unfriendly, in an equal degree, to the attainment of knowledge, or the formation of an aimable character. The former is more offensive, but does not more completely mar all excellence than the latter; and it is truly deplorable that both flourish in Virginia as if it were their native soil. The vanity of excelling in pursuits, where excellence does not imply merit, has been the ruin of many a young man. I should, therefore, be under apprehensions for a young fellow, who danced uncommonly well, and expect more hereafter from his heels than from his head.

SELF-EDUCATION.-We, all of us, have two educations; one which we receive from others; another, and the most valuable, which we give ourselves. It is this last which fixes our grade in society, which determines, eventually, our actual value in this life, and perhaps the 'colour of our fate hereafter. Yes, dear Theodore, your destiny is in your own hands; nor would all the professors and teachers in the world make you a wise and good man without your own co-operation; and if such you are determined to be, it is not the want of them that can prevent it.

MARRIAGE.-One thing, at least, is true-if matrimony has its cares, celibacy has no pleasures. A Newton, as a mere scholar, may find employment in study; a man of literary taste can receive in books a powerful auxiliary; but a man must have a bosom friend, and children around him, to cherish and support the dreariness of old age. Suitability is the true foundation.

EXTRACT OF LETTER TO A. CAMPBELL.

Nottingham, February 3, 1847.

BELOVED BROTHER CAMPBELL.-As our monthly steamer is expected to sail from Liverpool to-morrow, I feel desirous of saying a few words in reference to your long expected and much desired visit to Great Britain. No doubt you have heard before this, that your letter of October 16, 1846, announcing your intention, was published in the December Messenger. It is therefore extensively known among the readers of this periodical, and their respective friends and acquaintances. I hope nothing in the course of Divine Providence may occur to prevent your effectually carrying out this benevolent and god-like purpose.

The truth for which we plead, came from Heaven. The cause is the Lord's; and though much abused by men, it still is near his heart. It cost him his precious blood-and to some considerable extent it must prevail among the children of men before his return. During his absence, he has intrusted it into the hands of his faithful people, with the promise, "Lo, I am with you to the end of the world." Now although it be a fact, that the intellectual and religious principles of the great majority of the people of this country are chained and fettered by the traditions, religious creeds, and establishments of their forefathers, yet I am con-. vinced that the pure and simple gospel of Jesus Christ, when clearly stated, will prove to be as it ever has been,-the power of God to the salvation of many.

Rest assured, brother Campbell, you will not labour in vain, nor spend your strength for nought. It is true, you may not, while present with us, see multitudes turn to the Lord, by confession and baptism, but wherever the good seed of the kingdom is sown, it will germinate, and spring up, in some thirty, some sixty, and in others an hundred fold, to the honour and glory of our exalted

L

King. The undertaking is great and arduous. Self-denial, courage, and perseverance, are all indispensably necessary. The human family in general, especially those who have been taught from early life to suppose themselves to be already Christianized, and saved, are strongly opposed, even to that which will promote their present and everlasting good. How lamentable to contemplate ! Yet such is the fact in this highly favoured country.

It would rejoice my heart had we some suitable brother to accompany you through the length and breadth of the land. But this, I fear, is not the case now. Our hands have been much weakened by death and removals to other parts of the world. Still, we have good reason to hope that the brethren in every place will do what they can for your comfort and success. Indeed we have all confidence and assurance that many will do this. You must not expect many chapels and churches to be open for your reception; still there are public rooms in almost every large town which can be obtained for that purpose. It appears to me that the providence of God is now remarkably displayed. The times are favourable for such an enterprise. All human institutions are shaking to their very centre. Both judgments and mercies are abroad in the earth. What the end will be, He only who governs the nations can determine. His people are safe, come what may.

Should this reach you in time for a few lines to come out by the steamer leaving a month earlier than yourself, we shall be gratified to learn the stay you purpose to make with us. We should by this means be able to make some arrangement as to the places to be visited, and the probable time you could spend in each. I understand, from brother Davies of Mollington, that on your arrival, his hospitable house is to be your first port. To this there can be no objection, seeing it is only a short distance from Liverpool, and a railway within half-a-mile of his dwelling. Besides which, Chester, Liverpool, and the vicinity, are important places in which to proclaim the gospel. Should brother Henshall, or any other brother, come with you, perhaps they can continue some time with us. We cannot doubt but that all the congregations will unite in upholding their hands as faithful brethren in the Lord. Our prayer shall be that your life and health may be continued, and that you may come amongst us in the fulness of the gospel of Christ.

Hoping to hear from you soon, and also to see you at least once in the flesh, I remain, dear brother, your's affectionately, J. WALLIS.

ITEMS OF NEWS.

HOME NEWS.

PROSPECTS OF THE CAUSE IN ENGLAND.

Ir, perhaps, is not known to the brethren generally that the cause of Christ is attracting some considerable attention in Great Britain. There are at present, some forty churches, I presume, in England, Ireland, and Scotland; and when we take into consideration the fact that the whole work has been accomplished by the introduction of brother Campbell's writings, we are ready to say, "Marvellous are thy works, oh! Lord; and wondrous in our eyes." Who would have supposed that the thoughts of a man in the ruggedest region of Virginia would have crossed the Atlantic, and produced such changes in the mosenlightened part of the world in so short a time! Yet there has but a begin

ning been made. William Jones, of London, first introduced amongst the Baptists, some of the writings of the disciples in America, but when he saw that many of his brethren were, as he supposed, too eager to receive the whole gospel, his heart failed him, and although a good man, he had not the nerve to stand the opposition, and shrunk back into Baptist harness and died. But brother James Wallis of Nottingham took the matter in hand-established the "Christian Messenger," one of the best monthlies amongst us, and by it much good has been affected. Other independent spirits came to his assistance till the brethren of the "old world" exhibit strength of numbers demanding respect and talent which will be regarded any where. Brother G. Greenwell, a writer for, and I presume, one of the editors of the Christian Messenger, certainly exhibits very good powers. He shows clearly that he has been a student, knows well the use of the English Language, and is quite familiar with the word of God. * * *

There is little doubt the brethren of England are much more ready to act their duty than they are in this highly favoured land. There, they are poor, whilst here, many of the disciples command their thousands, and hundreds of thousands. Yet in their poverty, they are making strong efforts to induce some of the teachers to go from America to their assistance. Should the writer live and circumstances prove favourable, it is his wish and intention to see the land of his fathers in a few years. It is to be earnestly hoped brother Campbell will visit his native country soon. There is an ample field for him, and he has a holy call, which will doubtless be regarded.-American Christian Review.

Wigan, January 27, 1847.

WE are in want of a dozen Hymn Books, the same as last you sent us; also a dozen Essays on the Remission of Sins, and all the best news you can afford to send us. We have not yet received the Messengers for this month through the neglect of our bookseller. We have had three immersed into Jesus the last month. Is there any Evangelist Fund? or what are we doing as a body of Christians, in making known the glorious gospel of the Son of God? For the last month we had an opening for speaking on the principles of the gospel in Hindly, about three miles from Wigan, on Tuesday night's. We had some very stormy weather since we commenced going, but they have been to me the most pleasant walks I ever had. We have had a company of young men to speak to, about forty in number, and the most orderly meetings I ever was at. I hope good will be done in the name of Jesus.

From your's in Jesus,

TIMOTHY Coop.

BROTHER COOP asks the questions," Is there any Evangelists' Fund? and what are we doing as a body of Christians in making known the glorious gospel of the Son of God?" In reply we beg to say, that there is an Evangelist's Fund in the congregation at Nottingham, and to which some of the smaller congregations in the vicinity have sent in their subscriptions. It would be matter of rejoicing to us could we prevail upon all the churches in England to unite their subscriptions for evangelical purposes of various kinds. Not that we desire to see joint stock companies formed,—but a joint co-operation as indissoluble as the truth itself. As a body of Christians, we are compelled to say, we are not doing all that might be done to make known the glorious gospel of the Son of God. Those who watered others shall themselves be richly watered in return. Neither our zeal, fidelity, nor perseverance, will bear comparison with that of the Saviour and his immediate followers. We hope brother Coop will continue to visit the villages in the vicinity of Wigan. The reward will certainly follow. J. W.

Wakefield, February 9th, 1847. WE are still persevering in primitive Christianity. We added three to our little church last year by baptism, and three who removed from Wortley to

Wakefield. We have had brother Haigh and Thompson, from Huddersfield, on the 10th of last month, and have set many to search for the truth. We are about to take a room to meet in regularly, and we then hope to have the assistance of other churches to proclaim the truths of the New Testament. There is already a shaking among the dry boues. An efficient advocate for a few days would work wonders.

You proposed to published a New Hymn Book, during the last year, and the profits of it to be devoted to the publication of A. Campbell's translation of the New Testament. My present inquiry is, Have you published the said Hymn Book? If so, what is the price of it, and where is it to be had? The next inquiry is, have you published the New Translation? What is the price, and where must it be applied for? Your reply to these questions will greatly oblige, Your's, &c., J. HODGSON.

In reply to brother Hodgson we beg to say that a proposition to publish a new, much enlarged, and corrected Hymn Book, was made during the last year, and that the profits, if any, should be devoted to the bringing out of an improved and cheap edition of A. Campbell's pocket Testament. The project is not abandoned, although we have not at present been able to accomplish our wishes. To obtain an Hymn Book altogether unexceptionable, is a difficult matter, and requires much longer time to accomplish than we anticipated. It is, however, still in progress. As it respects the New Version, we have concluded to let it remain where it is till the arrival of brother Campbell, who, we have no doubt, will suggest some improvement in the arrangement of the English edition. Patience we find to be very needful when engaged in accomplishing any thing designed for the public good of either saints or sinners. .J. W.

Banbury, February 18, 1847.

WE have had five additions, three males and two females, to the church in this place, since brother Greenwell was here.

A. D.

FOREIGN NEWS.

PROSPECTS OF THE CAUSE IN THE UNITED STATES.

FROM the best calculation, there are at least three hundered thousand Christians in the United States and Canada, besides, more than as many more persons are strongly persuaded that we are the only people on earth occupying primitive ground. It would be well for us, however, to examine our true character, as a people,—see if we have made advances and ascertain what we lack yet. Too often, erring mortals take it for granted because they have numbers, they are the only people of God; and again others infer they are highly favoured of Heaven because they are right in a few points. The largest parties are frequently, yea generally the most corrupt; and there are denominations advocating many points which are correct, and yet the members practise a corrupt religion.

I have not the least disposition to draw a comparison between the disciples and the members of other churches; for could it be shown that we have more knowledge than they, or were better in morals, or more pious, it would not be positive evidence that we are even worthy of the Christian profession.

My object at present is, to merely suggest the progress we have made in knowledge and practice, and point out a few particulars in which we are still wanting.

1. We have assuredly taken the only correct system of government. We say the Bible and the Bible alone is our rule of faith and practice, whilst there is no denomination on earth, so far as I have learned, that has perfect confidence in this plan, or whose members even profess to be governed by the Bible alone.

All say, they take the Bible, but in their denominational relations they are obliged to adopt rules suited to themselves. The Bible recognizes not denominations. We have proposed to all who fear God, a union upon the Scriptures, and we are fully persuaded, should there ever be a destruction of parties, it will be upon this foundation God's people will flow together. So far, we have done well; and we should rejoice that we have been enabled to see so much of the way of righteousness.

2. We have learned the good lesson to put no confidence in modern machinery to make Christians. We are the only people, in my knowledge, who profess to rely upon the simple statements of the New Testament for pardon of sins. We have learned that forgiveness has reference to law, and that the man who believes with all his heart on the Saviour, repents of his sins, confesses the name of Christ, and is baptized for remission, has God's veracity pledged that his offences are all blotted from the book of his remembrance. For this lesson also, (which has been learned by no party,) we should be most grateful to Heaven.

3. We as a people too, have made greater progress in the study of the Scriptures than our contemporaries. Instead of looking at the Scriptures as a daik mass of disconnected texts, we have learned that the word of the Lord has been beautifully divided by a master workman. We have learned that the Old Testament is a book of history, law, prophecy, and also, that Christianity is not taught in it, only in shadows and types; and we have heard also that the New Testament treats of gospel conversion, discipline, and revolutions, and that he who will not study it with reference to these grand divisions will not likely see the truth. For this knowledge, Oh! how shall we manifest adequate thanks to our Maker!

In these particulars we have made progress greatly in advance of the people of our age, and we should by no means become disheartened and reckless if every thing should not exactly suit us. We have learned and done much, and still "there is room"-we are but in our infancy.

Some of the disciples understand the "first principles" of Christianity pretty well, and to such I beg the liberty of offering a few suggestions.

1. We, brethren, can improve very much in our knowledge of the Christian character. Time was when each disciple carried his New Testament on his person, for the purpose of learning how Christians were made: but unfortunately for the cause, when that department is pretty well understood, it was imagined enough to answer was learned, and the books were laid aside. We must again resort to the word of truth for knowledge. Indeed, I see not how any people can be improved in the graces of Christianity who do not first gain much of the wisdom from above. Our ignorance is the main cause of every failure of growth in moral character and pious accomplishments.

Unless the Bible is made a family school book, and churches can be induced to spend much of the Lord's day in scearching the precious oracles, great improvement cannot be expected. Brethren, in this particular we are exceedingly deficient. The young are growing up ignorant of the Word of Life, and many of the aged members seem to have but little taste in reading the sacred volume. Let every congregation of the disciples consider itself a Lord's-day-bible-class, and every family consider, that it is incumbent upon the members to become familiar with the word of God, and knowledge will abound in the earth.

2. We lack also much in reference to the order of churches. There were certain things primitively wanting in the different congregations, without which the bodies could not be perfected; and doubtless, in the churches of this day there is much needed. There is a proper place for each member, and peculiar services for all to perform in order to the growth of grace contemplated. There are certain offices in the body who must be actively engaged, and each member must know his daily work, before the church can grow into a holy temple in the Lord. The greatest mischief in churches often arises from the fact, that members conclude there is nothing for them to do. Idlers in the camp of Israel were severely punished, and there is but little room for excuse for the indolent in this day. Peter called the members of Christ, "lively stones" in the heavenly building. The fact is, we do not consider ourselves the Lord's, and therefore, there is a disposition to appropriate time according to each one's fancy. The