Observer, Nov. 1, '72. each other." Such is the picture of the causes of Infidel disunion, as pourtrayed by one who has passed through all its phases, and does not hesitate now to expose its corruption. That Mr. Bradlaugh should hate Joseph Barker is natural. That he should honour him with his choicest Billingsgate is only in accordance with his usual predilection. That Joseph Barker is right, a survey of the Infidel position to-day will prove. There is war to-day going on, a war of principle, between Mr. G. J. Holyoake and his friends, and the head of the "Howling department," as Mr. Holyoake terms it, in Old Street. There is a quiet war going on also between Mrs. Harriet Law and her party with the Bradlaughian clique. There is war-war to the knife-now raging between Dr. Sexton and the Pope of Old Street. Dr. Sexton has dared to speak out his mind, to exercise his right of free speech against Bradlaugh; but, of course, the freethinking and freespeaking Pope of Old Street cannot tolerate that! He, therefore, is secretly in a bad way, still he must keep up his mock royalty, his infallibility; the tiara of scurrility and abuse, wherewith he has most worthily crowned himself, must not be touched. Sword and Shield. Intelligence of Churches, &q. DUNDEE.-OPEning of a New CHAPEL. The Chapel, which has been erected in Salem Street, Constitution Road, was opened on Sunday, the 6th October last. The building is comfortable, airy and elegant. Excepting the roof, which, to the apex, is divided into finely painted panels, the whole interior is of wood work, the side walls and the gables being lined with wood stained and varnished. The seats are commodious. The acoustic properties are perfect, even the lowest tone of voice on the platform being distinctly audible in any part of the building. In the forenoon the church met and attended to the apostles' doctrine, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers, after which Bro. John Aitken of Edinburgh delivered an appropriate address, founded upon the 87th Psalm. Bro. Bartley Ellis of London preached in the afternoon, from the subject: "What think ye of Christ ?" In the evening Bro. Aitken explained the difference between ancient and modern conversions, in an address which showed considerable research and thought. There was a large attendance, especially in the afternoon and evening, when the chapel was crowded in every part. On Monday evening a social meeting was held. The chapel was filled. On the platform were the Pastors of the church, Bros. Ellis, London; Aitken, Edinburgh; Mr. J. O. Wills and ex-Bailie Allan, Dundee. Bro. J. K. Tener, of Moree, presided. After singing the hymn, "Thy goodness, Lord, our souls confess," tea was supplied. The Chairman, in addressing the congregation, expressed his delight that the church had at length entered upon the occupancy of the chapel, which had been erected for their accommodation. While he had no doubt that all were grateful to God for the circumstances which had brought them together, he exhorted all to manifest their gratitude in diligence, unity and love. Bro. Ellis followed. He congratulated the congregation on having such a house in which to worship together. It was a beautiful house; it reflected great credit on the founders, on the architect and on the builders. The speaker then dwelt upon the importance of Christian unity. Bro. Selbie gave a short sketch of the history of the church. Mr. Wills spoke on the co-operation of congregations. An address was next delivered by Bro. T. Y. Miller, on the adaptation of Christianity to man's social and spiritual wants, in the course of which the speaker endeavoured to establish that, as the future state is entirely spiritual, so no condition of man here could be one of true social happiness unless it found him in pos session of spiritual life. Bro. Aitken explained the character of the house of Godits foundation, the materials of which it was composed, its priesthood and its sacrifices. Ex-Bailie Allan addressed words of congratulation to the church, and wished them every happiness and prosperity. Bro. Mackie spoke on the power of sympathy. The addresses were listened to with the utmost attention, and were warmly applauded. At intervals during the evening several sacred songs were sung by thechoir. The usual votes of thanks having been heartily accorded, a dismissal hymn was sung, and after Bro. Ellis had pronounced the benediction the meeting broke up. Altogether the opening services have been most auspicious, and there are prospects of much blessing, both to the church and the world. We pray that the Lord may help His servants to manifest in all their zealous labours a spirit of humility and prayerfulness; then will He give the prosperity and the in crease. T. Y. M. BLACKBURN.--OPENING OF A NEW CHAPEL. In February, 1866, six persons met in an upper room in Fielden Street, to attend to the apostles' doctrine, and breaking of bread and prayers; and very precious meetings have been held in that upper room. But opposition from certain religious persons in this neighbourhood hindered the work, and made it necessary to remove to a house in Montague Street, where the small church has met for nearly six years. As a church we have had our share of difficulties and trials: we have had false brethren, and some who loved to have the pre-eminence. These have caused trouble and sorrow; but on the other hand, we have had in our fellowship brethren who have been a comfort and a blessing, both to the church and to the world; and who, in some measure, have been and still are, lights in the world around them. Notwithstanding our many failures and short-comings, we have made some inroad upon the kingdom of Satan. Over eighty persons have been in fellowship with the church here. Nearly seventy of these have been added by faith and baptism, the remainder having been formerly baptised. Our present number is thirty-four; and about twenty-five have removed and are still in fellowship with churches where they are living. Two have fallen asleep in Jesus and the rest have been separated. For a considerable time the church felt the inconvenience and disadvantage of our old meeting house, and the necessity of a more comfortable place to which to invite the public. Now, in the good providence of God, and through the liberality of one of our brethren, Observer, Nov. 1, '72 our new chapel is finished. The opening services commenced on Lord's day, September 22nd, when Bro. D. King gave us two discourses. In the morning a goodly number of brethren met together to break the loaf. In the afternoon Bro. Hindle proclaimed the gospel in the open air. In the evening the chapel was filled. It seats about 160 persons. In addition to the chapel there is a school house, with two rooms that hold over 100 more; so that a congregation of 260 can hear the gospel. The chapel is in the centre of a large population of the working class; and with the blessing of God upon our labours we hope to win many souls to the Saviour. Our Bro. King addressed attentive audiences on the Tuesday and Thursday following. On Lord's day, September 29th, and Tuesday, October 1st, Bro. McDougall, of Wigan, delivered three discourses; the first to the brethren on Church Prayer, and the second in the evening on the "Forgiveness of Sins." Bro. Hindle preached again in the open air, and on Thursday, October 3rd, from Matt. xvi. 16. Three young females made the good confession, and were baptised into the ever-blessed name. These and two others, formerly immersed, make five added to the church during the opening services. Also, one has been restored to fellowship. On Lord's day, October 6th, Bro. McDougall again addressed us, morning and evening. On Thursday, October 10th, we had a visit from Bro. Exley, who gave us a fine discourse on "What think ye of Christ ?" which called forth hearty responses from some of his hearers. On Lord's day, Oct. 13th, Bro. Exley gave us an address in the morning on the "Path of the Just ;" and in the evening the chapel was well filled with a very attentive company, who listened with marked interest to a discourse on Throne, the Cross, and the Crown." "the W. HINDLE. LONDON, CHELSEA, October 14th.-During the past month of September Bro. Exley was with us three weeks, and Bro. Ellis one. Their labours in the Lord were not in vain: four witnessed the good confession, and put on Christ. It was Bro. Ellis's pleasure to immerse his father and mother, who, in their old age, seeing the way of the Lord more perfectly, desired to walk in it, and testify their allegiance in all things. Bro. Ellis has since gone to Dundee. J. C. VERCO. GLASGOW.-Since the beginning of August nine have been baptized here upon a confession of faith. Five of these have taken place in connection with the church meeting in Brown Street, the remaining four in connection with the small church meeting in Observer, Nov. 1, '72. Canning Street. We have just commenced | night meetings here, one of which was about a course of special evangelistic meetings as well attended as our Tuesday night meeting at Wigan, but the church here has nearly four hundred members. Brother Mountjoy, the preacher, is a young man of quite average scholastic abilities, and in his appreciation of the needs of the church and desire to render the proper service he seems ahead of those among whom he labours. He has been here about twelve months, and it appears his labours have been largely directed to the building up of the church, and some fifty who had been astray have been sought out by him and restored to church fellowship, and he has had some success outside also. He is earnest in his manner, and ought to be well supported; but I cannot make out that the ehurch holds up his hands as a congregation of four hundred might do. I write this in the house of Bro. Fern, formerly of Chelsea, and it has been a great pleasure to me to talk about the church there and Brn. Black, Ellis and others. Bro. Fern, who came out here a little over twelve months ago, had a hard time for the first few months of his sojourn here, but he seems now to have got through his difficulties, as he can earn three dollars a day and is a good workman. His family are all well, and he is making himself useful in the church, and is spoken of with respect. Bro. Browning, who came out with him, is living at Westport, a few miles from here, and he, too, has a good report. KANSAS, Sep. 28, 1872.-Dear Bro. King —I am still hoping to get a letter from you at an early date. Meanwhile I think you will be glad to have a little of the information that I have been able to glean concerning the churches since I wrote last. I had some little trouble in the city of Topeka, the capital of Kansas, in finding the brethren whose addresses had been given to me, but it was very pleasant at eventide to find myself in the comfortable and hospitable home of Bro. Keith, and to be invited to join in family worship. I stayed some days, and spoke to the brethren on Lord's day Sep. 30.-I am again at Topeka, and the morning and preached in the evening. They meetings yesterday were decidedly better in have no regular preacher here, and they point of numbers than the week before, and have no meeting at night unless they have the brethren have been pleased to express a preacher, and as my presence was not themselves pleased with my efforts. I beknown to many the evening attendance was lieve an earnest brother located here, who small. Topeka is a thriving place, of seven would teach the church as well as preach, or eight thousand inhabitants, and there would do much good. I have had interare about seventy names on the church course with brethren here and elsewhere book, and some of them in good social who have travelled about considerably, and position. I had considerable conversation their opinions as to the condition of the with Bro. Barnes, who is an elder of the churches in these Western States are valuchurch, and found him in earnest for the able, but I do not purpose to give them to welfare of the church and more alive to the you, as intend only to express my own duties of the eldership than some others I opinions when properly formed on sufficient have heard of. Though I am to-day nearly evidence, and at present my experience is seventy miles from Topeka, yet I expect to not wide enough for me to say that the be with them again to-morrow. I have churches need this or that. At present I been spending a few days here in Kansas can only say so far as I have seen that there city, and of course hunted up the brethren; is more need of appreciation and practice not so difficult here, as they have a large of the Christian doctrine of giving. The meeting house with a spire, and also a idea of the fellowship is a very small one "minister." I have stayed with Bro. Kim- with many here. Though there are inmons, who is one of the elders, who preaches stances of considerable liberality, yet it is frequently at some smaller churches some difficult to raise funds for the ordinary miles away. He is a genial intelligent wants of the churches, and I have heard at Christian, and with his sister-wife is given one meeting a special appeal made for the hospitality. I have been at two week-relief of a poor sister, there being nothing in the deacon's hands for such a purpose. | I have heard in England and elsewhere that the preachers here, or many of them, do not encourage the churches to edify themselves, but those preachers I have met with are men of the right stamp, who care to be supported by the brethren and helped in their work by others. I must close this letter now. My wife would join in kindest love to you and sister King if she knew I was writing. Let the brethren who know me in all the churches receive through you my kindest regards. Very truly yours in the one hope, ROBERT HAY. IOWA.-The annual convention of the Christian churches (sometimes called Disciples) of Iowa met in the Christian chapel, Davenport, on Tuesday morning. President Brunning, of Oskaloosa College, was called to the chair. Interesting reports from various fields of labour in the State were first listened to. The work in Oskaloosa, the seat of the denominational college and of the denominational paper, was reported as being in a very prosperous condition. The number of delegates reported present was about seventy. Messrs. Hay, Gary and Cornell were appointed a committee on time and place of next meeting. J. C. Hay, State Evangelist, reported the following statistics concerning the denomination in the State: Observer, Nov. 1, 72. 150 No. of organized churches in Iowa 270 LONDON, KENTISH TOWN.-The brethren BIRMINGHAM.-During the last few weeks three have been immersed and, with one previously immersed, added to the church in Charles Henry Street. BIRKENHEAD.-Our hearts have been gladdened by three additions to our small church, for which we feel thankful to the Lord and pray that He may continue the increase. M. COLLIN. EDITORIAL. THE article in this issue, entitled "Schism, Sects and Divisions," was, in substance, brought together months ago, as the result of undertaking to bring into view the entire teaching of the New Testament in relation to the causes of divisions and the treatment of the makers thereof. It was also taken, in outline, to Leicester, for the purpose of presentation to the Conference, after the paper prepared upon the same subject by G. Y. Tickle, but was not presented because the opportunity was not afforded. Last month it was printed in the Old Paths, and we supposed that its publication then would suffice. We have, however, been urged to give it place in the E. O., with a view to its preservation and wider circulation. Though we should not have thought of its insertion in both papers, we nevertheless yield, in the hope that investigation may be promoted, as we know the subject is not sufficiently understood. Now we ask the attention of the whole brotherhood to our article, in connection with the one by G. Y. Tickle. For the latter he alone is responsible; for that now under notice we alone can be held to account. We believe, however, that the two do not come into conflict at any point. We submit that the enormity of division-making, the place held by the factionist in the judgment of God, what constitutes a factionist, and the treatment due to those who are such, are set forth in our article strictly in accordance with the law of God, though without allusion to any particular person or case. And we hereby invite any apologist for divisions and sects to show wherein our conclusions deviate from the law of God as given by the Lord and His apostles. In dealing with this matter we have nothing to do with any case of division, real or supposed, recent or remote; but solely with the law of the Lord upon sects and divisions and those who make them. It is far more than time that we were prepared to speak the same thing and pursue the same course in reference to all who mar the oneness of the church. Observer, Dec. 1, 72. THE TRUE LIGHT.* "The true light now shineth."-1 JOHN, II, 8. "If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that CHRIST is the Light of the World—the true light that now shines. Ho it is whose coming into the world lighteth every man-not the Jew only, but also the Gentile. But what is to be understood by light-the light in man, and that lighteth every man? In what sense is Christ the light of men? He is that light inasmuch as He manifests to man the truth of God; makes known, by His own life and doctrine, the love, goodness, power and wisdom of God, and, also, man's need of a Saviour, the way of salvation, and the eternal destiny of man and nature. We do not say that nothing was known concerning these themes prior to the advent of the Son of God; but we do say that the known was but as the shadow to the substance and preparatory to the completed revelation in and by Christ, and also, that what was known of God, His will and purpose concerning man, and of the eternal future, was known not by intuition, not by some faculty by which man, in and of himself, knows the things of God; but by revelation, even as God spake, at sundry times and in divers manners, to the Fathers by the prophets. Much is heard in our day concerning "inner light," "intuitive knowledge," and the like, by which, it is said, "as much of infinite things may be known as is necessary for man to understand." Now I submit that man possesses no "inner light" save that which first existed without and has entered him by the hearing of the ear and the seeing of the eye. I deny that man has intuitively a knowledge of God, of religion, and of "infinite things" generally. Even the existence of God is not intuitively known, or a conscientious Atheist were an impossibility. There is nothing in man and nothing in nature which can make known the existence of Deity; and surely if this first lesson-the Divine existence-is not acquired by intuition, the advanced knowledge, as to what God requires from us and what are His purposes toward us, cannot be so acquired. But some ask, What, after all, does it matter how we get knowledge, whether intuitively or by revelation, so that we get it-whether the question is of sufficient moment to warrant discussion? The answer is, that the matter is of the highest importance, inasmuch as by turning to the wrong source we neglect and despise the only channel through which the needed information can come, draw upon imagination for facts, and, thinking ourselves wise, continue, in reference to Divine knowledge, very simpletons. When Secularists treat with disregard the apostles of Christ, we take it as a thing in course. But when men calling themselves Christians tread the same path we have a right to complain. And many such do so by exalting their own convictions above the apostolic testimony. A few weeks back an anniversary sermon was preached in this town. Twenty-five years ago the preacher erected his chapel and inscribed thereupon "The * A Sermon by D. KING, preached in Geach Street Chapel, Birmingham, October 27, 1872, |