Second. A sufficiency of labourers cannot at present be obtained, possessing such a concentration of wisdom and prudence, as to justify their being entrusted to manage the work of evangelists in so extensive a field. Third. In consequence of the very limited number of such brethren who could be sent forth, and the great extent of the field for their labours, they are compelled to travel over the ground much faster than is advisable, thus preventing their labours being so successful as might be, could they sojourn in a district for a longer period. Fourth. The visits of an evangelist to each church is in consequence made so seldom, and for so short a time, that its tendency is to weaken the zeal of the brethren in upholding the plan. For these reasons it is deemed advisable to give up the present plan of co-operation, from its being too extensive for the present position of our affairs. The question now comes, What should we next do? The following are suggestions that have reached us in reply to this; 1. Continue the present arrangement, but obtain a supply of evangelists from America. 2. Form district associations of as small extent as can be done to support the necessary operations, similar to what is now in existence in some parts of Scotland. 3. That such district associations be adopted, but that they be added to the present plan. The above embodies the views of our brethren as expressed in the communications we have received. In reference to this matter the Committee would have been glad to have had the judgment of many who have remained silent, and who took great interest in the arrangements at Edinburgh, in 1842. But having left the question open as long as could with propriety be done, we have concluded to bring the matter before our brethren in this form, rather than by calling a meeting of delegates, which we should have greatly preferred could we have felt justified in so doing. We have long felt the pressure of most of the difficulties against the present plan that have been already named, especially those arising from its too great extent of territory. We think the time has now come when some other and less extensive plan might be successfully attempted. It is not the province of the Committee to say what arrangement the brethren may deem most desirable hereafter to pursue, but perhaps a few observations founded on the experience we have obtained during the operation of the present plan, may not be unacceptable. Of the several propositions that have been suggested, that which appears to us most adapted to the present state of our affairs is, the one for local evangelists under the direction of district associations. Several of those reasons that have been assigned as most strongly militating against the present plan would thereby be obviated, providing the extent of the district be not too great. Brethren can more readily be found who would be fully competent and willing to labour under such a regulation, who have shrunk from undertaking it on the present large scale. And strongest reason of all is, more good might be done, by enabling the brethren of a district to place an evangelist in some locality for a few months, where he might labour undisturbed by calls and entreaties from other places. At any rate, this seems to us worth a trial, and comes more within our means than anything we have heard. The suggestion of sending for evangelists from America is good, if practicable: but at the rate of late contributions it would take nearly a year to bring over one evangelist, and at present it seems to us that a competent supply from that quarter is not practicable. Several brethren have volunteered to subscribe certain sums towards defraying the expences of brother A. Campbell, if he could be at liberty to come; and we do hope that ere long some arrangements will be made to accomplish that desirable object. At present, then, our advice to the churches in this country is, to arrange co-operative meetings of one or more counties, and make such arrangements as best they can for preaching the Gospel to all in their district, and in all cases where an occasional interchange can be effected from one church to another, or one district to another, let it be done. And wherever any church or district may be more strongly gifted either in money or men than some others, let them not forget to bear the burdens of the weak, but aim to carry out the spirit of the saying, "He that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack." Our present evangelist, brother Greenwell, is on a tour which will probably take a few weeks to complete. The Committee have about a sufficiency of funds to carry our brother and family through for that time, and when this tour is done, they will lay a statement of accounts before the churches through the Messenger, and so leave the brethren to make such arrangements as they deem best for their own localities; praying that the Lord of the harvest will raise an abundance of labourers, and that his blessing may crown every effort, so that the great cause of original Christianity may be carried on triumphantly to the glory of his adorable name! For the Committee, J. FROST, Secretary. WHAT THE CHURCHES OUGHT TO DO. It would be well for all the congregations to take the following propositions under consideration, viz: Major Proposition.-The Apostles taught and authorized the churches to do all things whatsoever Jesus had commanded them to do. Therefore, First. The churches were taught by the Apostles to preach the Gospel to the world, and to baptized them that believed. Second. The churches were taught to teach the baptized believers to observe all the commands of Jesus; to love one another; to break bread together; and to pray and praise in concert. Third. The churches were taught to set apart of their members men qualified to rule, as rulers; those qualified to teach, as teachers; those qualified to exhort, as exhorters; those qualified to judge, as judges; and those qualified to reclaim, as reclaimers. Fourth. All thus set apart by the church, act by authority of the church to the extent of its jurisdiction. Fifth. All who are born of the institution appointed of God, (water and the Spirit), and eat of the same loaf, and drink of the same cup, are bound to obey the laws of the King wherever they may be; and for a breach of the laws, the subjects of the King have the right to reprove and punish them according to law. Sixth. The churches were taught and authorized to send special messengers to other churches, and to the world, to execute all the social relations and duties commanded by the King; to announce the King's proclamation to the world; to make subjects for the King; and to diffuse charity among his subjects. EXTRACT OF LETTER. M. W. THE intelligence contained in the following extract, of the death of our esteemed sister Susannah Bell, will be read with surprise and sorrow by many to whom our late sister was known. Again and again is the uncertainty of this life being impressed upon us, and we are constrained to feel the force and value of the Saviour's warning voice," Be ye therefore always ready." Newark, June 17th, 1845. "I cannot but suppose that ere this you have heard of the very great, severe, and afflictive bereavement which we as a family have sustained in the very unexpected death of my beloved sister. We are comforted with the satisfactory assurance she gave us of her entire confidence in the Redeemer. Having been induced to follow him in the way of the regeneration, she found support in the trying hour, and in the immediate prospect of death, was enabled to express her exultation in the captivity of the great foe, and her ultimate triumph over both him and the grave through Jesus Christ her Lord. She sleeps therefore in Jesus, and will, no doubt, be in the resurrection of saints when Christ who is our life shall appear." LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE. J. BELL. AMONG all the fine and beautiful figures and modes of reasoning, that the universe on which we dwell has afforded, for the illustration of the bright hope that is within us of a life beyond the tomb, there is none more beautiful or exquisite, that I know of, than that which is derived from the change of the seasons-from the second life that bursts forth in spring, in objects apparently dead; and from the shadowing forth, in the renovation of every thing around us, of that destiny which divine revelation calls upon our faith to believe shall yet be ours. The trees that have faded and remained dark and gray through the long dreary lapse of winter, clothe themselves again with green in the spring sunshine, and every hue speaks of life. The birds that were mute sing again as tuneful as ever. The flowers that were trampled down and faded, burst forth once more into freshness and beauty. The streams break from the icy chains that held them, and the glorious sun himself comes wandering from his far journey, giving summer, and warmth, and fertility, and magnificence to every thing around. All that we see breathes of the same hope, and every thing we see rekindles into life.-James. BETHANY COLLEGE. THE following items respecting the routine of business and the order observed in Bethany College, of which Mr. A. Campbell is President, is inserted in answer to many inquiries on that subject.-ED. PRIMARY DEPARTMENT. ORDER OF THE DAY. Ar five o'clock, a. m., the pupils will rise, wash, and dress themselves with neatness and despatch, so as to be prepared to assemble in a becoming manner for morning worship, within half-an-hour. The regular breakfast hour shall be at six o'clock, a. m. From breakfast until half-past eight o'clock, the pupils may occupy themselves in healthful exercise, and in preparing their recitations. At half-past eight o'clock all will be present in the school rooms, without fail, (a written excuse from parents or guardians alone justifying absence), and the regular lessons of the day will be proceeded with until ten o'clock, when there shall be a recess of half-an-hour. During this recess the boys will be permitted to partake of some slight refreshment, and the exercises will continue until twelve o'clock, m. Dinner at half-past twelve. School recitations shall be resumed at two o'clock, p. m., and continue until half-past four. From half-past four o'clock to half-past five, (this being the hour for supper), the time may be spent in reading or physical exercise. At six o'clock the pupils shall be in their respective rooms, to devote themselves to the preparation of recitations for the following day. This shall be done under the direction and superintendence of the Principal. At eight o'clock all will assemble for evening worship and Biblical instruction; and at nine o'clock the bell may be rung denoting the hour for retiring to bed. SPECIAL RULES. Each pupil shall punctually attend morning and evening worship, bringing his Bible with him, and conducting himself in a quiet and reverential manner during the religious exercises and while retiring from the room. The rules of politeness and good manners are to be carefully observed by the pupils on all occasions. At table there shall be no manifestation of impatience, rudeness, or greedy selfishness. In passing through the house there shall be no unnecessary haste, noise, or tumult. Each pupil shall be held accountable for the order of his room, and charged for any unnecessary destruction of property. There shall be no assemblage of the pupils in each other's rooms. In intercourse with each other there shall be no unkindness, no thoughtless rashness, and no uncouth or profane expressions. No pupil is allowed to leave the premises without permission. The order of studies will be regular each day of the week, from Monday until Friday afternoon. On Friday afternoon there shall be a general review of the business of the past week. On Saturday morning it shall be the duty of the Principal to assemble the pupils at the Mansion House at eight o'clock, a. m., and devote an hour to instruction in Sacred History. The lesson to be prepared the preceding evening. No fowling-piece nor any kind of firearms shall be kept upon the premises without permission from the Principal; nor shall they be used only according to his directions. On the Lord's day every student shall punctually attend church, and will be dressed and prepared to leave the Mansion House at ten o'clock, a. m. JAMES RICHARDSON, PRINCIPAL Bethany, Va., March 20th, 1845. POWER OF MATERNAL PIETY. BY MRS. SIGOURNEY. “WHEN I was a little child," said a good old man, "my mother used to bid me kneel down beside her, and place her hand upon my head while she prayed. Ere I was old enough to know her worth, she died, and I was left too much to my own guidance. Like others, I was inclined to evil passions, but often felt myself checked, and, as it were, drawn back by a soft hand upon my head. When a young man, I travelled in foreign lands, and was exposed to many temptations; but when I would have yielded, that same hand was upon my head, and I was saved. I seemed to feel its pressure as in the days of my happy infancy, and sometimes there came with it a voice in my heart, a voice that must be obeyed-'O do not this wickedness, my son, nor sin against thy God."" WHY gaze ye on my hoary hairs, Ye children, young and gay? I had a mother once, like you, But, then, there came a fearful day; I pluck'd a fair white rose, and stole, And though strange sleep enchained Yet no fond voice replied. That eve I knelt me down in wo, And said a lonely prayer; Years fled, and left me childhood's joy, Fierce passions shook me like a reed; Youth came-the prop of virtue reel'd; But oft, at day's decline, A marble touch my brow congealed- In foreign lands I travelled wide, Maintained its mystic sway, With gentle force it lay. And with it breathed a voice of care, Ye think, perchance, that age hath stole This brow the plumed helm displayed, That hallowed touch was ne'er forgot! And if I e'er in heaven appear, T. KIRK, PRinter, peteR GATE, NOTTINGHAM. |