things that he had heard of the Father. The salvation which began to be spoken by the Lord was confirmed unto us by them that heard him: and the things which he made known unto them were what he had heard and seen with the Father, and which had been hid in God. This was necessary to the office of apostleship, namely, for one to receive his commission from Christ and not from man (Gal. i. 1); nor is there the least evidence in all the scriptures that those called prophets in the New Testament did receive the knowledge of any truth directly or immediately from the Lord, though they might have somewhat revealed unto them for edification, exhortation or comfort; of which, however, others were after all to judge, (1 Cor. xiv. 29.) Hence it was impossible, in the very nature of things, for the office of apostle to continue, except they had been called as Paul was; and therefore their number is also restricted to twelve, (Rev. xxi. 14.) Moreover, it is the word of the apostles through which we believe in the Lord, (John xvii. 20): Christ commanded them to preach to all nations, and added, Lo! I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, (Matt. xxviii. 19, 20.) And with respect to the prophets, we can easily understand how needful it was before the apostles' doctrine was com mitted to writing, that there should be those qualified to instruct the church who should not be liable to the mistakes which might be made by those who had nothing but their recollection of what the apostles had taught, to depend upon. But whether that were the reason or not that that gift was bestowed, yet the passage above referred to (1 Cor. xiv. 3) is conclusive as to the end for which it was given; and that this was not for a rule of faith and practice is evident in that what they said was to be tried, and that it was to be known whether they spoke by the spirit of truth or the spirit of error, by their conformity or otherwise to what the apostle spoke, (1 John iv. 6); and if an angel from heaven should speak otherwise than the apostles, he should be accursed, (Gal. i. 6-9.) It follows then, that if we have not in what is written, a perfect record of God's truth, and a perfect rule of faith and practice according to what the apostles' taught, we shall never have it at all: that whatever any one speaks, prophet or no prophet, is to be tried by their word, and that if he speaks contrary to that, he is accursed. And I know not what can be intended by the passage (Rev. xxii. 18, 19,) if it be not that it was at the peril of every man to add to or take from the revelation of God, which was now by that book brought to a close. W. C.

UNIVERSALIAN PHILOSOPHY.

SATAN.

I KNOW of no article of faith in which Universalists more generally agree than in this-the impersonality of Satan. They have several ways of disposing of the difficulties that continually obtrude themselves, as impediments to this undigested system of delusive philosophy.

There are three ways in which they think to get rid of this evil messenger.

1st. Their first plan is an exegetical examination of all the places where the term devil, or Satan occurs in the scriptures, and if they cannot find a perfect personal description of his Satanic Majesty, they come triumphantly to the conclusion that the Bible does not teach any thing about a personal devil-that it is all a figure of speech, a mere rhetorical flourish—a nonentity.

2nd. They find that temptation is ascribed to the devil, and it is also said that " every man is tempted when he is drawn away with his own lusts, and enticed." This, then, in the hands of Universalists, is made the great key that unlocks all the mysteries of Satan. For if men are tempted by their own lusts, and at the same time be tempted by the devil, is it not plain that the term devil, and the term lust, are but two names for the same idea? - that there is no devil but the evil passions of men? For example; should it be said in common parlance, the man ploughs the field, and at the same time it is asserted that every field is ploughed by some horse or horses; does it not prove just as plainly that the term man and the term horse are but two words for the same idea? In other words that man is nothing but a horse? What sage criticism! and yet this is fairly and truly nothing but a practical application of their own most powerful canon of biblical criticism. Indeed, if this be made a rule, I scarcely know what I might not prove. On this hypothesis it would be easy to prove that God had no personal existence, or that man was the only God of the universe: for in the scriptures, the same actions are sometimes attributed to God and sometimes to man; and therefore according to this system there is no God in the universe except man. Indeed I will engage to prove that all the arguments that they have hitherto invented, or ever can invent, have, and must for ever have the same atheistic tendency. It is said that the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and again that Pharaoh hardened

his own heart will not this prove just as well that there is no God but Pharaoh? But again, this criticism does no more to prove away the existence of the devil, than it does to disprove the existence of evil passions of men. For it proves just as well that there is no lust but the devil, as it does that there is no devil but the lust.

3rd. The term Satan is sometimes applied to men and angels of God-its literal meaning is adversary. If this prove any thing for this system, a parity of reason will be just as good to prove atheism.

For the name God is applied to men and angels, as well as to the divine Father. It is said that Moses was made a God to Pharaoh, and Aaron should be his prophet. Here it is plain that this God was nothing but a man. Is not this argument just as good for Atheism, as the above for Universalism? But again, the Atheistic argument is better sustained by scriptures if we pursue their method of reasoning, than any they have ever yet found in favour of the non-existence of Satan. For it is said that God is love-Now suppose the scriptures should declare that the devil is lust, would not this be triumphantly adduced as proof positive that there was nothing in the world that could be called devil except the evil desire of man? The Atheist might say, if God be love, is it not plain that love is God and has nothing to do with a personal existence, but is only an affection of the mind!! And yet this argument is just as good as any ever produced by Universalists to prove the non-entity of Satan. Universalists are in the habit of saying that every man carries his own devil in his bosom. And might not any one, with full as much sense, say that every man carries his own God in his bosom, inasmuch as every man has a love for the something which he always prefers; and as there is some love and some evil passion about all men, every man must contain his own God and his own devil, and as the container is always greater than the thing contained, man must be much greater than either, taken separately, and something larger than both together! Such then, dear reader, is Universalian Philosophy, when carried to its legitimate tendency, a pitiable figment, below the dignity of contempt or ridicule, and demands your pity and astonishment! I wish we could find befitting language to expose the horrible absurdities of this most fantastic whimsey of modern apostacy.

B. U. WATKINS.

MISCELLANEOUS.

LANCASHIRE, Leigh, February 19, 1842. DEAR BROTHER,-Though we are strangers in the flesh, I trust not in the Spirit. Lately my attention has been called to the Scriptures, to consider for myself what they teach as to the duty and privilege of the disciples of the Lord Jesus. I must say I am astonished at the ignorance and darkness in which I have so long remained re. specting the plain, simple truths of the gospel.

I have been connected with the Wesleyan-Methodists near twentyfive years, and a preacher twenty, and I do assure you it has been hard work for me to unlearn all that I have learned in that time. It has been a terrible conflict to get unshackled from the prejudices of education, connexions, &c., but, however, when I decided to obey Jesus, I said in my own mind, Now, thank God, I am freed from doubt, fear, shame, and uncertainty, and this day, in the name of the Lord, I will obey Jesus in baptism, and accordingly I performed my Vow on December 19th, 1841. Since then, my wife has entered into the kingdom of Jesus.

Brother Robert Evans from North Wales has come to reside here; so last Lord's day we formed ourselves into a little church, and met together to teach one another the apostles' doctrine, to attend to the fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. During the past year, there have been three churches formed on the primitive model in this part of Lancashire, at Bolton, Wigan, and Leigh, which is cause of rojoicing. We do rejoice, and we will rejoice, and pray that our king Jesus may reign, rule, and prosper, till all his enemies are put under his feet.

There have been five immersions in the churches during the last two or three weeks. Two of them came thirty-seven miles to be immersed from near Garstang, the north of Lancashire. Truth is mighty, and must prevail. We feel lonely, being seven miles from any brethren, but the Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Peace be with all that are in Christ Jesus. Your affectionate brother in hope of eternal life, WILLIAM TURNER.

Dear brother Turner,-May peace and love be with you. The truth of God has opened your eyes in some measure to see its own intrinsic value, importance, and capability. Truly the long-suffering of our Lord is for the salvation of many. You have commenced the christian conflict, having put off the doctrines and traditions of men: may you now put on the whole armour of God, for be assured you will need it. We are invited in the first place to take the yoke, or doctrine of Christ upon us, and secondly, to learn of Him; for, said he, am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. In no other way can perfection of character be obtained in His sight. He has left us an example that we should tread in his steps: that we should be followers of God as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. Tens of thousands of men and women in different parts of the world, especially in the United

States, who, for many years, perhaps all their days, have been religiously following some man or sect, have now renounced all for Christ. I trust this will yet be the case in England. May the Lord hasten such a glorious and happy consummation! J. W.

YORKSHIRE. A LETTER from brother William Scott informs us that during the last two weeks, five persons have been immersed into Jesus at Hull; these, with four brethren immersed there some time since, make a small congregation of nine in that place. Our earnest prayer is, that they may be enabled to hold fast the truth as it is in Jesus, to walk before the people who surround them in the duties of life and the affairs of this world, so as to shew that they have learnt and are learning of Jesus, until they become able to exhibit his truth in a more public manner.

HALIFAX. We just learn by letter, that during the last four months, thirty persons have been added to the church, making thirty-seven.

From the Evangelist.

BROTHER T. M. Allen, of Missouri, writes that he, with other labourers, Willis, Hatchitt, T. E. Thomas, saw fifty-seven added to the good cause in Paris, Monroe county. By brother Smith, Thomas, and others, thirty or forty were enlisted in Shelby county, in addition to thirty more by J. Creath and Thomas, and some twenty-two have been initiated in Boone. He adds the good cause is progressing in other counties also.

Brother Crihfield happily came to Carthage about the commence, ment of our big meeting. His addresses were both powerful and profitable; seven were immersed. Brother Van Dake, lately a Pres. byterian student, laboured faithfully, zealously, and efficiently; more additions were made. Brother James Challen of Cincinnatti, who had been present from the beginning, and whose motto in the divine cause may be said to be " ready, always ready," next held forth with great efficiency; the labours of this acceptable evangelist were crowned with still greater success, and the number of converts swelled to almost thirty. Finally our brother Burnet favoured the meeting with a visit, and the number of converts was again increased. The address of this justly esteemed and beloved minister of Christ was exceedingly edifying.

What shall we render to the Lord for all his mercies? The brethren have been greatly comforted and edified; numerous additions have been made to the church, and an excellent religious impression stamped upon the minds of the many who attended. We may say, praised be the name of our God! Honour and glory and blessing and thanksgiving be to Him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever, even for ever and ever. Amen.

FORGIVENESS AND HOLINESS.-Christ comes with a blessing in each hand-forgiveness in one, and holiness in the other; and never gives either to those who will not take both.

THE SOUL-If the globe were one mass of the purest gold-if the stars were so many jewels of the finest order-if the moon were a diamond and the sun a ruby-they were less than nothing when compared with the infinite value of one soul.