The Christian index. (Washington, Ga.) 1835-1866, November 04, 1857, Page 174, Image 2

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174 C|e Cffikt Jnfa*. *5 ~ 1 - TELEGRAPH POWER PRESS. JOSEPH WALKER, Editor. Macon, Wednesday, Nov. 4,1857. Matrimony. This word represents ideas and emotions which have an important influence on all the affairs of this world, and indicates a condition of life that will eventuate in a blessing or a curse to the parties personally interested, ac cording as their views and feelings harmo nize or disagree. The marriage institution was designed to preserve the virtue of the race, and to divide the human family into small communities, for the convenience of go verment and the augmentation of general happiness. It was not an enactment of yes terday, nor an invention of man. Its author is God himself, and Paradise was the place in which the holy rite was first solemnized.— Adam was the first bridegroom, and Eve the first bride. In the pure atmosphere of inno cency were “ they twain made one flesh” Several facts may be affirmed of this prim itive marriage, which are worthy of special notice : First, it was the union of two virtuous , un , corrupted parties. The man was virtuous as well as the woman. Under such circumstan ces what moral sublimity invests the sacred union ? Secondly, the man was older than the wo man. Here is an example of fitness and pro priety to be followed throughout all time. Thirdly, this union was a happy one till the tempter was permitted to invade the precincts of the family circle. Then came sin, sorrow, and troubles of every kind. Let those who would be happy, repel mischief makers from their presence, before they have the opportu nity to work evil. Finally,this union was to be permanent under all circumstances. No separation was contem plated on the happening of possible contingen cies. “ They twain were one flesh,” “ Male and Female,” as God had created them, and were thus to continue under all the varying phases and changes of their mortal life. The idea of a disseverance of these sacred ties for any cause whatever, was not provided for in the original institution of matrimony. Di vorces at a later period were simply permit ted to accommodate the peculiar obstinacy of the carnal heart under the Jewish dispensa tion, but this general permission was revoked in the days of Christ, and separations justi fied only in cases of a specific violation of the marriage contract. The marriage engage ment is a contract for life. It should there fore not be thoughtlessly entered into, but when once assumed by mutual consent, it should be considered and regarded as a per petual union. It may also be remarked in this connexion, that the permission to separate for the cause mentioned by the Savior, extends, in the opin ion of some, only to separation. It does not imply the right of either party to marry again, during the life time ofi the other. This corresponds exactly with the teaching of the Apostle Paul, who says, virtually, that the marriage tie can only be broken by the death of one of the parties. Nor would it be difficult to'prove from the Scriptures —both of the Old Testament and the New —that Christians ought to marry none but Christians. But we shall not enlarge on this feature of matrimony, lest some inter ested disciple charge us with teaching “ Old Landmarkism” in anew form. “ Laugh and grow Fat.” How it ever became sinful for professors of religion to smile, or if in the mood, to laugh out-right, we have never been able to learn. Yet, there are some would-be mod els of gravity, who would quench the elec tric fire of the eye, dash the sweet dimple from the cheek, sweep the soul’s radiance from the countenance, convert vivacity into dullness, the ringing laugh of youth into monkish silence ; in a word—change beauty into deformity by blinding the bright win dows of the soul; and all this would they do because of a profession of the Christian religion. A Christian man must not smile, nor write so as to make others smile, nor ut ter a word that might possibly excite the risi bles of his neighbor. He must walk erect ■with measured pace, elongate his visage, see nothing but the pavement under his feet, sigh as he goes, and rebuke every attempt to dis turb his taciturnity with a joke. We have not much love for a Christianity of this stamp. If there is a man on earth -who has reasou to be cheerful, it is the be liever in Christ. Why should he not indulge in innocent cheerfulness, and make those about him happy ? True, there are bounds which he ought not to pass. The sweetest smiles we ever saw were those of a sister in Christ who was about to leave these low grounds of sorrow for the “ Spirit Land,” and the greatest defect we ever noticed in a very beautiful young woman, was the ab sence of all endeavor on her part to smile and be cheerful. The trite, and somewhat homely saying at the head of this article, is not without signifi cance. The cheerfulness of man contributes to his health and happiness, while the mo rose, taciturn person makes himself unhappy and those who surround him. While, there fore, we “ weep with those that weep,” let us also “ rejoice with those that do rejoice.” Without infracting the divine law or acting in opposition to Gospel injunctions, let us have all the innocent enjoyment which this world can supply, and the full fruition of the next. The Power of Prejudice. Rarely, if ever, does mental bias in favor of long cherished theories develop itself more strikingly than in the manner of editorial an imadversions on subjects which the editor disapprobates. Some editors will quote free ly from papers that are in harmony with their own thoughts on controverted questions, without waiting to know or inquire if any thing can be adduced on the other side. Ta king it for granted that they are certainly correct in their convictions, they lecture and exhort those who differ from them as if ar gument were not in the least necessary. Without designing to insinuate that the editor of the New York Chronicle , the organ of the Bible Union, is a man of this class ; we may say, that some of his leaders would make such an impression on many minds.— After intimating that Baptists have “ fallen out by .the way” on the old “ Landmark” question —especially in the South—he devel ops himself thus: “ We do not wish to charge our brethren in the Southwest with being an example of the state of things which we have described, but still the following statement made an ex change would seem to indicate it: ‘ The Bap tists there,’ it says, ‘ are divided into two parties, like the Episcopalians; High-Church men, or as they call themselves Old Land mark men, and Low-Churchmen, or the Lib eral party. The Liberal, or Low-Church par ty, will invite the ministers of other than Baptist churches, into their pulpits, as good men whom they are willing to hear preach, and treat with respect and courtesy ; whilst the High-Church party will do nothing by which they may seem to others to recognize any but their own ministers, as in any sense ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ. One par ty claims that any good man may preach, whether baptized or ordained or not; the other insist that both baptism and ordination are necessary to entitle a man to preach.’ How is it possible for brethren to divide on points like * these ? What! contend about standing on the same board or platform with another Christian ? Why not go a little far ther, and like the Catholics, refuse to be bu ried in the same graveyard with persons of another denomination ? Why eat with them at the same table ? Has not Paul said that we are to have no intercourse with such, “ no, not to eat ?” Can we not make out of this an argument against sitting at the same table with an Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or Meth odist ?” What “ exchange” gave him the informa tion, the editor does not say, though it would not be difficult to ‘ guess,’ that it was either a Pedobaptist or a Baptist periodical, which is, probably,considerably incensed against the poor Landmarkers. He would not have much trouble in obtaining as much of the same kind of testimony as he might desire, from at least a half dozen papers of the Pe dobaptist presses. Our object in writing, however, is simply to correct his misapprehensions, and if possi ble, rebut his inferences. There are no such divisions, either in the South or Southwest, as his “ exchange has in dicated !” That there are Baptists who can not conscientiously invite unbaptized ministers into their pulpits, is true ; and that there are multiplied thousands in the South, who re fuse to acknowledge the validity of Pedobap tist immersions , is a fact which no one desires to deny : but that there are any church or associational divisions, or party schisms, in consequence of these opposing views of faith and practice, is utterly without foundation. We are not proposing to discuss she “Old Landmark” theory with the editor of the Chronicle, but it seems to us strange, that one, usually sagacious as a logician, shonld draw such India-rubber inferences from the positions occupied by some Baptists in the South. They “ insist that both baptism and ordi nation are necessary to entitle a man to preach”—ergo, says Dr. Church, “they should refuse to be buried in the same graveyard with persons of another denomination.” The man who can deduce such consequences from such premises, will be sure of a triumph in whatever debate he may undertake—especial ly, if his opponent should happen to be weak enough to reply to them. “ Dr. Church exclaims : “ How is it possi ble for brethren to divide on these points?” Os course, then, the Dr. thinks, that a man may preach without ordination and baptism, and that Baptists ought to invite him into their pulpits !—ergo, replies the “ Landmark er Baptist and Pedobaptists ought to com mune together at the Lord's table. The editor of the Chronicle would reject this inference, but it is, to say the very least, as legitimate as his graveyard conclusion. The Minutes of the Western Association have just come to hand. Rev. Otis Smith was chosen Moderator, and Uriel B. Wilkin son, Clerk. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. James Rainwater. The Committee on publication, after recom mending the Home and Foreign Journal and the Commission, continue thus: “ And especially would we urge upon the delegates present, and all others, to aid in the circulation of our own “Christian Index.”— The Index is worthy of a universal circula tion, as our denominational organ of Georgia, and we hope the day is near at hand when it may be a weekly visitor to every Baptist fam ily in the State. We would call the attention of the Baptists of the Western Association to the depository of Bibles and denominational books of our State Convention, located at Macon Brother J. DeLoache, as Depository Agent, Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary, is well supplied THE CHRISTIAN INDEX. with all of our denominational literature, and we would urge upon all the importance of patronizing said depository as far as possi ble.” This makes us feel encouraged and lightens our toil. Just help the Index and the bodks along, and Macon will give a good account of herself. The minutes of the Beulah Baptist Asso ciation, N. C., have also been received. Eld John H. Lacy preached the opening sermon. Eld. Calvin Graves was elected Moderator and Wm. Led, Clerk. This is an efficient body of Baptists. Cimmiiksiiw. A Revivals in Harris county , and protracted meet ings for the Blacks. Hamilton, Ga., Oct. 17, 1857. Dear Brother Walker: It maybe ing to you and your numerous read ere to learn that the Lord has been pouring out his spirit upon the people’ of my charge. My time has been equally divided between the church at Hamilton and Whitesville. A short time since we held protracted meetings at both those churches; at Whitesville we pro tracted at the lqst Conference meetings a few days. The church seemed more inclined to work than I ever knew them. The two meetings resulted in the addition of 13 mem bers, 10 by baptism, 2 by letters and 1 by re storation. In those meetings we had the val uable services of brethren Bartly and Carmi chael a part of the time. I will simply men tion that 4 of the number baptized had re cently been a Methodists. The truth in this community is evidently winning its way over all forms of error. < Our meeting at Hamilton was a continua tion of the Ministers and Deacons’ meeting. It was protracted two weeks and a half in the usual way, we then closed after baptizing ten whites and one black. The meeting was then continued two weeks, at night, especially for the blacks, conducted principally by Edward W. Johnson; as a result of the two week’s labor bro. J. baptised 17. There are many more that will soon come. Some half dozen or more of this number were Methodists. I must say in conclusion, I am surprised that protracted meetings have not been more fre quently held for the especial benefit of the blacks in this Southern country. This is rath er anew thing. Never have I witnessed but one before, I held one at Bethlehem some few years ago and the result was the addition of some ten or more to the church, and I learn they have all done well. In the meeting we recently held at Hamilton, not the first in stance of disorder was witnessed. The own ers gave their servants permission to leave home at an earjy hour, and we charged them to return home as son as services were clos ed. These directions, I believe were strictly complied with. The preaching was directed more to convince the judgment than to arouse the passions. Stillness and deep feeling seem ed to pervade the large congregations that attended. We say then we believe in pro tracted meetings for the blacks. I could here write a long essay on the subject. When the whites have a protrocted meeting the blacks are crowded out entirely, or crammed togeth er in the back part of the house, and often an noyed by thoughtless young persons immedi-j ately before them, neither is the preaching in a style to be comprehended by the unlettered servant. To benefit a servant we must speak to his understanding. This more than any other class of people need line upon line and precept upon precept. All they learn of the way of life is by the hearing of the ear. We white people have our Bibles and valuable books in our libraries, that we read at our leisure, and be instructed, edified and com forted. If indeed there is any good reason un der the sun for holding a protracted meeting for the whites, there is much greater reaseffi for holding protracted meetings for the blacks, which the most cursory observer can not fail to see. Let the experiment be generally tried. Let a sufficient number of whites at tend to keep good order and make the meet ings lawful, and I have no doubt, in the effort, both master and servant will be greatly bless ed. W. D. ATKINSON. For the Index. From our Philadelphia Correspon- DENT. Philadelphia, Oct. 22, 1857. Dr. Dagg's Theology—The late Henry O. Wyer.. I had the pleasure of purchasing the first copy of Dr. Dagg’s Manual of Theology which was sold in this city, and though since the suspension of the banks, the currency in which I paid for it commands a premium, I would cheerfully pay a larger amount of the same kind of money, were it necessary to pro cure so valuable a volume. When I learned that this work was in press, I was prepared to think favorably of it a priori as the logi cians say ; that is, knowing the character of the writer, I inferred the character of his pro duction. To digesta system ofTheologyisnot an easy work. It should proceed from a mind thoroughly imbued with a devotional spirit. For whatever a man’s endowments or acquisi tions may be, unless these be sanctified and directed by a devout temper he is not fitted to be a teacher of religious science. His pie ty should not be of the merely emotional type, but it should be developed and matured by protracted and intimate acquaintance with the sacred oracles. Besides this there is need ed a well balanced intellect. Otherwise the doctrine will not be unfolded in its due pro portions, and the impression which the dis cussions convey as a whole will not be jnst.— Added to this the author of such a volume should be able to study the mind of the spirit in those languages which were at first employ ed for the communication of heavenly knowl edge. Moreover, the daily avocation of one who assumes so responsible an undertaking should have obliged him to close and consi stant thought upon the great subjects of his work. These qualifications are combined in an eminent degree in the author of the pres ent manual. Dr. Dagg is not a novice.— He is here giving us his richest and ripest thoughts on subjects which have engaged his attention through a long life. His positions are lucidly stated, pertinently illustrated, ably defended and powerfully applied. We feel, in reading these pages, that we are in con tact with a strong and well disciplined intel lect which has caught a hallowed influence from the sublime topics which are discussed. I have read, as yet, but a portion of the vol ume, but so far as I have gone, I have met nothing which does not command my entire approbation. The work will live to do good, I trust, for many generations to come. I had an interview, a day or two ago, with the widow of Rev. Henry O. Wyer, late of Savannah, from whom I learned some inter esting incidents which I have never seen in print, connected with his last days. Brother Wyer ought to be held in grateful remem brance by Georgia Baptists, for his health was early prostrated in their service. He was ordained Pastor of the Baptist church in Savannah in the year 1824, by the late Rev. W. T. Brantly, who was then Pastor of church in Augusta, and the Rev. James Shan non, then of Liberty county. He remained Pastor of the church about ten years, when his health failed through the excessive labors consequent upon a succession of revivals with which his ministry was attended. When the Rev. J. G. Binney resigned the church to go to Burmah he wasre-elected Pastor; but he consented to take the church only for one year, that he might relieve the building,from the encumbrance of a heavy debt. His ob ject accomplished, he retired, but on the di vision of the church a year or two afterwards when the 2d Baptist church was constituted, he became its Pastor. His health did not per mit him to labor long in this capacity. He was succeeded after two years by the Rev. J. P. Tustin. Asa pulpit orator, our depart ed brother when in health had very few su periors in this country. He had a fine pres ence; and when his sonorous voice and pierc ing eye were animated by a soul-filled with love to Christ, and yearning for the conver sion of sinners, he spoke with the most thrill ing effect. Who that heard him preach for upwards of two hours at the Georgia Baptist Convention in Madison about fourteen years ago. will ever forget that sermon? Who grew weary under that protracted discourse ? Dur ing the remarkable revival which took place in Charleston in 1846, he and Rev. Richard Fuller frequently spoke on the same occasion. After Dr. Fuller had preached for more than an hour and wrought the audience to a de gree of feeling which was intense, I have seen brother Wyer rise and with appeals al most electric, swell the feeling into deep er emotion and retain the multitude in pis>- found attention to a late hour of the night. A ’ beautiful feture in our brother’s character was his humility. He never seemed to be con scious of his great power, and shrunk from any thing like notoriety. He was willing to work-in the obscurest position, and always re joiced when his ministering brethren were assigned places of distinction. His genial dis position made him a universal favorite in so ciety, whilst his intelligent conversation and refined manners gave him access to the best circles in our country. Last April he left Savannah in his usual health and joined his family, then in Alexandria, Ya. The Sabbath preceding the attack of Pneumonia, which terminated his life, he repaired to the church for the blacks and preached for them in the morning and afternoon. During the second service the house was very warm, and the doors being opened near the pulpit, he stood in a current of air, and thus in all probability contracted the disease which resulted in death in a few days after wards. His last text was from John 3, 14 and 15. Preaching Christ was his last public service on earth. When smitten with disease he manifested not the slightest anxiety to re cover. The Saviour whom he bad served was his hope and his spirit was serene. A short time before he expired in reply to a question from his son (who loves to preach the Gospel his father loved) he said : “Not a doubt, —not a doubt —all clear.” And so he has passed ti> enjoy the reward which grace prepares for those who “turn many to right eousness.” Many souls born again in Geor gia, some of whom have passed away—will recognize our departed hrother in the great day, as the instrument ol their conversion to God. The departure of such an eminent la borer should qnieken the zeal of those who survive. “ 0 for the death of those Who slumber in the Lord, 0 be like theirs my last repose Like theirs my last reward.” THEOPHILUS. Book Notice. Mr. Editor: I see in both “ The Prince of the House of David” and “ Sears’ Pictorial Bible,” the ordinance of Baptism caricatured : i. e. instead of a representation of immersion, as the circumstances indicate, John, the ad ministrator, seems to be about some “ watery ceremony’’ quite different from primitive bap tism. I dont like the picture. It is about as the representation in the Rotunda at Wash ington where Pocahontas is sprinkled ! It is not a national painting, for the great majority of this nation, deny its truthfulness ; it belies the national sentiment on this question. The New Testament published by the A. Tract Society with the notes by Dr. Edwards wholly ignores the ordinance of baptism. It says nothing about it, thus leaving the reader to infer it to be a very insignificant or useless affair, unworthy the notice of Christians. This is a sad defect in this work, otherwise very excellent. “He did not wish to offend.” Minor sub jects, matters of indifference may be passed over in silence; but the initiating ordinance of the Christian church is not of this class.— All truth that has any importance must be ex plained in works of this kind, even if it do of fend some readers and he is unfit to expound God’s volume, who is afraid his book will be unpopular if he speak out the whole truth.— The artist that would maim a picture by leav ing out a limb, hand or foot, fabricates a mons ter, and has failed to do what was expected. The pen of inspiration has painted to life—the Bible is full of life-pictures and those who ex pound the New Testament should imitate the Great Teacher and Painter. If Dr. E. believ ed the ordinance was properly performed by pouring or sprinkling, he should have so stated his sentiments and defended them the best way he could. If he entertained no opinion about the matter or was afraid to express it; he was incompetent to expound. I regret this defect. “ The Book would not sell.” If the New Testament with Notes, is got out to sell by professedly evangelical Christians; it is time for us to pause and inquire what may not be done, what scheme may not be carried out to get money. He has defended the doctrine of the Trinity ; are not Unitarians offended ? The Book is unworthy the noble Tract Socie ty in its early years; perhaps since its deterio ration, it may be defended. A. S. For the Index. No More! What volumes lie unbosomed in these sim ple words! How the heart swells almost to breaking, and seeks in vain for some avenue, through which to pour forth the burning thoughts and crushed affections that awake at their call. The light hearted and thought less know nothing of their power, it is only those who have deeply loved, and lost, that comprehend what they convey. When death comes and takes from our homes or compan ionship some being who was the light of our life, when alienation or estrangement pours its withering flood upon a heart all glowing with the noblest impulses of a noble nature, then their import is felt with a force that language is inadequate to describe. The mother when she bends over her shrouded child and presses her lips to its marble brow knowing that no more will its “eyes grow brighter when she comes, no more will its arms be extended lovingly towards” her, and no more will its tongue lisp the name of mother; feels down in the caverns of her soul, where human eye never penetrates, something of their sorrow ful meaning. The stem warrior when he bows his head in remembrance of the brave and true whom he led victorious through many a battle field, only to fill a soldier’s grave, will, perhaps, weep when he thinks that no more will their voice be heard in the din of strife shouting encouragement to their comrades. No more will some brave officer rise in council and direct with words of wis dom the purposes and actions of those around him. The widow may mourn, and the orphan lament, but their soldier husband, father, will come no more to tell of battles fought and vic toris won. The man of ambition whose brow has been wreathed bf fame’s greenest laurels, has many a time felt their power when he feels the vigor of manhood waving and his grey hairs and wrinkled brow, tell him that no more will youth’s fervor arise to prompt him to deeds of proud daring and urge him to outstrip the fleetest in the race for renown. There is scarcely anything relating to the past, that does not awaken sad memories when touched by the power of these two words. The feelings they call forth may sometimes be “sweet,” yet they are “mourn ful to the soul.” Madame De Stael must have comprehended our language better than most loreigners when she said that no more conveyed more to her than any two words in the English language. With all their sad and touching power, there is a connection in which they convey ineffible sweetness, but it is beyond the veil that divides the present fleeting life from that world which we some times scan by the eye of faith where the changes which give rise to their melancholy import here never come. When “the gates are part and heaven won” what estacy will fill the soul when it realises that no more will the funeral knell of loved ones break upon the ear; no more will the world’s hate and scorn arouse its indignation or excite its con tempt, no more will fortune deceive or friends prove untrue; disease will no more consume the vital energies with its burning fevers and exhausting pains, but through an endless age of bliss it will revel in the creation of him who brings order out of confusion, and with such wisdom and harmony arranges his works that the simpliest flower that grows obeys his laws as perfecAtor as the planet that pursues its way in the traßfless firmanent. CORNELIA. He who knows the world will not be too bashful. NOVEMBER 1857 For the Index. Dagg’s Manual of Theology. Dear Brother Walker :—I have carefully perused brother Dagg’s Manual of Theology which you handed me the other day in Ma con, and can truly say that it fully equalled my expectations. It is an admirable work, calculated to do much good, and destined, I am confident, to take a high stand amongst thinking people, as a lucid and able exposi tion of the great doctrine of revelation.— Some of the excellencies of the work I con ceive to be the following : 1. It is clear , comprehensive, and scriptural. I think it would be difficult to name any The ological work more uniformly transparent.— The author evidently has clear and well-defin ed conceptions of the various topics which he discusses, and is very happy in the style and manner he employs to put the reader in pos session of his thoughts. At times his reason ing is profound, and a careless reader may not see to the bottom ; but it is not because the stream is muddy, but because it is deep. The author has succeeded in condensing a great amount of valuable thought in a reas onable compass, and in a judicious, well pro portioned system ; we have the “ gold, silver and precious stones” of theology, without the “ wood, hay, and stubble.” Throughout the entire volume the Bible is treated with the profoundest reverence, and we think the au thor has successfully shown that the system of doctrine which he inculcates is sustained by the teachings of that blessed book. 2. Theological difficulties are judiciously dis posed of. Difficulties are candidly admitted; and I think fairly stated and happily met. The author does not undertake to explain in comprehensible things, but he guards us against wrong and dangerous conclusions. He removes with great skill stumbling-blocks from the paths of the humble inquirer after divine knowledge, and shows how unreasona ble are the cavils of the ignorant and preju diced. 3. Tiie doctrines of sovereign grace ARE SET FORTH WITH DUE PROMINENCE. On these points many of us need more settled and well-defined views than we have yet at tained to. We are pretty sound I believe as to the final issue—that is, that all true believ ers will assuredly get to heaven ; but as to the first movements of sovereign grace to wards the guilty, helpless sinner, our concep tions are often less clear and scriptural. A careful study of brother Dagg’s Book will greatly assist the humble, teachable mind in gaining just and stable views of “ the doc trine concerning divine grace.” 4. The work is practical and devotion al. Its clear and dense statements of divine truth are interspersed with reflections and ap peals well calculated to alarm the thought less, to arouse the pious affections of the Chris tian, and urge him forward in a course of holy living. The prayerful and attentive reader of the book cannot well fail to become a better, as well as a wiser man. 5. Tiie work is highly commended by its excellent spirit. In this respect it is truly a model Book—an invaluable gem. There is no dogmatism, no bitterness. We see a strong man moving along the path-way of di vine truth with a firm and undaunted tread, and clothed at the same time with modesty* meekness and true Christian benevolence.— Its general circulation I am confident would have a happy inflnence upon the theological discussions of the day. It would extend tnis notice to an unreason able length to give any thing like a full analy sis of the work ; I would state however, that it is divided into 8 Books ; the Ist treats of the “ Study of Religious Truth,” closing with a valuable appendix setting forth the “ Ori gin and authority of the Bible the 2d ex hibits the “ Doctrine concerning God”— his existence and attributes ; the 3d discourses on “ the Will and Works of God the 4th on “ the Fall and Present State of Man •”. the sth, (a most important part of the vol ume) unfolds the “ Doctrines concerning Je sus Christ”—his person, states, and offices • the 6th treats of “ the Holy Spiritthe 7th* (excellent and able) sets forth the “ Doctrine concerning Divine Gracethe Bth and last leads us to the contemplation of “ the Future World.” The author was unable to embrace in this volume a discussion of “ the externals of re ligion;” though he is careful to state in his pre face that “ the form of godliness, is import ant as well as its power, and the doctrine re specting it is a component part of the Chris tian system. It is much to be desired that he may have health and strength to prepare another volume that shall present his views of the materials, officers, ordinances and disci pline of the New Testament churches: with such other matter as he may deem of special importance for the edification of God’s peo ple. It is to be hoped that all our Ministers and reading brethren will procure without delay brother Dagg’s Book on Theology. If an ’ Minister is too poor to buy it, let his church or some brother of means buy it it for him And it has occurred to me that this would be a good Book to have read in our churches— especially those which are not regularly sup plied with preaching. The volume could be easily divided into about 25 portions of from 12 to 18 pages—each portion supplying rich matter for a Sabbath day’s meditation. Yours in Gospel bonds, C. D. M. Oct. 28th, 1857. Those who fancy that money can do everv thing, are generally prepared to do everv* thing for money. J