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of the gospel be satisfied that a candidate for baptism is a believer in the Lord Jesus, he ought to baptize him.

2. What is necessary in a candidate for church fellowship. First, that he be baptized! no one on New Testament principles can be admitted to church fellowship who has not been baptized. Our Lord's commission supposes it. The practice of the apostles and primitive Christians, proves and confirms it. And this is the authority upon which we consider it of importance to act, we cannot feel satisfied with those who reduce the present enquiry to a mere question of convenience, in defiance of Divine authority, and apostolic example. But on this subject I need not enlarge, it is a subject that has undergone an extensive discussion of late. I proceed, therefore, to observe, that every church has a right to expect in a candidate for church fellowship, a similarity of sentiments as it regards the peculiar doctrines of the gospel; for how can two walk together except they be agreed, it is important that they should be of one heart, and of one soul; striving together for the faith (doctrine) of the gospel. Finally, says Paul, be ye all of one mind; "Behold how good and how pleasant it is to dwell together in unity." Yet, where the mind of a candidate is not sufficiently informed as to enable him to distinguish the doctrines and peculiarities of the different sects of Christians, this ought not to be a bar to his being admitted to church fellowship, as he will generally be trained in those views of religious doctrines that distinguish the church to which he joins himself. If a person's creed be already formed, he will not be forward to join a church of different sentiment. If, therefore, a person believe the gospel, he is fit for baptism; if he be a

baptized believer, he is fit for church fellowship. If his subsequent conduct be inconsistent with his profession, he, of course, falls under church discipline.

3. What connexion is there between baptism and church membership? I have been led to ask this question, because, from the proceedings of some of our churches, I have been led to think they deem them to be one and the same thing. Have you not, Mr. Editor, sometimes heard of persons baptized into the church at A, or baptized, on a profession of faith into the church at B; this is an incorrect mode of expression, and we know from whence it was borrowed; not from the New Testament, there we read of persons being baptized into Jesus Christ, of putting on Christ, and of persons giving themselves to the Lord, then to his church, &c.

Being baptized on a profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is one thing, and joining any particular church is another. We acknowledge that all believers should be baptized, and that all who are baptized should join some particular church. Hence we infer, that those individuals are wrong, who are convinced of the importance of baptism, and know it to be their duty, and yet live in the neglect of it, because the church in their immediate neighbourhood differs from them in the views they entertain of the peculiar doctrines of the gospel. This arose from the above error, that baptism and church membership are the same thing. If a Christian cannot feel satisfied with the peculiarities of Christians in his neighbourhood, it is no reason why he should not be baptized, any more than that he should not read his Bible, &c.

As soon as Ananias was satisfied that Paul was a believer, he baptized him, Paul's joining the church

was a subsequent act. It is a believer's duty, on being baptized, to take the earliest opportunity to join some church, whose sentiments he deems consistent with his view of New Testament principles. Yet it by no means follows, that believers can be justified in waiting till their creed is formed, or till they find a body of Christians of precisely the same creed with themselves, before they are baptized. If these considerations be favourably received, you may expect to hear from me again, on a subject intimately connected with the above remarks. JOHANNES.

Aylsham, Oct. 26, 1824.

nister. A worthy labourer in God's vineyard was mentioned, and it was observed by my friend, that he had. perused a large volume of manuscript sermons written by the deceased, and he was sorry to add, that more than one of the sermons were borrowed from authors, with whose writings he was familiar. We both censured the practice, and then conversed on other topics. Afterwards I felt a little inward compunction on this subject, recollecting that I had, in one instance, done something like this; and a degree of relief also, that I had hearkened to him who said, "Go, and sin no more." My reflections on this subject ask your kind acceptance.

The evil of delivering sermons

On original Compositions for the which have been copied from the

MR. EDITOR,

Pulpit.

It has afforded me much heartfelt satisfaction to observe the number of seminaries supported, for the purpose of aiding young men in their studies, preparatory to their engaging in pastoral duties. Many valuable ministers of the gospel have been successively drawn from these places of sacred retirement, to scenes of public labour, in which they have long shone as lights in the world. A host of worthies have laboured in God's vineyard also, whose services have been succeeded by results the most important for eternity, who have not enjoyed academical advantages. Both classes have my prayers and best wishes. I am not, however, without apprehension, that some who have engaged in the work of the ministry may have injured the cause they desire to serve, by an impropriety which I would notice in this paper. A short anecdote will place my meaning fully in your view. Being on a journey lately, an evening from home was spent with a brother mi

writings of others, is manifold. Many, in our congregations, are persons of considerable reading, and will almost inevitably detect the plagiary, and that, too, before he can proceed far in exhibiting the thoughts of others as his own. This may be a minor evil, nevertheless it is an evil. Such discoveries will be related to individuals, who could not have made them; reputation will be wounded, and the minister will not have credit for what is his own.

When a sermon of a superior order is preached, there will be a keen look out, and a strong suspicion of theft; and when the preacher is below mediocrity, he will be considered as delivering original composition. Moreover, when sermons are obtained by the mere exercise of reading and memory, ability for composing a judicious discourse will be, if not destroyed, yet rendered nearly useless. The powers of the mind improve and brighten by exercise; and will as naturally decay and shrivel up when not properly employed. In preparing for pulpit exercises, we ought to be much engaged in examining the theme on which we mean to dwell,

passing every sentiment before the understanding and the judgment, applying the whole to the heart; and constantly should such a search after divine truth be connected with fervent prayer to the Spirit of wisdom and grace, for his holy unction and divine assistance. But how incompatible all this is with merely committing to memory another man's sermon, need not be told. A parrot may be taught to repeat an exercise; but the minister of Jesus Christ is to declare that only which he has handled and fell. He who ministers in holy things is, if duly qualified, "Apt to teach." A retailer of another person's sermons is "Apt to repeat;" a qualification which I am not aware that the apostle of the Gentiles ever mentions.

When sermons are not originated by the speaker, it may be fairly presumed that, on his own mind, the impression is very feeble, and on the great body of his hearers, if possible, still more feeble. So far as the repeater is concerned, the thoughts are raw, crude, and indigested; and, consequently, his mind is not likely to be imbued with the truth, or sanctified by its influence. How, then, can he hope to affect the heart of others? A man who can communicate his thoughts with tolerable ease, will, by closely studying the pages of inspiration, constant prayer, and writing a pretty full syllabus of most of the sermons he delivers, soon acquire a facility in composing his sermons, and hav ing the matter within him, it will be forth-coming to advantage in the time of need. It is, also, a very serious question, in my own mind, whether the repetition of a sermon, wholly or principally borrowed from another person, be not a daring out rage committed against truth and integrity? In the national establishment it is an understood practice, and volumes of sketches of sermons are prepared for the purpose; but

among dissenters from that establishment, we calculate on hearing a minister deliver discourses which we may properly call his own. Ministers, in general, also wish congregations to have that idea of their sermons; and he who is the most dextrous at pluming himself with borrowed feathers, would blush at exposure. He would consider himself as charged, by such an exposure, with theft, idleness, or incapacity. Does not the man, then, who acts such a part as is censured in this paper, wish his audience to believe a falsehood? These observations, Mr. Editor, are not designed to be attached to any individual; no, the writer is an enemy to personality: nor should such a tale be told in the ears of our lay brethren, but, unhappily, it is no secret. If we are much engaged in prayer for divine wisdom, persevering in our study of divine truth, and honestly, desirous of doing the will of God, and serving our generation, we shall not lack furniture for the profitable discharge of the duties of our holy function. Let the blame attached to this freedom not be laid on any individual but him, whose own signature shall declare that this paper is original.

Shipley.

J. M.

The Importance of the Example of Parents, in regular Attendance at the House of God.

"HAD it not been that my father had set us the example of regular attendance at our chapel, where should we have been to-day?" said a young lady on Sabbath last: "we should have been every-where, and no-where." "True," I replied, "but as it now is, you have cause for unfeigned gratitude to God, and affection for your father." As it now is, (I said, in silent reflection,) how

different to many, yea, to most families. One brother is a respected deacon of the chapel referred to; another has devoted his life and fortune to the dissemination of divine truth; another, though deeply engaged in commercial pursuits, is equally engaged in promoting the gospel where he exports our manufactures. A sister is an ornament to the religious society with which she is associated ; and the author of the remark not less so!

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"We should have been everywhere, and no-where," I repeated in solitude, after leaving the house of my friend; "yes, you would have been some-where. Not far from the pew where you sit, you may observe another family, in the apparel of sorrow and grief, indicative of domestic affliction and lose. This attendance is but of late. Formerly they went every-where and no-where.' The children, as they grew up, consulted only their own inclination, in reference to the Sabbath. The elder son was just entering on the years of manhood; he chose his own companions, and with them spent the Sabbath in carnal amusements and sinful pleasure. To advice he felt no disposition to pay any regard; and especially so on the fatal day, when, with a drunken crew, he was amusing himself in a boat excursion. By accident, in that ill-prepared situation, he sank in the mighty waters! This is the cause of that grief, and this the heart-rending consequence of going" every-where and no-where." He is some-where; and so would my beloved friends have been some where, but God only knows where that is.

The same evening, when the above remark was made, another circumstance occurred, to deepen the impression it had made on my mind. After the usual services of God's house, I was desired to visit

a person apparently not far from eternity. I went. In quitting the house, the father of the family accompanied me home. "My poor prodigal son, Sir, is returned." Is returned! I replied; why, I saw him not in your house. "He was in the other room, Sir." To avoid reproof, or shame, or advice, or all of them together, he had concealed himself during my visit. Where does he spend his Sabbaths? I inquired. Why, every-where, and no-where," was the purport of the answer; "he has been a sad lad, indeed; I know not what will become of him!" I tell you what, my friend, (I seriously added,) set the example yourself. I have heard with delight to-day of the effect of a father's good example. If you regularly attend the house of God yourself, your children will probably do so; and if they were otherwise disposed while under your care, you should absolutely require it; and, by and by, they would probably attend from habit. And who knows but that, if they are brought under the word and gospel of God, it may be blessed their present and eternal welfare, as in the family I referred to? If you set not the example, and allow your children, on the Sabbath, to walk the streets, or fields, to seek their own companions, and to go " every where and no where," what can you expect but prodigal sous? In the opposite case, they might bless your memory when you are in the dust.

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Reader! if you are a parent, where are your children on the Sabbath? Is there not enough in the above cases, both to warn you of your children's ruin, and to encourage you to bring them regularly and statedly to the house of God? Awful and infinitely important is your charge and responsibility.

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Miscellanea.

MENNONITES.

LETTER, No. II.

Amsterdam, Sept. 1, 1820. THE port of Rotterdam was where my last landed us, but at so late an hour, that we did not retire to rest before midnight. Next morning we sought direction from on high, how we should best proceed, to open a door for the mission in Holland, and then took our arrangements for the day. We called first upon Mr. Mescaert, named in my last, who gave us a very amiable reception. After some interesting conversation, and stating the object of our visit, we next repaired to a Mr. Mouniers, pastor of the Walloon church, and under whose roof I had passed ten most agreeable months. He was from home, but Mrs. M. shewed us every mark of attention, and pressed us to take up our abode. From hence we proceeded to Dr. Anderson's, one of the ministers of the Scots church. The Dr. received us kindly, and took a lively interest in our object, made us a tender of his best services, and engaged brother Ward to preach for him, as did also Mr. Wood, the English Independent minister, the same day.

Next day gave rise to further deliberations. Brother W. never having been on the Continent before, was at first strongly in favour of personal applications for funds; but a residence of nearly three years in Holland, afforded me reasons for advising a different course; and which reasons, when stated, were deemed by him of sufficient weight to relinquish his first idea. It was then agreed, that we should on this tour, confine our operations, wholly to giving publicity to the mission, in all its branches, by printed documents, and personal communications. This mode of proceeding seemed the more suitable, as brother Ward's departure for the United States was already near at hand, arising from the unexpected length of our passage across the North

Sea.

An address to the public was next drawn up and submitted to our friend

Mr. Mescaert, who kindly undertook to correct it for the Dutch press. In this instrument were inserted the names, and places of abode of sundry friends, as receivers for the Mission. A copy was sent to the Pastors of different denominations, in, and around Rotterdam, and to such of their congregations, as were thought best disposed. Meantime brother W. preached for Dr. Anderson, in the forenoon of the first Sabbath, and in the evening for Mr. Wood. Considering the few British then in the place, the attendance was good, both services.

But during this time, as we were at the head-quarters of the Netherland Missionary Society, it was natural that we should have some intercourse with its leading friends. I, therefore, introduced brother W. to my friend Mr. Ledeboes, who has long been the main spring of this excellent institution, and who, indeed, as concerning love for all good men, and readiness to every good work, deserves to be esteemed the Gaius of Rotterdam. On being informed of our intention, to apply to this said Society, in aid of the Translations, he advised as most eligible, that we should address a letter to the Committee of Finance, and he would present it. At the request of brother W. I drew up one and submitted it to him before I made the translation. The Society being on the eve of holding its monthly prayer meeting, we were invited to attend. An occasion considered by Mr. L. as favourable for presenting our letter, as the Committee usually met for purposes of business, in the vestry, before the service commenced. We were there at the time appointed, and on being presented by Mr. L., were received with every token of Christian affection. Our letter being read, the chairman, who had been an officer in the Dutch navy, then rose, and in a very lovely manner, expressed for himself and colleagues, the pleasure our visit had occasioned them; assuring us at the same time, that the request preferred should receive attentive consideration, and, if entertained

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