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considering some of the unfulfilled prophecies, especially those of the Apocalypse, and I find some instruction in the articles that have appeared under that head in your valuable HARBINGER; but respecting the 20th chapter of that mysterious Book of Hieroglyphics, I am not satisfied that either Mr. Campbell or any writer that I have met with, has fully or correctly explained the events contained in that chapter. There are things therein that I cannot reconcile with Mr. C.'s view of it, as a millennium of gospel revival, in "the souls of those beheaded sitting on thrones;" and "the rest of the dead," meaning the wicked spirits living again after the thousand years are finished. Now, my dear sir, just refer to the 19th chapter, where we have a vision of the mighty conquests of Him who sat upon the white horse, whose name implies the same King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; and in connection with this John says, “I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together, to make war against Him that sat on the white horse, and against His army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet, and these both were cast alive into a lake of fire and brimstone. And the remnant were slain, &c." Is it possible, after these mighty conquests (Babylon previously fallen, these two great deceivers cast into the lake, and Satan bound) that there should be wicked spirits numerous enough to justify the expression in the 8th verse of the 20th chapter, "The number of whom is as the sand of the sea." If so, all the mighty warfare of the white horse army, and the restraining of Satanic influence for a thousand years, seem to have failed, for there could not be a greater number of rebels at any time previous to that binding of Satan. The mighty number of the wicked, forbids the idea of so understanding it. But these few hints are only by the way; perhaps at some not very distant day I shall, if the Lord will, put my thoughts in a more methodical form for your publication.

Your respectful and sincere well-wisher,
S. SHEPPARD.

[We shall feel obliged if the writer of the foregoing whom we are happy to know is one of our constant readers will inform us why no evangelist, deacon, or any other person, ever ventured to lay-on hands at, or after baptism, excepting the apostles of the Lord? And what reasons can be assigned why Philip the Evangelist did not attend to this ordinance, (if, indeed, it be one) rather than allow Peter and John to go down from Jerusalem to Samaria for that purpose? Hitherto we have not been able to discover any evidence for the laying-on of hands after baptism, since the death of the apostles, who were empowered to do it-or to perform it for the same purpose as that for which they did it.-J. W.]

NONCONFORMITY.

DEAR SIR.-It has come to the ears of the church, that some of its members have, of late, covertly followed the corpses of their relations to the Church of England, and consequently joined in the worship of that church on those occasions. This matter has been considered by us. The following are some of the observations that were made in reference to it; and, as you were absent at the time, they are written for your instruction and admonition.

Believing children among us are constantly put in remembrance to show piety at home, and to requite their parents; and others who have needy relations may do them good whensoever they will. Servants, also, are instructed to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things; and we are taught that whatever be our condition in the world, we have to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake. No one would be acknowledged by us who could speak lightly of his Sovereign, or of those who are sent by her for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. We render to our rulers the tribute, custom, excise, or imposts, with all rates and taxes which they demand of us, as we would pay any other debt; and we honor all men, as made after the similitude of God, and according to their rank and authority in civil society. But, in things pertaining to the kingdom of God, we know neither Sovereign nor rulers, nor father nor mother, nor brother nor sister, nor wife nor children; one is our Master even Christ, and all we are brethren.

It is now near twenty years since we determined to abide by the Scriptures only and entirely, and to speak the things of God in the words of God, whether in preaching the gospel to our fellow men, or in building up ourselves on our most holy faith. During this time we have affirmed constantly, that the connection of "Church and State" is subversive of this most essential and fundamental truth, namely, that the kingdom of Christ is not of this world; consequently our separation from the Church of England was complete at once; we expected no favor at its hands, neither have we ever sought any. When persons could not be married in England, except by a Clergyman of the Establishment, we sent our members to Scotland to be legally joined together by the civil magistrate. Our elders who conducted the education of youth, would not receive any pupil on condition of taking him to the Church of England. And though some of our sisters have lived for years in families belonging to the National Church, they have always, in meekness and fear, refused to join in their worship. For this nonconformity we have suffered much loss, inconvenience, and reproach; and we foresee by the sure word of prophecy, that the time is not far off, when we may be required to worship the beast or his image, or lay down

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temple of idolaters-or of their uniting in worship with them-he would have done more, in the first instance, than admonish, and instruct them into a more correct knowledge of the truth. That the apostle would have excluded from the church all who conveyed their departed friends to the grave-yard of Episcopalians, and ignorantly united in the burial service as by law established, is matter of some doubt with us. At the same time, it is a practice which we could by no means recommend to the disciples of Jesus.

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Such conduct as the above, therefore, on the part of some of our members shows, either an ignorance of the word of God, which is inexcusable in believers who have long professed subjection to, it or a sinful compliance with "the will of men" when an opportunity was given for taking up the cross and confessing Christ before them. To offer any excuse for such behaviour is only to cloak the sin. For, in whatever circumstances a member may, at any time, be found, he has access to his brethren It must be admitted that, in the present day, for counsel; and we often admonish one another there is an absence of that adherence and deof the consequences that will assuredly follow votedness to the spirit of nonconformity which by taking a step in a doubtful case without were so heroically exhibited by some of the advice. It is likely that an impression pre- ancient Prophets of God, and by the early disjudicial to the truth of God was made on the ciples of Jesus. Regard the Prophet Daniel! minds of relations and friends who witnessed, Rather than bow at the shrine of the greatest or heard of, this inconsistency; besides, as the monarch in the world, he preferred being cast whole church is honored or suffers loss by the into the den of lions which his enemies had doings of its individual members, such going prepared for his destruction. But the divine aside from the laws of God's house, may undo mandate forbade it. "Touch not mine anointthe work of the ministry for years in the eyes ed, and do my prophet no harm." My God," of those that are without. For when truth exclaimed the venerable prophet, "hath sent is against men, men are against truth, and are his angel, and shut the lions' mouths, that they glad to see a defection among us, even so partial have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him as this, and to ask, "What do ye more than innocency was proved in me; and also before others ?" And let it not be forgotten, that all thee, oh king, I have done no harm." This departures from the truth are small in their was the triumph of faith-not mere feeling beginnings. So, when Israel once forsook the and conscience, of which we hear so much in worship of the one God, who led them out of the present day. Nor would the apostles of Egypt, they never could settle upon the worship the Lord, in matters of religious faith and pracof any other, but lay open to all the innovations tice, do the bidding of any state priest or maof the neighbouring nations. Thus, again, gistrate of their day. When peremptorily infant baptism was the certain forerunner of commanded to speak no more in the name of all that has polluted the sanctuary of God from Jesus, or to preach through him the resurrecthe day “this pillar of popery" was set up to tion of the dead, mark the courageous response the present "perilous times;" and if we let of Peter and his associates-" Whether it be slip the word of God, though it be but like right in the sight of God to obey you rather leaking vessels, drop by drop, at length the than God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak world will hear us, and our glory shall depart. the things which we have seen and heard." Upon the whole, therefore, we cannot but "He that is ashamed of me and of my word," say, that this conformity to the Church of said Jesus, "of him will the Son of Man be England by some of our members has exceed-ashamed, when He shall come in the glory of ingly grieved the church, weakened the hands his Father, and of his holy angels." of our elders, and so vexed the Spirit of God; and consequently calls for repentance before the Lord, and an acknowledgment of the offence before his saints. If God should grant this grace, then will the whole church again unite in its endeavour to maintain the authority of the Scriptures against the doctrines and commandments of men.

Signed in behalf of the Church,

BY ITS BISHOP.

[NOTE.-We cannot but highly esteem those who firmly, intelligently, and perseveringly adhere to the true spirit of nonconformity; more especially if engaged in contending earnestly for the faith formerly delivered to the saints. It admits of question, however, if, when the Apostle of the Gentiles saw or heard of any of his weak or ignorant brethren entering the

Respecting the burial of the dead, it is well known that in many towns, and even in entire districts of the country, there are no places of sepulture excepting those connected with the church as by law established; and, therefore, Nonconformists are compelled to make application there to deposit the remains of their departed friends. Now in all such cases, let the dead be silently interred-dispense with all religious exercises on the occasion; but, at the same time, pay the clergyman his fee as by law established. This would surely satisfy all parties, and exhibit that spirit of nonconformity which the New Testament requires. The very idea of not having performed what is improperly designated Christian burial, over the grave of the departed, is, to some men, even in the nineteenth century, truly horrifying; and we fear that some of the disciples of Jesus

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DORCAS SOCIETIES.

DEAR BROTHER-Respecting the queries on page 577 of the last number of the HARBINGER, we are not, in this northern latitude, acquainted with the nature of "Dorcas Societies," and are therefore, not very competent to judge whether much good is done by them amongst the poor; but every disciple either knows, or might know, whether there ought to be such a society in connection with every congregation of disciples. That there has been much good done by several societies, is what will not be denied; but, then, the question is, have any of these societies done that which the church cannot do? And so long as the church is the proper channel through which every thing that is great and good should flow, either to rich or poor, so long will every society in connection with it be worthless, although formed for a benevolent purpose. The individual who is a member of the body of Christ, places himself in an unfavourable position, by becoming a member of another society, for the purpose of doing good to the poor; for, by lending his assistance to another, he is weakening the church, and burying his talent in the earth, when he ought to be trading with it to his Master's account.

The best society for the suppression of evil (apart from the church) with which I am acquainted, is the Tea Total Institution; but of what use such a society could be to any Christian, I have never been able to learn: neither am I able to see how a Christian could be justified in uniting with any such. There is no provision made for expelling the profligate from their company, if he continue to abstain from intoxicating drinks: so that the murderer, the adulterer, the fornicator, the thief, the false witness, the blasphemer, and whosoever loveth or maketh a lie, may find refuge among them. And I for one, would say, "My soul, come not thou into their secret: with such an assembly, mine honour be not thou united."

Your's, brother, in love and esteem,

Perth, December, 1848.

R. M.

WORTHY OF IMITATION.
DEAR BROTHER-It is now between 4 and 5

years since I embraced the opportunity of reading a copy of the then Christian Messenger, obtained by my Brother Archibald. Since then I have been a constant reader, and have been much benefitted by the light and truth which pervade its pages. While residing in Glasgow, in the end of 1846, the Athenæum there was opened, of which I became a member; and being desirous of doing any little in my power to convey furnished their Reading Room with a copy, the same knowledge and truth to others, I which was readily received until I left that city. This is a means of spreading the truth which the brethren ought to embrace wherever they can. Brother Paton commenced shortly after to furnish two other public rooms with a copy each. Wishing you great success in your labour of love,

I remain, your Christian brother,
G. S. D.
Grangemouth, January 7th, 1849.

CO-OPERATION MEETINGS.

LONDON DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. REPORT OF THE FORMATION AND FIRST MEETING OF THE LONDON DISTRICT ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN CHURCHES, HELD IN PROVIDENCE CHAPEL, ST. PANCRAS, LONDON, ON MONDAY, 25TH DECEMBER, 1848.—A portion of time having been occupied in the presentation of praise and prayer to the Father of all Mercies, Bro. Black, of London, was called upon to take the Presidency of the meeting, and Bro. Johnson to act as Secretary.

The President, having made some remarks upon the purposes for which the meeting was convened, adverting particularly to the necessity, utility, and paramount importance of Christian co-operation,

It was proposed, and unanimously agreed

1. That this meeting adjudge that, in order to a full and proper manifestation of original Christianity, it is requisite for all the known Christian churches in the world to co-operate for the purposes of aiding each other in times of need, and for extending the reign of the Messiah (see John 17); and that to advance this universal co-operation, it is requisite to form the churches into districts, which districts must not in any case interfere with the internal management of the individual churches forming the same.

2. That it is most desirable for the churches holding one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and which are engaged in restoring the original order of the churches in or near London, to co-operate for the purposes expressed in the foregoing proposition-the following churches being considered by the presence of their delegate or delegates, or by their acknowledgment

of this meeting by letter or otherwise, to form, for the present, the London District. The following is a list of the churches, alphabetically arranged:-Banbury, Brighton, Chalderton, Hammersmith, Lewisham, London, Maidstone, Merton, Vauxhall, and Wardington.

The London District being formed, the following resolutions were unanimously carried:1. That, in order to manifest Christian love, and demonstrate the unity of the family of God, it is deemed most desirable, that should any one church find itself unable to meet the necessities of an indigent member or members, it (the church) shall make the circumstances fully known to the churches of this district, (through the medium of a committee to be appointed by this meeting) in order that they may contribute as the Lord enables them, the contributions of the churches to be sent to some person or persons, to be appointed by this meeting to receive the same, hand it to the church for which it is forwarded, keep a due account thereof, and read it at the next general meeting of the churches.

2. That Brethren McIntire and Black, of Hammersmith, and Brethren Black, Warren, Draper, and Johnson, of London, be appointed the committee referred to in the foregoing resolution.

3. That it is expedient to secure the labors of an evangelist or evangelists, for the London District, to the fullest possible extent; and that such evangelist or evangelists, if provided, be under the direction of a committee to be appointed by this meeting, and be considered the evangelist or evangelists of this district (which regulation is deemed strictly in harmony with the conclusions of the Glasgow Meeting, which assembly recommended district evangelists to be called out); and that immediate steps be taken to ascertain from each church what amount they can contribute weekly toward sustaining such evangelist or evangelists.

4. That the committee referred to in the foregoing resolution to superintend the operations of the district evangelist or evangelists, consist of Brethren McIntire and Black of Hammersmith, and Brethren Black, Warren, Draper, and Johnson, of London.

5. That Brother King be appointed an evangelist to the London District.

6. That should the committee find themselves in a position to sustain and to require another evangelist, they shall call a district meeting to appoint the same.

7. That the various meeting-places of the churches of the London District be advertised monthly in the BIBLE ADVOCATE; and this meeting recommend the printing of a large number of bills, briefly explanatory of our order and containing the addresses of all the meeting-places of the district, to be supplied at the lowest rate, and at the same cost per hundred to the churches, whether in large or small quantities. And this meeting further

recommend the establishment of Bible Classes, for instructing the children of the saints and others.

8. That the committee appointed be requested to correspond with any districts now formed, or which may be formed hereafter, that they may co-operate with this district.

Minutes read and confirmed; meeting adjourned to Friday, 6th April, 1849, 11 o'clock. J. JOHNSON, Secretary.

MEETING AT CUPAR.

APPROVING of the recommendation of the meeting held in Glasgow in September last, to form district associations, with a view to a more perfect consolidation of their union together as subjects of the Lord, having the same faith and hope, as well as to promote their efficiency in the promulgation of the gospel and enlargement of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ in the sphere of their more immediate influence. The brethren in the district of Fife and neighbourhood, on intimation given, came together by delegation on New Year's Day, 1849, in Cupar. There were present brethren messengers from the following congregations, viz: - Cupar, Dundee, Kirkaldy, Auchtermuchty, Newburgh, Leslie, Crossgates, Dunfermline, Peakie Mill, St. Andrews, and Montrose, the congregation in Perth being represented by letter.

Brother Dowie, of Cupar, being called to the chair, the meeting was opened by prayer; after which, the chairman rose and briefly stated the object of the meeting, and the order in which the business of the day would be attended towhen,

1. An opportunity was given for the brethren present giving short addresses on the principles which ought to be observed in the intercommunity of congregations, in order to their harmonious co-operation together in evangelical labour.

After several of the brethren had delivered their sentiments it was found that there existed a common understanding and conviction that, as all had avowed their faith in, and allegiance to Jesus, as their only Lord and Lawgiver, it was not the province of such a meeting or association as this, to legislate for one another, but simply to consult together on the way and means of carrying into execution the laws that were. To recognise one another as of equal standing and parts of the one body of Christ; consequently, judging that what is right to be done by one congregation in the name of the Lord, ought to be acquiesced in by all, and respected as much as if it were the deed of all; so, that when any are received into the fellowship of one congregation, they are to be held as being received of all. And if, in order to preserve the purity of the house of God it be found necessary by any one congregation to separate an individual from their fellowship, that individual is to be considered as separated

from all that there may be no jarring or disagreement among the congregations, by counteracting each other's acts and influence. But, as it is quite possible that congregations may err, so every one ought to hold themselves in readiness to be corrected, and consider themselves responsible to each other as congregations, the same as individual members of churches are to each other, leaving it to the dictation of love and the attending circumstances, to point out in any case that may occur, how interference may be best gone about.

Now, as the above mentioned principles in which all harmonized, had been much neglected and violated in certain quarters in times past, occasioning much disorder and alienation of mind in the brotherhood, and hindering the work of the Lord-the brethren present found themselves called on, in token of their perfect agreement in the principles above stated, and their determination to act upon the same, to give to each other the right hand of fellowship, which was promptly and cordially done.

The next thing attended to by the meeting was to ascertain the whole number which the congregations represented could supply, competent to be employed occasionally in the proclamation of the word, when the following were nominated: Brethren A. Dowie; George and James Mill, of Cupar; George and John Dron and A. Forsyth, of Auchtermuchty; W. Anderson and T. McEwan, of Dundee; T. Brown and John Taylor, of Kirkaldy; D. Lawson and P. Boyd, of Newburgh; James Arbuthnot and J. Schwepe, of Montrose. It was then agreed

1. That, in order that these local evangelists may have at least their travelling expenses paid, the congregations be recommended to make contributions quarterly, or oftener if necessary, for that purpose.

2. That Brother W. Beveridge, Cupar, be appointed to receive the contributions, and act as treasurer.

3. That a brother be appointed in each congregation by the congregation of which he is a member, who shall make it his aim to ascertain where, in his district, a hearing can be had for a proclaimer, and who shall seek out places wherein meetings may be held, and give proper publicity by bill or otherwise of the time and place of such meetings.

4. That, in addition to these, a central committee of five be appointed in Cupar, to consist of treasurer Beveridge, and a secretary (W. Murray) A. Mitchell, sen. Charles Duncan, and T. Porter; that this committee, through their sectretary, shall hold correspondence with the brethren to be appointed in the various congregations according to resolution 3-shall receive and attend to suggestions from them as to where in their respective localities there are good fields for proclamation-and shall appoint proclaimers to visit these places.

At this stage of the business of the meeting

a communication from London, giving a report of the proceedings of a similar association in that quarter was read, with the spirit and general arrangements of which the meeting entirely concurred; and especial notice was taken of one of the resolutions of the London brethren, to the effect, that if any of the congregations of the saints are unable sufficiently to supply the wants of their poor brethren, on making their case known the surrounding congregations are bound to assist them.

But, while entirely concurring in the spirit of this, they did not conceive themselves at liberty to embody it as a resolution, having always considered themselves bound by the authority and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to contribute of their substance to any of the congregations so requiring it.

Before the meeting broke up it was suggested that it would be desirable that a declaration should be made, as to which of the parties in the divided congregation in Edinburgh this meeting would recommend the congregations to fraternize with, when all present agreed to recommend the party at present meeting in Oak Hall, as worthy of fellowship and confidence.

After the business was concluded, the meeting was terminated by prayer. The time of next meeting was left unfixed, but will be notified in due time.

ARCHIBALD DOWIE. W. MURRAY, Secretary. After the meeting, the brethren sat down to enjoy each other's company at dinner; and in the evening the annual soiree, or social meeting, of the congregation was held in their place of meeting, to which the brethren had the liberty of bringing their friends and acquaintances, that they might see the innocent joys which were the products of true religion, and which consequently could reign only among the children of God. Throughout the day the greatest harmony and good will prevailed, and it is hoped that the proceedings of it will be productive of an increase of brotherly love amongst those who are within, and good also to those who are without. W. M.

ITEMS OF NEWS.

NOTTINGHAM, JANUARY 23RD, 1849.-On the 25th ult. the twelfth anniversary of the congregation of disciples was held in Nottingham, agreeably to previous arrangement, in Barker-gate meeting-house, tea being ready at five o'clock. There were brethren present from Bulwell, Carlton, Hill-Top, (or Eastwood, as it is sometimes called) Leicester, Loughborough, &c. Nearly two hundred, united in faith, hope, and love, took part in the social engagements of the evening; and a more harmonious meeting, or one exhibiting more oneness of soul in things pertaining to the kingdom of Jesus, has

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