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ion. under ilie patronage of our Foreign
Missionary Board. As il seems particular*
ly intended to sound the Macedonian cry
from heathen lands, it is veiy appropriate
ly entitled, “The Macedonian.” One sin
gle. dollar will procure air copies of it ; five
dollars, fifty copies. For about twenty
dollars, the Churches of our Association
might he supplied with from 10 to 20 cop
ies each. ‘l'll s would be a little more than
one dollar for every church—a small amount
indeed, when compared with the advanta
ges to he derived from the regular peiusal
of such a valuable publication.
But we must dose. We hope, dear bre
fltran, that this communication will not he
to you like “sounding brass and a lincklitig
rymbol;” but that you will duly ponder the
suggestions wbir.lt we make, and endeavor
to convert them to some practice!, and pro
fitable use.
The Principles of Church Government.
11l or THE NUMBER NECESSARY TO CON
STITUTE A CHURCH.
Some diversity of opinion has been en
tertained. in reference to the number requi
site to constitute a church. The Jews of
old, maintained that less than ten “men of
leisure”* were inadequate to form a con
gregation. It is supposed, b. some, that it
was to opposition to this tradition that tin;
Saviour remarked; in Malt. 18. 20, “Where
two or three are gathered together in mv
nama there am I in the midst of them.”—
Cotton .Mather, in his Congregational
Kttles of Discipline, informs us, that “se
ven is the least number that has been a
- wed among us as capable to form a church
state lor the enjoyments of all special ordi
nances; Inn usually there is a larger mini
her expected”—Hal. Diseip. Art. 1. O.ie
reason In assig is fir his limitation is, that
it li is been apprehended, that the rule giv
en bv the Siviour, in Matt. 18. 15
“could nut he reduced to .practice by any
number tinder seven.” By what process
of reasoning he, or others, arrived at this
conclusion, we are not informed; hut we
suppose they must have assumed, that the
aggrieved anil the aggressor, and the “one
or two more” whom the injured person
was to take ’with him, were private mem
bers. bet tbisbe assumed, and let the ml
eolation hi ma In with the larger number of
helps to he invoked, two. and we shall
have four private members. To these, add
the officers—say, a pastor and two deacons,
and we shall have the compliment seven -
It is very possible, that they may have been
influenced somewhat in selecting this mini
her, as lias been conjectured by Upliam, by
the passage in Prov, 9. 1; “Wisdom hath
buildetl her house: she liadi hewn out her
seven pillars.” Terlulliaii infers from the
remark of the Saviour cited above, that
three lav members are sulfiojent for the
constitution of the church. Übi Iren, ecclc
nifi cit. licet laid. The first Association
held by the separate Baptists in Virginia,
in 1771, agreed upon several articles which
were duly recorded in their Minn es. In
one, which bad reference to tbu constitu
ting into a separate church, members who
lived remote from their place of worship,
they allow, in general terms, “any number
of members” to be sulllcient—Semples’
Hist. Va. Bapt. p. 50. The Kehukee As
sociation, at its session in M iv, 1783, an
swered a query on the subject in the fol
lowing indefinite manner. “We give it as
our opinion that a number of members who
are capable to carry on a proper discipline
in a church, are sufficient for a constitution”
Hist - Keltiik, As- p. 08. The Georgia
Association in its Minutes of 1705. an
swers a similar inquiry, as follows; “Any
number containing the several officers of a
chinch; and sufficient to carry on discipline
according to the 18th Matthew”—Mercer’s
Hist. Ga. Bap. As. p. 129.
In the absence of any express instruc
tions on this subhject, in the word of God,
or any uniformity in the recorded practice
of our denomination, we are left to he gov
erned liV our own views of expediency mil
circumstances of the case? We may, how
ever, lay it down as a general principle,
that
.$ church should never he onttituted
with avery t small number'd/members, tin
less there are in that small number, men
amply quulijie.l by their age, piety, intelli
gence an l experience to sustain the char
acter of the church, an I direct its opera
tions; nor shout l it be done even then, un
less there is u prospect that the ncivltj con
stituted church null be able to secure the
regular ministration of the gospel, and
trill be ultimately strengthened, by consid
erable additions to their original number.
Incalculable injury lias been done to the
cause nf Christ, mul to the Baptist church
til particular, by the c. instituting ofrhutche?
with a small number of inefficient mem
bers. Such churches, instead of advanc
ing. have generally impeded die spread of
the gospel. They have dragged out a lew
years of an ignoble existence and have pass
oil away, unfortunately not to be forgotten,
hut to he remembered as a reproach to the
cause which they espoused. Their carca
ses remain to prove a source of inf etion to
a rising gen ration, and many a long year
rolls away, and many a chilling wintry
blast sweeps over the place of their former
habiiaiinn, before the noxious ellluria which
they yield is wholly exhausted.
•"Men ot leisure”—We commend this
part of the Rabbinical requisition to the no
tice of the rentier. We should rejoice if
every denomination would make it a sine
qua non, in (ITe constitution of churches,
that a portion, at least, of the applicants for
a c hurch constitution should he “men ol j
leisure”—that is; men who have leisure to 1
rea 1 tltcir bibles, maintain family worship,
observe secret prayer, attend religious
meetings—serve God and do good as op
portunities are presented. Alas! we know
o| some large churches that seem not to
have one member in them who lias leisure
tn attend to his religions duties! The
world and the vanities thereof, engross all
their time, all their attention, all their funds,
and ton open, all their r.flVefiiin*.
iV.—OF THE FORM OF CONSTITUTING
A CHURCH.
Os the forms used in the constitution of;
churches iu the days of the apostles, we |
know hut little. All that we can affirm
with certainty is,
1. That they were founded upon a com- j
nton faith. “Now, therefore, ye are no j
more strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the house
hold of God. And arc built upon the foun
dation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner
stone.” Eph. ii. 10—20. The foundation
upon which they ate here represented as
being built is evidently a belief in the doc
trines taught by the “apostles ami pto
phets,” the chiif of which was, that Jesus
Christ was the Son of God, the promised
.Messiah, and the only Savour of sinners.
Thai at their induction into a church state
some of the prominent doctrines of the
gospel were exhibited to them; to which
they yielded their assent, we infer from
Paid's remark t-> the Homans. “Ye have
obeyed from the heart that form of doc
trine which was delivered you,” Rom. vi.
17, and his charge, “Now 1 beseech you,
brethren, mark them which cause division
and oll’ences contrary to the doctrine which
you have learned; and aviod them,” xvi.
17. Compare.with these passages, 1 Cor.
xtv. 20, Eph. iv. 14, l Thus. iv. I—2,
I Tim. i. 2, Ileb. vi. 1, 2 Jno. 9, liev. ii,
II
2. They solemnly dedicated themselves
to God; and
3. Tney covenanted togethei to co-oper
ate with the apostles, and other ministers of
the Lord Jesus, iu dispensing abroad the
bl.-ssings of the Gospel. “And this they
did, not as we hoped; lint first gave their
ownseives to the Lord, ami unto us by the
will ul God.” 2 Cor. viii. 5,
I’ll) dedication and covenanting togeth
er was most probably done in a public as
sembly'. iu imitation of similar arts, per
formed on so new hat si .filar occasions, by
the servants of God, anteiior to the intro
duction of the gospel. For instances of
such solemn public covenanting with God
and his ministers, see Ex.xix. 7—B. Dent,
v. 27. Josh. xxiv. 16—25 and Nell. ix. 38.
In the two last instances, the covenants
were written.
As men are endowed by natute with a
capacity fir self-government, arty adequate
number of believers, no igregnled together
in the same neighhoihiiml or town, have
the right to enter into a compact with each
other, mid to covenant to live together in
gospel nrdei, as a church of Christ, with
out ask ng leave of any existing church or
association But all things that are lawful
are not expedient. To gu ml against all
disorder, and secure the confidence and co
operation of other churches, thev should ap
ply to neighhoringcluirclies for the services
of theii pastors, or to the Association,
within wlto.-e bounds they are, for the ap
pointment of a committee of elders to act
as a council or presbytery, to advise and as
sist in their organization, should it be deem
ed expedient to organize a clittr h.
It is the duly of a ootim il or presbytery,
called for the above purpose, to inquire into
the propriety of anew organization, tile
Christian character of those proposing lobe
constituted into a church, the ground of
their faith, their views of the ordinances
and doctrines of the gospel, and their un
derstanding of the duties of churches and
clutrch members, especially with reference
to the promulgation ol the gospel; as this
is one of the main ends designed to be an
swered by the institution ol a church state.
This examination should lie hail prior to
any appointment for the public recognition
of the applicants as a church, that the pres
bytery may led free to decline acting,
should they he dissatisfied with the results
of their examination, and that, in such an
event, those proposing to be incorporated
into a ehtirt h may be saved, as far as possi
ble, from feelings of mollification. I'lie
refusal on the part of a presbytery to act in
such a case, should not be construed as in
terdicting the constitution of a church, hut
simply as declarative of their belief, that
under all the circumstances of the case, it
is inexpedient; and as expressive of their
unwillingness to proceed any further.—
Should the applicants for a church organi
zation dissent from the views of the pres
bytery, they have the right to call another
presbytery: btit such other presbytery
should he very sure that they are tight, be
lore they proceed to am at v nance with the
deliberate decision of a former presbytery.
The usage of our denomination, in re
fereuce to the constitution of churches, is
by no means uniform. Some Associations
require, that those wishing to be formed in
j to a church, with the expectation of being
| associated with them, should apply, at a
regular session of llieir body, for tile np
j point! ntiiil of a presbytery, by the associa
! lion, to vis t them, examine the it state and
; prospects, ami, if they think proper, con
| simile them into a church. Hut this ptae
! uce is not very prevalent. In other cases,
wlioie the most of those who propose to
enter into anew constitution, ar-v members
ol the same < hiircli, the church from which
they cmigiate invite the presbytery. The
most common practice is. for the individ
uals about to enter into a church covenant
with each other, to consult their own
wishes, and call such ministers to act as
they would prefer, or can the most easily
obtain. i lie course prescribed above,
however, of applying to neighboring
churches for a i ouneil, appears to us the
most judicious. In Congregational chinches
generally, and in some Baptist churches,
the council called, on such occasions, is
composed, in part, of lay members, that
all the interests of the church may be duly
regarded. We have no particular objec
tion to this, but see no imperious necessity
for it, or any very great advantages to be I
secured by it.
Religious cxetcises of a public character
are always connected with the constitution
of our church. These are varied accord
ing to circumstances. They generally con
sist in the reading of suitable portions of
scripture—singing and prayer—a sertnon
appropriate to the occasion—extending the
right hand of fellowship—a charge—an ap
propriate prayer, and the services are closed
with tlie benediction, as usual. There is
generally, also, a public examination, not
so much for the satisfaction of the pteshv
tory, as lor the benefit of the congregation.
The prebyterv, as previously stated, -mould
satisfy l lemselves of the propriety of or
ganizing the church before tlie public sei
vices are undertaken. The publ’c exami
nation is sometimes made in the early part
of t e services, being preceded only by a
prayei for divine direction. In most in
stances in which we have witnessed the
ceremony, it has succeeded the sermon.
As the organization of no church can be
co iqilete without officers to direct both its
spiritual and seculari oneems, the presbyte
ry should not adjourn finally without see
ing that the church is duly supplied with
such officers as are sanctioned by scripture,
and are requisite lot present emergences at
least. Moreover, as no church can be well
governed without tlie adoption of rules, or
the admission of certain general principles
by which they are willing to be governed,- -
it is fully within the province of a presby
tery to assist in drafting a constitution, a
church covenant, and general rulesmf disci
pline. if these have nut been previously
prepared. The constitution and church
covenant should he drafted and accepted
previous to the of the
church. These, and an abstract of theft
faith, where there is one prepared, should
he lead publicly before the right hand of
fellowship is extended. Where there is
an abstract of faith prepared and read be
fore the congregation, the public examina
tion is unnecessary.
From the Religious Ileruld.
New England. March 2, 1841.
Dear Uro, Sands: —l have been think
ing for some time past, whether or not it
would he agreeable to you and your read
ers. to receive a letter from this region oc
casionally ; and have come to tlie conclu
sion that ii would. My reflection on this
subject, arose from the lad that 1 have seen,
and become acquainted with many things,
which to mu w re entirely unknown, and
to which I should have remained a stranger
until this day, had tny sojourning* contin
ued. where they once were, in the land ol
mv lathers—in the land, around which mv
afflictions still linger with the fondest de
light. Many of these tilings are not unim
portant or uninteresting.
Let ns begin with a few of the peculiari
ties in our churches here. It is a prevail
ing custom- in N. Knglami for ministers to
read their sermons, and as a natural conse
quence, when they are not expert hands,
have tiie piivilege of receiving a number of
polite hows, from many individuals in dif
ferent parts of the congregation. This
practice has not been adopted in Virginia
lo any extent, and may it never he, except
by those who can read as well or better
than they can speak. Every church that is
able has an organ, pouring forth its deep,
rolling, tremulous strains every land's day.
And those that are not able to have an or
gan, have either the (lute, violin, clarionet
or base viol, and sometime* several of them
together. A person is scarcely ever heard
10 sing, unless lie is a member of the Choir.
What we often think the very best of
hymns and tunes, I mean the “Old fash
ioned ones,” are scarcely ever sung. And
should one enter the church while prayer
is being offered, he need not be surprised
to see the whole or nearly all the congrega
lion in a sitting posture. Nor should he he
amazed, at such a time, if lie found many
eyes coining in contact with his, while pass
ing gently along the aisle to his seat. If.
however, he wishes to astonish others or to
obtain notoriety, let l.im in imitation of bet
ter times, sanction the prayer at its close,
with a reasonable Amen, and he will ac
complish liis object most elfectually. Ev
ery church has generally two sermons on
Lord's day, and a prayer meeting at night
There are in Massachusetts anil R. Island
moie ministers than churches. Still there
are several churches without regular pas
tors. Connecticut has as many ministers
ns churches. The other states average con
sideiahly more ministers, in proportion to
the churches, than Virginia does, whose
number of churches is more than double
that of its ministers. The churches gener
ally are active, energetic, jnal efficient mis
sionary bodies. They have in them a freer
spirit of inquiry than exists in those at the
South. Hence, it is not uncommon for or
dinary members to call in question any
doctrines or opinions, that may have been
advanced. Tins spirit is in many respects
desitable; but unfortunately, it produces to
too great an extent, that want of respect,
veneration and love, which should always i
exist towards the devoted Shepherd of iher
Hock. And to it we may ascribe more or
less the different opinions which now dis
tract the churches, to a most lamentable ex
tent. What will be Us results, is yet a
mong the secrets of Him who rules in the
Heavens, and on t.e earth. May luidirect
it to the advancement of bis cause, and to
the honor of his great name.
Fasting and prayer fur Seminaries of
learning.
The last Thursday of February was ob
served as a day of prayer for Colleges. 1
rejoice that the importance of this subject is
beginning to be fell in our churches and in-j
stitiitions of learning, li is observed much j
more generally here than it is with you.— ‘
Hut it has not yet been viewed in its prop-’
er light, llow important is it that the foim- j
tains whence issue streams, destined to in !
tluenee in no small degree, the vital inter-j
esls of this growing republic of ours, he;
sanctified by the special presence of the !
Spirit of God. And how docs its impor
tance arise in our estimation, when we call
to mind the fact, that comparatively veri
few of our Colleges and seminaries ami
even common schools, are allowed to have
the Bible, or any book intimately connected
with it. enrolled in the catalogue of studies
—whilst there are some not only without a
catalogue of religious studies, but which are
entirely under the control or direction of
those who arc themselves hostile to rpligion.
Now what shall be done in such cases?—
We have not access to them sufficient to
produce any change of inipmtance. There
is but one rein dy : we must betake our
selves to prayer ; ami the last Thursday of
February ol each year, is set apart for that
purpose; so that all who feel an interest in
Hie subject may unite in sending up a vol
ume of prayer to God, that these fountains
ol light ami knowledge may be sanctified
and made lit instruments in his hands of
saving a lost world. And its importance is
enhanced by the blessings which God has
bestowed iu answer to prayer offered on
that day. Let facts speak. At a prayer
meeting on such an occasion, which 1 at
tended. the following statements were made,
which ate not only interesting, but which
speak well for the institutions to which
they allude.
Waterville College. One year ago the
religious influence in this institution was
small. Not more than one fourth of the
students were professors of religion. Fast
day was observed, and iniinedia ely there
commenced a revival ol religion, which re
sulted in the conversion of about 25 stu
dents, and a deep, healthy, pious feeling,
which still exerts hallowed influence on all
connected with ilia College, llall of these
young men are studying for the ministry.
At least two thirds of the students are now
.pious.
Yale and Williams’ Colleges. In the
former of these institutions, about three
jrears ago, there was a revival, in the pro
gress of which 70 young men ptofesed re
ligion. It was said to have commenced ve
ry soon after fast day for colleges. In the
latter there was a revival, winch was traced
immediately to the influence of religious
services on a similar occasion, which re
sulted in the hopeful conversion ol'3o young
uieti.
College. There was a revi
val in this institution last year, in which 11
students, besides some in the preparatory
department, were hopefully converted.—
.Many of the students are engaged in a Sab
bath School of their own formation, which
has been sustained by them for three years,
and which is now in a flouriahing condition.
They also hold prayer meetings in the
neighborhood, which with the Sabbath
School, are exerting a very salutary influ
ence. Dr. Chapin who has been frequent
ly present at these meetings, has often said,
they were the most interesting meetings he
attended. The influence of the College on
tlie neighborhood was stated to he highly
heneficial. At least two thirds of the stu
dents were siiid to be professors of religion.
May this Itolv, hallowed influence be con
tinued. may all of our college's this year be
favored with the signal presence of the Ho
ly Spirit, and mav the importance of setting
apart the hist Thursday f.f February as a
day of prayer for colleges be duly felt
throughout the length ami breadth of our
land.
When any thing of importance or inter
est presents itself, you may expect to hejr
frotn me again.
*&c. S. C. C.
The SnffiTiiigs of Christ.
Has Jesus ceased to sutler? In one sense
! doubtless lui has. Tile work of atonement
is finished, otic offering, once offered, and
once for all. Hut has Jesus ceased to suf
Her? Hear what Saint Paul has written
concerning professers of the religion of Je
sus, who fail hack into sin. * They cruet
fv to themselves the Son of God afresh,
and put him to nil opm shame.” His in
terest m his people is so intense; bis ten
det anxiety for their salvation so penetra
ting, that wilful si i on their part is as it
were a fresh crucifixion of him itt his most
affectionate feelings; and his honor is so
identified with their consistency, that when
they are inconsistent, he is put to open
shame. Here then, we are supplied with
a test of examination as to how far the
mind is in us, which was, anil is, also in
Cluist Jesus. Here 1 would ask (I do not
at present address myself to such as by
their own conduct cause pain and shame to
our blessed Lmd—though there may be
some such among you, but I would ask)
those who hear of and witness such deplo
rable inconsistencies; are you affected, real
ly painfully affected by such facts; are your
sympathies engaged; is your keen anxiety
excited; are you so far “one with Christ,
and Christ with you,” as to feel yourselves
crucified and pul to shame by such instan
ces of awful profaneness? Or, oil the
other hand, are you at ease and contented
with that species of selfishness, which (if
you can fed that you are personally in a
good degree consistent) leaves you uncon
cerned about the inconsistencies nf other.-?
Suiely where there is no spiritual sympa
thy, there can be no spiritual life. Andj
-StiWrly there is no pulse which more arm
rawly tests the strength ot spiritual life,
than the heat of this spiritual sympathy—
the unaffected rone mol’ your souls for the
sins of Christ’s people. Those sins wound
him. Do they wound you? They grieve
him. Do they grieve you? He bleeds
over them. Can you sleep over them, un
disturbed night after night? What! not
watch with him one hour!— McNcile.
Tbc Carey Ordination.
Drs. Antluin and Smith have obtained a
written opinion of two eminent Civilians of
Doctors Common? m England. (Messrs.
Dodson and Jdhncr,) sustaining their course
in publicly protesting against the ordination
ol Mr. Carey. The case iva< submitted to
them, in writing, through Dr. Daltrey,
Chancellor of the Diocese of Worcester.
The answers decide that in the opinion
of those consulted,
1. The call made by the Bishop to the
“ People” at an orJination, includes both
clergy and laity.
2. That the word “impediment” is com
prehensive of ducmnal error and Romish
heresy.
3. That previous private information to
the Bishop, and a judgment attained there
on satisfactory to himself, takes away nei
ther the right nor the duty of a public state
ment, and
h Pint till objection being made. thCj
Bishop is bound, notwithstanding previous
inquires ou the subject, to stay the ordina
tion, where the alleged impediment is of
such a nature as, if proved, should disqual
ify the person against whom it is objected,
from obtaining orders.
__ PENFI ELD.
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, IS4I.
* 1 * ■ ■ ■ ■£- s — r —1
To Correspondcn ts.
A copy of the Index was returned to us
last week, with an order on it front the P.
M. to stop Dt. Terrell’s paper, as he had
moved out of the County, As there was
no post mark on the paper, and we are sen
ding the paper to two Dr. Terrells, at dif
ferent offices, we know not which of them
U> stop. The next thing will probably be
an angry note from tlie P. M. for not stop
ping the paper as ordered. Poor editors!
they must bear the consequences of their
own errors and that of others too. Anoth
er writes to stop the paper, gives the P. O
hut not the state, so that wc do not know in
which of the U. S. to look for it. It mav
he out of the U. S for aught we know.—
For the misdirection of brother Mallet’s
and Harrison's paper we cannot account, —
They were put down in ourb ok at Aber
deen in tlie first instance, as also brother
Wood’s name and credit. The matter will
be attended to. llro. W. W. Jordans cte
dit has been extended to Jan. ’46. Bro.
Lang’s letter was not received—Probably
the same causes which prevented his receiv
ing the Index regulaily prevented our te
ceiving his letter, but we shall act as if it
had been received.
Our Constituents.
Mr. Randolph used to boast of his con
stituents on tlie floor of Congress. Our
subscribers are out constituents. If they
continue to send us in 20 new subscribers
per week, as they did last week, and money
tor at rears and a year or two in advance, as
some of them have done lately, we sh ill he
strongly tempted to follow Mr. Randolph's
example and intersperse an occasional boast
in onr written speeches. If we do, we hope
wc shall not he very severely censured by
out readers.
The Christian Index.
The following extract from the private
letter of a correspondent contains remarks
that may be profitable to our leaders gener
ally and oni correspondents in particular.
“ I am truly happy to learn the prospects
of this institution are so Haltering, both as
regards its support and the ability and un
shrinking fidelity with which the duties of
the office arc performed. It seems to me,
originally this office was viewed, more in
the light of experiment, than a permanent
| establishment. The South was able, hut
would she sustain snrli a thing? was the
question. \\ e see our fears vanishing a
wav, and hope, in answer to much prayer
and earnest solicitude ; in front of her cham
ber walking with noiseless step, shedding
her richness an I fragrance upon our belov
ed South. We are a highly favored, hap
py ami an honored people, if we lint knew
our own blessings, and would rightly use
them. Our standing abroad, with other
denominations, and among omst-lves, very
mnrh depend upon the credit of the Chris
tian Index. The inti rest of I’cnlield and
Metcet College may he traced to the same
point. The peace of our churches, the har
mony of Ministers, and inn word the quiet
loveliness of God's Zion (we have reference
to the South) instrumental!)- may measura
bly be traced to the same source. Mav
wc not well say, it is the glory ant) honor
of Georgia Baptists.
Let ns now pause for a moment and
look. What is this I see? Mrthinks I
9 e, 12 or 14 years hark, father Mercer
shut up in his closet. 1 hear him praying,
Oh ! God, the Press is a mighty engine.
What can it not do ? Nations have felt its
influence! the world itself will soon be tin
der its control, it is capable of doing much
evil, but thou canst control it and make it
a blessing to the world. May we not hope
this prayer has been answered in past.—
Much prayer, and great care, may vet be
needfull for the continuance of those bless
ings which we are now enjoying. May-
God ever preserve its pages sacred to the
interests of his Zion, fiee from the wither
ing touch of illy designed correspondents.
It is not possible that an Editor can be a
Judge in all cases, what is the motive ol his
correspondent, or if what they write be
true or not. Over these tilings correspon
dents ought to watch themselves with keen
sighted vigilance. Otherwise there is dan
ger this paper which is the pride and honor
of the Baptist denomination in Georgia,
may become unconsciously the organ of the
selfish, censorious, and vain glorious, and
they may, through its coluins project their
envenomed froth upon that denomination
whose interests they profess to maintain.
Mr. Evans and Mr. Tnckrr.
A copy of the Southern Christian Advo
cate, for Match 15, has been sent us, con
taining a long reply, by Hev. J. E. Evans,
to Rev. Ml Tucker's defence of himself,
which appeared in the Index of the 2d of
February. To this reply a note is append
ed requesting us to copy it. In answer to
this request we will say, if Mr. Evans will
condense his remarks to withifS a column
or n column and a half of our paper,;
we will cheerfully insert it; or, should
Mr. Tucker think pioper to reply n> it. wo
will publish it as il is, in the same paper
with his reply. This is as much as the S.
C. A. has done.
To expect us to publish .Mr. Evans’ piece
at present and as ii is, we think unreasona
ble ; for. 1. Mr. Evans’ piece would occu
py at least three columns of our paper,
wheieas Mr. Tucker’s did hot fill one col
umn. Line for line is the editors’ rule
2. The editor ol tlie Southern Christian
Advocate passed unheeded Mr. Tucker'it
request to copy his article in the Advocate.
We sent him a copy of the Index contain
ing Mr. Tucker’s article and marked it, if
we mistake not, with our pen. It is tru*
Mr. Tucket’s article is published along
with Mr. Evans', but this is now done at
tlie request of Mr. Evans. 3. The course
pursued by the Editor of the Southern C.
Advocate, is that which is generally pur
sued by editors of Methodist papers. They
wholly disregard the requests of Baptists,
to copy their rejoinders to attacks that arc
made on them, in their papers, and even to
eoneet statements of facts made in them,
that are proved iiieonteslibly to be false. -
I hat this has been done, in our own ease,
we can prove, if need be, before a court of
justice.
It is not our wish or intention to make
ourself a parly in this controversy ; but we
would respectfully suggest to Mr. Evans,
that be might condense his article within
the requited limit, with profit to himself,
by omitting his personal recriminations.
These may have weight with members of
his own denomination, but thev would op
erate against linn with Baptists, and he
should remember, that our paper is mostly
read by Baptists.
Church 3ifficiiltic,
M e have received a letter front a sister
who has licen excluded from the Crooked
Creek Church, Jackson county. She thinks
she has not had justice dune her, and de
sires a word from us, in the Index, on th®
subject. Die letter is accompanied with a
postscript, by a brother, confirming some
of the statements made in the letter. We
are unwilling to interfeic with the action of
any church, or to express any opinion, in
individual cases that *ive have not had an
opportunity of fully investigating for our
self. All that wc lee) authorized to do, in
this case, is to nuke a lew general remarks,
that will be applicable to ail eases of exclu
sion from a chinch.
In eases of exclusion, the rhurch is eith
er unanimous in their opinion of the demer
its of the excluded member or they are not;
and the member has .neither been justly or_
-unjustly excluded.
1. In a case where a m niber has been
unanimously excluded for good and suffi
cient reasons, the orrfy proper way for nna
to obtain restoration, is to entire, by a god
ly life amt a candid acknowledgement of hit*
wrong, his repentance for the past and his
lull purpose of amendment for the future.
2. In a case where a member has been
unanimously, but wrongfully excluded, it
is his painlul duty to submit, with meek
ness, to the decision of the rhnreh, tint I
God, in hi? Providence, enable him ti
prove his innocence, or the church volunta
rily reconsiders and reverses her decision.
3. In a ease where theie is not unanimi
ty in the decision, at the time that it was*
made, it becomes the excluded member and
his flici ids to ahstain from recrimination,
and submit to the majority, until they havu
it in llieir power to throw new light nn the
subject, nr until they have evidence that
some of those who voted for the exclusion
have changed their views of the rase. It
wilF then'he perfectly in order to more for
a reconsideration ; and if the individual ma
king the motion will affirm his belief that
the evidence collected is suffu-ipnt to estab
lish the iimoecnre of the excluded person,
or that the viewsof a majority of die church
have undergone a change favorable to the
accused, we think the church ought to grant
a reconsideration. If they at any time be
come satisfied of the innocence of the exclu
ded member, they ought not to hesitate, on
account of their former act, to receive him
again to their fellowship without an ac
knowledgment.
4. In a ease where a church is much di
vided in sentiment, parties are formed, strife
prevails, and there exists little prospect of
settling their diflieulties among themselves,
helps may be called in from sister churches.
Each of the parlies should be allowed to se
lect an equal number of persons to compose
the council to whom the case is to be sub
mitted, but they should be invited to attend
and act by the church, and not by the par
ties by which they were selected; nor
should they consider themselves, or be con
sidered by others, as the counsellors ofpar
ties, but as the rminsellors of the church.—
But we should avoid giving unnecessary
publicity to church difficulties, and, there
fore, should never call in a council to settlo
a difficulty that.can be settled equally well
by the church ; nor should we unnecessari
ly expose to the world our difficulties, the
shame of our nakedness, through pamphlets
or periodicals.
Allow us to make two remarks in refer
ence to appeals to editors, in eases of church
difficulties. 1. Editors are not more com
petent to decide cases of church discipline
than are many others. 2. They have less