In 1837 and 1838 he discussed the question at length, "THE CHURCH THE HIGHEST TRIBUNAL," making a distinction between _a_ church and _the_ church, denying that the former is the highest tribunal, and qualifiedly conceding this honor to the latter; that is to say, a particular church may be incompetent to act upon questions which the large assemblage of ministers and particular churches might act upon with wisdom and safety. These articles were indeed an able vindication of the doctrine of associated action, of conferential organization; they called out a vast deal of discussion, and whatever may be thought of the justness of his position, none can deny that his articles produced a very strong impression on the public generally. The great danger of large associative bodies is the usurpation of power over individual rights; but he claimed to protect the individual and to secure his rights through the associative action for which he plead. Both sides were heard in this discussion. The Catholic question, the subject of temperance, slavery, ministerial education, and historical sketches of the denomination, each had a share of attention. Dr. Channing's letter on the Catholic question, originally in the Western Messenger, was published in his columns, printed in small pamphlets and scattered over the country. Also his letter to Mr. Badger on the principles and wants of the Christian denomination, which, to a good extent, may be called a treatise on education, was called forth by Mr. Badger's direct request, and, excellent as it was as a whole, it received from him friendly and independent strictures on points wherein he regarded Dr. C. as being misinformed. The Palladium, in the hands of Joseph Badger, was an organ of power mightier than had ever been wielded in the same cause before, and altogether more so than the same paper has ever been since. We think the editor speaks truthfully in saying, "The secret of its success is its adaptation to the wants of the people. It now has a larger subscription than any two periodicals have or ever had in the Christian or Unitarian societies on the globe." It is almost unnecessary to add the most _practical_ evidence of its success, namely, that through the provident management of its editor, it was financially the source of a very respectable income. Let us hear what impression this paper made on the other side of the Atlantic. Rev. John R. Beard,[54] of Manchester, England, under the date of June 1, 1838, wrote as follows: "I have long desired to find a moment to address you a few lines. I feel a deep interest in the cause to which you and many other excellent men are devoted; and I do hope and trust that the great Head of the Church will abundantly bless your praiseworthy labors.