shown to the objects in view by the liberal and pious in different parts of the country, as manifested by their free-will offerings, their active exertions, and their prayers, cannot with propriety be passed over in silence; nor should the smiles of Divine Providence upon the first attempts to send the Gospel from America to Asia, be received without distinct and grateful commemoration.

For a particular history of the events, in which the Board have been intimately concerned during the past year, it is sufficient to refer the reader to the Report of the Prudential Committee herewith published. The two most prominent of these events, however, it is proper to mention briefly in this place.

The first is the actual commencement of a mission to Asia, by the ordination and embarkation of five missionaries in the month of February last. The magnitude of this event, if estimated by its probable consequences, and the nature of the cause intended to be promoted by it, is such as to form a new era in the history of the American churches. While saying this, however, we do not forget, that the immediate consequences may be such as to disappoint the hopes and try the faith of Cbristians. But that the ultimate consequences of all attempts to diffuse the Gospel among mankind will be glorious, the explicit promises of God forbid us to doubt.

The other event referred to, is the passing of an act by the Legislature of Massachusetts, incorporating the Board, and giving them power to hold, in their corporate capacity, funds sufficiently large to answer all the present purposes of the institution. The advantages of perpetual succession, and of holding funds under the immediate protection of the law, which could be obtained only by an act of incorporation, are highly important to secure the confidence of the American publick. For this instance of the fostering care of the Legislature, the friends of religion, generally, will unite with the Board in expressing thanks.

The two great objects which the Board have in view, and to which they would direct the attention of their brethren, are the establishment and support of missions among the Heathen, and the translation and publication of the Bible in languages spoken by unevangelized nations. That these objects are transcendently important, it would be a waste of time to prove; that they are admirably calculated to go hand in hand, seems also undeniable. Neither the Bible without preachers, nor preachers without the Bible, will ever effect any great change among ignorant and idolatrous people. The majesty, glory, and Divine authority of the Bible, are immedi ately acknowledged by some, at least, among the Heathen, whenever this sacred Book speaks to them in their vernacular tongue; and Providence seems to indicate very clearly, that the great renovation of the world, which is so ardently desired by good men, and so explicitly promised by God himself, will be produced by a universal preaching and reading of the Scriptures, accompanied by a like universal-operation of the Holy Spirit. Instruments will be used in the accomplishment of this mighty work, and these instruments God will provide in his own manner, and at the proper season. Happy the Christian, who shall be found worthy to contribute in any degree, however humble, to that blessed consummation, which is daily remembered with joyful anticipation in his prayers.

The two objects, which have been mentioned, are sufficiently great, extensive, and attainable, to solicit, nay to command, exertions and sacrifices from every benevolent person throughout the Christian world.

These objects are great. Every thing which has a direct tendency to promote the salvation of immortal souls, is great beyond the power of language to express, or imagination to conceive. Who shall describe the happiness to be enjoyed by a single redeemed sinner during a blessed eternity? or the miseries, the unutterable and never ending horrours, escaped in consequence of being made wise unto salvation? Who shall adequately declare the magnitude of an attempt to evangelize whole nations, and ultimately to renovate a world; an attempt to disenthral the slaves of Satan, and bring them into the glorious liberty of the sons of God; an attempt to diffuse peace and joy throughout the abodes of men, and to people the regions of immortal life with redeemed and sanctified spirits? In an attempt thus noble and sublime does every man engage, who aids in sending the heralds of salvation to the Heathen, and in putting the word of truth into their hands.

The objects are extensive. They admit, they require, the labours of multitudes. The glorious employment of being fellow-labourers in the cause of God, is an employment in which all, who are so inclined, may at all times engage. But the support of missions, and the publication of the Scriptures, in all nations, are enterprises in which the efforts of multitudes can be united with peculiar facility. Christians in both hemispheres, and of every denomination, can direct their exertions to produce one result, a result of the highest conceivable importance, Combined efforts,

whether of a good or evil character, are incomparably more powerful, than single efforts can be. How delightful, how enrapturing the sight, to behold good men of every rank and condition, in all parts of the world, uniting in one vast labour of love. It is not only practicable for multitudes to unite in the great purpose of evangelizing the world, but such a union is absolutely necessary, in order to bring about this event in the shortest time. All the power and influence of the whole Christian world must be put in requisition during the course of those beneficent labours,. which will precede the millennium. What expenses, what privations and sacrifices must be incurred before six hundred millions of Heathens can read the word of God in their own languages, and possess it in their own families; and before preachers can be furnished to direct this countless host into the path of life! The utmost exertion of every Christian now living, so far as his other duties will permit, is required in this glorious service. How boundless must be the field of labour which admits, and will continue to admit, the labours of all benevolent persons, in every region of the habitable globe!

But the most animating consideration still remains-these objects are attainable. To deny the practicability and usefulness of missions, and translations of the Scriptures, would manifest a total ignorance of the subject, or a deep hostility to the progress of Christianity. Twenty years ago, objections to these extraordinary efforts might have been formed much more plausibly than at present. Happily for the world, such objections did not then stifle those beneficent attempts, which have already given the Bible to nations in the heart of Asia, in their own languages. Whether Providence shall bless the efforts of this Board, it is not in the power of man to determine. Let us wait with humility and submission. But that the objects in view will be attained, and by human instruments too, will not be doubted by those, who expect the final prevalence of true religion over errour and sin. If the faith of Christians in America should be tried at the outset, it is no more than has frequently been experienced by Christians in every age. Such trials have often preceded the most signal success, and, far from disheartening, should stimulate to more animated and faithful labours.

While on this part of the subject, it is proper to mention, that, since the Board was incorporated, unexpected and most auspicious intelligence has arrived from Asia. An Auxiliary Bible Society has been formed at Calcutta, which in a short time raised funds to the amount of above thirty thousand dollars, and at the last dates was printing the whole Bible in one language, and the New Testament in two others, for immediate and extensive distribution. A regular succession of large editions of the Scriptures, in the common languages of Asia, may now be expected, if the liberality of Christians shall equal the occasion for its exercise. All that the people of America now have to do, in order to share in this exalted undertaking, is to remit their money to Calcutta, the centre of Eastern missions and translations, where suitable agents will easily be provided to superintend the expenditure. The Board will endeavour, as soon as possible, to arrange a system of safe and regular remittances to India, so that the donations of the benevolent in this country shall reach the place of their destination, and the field of usefulness, without any considerable delay. At present there seems to be no difficulty in making remittances by the way

of London.

It is also worthy of consideration, that the Board are not confined in their operations to any part of the world; but may direct their attention to Africa, North or South America, or the Isles of the sea, as well as to Asia. If unsuccessful in one place, they can turn to another; and can seize, (according to their means,) upon any promising opportunity to do good to any portion of the Heathen world.

It is an obvious reflection, and a pretty common one, that Christians of the present generation are greatly favoured. While their eyes have seen most astonishing and unparalleled displays of human wickedness, they have also beheld innumerable trophies of divine grace. From nations betrayed, enslaved, weltering in their blood, and shrouded in a starless night of infidelity and profligacy, their attention has been turned with transport to the light which has encircled the dwellings of the faithful, and to the rising glories of the Sun of Righteousness. Their ears, for a long time stunned by the outcries, blasphemies, and unutterable confusion of a wicked world suffering the vengeance of God from the hands of cruel men, have found a happy relief in hearing the glad sounds of salvation reverberating through Heathen lands, and in listening to the songs of converted idolaters soon to be exchanged for the songs of the blessed. Already they hear, or seem to hear, the commencement of that celestial hymn, Arise, shine, for thy light is come; and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee; a hymn in which all tribes and nations will hereafter unite with VOL. I.-No. I.

2 G

joy unspeakable, and which will be re-echoed from the realms of immortality in one boundless chorus of rapture and praise.

To be silent and inactive spectators of these animating scenes, if that only were permitted, would be a grand felicity. But Christians need not be silent and inactive spectators. Indeed, they ought not; they must not. They are now favoured with opportunities of promoting the cause of Christ not enjoyed by preceding generations. No age since that of the Apostles has afforded so great encouragement to engage with zeal and activity in the best of all causes, as the present day affords. How would the saints of former times, the Baxters, the Beveridges, the Wattses, the Edwardses, have rejoiced to see this day. They looked forward to it, and to the more delightful scenes still future, with joyful anticipations; how would they have exulted to join in its employments, and mingle their labours and prayers with those of the great multitudes, who now incessantly labour and pray for the universal establishment of the Redeemer's kingdom.

It is now generally seen and felt by those who have any claim to be considered as proper judges, that Christianity is the only remedy for the disorders and miseries of this world, as well as the only foundation of hope for the world to come. No other agent will ever control the violent passions of men; and without the true religion all attempts to meliorate the condition of mankind will prove as illusory as a feverish dream. The genuine patriot, therefore, and the genuine philanthropist must la bour, so far as they value the prosperity of their country and the happiness of the human race, to diffuse the knowledge and the influence of Christianity, at home and abroad. Thus will they labour most effectually to put a final period to oppression and slavery, to perfidy and war, and to all the train of evils which falsehood, ambition, and cruelty have so profusely scattered through the world. Infidelity seems abashed, and in the attitude of retiring from every place where her hideous form and features can be compared with the symmetry and beauty of religion. She seeks concealment and obscurity, and is half ashamed of her votaries, who, in their turn, are cordially ashamed of her. Over infidelity and every abuse of religion the Captain of our salvation will triumph. Wise are they who enlist under his banner, fight his battles, and share in the joys of his victory!

Possibly it may be thought by some, that the present times are unfavourable to the objects above described, so far as pecuniary contributions are needed: and that it would be best to defer charitable designs till our national calamities shall have been removed. We cannot yield for a moment to reasoning of this sort. It might receive many answers; a few brief hints will be sufficient.

God alone is the deliverer from publick troubles, and must be regarded as such by all who have any just views of his providence. He can change scenes of national distress into scenes of joy and gratulation. He can cause light to spring up out of darkness, and educe good from evil. To Him must the eyes of all be turned, who long for the happiness of mankind and the prosperity of the Church. What method so likely to secure the favour of God, as that of obeying his commandments? And it is his commandment, that the Gospel should be preached to every creature.

Besides, it would be adding immeasurably to all the necessary evils of war, if every charitable enterprise were to cease during its continuance. The interests of truth and beneficence would thus lose more in a short war than could be regained in a long peace. National calamities, instead of producing national repentance and reformation, would be the signal for letting loose the malignant passions, while all the charitable virtues were to lie dormant. What would be the result of this but a return of the ages of barbarism? Let the people of this country rather imitate the mul titudes of good people in the country to which we now stand in the relation of a publick enemy, who, in circumstances of great national anxiety, and while pressed with uncommon burdens, are more and more stimulated to devote their influence, their example, and their property, to the service of their Lord.

Again; by engaging in any course of beneficence we consult our present happiness. The devotees of pleasure and dissipation are not deterred from their pursuits by the present aspect of the times. Millions are annually expended for their tem porary gratification; and the greater part of these enormous sums is directly subservient to the cause of sin. Shall Christians refuse their thousands? Shall they be the only persons who plead national calamities as a reason for withholding their money, when that money will contribute, if wisely laid out, to bring these very calamities to an end, and to build up that cause, by the prevalence of which all calamities would cease? Let them rather supplicate the favour of God for every human being; and strive earnestly to extend the boundaries of that kingdom which is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

While thanks are returned to all the benevolent societies and individuals, by whose distinguished liberality the Board have been encouraged and supported in their first attempts, it is with pleasure we are able to add, that the other benevolent institutions of a similar nature, in our country, have been unusually favoured with respect to their funds during the past year. This was confidently expected, and should be acknowledged with devout gratitude. All benevolent societies, conducted on Christian principies, are sisters. They flourish or languish together. Occupying different fields of usefulness, and acting advantageously by adopting the principle of a division of labour, they promote the success of each other, and accomplish vastly more than could be done by the same pecuniary meaus under the direction of one Society. They possess all the advantages of combination; and yet do not become unwieldly and embarrassed by the multiplicity of their concerns. Let the peculiar friends of each unite in promoting the success of all. Let there be no jealousy between them but a godly jealousy; and no rivalry but a holy emulation in one grand attempt to extend the Gospel through the world.

While soliciting the prayers of the pious, and the pecuniary contributions of all who are able and willing to contribute, it behooves us explicitly to disclaim any desire to profit by mere appeals to the passions. We trust that the addresses and other publick papers of the Board, have never partaken of this character. Convinced that the work of evangelizing mankind is the noblest work in which men ever engaged; that the encouragements to prosecute it are at all times abundant, and that its completion is certain, nothing more can at any time be needed to interest the hearts of Christians in it, than to open a promising field of labour.

At the present time, the call for renewed and increased exertions is so loud, that it has been heard and obeyed by thousands in different parts of the world. The friend and patron of missions, far from acting by the blind impulse of passion, is supported by the plainest dietates of reason, the decisive experience of ages, and the infallible declarations of Scripture. He who embarks in such a cause, and whose heart approves the conclusions of his reason, will not easily relinquish the object of his hopes and prayers.

It is worthy of particular notice, that there has been a uniform progress, for the last twenty years, in the number, the magnitude, and the success of the attempts to preach the Gospel, and to impart the Scriptures, to the ignorant and destitute, both in Christian and in Heathen lands. God grant that this progress may continue and increase, and that those who offer, and all who read this address, may have some humble share in promoting a cause which aims directly and supremely at the glory of God, and the salvation of the whole human race.

We are unwilling to conclude, without addressing a few words particularly, and very respectfully to the Clergy, the reverend pastors of the American churches.

FATHERS AND BRETHREN,

FROM the performance of your professional duties, especially from the study of the sacred Volume, you derive most affecting considerations with respect to the worth of immortal souls, and the divine efficacy and glory of the Christian religion. When you look around upon a world lying in wickedness, and reflect on the many discouragements and very partial successes, which attend your best and most highly favoured exertions, you cannot but sigh for the advent of that blessed day, when they shall not teach every man his neighbour, saying, KNOW THE LORD, for all shall know Him, from the least to the greatest. Lamenting the sins, and feeling for the miseries of mankind, you habitually regard with deep interest all attempts to extend the influence of the Gospel. Without the good wishes and cordial aid of a serious and enlightened clergy, no great attempt of a religious nature will ever suceed; but every such attempt, judiciously made and conscientiously persevered in, will be countenanced by these good wishes and this aid.

The Board, whose duty it is to superintend the first American mission to foreign parts, and to expend with fidelity such monies as may be committed to their dispo sal, deeply feel their responsibility. They wish for all the information which can be had, relative to the subjects which will come before them. Any communications,, therefore, from the Clergy, either in their individual or associated capacities, will be received with respect and thankfulness. It will be the desire and aim of the Board so to conduct their affairs, as to secure the confidence of all Christians throughout the United States, of every denomination; and they venture to hope for the countenance of all, who admit the utility of missions and translations.

Among the numerous claims upon the publick liberality, you will doubtless recommend those objects as worthy of especial regard, which have a direct tendency to make men happy here, and to fit them for heaven. That all such objects may be promoted, and that they all may harmonize in producing one grand result, the universal triumph of truth and benevolence, you will not cease to labour and pray. Thus labouring and praying, and exciting others to a course of beneficent actions, a more devout attention will accompany your weekly ministrations. They who are urged to feel for the souls of the perishing Heathen, will be apt to feel that they and their families have souls to be saved or lost for ever. Such has generally been the effect hitherto, and there is every reason to believe that such will be the effect in future.

Let us all remember, Fathers and Brethren, that the time allotted to our earthly labours is short; that the spiritual wants of the Heathen imperiously demand attention and relief; and, while urging each other and our fellow-sinners to deeds of charity, let us never forget the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

In behalf of the Board,

Boston, November 10th, 1812,

JEDIDIAH MORSE,

SAMUEL WORCESTER, Committee.
JEREMIAH EVARTS,

The king yet continues in a situation that precludes all prospect of his return to the throne, which is now filled by the heir apparent, under the title of " Prince Regent." The Prince's powers, though at first restricted by his majesty's ministers and the privy council, are now, we believe, so ample, that he enjoys all the privileges of sovereign of Great Britain, except the title of king.-His majesty's disorder is considered as rather mental than bodily: he is said to eat and sleep well; and, judging from the natural strength of his constitution, there is every probability of many years being added to his life.

The divisions which existed in the cabinet of St. James, have been at last accom. modated. For the information of those of our readers who may not attend minutely to newspaper details, we give the list of the principal persons in the administration as it now stands: the Earl of Liverpool, first Lord of the Treasury; the Rt. Hon. N. Vansittart, Chancellor of the Exchequer; Lord Sidmouth, Secretary of State for the home department; Lord Castlereagh, Secretary of State for the foreign department. The residue of the officers of state are chiefly the same as those who composed that part of the administration of Mr. Perceval.-The late elections have terminated in giving ministers an increase of strength of 40 members.

Parliament assembled on the 26th November last, and would sit till about the 20th December, and then adjourn till the first week in February. It was expected one of the first objects that would occupy the attention of the two houses, would be the "Roman Catholick claims," which have been so long the subject of legislative debate. The earl of Moira had received the appointment of governour-general of India, and had taken the oaths of office preparatory to his embarkation for Calcutta.

Eighty thousand stands of arms had been ordered to be prepared and embarked for Russia. Preparations were making at Portsmouth for the reception of the Russian fleet, which it was expected would arrive from the Baltick, to be placed in greater security at a distance from the enemies of the Russian empire.

Sixteen thousand troops, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, were reported to be under marching orders to join the allied armies in the peninsula: of these a part had already embarked from Portsmouth.