teach their hands to war, and present to them the shield of God's salvation ?" More has been done than blushing for past neglect, proposing questions, and thinking of remedies. The churches have united— means have been adopted, to a certain extent-representatives have been chosen to watch over the funds, to exercise the power delegated to them, by choosing and sending forth watchmen to distant and important posts with suitable directions.

But these representatives feel their responsibility, and perhaps grieve to find the church not yet disposed to view the great question, "What are the most efficient measures to be instantly adopted for the conversion of a perishing world?" with all that intensity of thought, and come forward with all that promptitude to their aid, which its vast importance demands. They have not only mourned in secret, but in a public and direct manner have they made their appeal to the churches, soliciting their aid. Has the church not heard a voice, addressing her in language to the following effect: "Something more is necessary than the power you have delegated to us-than your prayers, than your countenance and support. We need some of your veterans to go forth to battle; to the battle of the Lord against the mighty: we need some of your experienced watchmen, who will exemplify a constant fixed attention to the enemy's movements, and correctly sound the alarm, who will exhibit, by their patient endurance of trials, that courage and holy self-denial so necessary in times of

difficulty and danger. We need their assistance, that they may go forward to explore, to take up their residence on the very borders of the enemy's camp, and from actual experience to give us their report-to take their younger brethren by the hand, speak kindly to them, and teach them how to endure hardships as faithful watchmen; we wish to have it in our power to point out to our young Timothies, a Paul the aged, whose council and example will both chasten and direct their youthful ardour. Shall the church in its centre-shall the head-quarters of the king enjoy the council of fathers, whilst the out-posts of the camp, the extremities of the army, are left to the care of those whose hard-earned experience is gained at much expense, and often produces a depressing effect on their spirits?" Why should the church suppose she does all her part when she makes conscience, of prayer chooses her representatives, countenances them in their plans, and supports their measures? This is only a fulfilment in part of a sacred obligation.

To love our neighbour as ourselves, is a principle of more extensive obligation in a relative point of view now, than it was under the Old Testament economy. Now, no line of demarcation separates the children from dogs. The church is taught to call no people unclean, for God hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, "and the Lord Jesus Christ hath commissioned his disciples to go and teach all nations, baptizing them

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Therefore the church is bound to recognize a great deal more as her duty than she has yet done; the conversion of heathen nations as one chief part of that duty she owes to God and the children of men. Her best energies, and some of her ablest watchmen are demanded by a heathen world, and they have a legal right to make such a demand. To whom can they make their appeal with a hope of success? To whom but to the directors of Missions? These are chosen and approved of by the churches, and these are bound to watch over and promote the best interests of nations sunk in ignorance, and slaves of haughty and proud foes. [Surely the representatives have a right to lift up their voice in behalf of the heathen, and dare the church hear it with indifference? Surely they have a right not only to call in general terms on the church for necessary help, but for suitable watchmen, personally pointing them out; and dare the church refuse or disregard such particular calls?

Lest, however, it should be said that censures, which are here more than implied against the general proceedings of the church in mission affairs, contain in them an insinuation that vital godliness is on the decrease rather than otherwise, we utterly disclaim all such intentions. All that is wished, is that the principles on which the church is now acting be carefully considered, and proper attention and discrimination paid to things which differ, and reformation

be speedily commenced where neglect actually exists. The church may be chargeable with neglecting those who are destitute of the word of life, either by suffering local wants to exhaust all her energies, or not adopting the most efficient means she has at her disposal; whilst vital godliness is actually on the increase. Though this be true to its full extent, yet such neglect is not to be considered a matter of comparatively small importance. No; the voice of God will be distinctly heard either in the ordinances of grace or providential dispensations, condemning the omission of such an important duty, and it will be heard in such deep and powerful tones, as to constrain the church readily to obey. A practical example will best illustrate the truth of these remarks.

The commission of Christ to his apostles, to go into all nations and preach the gospel, was distinct and express. After the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost were graciously bestowed to fit them for their high calling, the door was instantly opened, and the grand outlines bounding their field of labour, taught them the necessity of immediate, extensive exertions. Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. The commission was opened by Peter at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost: great was the success. The number of believers soon amounted to upwards of five thousand. "And the multitude of

those that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any that ought of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common; and with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all." Here is a numerous, a happy, and rapidly increasing family. Here was abundant labour for the apostles, and abundant inducements for the disciples to desire the continuance of such a foretaste of heaven in the church below. Who would have imagined that the disciples enjoying such a delightful season, were living in the neglect of a very important duty? Who would have thought that the apostles would have, in the moment of such great success, and when enjoying such evidences of divine faithfulness and love, forgotten their ignorant and wretched fellow-men? They continued to labour diligently, and their labours were abundantly blessed; but all the rays of moral light with which heaven was pleased to favour an apostate world, were not to be confined within the boundaries of a single city. Light was to shine forth on those who were sitting in worse than Egyptian darkness, for thus it is written, Matt. v. 14-16:- Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."