"But in the New Testament the same principle of general consultation is most clearly exhibited in the proceedings of the first Christians. The very nature of the Christian religion, the constitution of the Gospel church, impose the duty. The Christian religion is a general system; it breaks down all separations, and of Jews and Gentiles forms one new church. All Christians are bound up in the same great interests: they are of one heart and of one mind. In the sixth chapter of Acts of the Apostles, we find a plain account of the call and proceedings of a Christian Conference. The brethren brought forward the candidates for ordination, and the ministers laid their hands on them and appointed them to their work. Here were at least twelve ministers and a multitude of brethren. If this instance stood alone in the Bible, we should think the Scripture authority for conference clear; but it is not alone. In the fifteenth chapter of Acts, we have an account of a difficulty which arose about circumcision, which Paul, Barnabas and the whole church at Antioch could not decide. When the apostles, elders, and a multitude of brethren were assembled at Jerusalem, we have an account that Peter, Barnabas, Paul, and James addressed them at length on the great question, which was settled to mutual satisfaction. When this was done, they sent out messengers to bear their decisions to all their brethren who could not be present. Here is another instance of a Christian conference doing business and deciding questions for the church at large. If one church is the highest tribunal, why did not the church at Antioch put the question to rest without making so much expense and trouble? It is plain that there was none of this childish independence and authority claimed by the primitive churches, about which the disorganizers make so much ado in the nineteenth century." FREEDOM OF DISCUSSION. "Messrs. Editors of the Telegraph;[57]--I ever with pleasure, whether at home or abroad, grasp the interesting sheet which is daily sent forth from your office, and with interest peruse its columns.