, and will furnish an outlet for that region of country.

Whilst in that Republic 1 found, at M Kinney's Landing, on Red River, about four hundred miles above the raft a few scattered disciples, who had come to that country from other parts, with their letters; but as there was no congregation in that part of the country to which they could attach themselves, and as they were few in number, they were not associated together as a church. I embraced an opportunity, however, to call the people of that neighborhood together, and to proclaim to them the gospel.

They generally manifested a disposition to hear, and many of them appeared to be deeply interested in the subject matter of the Christian religion as exhibited in the New Testament. They had never before heard the gospel so exhibited, as, on this occasion, it was presented to them. They had been accustomed to hear, and that occasionally, a Methodist circuit rider, whose discourses were characterized by all that mystic supersti. tion peculiar to that class of speakers. The contrast was, of course, striking and well calculated to excite attention and inquiry. I remained with the brethren about a week, preached seven times, immersed nine converts to the faith, gathered the scattered sheep, and constituted a church of sixteen members, with a fair prospect of several more Brother McKinney, an old disciple from the state of Kentucky, who has resided in that country more than twenty years, noted for his integrity, hospitality, and good works as a Christian, is the natural Elder to preside over this little flock. A son of his, who is distinguished for a goodly zeal in the cause of truth, will assist his father in the oversight of the disciples. The old gentleman has a considerable number of blacks, who are all, I believe, members of the Methodist church, and love their master as they would a father. This is an important point on Red River, and a noted landing. It is desired by the disciples there, that whenever any of our preaching brethren from any part of the United States, may be in that country, they will not fail to call at brother M'Kinney's, M-Kinney's Landing, Bowie county, Texas, and preach the gospel there. They will be gladly received and most kindly treated. I think that during my short visit there I saw as much practical living Christianity as I have at any time or in any place seen under like circumstances. The people in this part of Texas are not renegades They are as honorable, intelligent, hospitable, and well disposed, so far as I saw and am able to judge, as any people that I have ever seen in a newly settled country; and I believe the gospel, properly represented, would be crowned with as great success in that Republic as any where else. And, in the generals, it is my opinion the professors of Christianity are its worst enemies. They are, many of them, so entirely conformed to this world in their customs, habits, and manners, that they do not administer any thing to the promotion of true piety And then there is such a lack of simplicity, honesty, and Christian love among the members of churches, that the world cannot discover in the church those virtues of our Lord which ought to be visible in Christians, individually and collectively, that others might be induced thereby to glorify our heavenly Father. There are strife, envy, and every evil work, which are sensual and demoniacal, and are really obstacles in the way of sinners. On the part of many there appears to exist a disposition to put down and destroy, rather than to save-to magnify foibles into fauits, and faults into crimes, instead of covering with the mantle of charity the multitude of sins, and thus saving the weak Christians. G. GATES Near Cwingsville, Bath county, Kentucky, March 30, 1842. We are a small body of disciples, meeting at State Union to worship God according to the New Testament, and amongst the first of the Baptist churches that declared in favor of the New Testament alone in this country. Being poor, we have had but little preach. ing for some time back, although our brother Asa Masof, who was raised here within a mile of us, and he now lives some eight miles off; he has preached but little for three or four years past; having a large family of ten children to raise and educate, he is poor and has to work hard, and has bad health But he made us a visit at a private house (brother James Perat's) on the first Lord's day in February, where three made the good confession. He has been over and preached four times since, and immersed seventeen persons. We have been surprized that this worthy brother's name should never have found its way into the Harbinger, as he has done more for the cause here than any other person; for he was pleading for the Bible alone as far back as 1824, and has met with more opposition than any other preacher. He has immersed upwards of 1,000 persons in the bounds of 30 miles square, since that period. And he can well say as Paul said, 'These hands have ministered to my necessities, and those that were with me I have comforted' He has labored almost entirely among the poor, who were not able to compensate him for his labors; but he will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. He was immersed here in 1822, and became a member of this church first, and was ordained by us whilst we bore the appella.

tion of Baptists. He is a very modest man, and a great advocate for true and undefiled religion before God the Father, and a greater pleader for union and love among Christians upon the Bible alone.

There has been an increase to the disciples in this country through the labors of this brother and others, of from 80 to 100, within the last 12 mouths JOHN HENSLEY, Elder. JAMES PIERAT, Deacon. Brunswick, April 16, 1842.

Brother J. II. Jones held a five days meeting in our congregation in Norton, commencing last Saturday, when 22 made the good confession, and were baptized in the name of our King Thank the Lord for the power of the gospel!

A. B. GREEN.

From the Christian Messenger, England, we are glad to learn the onward march of the cause of the primitive gospel and its institution in the united kingdoms. My purposed letters for that periodical have been involuntarily deferred. I will endeavor to furnish some of them soon.

A.C.

GENERAL MEETING.

Smith Grove, Warren county, Kentucky, March 11, 1842. The brethren of this vicinity having determined to have a meeting of all the churches of the Green River country, commencing on Thursday before the first Lord's day in August next, at their meeting-house-Pleasant Hill, situated between Bowling Green and the Dripping Spring, three miles west of the latter place-have appointed us to inform you of the appointment, and to request you to publish it in the Harbinger. The brethren generally are invited to attend, and preaching brethren particularly. JONATHAN T. CARPENTER, MOSES SHOBE.

PUBLICATION S.

Peck's Traveller's Dictionary for Illinois, with a Map exhibiting the sections, (New York, 1840, with his New Guide for Emigrants, (Boston, 18 6,) with his new Gazetteer for Illinois, (Philadelphia, 1837.) have been thankfully received from their author as a token of his regard. Not only to strangers and pilgrims are these useful and instructive works, but even to those who have made the tour of the United States, and even to the residents of the great West, and the prairie state of Illinois destined to be a sort of Egyp tian Delta to feed the millions more than its own inhabitants.

A. C.

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Peck's No. III. on Spiritual Influence and sundry other things, has been observed in a late Baptist Banner But has any one seen my reply to his former communication published in that paper? I have not. If it have been published by Elder Peck, I wish himself or some of his brother Editors to forward me a copy of it I hope better things of them than than that they would voluntarily exclude my replies while they print the essays to which they refer.

Essays on Church Organization, No. IV. has been deferred because of its great length and the essay on Pralinody, and a communication from brother Eaton on a portion of the subject of Order

A. C.

BETHANY COLLEGE.

Ir is due to the patrons and friends of this Institution, and the great cause of science and civilization to which it is devoted, occasionally to notice its affairs. It is at this time a very pleasing task to allude to the present condition of this seminary. Having, at our very commencement, had to encounter a series of unfavorable circumstances, partly arising from the defects of existing systems of education, domestic and scholastic-partly from the ordinary difficulties always attendant on a commencement, especially when almost a hundred youths, of every variety of temper and training, generally unknown to each other and to their Professors, and all at once convened in one

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