1851. July, 1852. CR. Towards expenditure of s. d. gregated in the Town Hall than were expected under the circumstances, Bro Meeting in London... 3 6 0 ther Harris read the announcement 1 £84 1 Resolved, That the Report just read be received and adopted. Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Committee, with a request that they continue their services for the ensuing year. Resolved, That in addition to the publication of the gospel by competent proclaimers, the state of the country renders particularly desirable house visitation, by brethren able to read and expound the Scriptures; and that the churches be exhorted to inform the Committee at Nottingham, of any brother or brethren whom it would be desirable to call out and sustain, in part or whole, and that the manner of application to the churches by the Committee, whether by letter or through the Harbinger, be left to the Committee. Resolved, That this meeting desires to record its most hearty thanks to God, the Father of all mercies, on account of the removal of several cases of division which have afflicted the churches, and to declare its conviction, that the union of Christians being essential to the extensive conversion of sinners, it is most desirable that the churches, in every possible manner, make apparent their desire to maintain such union, remembering that mutual forbearance in matters of opinion is fully compatible with strict attention to the faith, order, and discipline of the Christian institution. Resolved, That the next Annual Meeting be held at Wigan, in accordance with the request of the Wigan district, to commence the last Tuesday in July, 1853, at 6 p.m. PUBLIC MEETING. In the evening of the same day, a larger number of persons having con calling the meeting, and setting forth that Mr. James Wallis, of Nottingham, and Mr. David King, of London, would deliver addresses on Primitive Christianity, or the Doctrines and Practices of the New Testament Christians, as a pattern for all future times. After suitable introductory remarks by Brother Harris, Brother Wallis addressed the assembly at length, followed by Brother King. At the close of the addresses, various questions were presented with the greatest possible kindness and order, and were replied to most satisfactorily by Brethren Wallis, King, and J. Black, of London. The meeting having been thus prolonged until a late hour, (considerably after dark) the people were dismissed, many appearing quite desirous of remaining longer, which led to the announcement, that Brother King and others would resume the subject the following evening. (Signed) W. D. HARRIS, President. D. KING, Secretary. EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. We observed with the greatest pleasure, that a spirit of union, peace, harmony, and brotherly love, with one of the eighty-two letters sent to the or two exceptions, pervaded the whole meeting. This was manifested to an extent which far exceeded the expression of feeling elicited at any previous meeting, on the occasion of reading the letters; and we trust it is only the commencement of a more enlarged experience of the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, filling the hearts and minds of the disciples of Jesus, through the knowledge of God our Saviour. We proceed to give selections from the letters read, which, we are persuaded, will prove deeply interesting. They include a letter from Cockermouth, which was received too late to be read at the meeting, and consequently does not appear in the list of churches, but will doubtless stand amongst them, along with all others that plead for union and co-operation, at our next Annual Meeting, which is to be held, God willing, in Wigan, July, 1853. BANFF. The church in this place wish to press on the minds of the delegates the necessity and importance of sending out evangelists to visit the various churches, and proclaim the gloririous gospel in their respective localities; and this church would contribute cheerfully to such an object, in accordance with their means. The delegates will see by our numbers that we have been making a little progress during the year, and it is to be hoped we shall continue to make still further conquests for the great and good cause in which we are all embarked, and especially that we all make progress in personal holiness. good news to such as are without, and CHOLDERTON. — Although we fully concur in the propriety of delegates from the different congregations of disciples assembling together at least once to harmony and good will, and the ada year, and are fully convinced it tends vancement of the Redeemer's cause on the earth, it is not practicable for any can therefore only embrace the preamongst us to attend the meeting. We sent opportunity of urging on the attention of the delegates who may assemble, and also on the whole body of Christians throughout Great Britain, the necessity of using more energetic means for the extension of the knowledge of the plan of redemption. We would suggest the propriety of another appeal to the different churches, soliciting pecuniary assistance in this great cause; and also, the appointment of a BETHNAL GREEN. The brethren committee, with full power to appropriate the funds received, by naming such meeting at Park Row, Bethnal Green, London, desire to coöperate for the person or persons as may appear suitgood of Zion with all who walk in the able for the proclamation of the truth. ordinances of Jesus, and are fully conWe further state, in case of such appeal vinced that the order of worship attend- being made, that we should be ready ed to by us, and that of the churches desirable an object; but, at the same to contribute a few pounds towards so whose delegates are about to assemble time, would observe, however great the in your locality, is the same as taught by Jesus and his Apostles, and prac-gregations may be, and however enersum subscribed by the different contised by the first Christians; and we believe that nothing short of this primitive Divine plan, will effectuate the glory of Messiah's people. In order to extend this great glory, we humbly suggest, that where practicable, district associations should be formed, for the purpose of obtaining amongst the churches respectively an interchange of the talents they possess. This, we think, would be a good means of establishing the saints, and the most efficient means of evangelizing the world. BUCKINGHAM.—We have much pleasure in reporting an increase in the church in this place, and that during the past year, our Heavenly Father has preserved us from a diminution by death or otherwise. We welcome you here to hold the annual meeting, which we trust will prove instructive and cheering to all present; that means may be devised to proclaim the getic the preachers may be, unless forbearance, love, and general Christian consistency of character are manifested in their intercourse with the people of by the members of the different churches the world, amongst themselves, and last, though not least, by constant attendance as far as practicable, on the various institutions of the Lord's housesuch contributions and such labors will While be of little avail towards converting any COCKERMOUTH. It is now four years since we first met in Cockermouth to keep the ordinances as they were delivered. Myself, wife, and daughter being members of the church at Whitehaven, and having removed to Cockermouth, felt very much the want of Christian fellowship. I visited the church at Workington every fortnight, and sometimes oftener, but my wife and daughter did not often go, it being eight miles distant from our dwelling. We therefore determined to meet at home, and invite our neighbors to witness the order of the first church of Christ, according to the model of the church at Jerusalem. We were occasionally visited by the brethren from Whitehaven and Maryport, and I trust that good has been done here by the preaching of the gospel in simplicity, 19 persons having been baptized on the confession of their faith, one of whom has gone to America, two removed to other churches, and I am sorry to say some have turned back again to the world, leaving us 12 in number. We are living in peace, and enjoy our Master's presence in harmony and love. have had many trials to contend with, but out of them all the Lord has delivered us. I am requested by the brethren in Maryport, five in number, to state, that they have formed themselves into a church, and meet every first day to attend to all things commanded. You will very likely receive the documents from Whitehaven and Workington, with the number of members. At any rate, you will see by this letter, that there are four churches in this locality, and if it had been taken into consideration a little sooner, I think a delegate might have been sent. I approve very much of district associations, if they could be carried out, believing that great good would result from them. If any of the brethren from the churches visit this part of the country, we shall be very happy to receive them; and though we are poor in this world's goods, being all working men, yet you may rely upon it, that we will give them a hearty welcome. My address is Daniel Gray, 24, Marketplace, Cockermouth. We CROSSGATES. Although we highly approve of your meeting, and feel deeply interested in the object which you have in view, yet, under present circum stances, we feel it improper, if not wholly impracticable, to send a delegate. With assurances of our cordial sympathy and co-operation, as far as practicable, we sincerely desire that peace and unity may prevail in all your deliberations, and success crown your efforts to spread the knowledge of salvation through the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Being already in connection with the Fife Association for the dissemination of Primitive Christianity, and having experienced its working, we desire it to continue, but are still anxious to see greater efforts put forth for the spread of the gospel, which brings glory to God and salvation to men; and will always be glad, when in our power, to co-operate with and aid the brethren, in any more effective means for making known the only name given under heaven by which men can be saved. CUPAR.-Although no messenger has been appointed by us to attend the meeting, we still approve of the objects which you have in view, and desire that the blessing of the Lord may rest upon all your meetings, and much good reand harmony and peace prevail in sult from your deliberations. you, DUNDEE. Highly approving of the object for which you are convened, we desire to be represented by letter, as it is not convenient for us to send a messenger among you at such a distance. We are united to what we call, “The Fifeshire Association of Churches," for the purpose of doing good, in the work of conversion, on a more extended scale, than we could possibly do ourselves; and this attempt has not been fruitless, much good having been effected. And, we believe, many hearts have been united more firmly to each other, by the influence of that unspeakable gift of our Father in heaven. We are bound to declare, that still more good would be effected, if we had, in addition to our local laborers, an evangelist continually in the field, whose voice would ever be heard not only in the neighbourhood of the churches, but also in districts where the unadulterated gospel is unknown, and where, too, many are languishing and perishing without the knowledge of God. We do not hesitate to say, as far as we are concerned, if a general evangelist were selected for the work, we should do more than we do at pre sent. We are sacrificing little or nothing, for this reason—that we neither hear of him any where, nor see him. As far as we do know, we speak the united testimony of the brethren, when we say, that, were a general evangelist procured, we would stand up as one man for his support and continuance. Of its importance, we need scarcely say one word. As a body in Scotland and England we are a mere handful, and our principles have been long misrepresented and unknown. For what reason? Because we are hesitating too long in presenting to the world a few heralds to proclaim the glorious gospel of the blessed God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us all do our utmost to plant and water, and God will give the increase. GLASGOW.-We gladly respond to the object of your meeting, namely, the promotion of union and coöperation among those who have confessed the sacred name of Jesus. The Messiah, while on earth as a man of sorrows, felt and desired this great object, as indispensable to the accomplishment of great ends: first, its importance in the confirmation of his divine mission; and second, its necessity to the conviction and conversion of mankind; so that in as far as we are filled with his spirit, shall we desire the 'same glorious end. We therefore fervently pray, that your deliberations may result in glory to God, the good of his people, and the diffusion of light and truth. GRANGEMOUTH.-Although we cannot, on this occasion, send a delegate, yet, as a church, we wish success to the object you have in view, viz.: union among all the disciples of Jesus, and the extension of his kingdom. And though we have done but little for the conversion of sinners, we are still holding forth the doctrines and institutions of our Lord Jesus Christ. We meetin the morning and afternoon of every Lord's-day, and observe those things which he hath commanded. and we must feel that there is a great want of the primitive spirit of Christianity. There are none among us qualified for proclaiming the gospel to the world as it ought to be; but still, we do the best we can to edify each other, and to tell the unbeliever who may attend the way of salvation. The brethren are scattered from 2 to 7 miles, We see and we have none amongst them that are qualified to fill the elder's office as it ought to be. May all of us be found striving together for the faith, the hope, and the practice of the gospel, and may grace, mercy, and peace be with you all. HALIFAX.—The congregation here is and must necessarily be so, owing to a living in peace, but the cause is feeble, few things over which the brethren have no control. They are so much scattered, that they seldom see each other except on the first day of the week, when the attendance is generally good. On any other night we find it difficult to obtain a meeting, and the brethren who officiate are occupied until late in procuring the food that perisheth. Brothers Farquer and Willman have occasionally made proclamations in Warley, but hitherto without success. Hereafter we hope to find that the seed was sown in good and honest hearts. The brethren feel sure that, could an evangelist labor amongst them for a short time, much good might be done; and though they are of opinion that a local evangelist would do most good, they are disposed to receive a general evangelist, and would support him for the time. At present we cannot promise any sum to the Evangelist Fund, as we are poor, and have had some urgent cases on our sick list. HAMMERSMITH.-Feeling deeply interested in the prosperity of the churches, the advancement of the truth, and the glory of God, we have sent our brethren Black and Kidner to aid you in your deliberations for securing the above objects; and earnestly pray for your success. HULL.-As a church, we are living in peace and unanimity, endeavoring "to build up each other in the faith," and in obedience to each New Testament precept and example, "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eternal life.” Nevertheless, we are bound to confess, that we have great cause for sorrow and humiliation, at our stationary, or rather numerically declining condition, and the little moral influence we appear to exercise over the unregenerate world around us. It will be right, however, to inform you, that we have on several occasions endeavored to draw the public attention to what we esteem as our favored po sition, viz.: disciples of Christ, unfettered by human creeds; and that, previous to our Brother Godson's visit to Bulwell, public rooms were engaged, in which he gave a series of addresses on the faith and obedience required by the Gospel; but we regret to say, without any visible beneficial results, although we still cherish the hope that the seed thus sown will not be altogether unproductive of fruit. In consequence of our having thus disposed of our small means-as also in consideration of our brother's evangelizing efforts being at his own charges-we have been prevented from contributing to the "general evangelist fund;" which, under other circumstances, we should willingly have done. KIRKALDY. The brethren consider it the duty of all who love the Lord Jesus, to co-operate for the purpose of spreading the gospel, or for any other object that cannot be attained by individual exertions; but our circumstances do not warrant us in promising any definite sum for such a purpose. vicinity. In the absence of labors on the part of evangelists, several of the brethren have been constant in affording aid to the weaker churches in this district, and the unavoidable expenditure incurred thereby has been invariably supplied from the fellowship of the church. On this account we have not appropriated any quarterly collections this year to the General Evangelist Fund. We still hope, and continue to pray, that the Lord may shortly raise up from among the churches, persons fully qualified for this important and most desirable work. We venture to recommend the continuance of this plan, providing its adoption be required, and the results prove satisfactory. PILTDOWN, FLETCHING, SUSSEX.-We wish to express our approval of the object of your meeting, and our desire to coöperate with you as far as our humble means will allow, believing its design is, to promote love and union among the brethren, whereby we may the better enable each other to encounter the enemies of truth and rightLEIGH.-What can be done to extend eousness, and to build each other up in our most holy faith. As a church we the Redeemer's kingdom? As a body are living in peace, and our prospects we are doing little or nothing. We pray that the brethren may be so guided by fallen on us in pleasant places, and we are cheering. Surely "the lines are Divine wisdom in their consultations, have a goodly heritage:" the Lord is as to suggest such plans as may ulti-greatly blessing our labors, and to Him mately tend to the glory of God in the salvation of sinners, and the building up of the saints. LLANFAIR.—As a church we continue to live in obedience to the holy commandments of the blessed God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, and are in some measure, we hope, realizing the promised blessing. We heartily approve of the object of the meeting, which, we believe, will adopt such measures as may be most beneficial in promoting the spread of true Christianity. NEW PITTS-SLIGO. - We desire to be connected with the churches of the Reformation, being united and happy, though without any prospect of additions to our number. We recommend united and continued prayer to the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth more laborers. NOTTINGHAM.-The congregation of disciples in this place is not only living in peace and union among themselves, but also with all the churches in this be all the glory now and evermore. us our reward. We have not formed any new churches at present, but antiticipate being able to do so, as we have brethren laboring in the neighborhood, and our prospects are good. SHREWSBURY.-We have meetings in three different places each Lord's day. At half-past ten in the morning, we meet in Shrewsbury to break the loaf, |