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Dr. Watts sings 'election as excluding boasting,' in the following words:

But few among the carnal wise,
But few of noble race

Obtain the favor of thine eyes,
Almighty King of Grace.

He takes the men of meanest name
For sons and heirs of God;

And thus he pours abundant shame
On honorable blood.

He calls the fool, and makes him know
The myst'ries of his grace,

To bring aspiring wisdom low,
And all its pride abase.

Nature has all its glory lost,

When brought before his throne;
No flesh shall in his presence boast,
But in the Lord alone.

There are many songs of this sort, composed in whole or in part of definition, not only found in Watts, but in many other poets and hymnmakers. Can any one show, in the whole 150 inspired songs, a psalm or hymn of such a category! If not, however useful to secta ries and retailers of definitions such worship be, it has no favor in heaven, and ought to have no place in the Christian worship.

A. C.

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Beloved brother in Christ,

MARTINSVILLE, Ohio, 4th May, 1842.

As you are doubtless anxious to know the result of the debate in this place, which is now closed, I hasten to communicate to you, as briefly as practicable, some of the facts of the case, which, if it seem expedient, I would be happy you would publish in the Harbinger.

As you are already aware, from what you learned when you were present with us yesterday, Mr. M'Abee "backed out" from the first proposition laid down by Mr. Erwin; which was,-that "episcopacy, as it now is exhibited in the church government of modern Pedobaptist denominations, is the legitimate offspring of Popery."The second proposition you heard debated; which was, that "infant baptism is without authority in the word of God." But for the sake of the cause of truth, I think an enlightened public should have a "bird's eye view" of the manner in which this proposition was disposed of by our would-be main luminary, Mr. J. N. M.Abee.*. The second proposition was,-that "immersion alone, in the name of the Holy Trinity, is gospel baptism." The parties met this morning according to adjournment. Mr. Erwin, having the affirmative, opened the discussion. After some quibbling about points of order, he proceeded first by reading the different passages in which the account of John the Baptist and his baptism is given. Then he proceeded to comment on the baptism of the Messiah by John. Mr. M. « Bome remarks on this discussion may be expected next week.-A. c

in his rejoinder, first gave the definition of baptizo, as given by DL Elliott, his favorite linguist. Then he gave us a few round assertions as usual. Such, for instance, as that there was no evidence that John Immersed! Then in the case of the Jews passing through the sea, and being baptized in the cloud and in the sea. The cloud was not a pillar of fire, but a common cloud, and it sprinkled rain upon them! The debate throughout was marked with the most presumptuous insolent insinuations against Baptists who contend for primitive practises.

We had a new idea from the reverend gentleman about blasphemy. He said with unblushing impudence, that in many cases it was immodest and indecent to immerse. It is for the administrator to take a person down into a muddy, filthy, stagnant stream of water, and plunge him into it-if any thing was blasphemy, it certainly was!

Indeed, the whole discussion, so far as the Pedoes were concerned, was marked with an utter want of candor. Mr. Erwin was not heard to use one single opprobrious epithet; but defended the truth in a fair and candid manner. And I suppose that all candid honest-hearted people who heard them will award to him a complete victory-although his antagonist had the folly to give several expressions of "Well done great I," even before they came out of the desk.

There is one thing I would notice before I conclude, that there was considerable of indecency manifested by Mr. M. and his dear brethren; for in speaking of his newly discovered blasphemy, he had the ɑncommon penetration to discern that there was a strong analogy between it and the practice introduced in the early times of apostacy of baptizing persons who were naked; which caused many of his dear brethren to show their hearty approbation by a senseless "snigger!"

As an impartial judge, I think the good sense of this community will award to each of the debaters their due-which will be, that Mr. Erwin is by far the better Christian, and though not as critical in the matter of public discussion as his antagonist, has represented truth aocording to the best of his ability; whilst his antagonist did show a great want of candor, and considerable tact in the element of sophistry, in the defence of his sinking baby system.

May truth wing its way and error be confounded!

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A SPECTATOR.

TO THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST, IN GREEN RIVER, KY.

Dear Brethren,

THE Church of Disciples, 12 miles east of Bowling Green, and near the Dripping Spring, have determined to hold a meeting at their new meeting-house, beginning the Friday before the second Lord's day in August next, for the purposes of worship, co-operation in the work of evangelizing, and a free conversation upon all subjects connected with the present and future interests of the good cause south of Green River. It is earnestly desired that every congregation in the above district of country will furnish at that time, through their messengers and letter, full information upon the following questions:1. When and where were you congregated as a church? and with how many members?

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2. Who are your Elders and Deacons, and Evangelist, if any? 3. What, if any, efforts have been made to procure and sustain in your immediate region an efficient Evangelist?

4. What is the present congregation for good government and piety, and how many have been added to you during the past twelve months by immersion, letter, or from other denominations?-with any other information which you may deem valuable.

Beloved brethren, the importance of the meeting thus proposed, we trust will appear obvious to all, and meet your hearty approbation. As yet we have had but little acquaintance with each other, and no concert of action and effort in order to sustain the cause of the reformation in this fine and extensive region of our state. It is now of vital importance that such a meeting should be held, and that we begin, at least, to operate more systematically and efficiently. It is impossible to find and write separately to all the churches scattered over so large a territory. We trust, therefore, that immediate efforts will be made to furnish us with the above information through your letter and messengers. Should any of the churches be unable to send messengers, please furnish us with a statement by letter, (postage paid,) addressed to A. Shobe, Dr. W. Ford, or J. Carpenter, Dripping Spring, Edmundson county. As yet we have no correct information either as to the number of congregations, disciples, or evangelists, within the above district of country. It is hoped that as many of the Evangalists and teaching brethren as can conveniently attend the meeting will not fail to do so. We would earnestly and affectionately invite those living in the northern part of the state, and in Tennessee, to make us a visit at that time, or any other.

We rejoice to find that the brethren here and further south of us are awake to the importance of keeping efficient and prudent Evangelists employed in spreading the knowledge of the truth, and teaching and exhorting the brethren to more faithfulness.

It is thought highly important that we should have at least two such meetings as the above in the course of each year, somewhere between Glasgow and the mouth of Cumberland river.

Yours truly,

Bowling Green, May 3, 1842.

TRIAL OF JAMES M'VAY.

GEO. W. ELLY.

North Middletown, Bourbon county, May 10, 1842. From the excitement and dissatisfaction existing in relation to M Vay, this church thought it important to attend to the above request, and 89. cordingly appointed six of her own members, including Elders Rash, Adams, and Mason, and five members from the church at Cane Ridge, (as there would be no meeting of that church before the day appointed) making the number eleven, to meet at the time and place stated.

On the day appointed a large concourse of persons assembled, and as the committee believed M Vay used much intrigue and management to prevent a full and fair investigation. Finally, both parties agreed to submit the matter to the committee, who then organized themselves by appointing Elder A. Adams, Moderator, and William Mason, C'erk. As two of the brethren appointed failed to attend, the committee selected two other bretren to act with them, to which selection both parties agreed. The second paragraph in brother Smith's publication was the part most complained of. Brother Smith then pledged himself to sustain and prove

every allegation, or take it back like a man and a Christian. The item concerning the horse with the big head was first taken up and fully investigated, many witnesses being examined. The next matter of com plaint was, that brother Smith had said that M'Vay was guilty of wilful lying in more than half a dozen other cases. In sustaining himself in this statement brother Smith submitted numerically in writing thirteen speci fic charges of lying. Each specification or charge was taken up, one at a time, and fully examined, many witnesses being introduced pro and con, the whole investigation occupying two days, meeting at an early hour and sitting until late. Brother Smith then proposed to proceed to sustain and prove all the other charges which he had made against M Vay. But M'Vay opposed any further investigation, and argued that these charges could be investigated only where they were alleged to have been committed, and that he would go into Ohio and Indiana and inves. tigate and disprove them. Brother Smith then stated that as to the charge of his illegitimate offspring-of his fraudulently obtaining letters of recommendation-of his having been excluded from the church, and vari ous other charges, he had then in his pocket numerous documents duly certified by whole churches, and from a number of individuals of high standing, many of them our most able and reputable preachers, to prove all and more than he had charged upon him. But as M Vay had opposed fur her investigation, and the day was nearly gone, the committee withdrew and made out the following Report, which was read to the audi

ence:

"The committee, after a full investigation of all the charges separately, would respectfully report-- That with regard to the charge concerning the horse with the big head, we are of the opinion that it has been sus tained; yet some mitigating circumstances were submitted which make it possible that M Vay's intention to defraud might have been mistaken. As to the charge of M Vay's saying that the church at Sharpsburg had once taken up this matter of difficulty, we think, that though sustained, it was the result of a want of caution on the part of M Vay. All the other charges we think were sustained."

[Signed by the committee whose names are hereunto annexed.]

We would further state, that, strange as it may appear, notwithstand ing the committee found him guilty of lying in twelve instances, and so published to the audience, he rose in a few minutes after and made two appointments to preach; and immediately on going out of the meetinghouse made so rude an attack on two of the committee, venerable grayheaded old brethren, that he was reproved by one of his warmest partisans. (The two last occurrences were witnessed by only a part of the com mittee)

Most of the brethren who took up with him when he first came among us have forsaken him, yet, from his intrigue and artifice, he has still a few partisans, from one or two of whom we should not be surprized if he were to obtain certificates disreputable to this committee and brother Smith. We only add, that it is our prayer to our heavenly Father that this communication may be the means of preventing him from giving our dear brethren in any other part of the country the same distress he has given mary here.

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BISHOP P. S. FALL'S SCHOOL NEAR FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY.

A FEW extracts from one of brother Fall's private letters afford a glance into the i nternal arrangements of one of the first Female Schools in the United States

"But you will desire to know, somewhat particularly, our mode of procedure; and to what to attribute the obedience of any in our family. We rise, generally, so as to break fast about sunrise, or shortly after. As Mrs F's. health has not been sufficiently robust to allow of early rising, and on her account, we meet in the school room immediately after breakfast. Each one has the Bible and a hymn-book. After having sung a hymn, a chapter (or two) is read, the whole school taking part in it. We began with Genesis, and have pursued a plan somewhat after the "Conversations at Carlton House." We went on slowly, and examined not only the facts, but the principles involved in them, and especially the references to the New Institution Prayer is offered at the conclusion. In this way we have reached Gen xvi.

"The interruptions occasioned by my sickness, and that of my family, have prevented a more rapid progress. Remarks have been made upon the whole, of such a nature as the incidents or the principles seemed to require, and questions have been asked respect. ing the thoughts offered, at a previous lesson.

All are

"In addition to this morning exercise, three of the young ladies commit daily a passage each-one in the Law, one in the Psalms, the other in the New Testament. The length of each recitation varies according to the connexion, or the ability to commit taught to attempt no more than can be well done; but the quantity is left to themselves. To be permitted to recite. is awarded to all whose conduct is good. I had behaviour is ever indulged in the delinquent cannot repeat the Bible lesson. Only a few instances have occurred where this privilege was denied. In this way the Old Testament has been committed as far as 1 Chron. xvii. The Psalms have been repeated twice, and we are as far the 434 in going over that hook the third time. The Proverbs have been repeated twice, Ecclesiastes once, Isalah once, the whole New Testament once, and as far as the 13th of Acts in going through the second time. On Lord's day, each one, having begun with Matthew, commits a chapter (more or less) to memory, and recites it to me, Mrs. F or sister Williams On the night of each Friday and Lord's day, all who are disciples meet in the room of sister Williams. A subject is taken that relates to practical or devotional duty: and all the passages relating to that subject are sought out. It forms matter for thought and conversation, and exerts a happy influence upon all Besides this, we have meeting here each alternate Lord's day, when regular congregational worship is attended to. Some of our neighbors attend; and we enjoy ourselves very much.

"I am happy to say that I do not think there is one pupil here, who considers any exereise required of her to be a burden; for although some of them belong to other commu nions, all engage heartily in these religious pursuits. We have one Baptist here, whose church prohibits communion with us, much to her grief. But she is not encouraged to violate what she considers her duty. And let me add, no one of the parents of our pupils, although some are not members of the church, has expressed himself otherwise than highly gratified at the obedience of his child or ward. I could show you some letters that would do your heart good-that have caused us to thank God, and take courage." In sister W we have a great treasure; as a companion, a fellow laborer, and a co operator fu all the plans for the welfare of our charge; and as a profound, faithful, and conscien tious instructer, I have not known her equal.

"We are particularly careful to prevent our pupils from being subjected to counteracting influences. Hence we stipulate that no one shall be permitted to attend any party, public or private, the theatre, or a dancing school, &c &c. during the sessions. If any parent cause a child to violate this stipulation, we send lier home. Of course we do not teach them to dance here; nor do we encourage extravagance in dress, or allow of it; nor do we permit such associations as will neutralize all that we do. Religious instructions, under such circumstances, are sheer hypocrisy and humbug. I have known some parents who sent their children to Sunday school for the purpose of learning the Bible; but they dressed them in such a way as to forbid the truths of the Bible from entering their minds. Others, who were not so inconsistent in this respect, yet permitted and encouraged their children to go, during the week, into such company as mentioned not the Bible, except in scorn; and thus all the good that might have resulted, was lost, and replaced by all evil. We might as well expect a new born babe so survive the cold of the keenest winter s night, as that a young Christian can ever grow and thrive by the milk of the word, if it be dashed with the adulterations of a gay and fashionable life, or by any of its heartless, hypocritical, unprincipled, and deadly refinements." Those who live in pleasure, are dead while they live.'

Our religious pursuits do not interfere with our literary engagements. But on this subject, while I cannot enlarge, I have just to say, our young people are occupied during the whole day, being seldom without a book of some kind or other in their hands.

Thus, much is accomplished, and in addition to regular study and recitation, lectures are given at night, upon scientific subjects, illustrated by all the varied and splendid pho nomena, which a good apparatus enables us to exhibit. The class in which M is, hids fair to make as good scholars at least, as any that have completed their course here

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