of the Christian Advocate? Is it not energies misapplied? Is there any encouragement to the work? It has not been successful as a worldly enterprize, as indeed it was not expected to be. It has not supported itself. Has it been successful in a Christian point of view? Yes. Consider the matter for a moment. Let us take a very low computation,-suppose the circulation to be five hundred,—if we consider the usual size of families, it is not going too far surely to suppose that each copy, upon an average, is read by two individuals. Here then we have a monthly audience of one thousand persons. Would not those who have the love of the truth in them, be very willing to pay room rent to accommodate an audience of a thousand. It might be supposed by some that it has not proceeded beyond our own churches; but this is not the real state of the case. It has reached to various places where there are no churches, where there are only scattered individuals, or twos and threes gathered together, far distant from any religious body with whom they can associate, who feel much refreshed by the monthly appearance of a periodical uttering such views as they seldom or never hear announced. If it were for no other purpose than such as these, it would be of great service, but it has also, to some extent, found its way to other bodies. Consider then the influence which such an instrument will be likely to have, even though its circulation should never rise higher than it is at present. It forms a medium of communication between minds which otherwise must for ever remain apart; and by looking at the notices to correspondents, we may see that a considerable degree of interest is excited among its readers. Can we then, as Christians, abandon the position which has been gained? Is it wise, is it Christian-like, to do so?

Let us keep in mind our vocation. Let us not ask-Can it support itself, but can we support it, and is there any inducement for us to do so? Let us beware of judging of this merely as we would a worldly business. If we apply the maxims of this world to matters which belong to another, we are losing sight of the Christian vocation. Herein we greatly err. A very suitable vehicle is here placed before us for the conveying of scriptural truth, and it is a serious question to consider whether or not we have made a proper use of it, and have endeavoured to turn it to the best account. Instead of sighing for opportunities of usefulness which are placed beyond our reach, let us rather make use of those which providence has placed within our grasp, "She hath done what she could," was said of the woman :— What shall be said of us?

Besides supporting the Advocate, another duty devolves upon us, and that is, to endeavour to rectify whatever we may see amiss in it, and to make it as perfect and generally acceptable as possible. Let every thing which appears in its pages be exposed to a manly, Christian, and thoroughgoing criticism. By these means it will be enabled to live down the prejudices which may have sprung up against it.

Perhaps some are altogether careless about any direct mode of spreading the truth. It is often said, by way of dissuading from effort, that the best way of spreading the gospel is by a life and conduct becoming the gospel. True, but these two departments of Christian duty do not clash with each other. However anxious any one may be for spreading the truth by the human voice or the press, that need not in the least hinder him from shewing out of a good conversation, his works with meekness and wisdom.

While we have been penning the above remarks, one of the warmest supporters of the Magazine has gone the way of all the earth: those of its friends who still survive, and who wish its continuance, would require to be in earnest, and consult together.

Edinburgh.

A. B.

[REMARKS.-We have been much pleased with the remarks of our correspondent in the preceding letter, they display a sound and discriminating judgment. There are a few points noticed which require a passing observation from ourselves.

First, with regard to the question whether the Magazine has stood true to its professed purpose, in pleading the cause of primitive Christianity, and fairly representing Scotch Baptist principles; we can only say, we have never received any intimations to the contrary. But while it is admitted that there are different opinions as to what constitutes "Primitive Christianity," so there may be some difficulty in deciding what are really Scotch Baptist principles. We suspect many of the Scotch Baptists are not what they were fifty or sixty years ago. A change has come over them as well as others; not for the better, but for the worse. So far as the Christian Advocate is to be considered as representing Scotch Baptist principles, as the type of primitive Christianity, we wish it to be distinctly understood that the principles we mean are those which the churches maintained at their first setting out. Moreover, in regard to these principles, in order to approximate to them, we must retrograde, not follow the current. How far we have succeeded in our object is not for us to say. Viewing, as we do, the principles of the original Scotch Baptists as identical with apostolio Christianity, we have maintained those principles, while, at the same time, we have avoided as much as possible giving the Christian Advocate a sectarian character, or making it the mere tool of a party.

Secondly, our correspondent intimates that many persons consider "that the Advocate has faults," and that "some things in it are doubtful," &c. No one possessed of common sense would suppose otherwise. We never laid claim to inspiration, nor to infallibility; nor do we suppose that any of our correspondents set up any such pretensions. It is always presumed that whatever appears in the Christian Advocate, is open to animadversions and to fair and honest criticism.

As to unbecoming expressions, we do not of course know what particular expressions may be alluded to, but we have long been convinced that few persons comparatively are competent to judge what sort of expressions are really proper on many occasions. Whether the allusion

may be to any of our correspondents, or to the Editor, we cannot tell. People's taste differs materially. For our own part, we have an utter detestation of that whining, drawling, sanctimonious cant which some persons so much admire. And we are confident that if the articles in the Christian Advocate were written in the insipid kind of style which would please some, its present numerous class of readers would, in three months, dwindle down to a score or two. We are confirmed in this view of the matter, from the fact, that what a few individuals have objected to as "unbecoming," has been highly approved by a far greater number. Perhaps the language of one correspondent will express the sentiments of others. He says, "I take in other Magazines besides the Advocate, but there is not one which I can read with the zest which I do the Advocate. Besides the general interest of the subjects introduced, there is a raciness in the style of some of the articles, especially some of the editorial remarks and reviews, that pleases me exceedingly; so much so, that when I begin to read an article, I can never lay it down until it is finished." However, all we can say on the matter is, that we shall always follow the maxim of the old man and the ass,- we will endeavour to please as many as we can, and let the rest please themselves.

Thirdly, with regard to the success of the Advocate. Our correspondent takes a very just view of it, and examines the matter in the only aspects which deserve consideration.

With regard to the "worldly success," certainly the Advocate has not been so successful as to make it a remunerating affair, nor even to bear its own expenses by a considerable sum; but we were never very sanguine on this head. And we do not know a single periodical that bears a distinct denominational character, but what is precisely in the same state. We know the state of most of them. Various circumstances, which we could explain if necessary, will account for this. But, with regard to what our correspondent terms "Christian success," we can confidently say, it has exceeded our highest expectation. Our correspondent supposes that the assumed number of five hundred copies is read by two individuals upon an average. We are inclined to think that four would be nearer the mark. One correspondent, writing from a place where about forty copies are sold, says that that number is read by nearly two hundred persons. If this be a fair sample, the average number of readers is larger than our correspondent has supposed.

With regard to the influence and usefulness of the Christian Advocate, we confidently maintain that very few, if any religious periodicals, have acquired a better standing, obtained more friends, and excited more attention, in so short a space of time, amidst so many discouragements, as the Christian Advocate. We have numerous testimonials from corespondents and readers, of its utility, and the respect in which it is held, as well as warm expressions of approbation of the spirit in which it is conducted. In farther proof of its influence and utility, and that its voice is heard amidst all the strifes and commotions, it has created not a few enemies. This we consider as unequivocal a proof of its standing and character as an advocate of truth, as well can be. If a publication makes neither enemies nor friends, it is a proof that it is little regarded; but we are happy to say that such is not the case with the Christian Advocate.

Our correspondent justly terms it a "human production," and consequently must have its faults. No one can be more sensible of this than the Editor. It is yet very far from what he would wish it to be, and from what he intends to make it if opportunity be given. We cannot close these remarks without expressing our obligations to our correspondent for his sensible and judicious letter.- ED.]

ON CHRISTIAN UNITY.

"BEHOLD (says the psalmist) how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Nothing on earth can be more delightful than to see a church of believers walking in love toward one another. It is one of the visible signs that they have passed from death unto life; and is a striking contrast to the character of those who are "hateful and hating one another." Where unity is wanting in a church, edification will be wanting likewise. In Christ's kingdom there is no discord, and wherever discord appears in a church, it is an indication of their not walking in the truth. John xiii. 34; 1 Cor. i. 10.

Under the Jewish dispensation, the blessings for obedience, and the curses for disobedience, were chiefly of a temporal kind. See Lev. xxvi.; Deut. xi. and xxviii. throughout. And although under the New Testament, the promises and threatenings are spiritual, and, in this respect, differ from the law, yet they agree in so far that the blessings of the gospel are connected with, and can only be realized in obeying its precepts. John xiv. 15-23; xv. 7-11; Acts ix. 31; Phil. iv. 8-9; &c. We see then, from these passages, that our joy, peace, and prosperity will be in proportion to our obeying "all things that Christ has commanded us. In speaking of Christian unity I do not mean to advocate evangelical alliances, and other modern expedients, but that there ought to be unanimity among those who profess "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." If we see anything in the tempers of our brethren that is disagreable to us, let us examine it, whether it is contrary to the will of God, or only to our own feelings; if the former, it will be our duty to admonish with brotherly affection, but if the latter, we must exercise forbearance.

To those who love to "walk about Zion, and tell her towers, and mark her bulwarks," it is of the first importance that they "stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel." Let there be no pulling contrary ways, but let it be manifest to all that we are one.

In a church some will be always found who are "weak in the faith," let such as consider themselves strong beware not to offend such by word or deed. It is not very becoming to see some of the members of our churches oftener in company with those who differ from them, than they are with their

own brethren. When they have this equally in their power, it ought always to be remembered that the "gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim is better than the vintage of Abiezer. It ought to be a source of consolation to to every believer, that God will not want a seed to serve him while the sun endures; and knowing the close relationship that there is between Christ and his members, is surely one strong motive to make us love those who are begotten of him.

In conclusion, let those who are seeking after the "old paths," highly esteem those who are like-minded with themselves; let them shew, by their devoted attachment to each other, that they "walk by the same rule, and mind the same things."

The writer of these few remarks is conscious of his inability to handle the subject as it ought to be done, but if it would only be the means of inducing some better instructed scribe to shew "what the Spirit saith unto the churches," on this head, his object will in some measure be gained, because God has declared that his word shall not return unto him void.

PHILOS.

Reviews and Criticism.

The Sabbath Question. Two Letters addressed to the Editor of "The Western Times," Exeter, on the subject of the Sabbath, in answer to a question recently proposed by "A Truth Seeker." By a SEARCHER OF THE SCRIPTURES. Exeter: Printed by T. Latimer. To be had of all Booksellers. 1850. pp. 16.

THE writer of this pamphlet signs himself "A Searcher of the Scriptures." He has unquestionably searched the Scriptures, for he has strung some scores of texts together in his two letters to the Editor of the Western Times; but in our opinion, to very little purpose, for he has jumbled them together in the most beautiful confusion.

The writer's object evidently is, that now there is no sabbath or day of rest to be observed by Christians, as the Sabbath was only a shadow, "but the body is of Christ." Which means, if it means anything, that believers now have rest in Christ, which was the thing represented by the shadow, and consequently the observance of any day as a Sabbath is superseded. Such appears to us to be the writer's doctrine. He certainly says, "that as, by the common consent of all parties professing religion, the first day of the week is appointed for the public worship of Almighty God, and for reading and studying the Scriptures-to abstain from labour and toil of the hands-with all my heart I say, let it be continued to perpetual generations." This shows us at once what amount of reverence the writer has for the authority of

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Christ, and with what result he has been " Searcher of the Scriptures." Did he never read in the Scriptures, "In vain do ye worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men;" and, "Ye make the law of God of no effect by your traditions." If the observance of the first day of the week has no other foundation than "the common consent of all parties, professing religion," it ought to be discarded at once by every Christian; for its observance can only be a piece of "will-worship." And we must form an exceedingly low estimate of the labour of "a Searcher of the Scriptures" who could make such a statement. We would much rather hear "a Searcher of the Scriptures" say,— "It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way."

The writer seems too much under the influence of that light, the focus of which appears to be in the West of England. But, as the true light springs from the east, not from the west, we have our suspicions that the light diffused through this pamphlet is in reality darkness. There are expressions in it which we hardly know what to make of. For example, the following,-" At the time of Christ's second and final advent, (the italics are ours) at the fall of Jerusalem, which was the passing away of the old heaven and earth, all was finished and completedthe working and labouring state ended." (p.

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