may be done by individual Christians. The late dealings of divine providence with his European servants do in effect say, that the ministry of the gospel to the heathen must, in future, be supplied chiefly by the churches in India; and so imposes a necessity upon them which in itself is most natural and just; for who are under so great an obligation to this work, as those who are here called by God to the fellowship of his gospel? and who are so naturally fitted for it, as those whose constitutions, by birth or long residence, are acclimated to the country-and who, from their childhood are acquainted, in a good measure, with the languages and customs of the people? Now surely, young men of good natural endowments and liberal education who may be found in our churches in India, are as much bound to give themselves to the ministry of the gospel, as persons of similar advantages in other lands. We know of no dispensing circumstances; all that we possess here is as much the Lord's, as it is in countries where many devote themselves to Christ's service. Are, then, the pursuits of commerce, the offices of government, and the various kinds of secular employ here available, still to engross, as they have hitherto done, all the superior talent and knowledge which Indian Christians may possess? Are the inferior concerns of time and of this world, to be preferred by them to the momentous interest of immortal souls, and the glory of their Redeemer ? We would hope better things in future of those who may possess qualifications for the gospel ministry. Why this duty should hitherto have been so much neglected, we cannot tell. It may be, that it has not been properly set before our young people; or, it may be, that religion in most is of so weak a character, that they have not been able to make the sacrifices which the ministry of the gospel demands. Perhaps both suppositions are true. The world here, however, has, alas! strong allurements. Money, ease, and honour are more easily acquired than in many other lands. The salaries which missionary societies give, fall far short of what persons of only moderate acquirements commonly receive in secular employ. Thus the heart is drawn off from Christ's work. Let those, however, who have talents for that work, seriously consider, that the superior temporal advantages which the world presents, cannot absolve them from their obligation to their Redeemer. If he call them by his providence to preach his gospel, then let them not "desire great things for themselves," but cheerfully surrender all, saying, "Here am I, O Lord, send me." The Redeemer promises an abundant reward to his servants, but it is future. "They that are wise shall shine as the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." We With this, right-hearted ministers will be more than content. Our late honoured brother, Dr. Yates, has left a noble example of preference of Christ's service to secular employ with large pecuniary remuneration; and we would indulge the hope that God will dispose many in future to do the same. may here mention that facilities will probably soon be provided for the theological training of pious young men, whom the churches may hereafter furnish for the ministry of the gospel, as the serious attention of both the society in England and the mission here is being devoted to this important object; when it is effected, one great hindrance to entering on the gospel ministry in this country will be removed, and an equally powerful incentive supplied thereto. But the number of Christians, even when the power of religion most abounds among them, who can give themselves to the ministry of the word, is every where comparatively few. The majority are not called by the Saviour to occupy so public and responsible a station in the church. Still every one, even the obscurest and feeblest, has something allotted him to do-has a talent committed to his care, with which he is to occupy till the Master comes. Each one, then, should endeavour to ascertain what that talent is, that he may use it properly. While our churches are not rich, yet many of the members enjoy liberal incomes, and some comparative wealth; they are able therefore to aid the cause considerably in pecuniary matters. Much, it is cheerfully confessed, is given to the cause of missions in India; still, were there more frugality and moderation in living practised among Christians, and less concern felt to follow the fashions of the world, much more might be devoted to the cause of God than is now given. It is not, however, our intention, to dwell on this subject generally; one or two particulars only must suffice. We suggest, therefore, that it would conduce much to the furtherance of the gospel if, in addition to the various objects which are now supported, individuals would undertake the support of one or more native preachers,-a burden which we are sure could easily be borne by many;-a greater interest would thus be felt by them in the results of what they consecrate of their substance to the Lord, and in the conversion of the heathen generally, not to say that many places now destitute of the gospel would then be supplied. Are there not Christian brethren living at the factories and in the country, who have considerable numbers of people in their employ, or under their influence, for whose spiritual welfare they might thus employ to advantage a native VOL. X.-FOURTH SERIES. ministering brother? Many persons so situated have much leisure time, which might be occupied most pleasantly and profitably to themselves in directing such evangelical labours. Our native churches would supply a sufficiency of agents for such calls as these. We hope serious attention may be given to this suggestion. But those who cannot undertake to do so much as this in a pecuniary way, should make it a matter of conscience to contribute something equal to their means. Christians who live at a distance from stated public worship are not called to contribute to its support as those are who reside in towns or stations; hence they should certainly remit at least what it would cost them, were they so situated, to our missionary societies to be devoted to the general interest of religion. This, we have reason to fear, is not generally done; living in places but little known, such persons escape applications for pecuniary aid, and the claims of religion not being brought thus directly to their notice, they themselves often forget their duty in this matter. What shall, then, be said of those who enjoy constantly the public means of grace, but who contribute nothing, or next to nothing, towards its maintenance? Can they possess any worldly good without paying for it; and would they value it if they did? We trow not. Or is it right that Christians in Europe, who support the cause of religion among themselves, should also be called upon to support it here for them who are quite as well able to help themselves in this matter? We hold it, then, to be the duty of all church members, and of all others who enjoy a gospel ministry, to contribute to its support: no one can be exempted. Those who reap spiritual benefits are required by God to make a return from their worldly substance. But we must revert to this subject M again when we speak concerning the to a great extent the means to help duty of Christian churches. But there is another point connected with the progress of Christianity among the heathen to which it is important to direct the attention of individual Christians; it relates to their demeanour towards the people among whom they dwell. The reception of the gospel by the heathen in any place will be much facilitated or retarded by the aspect which it wears in those who profess it. We do not now speak of sobriety, or chastity, or honesty; these, of course, every Christian will have a good reputation for among his neighbours; but we allude to that good-will to man,-to that kind benevolent aspect which shone in all the actions of the Lord Jesus, and which is the peculiar characteristic of his gospel. In this lies the attractive power of his truth. Christians should appear, not only righteous, but good, before the people. Christianity, as a system, is but one of many in the country; but the goodness, the benevolence of the gospel stands out alone. The hearts of the heathen, callous as they are, still are human hearts, and will sooner or later yield to goodness. Love is the essence of the gospel ;-let it be, then, dear brethren, your distinguishing feature. Oh, what calls for all the pity and compassion and benevolent exertion which you can command are there in the condition of the people around us! What multitudes of destitute, diseased, oppressed, and wretched beings daily meet our eyes! What urgent need have they of our assistance! And who is to help them if Christians do not? Where is the remedy for all this woe if it be not in the gospel? Their misery finds no compassionate response in the hearts of their wealthy countrymen. They suffer and die in want by thousands, and no man of their own careth for them. Ah, dear brethren, you have them. Let the command, the example But we will turn now to offer a suggestion or two as to what may be done by us as Christian churches. In this capacity we are as so many lights in the midst of the gross darkness which prevails, or as so many garrisons in the midst of an enemy's country, whose object it is to make themselves masters of the whole in due time. The first thing that strikes us worthy of attention is, that care be taken to render the organization of each church as perfect as possible. We write in ignorance of the condition of the churches generally as to this particular, and are induced, therefore, only by a conviction of its importance, to refer to it. Some churches, perhaps from a sense of feebleness, may have neglected this matter, having neither deacons nor regular seasons for church-meeting, contenting themselves with simply meeting together for the worship of God on the Lord's day or in the week, and only in a church capacity when particular business requires to be attended to. We would submit to such churches that this is wrong, and that much is lost to themselves and to the cause of Christ thereby. One of the earliest things which the apostles attended to, after churches were planted, was to take measures to set them in order. We may also take a lesson on this subject from military proceedings. Governments, in raising an army, do not wait till the complement of men be completed before they organize a regiment, but first form what is termed "the skeleton," consisting of the various grades of officers who are to command, and then proceed to fill up the companies as men come in. In like manner we would recommend, that in every church, however feeble in numbers it may be, deacons be appointed, churchmeetings frequently and regularly held, and that records of all its proceedings be kept. Where such is the case, church-members are made to feel their share of responsibility in its concerns, and are gradually trained to act for its welfare. A church thus obtains consolation and power, and is prepared, as its numbers increase, to fulfil those great responsibilities which rest upon it. Without such organization its moral power will be feeble, even where its numbers are numerous. When every thing devolves upon the pastor, whatever the progress of individuals may be in piety and knowledge, such a church will rarely be distinguished for active zeal in spreading abroad the gospel; and on his removal may be scattered to the winds. Under any circumstances, church organization and order is very important to prosperity. How much more so in the country in which we live, where inertness is natural, and where the greatest incentive to action is the example of the multitude! We conceive, too, that the time is arrived when every church should have its fund for the furtherance of the gospel. Of the duty resting upon individuals to contribute for this object we have already spoken. That many have not hitherto done so is perhaps owing to there being no opportunity afforded them in the church of which they are members for the discharge of this duty. Had there been no treasurychest at the door of the temple, the poor widow had not thrown in her two mites. Some of the churches have not to this day, perhaps, a rule that their members are to contribute in aid of missions, and hence have no box to receive contributions. We seldom see in our reports any sums entered as from native churches. Nor do we hear of money being raised by them, and expended on the spot, for evangelical purposes. In this case too, as in the neglect of church organization, the idea of feebleness probably operates injuriously. The people are few and poor, it is said, and what have they to give? Or what would be the use of a few pice once a month, which is the utmost that they could send? If it be so, still we say the reasoning is at fault. A few pice cannot effect much, it is true, but the habit of giving for religious purposes, which would be produced by contributing regularly, however small the sum might be, is of vast importance, and should by all means be cultivated. It interests the heart in the object towards which the money is given; it weakens selfishness and promotes a healthful state of mind; it increases knowledge by laying the pastor of the church under obligation to impart information respecting the spread of the gospel in other lands. But the notion that our native churches can do little or nothing is, we think, incorrect. Did the members contribute what they were accustomed to expend upon their gurus, brahmins, and idols, when in their heathen state, the amount would be far from small. And why should they not give as much now, when they are Christians? Were each of our one thousand members, however, to contribute one pice a week only, which the poorest of them might do, the sum total in the course of a year would amount to 800 rupees and more, a sum certainly not to be despised; it would be sufficient to support, at the country stations, at least eight or nine additional preachers; but we have little doubt that, with proper management, a larger sum than this might easily be raised. To show our dear native brethren what may be done by people who, like themselves, have just emerged from heathenism, we will here give a few examples from information recently come to hand. From China, Mr. Dean writes, "One of the members of the Chinese church brought me a dollar, saying that he gave it to the mission as a testimony of his gratitude for what he had received through its instrumentality."This was a labouring man. From Siam, Mr. Goddard writes, "In settling the mission accounts for the past year, I have the pleasure of setting to the credit of the Board six dollars seventy-five cents, the amount of the contributions of the Chinese church for the last six months at the monthly concert. The contributions of this church have amounted to somewhat more than an average of one dollar per annum to each member, and this amount has been collected by contributing a very small sum regularly at each monthly concert." From Arracan, Mr. Abbot writes, "The Karens are a liberal, hospitable people, and in their poverty and oppression can do something for the support of their teachers; several hundred rupees are annually contributed." From Tavoy, Mr. Wade writes, "This church has just com pleted a very neat, commodious, and substantial place of worship, which cost them eighty rupees, or about three dollars and a quarter to each family in cash." Again, Mr. Mason writes, “A contribution to the Tavoy Mission Society having been proposed, nearly all the members of the Mata church, several not members, and numbers of children,-some in their mothers' arms, threw their respective mites into the box. The sum contributed was fortyseven rupees and a few pice, nearly equal to the amount which we pay to the Mata pastor for a year." Several other examples of liberality might be adduced, but these must suffice. They are all from different countries or stations, and hence they show that poor Christian brethren in other lands are generally taught, and are willing, to contribute liberally to the cause of the gospel. May you, dear brethren, learn to do in like manner! The association of Christian churches for fraternal intercourse, if founded on right principles and sustained with cordiality and vigour, is, without doubt, also a most important means of good to the churches so united, and to the promotion of religion generally. It was this conviction which led to the formation of this association whose fourth annual meeting is now being held; and we cannot but express our decided opinion that the hopes of the brethren who originated it have been fully realized, and perhaps more than realized. It has diffused, by the blessing of God, a degree of vigour into several of the churches, to which they were previously strangers. Much of that feeling of feebleness as a Christian body, to which we have alluded, and which formerly prevailed, has been dissipated. When the native brethren who came to the association meetings from distant places and saw the numbers which then met together of their countrymen of all |