of the Pope, (the devil's eldest son) is one million of pounds sterling. It is also said that the income of the monks and clergy, is two hundred millions of pounds sterling. It is said that St. Peter's church cost twelve millions of pounds sterling; which in our day, would be equal to thirty-six millions of pounds sterling. All this is not a drop from the ocean. Another sum I would propose to some religious calculator, is this: If it has required so many thousand of the most gifted and erudite sons of nature, and so much time, and so many millions of gold and silver, to erect this gorgeous, spacious, and magnificent temple of sin; what length of time, what number of men, and what amount of money will it require to demolish this temple and remove its ruins? Will it be done by moral or physical means? God has many children in the apocalyptical Babylon, see Rev. xviii. 3. "Come out of her, O my people." Can they be got out, and sinners converted to God, without evangelists and without money, to proclaim and sustain the truth? The men of this world are wiser than Christians. Religious teachers do more good than any class of men in the community, and they receive less for it. Of what force are the laws of men without the sanctions of the Bible? Why have so many of our most talented, promising, and useful young men, left proclaiming the gospel for the practice of the law? Because of the scandalous pittance which they were promised, and seldom received. Why have we so few able proclaimers of the New Testament? Because, even good men would rather tolerate some evils in religion, and retain power and popularity, and receive a compensation for their time, talents, and service, than to have a sound theory, and have to suffer the greater evils of poverty, reproach, injustice, and the covetousness of their brethren. Father Paul, of the Catholic church, acknowledged that there were many errors in his church after Luther commenced his operations. And being asked why he did not leave the Catholic church? he replied in Latin, Deus non dedit mehi spiritum Lutheri, God has not given me the spirit of a Luther. All evangelists are not lions to encounter the grinning and wolf-like countenance of poverty, and all other evils, and receive nothing for it. If well sustained they could do twice the amount of good, and feel much more happy and cheerful while doing it. If our brethren would give to their evangelists a reasonable equivalent, they would retain all they have, and acquire more from other churches. All congregations ought to watch,

encourage, and patronize their own sons and young gifts. The fields are already white to harvest, and where are the reapers? In some parts not one to a hundred miles of our reapers. Brethren, awake to this subject. Lay up treasure in heaven, not on earth. Imitate the liberality and justice of the primitive Christians. The elders who labour in word and teaching, are to be counted worthy of a double support, says Paul. Many do not get one support or living, much less two. Show your love to your teachers, by keeping them constantly at work in the Lord's vineyard, at your charges. In a future number we may show that this support of evangelists is founded in justice, not in charity or alms giving. July 4th, 1843. JACOB CREATH, Junr.

TEACH THEM FIRST.

How readily do ardent spirited professors of religion arm themselves with weapons of vengeance against those who fail at once to see the propriety of the views or principles, which to them appear plainly and positively taught in the Scriptures. I have witnessed much severe and merciless censure poured upon "the sects" for not falling in with certain views and principles, which, in my humble opinion ought to have been wholly withheld. My reason for this view of the matter is that until the brethren exert themselves more generously in spreading light among the erring, they have no right to censure any for being in error. Reform is needed at home. A. G. C.

THERE IS A REST.

In this day of theorizing and speculation, this day of agitation and excitement, when the soul has wandered through all the systems of creeds and metaphysics like Noah's dove, without finding a place to repose, how sweet to return, and in the heart to hold communion with God? To feel a calm submission to his will; under whatever adversities, or afflictions we may be called to pass; and unshaken confidence in his divine protection and support, though all earthly comforts fail and die-to feel this, is to know a happiness that the world with all its enchanting splendours can never impart. Here, is a fountain of consolation, that will never run dry. Here, the soul gains a victory over the world; and amidst its turmoils, afflictions, cares, and woes, it rests, and sweetly rests in the bosom of God.

REPORT OF THE EVANGELISTS' FUND. BELOVED BRETHREN.-Having visited Scotland during the months of August and September, in pursuit of a restoration of a more perfect state of health, which has not been enjoyed by me for more than two years, I have had the pleasure, not only of realizing this blessing, but also of seeing, hearing, and becoming acquainted with many valuable and intelligent brethren in that part of the Lord's vineyard. Among other topics of conversation, the subjects of cooperation, the evangelists' fund, &c., were fully canvassed over in almost every company. All parties seem to think that a brief report ought to be drawn up and inserted in the Christian Messenger. To this no one ought to object. The following, therefore, is the amount of contributions received from August 19th, 1842, to October 1st, 1843: be it remarked, that besides these sums several of the congregations have devoted a considerable amount, in endeavouring to spread the truth in their own immediate vicinity :CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE CONGREGATIONS.

3

Halifax

Auchtermuchty.

Brother M.

Bulwell

11

Kilmarnock

2 16

1 10 0

0

2

Total 150 7 10

Travelling expenses for two evangelists, and support of brother Reid's family for fourteen months

132 0 0

Balance in hand £18 7 10

From this feeble attempt at union and co-operation, for the support of evangelists to proclaim the gospel to the perishing multitudes, we see how much can be done by societies who for the most part are poor, and week, and in many places isolated and very few in numbers.

Whether all has been done by every individual that could have been, is not for us to determine. The final account must be rendered to Him who will award to every man as his work shall be. He has given an opportunity to all his people, even the poorest among them, to lay up treasures in heaven, according to their ability. If they will not do it, they must suffer loss; and although they may not finally perish, such will not receive a full reward.-2 John 8; 1 Corinthians iii. 14, 15; John iv. 36; 2 Corinthians ix. 6-8.

The amount of present or future good, that is or may be realized by individuals or the community at large, from such an effort of co-operation, is not for us to estimate. That many, even scores of men and women have already been convinced that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and confessing his name, have been immersed into him for the remission of sins, is quite certain; and had the brethren only full confidence in each other, and in the power of the truth to enlighten and save the sinner, at the same time laying aside all vain and foolish theories, each maintaining in all things, a behaviour corresponding with the profession they have made, the progress would be ten-fold greater than it is; pillar of truth" would be erected in the United Kingdom. against which all the speculations and combined powers of sectarianism could never prevail.

Bethren, will not one and all make the attempt to purge himself from every thing that is offensive to God or man? The principles upon which we are united are immutable. Be then exhorted to maintain with more confidence, energy, love, and benevolence, the spread of the gospel; for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes and obeys it. Let us lay aside all the perverse conceits, odd fancies, and puerile dogmas, which have been taught us while under the influence of a spurious Christianity. My heart sickens when I think of them. This old wine of the mother of harlots will never serve for any good purpose. The sooner it is ejected from the mind the better. Adopt a pure speech, even the words of eternal life. Let the mind be firmly fixed and deeply initiated into the facts and truths of the gospel, always realizing the presence, ability, and willingness of the good shepherd to impart seasonable aid to his obedient children. When this is enjoyed by all the saints, no principles of error will be able to stand before, or overturn such a community. J. WALLIS.

VISIT TO SCOTLAND.

WHILE on a short tour through a part of Scotland in com pany with my wife, we had the privilege of visiting the brethren at Edinburgh, Kirkalday. Dundee, Cupar, Auchtermuchty, Perth, Glasgow, and Kilmarnock. At each of these places, with the exception of Perth, I had an opportunity, more or less, of proclaming the gospel, or speaking a word of exhortation in the assembly of the saints. At five of these places we met with the brethren on the first day of the week, to show forth the death of the Lord till he come. What a blessed privilege is this! It is, in our estimation an honour beyond what earth can grant to her most devoted sons. Three or four in different parts were immersed into Jesus for the remission of sins; and we say it with gratitude, our faith and confidence in the truth have been strengthened, and the mind stirred up to maintain with increased energy the Christian conflict, and to plead for the Bible alone as the creed book and bond of union for the saints.

Many questions, objections, and friendly discussions were entered into by the brethren in private parties, one or two of which we shall here mention.

Question. By what scripture authority, brother James, do you advocate the support of evangelists to go out and preach the gospel, seeing there is no command for such a practice in all the New Testament?

James. Brother, I also shall ask you a question, which if you answer me, I will then tell you the principle upon which this practice is advocated. By what authority do you keep the first day of the week, seeing there is no command for it in all the New Testament?

Brother. My wish was to have a direct answer, and not to be ensnared by another question. Such a course I do not approve of.

James. Brother, I have no desire to ensnare you or any one. Your answer to my question shall be my answer to yours. This you are aware is quite a scriptural mode of proceeding, (Matt. xxi. 23-27.) That we may not condemn another for acting upon a principle which we ourselves follow, is the reason for my proposition.

Brother. I do agree that apostolic example in carrying out the Christian religion, is equally binding with their commands. This I suppose is what you mean.

James. Exactly so, brother. I understand that whatever is found in the Christian scriptures, and given to the church,