is the practice of your preachers, when individuals are led to see the love of God in the gift of his Son, or under the fear of his wrath cry out what must I do to be saved ?" to exhort them to believe, &c. Now there is nothing of this abstract kind of teaching to be found in the bible. Some of these parties believe as sincerely and as intelligently as you do. Then why not take a more safe, reasonable, and scriptural way, and exhort them as Peter did, Acts ii. 38, or as Ananias did, Acts xxii. 16. You said in your sermon at Astley, that Paul was three days and three nights at the penitent bench before he obtained pardon! What an awful perversion of God's word is this! Paul was awakened, believed, repented, and was deeply humbled, but he had no knowledge of forgiveness, or of a good conscience, until he was baptized into the gospel system. You said "It might have been the practice in primitive days to baptize adults publicly, or on a profession of their faith in Christ, and that it was necessary that those who had murdered the Son of God should thus publicly make a confession of their guilt; but we live in a Christian country, and things are altered; our children are baptized in infancy, and brought into the Christian covenant, and we receive them into the church." So, then, you save them, or Christianize them in infancy, when in a state of innocence, and add them to the church when they become guilty, and polluted before God! No wonder the so-called Christian world should be in such a state of infidelity and confusion. Your system, with the many kindred systems, are the cause of it. If all were built upon the testimony of Jesus and his apostles, this would not be so. As a Methodist preacher, you have no ground to oppose baptism for the remission of sins, for it is taught in the form recommended by Conference, and used by the preachers when sprinkling infants. You pray that the child coming to the holy baptism of the Saviour, may receive remission of sins, be regenerated, have the Holy Spirit, &c. The same doctrine is also taught by Mr. Wesley, and almost all the eminent writers who have belonged to the connection, Watson, Daniel, Isaac, with many others. As to Mr. Wesley, in various parts of his writings, he is very explicit on this subject. He says, in his note on Romans vi. 3-6, " In baptism we, through faith, are engrafted into Christ, and we draw new spiritual life from this new root through his Spirit, who fashions us like unto him, particularly unto his death and resurrection." In his note on Acts xxii. 16, he says, "Baptism, administered to true penitents, is both a means, and a seal of pardon; nor did God ordinarily, in the primitive church, bestow this pardon on any unless through this means." In reply to these quotations you say that John Wesley changed his views in the latter part of his

life. But these quotations are from his Notes on the New Testament, and these, with his four volumes of sermons, are the standard by which every Methodist preacher is measured when he becomes an itinerant; and therefore, you and every preacher in the connection are bound by the laws of Methodism, as well as by the laws of God, to teach and to preach that baptism is both a means and seal of pardon to every penitent believer; but surely not to infants, who, having no sins to be forgiven, can, therefore, have no pardon to be sealed. May the truth prevail on every hand. Yours respectfully, W. TURNER.

GLASGOW MEETING. FALKLAND, FIFE, August 12, 1848. of writing you at this time in reference to Dear Brother Wallis-I take the liberty the meeting proposed to be held at Glasgow next month. As the period approaches, the question is put-Is there to be a meeting, and what is to be done? Having conversed with a number of brethren on the subject, the uniform conclusion to which all have come is, that there should be a meeting. The

reasons which have induced this conclusion are various. These meetings are calculated to do good, by increasing the knowledge of brethren one with another. It is an old proverb which holds good in every age, as iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the countenance of a man his friend; so when brethren, the children of the same Father, members of the same family, and the heirs together of the same glorious inheritance, meet together, and by their mutual communication counsel and advise, it is calculated to cheer their spirits, and encourage their hearts while passing through this vale of tears. Farther, since last September, when the meeting was held at Chester, great and mighty have been the changes that have taken place in the affairs of this world. If we turn our eyes backward on the page of European history, how vast the scenes and terrible the revolutions that have transpired. Thrones are laid prostrate in the dust. Where despotism sat proudest and most secure, there its power has perished as with the breath of a moment. Institutions, for ages held secure, are subjected to the test of justice, truth, and utility; they are weighed in the balance, and found wanting. The spirit of inquiry is abroad. The chains which held the minds of men in bondage have been snapt asunder, or relaxed. Even in Rome, that city of priests, those lords of the conscience are becoming the subjects of the mockery and insult of the mob. Free institutions, a free press, and free discussion, are the order of the day. Will truth suffer in the investigation? Nay, but it is destined to come forth purer than gold of the seventh refining; it is mighty, and must prevail. While continental Europe is thus

perspicuity in stating their premises, a want of method or clearness in presenting the evidence by which they come to their conclusions, and a decided want of that close practical application of such an important subject as the speedy return of the Lord Jesus Christ necessarily involves. Why, brethren, if the Lord is near, is not every one warned to be in readiness-to have their loins girt, and their lamps trim

world, and the things thereof, seem about as sweet as ever, for there appears abroad

"In conclusion, then, I must say that we have been much reproached and slandered on this theme. It is not from any aversion to preaching the Holy Spirit (for we do efficaciously preach it) that I have been constrained to take this ground, so offensive to some, and which has been made, in many instances to retard the great and growing cause of Reformation which we plead. I believe and teach the inspiration of the Spirit, the influences and effects of the Spirit of God in the hearts of all Christians, men and women. The man who represents me as opposed to a spiritual religion, and to the operations, converting and sanctifying, of the Holy Spirit, does me the highest injustice, and blasphemes my good name in a way he must answer for to a higher tribunal. I have been long endeavouring to draw the proper lines between a wild enthusiasm and the true Spirit of our God-between what is spiritual and animal in some of the present forms of Christianity; and to save my contemporaries from a religion of blind impulses, animal excitements, and new revelations, by

which I most sincerely believe vast multitudes are deluded to everlasting ruin. With Paul and with me, there is but one body and but one spirit, as there is but one hope of our calling-as there is but one God and Father of us all." page 751.-Debate, Campbell and Rice; published, Lexington, Kentucky, 1844.

The other misrepresentations might be replied to in a similar manner; but fearing lest I trespass too much upon your columns, I will close for the present.-Your obedient servant, G. A.

ITEMS OF NEWS. Wigan, July 23.—It was with great pleasure we read the announcement of the Co-operative Meeting to be held in Glasgow in September. Our brethren have agreed to send one, if not two delegates, the number depending on circumstances. We think it desirable that the day of the week, and the place of meeting, should be noticed in the Harbinger. After our morning meeting, a young man made the good confession, and was baptized into Christ for the remission of his sins, through

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faith in the blood of Christ. T. Coop.

Glasgow, August 19.-I confess I have very great difficulty in understanding many articles that are appearing in your Prophetic Department. I do not say that the writers are to blame, for it may, in part at least, be my own dulness of perception. One thing I feel, and that is, a want of

and glorious advent of our Redeemer, that ill comports, in my opinion, with the soSacred Record speaks of that most importlemn dignity and glory with which the ant and wonderful period. May I mention that, as a church, we are living in peace of seeing the word of the Lord prospering and happiness, and enjoying the pleasure amongst us. Nine have lately made the good confession and been baptized, left the empire of darkness, and have been thus translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son-a kingdom of light, love, and holy liberty. Four have also lately been restored to the congregation, and about 12 received by letter and otherwise. These circumstances inspire us with fresh vigour, and open up additional fountains of gratitude to the Father of our spirits, from whom comes every good and perfect gift. Yours for the truth's sake, W. LINN.

OBITUARIES.

Carlton, Aug. 19.-Dear Bro.-It becomes our duty, with mingled feelings of pleasure and regret, to record the death of Brother Christopher Spencer, a young man much esteemed by all the brethren, and of considerable promise amongst us. He died of consumption on the 16th instant, in the 22nd year of his age, after an illness of only a few months. It is upwards of two years since you immersed him into Jesus, during which time his conduct has been most exhis attachment to the brethren, who were emplary and honorable. He was ardent in his constant and familiar companions. For the last twelve months previous to his illness, he entered into the public exercises of the church with ardour and delight, embracing every opportunity of teaching and them in that good hope of eternal life admonishing his brethren, and confirming which was his joy and solace in the last moments of his life. He knew that his Redeemer liveth, and that he was able to keep that which he had committed to his trust. Perfectly sensible to the end, a short time before his death, when a few brethren and friends had collected around his bed, he requested to be raised up, that

all might unite in a song of praise to God and the Lamb, himself commencing

As we plead for union and co-operation among all the disciples of Jesus, so would we affectionately urge upon all the churches to send delegates to this meeting, and with them, or through the post, statements as to their numbers, increase, means, and

prospects - whether advancing or retrograding what they can do, or what they would like to see done, to advance the cause of truth and righteous

Cupar, July 30.-We have to regret the loss by death of one of our deacons, who has been long in the service of our Lord, Brother Russell, who was about 80 years of age, and highly esteemed among all who knew him. He had been forty years engaged in religious reformations, and although not a public teacher, yet he labored assiduously in conversation wherever he could be heard. He joined in the present Reformation most zealously, and has been of great service to the cause. He was in comfortable circumstances in life, and devoted much of his time in ministering to the necessities of the poor of our congregation. He was much esteemed in the world, having been several times elected one of the Councillors of Cupar. How delightful to look back on such a well-spent life, and the many blessings it confers on the children of men. A. MITCHELL.

Penmachno, Wales.-There is a congregation here consisting of fourteen mem bers, all in peace and union. It is with a heart full of sorrow I have to inform you that we (as a church) have met with a severe loss in the death of our beloved pastor, John Roberts, who was an earnest contender for the faith which was once delivered to the saints, especially for immersion for the remission of sins. I firmly believe that our loss as a church is a gain to him, as he repeated in his last moments the words of St. Paul in his epistle to the Philippians, chap. i. 21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Our brother's manner was affectionate, obliging, and blameless, which secured him the love and esteem of all who knew him. He was 54 years of age, and had been baptized 28 years. R. JONES.

MEETING TO PROMOTE UNION AMONG THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS. THE meeting unanimously agreed upon in 1847 at Chester, to be held the last week in September, 1848, as announced in our last number, will take place (D.V.) on Wednesday and Thursday, the 27th and 28 h instant, commencing at six o'clock p.m. of the first-named day, in the Hall No. 30, North Frederick-street, Glasgow. Any information respecting comfortable lodgings, &c. will be readily given by Brother Henry Duncan, hatter. 105, Argyle-street, opposite Queen-street, where all brethren attending the meeting are recommended to apply.

all cannot be done that we may desire, still we ought to do all in our power. But without mutual intercourse and united effort nothing can be accomplished either on a local, or on a more general plan of evangelical operation. That difficulties, discouragements, and many drawbacks to our progress will occur, it is reasonable to expect; but the same truth by which we have arrived at our present stand.ng, maintained with firmness and perseverance, will lead to new conquests under the captain of our salvation. But what is to be done at the forthcomig meeting? In the absence of any methodical arrangement on the part of other brethren, we suggest:

1. Let it never be forgotten that the design of this meeting is expressly for the promotion of union, brotherly love, and co-operation among the disciples of Jesus.-2. That a President or Moderator, and Secretary, be chosen to direct and record the business of the meetings.-3. That all the meetings commence general purposes for which the assembly is convened with singing and prayer, and that an address on the be delivered at the first meeting. -4. That the churches in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, be called over in rotation as recorded in the British Millennial Harbinger, page 244-5.-5. That any congregation wishing to have their name erased from the list, it shall be faithfully attended to, on a letter to that effect being forwarded to A. Paton, 2, Morrisplace, Monteith-row.-6. That any congregation of disciples who hold the one Lord, one faith, one immersion, the behaviour of whose members is known to be consistent with their profession, and who meet on the first day of the week to keep the commands of Jesus, shall be recognized as one with us under the government of the same Lord, irrespective of mere perience, provided they make application to that ef human opinions, and of what is termed religious exfect.-7. That the report of the Evangelist and Campbell Funds be considered and passed.-8. That the burgh in 1842, in its local and general operations, be plan of employing evangelists, as arranged in Edinre-considered, improved, abandoned, or retained, as the judgment of the meeting may accord.-9. That any other question respecting either Law or Gospel, proposed by any brother, shall have due consideraton.-10. That arrangements be made as to the time and place for holding one or more co-operative meetings during the year 1849.-11. That the gospel be proclaimed each evening of the 27th and 28th, by one or more of the brethren, to be arranged by the officers of the church in Glasgow.

The foregoing subjects and arrangements have suggested themselves to us upon reflection as to the objects and utility of this meeting. But, as we stand alone in this matter, we earnestly recommend, that a preliminary meeting be held in Glasgow, on Wednesday, at 11a.m. or 2p.m. as may best suit the parties, to sanction the five following brethren amending, or altogether abandoning this form of proceeding, provided they only present the meeting with one more calculated to create and maintain order, unanimity, and confidence in the assembly:-Brothers Ainslie, sen. Dundee; J. Dron, Auchtermuchty: J. K. Tener, Ireland; A. Paton and W. Linn, Glasgow. All letters from the churches to be sent to Bro. A. Paton, 2, Morris-place, Monteith-row, Glasgow. In conclusion, we earnestly desire that all the disciples of the Lord may, by their principles, spirit, speech, and practice, be ever found well-pleasing in his sight.

J. W.

Printed by Edmund Renals, at his Office, No. 2, South-parade, in the parish of Saint Peter, Notting ham, and published by the Proprietor, JAMES WALLIS, of Park-terrace, at No. 12, Peck-lane, in the said Parish.-Friday, September 1, 1848.