greatly preponderating. There is much allowance to be made for this speaker, as he told us he had only been preaching about one year, and "could not he said) quote scripture." He is evidently much in the smoke, and should be cautious how he assails persons or societies from the pulpit.

Mr. Sayre again spoke to us at night. He came out decidedly in favor of an authoritative human creed, and claimed for the Baptists the honor of having one. He might prefer that I should call it an authoritative expression of their views of Bible doctrine. Well, it is all the same.

Mr. Mason arose, and after an animated and very interesting exhortation, denied that the Baptists, as a people, acknowledged such a creed, or that May's Lick church had one to his knowledge; and that if she had, he declared he would never subscribe it.

Mr. Sayre, much warmed, rejoined-That he was sent to labor in the bounds of the Bracken Association under the belief that the churches in that Association were governed by a creed; and that if they had none, he should preach for them no more. After some other remarks, he repeated that if they had no creed, "Then farewell, Bracken Association." After a short speech from Mr. D. Morris, an aged member of that church, in which he was understood to sustain Mr. Sayre in his view of that question, Mr. S. left an appointment for the Saturday week following, and the meeting was adjourned.

The large brick meeting-house at May's Lick, you are aware, is occupied alternately as a partnership house by the Baptist and Christian churches. Next morning, therefore, the house being yielded, we commenced our labors. The union of God's people on Bible ground, and the conversion of sinners by Bible means, were the great objects kept steadily in view, and for which we labored earnestly first, last, and midst. Up to the close of our meeting the next Saturday morning, when we met for baptizing, having in turn to yield the house, eighty-one had nobly volunteered to stand with us on the foundation of Apostles and Prophets-Jesus the chief corner stone. Some of the choicest spirits from the Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist societies, met us on the Bible by discarding party creeds and party names. The great majority of the volunteers, however, came from the world; and it was remarked by both saints and aliens, on one occasion when a large number were immersed, that a greater amount of moral and intellectual worth they had never seen at one time go down into the watery grave. Praised be the Lord! The last night of that meeting nineteen came forward, making twenty-nine for that day. The interest was evidently intense, and the people realized that the simple oldfashioned gospel is still the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Brethren Ricketts and Callerman were with us, and the saints of the Most High stood with us nobly throughout the

contest.

On Saturday, the 27th, we proceeded on to Washington, only eight miles distant. Here the cause seemed almost prostrate, the church weak, and prejudice very strong against us. For five days we labor ed hard twice each day publicly; also, from house to house. Two volunteered from the world, and four worthy members united from the

Baptists. We thought we saw prejudice gradually giving way, and much interest being excited.

On Wednesday I left for home; brethren Johnson and Ricketts still remained, as I promised (the Lord willing) to return the next Satur day to May's Lick, bringing with me sister Johnson and my wife; our intention being there to recommence our labors. While at Washington we were most kindly heard and hospitably entertained by brother G. Mason (the Baptist teacher before mentioned) and his lady, who reside there. We had much free, affectionate, and most interesting conversation on the subject of Christian union, with them and the friends present. And whilst I most fervently pray that they, with all God's people, may speedily, visibly, and scripturally unite to effect an answer to the earnest petition of our blessed Saviour, (see John xvii. 20, 21,) whether they do or not, we shall ever cherish a grateful recollection of their kind treatment, and desire an opportunity to show our gratitude.

To my deep regret on reaching home and sending for sister Johnson, she was too unwell to accompany us The incessant rain on Saturday prevented my reaching May's Lick until on Sunday morning, the 7th instant. Brother Johnson was speaking when we entered the house. After the discourse a young man confessed the Lord. Being instantly advised of his wife's illness, brother Johnson left for home as soon as possible. To my astonishment I learned that a Mr. Leak, a Baptist preacher, had left an appointment for Wednesday night following, just in the midst of our intended operations. We labored on until that time with fine success: eight or nine rallied to the standard of Immanuel. We then gave way to hear Mr. Leak.

I would here remark, that I had determined to leave early on Thursday morning owing to the interruption, unless our Wednesday morning meeting succeeded well; but the brethren anticipated me, and made a last appointment for me on Thursday evening at 3 o'clock. I heard Mr. Leak most patiently. He informed us first of all that he was very much opposed to controversy, and afterwards preached a most controversial sermon. He then tried to prove the Holy Spirit to be Jehovah himself in person, and then battled a long time with some imaginary being who held "the Holy Spirit to be nothing but the natural power of God." This, to me, was a brand new idea. He preferred the phrase "entirely depraved," as total was not strong enough. I wanted to whisper in his ear that probably "teetotal depravity" would suit him still better. He informed us that man was natural, and the word spiritual; man could not understand God's word until spiritually enlightened by an operation of the Spirit. He said it was morally impossible for a sinner to obey God; that this prior operation was necessary to enable the sinner to repent, to pray, and obey; and asserted that a sinner could not have faith in Jesus until after repentance. He closed with a most animated exhortation to sinners to obey. An aged brother of his approached a very intelligent gentleman in the audience, and urged him to obedience; he told him he was waiting for the operation the preacher contended for.

In announcing his appointment he said he understood there would be preaching the next day at 3 o'clock, and that they would not use the house any more until Friday night. 1 arose and urged them to go

on with their meeting, as we would not interfere. He said they "would not preach in a house the same day with another denomination." I told them that we could both proceed; that I pledged myself to speak the truth in affection and kindness, and hoped they would not desist on our account, as our meeting was at 3 o'clock. They refused to preach again until Friday night, and so adjourned their meeting.

In our reply on Thursday evening, among many other unanswerable arguments, we gave him this:-All admit that the prior operation of the Spirit, so much preached about, is a thing of the Spirit, or a spiritual thing: now if Paul's natural man means any and every sinner now-a-days, as asserted; then, according to their own showing, no sinner can ever be saved. Thus-"The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit." This proves, say they, he cannot understand or believe the word of God. Now if the word is one of the things of the Spirit, the operation is another; and if the sinner can receive neither the word nor the operation, lost he must be inevitably. How much better to look among the uninspired Grecian philosophers at Corinth, once in heathenish darkness and without revealed light, now foolishly opposing that inspired Apostle through whom that light now shone, in order to see and understand Paul's natural man, (or uninspired man.) I asked publicly for one single text in which God had promised to send the Holy Spirit into a sinner's mind or heart to enable him to believe his Creator speaks the truth. Mr. Leak was present, but quoted not.

I then proved the Saviour had said the world [sinners] could not receive the Holy Spirit. See John xiv. 17. In the close four other persons came forward to stand with us-one from the Baptists, and three from the world. Next morning, having met for baptism, another young man confessed the Lord. We immersed the four, making in all who came forward ninety-five at May's Lick, and six at Washington, as well as remembered.

A messenger (brother Corwine) arrived on Thursday evening from Maysville, and urged a visit to that city. Being so near them we left those dear to us under the hospitable roof and in the kind care of our beloved brother L. A. Sandige and his excellent family, and set out for Maysville. We only labored from Friday night until Lord's day night, and left in the stage on Monday morning, the 15th instant. Four confessed the Lord during our stay; and much pained at the thought of leaving our fellow-laborer R. C. Ricketts to carry on the work alone, and to tear ourself away from friends so kind; having while in the county taken the hands of one hundred and five volunteers, we bade them adieu.

When I think of the devotion and untiring zeal of the brethren in Mason county, and particularly at May's Lick, I feel like naming them out; but there were so many tried and true, that I should scarcely know where to begin or end. If they be faithful to the end, as we have every confidence they will, their reward is heaven.

May the Lord smile on you, and direct your labors to a glorious result! Yours in the hope of eternal life,

JNO. ALLEN GANO.

FAMILY CULTURE.

CONVERSATIONS AT THE CARLTON HOUSE.

No. XVII.

GENESIS XV.

Olympus. WHEN was it, James, that God said to Abraham, "Fear not, Abraham: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward"?

James. After those things which occurred in the battle at Dan, or when Abraham refused the spoils of victory offered him by the king of Sodom.

Olympas. It would seem then, William, that this magnanimous conduct of the venerable patriarch had the approbation of Heaven, and that the refusal of reward from king Bera invoked a greater re ward from the King of heaven-"I am thy exceeding great reward.”

William. I cannot see why the Lord should have here spoken of an exceeding great reward, unless in contrast with the reward offered by the king of Sodom; and, indeed, thus compared, it was exceeding far all earthly reward.

Olympas. Learn, then, from this illustrious example, my son, to disdain reward from ignoble hands for discharging the debts of friendship-for fulfilling the obligations which nature and religion have equally imposed on all the sons of God. Heaven approves this truly noble example of heroic benevolence, of generous and exalted sympathy for a suffering relative and brother. Never accept from human hands a remuneration for having relieved distress-for having discharged the mere debt of humanity and religion. Remember God said to the venerated father of all saints for such a noble deed, "I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward. Tell me, Thomas Dilworth, why think you did the Lord precede the promised reward with the intimation of a shield?

Thomas. It would seem that Abraham needed more a shield than a reward, inasmuch as he had exasperated the surviving friends of the vanquished alliance of the confederated kings.

Olympas. True, most true; and in this we have an important lesson and a new incentive to the discharge of hazardous duties. Can you fathom the full meaning of this, Reuben?

Reuben. No, sir, if it indicate more than that the Lord will always defend them that do right.

Olympas. This includes all, it is true, that is intended; but it is too general, and strikes not the special point. Some good men have been intimidated from reproving sin and aiding injured innocence, fearful

of the vindictive resentments of wicked men, to whom these words furnish a severe reproof and a strong persuasive to faithfulness to the daims of true religion and suffering humanity. Abraham jeopardized his life, his property, and the secure possession of the calm repose and serene contempla:ions of the greatly exposed position of the shepherd's peaceful life. He hazarded all this on the account of an injured brother, and the demands of an afflicted relative, through the promptings of the tender mercies of the saint. Therefore said the Lord, FEAR NOT: Abram, I am thy SHIELD. It was after, not before, the patriarch triumphed, the Lord promised this special care this guarantee of property and life. Never then, my son, fear the consequences of duty: be first persuaded that it is your duty-that the God of nature and religion has so enjoined upon you. Any thing else in this connexion that excites your admiration, Reuben

Reuben. Yes; I admire Abraham in every point, as his character developes to my mind. He knew the mollia tempora fandi of Virgil; or, as one of the sons of Grecian lore used to say, he knew the kairon groothi of Pittacus.

Olympas. Quote not these Pagan authors while we worship God, and meet in the family temple. It is as incongruous as to quote Byron and Shakspeare in the pulpit to set off the doctrine of Christ. You mean by these quotations that it is wise to know the proper time to speak, and to secure a moment favorable to a kind reception. Proceed, Reuben.

Reuben. Abraham at the moment of these new condescensions thought it suitable to ask, 'Lord, how long shall I live without the child of promise, and my Damascene steward be my heir?' But when. the Lord assured him that he had not forgotten his promise, but renewing it with amplification, led him to expect from the aged Sarah an: issue numerous as the stars, and countless as the sands, he instantly responded, "I believe it, Lord." Therefore says Moses, and says Paul, this ready belief was counted to him for righteousness.

Olympus. Thomas, was it the belief in the promise of the seed of blessings, ar the belief of the promise, "So shall thy seed be❞—numerous as the stars, countless as the sands, that was accounted to him for justification?

Thomas. Paul says (Rom. iv.) that it was the belief of the promise, "So shall thy seed be;" for on this he comments, saying, "Being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when about a hundred years old, nor yet the deadness of Sarah's womb, (about ninety years old,) he staggered not at the promise of God-(so shall the seed be)-but was strong in faith, giving glory to God"-(his