Whoever goes

in the breasts of the people on whom we would operate, or to increase the missionary spirit in our own breasts,

To exhibit the cause of Missions as one in which the benevolent ought to engage, we must show that it is the cause of saving souls; that the spirit of Missions is the spirit of Christianity. Dit ferent prejudices exist against Missions in different sections of the country. of the prejudices that exist in the particular place where we may be located, we must be careful to inform ourselves, and be vigorous in our efforts to remove them. where the spirit of Missions is unfelt, must anticipate opposition in exciting it. Especially is this to be expected from age and ignorance, for age is a dying man, and ignorance an idiot; both of whom are incapable of grappling with great objects.

And apart from the opposition which men ever manifest to promoting the cause of holiness, they invariably oppose improvement of every kind. It was so in the days of antiquity. The Romans opposed the introduction of Grecian literature, because, they said, it would lead the youth from more important objects—the study of arms; just as some Christians oppose the introduction of the subject of Missions, lest it should draw people's minds from the subject of religion. So far are some from supposing that the cause of Missions is the cause of Christ. Even among those who are more favorably inclined to Missions, many seem to look on a missionary spirit somewhat in the light of a possession, such as were common in the days of Christ. And the individual possessed of it is regarded like poor Edwin :

“ The neighbors stare and sigh, yet bless the lad; Some deem him wondrous wise, and some believe him mad." It is a fact which ought to be acknowledged with a blush, that Christians may be very violently opposed to the spirit of Christianity; even, too, when no erroneous doctrines are called in question. If proof of more general admission be required than the history of Missions presents, it may be found in the history of the puritan settlers of New England. Roger Williams was driven from the habitations of men into the wilderness, among ruthless savages, because, as runs the act of his ejection," he hath broached and divulged divers new and dangerous opinions against the authority of magistrates,” which “divers new and dangerous opinions, were, that the civil magistrate had no right to interfere in matters of religion. Such is the revolution of public opinion, that new and dangerous, at least to an individual's reputation, would it now be for any one to contend that these opinions are not the spirit of Christianity. And without making pretensions to prophecy, we discover in the signs of the times that, in a few

years, the enemies of missions will blush to acknowledge themselves such.

Strong prejudices against missions are often created by the manner in wbich collections are made for their support. Missionary sermons and collections in many places seem to be as inseparable as cause and effect. Allusion to the subject of Missions from the pulpit is never heard excepting a Sabbath or two before the

annual meeting occurs, when contributions are to be paid into the missionary treasury. Unless you would ruin the cause you advocate, never pursue this course. But let the subject of Missions be one often heard when no demand for money is made. Let it be inwoven with your discourses, when not professedly preaching Missionary sermons; and your people will soon believe it inwoven with Christianity. Some persons, in soliciting subscriptions, seem to think their object accomplished, if they so annoy an individual as to weary him out of a few dollars by their intolerable effrontery. Such a course does fifty dollars injury to the cause, for every dollar it brings into the treasury. It will be admitted that Ful. ler was a successful collector; yet such a course he contemned. “ He never,” says his biographer, “pressed and urged the case on those who were reluctant; but simply told an unvarnished tale, and left it to conscience to dictate whether it deserved assistance. On one occasion a gentleman refused to assist the Mission. The next time Mr. Fuller was in town, he saw the same gentleman again, and applied to another in his presence, on behalf of the Mission ; but said nothing to him on the subject. • Well,' said he, Mr. Fuller, you do not ask me this time. No Sir, said Mr. Fuller, you told me

you

did not think it your duty.' " True,' said the gentleman, but perhaps my conscience is now better informed.' He then made a contribution to the Mission, which we may venture to believe, was none the less for Mr. Fuller's gentlemanly conduct.

The best means to convince the world that the cause of Missions is one in which benevolent people ought to engage is, the diffusion of information on the subject—the most effectual means, and yet the simplest.

The ideas that exist in most minds concerning the miseries of heathenism, are altogether indefinite. And no one can feel deeply, or act vigorously, under the influence of vague ideas. To entertain proper conceptions of idolatry, it must be seen. And information respecting the state of heathen nations, gives an ideal presence to their miseries. But to make this ideal presence wear the nearer semblance to reality, it must be particular and local. General descriptions we cannot feel, because they exhibit no pic

the mind; an indefinite idea of the object described, is all that they produce.

Let, then, full information be diffused concerning the state of the people among whom every Mission, but especially our own, is established. Our Sabbath school scholars should be well instructed in all the minutiæ of the manner in which children are treated in Burmah; our ladies should be made acquainted with the treatment of Burman females; and all of sufficient age and attainments, with the state of the arts, sciences, literature, religion, laws, various grades of society, and every other species of information which would contribute to set the people before us.

And this, both of the country in general, and of every Mission station in particular, concerning which, the population, buildings, face of the country, natural productions, &c. ought to be well known. For which May, 1830.

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information I would draw more largely on the pens of our missionaries. And in addition, the origin, progress, and present state of every Mission should be made familiar to all; together with the characters of the persons who have been, and are, engaged at the different stations. This would make us regard missionaries and their people, as our acquaintances; and every one knows that changes, whether joyous or grievous, interest us far more deeply, when the subjects of them are our acquaintances, than when they are strangers. Hence such a diffusion of information as is advocated, must necessarily make persons more interested in Missions. At least, it must, when there is any principle of benevolence in the heart. And it will be conceded, that such a principle exists in the Christian's heart, though it is to be lamented that it is often very feeble. It is but few Christians that can rise above public opinion, even when that opinion is diametrically opposite to the spirit of the gospel. The pious Jews were evidently infected with the cruel spirit of their age. The Jewish converts, clear as are the prophecies, and definite as were our Lord's instructions, could not be persuaded, until they had miraculous evidence, that the gospel was intended to be glad tidings to the Gentiles. Of the persecuting spirit which prevailed two centuries ago, we are all sufficiently aware. And in many sections of this land, at the present moment, Christians are so far following the course of this world, that a friend to Missions is almost afraid to be known as such. And permit me here to remark, that we may never expect to see the church arise and shine, until the piety of Christians wears a more decided character. It is truly painful, to look on that imbecility in the divine life which Christians so generally exhibit-a mere torpid existence, that, indeed, gives signs of life, but signs only. There is a lacking in spirituality, a lamentable deficiency in heart religion. We revolt at the Jesuits making Christianity conform to the heathenism of those among whom they went :

But could we see as we are seen by angels, we should, perhaps, daily find ourselves making religion conform to our own worldly notions—a paganism as real as that of Japan. Would we, then, excite a missionary spirit, we must endeavor to raise the tone of piety among Christians. But, in engaging the heart, we must not neglect the mind. Man is a compound of feeling and intellect; and to produce the greatest effect, both must be engaged. It is too much the case, that it is thought all is done when people feel. But to give permanency to the fire of feeling, fuel must be brought from the miud. If a person's mind be employed on any subject that he loves, his love will be increased, and his attachment become permanent.

Observation affords convincing evidence, that persons are ever strongly attached to the pursuits in which their minds are engaged. The well read mathematician and lawyer, though their studies at first were even tiresome and uninteresting, become ardently attached to mathematics and law, by their minds frequently dwelling upon them; and we are certain at all times of creating interest by introducing these topics. While on the contrary, no dependence can be placed on unthinking persons, whatever may be their feelings, for they are the chil

This sugo

dren of impulse. The populace are proverbially fickle. And why? The populace never think.

Then let every pastor see that missionary information be circulated among his people. At the monthly concert let there be introduced abridged historical accounts, biography, and recent intelligence; all bearing upon some missionary topic. By this means Christians would not only become more deeply imbued with the spirit of Missions, but the monthly concert would become one of the most interesting meetings to the whole congregation, that the month would produce. To supply the people with information, a missionary library ought to be attached to every church; in which the religious periodicals of the day should always be found. It may be difficult to induce persons in years, unaccustomed to mental effort, to engage in the exercises noticed above. gests to us the importance of training persons to it while they are young, and directs our thoughts to the Sabbath schools and Bible classes. Let these nurseries of the church, then,often have missionary subjects brought before them; and let all that are able, be induced to write essays on missionary topics. Were such a course pursued, we may venture to assert that a man, in one short life, would completely change the character of the rudest people, and find himself, in the evening of his days, in the midst of society, distinguished alike for benevolence and intelligence.

I am persuaded that were an extra day added to the meetings of our associations, devoted exclusively to missionary affairs, very pleasing results would ensue. For the meetings of this day the delegates of each church might be provided with a report of their missionary proceedings, accompanied with such suggestions and inquiries as the churches could deem important. In the forenoon, these letters could be read ; in the afternoon, a conference held, and addresses delivered ; and in the evening, a missionary sermon preached; while, during the session of the association, a circular letter could be prepared, on some missionary topic, and published with the Minutes. In this way, a sensation would be felt, far eclipsing any thing witnessed at present. Let it not be objected, that this would make the sittings of our associations too long. A week, devoted to devising improvements in school instruction, is not thought too long. And, if we can devote a week to schools, cannot we spare to Missions a day? Certain I am, that until something of this kind is done, until Missions are brought into the full gaze of the public eye, as a matter of importance, worthy some of our most valuable time, the public will continue to esteem them as “trifles light as air.”

But if we would be successful in exciting a missionary spirit in others, we must first possess a good measure of it ourselves. Every thing produces its own likeness. We have only to become acquainted with a minister, to be acquainted with his people ; and on the contrary, from an acquaintance with a people, the minister's character may be gathered. A stream cannot rise above its fountain; and a pastor has usually to give the tone of feeling to his parishioners. It is said of Baxter, that there was scarcely a family through his large congregation, that was not a family of

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daily prayer, and that did not become so through his instrumentality. What a pastor may make a society in respect to Missions, can be learned by referring to Samuel Pearce. In the account of his exercises relative to becoming a missionary, he says, “I continued to preach much on the promises of God, respecting the conversion of the heathen nations; and by so doing, and always communicating to my people every piece of information I could obtain respecting the present state of Missions, they soon imbibed the same spirit; and from that time to this, they have discovered so much concern for the more extensive spread of the gospel, that at our monthly prayer meetings both stated and occasional, I should be as much surprised at the case of the Heathen being omitted as at an omission of the name and merits of Jesus." Here we not only see what an individual, imbued with the spirit of missions himself, may accomplish in exciting a missionary spirit in others, but we also see the means by which it was accoinplished. It was done by the diffusion of information and preaching frequently on the subject. It may be objected by those whose liearts are not engaged in this work, that by often dwelling on the subject of missions, the souls of the congregation at home are in danger of being neglected. The case of Samuel Pearce affords, however, a complete refutation of this objection ; for while he was so deeply engaged in Missions, his labors were blessed to the conversion of souls around him in an eminent degree ; and he died pastor of one of the most prosperous Baptist churches in England. And where lay the great secret of his usefulness? It lay in his eminent piety. Piety, brethren, after all, is the lever that moves the world. Then, while we entertain strong confidence that unknown means of propagating the truth are yet to be developed; while we vigorously use all known means to promote the prosperity of the church, and patiently study to devise new plans of usefulness, let us go to God, acknowledging our ignorance and nothingness without divine illumination from the Holy Spirit. It is from God, only, that we can obtain those suggestions which lead to usefulness. The experience of every one will testify that, when he feels most of the power of religion, his mind is most fruitful in expedients to benefit souls, and promote the prosperity of the church. Let us, then, unite untiring exertion with absolute dependence; we can do nothing of ourselves, though we may do all things through Christ strengthening us; and we shall be neither barren nor unfruitful, in the blessed work in which we are engaged.

When I look around on the members of this Society, and few as they are, reflect that they are more numerous than were those that heard the Saviour's command, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," and when I reflect upon what they accomplished, without patronage or wealth, learning or influence, I am led to inquire, not so much, what can we do, as

Ι what cannot we do? Brethren, it is in our power, with the blessing of God, to produce a complete moral revolution in the world. And if the last of this little circle that lingers on the shores of time, does not behold mighty results through our instrumentality, the reason will not be, we could not, but we would not.