CLAIMS OF EVANGELISTS.

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when unable to labor. Evangelists have the same right in this respect that others enjoy. They are generally men in ordinary circumstances, as are nearly all the benefactors of our race, and have children to educate and settle, and some of them are blessed with friends, to whom they delight to extend their hospitalities, and they should receive enough to enable them to do so. A rich brother once told me that a man who was unwilling to forego all the pleasures of the world, and to suffer its miseries, was not worthy the title of a disciple of Jesus Christ. I asked him if he was willing to be nearly all the time absent from his fond wife and lovely little children-to leave them at home in a state of suffering and want-and to ride through rain and sunshine, cold and heat, to preach to people who thought, many of them, that they were conferring an honor on him to go and hear him preach? His reply was that nothing would induce him to do it. "How then," said I, "can you desire others to do what you would not be willing to do yourself?" His reply was, that he was not a preacher! "Then," said I, "you want preachers to make all the sacrifice, and the people none." This is the common feeling. But my impression is, that professors of Christianity, who are unwilling to make a sacrifice of their money-(and how trifling a sacrifice is this in comparison to that of domestic enjoyment, time, constitution, and all a man has)—are but poor Christians at best, and will get but a humble seat in heaven. All shall be rewarded according to their works, and they that do no good works are not entitled to any reward.

6. It is a great and heinous sin not to pay those who labor for us in temporal things. "Woe to him who uses his neighbor's services without wages, and gives him not for his work!" Jer. xxii. 13. "Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is kept back by your fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth." Jas. v. 4. If a heavy curse is pronounced against him who uses his fellow's service without wages, and gives him not for his work, what may be expected those will suffer who use the time, and talents, and incessant and hard labor of the Lord's Evangelists for naught, and refuse to remunerate them for their services? If God hears the cries of the oppressed and defrauded reapers, will he not also hear the distresses of the wronged Preachers? Will he not hear the sighs of want and groans of oppression that rise from the heaving bosoms of his hundreds of servants whose "labors of love" go unrewarded by the churches that roll in luxury? Will he suffer with impunity his reapers to be driven from the harvest-field, where men, like ripe wheat, are perishing for the want of the sickle and shelter, by the lean visage of grim poverty and starvation? Will he permit the bitter tears of his Evangelist's wife to be shed in vain? to wear great channels in their cheeks with the distresses of herself and little poverty-stricken children? Is there not to be a day of reckoning when rich Christians will be called to account for the use they have made of the Lord's money? Yes, this day will come; and I fear that many who now think they will be admitted to exalted seats in heaven because they knew so much here, will find themselves excluded from the golden city altogether, because they have done so little for the Lord's Evangelists. I am acquainted with a rich professor of the Christian religion who is in as good a condition to aid 36*

VOL. II.-N. S.

in advancing the cause of Jesus Christ as any one I know, who really boasts that he has never, since he became a Reformer-(I am ashamed to be compelled so to call him)-given one cent to an Evangelist!! This man, with all his riches, is poor, and blind, and naked. Were he to pay all he owes to Evangelists, his riches would do him some good. He might get to heaven; for "when he fails," they might "receive him to everlasting habitations." The Apostle tells us of some who glory in their shame: such certainly is the person named above. "Charge the rich," says the Apostle Paul to Timothy, "to do good, to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. vi. 17--19. Here I must leave the subject for the present. JUSTUS.

For the Millennial Harbinger.

A PERFECT MAN IN CHRIST JESUS-No. 11. In the parable of the sower 1 omitted to notice a lesson taught there in my first number. It appears in the second edition of the parable that the seed which fell among thorns sprang up, but brought no fruit to perfection; that is, it did not get its full growth and ripen for the husbandman's use. Let us remember the cause why it did not: "They were choked with the cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life." What an awful truth is here presented to us! Few seem to be duly sensible of it. Hence we learn that when the mind is choked up with the things of this life we cannot bring forth fruit unto perfection. This secular age demonstrates to us the wisdom and truth of our Great Teacher. The disciples of this age have attained to a perfection upon different principles than those taught us by Jesus Christ. Hence in their proceedings in their congregations, councils, associations, or conventions, they have acted as if they were above their Master: for they do not pretend to say that Jesus Christ has taught them to call Councils, Associations, and Conventions to decide upon who are his disciples and who are not. Jesus Christ taught his hearers, "The disciple is not above his Master, but every one that is perfect shall be as his Master." He informs them in what this perfection consisted. It was not in beholding a mote in a brother's eye, but casting out the beam in our own eye. It was not calling him Lord, Lord, but doing the things he commanded them. It was digging deep, laying their foundation upon what he taught them to do, which the vehemence of no flood or stream could shake. This leads me to remind the reader again of the object of these essays: There can be no assurance of our doing the will of God without a knowledge of his will. This can be obtained only by an attentive perusal, meditation, and prayer over his word, or a proclamation of the gospel.

I will for the present leave the lessons of Jesus Christ, with an intention of returning, and attend to the teaching of the Apostles. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, exhorts them "not to be conformed to this world; but to be transformed by the renewing of their mind, that they may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

A PERFECT MAN IN CHRIST JESUS.

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This could be done in no other way than by a practical knowledge of the scriptures. Hence the gospel was not handed down to us in order that we might have a mental or speculative knowledge of its contents, but that it should, when understood and believed, become a principle of action in us, moving us to an observance of all its precepts and lessons. It was proclaimed for the "obedience of faith" among all nations: that is, all that believe it should obey it. This is to prove its goodness, acceptableness, and perfection among men.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, tells us plainly what it is to be "a perfect man," and the means ordained of God to make us such. Jesus Christ the Son of God "has ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things; he has according to prophecy led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." "And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers." The object for which this was done, was, "the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry-for the edifying of the body of Christ-till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him, in all things, which is the head, even Christ; from whom the whole body, fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying itself in love."

I have given above the words of the Spirit, spoken by the Apostle, to show that perfect men in Jesus Christ were those that had arrived to a knowledge and practice of the gospel of Christ, united together in love, as the members of the human body, and having the same care, every member for each other. This was the design of Jesus Christ in giving gifts unto men. The Apostles laid the foundation of union-JESUS IS THE CHRIST;" the Prophets explained the prophecies concerning him, and foretold future events ander his reign; the Evangelists were those sent out by the Apostles and churches to plant and set in order churches wherever they were successful in the proclamation of the gospel; the Pastors or Elders and Teachers were stationary over their respective congregations. Thus when sinners believed that Jesus was the Christ, upon the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, when proclaimed by the Evangelist, and obeyed the gospel, they became members of the ONE RODY, animated by that ONE SPIRIT, having ONE HOPE of their calling, ONE LORD to rule this ONE BODY, that sent this ONE SPIRIT to dwell in this ONE BODY, to consummate this ONE HOPE, Confirm this ONE FAITH, ONE GOSPEL, or belief in ONE JESUS, whose promises to the obedient are Yea and Amen to his glory, ONE BAPTISM that will put us into the full enjoyment and make us partakers of this one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, and one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. This is what the Apostle calls "keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," (love:) that is, the Spirit's testimony respecting the salvation of sinners is kept united when we observe the order as delivered by him on the day of Pentecost. But more of this hereafter.

THOMAS M. HENLEY.

News from the Churches.

Centreville, Bourbon county, Kentucky, June 21, 1838. THE gospel of Christ, exhibited in its original simplicity and beauty, still continues to prove itself the power of God unto salvation to those who believe it here. Hundreds recently in this part of Kentucky have been made to rejoice with unutterable joy. But as you have doubtless been informed of much of the good achieved here lately, I will only say to you at present, that on the 9th inst. I commenced with the brethren and sisters at Republican (some five miles south of Lexington) a protracted meeting. Next day brother Curtis Smith joined us, and the day following brother Thomas Smith, and soon after brother Leonard of Fleming came to our assistance. We endeavored steadily to portray to the Christian's view the beauties, excellencies, and practical bearings of the Christian system, and faithfully to show sinners their transgressions, and affectionately present them the good news, with the plan of salvation devised by infinite wisdom, neither turning to the right or left to debate about speculations or human traditions; nor to revile our revilers, nor to abuse our persecutors; but rather imploring for all the mercy of the Lord. As you may readily suppose, we were greatly blessed: Forty-three in all from the ranks of the aliens obeyed the Lord, our meeting having lasted only five days. I regretted that another appointment at a distance forced me away, as the field all around appeared suddenly very ripe to harvest; and could we have remained, I verily believe one hundred might have been added. As an evidence of the impression left on the public mind, brother J. Creath, Jr. informis me that six more last Lord's day, in the same neighborhood, confess ed the Lord.

On last Lord's day I addressed the people at Antioch in this county: six came forward to obey the Lord-two of them from the Methodists. The day before I immereed two at the same place; and on yesterday I spoke again about half way between this and Lexington: two more confessed the Lord, and we proceeded to the water (Elkhorn) where I immersed four, three of which confessed at Antioch.

I neglected to state that on Sunday evening last I went on to Lexington, being sent for by express, and there had the pleasure of meeting brethren J. T. Johnson, John Smith, and B. F. Hall. Three confessed that evening; others were added, and we remained with them until next afternoon. One more confessed, and the meeting closed with fine prospects. As well as I recollect, more than thirty during the meeting were added therebrother J. T. Johnson being the chief laborer for more than ten days. May the kind Lord preserve, sustain, and abundantly bless him! I am happy to inform that the unfortunate breach, or rather hurt. is in the way of being most happily healed.

On to-morrow, the Lord willing, I set out for Clintonville, to attend another protracted meeting.

Oh! what a pity that Mr. Stiles should be regarded by any as identified with Christianity! He is now going the rounds after our happy meetings, endeavoring to get up the spirit of debate and war, by abusing and misrepresenting us Brother Raines is now standing up in our defence in Paris. I think, however, your expose in the last number of the M. H. will about place him in his real and proper attitude before the people of Kentucky. There is yet room for him to repent-turn round and preach Christ."

J. ALLEN GANO. Nottingham, England, May 20, 1838. On the 27th of April I wrote you a few lines, in which I stated that Miss H. Bakewell had been baptized into Jesus. Before she left Nottingham her sister Enima followed in the same steps; and since then several others, both men and women, have been buried with Christ by baptism unto death.

From the June number of the Christian Messenger you will learn a little of our state as a church. Last Lord's day our number was increased to one hundred and twenty; and if we continue "with one accord to meet in the same place" on every first day of the week as we have hitherto done, I have no doubt we shall, before May, 1839, be greatly increased. We have some most promising young men among us, real students of the best of books, very diligent and apt to teach as well as to prove facts to the conviction of many. There are differences of opinion among us, stil! our union and love continue to be unbroken. The one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one Spirit, one God and Father, &c. in connexion with the institutions on the first day of the week, prove quite sufficient as so many arteries and ligaments to bind and cement us together upon the one foundation, even Christ Jesus our Lord.

Since I last wrote I have received from Bethany the whole volume of the Harbinger for last year; also, the January and March numbers for the current year: the February number has missed its way at present, nor is the April yet come to hand. Please accept my most grateful acknowledgment for them and for all your kindness to me and the brethren in general. You and the brethren in America are often remembered by us in our approaches to the Father of lights; and although you need not our help, yet we sympathise with you in all your combats and rejoice with you in all your joys; and may the Lord abundantly bless and prosper you in all things for his name's sake,

Brother Davies of Chester lias sent me the Harbinger for 1836, as well as your letter to brother Jones on the Moral Law. It has often been inquired for by different brethren who

ook Mr. Jones' Millennial Harbinger; I have therefore, as you will see in the Christian Messenger, introduced it immediately. The church at Huddersfield, which commenced last August with six members, have continued to meet on every first day to break the loaf, &c. have increased to fourteen in number, and I am informed this day that their prospects are very encouraging. JAMES WALLIS. Georgetown, Kentucky, July 6, 1838. I believe I gave you an account of the meeting I held at Lexington, where thirty-five were added to the congregation; as also a meeting at Republican, held by brother Gano and others, at the same time, where forty-three were added.

I returned home and met our talented and much beloved brother Gano at Clintonville, 8 miles south of Paris. We labored hard for six days and obtained forty additions. The prospects were still very good, but we were obliged to return home and meet our engagement at Leesburg, 10 miles from this place. We labored hard for seven days, including the 4th of July, and obtained fifty-nine additions. Oh! the times were most joyous! On the 4th of July sixteen bowed to the Lord.

We received a few fine accessions from the ranks of the Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians. We immersed Mrs. Hutchcraft at Clintonville. She is one of the most estimable ladies in the state.

Oh! that you could be with us while the field is so white for the sickle! You would do more good in Kentucky at this time than at any former, and perhaps after period of your J.T.JOHNSON.

life.

Charlotteville, Louisa county, Virginia, August 10, 1838. My last to you was full of lamentation on account of the cause in these parts. I am happy to be able to change my tone in this. Two weeks ago I went down to Hickory Neck, in James City County, and held a three days' meeting, which was attended with great good. Much prejudice existed in this neighborhood, but still the people turned out to hear in crowds beyond our expectation. We succeeded in six discourses in breaking down and rooting out this baneful weed from the minds of all who heard, so far as we were informed, and in persuading four persons to obey the Lord-two gentlemen and two ladies. Our beloved brother T. M. Henley was with me, and had the pleasure of seeing me bury his brother, Richardson Henley, in baptism, much to the rejoicing of his soul. I then returned to Richmond, and on last Friday set out for Louisa, and preached at Ground Squirrel on my way, where I met with brother James Bagby, who conducted me the next day to Bethany, where we held a four days' meeting. We had expected brother Goss at this meeting, but were disappointed; of course the labor chiefly fell on me. I preached twice each day during the meeting, brother Bagby generally following with an appropriate exhortation or an application of the previous discourse. The result of our labors was cheering. Eight persons determined to leave the ranks of Satan, and the disciples were edified and strengthened in the Lord. We preached the Word, and have reason to hope from the attention of many intelligeut persons from day to day, that the good seed of the kingdom will be manifest shortly.

The operators in sectarian machinery for manufacturing proselytes were at work during the whole of our meeting within four miles of Bethany; and Mr. James Fife, a chief operator, has had the felicity, as we are told, of preaching in the last month the following consistent inconsistencies: "That faith alone was for justification, or remission of sins," and also that "unless the people kept the commandments of God they could have no assurance of remission of sins"!!

To-day we start for Charlottesville. We are rather broken down from the heat and much speaking; but may the Lord help us!

JAMES HENSHALL. Warren, Ohio, July 12, 1838.

Our yearly meeting at Chardon, commencing the 8th of June, was indeed an interesting one. The preachers and people appeared to be inspired by a true spirit of devotion, which I am happy to perceive is becoming much more general than it was some years since. There were sixteen persons buried to the world in the Lord during the meeting. Since then there were three added at Willoughby, and seven at Burton have renounced all "foreign powers and potentates" and avowed their allegiance to the Lord, to continue to obey him in all things Since my arrival here, to day, I have learned that eleven were added to the congregation at Garretsville, on Lord's day, July 1.

A. P. JONES. Cincinnati, July, 1838.

Brother Pinkerton and myself have just returned from the protracted meetings which were held at Connersville and Flat Rock, at which places we labored, in conjunction with our esteemed brother O'Kane, for eleven days, and had the pleasure of seeing many of our dear friends turn to the Lord. Forty-three made the good confession, and twelve or fifteen were added by letter. Prospects in that region are very good, the fields are ready for harvest but the laborers are few. May the good Lord of the harvest send more laborers, that many sheaves may be gathered into eternal life! L. H. JAMESON.

During our last protracted meeting in this place, ten made the good confession. Two made the confession yesterday. Our beloved brothers Challen and O'Kane were in attendance during the meeting. L. H. J.