provided two General Baptist ministers to attend, which they did accordingly, when the above charges were gravely made against us; one of the ministers departed early, apparently disgusted with the frivolous proceedings, the other staid to the last and helped them through with the division, and the General Baptists of course left us to ourselves. We were not aware of their intention, but it appears that their plan was secretly pre-concerted, as another meeting room was engaged previous to the meeting. Whatever they laid claim to we permitted them to take away, in fact they took everything belonging to the church, though we had as good a right to it as themselves. There are two things which in their opinion have aggravated our guilt, viz., a few of us went to hear Mr. Campbell's lectures at Manchester, and broke bread with a few Christian friends there the Sabbath but one following. Our view of the gospel is, that it requires the subjection of the whole man to Christ, spirit, soul, and body; hence the intellectual part, or spirit, is engaged in believing the testimony concerning Christ, the affections and passions, or soul, in repentance, the tongue in confession, and the whole body in baptism, and remission and salvation are connected with all these, on entering the Christian profession. Christian morality and the cultivation of Christian virtues are enjoined, divine aid is secured in the diligent use of the means, that the believer may be fruitful here, and prepare for a better world above. Thus our King not only requires faith, but the obedience of faith. These are our views, and if we are wrong we shall be glad to be set right. JOSEPH HARRISON. Sunderland, September 17, 1847. DEAR BROTHER WALLIS,-It is with feelings of no common character I now take my pen in hand to inform you that the work of our King is progressing in this place. Since our beloved brothers Campbell and Henshall visited us we have baptized three believers into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins. One of them was an old female, 71 dark and gloomy winters have passed over her head; and now as she is passing down the hill of life, the Sun of Righteousness has shone into her soul and dispelled the spiritual darkness from her mind, and now she can read her title clear to mansions in the skies. We have more inquiring the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, our prayer for them is that their convictions may end in their conversion to our God and Saviour. We, as a church, have deeply sympathized with our brother Campbell on account of his trials in Scotland; special prayer has been presented at the throne of grace on his account. The gospel of Jesus Christ has again been preached in England and Scotland through his instrumentality, as a witness against them. It may almost be written upon the portals of both nations Ichabod, Ichabod, the glory is departed. But thanks be to God, there is still a remnant that can call God, blessed, by living in daily communion with him. Let us labour so that the gospel, which orators, philosophers, and magistrates stood up to destroy, may have free course, run and be glorified. We are convinced that the church of Christ is rendered invincible to all her enemies, the gates of hell cannot prevail against her. The divine word has issued forth with greater force than volcanic fire, burning up all the thorns, and the seed of the kingdom has been disseminated over the earth. Yes, though the scaffold, the faggot, and the prison have all been arrayed against her, she will come off as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. The faithful are down-trodden by the enemies of Christ. Their reproaches and persecution will only tend to inflame their zeal for the honour of our God and King. Let us be followers of them who through faith and patience are now enjoying the promises, so that we may share in the same blessing, at God's right hand. O how delightful it will be! A. WARDROPPER. Glasgow, September 7, 1847. As to the general result of brothers Campbell and Henshall's visit and labours here, I must leave these till I see you. My sister Margaret and cousin Miss Janet Gilmour both confessed the truth, and were baptized into Jesus last Friday in his own appointed way. They were added to the congregation last Lord's day. A. PATON. Wigan September 20, 1847. I AM glad to inform you that the good seed that has been sown by our brethren, is now beginning to spring up in the hearts of them that heard. Six persons, during the last three weeks, have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour, that he died for their sins and rose again for their justification. They asked for baptism, and we took them the same hour and baptized them, and now as in former days, they are going on their way rejoicing. From yours in hope, TIMOTHY Coop. Bulwell, September, 1847. DURING the last month three have confessed the Lord by baptism, immersion into the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, as commanded by the Holy Spirit, through Peter, on the day of Pentecost. They have been added to the congregation that they may learn to carry out all the will of God, and wait for his Son from heaven, whom he hath raised up from the dead according to the proclamation. Nottingham, September 17, 1847. SINCE our last issue, and after the proclamation of the gospel on a Lord's day evening, two persons arose and confessed their faith in Jesus as the Son of the living God, and requested to be converted to him as the resurrection and the life, and that they might enjoy the remissing of sins, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In that same hour they were baptized as the converting act. J. W. BROTHER Henshall arrived here from Ireland, on Monday, September 20th, instead of the 11th, as was expected. He is to spend the week by speaking at Carlton on the 21st, Nottingham on the 22nd and 26th, Newark 23rd and 24th, Bulwell 27th, and then move on to see his relations and friends before sailing for the United States. J. W. CONCLUDING REMARKS. BELOVED BRETHREN,-Most of you, no doubt, will be surprised to see the above heading, with the index to the volume inserted in this number. The truth is, that unfortunate and unexpected events have attended the progress of the Messenger, during the whole of its struggling and doubtful career. At the commencement of our labours the intention was to publish, at the most, some three or four volumes. But as important and interesting articles, as we esteemed them to be, were constantly coming to hand, we could not refrain from presenting them through the medium of the press, to as many of the public as were disposed to read and think for themselves. This we have done till our twelfth volume is now completed. In accomplishing the work of trying to instruct the mind, and elevating the truth of God in the estimation of the thinking and obedient, considerable sacrifice both of time and money have been called for, but as these were the Lord's before they were given to us, they have hitherto been cheerfully surrendered for this purpose. Much patience and perseverance have also been required, especially to arrive at the conclusion of this tenth number of the current volume. But here it is, and now we shall make a stand for a while, although we imagine the brethren will not allow the Messenger to stand, much beyond the time of the contemplated meeting to be held at Chester, and at which we hope to be present. But be that as it may, we must leave it for the brethren then assembled to settle what shall be done. We have on several occasions intimated that a wider and more extensive circulation was required, that it ought and must be obtained, and that by the united co-operation of the brethren this could be accomplished. Now this has not been done, and yet our convictions are, that it is quite within the power of the brethren to see it realized. In this as in most other things, the old adage is true, "Where there is a will there is a way." Look at the zeal of idolaters, politicians, infidels, Roman Catholics, and fanatical sectarians. And upon what is it all devoted? Their strength and money is indeed spent for nought and in vain. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." O how wakeful, energetic, self-denying, and zealous, ought the disciples of Jesus to be. Paul said to the Corinthians, "Awake up as you ought, for some of you have not the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame." J. WALLIS. Nottingham, September 24, 1847. |