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GENERAL BAPTISTS.

From the minutes of the Seventy-ninth annual Association of the New Connexion of General Baptists, held at Boston, in June, 1848, it appears that the number of churches in the association is 130; stated ministers, about 118; occasional preachers, not named. The total number of members in these churches is 18,282; being a clear increase since the year preceding of 356. Chapels, 174; preaching stations, 96; Sunday scholars, upwards of 23,000; Sundayschool teachers, upwards of 4000.

WESLEYAN METHODISTS.

Total number of members under the care

of the British and Irish Conferences.. 459,454 Last year 464,215

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Total 1726 To these must be added, as a chief source of supply for a very large portion of the smaller chapels and preaching stations, about 15,000 "Local Preachers," gratuitious labourers, whose names are published in the "Lists of appointments" in the respective circuits in which they reside. About 30,000 of the older and more experienced members, fill various offices, as class leaders, prayer leaders, &c. No return is made of Day and Sabbath Schools, or of teachers and scholars.

Besides the above, the Minutes report a number of members under the care of the Wesleyan Conference in Canada, in connexion with the British Conference, namely 23,842; and the number of ministers belonging to the same, 177.

METHODIST NEW CONNEXION.

On a comparison of the number of members reported at the Conference in 1847, it appears that, after making up for deaths and removals, there was a clear increase of 453; of these, 326 had been added in the English circuits, and 173 in Canada. In Ireland there had been a de

crease of 46 members.

NUMBER OF CHAPELS. The number of

places of worship built and supported by the voluntary efforts of British Nonconformists, is as under: - England, 10,729; Wales, 2270; Scotland, 1989; total, 15,080.

All who desire to render themselves more familiar with the contents of the Almanack, may do so for the small sum of three pence.

QUERIES AND REPLIES.

Bath Gate, September, 1848. QUERY.-Is the fellowship mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, ii. 48, the only collection which the New Testament authorises the dis

ciples of Christ to make on the first day of the week, and from which not only the wants of the poor are to be supplied, but also all other necessary expenses connected with the church are used at the Lord's table--the labors of evange to be paid-such as paying for bread and wine lists-purchasing bibles and tracts for distribution-rent and cleaning of the meeting-house, support of Sunday schools, &c.? Or ought there not to be a distinct and separate collection for each of these necessary objects? R.M.

ANSWER. We read that the first disciples continued steadfast in the apostles' doctrine, the fellowship (contribution), in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. The injunction of an apostle is as follows:-" Now, as I commanded the congregation in Galatia, so do you. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you give as the Lord hath prospered him, putting it into the treasury," 1 Cor. xvi. 1-2. We are commanded to "do good to all men, especially to the household of faith." Personally we are advocates of one fellowship, or collection on the first day of the week, and only one. This is to supply all the necessities of the church collectively in which it is made: and if the rich and poor would all be obedient, and voluntarily devote of their substance as the Lord had prospered them, there would be, in most churches, more than sufficient to meet every demand. But should a sister church require aid from her brethren, or should unbelievers, by reason of famine, &c. be suffering from want--we would, as a matter of expediency and of duty, advocate calling the church together some evening in the week, to make a special collection for that temporary and occasional demand. If one such meeting be not sufficient, it could be easily repeated at any subsequent time. If the New Testament point out a better and less objectionable plan of a church discharging her obligation to society, perhaps some brother will present it for our consideration and adoption, if needfull.

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this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in our glorified body. The phrase Holy Spirit is not in the text; nor do we think the apostle had in his mind any such incongruity as is apparent in the passage which represents that divine agent making intercession with groanings which cannot be uttered. Then, again, if there be two intercessors between God and man, one must be in heaven, and the other in the heart of the disciple. The Spirit in man may make intercession with God in sighs and tears which cannot be fully expressed in words; but the Saviour, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, and, according to the will of God, maketh intercession for the saints:

"He knows what sore temptations mean,
For He has felt the same."

For the edification of our new subscribers, we
may probably repeat, in our next number, the
remarks published in 1837, from the pen of
Brother Campbell, on this subject, commencing
with the 18th verse of the chapter. Want of
space alone forbids its introduction at this time.
(See Christian Messenger, vol. i. page 270, old
series.)
J. W.

Bulwell, October, 1848. Does a Sunday school, so named, constitute any part of the church of Christ? If not, is it right to appropriate a fellowship of the saints for its support? J. R.

ANSWER. There remains much to be said, especially to our own brethren, regarding Sunday schools, the particulars of which we cannot enter upon at the present time. For many years past we have been unable to discover the propriety of a father of a large, or even of a small family, leaving his wife and children, on the first day of the week, to spend his time in one of these popular seminaries, particularly if he have but little leisure during the week for the improvement of himself and his household. His first obligation is at home. It is not true that the man who blesses, or waters others, shall himself be blessed, if he neglect his own family and friends, while making an attempt to bless others. It is said of Abraham, the father of the faithful," I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him; and and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him, that all the nations of th eearth shall be blessed in him." But the inquiry is, do Sunday schools form any part of the church of Christ? The answer must be in the negative-that they do not form any such part. But there is no valid reason why there should not be a Sunday school in connection with the church. We are commanded to do good to all men; yet all men do not form part of the church of Christ any more than Sunday schools. We would not oppose even the popular Sunday schools of the

day, notwithstanding it is an acknowledged fact that they have not realized the expectations of their benevolent supporters, in reforming the state of society. We hope to see the day when, whatever others may do, the disciples of Christ, if they must have schools on the first day of the week, will collect together, in separate classes, the young from ten to sixteen years of age, under the tuition of intelligent brothers and sisters of the church. Perhaps it was for some such purpose as this, that so many elders were ordained in every church, when competent to teach others those well acquainted with the history, facts, testimony, and morality of the Bible. Such a course would enable the church to impress the young and tender mind with the only work containing the power of God to the salvation of every one that believes. In this way much good might be done, and many saved from the snares and pollutions of this guilty world. As to the disciples of Christ devoting two or three hours of their time on the first day of the week in teaching children the alphabet

when it can be done six days in the week, in almost every town and village throughout the country, for 1d. or 2d. appears to us little better than a waste of time. We cannot, however, pursue the sabject further this month.

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FAMILY WORSHIP & GOVERNMENT. Dear Sir-In reading the article on " Family Worship and Government," in your valuable periodical, the following questions were suggested to my mind :

1. Where is the Scripture (i. e. New Testament) command for "family worship," if it be a DUTY? Or where is the Scripture precedent, if it be a matter of EXPEDIENCY?

2. Some persons say that the morning and evening sacrifice of the Levites, was the type of Christian family worship; if so, where is the antitype?

3. If family worship be either a matter of duty or expediency as the Christian wife is, by the New Dispensation, the equal of the husband (in the family, though not in the church)

is she not the representative of the husband, and as such, the person appointed to lead the family worship in his absence?

4. Some persous say, that as the eldest son of the Jew, in the absence or death of the father, was the representative of the Jewish family, so the eldest son, if in a Christian family, is the representative of the family likewise. Is not that an irrational opinion, as, under the Christian dispensation, the eldest son has no

superiority over the junior members of the family, but is actually in subjection to the mother as well as the father?

As the friend who sent the article on family worship is a reader of the Harbinger, he would, probably, send the number containing these questions to the writer of that article, and they will very likely call forth a satisfactory answer, one way or the other. The mention of these questions, would greatly oblige,

A CHRISTIAN BROTHER.
To the Editor of the Harbinger.

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ITEMS OF NEWS.

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE, OCTOBER 25, 1848. -Our infaut community at Howden continues to increase. On Thursday, October 12, after proclamation, two men rose and confessed the Son of God, avowing their purpose of walking in obedience to his commands; and early next morning they were both baptized into Christ. I am happy to state that our audience also increases; indeed, were it possible to bestow continued labour on this locality, I have little doubt of a rich harvest. To me it has been a source of great encouragement, and of continued gratitude to our Sovereign Lord. As may be anticipated their knowledge is very limited, but their desire for progress is pleasingly evident, and their disposition to use what they do posYou perceive that I am at present laboring in the vicinity of Gateshead, the Newcastle church having rented a Primitive Methodist chapel for a few weeks. As I pass to and fro, I am more than ever impressed with the awful condition of the world and the church. 'Woe unto them that laugh now," said our blessed Lord, in a day of religious lawlessness and hypocrisy, remarkably typical of the age in which we live. Is it not mournfully true that there is more of the spirit of carnal mirth, than of sympathy with the Man of Sorrows--more of the spirit of commerce, of accumulating earthly treasure, than of the spirit of him to whom it was more blessed to give than to receive; or of him who had "continual sorrow and heaviness of heart for his brethren according to the flesh." To surround themselves with the comforts and luxuries of life-to" dwell in ceiled houses, while the temple of the Lord lay waste," was a crime which excited the holy indignation of the God of Israel. Alas! alas! amid the desolations of the Christian temple, who shall claim exemption from guilt?. I often feel as though our people have acted prematurely in crying reform. Yours in the hope of better days,

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W. MACDOUGALE.

LEIGH, NOVEMBER 12.-While there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner saved, so there should be by the saints on earth. Help us, then, to rejoice in the Lord, that another has been added to our little

company, having been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son. The sister referred to went with us to Wigan, and heard you speak in the evening; she was slain by the power of the truth, and would have made her confession that evening, but there was not opportunity. However, she did so shortly after, and on the 25th instant was buried in a grave of water, to rise with her Lord to newness of life. The individual whom I named to you, also came to see us at Leigh; he has been a Mormon 5 or 6 years, having visited Navoo, and had personal interviews with Joseph Smith. After thoroughly examining and investigating the claims of Mormonism, both as to its principles and operation, he renounced it as a complete system of iniquity and delusion. The book of Mormon is a craft invented to get money, and the doctrine of the priesthood is all a deception. He approved of our order, teaching, &c. but is too much bewildered with spiritualism to receive and practice the simple truth. May we learn of Christ, and practice what we know, that we may come up to the measure of the fulness of Christ.-Your brother in Christ, WILLIAM TURNER.

RHOSLLANERCHRUGOG, DENBIGHSHIRE, N. WALES, NOV. 9.-Since I wrote to you before, we have received into the church of Christ, 3 from the Baptists, 1 from the Methodists, 1 from the Independents, and 1 from the Free Thinkers. Our meeting-house is well attended. We number now 24 brethren, and 22 sisters, all in love and union. We have also baptized 2 to the church at Cefn Mawr, and also 1 from EDWARD CLARKE. the Baptists.

WIGAN, NOVEMBER 19. Brother Henry Perkins and myself made an engagement to visit a brother and sister who left this town some six or eight months ago, for the benefit of their health; they are greatly improved, and I believe are now spending their strength to promote the cause of the blessed Redeemer. The place of their abode is called Whittle Hills, or New Southport, which is 11 miles from Wigan, 6 from Preston, and about 8 or 9 from Southport. There is a useful arrangement of baths, and in the course of a year or two it is likely to become a popular visiting place. We arrived there about half-past ten, and spoke to the people in the open air; in the afternoon, we met for the purpose of establishing a Christian church. An individual present with whom our brother had been acquainted some time, desired to join in worship with us: he said he had been baptized eight years ago by the "latter-day saints," who afterwards urged upon him the book of Mormon, and several other things, to which he objected; as long as they held to the Bible he would go with them, but no furtherso he left them. He expressed a desire to follow the teaching of Jesus and his apostles. We had a most solemn and refreshing meeting,

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BANFF, Nov. 15.-I am very glad that the meeting at Glasgow went off well, and that good will be done by the resolutions come to by the brethren. Since that time we have had a meeting of the north district, including Aberdeen, Frazersburgh, Turriff, Pitsligo, and Banff, convened at Pitgair, about six miles from Banff, which was more central. The meeting was a good one, great harmony prevailing among the brethren, who seemed to be fully alive to the important position we occupy, as the living among the dead. We were unanimous in coming to the resolution, that as there was great need for some effort on the part of the brethren in our district, we would unite together, assisting and encouraging one another in the good work, of spreading the knowledge of salvation among our fellow-men. We appointed a committee of four, to consult and correspond with the committe at Nottingham, which will be conducted by Brother Morrison, of Mill Craigston, who is Secretary to the Committee. We will do what we can for the Harbinger. We are standing still at present, but I have no doubt if we could have a few week's labour of an efficient evangelist, much good might be done. The impression made by Brother Campbell is still alive, and will result, I trust, in maturity, salvation, and joy. A. CAMERON.

church notice that I cannot be their evangelist
for 1849. I shall probably travel in Eastern
Virginia, which I much prefer to being station-
ary; I have been here eleven years, which is
quite long enough. I may go to New York,
but at present am not sure. The good Lord,
who has kindly watched over me all my life
long, will, I trust, make the way before me,
so that I shall still be useful in the world.
J. HENSHALL.

OBITUARY.

HUDDERSFIELD, NOVEMBER 8.-The voice of lamentation has once more been heard in the midst of us. Our beloved Sister Howorth, estimable for domestic graces and Christian virtues, has been suddenly removed into the spirit land. She has left a number of sweet young children, for ever destitute of that sanctified solace -a mother's love-though still with the consolation remaining which they may feel now, and understand afterwards, that they have one Father upon earth, and another in heaven.

Our sister was delivered of a daughter on the 14th of October, and the promise of recovery was bright for a few days. But, alas ! inflammation began, severe and rapid in its ravages. She expired on the 21st, and was buried on the 23rd, embalmed-not with spices--but with the tears and sadness of those who were drawn towards her by the meekness of her spirit, and the purity of her walk.

We are happy to state that her confidence in God was unshaken, and her hope of eternal life, through a risen Saviour, illuminated the face of the angel of death.

"The

We may well say, with the ancient Hebrew monarch, when spared a little longer grave cannot praise thee; death cannot celebrate thee; they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth: the living, the living, he shall praise thee as I do this day. The father to the children shall make known thy truth."

alive in earnest-to live as the heirs of eternity and God may be expected to live. O thou, who hast been the refuge of thy people in all generations, help us to live the life of faith in thy dear Son; and bring us at last to thy kingdom and glory, by our Lord Jesus Christ.

RICHMOND, (U. S.) OCT. 24-Dear Sister: Your welcome letter came to hand about twenty days after its date, and gave me great pleasure. I am now writing to my Brother George, and shall mail yours with his. I have been think- strikes the proper chords. The living! the Yes, we respond to this moving appeal! It ing that perhaps you would attend the Co-ope-living! are called with double emphasis to be ration meeting in Scotland. I fear the result of that meeting, because of the ill-temper and conceit of many of our people. These meetings are sadly misnamed. They are rather distraction than co-operation meetings. Instead of uniting to work together, they unite to talk against each other, and then go home to oppose each other with all their might. I pray that this may not be the misfortune of the meeting in Scotia. I hope they had great peace and concert of action. Many have been added to the Lord in Virginia this summer. I was at a meeting two weeks ago, when twenty-three were immersed; and in the same week I immersed five at another meeting. At another place, forty miles off, forty were added in one week, about a month ago. I have given the Richmond

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

G. G.

IN concluding the present number of the HARBINGER, which terminates the volume, and is the twelfth of our humble endeavours to persuade men to embrace the principles and practices of Primitive Christianity, we may, with propriety take a glance at the past, the present,

and the future prospects of this generation. The year 1848, with all its busy scenes marvellous and eventful occurrences, foreign and domestic, public and private-will soon be mingled with those of the antediluvian age, not to be recalled until the day of final retribution breaks in upon the attention of a slumbering and guilty world.

It was anticipated by the wise and good in the kingdom of Christ, long ago, that the middle of the nineteenth century would be fraught with revolutions and changes, unheard of and unparralelled, throughout the civilized world. So it has come to pass. The progress of these revolutions, both moral and political, within the last few years, but more especially during the last twelve months, has been extensive, rapid, and surprising, beyond all calculation,

Now, as coming events cast their shadows before," many and greater reforms have yet to be accomplished in the mysterious future; and these, by the arrangement of Divine Providence, are to be brought to perfection by the agency of man. Our intention is, therefore, still to take some humble part in carrying forward the conflict of renovation and reform.

To be associated with the moral and spiritual, rather than with the physical and political movements in society, is our fixed determination. The former will move on, and the latter cannot stand still. Every man in his own order. Happiness is the chief good-the supreme desire of all. But this heavenly boon can only be realized by imparting happiness and comfort to others. Hence if, from love of the truth, we water others, the blessing of peace is by this means assuredly secured to ourselves. Who, then, proposes to be selfish, indolent, or lukewarm, in the midst of the struggles and groans of a miserable and dying world?

In reviewing the contents of the volume which is now closed, we see much that is calculated, in future days, to instruct and edify the candid inquirer after truth and good order, and, by repeated perusal of which, the essays, in their intrinsic value and importance to society, will rise in the estimation of our readers. An expression of gratitude is due to all our friends, contributors and patrons-more especially for their promise of continued support and co-operation, which we hope duly to appreciate and reciprocate.

In the ensuing volume, commencing with January 1st, 1849, we hope to be punctual and persevering; and to preserve a select, methodical, interesting, and acceptable arrangement, to its completion.

We have this month presented 16 pages of a new and modern type, purchased entirely for the HARBINGER: So that, although we are confined to a particular weight of paper by the Post Office authorities, yet an extra quantity of small type, equal to several pages of matter, can always be employed. And now, all that is required to give us stability and spirit in carrying forward

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THIS motto I give to the young and the old,
More precious by far than a treasure of gold;
'Twill prove to its owner a talisman rare,
More potent than magic-'tis "never despair!"
No! "never despair," whatso'er be thy lot,
Though Fortune's gay sunshine illumine it not;
Mid sit gloom, and despite its dark burden of care,
If thou canst not be cheerful, yet "never despair."
O what if the sailor a coward should be,
When the tempest comes down in its wrath on
the sea,

And the mad billows leap like wild beasts from the lair,

To make him their prey if he yield to despair! But see him amid the fierce strife of the waves, While around his frail vessel the storm-demon

raves,

How he rouses his soul up, to do and to dare,
And, while there is life left, will "never despair."
Thou too art a sailor, and Time is the sea,
And Life the frail vessel that upholdeth thee;
Fierce storms of misfortune will fall to thy share,
But, like thy brave prototype, “never despair!”

Let not the wild tempest thy spirit affright; Shrink not from the storm, though it come in its might;

Be watchful-be ready for shipwreck prepare: Keep an eye on the life-boat, but "never despair!"

WESLEY'S LIBERALTIY.--Perhaps no Englishman, since the days of Barnard Gilpin, has given so much away as did John Wesley, When his income was thirty pounds a year, he lived on twenty-eight and saved two pounds for charity. Next year he had sixty pounds, and still living on twenty-eight he had 32 to spend. A fourth year raised his income to one hundred and twenty pounds, and steadfast to his plan, the poor got £92. In the year 1775, the Accountant-General sent him a copy of the Excise Order for a return of plate. "Rev Sir: as the commissioners cannot doubt but you have plate, for which you have hitherto neglected to make entry," &c. to which he wrote this memorable answer—" Sir, I have two silver tea spoons at London and two at Bristol. This is all the plate which I have at present; and I shall not buy any more while so many around me want bread."-J. WESLEY.

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

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