ries must, by long previous study, obtain the imperfect knowledge of the languages spoken by the heathen; whilst the apostles were at once endued with this needful qualification from on high. They called men's attention to them and their message, by multiplied and surprising miracles of love; but our's must gradually gain confidence "by patient continuance in "well doing." In short, obstructions, insurmountable by human power, on every side impede our progress: and it is proper we should be aware of it, and fairly warn all concerned to count the cost. But let us not be discouraged. If we use no carnal weapons, but such only as the Lord himself appoints, he will at length render them effectual. "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain."-" Not by might, nor by power, "but my Spirit, saith the LORD of Hosts."

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In the depth of a severe winter, the impediments to cultivation from snow and frost, are insuperable by all the power of man: but when the almighty Ruler of the seasons sends the warm south wind, with the beams of the vernal sun, the ice and snow dissolve, the earth softens, vegetation proceeds rapidly, and the husbandman finds the obstructions effectually removed. And thus it is, and thus it will be, whenever or wherever" the Spirit of God is poured from on high." We ought not then to be discouraged by difficulties, or shrink from steadily contemplating them: but we should look well to our motives and to our means; and above all be careful to place our whole confidence in the Lord, knowing that the gospel, when faithfully preached, has always been made "the

power of God unto salvation;" and if we have true faith, we may say to the mountain, "Be thou remov❝ed, and be thou cast into the sea," and nothing will be impossible to us. As, however, some regions oppose stronger barriers to our progress than others do; and as we cannot make our efforts in every part of that immense field which lies before us: we may very properly enquire, where the state of civilization and learning, or the nature of the existing governments, with various other circumstances, give the most reasonable prospect of success; and where a central situation affords the fairest hope that the Gospel, if successful, would thence be more widely diffused. While therefore we seek heavenly wisdom, by searching the word of God, and by constant prayer to him for it: we should endeavour to avail ourselves of all those sources of information, by which we may learn the actual situation of different countries in every part of the globe.

And here it may be observed, that it is of vast importance, that the several Societies, formed for this great purpose, should consider one another as coadjutors, and not as competitors, and cultivate an amicable intercourse. In this case many societies will probably be found preferable to one, though proportionably larger. One may embrace this special object, and another that; one may find the readiest access to this country, and the other to that country: external circumstances may give one an advantage for a particular kind of service, from which the other may be precluded: each may, as it were, bring into circulation the treasure of wisdom and piety, as well as influence,

which is found in its particular circle: and they may all profit by the counsels, plans, observation, success, or failures, of every one; and help one another in various ways, when that assistance becomes especially seasonable. Thus more methods may be tried, more talents brought into exercise, more information and wisdom acquired, and more exertion made by several societies, amicably striving together for the faith of the Gospel, than by one. Thus a number of merchants, acting separately, yet in a manner friendly to each other, extend commerce much more advantageously, than a large monopoly. And diverse kinds of soldiers form a better army; than if all were exactly of the same description, armed in the same manner, and formed but one vast phalanx: provided they have no other contest, but a zealous competition who shall best serve the common cause.

The world, my brethren, is wide enough; and there is little danger of our interfering with each other, except we intend it. If then, we endeavour to animate one another to exertion; to encourage one another's zeal and patience when they decline; to impart reciprocally information, and give mutual assistance; we may even take occasion from those things, which prevent our making one united effort, to aim at the same object with at least equal advantage.

But let it be observed, that when the Lord intends eventually to prosper any design, he seldom answers the first sanguine hopes of its zealous friends. By previous delays and disappointments, he commonly purifies our motives, renders our dependence on his power and grace more simple, and excites us to more

fervent and carnest prayer and supplication. He thus leads us to compare our measures and means with the "sacred Scriptures, and to rectify what has not accorded to them. He gives us deeper views of our own unworthiness and insufficiency; and brings us to despair of success, except from his powerful interposition. Having thus formed us to a more proper disposition of mind, and the use of hollowed means exclusively, he begins to prosper the design, and to work for the glory of his own name. So that discouraging ill success, in the outset of a good design, often gives occasion to that self-examination and study, and that melioration of our motives and means, which make way for the most important subsequent success. We should therefore neither despond, as we are very apt to do, or faint, when we are thus rebuked and disappointed; nor should we object to evidently good designs, because of failures and discouragements: but we should try to profit by experience, and prosecute the object with greater simplicity and humility, and with persevering patience and unceasing prayer.

It has frequently been objected to vigorous measures for missions among the heathen, that we have multitudes of very wicked people at home, whose reformation we should attempt in preference: yet it may fairly be questioned, whether they who start the objection, are the most zealous, in using every proper means of bringing sinners to repentance and faith in Christ, in their own neighbourhood: nay, whether many of them do not, on various pretences, oppose the well meant endeavours of others for that purpose? It will perhaps be found, that the most active friends to

missions, are also the most diligent in promoting christianity at home. But it may also be observed, that none in this land are entirely destitute of all means of becoming wise unto salvation, as hundreds of mil lions, in other countries are known to be. Let us then do all we can for a revival of pure christianity at home, and aim also to send the gospel to the dark regions of the earth.

But some are afraid, that by sending missionaries abroad, we shall in part deprive our own country of christian instruction. Alas! there is little reason to apprehend, that any considerable number of such men, as would be likely to do effectual service at home, will engage in the work of missions: a far more zealous and courageous spirit must prevail among christians than we have hitherto witnessed, before there be any danger on that side. But if indeed this was the case, so far from diminishing our measure of scriptural instruction, it would exceedingly increase it: for nothing can be imagined so likely to stir up all ministers to zeal and activity; to turn the thoughts and inclinations of pious christians to the work of the ministry; to enlarge the acquaintance of multitudes with the holy Scriptures; and to excite a very general attention to the Gospel. I cannot doubt, but that well conducted and successful plans for evangelizing the heathen, would prove most powerful means of more fully evangelizing Britain: and on this ground, as well as on all others, the thought and desire have for years been prominent in my mind; though I long despaired of being in any measure instrumental in so blessed a service. Indeed it is no small advantage, no inconsideraVOL. III.

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