Thus Brother Errett and the brethren will see that we do not denounce any essays on the ministry, but such as are unauthorised of heaven. I hope Brother Errett will count himself out of the list I wrote against, as it would deeply grieve me should he count himself in, by avowing the sentiment as his own. With the present lights before me, I can never unite with the | brethren in any unauthorised attempt at the establishment of a new body unknown to the New Testament. Of course the brethren are not accountable to me, and therefore all I can do will be to stand like Samuel, and warn them as he did Israel. "God forbid that I should cease to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way." J. HENSHALL. is the reason why the gospel is hated sometimes. It comes necessarily, reminding men of their ruin in the very course of offering them recovery; but they do not like to hear that they are ruined. They would prefer to remain in fancied security. Therefore, they are angry at the disturbing agent, and charge all the revealed mischief to its account. Men do not like that the gospel should imply that they are sinners; and they are prone to treat that which assumes this fact as having caused it. ARE THERE THREATS IN THE GOSPEL? SOME people find fault with the gospel, as if a part of it were threats of vengeance against all who do not receive it. They say it is bigoted and gloomy; and speak of it as if its scheme were to save some, and destroy others. Now it is worth while to notice, that the destruction of sinners is no part of the gospel plan at all. That plan is to save -not to destroy. Christ says he came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. The destruction was a pre-existing fact. Men are under condemnation, not because there is a gospel, nor by Some good men object to our view of means of it. It has no agency, what- the gospel, and say that we believe that ever, in producing condemnation. It many will be condemned for not bewas revealed because men are condemn- lieving that of which they never heard. ed already, and for the sinfulness of One of the most common objections to their nature. Had there been no gos- the orthodox belief is, that it condemns pel, there would have been no less con- the heathen for not believing. This obdemnation; but, rather, it would have jection is founded on an entire mistake, been utter, endless, and universal. That as to the ground of condemnation. Our man sinned, and lies in the embrace of most unlearned readers may successfully eternal death, and must continue so deal with it by remembering that men unless redeemed by the blood of Christ, do not fall into condemnation by not regave occasion for Christ's gracious in-ceiving the gospel, but rather only reterference; and, therefore, it is highly main in it. absurd and unreasonable to feel resentment towards the gospel, when it proceeds on the presumption of man's ruin, as if it caused that ruin which it actually proposes to remedy. We have sometimes thought that people always dislike the bearers of evil tidings. The thing may be true, and important to be known, but the teller of it gets but small thanks at the best. This, perhaps, But it may be said, that the gospel clearly represents men as liable to suffer for rejecting it. This is true; ruin may be rendered more deep by rejecting Christ; but still this is not the same as saying that men perish because they re-. ject Him. A great deal of loose talk on this subject gets into the pulpit, and causes indefiniteness of belief, if not positive error. BIBLE REVISION CONFLICT IN ENGLAND. THE readers of the Harbinger will feel interested in every incident which goes to show that the question of BIBLE REVISION is taking a firm hold on the public mind in this country. The point of Dr. Tregelles' letter to Dr. Cumming will be fully appreciated by all who know and remember, that what the latter calls the original text on which our present version was found ed, is, strictly speaking, not original at all, but derived. The sources from which it was formed were certainly far inferior to those now possessed by the critical world. Unquestionably a text can now be formed more original than that translated or revised by command of King James. Mr. Punshon's thrust at the noblest enterprise of our age is worth preserving as a curiosity, to be handed down to our children and children's children. Dr. Cumming on Improving the Original Texts of Holy Scripture. TO THE EDITOR OF THE RECORD. Sir, I have seen to-day, for the first time, Dr. Cumming's "Bible Revision and Translation." He says in his preface, "It is the writer's design to deepen the conviction of plain Christians that they have Holy Scripture in all its first purity, by clearing away much of mystical phraseology, and setting forth the claims of the original text, and the inconsistencies and disputes of those who have tried to improve it," &c. As I am pointedly mentioned by name, and that repeatedly in the body of the pamphlet, may I be allowed to ask Dr. Cumming, what he means by trying to improve the ORIGINAL text? and on what grounds does he bring so serious a charge against Griesbach, Lachman, Tischendorff, or myself? Does he identify the text of Erasmus and Stephens (which he calls, p. 28, "the purest and best) with the original as it came from the inspired writers? Or does he think it well, by using that "mystical phraseology" which he repudiates, to obscure the real distinction which exists between a text based on a few recent copies of little value, and in some places formed by the conjecture of Erasmus himself, and that which is attested by the ancient MSS. ancient versions, and early citations to which he ap peals pp. 7, 8? What is meant by "the original text ?"What is it that critics have sought to improve? And to this end what have they improved? We do no good by keeping people in ignorance." S. P. TREGELLES. Plymouth, February 5, 1857. The following extract is taken from a late lecture on "John Bunyan," in Exeter Hall, before the Young Men's Christian Association, by the Rev. W. M. Punshon, Wesleyan minister, now stationed in Leeds. We copy from the Watchman of February 4 :- "He would testify against the priest trick of the destroyer-a new version of the Bible. Doubtless, certain words and phrases might be rendered less indistinct; but none of the pro posed improvements' could give to the articles of our precious faith a more triumphant vindication, or could point the weeping sinner more directly to the cross of Christ, or give to the anxious inquirer after truth a more satisWhat were the advantages to factory answer. be gained to the inestimable advantages to be lost, by such a new version? What could compensate for the dismay which it would inspire in the hearts of thousands; or for the uphea val of all old associations and memories; or for the severance of that which was the closest bond of international union, wherever AugloSaxons wandered; or for the resolution of all religious opinion and truth into a mighty chaos? The clamour had come from the wrong quarter, indeed; it had come from critics who glided through the Bible as they glided throngh the one as deep as that of the other; from Shakspere, and who deemed the inspiration of sceptics, who even donbted the possibility of a book of revelation; from weak men, who would be thought important: from bold men, who would be reckless with impunity; and from wicked men, who would unloose all moral restraint. Who made them judges on a matter which involved the interests of millions? It could not be settled by dark pundits in cells; or by triflers in the magazines; or even by members of Parliament. Put the question to the people, for the question was theirs. Let the pious give utterance-those whom the Bible had quickened by its transforming power, and who thanked God for it as they thanked him for their daily bread those to whom it had proved a charter of present freedom and of future hope. Away, then, with such an ac-away with such an unwarcursed sacrilege rantable interference with the sacredness of our spiritual home." As an antidote to the above shallow declamation, read the following adver tisement from the same sheet :— Twenty-first Thousand!-THE HOLY BIBLE, with numerous Emnendations, derived from the works of more than three hundred of the most learned and pious men of the last two centuries. It is freed from many obsoletisms and indelicate words, and printed in paragraphs, the poetical parts being in parallelisms. By J. T. Conquest, M.D. F.L.S. ''The devout and excellent man to whom the public are indebted for this version of the Bible, has embodied the result of his very extended and laborious researches: every alteration has the sanction of high literary authority.'-WesleyBible will be disposed to return to the Common an Magazine. No intelligent student of the Version, after he has experienced the compre hensibleness of this corrected translation.'Christian Examiner. It is an astonishing work: let every teacher who can possibly af ford it, have it.'-Sunday School Magazine." STUDY OF THE BIBLE. "OURS is a superficial age." Driven on a swift current with a thirst for gold, there is but little mental mining. The masses of society do not love to think for themselves. They ride swiftly, write swiftly, and do not stop very long to think deeply. As the result, books abound, light literature comes in like a flood, and the Bible is neglected. It may be read by many, and studied by a few, but to most persons it is a sealed book. It is but now and then one muses upon the sacred page till the fire burns. God has thrown a veil over the beautiful and true, so that they cannot be seen by the thoughtless, careless ones. He protects his own from profanation, and says to his children, "Cast not ye your pearls before swine." The student who comes to the Bible thirsting for wisdom, is the only one whom heaven permits to draw the veil aside, and rest his eye on words fitly spoken; like apples of gold in pictures of silver." To such there is a charm in the Word of God. These find utterance to their feelings in the words of the Psalmist : "Oh how I love thy law it is my meditation all the day. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy Word. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors." The more devoutly and accurately these studies are pursued, the more beauty and glory appears. Those who drink the oftenest and most deeply at this fountain of living waters, 66 have the purest and most far-reaching vision. As the microscope reveals new wonders in every object around, and the telescope brings distant objects near, so the habitual study of the Bible gives clearer and more accurate perception of whatever is excellent on earth, and of the far off glories of eternity. The spirit that bathes oftenest here, will be susceptible of the highest rapture. It is said that when Copernicus, who discovered a knowledge of the wondrous laws and arrangements of the solar system, saw the first printed copy of the work, he pressed it to his bosom as he lay emaciated on his sick bed, and that just before he died he desired his attendants to raise him up so that he might behold the last rays of the setting sun, ere the thick film of death had closed his eyes. For nearly thirty-six years he had studied the motion of the stars, to assure himself of the truth of his system. Now after many anxieties and fears, in an age which scoffed at his views; buoyed up by the inspiration of genius, he foresaw that all his fondest hopes were about to be realized--the immortality of his name would be borne around the whole earth, and carried down to the latest times. He gazed with unwonted interest upon those clear, mellow rays that shone into his chamber, as if to soothe his spirit for the last time on earth, and died as the orb of day went down beneath the horizon. CORRESPONDENCE. LORD PANMURE'S SPEECH ON BIBLE | who would make alterations, partly from the REVISION. To the Editor of the Millennial Harbinger. ON casually taking up a paper the other day, I observed a report of the meeting of the Edinburgh Bible Society, Lord Panmure presiding. In his opening speech his Lordship is represented as deprecating the idea of a new version of the Holy Scriptures. He said, " If I look to America, I am happy to find that the scheme there has been, I might almost say, utterly abortive." His Lordship admits "mistranslations," but says, "they are slight in comparison of the danger of letting in those criticisms of erudition, and partly for the purpose of getting in dogmas of their own." He "would leave it as part of the calling of our ministers, to study the Holy Scriptures in the original tongues, to fit them to explain to those who sit under them wherever the little differences exist." Now in reference to the above, allow me to ask, is not his Lordship misinformed in regard to the " American scheme." If the information contained from time to time in your valable periodical be correct, he certainly is in error. Is it not remarkable, that his Lordship should see great danger in attempting to im prove a version which almost every commen- tain subjects, some of which have often been tator and biblical critic, of the last hundred introduced in the Harbinger, but which could years, considers to be imperfect? Would not be more fully entered into at such a time; a judicious and combined effort, accompanied and the result would be, that those present with the "criticisms of erudition," annihilate would better understand each other than after the danger? And do not "dogmas" arise from months and years of controversy through a the imperfections of this very translation, of periodical: if not, also, that when they sepawhich his Lordship is so exceedingly jealous? rated, they would be " I perfectly joined toAnd is not his Lordship's conclusion equally gether, in the same mind, even of the same striking? He would have every minister study judgment." Previous to the meeting it is very the originals, and harmonize the incongrui- desirable that brethren should (through the ties, and guide the people aright. But he Harbinger) make any suggestions which may would not allow a combination of the piety, occur to them, on matters of business or suband talent, and learning of the age, lest the jects of special interest and importance. people should be led astray ! W. D. HARRIS. Take the following as a contrast, from a popular wark : . "The words printed in italics in the Bible are called supplements or supplementary words, because they are considered necessary to complete the sense, in translating from the origi nal tongue. Many of these words ought not to have been so printed. Not a few injures the sense, and some are quite erroneous. We very much want a new translation in this country. If this were done at the expense of Government, and honestly done by a fair mixture of pious, and good, and able men of different orthodox persuasions, it would be the glory of Victoria's reign-the security of her reign, and the admiration of the world." J. R. THE ANNUAL MEETING. To the Editor of the Miltennial Harbinger. WITH your correspondent, M. Ker, (page 91) "I do think these meetings may be made the instrument of much good". rather, of much more good. (As to "the safety and scripturalness of these meetings" I have no doubt.) When brethren are brought together from great distances, and at great expense of time, mone y, &c. the time during which the annual meeting continues is eminently valuable. Therefore, the brethren residing where the meeting is convened, should be fully prepared to afford every possible facility to further and expedite the business to be transacted. So much of this precious time as heretofore, should not be spent in the reading of the letters. It is especially objectionable to occupy the early and best part of the day (Wednesday) in this way. A committee should be appointed to look through the letters, and to read to the meeting all such as it is important to read, if possible, on the Tuesday evening. When the reports from the Evangelist and other Committees have been received, and the entire business transacted, an opportunity would be afforded for those brethren who were able and willing to stay for that purpose, to discuss cer THE PENITENT THIEF. To the Editor of the Millennial Harbinger. I PERCEIVE by your January number, that the case of the penitent thief is again referred to. I agree in the conclusion at which you arrive, that he must have previously heard Jesus. Indeed the words, "This mau hath done nothing amiss" (Luke xxi. 41) is an inferential proof of this. The thief appears to have been a man who, like many others who know a little of the truth, require to be brought into great straits before they will submit themselves to its influence; then they cry unto God that made them, as did Israel of old when their taskmasters afflicted them, before the Lord brought them out of Egypt. I am glad to see, from your concluding remarks, that you give no countenance to "Christianus," in his abortive attempt to prove, that our Lord made no promise of future happiness to the dying man, but simply informed him he would that day be in the land of the dead. I hold it as proved by the passage under consideration, that not only was the dying man pardoned and accepted, but that his spirit was the same day in paradise with the spirit of Jesus. To what beside his spirit could Jesus refer, when he told him that he should be with him in paradise? It could not be his body, for it was shortly to be entirely unconscious of happiness or misery. Now Paul declares paradise to be a state of consciousness, when he states how he was caught up into paradise, and heard language which it was not lawful for a man to utter (2 Cor. xii. 4.) Does such a passage as this give any countenance to "Christianus" in his attempt to show that paradise was understood to be a place of the dead? What author, ancient or modern, sacred or profane, does he adduce in proof of his assertion? Suppose he could produce any author, would not this single declaration of Paul on the subject be proof enough to the mind of any Christian to the contrary? Glasgow, Feb. 2, 1857. T. Q. H. THE "TWO IMMUTABLE THINGS." To the Editor of the Millennial Harbinger. IN a course of reading in the church of the Epistle to the Hebrews, my thoughts have been directed to the two immutable things spoken of in the 6th chapter. On accidentally taking up the Harbinger for 1849, I observed some remarks by Brother Davies on the above subject, but believing that they do not convey the true idea contained in the passage, I send you a few thoughts thereon. I would first observe, that I think Bro. D. missed the truth by taking for granted that the two immutable things are affirmed in the 14th verse, whereas the Apostle places the promises, and the oath by which they were confirmed to Abraham, in contrast with the two immutable things and the oath which gives the Christian strong consolation. Thus, God" willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, (or decree) confirmed it with an oath." I opine that the things spoken of must be sought for elsewhere, and not in the 14th verse. What, then, are the two immutable things? 1st, That the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head-that in the seed of Abraham all the nations of the earth should be blessed-that God would raise a prophet from amongst the Jews, to whom we were to hearken-"I will declare the decree: the Lord said unto me, thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee." 2nd, That this Son and Prophet should be constituted an immutable priest, after the power of an endless life. Well might the great Apostle say, that God confirmed these promises by an oath, in order that we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to this glorious Priest, who is entered within the vail, not with the blood of others, but with his own blood, there to make intercession for us. What a glorious Prophet, Priest, and King is he who is thus constituted a high-priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec! Melchisedec was a great man, King of Righteousness, King of Salem, King of Peace, and priest of the Most High God. Even Abraham our father was inferior to him, for he received his blessing, paying him tithes; and without contradiction, the less is blessed of the greater. With all his greatness, however, he is but a type. He must lay down his trophies at the feet of Jesus, who was made a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. "Wherefore, seeing he hath an immutable priesthood, he is able also to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." The Law made a man of infirmities high-priest, but the word of the oath which was since the Law maketh the Son, who is consecrated for ever. What a consolation is this for all who have fled for refuge to the Great High-priest! And how important must it be to secure an interest in his love! Maidstone, Jan. 1857. W. C. LETTERS FROM AUSTRALIA. LETTER I. ADELAIDE, October 13, 1856. IN the June Harbinger, which came to hand a short time since, I perceive from the communication of Brother King, that the city of Manchester was, at the date of his writing, the scene of great excitement, arising from the various amusements and displays which the world were resorting to, and some professing churches were making. I regret that we, at the antipodes, have been latterly subjected to a somewhat similar display; only, that ours has been almost exclusively from what are called churches of Christ, from the Roman Catholic body to the Wesleyan, or rather these two bodies in particular. Bazaars and musical performances have been the means resorted to for raising money, and so successful have they proved, that in two days the Roman church raised £500 from their bazaar, and the Wesleyans will probably exceed this amount. The motto, "The end justifies the means," has seldom been more fully carried out than in our midst of late; seldom, if ever, have I had my feelings of indignation more aroused, and my sense of consistency and propriety more put to the test than by the unblushing exhibitions made by those who claim the name of Christians. What a libel on those humble followers of the Lamb we read of in the New Testament, who were called out of the world, and were commanded not to touch the unclean thing! It appears to me that some of our professing churches have determined to make such overtures to the world, as the world cannot very well reject; indeed such as it will quite approve of so that instead of a union of the Church and State, we shall have a union of the Church and Mammon, or the Church and Belial. The rule, that money can generally be had by working for it in these colonies, appears to be fully recognized and acted upon by some of the churches here, only it is applied in a different way, viz.: that money can be had for building chapels, and supporting ministers by resorting to certain bold and impertinent claims, and by pandering to the tastes of the lovers of pleasure more than the lovers of God. In the midst of these painful proceedings I am glad to be able to impart a little far more pleasing information. A letter from Brother Pearce, at Point Sturt, says, "Our prospects are still encouraging. Last Lord's-day we had the unspeakable pleasure of making the waters |