Observer Dec. 1, '77.

But

different clergymen, and I find it makes a world of difference with these gentlemen whether they have a flock in charge as to how they treat the matter. The four having "charges" only came once each. The others came a number of times and acknowledged themselves profited. I presume the former spent their time working against the truth and feared to have more, lest their consciences trouble them in their labour of love. We are now engaged in the enterprise of building a neat and substantial house of worship. The foundation is being laid and we expect to occupy it in December. Our very excellent Sister Trout, of Toronto, is largely responsible for all this good work. She set the move on foot and is helping to carry it to a successful termination. the good growing out of this is immortal. I trust the brethren of Canada will sympathize with this noble work. Wiarton is a growing town and well situated, with a fair country around it, and will be, in a few years, a town of no mean importance. Bren. Stirling and Brown, with their excellent wives, will be able, with the help of others, to lead on this work. It is hard to part with such as I found the brethren at Wiarton, but they have the word of grace and the Spirit of grace; yea, the throne of grace, to help them on to God. Never shall I forget the home and friends at Colpoy's Bay. I have nothing but pleasant memories of all. I am now in Luther, in a good meeting. One confession to date. O. G. HERZOG.

SCOTLAND.-The lately-formed Scottish Council of the Liberation Society have just issued an address, describing their proposed plan of operations, and asking for the support of the friends of religious equality throughout Scotland. They say that, without predicting which of the two remaining Establishments will be the first to fall, "If the position of the Scottish Establishment be alone considered, its abolition should be looked for at a comparatively early period. Open to the objections of principle, which lie against all State-Churches, the Scottish Church was never politically weaker than now. It exists chiefly by the sufferance of opponents. Its hold on the intelligence of the country is feeble; its early severance from the State is widely expected, and not a few of its members are believed to be prepared to accept, if not to welcome, an issue that will secure to themselves a liberty that they do not now enjoy." It is further described as having been reduced by secession and disruption to the position of an undoubted minority-in many districts a scarcely discernible minority-of the Scottish people, so that it is national only as deriving support and authority from the State. "It is surely irrational that congregations having ample means should be provided with ministerial services at the public expense; and not less so that the funds of the State should be drawn upon for shepherds without flocks. But these are familiar spectacles in connection with the Kirk." "This state of things, it is asserted, has been aggravated by the passing of the Patronage Act of 1874, which 'took away from the heritable patrons, and others representing public interests, the right of presenting ministers to parishes, and conferred it on communicants and adherents of the Kirk; so making the members of a sect, who are themselves beneficiaries of the State, the dispensers of public patronage and property, and creating new rights in

their behalf, with no financial obligations.' After referring to the practical evils which result from such a state of things, the address insists on the responsibility attaching to electoral action. "It is time for the friends of Disestablishment in all constituencies to take their full share in shaping the course of electoral policy, general or local. Let them not hastily efface themselves at the plausible cry for union in favour of doubtful or colourless candidates, however loud in professions of party allegiance, but guard carefully their principles by their votes. In what order successive reforms may be reached in Scotland it is needless to predict; it ought not, how ever, to be assumed that Disestablishment must come second to any other. In the interest of Disestablishment and of true Liberal advance it is urgent that men of sound principle be sent to Parliament." It is intended to hold meetings on the subject in the principal Scottish towns.

WIGAN. Mr. Joe Coop, who has been some good time an esteemed member in the church with which his father (Mr. T. Coop) has been so many years associated and in which his mother (whose piety and faithful devotion to the truth in its apostolic simplicity has left fragrant remembrance) lived and died, has been the subject of very graceful attentions, in connection with his "coming of age." On the occasion the work-people in the employ of Messrs. Coop and Co., among whom Mr. Joe Coop has been employed during the last few years, were treated to an excursion to Southport and to a suitable repast, recreation, and meeting, when there. A special train left Wigan about ten in the morning, conveying some 900 persons for the enjoyment of the day's celebration. The day was fine and they betook themselves to the sights of the town, the Botanic Gardens, Park, Pier, Shore, etc. Shortly after three o'clock tracks were made for Cambridge Hall, where Mr. Alsbury, of the Royal Hotel, had provided a good substantial knife and fork tea. The hall tables were profusely decorated with choice plants, procured from the nursery of Mr. Davies, of Birkdale. Mr. T. Coop and a large number of friends occupied the platform, and on their arrival were loudly applauded. After the tea tables had been cleared, Mr. T. Coop took the chair, and the proceedings opened by the whole of the assembly singing "Precious Jewels." The Chairman addressed those present as "fellowworkmen," which he considered was the highest title that he could give them. They would remember that in the "Good Old Book" they would read of the dignity and honour which the Son of God had placed on work. The reason they had gathered together was because they had been co-workers for a great many years. (Applause.) He had been thinking of the many hands that been in the employ of the firm, and he was glad to think that during the past thirty years there had existed between employer and employed such an amicable spirit that there had never been an occasion for an appeal to the magistrates. After this came a series of testimonials to Mr. Joe Coop, each accompanied by hearty congratulations and expressions of satisfaction with his conduct, in the somewhat difficult relations of fellow-worker, and son of the head of the firm. Mr. Smith, on behalf of the Wallgate department, presented a testimonial and gold pencil-case; Mr. Brown, on behalf of the employés of the Dorning

Street Establishment, a testimonial accompanied by a gold watch; Mr. Hilton, on behalf of the workers employed at the Alliance Coal Co.'s Works, presented, with a commendatory address, a silver inkstand. Mr. Joe Coop replied to the effect that, He felt himself unworthy to receive the tokens of esteem which had been presented to him that evening. Words failed to express his heartfelt thanks. It was gratifying to him, as it would be to his father, to think that he was held in so much esteem as to call forth those presents. The presents were very valuable, but he looked beyond their value to the spirit which had prompted the giving of them. As he advanced in life he should look at those gifts with delight, and they would call to his remembrance the happy circumstance under which they had been given. He heartily thanked all those who had subscribed for the presents, and trusted that the good feeling which at present existed would long continue. Mr. Joe Coop, in all probability, if spared, will have the means of blessing many of those who toil for daily bread. The early start in life, indicated by the foregoing, is good. May it become brighter and brighter to the end; and above all may the church rejoice in him, as one always steadfast, unmoved and abounding in the work of the Lord!

LONDON. The church in Chelsea, though existing many years, has, not till just now, seen its way to recognize and ordain Elders. At a recent meeting, the church, after due reference to the qualifications enjoined by the Apostles, designated for ordination two long-tried brethren-Robert Black and John Bannister. On the following Lord's-day morning they were ordained by prayer, fasting, and the laying on of hands. The solemnity of the occasion and the good derived from being present were largely testified. Since the last notice in the E. O. there has been several additions by immersion and several by letters of commendation. Meetings are well attended and a number seem interested in the things of the kingdom.

NOTTINGHAM.-The church in Barker Gate has been refreshed by a short visit from W. Hindle, considerable interest being aroused, which resulted in six (from the Lord's-day school) being added to the church. Could he have prolonged his visit, no doubt, others would have decided for Christ. Still we are hoping that the good seed which has been sown will spring up and abound to the glory of the Redeemer. S. MOTTERSHAW. LANGLEY.-Since the recent removal of a number of our members, to form a church in Eastwood, we have had seven added to our number, four by baptism, two by transfer, and one restored. J. Hoult has given us a few visits and has done much good in Langley. A. DAVIS.

EASTWOOD.-The good cause still progresses at Eastwood-believers are added to the church-the congregations increase-so that we have to enlarge our borders. Wm. Mellors has kindly met the requirements by adding a wing to the present room, to give about sixty additional sittings. W. Hindle spent two weeks with the church here and greatly helped them, rendering valuable service.

R. MUMBY.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS.-Since the recent notice of our chapel opening five more by immersion and one by tranfer have been added to the church. Our

Observer, Dec. 1, $77.

meetings keep up in interest and are well attended by strangers. The truth is being well published. The church is energetically preparing itself for active service for the Lord. I concluded yesterday a series of discourses on the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Glorification and Triumphs of the Messiah. May the Lord further bless our feeble efforts.-J. PITTMAN.

DUNDEE (SALEM CHAPEL). With the view of making our work more effective a change was made about two months ago. The gospel proclamation, meeting on Lord's-day afternoon, was discontinued, and the Sunday school brought into its place, and the evening devoted to preaching. The result has been a considerable improvement. Attendance in the school has increased from about twenty to over seventy, and the proclamation meetings, which had long before failed to reach the public, now to a great extent meet that end. We are encouraged by the presence of strangers, and there is promise of good work being done. Last week two were united to Christ by faith and baptism, who were yesterday added to the church. T. Y. M.

DERBY.-The more commodious meeting room, in Sacheveral Street, recently prepared, was opened for worship and preaching on Lord's day, Nov. 11th, when James Leavesley, of Leicester, preached afternoon and evening. On the Tuesday, after a public tea meeting, addresses were delivered by Messrs. Mumby and Langton, from Nottingham, by J. Hartshorn and others. The meetings since have been well attended and followed by encouraging seeking after truth.

OLDHAM.-Since July, eight have been immersed into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and added to the church here. G. S.

Obituary.

HENRY LOWE, fell asleep in Jesus Nov. 12th, fourteen years of age, having been baptized into Christ early in the last year. In March last the following lines appeared, from his pen, in the Sunbeam:

I HAVE a Bible of my own,
And thus am taught to know,
That Jesus died upon the cross,
That I to heav'n might go.

I have a Bible of my own,

And I am shown within,

That those who love the Saviour here,
Will surely dwell with Him.

I have a Bible of my own,
And hope you have one, too,
Because whatever is therein,
Is very, very true.

So now accept its gracious call,
And come without delay,
For in the Bible you will find,
The True and Living Way.

A

No. 24.-VOL. XXX.

W. NORTON.-English Independents, etc., in our next. W. HINDLE, under date Dec. 7, writes from the steamship Lusitania, thanking all friends who have sent him tracts for distribution on board or after his arrival in Australia. He asks an interest in the prayers of the brethren.

ED. EVANS Considers the remarks of B. Ellis, upon his paper on Hades and the exposition of Dr. G. Campbell, as defective, and calculated to mislead. He, however, defers to our wish that no third person interfere till B. E. and M. W. have terminated their present investi. gation.

JAMES MURRAY.-Cannot insert at present. We intend, generally, to avoid introducing a third party into any discussion in our pages till the two who have it in hand have concluded. It is not well to have one person replying to two or three assailants in the same article. If more be needful when B. E. and M. W. have done, we shall gladly hear further from any competent friend on either side.

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PUBLIC DISCUSSION.-We are asked every now and then for an opinion as to the utility of public debates. We intend two or three articles, shortly, upon the subject. We have taken part in a good number of public formal discussions, being well satisfied with the results. But we have not taken part in, nor heard, nor read, a debate arranged upon a reasonable and proper plan; the result being a settled conclusion, that no form of public advocacy is more calculated to disseminate truth than platform discussion, arranged on just and proper principles; but that, as almost invariably carried on, the good resulting is very small while at times evil only accrues. There can be no doubt that the production of a proper understanding of this subject, and the promotion of public formal discussions on truly reasonable principles, tending directly to the elucidation of truth, would be of vast advantage.

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Observer, Dec. 15, 77.

THE CHURCH-ITS USE.*

"That you may show forth the praises of him that hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." (1 Peter ii.)

WE cannot in a single discourse exhibit all the perfections of God that a congregation of Christ should declare; and all that can be said now as to the way in which this declaration is to be made is this: God has Himself given us an example to imitate. In these last days He "manifested Himself in the flesh." The members of the church are said to be "partakers of the Divine nature," and it should, therefore, be a visible exhibition of that nature in the flesh. The moral attributes of God are placed before men for their imitation. If the creation before the law displayed His power, and wisdom, and goodness, it was that men might learn to use their power with wisdom and benevolence. If the law taught men that God was holy, and just, and true, it was that they might also be just, and true, and holy. If the gospel displayed the condescension, the mercy, and the love of God, it was that these traits of character, without forgetting the others, might be our

own.

Nor can we notice now more than two of the Divine perfections, as seen in the whole body of Christ, in the sense in which this is possible to that body, and first-God is one.

This propo

sition is the basis of Judaism and of Christianity, as well as of Mohammedanism; and it has been the purpose of each system to impress it upon mankind, in opposition to the "lords many and gods many" of an idolatrous world. We must confine ourselves, however, to the manner in which the Church of Christ is to declare to the world the unity of God; and this, it is at once apparent, is by its own unity.

Talking about the oneness of God is vain without a living example. If the church partake of the Divine nature, and if it be its special work to declare the perfections of that nature, it is easy to see that those who study the church will conclude that whatever it is actually, its idea of God is. Paul exhorts the disciples to be 66

'followers-imitators-of God, as dear children." He says: "Ye became followersimitators of us and of the Lord "-" imitators of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus." Our Lord said, "Except a man renounce himself, and take up his cross and follow-imitate-me, he cannot be my disciple." In order then to impress the world with the conviction that there is One only living and true

* From an Address, by P. S. Fall, by request of the State Board of the Kentucky Missionary Society, at the recent Annual Convention.

God, and that the church believes this, she must herself be one in the sense of our Lord's prayer.

The question now arises, Is the oneness of the church to be an invisible unity, a unity "in spirit" alone? Is this all our Lord prayed for, "that the world might believe that the Father had sent him?" Or was it also a visible resemblance? That each congregation is to stand fast"in one spirit;" that they are all to keep "the oneness of the Spirit (of God) in (the uniting bond of) peace," there can be no question. But that this is all, is doubtful. Recently, to justify the violations of a visible oneness, this is asserted; and it is sad indeed to hear those who for many years have been identified with this movement say that it is denominational in the same sense with the several "sections of the church." These sections, it is said, do stand fast in one spirit, and thus meet all the demands of our Lord for unity amongst His disciplesHe demands only a spiritual union. But supposing the " one Spirit" is to be found in "the

church," can it be said of it "there is one body?" This is as fully a demand as the other, and if that declared the oneness of God, does not this declare that He is not One? A divided body can never illustrate the oneness of its Head, nor tell the world it believes it has but one; for in that case it declares itself to be a monster. It is replied, nevertheless, that persons "of all denominations" do unite as one association-one visible body-and do strive together for the salvation of men. Are we then

to understand that this is the oneness for which our Lord prayed? Is this a oneness between all those who have believed on Him through the word of the Apostles? Or, supposing that any of these have so far forgotten our Lord's prayer as to be found in such a "body," is there a spiritual oneness between them and those who have believed through a direct revelation of the Spirit, without the instrumentality of the apostolic word-the whole Gospel of Christ? Is such an aggregation the "one body" of which Paul speaks? Is this the church our Lord built upon himself, and which He filled with His own Spirit? That by it the manifold wisdom of God might be seen by angels and by men? No. But did the professed disciples of Christ walk by the same rule, mind the same things, hold fast the faithful word, and stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made them free, they would then show that as one body" they were under the control of "one Spirit," and would, with one heart and one voice, declare, in the sublime language of Paul, "To us there is but one God the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him, and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things, and we by him," and the

66