secure the esteem and fellowship of the The church, no more than individual children of God, than a spirit of meek-members, has a right to depart from the ness, patience and long-suffering. Nor divine rule. We are, and have long been, can we in any other course so much con-a stickler for the independence of form to the example and precepts of our churches. We hold that a gospel church Lord Jesus Christ. We should not suffer is the highest court under heaven, and sin to rest on a fellow-member of the that no orderly member can disrespect kingdom. We are to watch over them her authority. But, as before remarked, for their good, and when we have ad-even the church has no right to do wrong. monished them in love, and with a prayer- Her independence does not make her inful desire to reclaim them, when every fallible, nor give her the right to depart previous effort warranted by the laws of from the letter or spirit of the gospel, in Christ has failed, then are we to tell it to faith or practice. If therefore any church the church, and there submit the matter. shall transcend her authority in adminisThe church, if in gospel order, will make tering the discipline of the gospel, by dea righteous decision, and to that decision parting from the rule of discipline which we should quietly submit. It does not Christ has given, she makes herself a become us in any stage of the difficulty, transgressor, and her sister churches are or investigation of it, to spread the matter abroad, or act as though we desired to let everybody know how badly our brother, or brethren, as the case may be, have acted. "Tell it not in Gath. Publish it not in Askelon," for that would only cause the uncircumcised to triumph and rejoice. not, in such a case, to regard such administration valid. The churches are, as branches of the common kingdom of our Lord, not vested with authority to administer any other than the laws of her King. When she acts in her true sphere, and administers the laws of Christ, no other church or council has a right to question her authority, or to attempt to make void her decisions. We We have now on our table several communications written for publication in the SIGNS, setting forth matter of local difficulties. Some from a distance of more But to return to the particular subject than a thousand miles from this place, on which we commenced this article. others from regions not SO remote, are receiving correspondence continually, but all complaining of troubles which from every state and territory of our cannot be mitigated by any such publi- great Republic, and even from other cations. Why then should the hearts of countries, and should we open our colGod's dear children be made sad in every part of our widely spread country by such publications? The more public we make our difficulties, the more difficult it will be to reconcile them. An offending brother will not be more easily reclaimed by our letting all the world know how bad he is. Churches, as well as individuals, may sometimes be at fault, in regard to their treatment of members who have offended. umns for the publication of local difficulties of brethren, churches, or even associations, the grand object of our paper would be defeated. It cannot be expected that we, at so great a distance from the places where the difficulty exists, can be competent to judge of the merits of the cases, on exparte testimony. If the brethren or churches involved, desire counsel, it is better for them to call on brethren or churches nearer by, who can counsel them advisedly, having a better knowledge of all the circumstances of the cases in which their counsel is required. Thus proceeding we avoid the making of our local difficulty the subject of general grief to all the saints scattered abroad, who, as a general thing, have trials enough of their own to sufficiently weigh them down. Another reason that we may urge for declining to publish such difficulties is, that the course would involve endless controversies in our paper. An aggrieved party relates its complaint in the SIGNS, the other party then claims, as matter of course, a right to make a defense, and there is no knowing when or where the matter will end. OBITUARY NOTICES. Samuel L. Lazenby was born Sept. 14th, 1857, and died Feb. 2d, 1897, in the 40th year of his age. married Miss Rebecca Marks in 1877, and to them were born five children. He joined the church at Shoal Creek, Newton Co., Ga., March 4th, 1875, and best citizens has passed away," was the universal remark of the community. While we can but mourn our loss, we can but rejoice to feel that the restraining grace of God has enabled him to live a life clear of reproach, and to leave to his brethren a record of which they may be proud and thankful, and to his griefstricken companion, and dear little orphans, a name burial from Job xiv. 14, "If a man die, shall he live they may esteem a legacy. The writer spoke at the again?" We desire to bow in humble submission to God's will, and humbly pray that he who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, may guard and direct the bereaved wife, and care for the orphans, and finally gather them all to himself, where parting is unknown. JOHN D. CURTIS. was baptized by Elder Wm. L. Beebe. "One of our BOB LEE, Newton Co., Ga. BROTHER John W. Thomas, of Ebenezer Church, died at his home near Bloomfield, Loudoun Co., Va., April 18th, 1897, aged about 75 years. Blood poisoning, the result of a chronic disease of long standing, gradually paralyzed body and brain, continuing for his sufferings. Still he retained many faculties of mind, among them his knowledge of divine things. He manifested his delight in the law of the Lord, his several months till death came and released him from We believe the Old School Baptists are the most orderly people on earth, and that there is as little cause for complaint among them, as among any people in this vale of tears; but still we have found that "offenses will come among them." Let us not publish our distresses to the world; the world has no sympathy for the children of God, but let us strive together for the things whereby one may edify another, and let us ask counsel of God, who giveth liberally unto all men, and up-Thomas had an experience of grace in early life. braideth not. While feeling aggrieved with others, let us see to it that we are not occasioning grief to those whom we love in the Lord. Finally, brethren, be of one mind, love as brethren, keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace, and may our God bruise Satan under our feet shortly, Amen. the truth, and of his brethren, until the last. Brother trust in God's grace, and he could express his love for Some time after, he identified himself with the New School organization, was dissatisfied there, and after many years of wandering he was received by, and baptized in the fellowship of Ebenezer Church, about eight years ago, I think. Since that time he has been a consistent and much esteemed member of that communicate." His conversation was entertaining and instructive to lovers of the truth. Himself delivered from a fierce temptation by the mighty grace of God, he never tired exalting that grace, and with a sweet, musical voice, singing its praises. His favorite hymn, "Jesus lover of my soul," though with enfeebled voice, he sang till the end. Sister Thomas, his life's faithful companion, is left in lonely widowhood, but with the consciousness that all which faithful love could prompt, was done for his comfort during the long, weary months of his illness. One son, Dr. T. H. Thomas, of this place, and one daughter, sister Martha Hutchison, of Washington, D. C., with his wife, composed his immediate family, who sincerely mourn their church. Gifted with a bright mind, and "able to THE Delaware Old School Baptist Association will be held, the Lord willing, with the church at Bryn Zion, commencing on Wednesday before the fourth Sunday in May, (19th, 20th and 21st), 1897, and continuing three days. Friends will be met at Clayton, on the Delaware division of the Penn. R. R., on Tuesday afternoon, the day before the session commences. I presume the afternoon trains from both ways will be met. I have procured orders for excursion tickets to go and return at reduced rates. They will be good from all stations on this Maryland Division (as it is called) and its branches. I will furnish them to all parties expecting to attend. We hope that a goodly number of lovers of the truth will feel inclined to meet with us, and share the privileges that we hope await us. E. RITTENHOUSE, Pastor. THE Baltimore Old School Baptist Association will be held, the Lord willing, with the church at Black Rock, Baltimore Co., Md., beginning on Wednesday before the fifth Sunday in May, 1897, and continuing three days. Arrangements have been made to meet all those who expect to attend the association at Cockeysville, ou the Northern Central R. R., on Tuesday afternoon preceding the meeting. The train leaves Calvert station, Baltimore, at 3:30 p. m. Call for tickets to Cockeysville. Those coming from the north by Harrisburg, will be met at the same time and place. A cordial invitation is hereby extended to all who desire to attend. THOMAS H. SCOTT, Clerk. THE Delaware River Old School Baptist Association Washington, commencing on Friday before the third Sunday in June, 1897, at 10 o'clock a. m. Those coming by boat will be met at North Dalls, will have to be there on Wednesday evening, June 16th. Those coming by rail will get off at Grants, cross the river Thursday morning, June 17th, where they will be met by teams to convey them to the place of meeting. Should any miss the private conveyances, there is a daily stage from each place to Goldendale. N. J. SHANKS, Clerk. YEARLY MEETINGS. THE Old School Baptist Church of Middleburgh, Schoharie Co., N. Y., has appointed her yearly meeting to be held the first Saturday and Sunday in June, 1897. We extend a cordial invitation to ministers, brethren and friends, to meet with us. Any coming on the train to Middleburgh will be met on Friday and cared for. A. COOK, Clerk. A UNION MEETINGS. UNION meeting will be held with Friendship Church, at Acton, Texas, commencing on Friday night before the first Sunday in June, 1897, at early candle lighting. We cordially invite visiting ministers and brethren and sisters of our faith and order, to come and be with us. W. L. MCPHERSON, Church Clerk. APPOINTMENTS. ELDER S. H. Durand will, nothing preventing, preach in Waverly, N. Y., Tuesday evening, June 16th and 17th, Burdette, N. Y., Saturday and Sunday, 15th, Grover, Pa., Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 19th and 20th. Meetings Saturday, 10:30 a. m., |2 p. m; Sunday, 11 a. m., and 2 p. m. and A TWO days meeting is appointed to be held with the Old School Baptist Church at Riker's Hollow, N. Friends will procure tickets Y., June 22d and 23d. Erie R. R., where they will be met June 21st, and for Atlanta, N. Y., a station on the D. L. & W., and cared for. All come that can. Ministering brethren are included in the invitation. D. M. VAIL. will be held, the Lord willing, with the Southampton HYMN AND TUNE BOOK. Church, Bucks Co., Pa., commencing on Wednesday before the first Sunday in June, 1897, and continuing three days.. THE Warwick Old School Baptist Association will be held, the Lord willing, with the Warwick Church, Orange Co., N. Y., to begin on Wednesday before the second Sunday in June, 1897, and continue three days. THE Siloam Association of Regular Predestinarian Baptists of Oregon, will be held, the Lord willing, with the Pleasant Grove Church, at Goldendale, COMPILED BY ELDERS S. H. DURAND AND P. G. LESTER. The hymns and tunes in this book have been very carefully selected and are such as are used in our churches in different parts of the country. The book contains 272 pages. Two kinds are printed, round and shape notes. Be careful to name which kind is wanted. Price per copy, sent by mail, post-paid, $1.10. Price per dozen, sent by express or freight, as may be desired, at the expense of the purchaser, $9.00. Send draft, morey order or registered letter to Silas H. Durand, Southampton, Bucks Co., Pa. SMALL, LIGHT BIBLES WITH LARGE PRINT. We are now prepared to furnish a Bible that has been much inquired for by our people; a small and light Bible printed in large full-face type, with maps and family record, WITHOUT REFERENCES, size, 6 inches wide, 8 inches long, and 14 inches thick. We can send these Bibles postage paid, at the following prices, according to binding, the contents of all being the same. 1702. Imitation Roan, red burnished edges, boards, round corners, side and back title, $1.35. 1730. French Morocco, gilt edges, boards, round corners, side and back title, $1.80. 1790. French Seal, red and gold edges, extended covers, round corners, $2.75. 1713. Algerian Morocco, red and gold edges, limp, round corners, leather lined, $3.50. 1791. French Morocco, red and gold edges, extended covers, round corners, leather lined to edge, $3.75. 1734. Extra Morocco, red and gold edges, flexable boards, round corners, leather lined, $1.00. 1714. Extra Morocco, red and gold edges, limp, round corners, leather lined, $4.50. 1793. Algerian Morocco, red and gold edges, extended covers, round corners, silk sewed, leather lined to edge, $5.00. WITH REFERENCES AND MAPS. HYMN BOOKS. (BEEBE'S COLLECTION.) These books contain 800 pages and 1311 hymns, carefully selected by the late Elder Gilbert Beebe, especially for use in the Old School or Primitive Baptist Churches of America. Also an alphabetical index of the first line of each hymn. Our assortment of the small books embraces: Cloth Binding, single copy, 75c; half doxen, $3.00. Blue Plain, single copy, $1.00; per dozen, $9.00 Blue Gilt Edged, single copy, $1.18; per dozen, $12.00. First Quality Turkey Morocco, very handsome, $2.75 single copy or per dozen, $30.00 LARGE TYPE EDITION. We also have an enlarged fac-simile of the small books, being about twice the size, in a variety of bindings at the following prices, viz: size, 6 inches wide, 9 inches long, and 14 inches THEODOSIA ERNEST. thick. 2790. French Seal, gilt edges, extended covers, round corners, $4.50. 2791. French Seal, red and gold edges, extended covers, leather lined, round corners, $6.00. 2713. Algerian Morocco, red and gold edges, limp, round corners, leather lined, $6.50. 2714. Extra Morocco, red and gold edges, limp, round corners, leather lined, $6.50. 2793. Algerian Morocco, red and gold edges, extended covers, round corners, leather lined, silk sewed, $7.50. THE EVERLASTING TASK FOR By Elder William Gadsby, late of Manchester, England. Many thousands of these pamphlets have been scattered throughout England and America, and read with intense interest by the lovers of the truth, and still the demand has increased to such a degree as to induce us to present to the public this edition, which we will send (postage paid by us) to any postoffice address in the United States or Canada at the following rates, viz: a single copy for 10 cents; 12 copies for $1.00; 25 copics for $2.00; 50 copies for $3.00; 100 copies for $5.00. Address, GILBERT BEEBE'S SON. Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y. OR THE HEROINE OF FAITH. THE above important book was published forty years ago, but now, so far as we know, is not obtainable. Notwithstanding some objectionable phrases, it was much valued by our brethren who saw it, for its complete defense of Scriptural Baptism, and the authentic history it gives of the time and place, and by whom changes and corruptions were made in this holy ordinance. Through regard for its inestimable worth, and not for gain, it is being reprinted, having been slightly abridged and revised, so that no line of conditionalism remains. The style, while plain, is very interesting. It is bound in full cloth (scarlet) with stained edges, good book paper, clear type, with stamp and title in black and gold, on side and back. This book in plain binding was never sold under $1.00. In this greatly improved style the price will be reduced vs follows: One copy, 75 cents; two copies, $1.40; three copies, $2.00. In large quantities at 65 cents each. Middletown, N. Y. THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, (ESTABLISHED 1832.) DEVOTED TO THE OLD SCHOOL BAPTIST CAUSE, PUBLISHED THE FIRST AND FIFTEENTH OF EACH MONTH. BY GILBERT BEEBE'S SON, 99 MIDDLETOWN, ORANGE CO., NEW YORK, To Whom all letters should be addressed, and money orders made payable. EDITORS: F. A. Chick, Hopewell, N. J. CRUDEN'S COMPLETE (STUDENT'S EDITION) CONCORDANCE TO THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, (Which enables any one to readily find any passage of Scripture of which they can call to mind two or three words.) With a Complete Table of Proper Names, with their meanings in the Original Languages, a Concordance to the Proper Names of the Old and New Testaments, a Concordance to the Apocrypha, and a Compendium of the Holy Scriptures, &c. The above described book of 719 pages 6x94 inches, we will mail postage paid for one dollar and fifty cents; or B. L. Beebe, Middletown, N. Y. PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. BY JOHN D. MCCABE. This work is no dry mass of details-no bombastic effort to inflame the national pride, but a vivid and brilliant narrative of the events of our history, from the discovery of the American Continent down to 1893. The work is printed from plain, new type, on fine calendered paper, and comprised in one octavo volume of 960 pages. It is splendidly embellished with nearly 500 fine engravings, embracing battles and other historical scenes, portraits of distinguished men, views of our principal cities, &c., &c. Bound in Fine Silk Cloth, Plain Edges, $2.00, Postpaid. Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y. G. BEEBE'S SON, |