94. Have not this union and arrangements attaching to it often tended to cramp the efforts and impair the usefulness of excellent ministers ?—Yes; this has been to many of them a source of great vexation, and has even led not a few to leave churches united to the state. sacred, absolute, and infallible, in matters which regard Christian ordinances, church-government, and the kingdom of Christ generally, as in matters of doctrine ?—Yes; the laws of Christ extend to every part of the kingdom of Christ; and it is incumbent on pastors to teach and people to "observe all things whatsoever he has commanded" them, Matt. xxviii. 20. 25. Did the reformation from Popery leave this alliance between church and state entire in the various Protestant 30. Is it the bounden duty of becountries of Europe ?—Yes; that great lievers to render a cheerful obedience event abrogated the authority of the to all the injunctions of the apostles? pope, and restored the authority of the Undoubtedly, this is perfectly clear Scriptures as the standard of doctrine, from the authority with which they and introduced many most important were invested, and from the style in changes, but it ever left church and which they addressed the churches, state incorporated as before. John xx. 21-23, xvii. 18; 1 Thess. iv. 2-8; 2 Thess. iii. 14; 1 Cor. xiv. 36, 37. 26. How is this to be accounted for? -The Reformers were just emerged from gross darkness, and their opinions on many points were influenced by their previous circumstances; and the wonder is that they accomplished so much, rather than that they achieved no more. 27. But are there not other reasons which more fully meet the question? Yes; those holy men were so intent on the more immediately vital subject of exposing papist corruptions of saving doctrine and sacred ordinances, that they had no leisure to explore the source of those corruptions. 31. Is the example of the apostles as binding on Christians as their precept ?-Certainly, unless we suppose that the apostles taught one thing and practised another, which would be subversive of their character. 32. Does uniformity seem to have characterised their instructions to all the churches?—Yes, complete uniformity, as these scriptures show; "Timothy shall bring you into remembrance of my ways, which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church,” 1 Cor. iv. 17. "So I ordain in all 28. What is now the duty of Chris-churches," 1 Cor. vii. 17. tians in respect of this and all other evils which have originated in popish corruption ?—Their duty is to proceed in perfecting the work which the Reformers so nobly began, following their great example of taking the Bible for the standard of right and wrong in everything connected with the church of Christ. 29 Is the authority of the Bible as 33. Is there no exception to this ?— Yes; when any part of the apostles' conduct was influenced by local or temporary circumstances; as, for example, Paul's vow, Acts xviii. 18, and the circumcision of Timothy, Acts xvi. 1—3; these things, and such as these, are not binding on others according to the apostolic decree, Acts xv. 28, 29. 34. Are the apostles particular in urging upon the churches obedience to all their commands ?—Yes; as these words show," Brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle," 2 Thess. ii. 15. 66 35. Do they commend the churches for obedience in these respects?—Yes; Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I have delivered them to you," 1 Cor. xi. 2. 36. Were the apostles decisive and peremptory in their disapproval of change in the churches?—Yes; in reference to a certain custom, attempted to be introduced by some, the apostle says, "If any man be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God," 1 Cor. xi. 16. the word of God is silent respecting the possession of such power by any description of men whatever. 39. Are the laws of Christ, then, absolute and immutable?—Yes; where the laws of Christ interfere, no power on earth can dispense with their obligation; and where they do not interfere, no human authority has a right to demand obedience. 40. Does not this view of the authority and obligation of apostolic precept and example afford reason to hope that the people of God will ultimately be all of one mind respecting the things of his kingdom?-Certainly; as they are all furnished with one rule, taught by the same Spirit, enjoined to acknowledge only one authority, and as Jesus has prayed for this universal visible unity, such unity must be the final Jer. vi. 16; John xvii. 20, 21; Eph. iv. 4-6. 37. Is it not plain from all these passages that one general practice pre-result, Matt. xxiii. 8, 9; Isa. lii. 8; vailed universally among the primitive churches; and that Christians have no permission to deviate from that practice?—Yes; the apostle spoke on this subject with much decision, 1 Cor. xiv. 37, 38. 38. Do pastors and churches possess any power of altering or modifying the laws of the kingdom of Christ ?—None; 41. Will that state of church-order and government which is most in accordance with the word of God be found most conducive to the spiritual welfare of the churches ?—Yes; always, and everywhere. Nov. 12, 1846. E. C. W. The Letter Box. CIRCULATION IN LIVERPOOL. | advanced the object he has earA RECENT Correspondent respect-nestly at heart, by drawing out ing our circulation in Liverpool, several intelligent practical men, while honest and well-intentioned, who have thoroughly illumined seems to have somewhat misap- the whole question. We feel prehended the matter; but as the much indebted to the several thing has turned out, he has, we writers for the interest they have doubt not, done us a very sub- taken in the matter, and are both stantial service, and considerably gratified and encouraged to find that we are so zealously supported by the booksellers in our great towns. As the letters of our friends are valuable from their practical character, and the lessons they supply, we shall now lay them, slightly abridged, be fore our readers. of the CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE. I conceive it an instrument whose successful working depends mainly upon their efforts, and with them rests the responsibility. As a stimulant to action, allow me to relate a case of individual usefulness with which I am acquainted. A young man, a customer of mine, who works at a manufactory where there is a number of hands em your Magazine, and solicit subscribers to it; and he now supplies, without fee or reward, except the pleasure of doing good to his fellow-workmen, from eighteen to two dozen copies per month, besides other religious periodicals. He distributes them to the different subscribers during the week, and when the men receive their wages they pay him, and he hands the money over to me; so that in a way beneficial to the working-man, (who seldom carries money in his pocket,) and without risk to the bookseller, where the party is known, the circulation of this Periodical may be greatly increased. I adopt the same plan with some Sunday-school teachers, receiving mutual advantage therefrom. I would humbly suggest to every pious tailor, draper, hatter, shoemaker, and all business men, that each and all should take with them the CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE into their different shops, manufactories, and spheres of labour, each making it known, and obtaining subscribers. In this way I doubt not but the sale in Liverpool might reach the amount alluded to in your present number: and this plan, if adopted throughout the kingdom, would soon double its sale. I argue not merely for the sake of extensive circulation, but for the purpose of putting into the hands of our neighbours and friends materials for serious reflection in reference to their well-being in time and eternity! SIR,-At the request of several sub-ployed, makes it a business to show scribers to the CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE, I have promised to communicate with you upon the subject of their sale in Liverpool, as referred to by one of your correspondents in the number for the present month. I have the greatest feeling of respect for that gentleman, whoever he may be, that can thus step forward to promote the interests of my fellow-townsmen, and especially the rising generation, by endeavouring to place in their hands a Periodical that, if attentively perused, is able to make them acquainted with the great truths of our holy religion. With him I regret that its sale here is not so extensive as it should be; but I cannot think the deficiency attributable either to the Liverpool booksellers or the London publisher. I am not aware who the bookseller may be that is referred to by your correspondent as the only one known to the Christian public for the sale of the Magazine, but I can inform him that I know several that regularly supply it, and some of them in the principal streets and centre of the town. It is true they may not all keep them upon their counters; but I feel persuaded that there are very few that would object to supply it if ordered. As a bookseller, I have supplied it from the commencement, and regularly keep it upon the counter; my sale steadily increases as the months come round; and my shop will not be deemed in an out-of-the-way neighbourhood when I state that it is near the middle of Paradise-street, which is one of the greatest thoroughfares and central streets of the town. But I am persuaded that it is not so much the situation of the book-pear more publicly on the counters of seller as the individual exertions of the members of the various religious Denominations. and Sunday-school teachers in particular, that can spread the sale But as your correspondent alludes to the sale of the Churchman's Penny Magazine, suffer me to say, that it has been the demand for it that causes it to ap booksellers, through the exertions chiefly of young men seconding the efforts of the ministers of the Church of England. In this respect they appear to surpass Dis senters, and, consequently, to reap the fruit of their doings. As it is always laudable to imitate useful example, I would say to each that wish prosperity to your enterprise and the interest of their fellows, "Go and do thou likewise." If you conceive the publication of these few remarks likely to promote the sale of your Magazine in Liverpool, you are at liberty to use them accordingly. Yours, &c., GEO. CUTLER. 34, Paradise-street, Nov. 16, 1846. SIR,-Allow me to correct what is a gross misrepresentation in the communication of a "Liverpool Sunday-school Teacher," which appears in your November number. His first statement is a wide deviation from the truth: it is to the effect that there is " only one place in Liverpool where your Magazines can be obtained," "and that in an out-of-the-way neighbourhood." The CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE is to be found on the counter of nearly every Dissenting bookseller in town. In the house in which I am at present engaged we use nearly 1000 copies monthly, and I doubt not there are other shops in town who do the same. One word with regard to the sale of the CHRISTIAN'S PENNY as viewed in connection with the Churchman's Penny, and I have done. I do not think you have any reason to fear that the sale of the Churchman's will injure that of the CHRISTIAN'S PENNY: as far as my experience goes, I find it tends to increase it; in the great majority of cases the parties who take the Churchman take the FRIEND also, that they may have both sides of the question; and I cannot help thinking, not only that the sale of the PENNY will be increased, but that we may also look forward to gaining many accessions to the voluntary principle. Trusting that you will take some notice of this in your next, that the real state of the case may be known, I am, sir, yours respectfully, Liverpool, S. S. T. Great George-street Chapel. Universal Publication Warehouse, 57, Richmond-row, Liverpool. Nov. 17, 1846. SIR,-On perusing your valuable little Magazine for November, I find you have an article headed "CIRCULATION IN LIVERPOOL," calling your attention to the necessity of giving it greater publicity, in order to extend the circulation. Your correspondent says he is aware of only one shop, and that in an out-of-the-way place, which is known to the Christian public, where it can be obtained; and that he meets with the Churchman's Penny everywhere; that it is well placarded, and found lying on every bookseller's counter. Now, I do not wish to say your correspondent has committed a wilful falsehood, but he is greatly in error; perhaps, too, his knowledge of only one shop, is owing to Liverpool being densely populated, and extending over a large space of ground. On the appearance of No. 1 of your little "Treasure," I placed it at the head of an advertisement I had in one of the Liverpool Papers, and likewise noted it in my circular,-the cost of which was more than the profits of three months' sale; and on the appearance of No. 1 of the Churchman's Penny I again issued out a list of Magazines, placing the PENNY MAGAZINE in Egyptian letters: but I must say the sale since has been somewhat languid, although my shop is situate in the great thoroughfare up to Everton,-a neighbourhood getting densely populated by the better class of working people. If the proprietors would forward me with a supply of prospectuses, with name and address thereon, it would greatly extend and revive the circulation. But there is Mr. Cutler, Paradise-street, who has sold it since its commencement, and others likewise I could name. Posting-bills, with name and address, answer much better than advertisements in newspapers; for this reason,it is not one out of every five that sees a newspaper; but as they pass along the streets, either to business in the week or to devotion on the sabbath, their attention is attracted to large bills on the walls. I am, sir, yours, &c., FREDERICK ELLIOTT. AN EXTRAORDINARY DREAM. MR. EDITOR,-Should you consider the following incident of any use for the pages of your valuable Magazine, you may depend on its veracity, and use it in any way you deem best: A gentleman (whose name I must withhold) residing at a town in the West of England, not many miles from Exeter, was awakened from entire unconcern for his soul in the following remarkable manner : One night, after being indisposed a short period, he was much troubled in his sleep by dreaming he was witness to the preaching of a black man in the public street, and that the text made a most powerful impression on his mind. He awoke much agitated. After a little space he fell asleep again, and again dreamt the same. He then arose, and after walking his room and reading some time, he laid down on a sofa, with a determination of keeping awake until day-break. However, he again slept, and still the same perplexing thoughts disturbed him; which in the morning he endeavoured to laugh off, always entertaining the utmost contempt for religion. led to see and to believe on Jesus alone, who taketh away the sin of the world. I might just add, a near relative of the gentleman in question, who is my informant, states, that his bigotry to Dissenters up to this time was almost unparalleled, even to desisting as much as possible doing business with them; but now, she adds, he will and does, although a Churchman, most cheerfully give the right hand of fellowship to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Wishing you, my dear sir, every success in your works of faith and labour of love, I am, &c., L. W. C. THE TWO DEATHS. MR. EDITOR,-If you think the following would be acceptable to the readers of the CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE or the CHRISTIAN WITNESS, I shall be obliged by your inserting it at your earliest convenience. I remain, &c., WILLIAM MAJOR. On Friday last I attended the funeral of Mrs. E. Ball, (widow of the late Rev. J. Ball, formerly an agent of the Home Missionary Society,) who was killed by the coach-wheels prasing over her head on Saturday, October 24. Shortly after, business called him through Andover; his attention was arrested by seeing a crowd of persons assembled in the market-place, and, in going towards them, he was much struck when he beheld a black man rising up to address the audience. A spirit of curiosity induced him to listen, aided, doubtless, somewhat by an uneasy conscience, which was considerably increased when he heard the preacher announce for his text the very same passage-Eccles. xi. 9, "But know thou, for all these things God shall bring thee into judgment"which had in his late dream rendered him so uncomfortable. The preacher dwelt very emphatically on the judg-waiting to take her. She was at this ment as coming on the unthinking man bolstering himself up in his strict morality. The blessing of God accompanied the word spoken; he was led for the first time to ask, "What shall I do to be saved?" since which he has been Mrs. B. had been to Gravesend to attend the funeral of her son-in-law, and on her returning home to Banbury she stopped at Wycombe Marsh, near High Wycombe, to see her sister, who, with her family, resides there. She was repeatedly asked to remain for several days, but could not be persuaded to do so. "My dear," said she, "it is the path of duty-I must go home." On Saturday, about noon, the coach was standing opposite to her sister's house, moment remarkably cheerful and active. The coachman left his seat, and had put the reins into the hand of a female passenger. Several persons were standing near the horses, but no one stood against their heads to keep them from moving forward. The ladder was |