NEW MISSIONARY FIELD 
 
 REPORT 
 
 TO THE 
 
 FEMALE MISSIONARY SOCIETY 
 
 FOR 
 
 THE POOR 
 
 OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, AND ITS VICINITY 
 
 AT THEIR QUARTERLY PRAYER MEETING, 
 -MARCH, 1817. 
 
 V 
 BY WARD STAFFORD, A. Bf. 
 
 t 
 
 NEW -YORK: 
 
 PRINTED BY J. SEYMOUR, 49 JOHN-RTREFV 
 1817. 
 
V \ * %* 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 It seems proper to apprise the reader, that only a part of the 
 following report was read to the Society at their quarterly meet- 
 ing. Most of what was omitted on that occasion is enclosed in 
 brackets. 
 
 An apology is due to a large number of respectable individuals, 
 for some delay in complying with their request in relation to the 
 publication of this report. To transcribe it for the press, requir- 
 ed more time than the writer could immediately command, with- 
 out neglecting other important duties. 
 
REPORT. 
 
 In compliance with the wishes of the Board of Managers and 
 others, I have drawn up, and shall now lay before you, an account 
 of my labours, accompanied with such observations as the nature 
 and the importance of the subject seem to require. 
 
 It is about nine months since I first engaged in the service of the 
 Society. Having had some previous knowledge of the state of the 
 poor, and being fully persuaded, that hundreds of families were 
 destitute of the Bible*, as well as of all other means of religious in- 
 struction, I determined to devote a considerable part of my time 
 to exploring sections of the city, for the purpose of obtaining further 
 information concerning them, of distributing Bibles and Tracts, 
 and of promoting their spiritual welfare in other ways. By this 
 means, I have had opportunity to address, on the most important 
 subjects of religion, thousands, who had never before seen a minis- 
 ter' within their dwellings, and many of whom had never seen one 
 in the house of God. 
 
 As in visiting families in connexion, it was impossible not to 
 call on some of every denomination, I thought it my duty to ad- 
 dress them exclusively on those great truths in which all real 
 Christians are supposed to agree ; such as the necessity of a change 
 of heart, of repentance, of an interest in Christ ; the importance of 
 observing the sabbath, of setting a holy example before their 
 children, and of training them up in the fear of God. 
 
 To avoid the pain, and the unhappy influence on their minds, 
 of inquiring directly whether they observed the sabbath, I have 
 usually asked them what Church they attended. If it appeared, 
 that they belonged to any denomination, I have invariably urged 
 upon them the necessity of being real Christians, of having their 
 hearts right in the sight of God, reminding them, at the same time, 
 that the inquiry at the day of judgment would not be, whether 
 they belonged to a particular sect, but whether they were mem- 
 bers of the " household of faith." Such has been my situation, that 
 it has appeared to be my duty scrupulously to avoid speaking 
 against, or in favour of any denomination of Christians whatever. 
 Whenever the persons, whom I have visited, have ascertained to 
 what denomination I belonged, which has rarely been the case, 
 they have manifested towards me, though bearing a different name, 
 a charity, an affection which has been as gratifying, as it has been 
 singular and unexpected. 
 
 In addition to distributing Bibles, I have distributed several 
 :housand religions Tracts. Particular pain's, has been taken to 
 
select such as were free from sectarian views, and which exhibited 
 the great principles of the gospel of Christ. 
 
 It was early discovered, that to prosecute the mission with success, 
 a house for public worship would be indispensable. The Board 
 of Managers, therefore, determined to attempt the erection of a 
 house, which should be free and open to all who were disposed 
 to attend. While a committee of gentlemen were requested to 
 select a suitable place for the building, and superintend the erec- 
 tion of it, the business of raising the necessary funds was princi- 
 pally intrusted to me. A subscription was opened as soon as the 
 necessary arrangements could be made, and the success was much 
 greater than had, on the whole, been expected. After some pro- 
 gress had been made, it was thought adviseable, for reasons which 
 I will not occupy your time to mention, to postpone further solicita- 
 tion. The subject has recently been taken up again, and we are 
 warranted in the assertion, that the Christian public will not suffer 
 this undertaking to fail of success. 
 
 Since I have been in the service of the Society, I have preached 
 as much as the state of my health would permit. During most of 
 the time I have preached once on the Sabbath to a collection of 
 from 400 to 600 children belonging to the Sabbath Schools. They 
 have been collected for this purpose, at the Free School, No. 2, in 
 Henry-street ; a part of the city to which my attention has been 
 more particularly directed. Numbers of poor people, who have 
 not been accustomed to go elsewhere to worship, have usually 
 attended at this place. During the summer, I preached at the 
 ship-yards on Manhattan Island, in a room kindly furnished by 
 the Messrs. Browns. At that exercise, it is believed, there were 
 usually about 300 present. 
 
 It was impossible, employed as I was, not to observe a large 
 number of Seamen. By associating with them, and appointing 
 some evening lectures in the neighbourhood of their lodgings, it 
 was discovered, that they were deplorably destitute of religious 
 instruction, and that it would be easy to give them that instruction, 
 provided proper measures were adopted. This determined me to 
 open a place of worship for them as soon as circumstances would 
 permit. This has accordingly been done since the last quarterly 
 meeting. What has been the success of this undertaking, will be 
 made known in a subsequent part of the Report. 
 
 The sabbath evening lecture which was opened some time ago, 
 1 have recently been obliged to relinquish, finding it impossible 
 for me to preach three times on the sabbath, without materially 
 injuring my health. The number who attended that exercise was 
 not large, but evidently owing to the want of other labour in the 
 neighbourhood, such as holding evening meetings, visiting, and 
 preaching from house to house. 
 
 In addition to preaching on the sabbath, I have usually had se- 
 veral lectures, during the week, at private houses and other places. 
 These have been well attended. 
 
No small part of my time has been occupied in visiting the sicl- 
 and dying, in attending funerals, and visiting Sabbath Schools. 
 When I have attended a funeraJ, I have usually appointed, at the 
 house of mourning, an evening lecture, as soon after as I could make it- 
 convenient. 
 
 My labours have been of such a nature, that their effects will 
 remain in a great measure unknown till the great day of account. 
 It is enough for us that we obey the command of God. The event 
 we may safely leave with him. He is, however, pleased to grant 
 us some tokens of his special favour. We are assured, that we 
 have not laboured altogether in vain. 
 
 As an individual and as a Society we have had trials. You and 
 I have felt them. Let them, however, be remembered only to excite 
 emotions of gratitude to Him who has supported us under them, 
 and caused them, as we believe, to work for our best good. Let 
 their recollection make us feel more deeply our dependence on 
 God, and our need of the Holy Spirit to direct and quicken us 
 in all our duty. Though one breach after another should be made, 
 though one difficulty after another should rise — let us persevere in 
 the way of well-doing ; knowing, that " we shall reap in due season, 
 if we faint not." As it respects myself, I have had many encourage- 
 ments, among which it is my duty and my happiness to acknow- 
 ledge the uniform kindness and support of the Board of Managers, 
 While they have left me to labour in the manner I thought best, 
 they have given me all the counsel and aid in their power. It 
 has not been among the least of my encouragements, that I have 
 laboured under the immediate inspection of the members of the 
 Society and other Christian friends, who, by their very cheerful 
 and prompt co-operation, have greatly enlarged my sphere of use- 
 fulness. I am happy to acknowledge, a!so, the kindness of several 
 gentlemen, who have accompanied me when visiting in certain sec- 
 tions of the city. Among this number, I cannot forbear mentioning 
 the Rev. Mr. Mills, who, with his well-known missionary zeal, 
 spent several weeks in labouring among the destitute, during the 
 last summer. 
 
 It will be gratifying to you to learn, that, although nothing has 
 been published, the object of your Society has attracted the notice 
 of Christians in other places. Since its establishment, similar 
 societies have been formed in Philadelphia, Charleston, S. C. Bos- 
 ton, and Chailestown, Mass. and probably, before this, in one or 
 two other sea-ports. 
 
 Having given this general statement respecting my labours, some 
 may think I ought to be silent. But as a considerable part of my 
 time has been occupied in exploring destitute sections of the city, 
 as a new missionary field has opened to my view, I shall be excus- 
 ed if I vary from the ordinary form of such reports, and attempt to 
 show the extent and situation of that field ; to point out some of the 
 ways in which it is to be cultivated ; and to state some of the rea- 
 sons why great and persevering efforts should be made. 
 
6 
 
 When we consider, that our large cities constitute the centre of 
 exertions for the salvation of the Heathen, that in them are thou* 
 sands of Christians, by whose means Bibles and Missionaries are 
 conveyed to every part of the world, it will be thought almost in- 
 credible, that in the midst of them there should be immense multi- 
 tudes who are entirely destitute of religious instruction, and of all 
 the ordinary means of grace. That such is the state of many of 
 our large cities, and particularly of the city of New-York, the fol- 
 lowing facts most clearly show. 
 
 We will first view the state of the city as it respects a preached 
 gospel. 
 
 If we allow the population to have increased in the same pro- 
 portion for the last seven years, as it did for the ten years preceding, 
 it will now exceed 125,000. Several gentlemen have given it as 
 their opinion, that the average increase has been greater. That 
 we may, however, be sure of being within bounds, we will esti- 
 mate the present population at 120,000. 
 
 A single glance at the manner in which this population and 
 the churches are located, will show, that many do not attend 
 public worship on the sabbath. While almost all the churches 
 are in the lower, the great mass of the people are in the upper 
 part of the city. When we find, that in the upper part the houses, 
 which are comparatively small, contain from 4 to 12 families each, 
 and that with these houses, the ground is almost completely cover- 
 ed, we cannot doubt, that there are in that part of the city five 
 times as many people on an area, as there are on an area of equal 
 size in the lower part. In the lower part of the city on an area 
 not one half as large as the seventh ward, there are 16 churches. 
 In the seventh ward, containing a population of not less than 
 12,000, there is only one. Let it not be supposed, that there are 
 churches in the immediate vicinity. The adjacent wards are far 
 from having a competent supply. In the fourth ward, containing 
 about 13,000 inhabitants, there are only 3 churches In the sixth 
 ward, containing about 14,000, there are only 4 churches; and 
 the same number with about the same population in the tenth ward. 
 On an area of less than 90 rods square in the seventh ward, it is 
 believed, there are not less than nine thousand souls. 
 
 So far as I can ascertain, there are not more than 52 congrega- 
 tions of Christians in the city of all denominations. There may 
 be some small collections of persons, who worship in retired places, 
 that are not included in this estimate. If we allow one minister 
 to a congregation, there will be 52 ministers who statedly labour 
 in the city. As some of the congregations, however, have more 
 than one minister, and as there are one or two not connected with 
 any congregation, we will suppose the number of ministers to be 
 sixty. Allowing that one minister ought not to have the imme- 
 diate charge of more than a thousand souls, there will be 60,000 
 people destitute of the stated ministry of the gospel, or of proper 
 religious instruction. That there may be one minister and one 
 
church t© a thousand people, there must be 60 additional ministers,, 
 and 68 new churches. 
 
 It is the opinion of several clergymen and others, who may be 
 supposed qualified to judge on the subject, that the number ot 
 regular worshippers does not, on an average, exceed 600 to a 
 church. It will be recollected, that while a few of the churches 
 are large and well filled, there are many which are small, and some 
 of them but partially filled. Allowing 600 to a church, the num- 
 ber who regularly attend public worship, will be 31,200, leaving 
 about 89,000 who do not attend. A considerable number must be 
 allowed for children, invalids, and others necessarily detained. 
 
 Will it be said, that our churches are sufficiently capacious to 
 hold a much larger number than actually attend? This we readily 
 admit. But it does not in the least alter the case as it respects 
 those who are destitute of seats. The seats in the Presbyterian 
 and in most of the other churches are owned or hired by private per- 
 sons. One pew is usually alloted to one family, and must, there- 
 fore, be at the disposal of that family, though but a small part of 
 it should be occupied at one time. In most of our churches, there 
 are but a small number of pews which are free, and but a small 
 number of the others, which do not rent so high as effectually t© 
 exclude the poor. 
 
 Lest it should be supposed, that although these people do not 
 attend public worship, they are attached to some congregation, 
 and are, therefore, under the care of some minister of the gospel, 
 we will endeavour to ascertain how many belong to a congregation. 
 The number belonging to congregations generally, is not known. 
 The ministers, however, of the Dutch Reformed Church keep an 
 exact account of the number of families and individuals belonging 
 to their respective charges, and report them to the Synod at their 
 annual meeting. According to the report made at the last meeting 
 of the Synod, it appears., that the average number of souls belonging 
 to four of the congregations in that connexion, viz. Garden-street, the 
 Middle and North Churches, and the Church at Greenwich, is 806. 
 Three of these congregations are ranked among the largest in the 
 city, and the other by no means among the smallest. If we allow 
 the other congregations in the city to be on an average as large as 
 these four, which is far from being the case, there will be 41,912 
 souls under the care of some spiritual guide or minister of the gos- 
 pel ; leaving 78,088 destitute, or who are not attached to any con- 
 gregation or denomination of Christians. Some doubtless attend 
 public worship, who do not strictly belong to any congregation. 
 But the number of such, does not equal, it is believed, the number 
 who nominally belong to some congregation, but absent themselves 
 from the house of God. The size of our congregations is greatly 
 increased by strangers, of whom there is always a considerable 
 number in the city, and who usually attend public worship. The 
 whole number of families belonging to the four congregations above 
 named, is 604, and the whole number of souls 3,225. Allowing 
 
8 
 
 the same number to a family, throughout the city, as is found 
 by calculation to belong to these families, there will be about 
 22,600. The average number of families belonging to the3e four 
 congregations is 151. Supposing all the congregations in the city 
 to have the same number, there will be 7.852 families attached to 
 the different congregations ; leaving 14,796 families which are not 
 attached to any congregation, and, of course, not under the imme- 
 diate care of any spiritual guide*. 
 
 To the class who do not attend public worship, we must add 
 almost all our Seamen, of whom there are in the city several thou- 
 sands every Sabbath in the year. In 1815, the port of New- 
 York owned 278,868 tons of shipping. Allowing the same num- 
 ber of men to a 100 tons, as is allowed in England, there were 
 about 14,000 seamen employed by this port. Several gentlemen 
 have given it as their opinion, that there are constantly in this city 
 not less than six or seven thousand. No documents are in my pos- 
 session by which to determine how many Seamen visit the city dur- 
 ing the whole year. 
 
 Let it not be imagined, that New-York is more destitute of the 
 stated ordinances of the Gospel than other cities, or that Chris- 
 tians here are more inattentive to this subject, than they are in 
 other parts of Christendom. 
 
 The town of Boston contains, it is supposed, about 36,000 inha- 
 bitants, and only 23 churches, and at the present time, a less num- 
 ber of established ministers of the Gospel. Allowing one house 
 of worship to a thousand people, and one minister to a house of 
 worship, there will remain 13,900 destitute. Allowing 800 to a 
 congregation, there will be about 18,000 destitute. The town of 
 Boston is but about two thirds as well supplied with houses of 
 public worship and ministers, as the rest of the State of Massa- 
 chusets. 
 
 New Haven, containing, it is supposed, not less than 7.000 peo- 
 ple, has only four congregations and four ministers, independently 
 of the College, leaving 3,000 destitute. In the State of Connecti- 
 cut, there is one minister to a thousand people : In New Haven 
 there is one minister to 1,750. Hartford is in nearly the same 
 condition. 
 
 * We have ascertained from personal inquiry in different parts of the city, 
 that the proportionate number, who do not belong to any congregation, is con- 
 siderably larger than this estimate supposes. 
 
 It has been estimated, that in the whole State of New- York there are 
 500,000 people destitute of the stated ordinances of the Gospel, or about one 
 half of the whole population, allowing one minister to a thousand people. 
 Ministers who had not been regularly educated were not included in that esti- 
 mate. In the present estimate, all of every denomination are included. It is 
 supposed that there are nearly 200 organized congregations in which minis- 
 ters might probably be settled. According to this estimate, the city is not so 
 well supplied with religious teachers as the rest of the state, a great part 
 ef which is considered missionary ground ; and there are not two thirds as 
 many organized congregations in proportion to the populatioa> 
 
9 
 
 As we go south of New-York, we find populous places in no 
 better condition. 
 
 In Phi : ade:phia and its suburbs, there were in 1810, 35 churches, 
 and 92,000 people, leaving 57,000 destitute. At the present time, 
 the population, it is believed, exceeds 120,n(X) According to 
 information recently obtained, there are 42 churches. If we al- 
 low one minister to a thousand people, there are nearly 80,000 
 ^destitute. 
 
 Baltimore, with a population of 55 or 60,'000, has 23 churches, 
 leaving between 30 and 40,000 destitute. 
 
 Washington, in J 8 10, contained 8,208 inhabitants, and four 
 churches, leaving more than one half unsupplied, without taking 
 into the account the increase of population, during the session of 
 Congress. 
 
 Newbern, with a population of 2,467 in 1800, has but one church 
 at the present time. 
 
 Richmond, in 1810, with 9,735 inhabitants, had only one church. 
 Charleston, S. C. had in 1810, 15 churches and 24,71 1 inhabit- 
 ants, leaving about 10,000 destitute. 
 
 The moral state of Savannah appears to be somewhat better 
 than that of any of the places mentioned, above. In 1810, it 
 contained 5215 inhabitants and six churches. 
 
 New-Orleans, containing, according to Messrs. Mills and Smith's 
 report, 30,000 inhabitants, has but a single Protestant minister. 
 
 Most other populous places, it will be found from examination, 
 are more destitute than the surrounding country. 
 
 If we cross the Atlantic and view the cities in Great Britain, and 
 other parts of Christendom, we shall find them in a similar state, 
 as it respects the preaching of the gospeL Even in London, from 
 which so many thousand Bibles, and so many missionaries have 
 been sent to all parts of the world ; where are men who have wept 
 and prayed over the heathen, and over the destitute in their own 
 land, and who have made vigorous and successful efforts for their 
 salvation, there are many thousands destitute of the stated ministry 
 of the gospel. The population of London in 1811, was 1,039,000, 
 and at the present time is not less than 1,150,000. The number 
 of houses of worship, of all descriptions, in 1811, was 407. If we 
 allow one minister to a place of worship, and one place of 
 worship to a thousand people, there were in London, in 1811. 
 632,000 people destitute of proper religious instruction ; or, 
 it required 632 additional ministers, and the same number of 
 churches, that there might be one minister and one church to a 
 thousand people*. When we consider the increase of population, 
 and the fact, that many of the churches are very small, we believe 
 we shall not exceed the truth, when we say, that there are in 
 
 * It has been ascertained by a Committee appointed Cor the purpose by (lie: 
 House of Commons, that there are now in London, notwithstanding the estab- 
 lishment of Sunday and other schools, between 88 ■ *'•(' K) imedHCatod chit 
 irec . 
 
 B 
 
10 
 
 London between 700,000 and 800,000 30uls destitute of a preacheit 
 gospel. 
 
 Liverpool contains in the winter 110,000, and in the summer 
 130,000 souls, and not over 3.i churches, leaving, during a part 
 of the year, 75,000, and during the other part, 95,000 destitute. 
 
 It will be found from examination, that most other cities in 
 Great Britain and on the Continent, are in no better, while many 
 of them are in a much worse, condition. 
 
 Such is the state of this and other large cities, with respect to a 
 preached gospel. 
 
 It may be thought, however, that, as these people who neglect 
 to attend public worship, live in the midst of Christians, ministers, 
 and churches, they are in a condition very different from that of 
 the inhabitants of remote parts of the country, where they are 
 necessarily excluded from Christian society and all the ordinances 
 of the gospel; that if they do not hear the gospel preached, they 
 at least have the Bible in their houses, are enlightened by human 
 knowledge, and are free from gross immoralities. This compar- 
 atively delightful hope, we are not permitted to indulge. 
 
 The simple fact, that people do not attend public worship when 
 circumstances will permit, is conclusive evidence, that they do 
 not possess the Bible, or do not peruse it in a profitable manner. 
 Of the truth of this declaration, those who have attended our quar- 
 terly and other meetings, will not doubt. Lest the subject should 
 be forgotten, however, or lest there should be those who believe, 
 as most Christians among us did a year ago, that there are no 
 families in this city destitute of the Bible, a few facts will be 
 repeated in this place. 
 
 Within a few months, I have distributed from 600 to 700 Bibles. 
 Most of these Bibles have been given, not to destitute individuals, 
 but families. It is presumed, that these are but a small portion of 
 the Bibles which have been distributed in the city during that 
 time. The Female Bible Society, which was formed the last 
 spring, has directed its attention almost exclusively to the destitute 
 in this city. But to be more particular : — 
 
 It has been ascertained, by personal examination, that in one 
 section of the city, out of 20 families adjoining each other, 16 were 
 destitute of the Bible; in another, out of 115 families, adjoin- 
 ing each other, 70 were destitute ; in another, out of 32, 21 
 xvere destitute ; in another, out of 30, 27 were destitute. Were 
 it necessary, we might extend this enumeration through many 
 pages. Taking the accounts, however, of the different sections 
 which have been examined, or of the seventh ward, and parts 
 of the fourth, sixth, and tenth wards, it appears, that not less 
 than one-third, and probably not less than one-half, of the fami- 
 lies are now destitute of the Bible, notwithstanding the hundreds 
 which have, within a short time, been distributed. 
 
 Families, which are destitute of the Bible, cannot be supposed 
 
11 
 
 to possess other books of a religious nature, or to have gained much 
 religious knowledge from any other source. Accordingly we have 
 found the people deplorably ignorant as it respects the subject of 
 religion. It is impossible, however, to enter into a particular de- 
 scription of their character — a few prominent facts must serve as a 
 general index. 
 
 Since the establishment of Sabbath Schools, there have been ad- 
 mitted to them between five and six thousand adults and chil- 
 dren, most of whom were not only unable to read, but ignor- 
 ant of the first principles of natural and revealed religion. A 
 short time since, a girl 15 years of age, a native of the city, came 
 to one of the Sabbath Schools, who had never been within a 
 church, had never heard of a Bible or a Saviour, knew not that 
 she had a soul, and supposed that when she died it would be the 
 end of her existence. This was not a person of colour. Happy 
 would it be if this were a solitary instance of heathenism in a 
 Christian country, in an enlightened and highly privileged city ! 
 But there are not only multitudes of children and youth in a simi- 
 lar condition, but large numbers of people who have arrived to 
 middle, and some even to old age, in a condition but little better. 
 There came to one of the schools a few Sabbaths ago a woman of 
 30 years of age, who was ignorant that she had a soul ! Several 
 other cases of a similar nature have recently been found. 
 
 The people of colour, it is known, have been greatly neglected, 
 and generally suffered to grow up in the most absolute ignorance 
 of religion. Let it not be supposed, however, that all, who are 
 thus ignorant, are either people of colour or foreigners : no 
 small proportion of them are white people, who were born and 
 have lived all their days in the city. It is the opinion of those 
 who are best acquainted with the moral state of the city, that not 
 one-fourth part of the adults and children who need to be instruct- 
 ed in Sabbath Schools have yet been collected. 
 
 Would the limits of this Report permit, a multitude of facts 
 might be stated of the same general nature. One more, however, 
 as a proof of the superstition, as well as ignorance of many of the 
 people, must suffice. Hundreds of families attempt to exclude, it 
 is presumed, evil spirits from their dwellings, by the ridiculous 
 means of nailing horse-shoes at the bottom of their doors. Any 
 one who walks the streets in certain parts of the city may notice 
 them, though they are more generally concealed from public. 
 view. 
 
 What must be the state of a people who imagine that evil 
 spirits may be bribed or frightened in this frivolous manner l 
 What the state of a people, where persons may live twenty, 
 or thirty, or forty yeats, without being conscious that they have 
 souls to be saved or lost ; witbout having any idea of a Redeemer, 
 or of a future state ? Stately of some parts of the city it may with 
 
12 
 
 truth be said, " darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the 
 people.'' 
 
 We are not permitted to stop here : the same reasons which im- 
 pelled to further examination, impel to a further disclosure. Ig- 
 norance is not the mother of devotion : we have passed the threshold, 
 and instead of finding a habitation whose neatness, elegance and 
 beauty were concealed, we have found it a *' whited sepulchre 
 full of dead mens" bones and all uncleanness ;" instead of the 
 mist which conceals the most splendid cities from the view of 
 the distant beholder, and which becomes transparent as he ap- 
 proaches, we have found the obscurity, which we beheld at a 
 distance, the cloud that issues from the bottomless pit. This 
 colouring may be thought .f too deep a hue : let us proceed ta 
 the exhibition of facts, which will speak and paint for them- 
 selves. 
 
 A great proportion of the people are crowded together, as we 
 have seen, from four to twelve families in a house, often two- 
 or three in a room, and those of all colours ; are deplorably 
 ignorant and destitute of all the means of grace,.and consequently are 
 not under the restsaining influence of religion. Such is the natu- 
 ral corruption of the human heart, such the ease with which the 
 Tile passions are kindled into a flame, and the whole course of 
 nature set on fire of hell, that the simple fact, that people live to- 
 gether in the manner described, and without the restraints of reli- 
 gion, is strong evidence that they are immoral. But we have 
 other evidence of this painful, this humiliating truth ; a mass of 
 evidence, but a small portion of which can be exhibited in this 
 place. 
 
 Among the vices which are most prevalent, which have the 
 most pernicious influence on society, and which are most effectual 
 in destroying the souls of men, i& that at which we have already 
 hinted, the profanation of tite sabbath. 
 
 By that great body of people who do not attend public wor- 
 ship, the Sabbath is wholly disregarded, or rather it is observed 
 as a day of recreation, of idleness and drunkenness. In some 
 parts of the city it is impossible for christians to go from the closet 
 and the family altar to the house of God, without being discom- 
 posed and pained by the sight of multitudes of the high and the 
 low, the rich and the poor, lounging in their windows or about 
 their houses, strolling the streets and passing, when the season 
 will permit, into the adjacent country.* 
 
 But we must confine our attention more particularly to that class 
 of people, whose poverty is exceeded only by their vices. Many 
 
 • It is estimated by those who live in the immediate vicinity of the place. 
 that 2 or 3000 frequently pass on the Sabbath »ver the ferry at CorlaerV 
 Hook, to Lontc- Island. 
 
13 
 
 of them during the week are scattered throughout the city, and tc 
 some extent are employed in various kinds of business. On the 
 Sabbath they are at home, and have nothing to do. While others 
 are assembling for public worship, it is no uncommon thing to 
 find them at breakfast or in bed. On the c abbath they calculate 
 to have better food and more liquor than on other days ; to asso- 
 ciate together, and to make of this blessed day, which to the chris- 
 tian is better than a thousand, a day of mirth and rioting, it is 
 easier to conceive than to describe the scene, which people of such 
 a character, and in such circumstances, must exhibit. 
 
 Happy would it be for society were this iniquity concealed from 
 public view. This, however, is not the case. As I was the 
 last summer going to a place of worship on Sabbath morning, I 
 observed a lar^e number of tippling and fruit shops which were 
 open ; I began to count them, and in passing a short distance 
 counted twenty-six. In most, if not all of them, ardent spirits 
 were kept for sale, and in many of them persons were assembled. 
 
 This is a specimen of what has often been seen, and what we 
 fear will often be seen again. Who that has frequently walked 
 the streets in certain sections of the city on the Sabbath, has not 
 seen persons intoxicated even in the early part of the day ? To- 
 ward the close of the day, those houses which are filled with this 
 class of people become too narrow to contain them. In certain 
 streets hundreds have often been seen engaged in various kinds of 
 iniquity. 
 
 Intemperance is another vice which is making havoc of the best 
 interests of society, and of the present and eternal welfare of thou- 
 sands. Intemperance, with its attendant vices, is the principal 
 cause of that suffering, which has recently called forth the benevo- 
 lent exertions of many of the citizens. We are perfectly astonish- 
 ed at the immense number of licensed tippling shops in this city- 
 It appears from a particular examination of the Records, that there 
 are 1489 persons licensed to sell ardent spirits by the small quan- 
 tity. In the Seventh Ward, where the greater proportion of the 
 people are poor beyond description, there are between 2 and 300. 
 Though there are a few respectable, and some pious grocers, it i c 
 known that most of those who retail ardent spirits are of the low- 
 est and most vicious character. We are no longer surprised that 
 whole families, and whole neighbourhoods, are reduced to beg- 
 gary, wretchedness, and death. 
 
 [But there is another vice intimately connected with this, whose 
 influence is still worse ; a vice which completely disarms con- 
 science of its sting, withers every generous feeling, and prostrates 
 to the level of the brute the whole moral man : a vice which opens 
 the flood-gates of all iniquity, and which has been a deeper source 
 of corruption in our cities than any other single vice, I had almost 
 -aid than all other vices together. It h not that we expect to res 
 
14 
 
 cue from present infamy and wretchedness, and from future and 
 everlasting destruction, a few abandoned creatures, that we sub- 
 mit to the pain of alluding to this subject. We do it, that we may 
 give a faithful representation of the moral condition of the more 
 destitute parts of the city ; that, by exposing iniquity, we may 
 stop its progress ; and, especially, that we may prevent the rising 
 generation from going in that way which leads " down to the 
 chambers of death." It is a vice universally accompanied by a 
 train of others more or less destructive, and when so openly prac- 
 tised as to leave no doubt of its existence, exerts an influence on 
 the minds of those who are not immediately concerned, and gives a 
 cast to society which is little suspected. It is supposed that there 
 are in the city not less than 6,0J0 abandoned females. In 
 passing a distance of thirty or forty rods, not less than twenty 
 ball rooms have been counted, in which were assembled hun- 
 dreds of this class of people, dancing to the sound of the viol.* 
 That these people should assemble together, is no matter of asto- 
 nishment ; but it is matter of astonishment that they should be permit- 
 ted to do it in this open manner, six nights out of seven, from week to 
 week, from month to month, from year to year, and we may add, 
 from age to age. It is known, that there is a class of men who 
 keep large numbers of these voluntary slaves for purposes of cor- 
 ruption and gain. They do not hesitate to own it, and speak of it 
 with the most unblushing impudence. They are conscious, that 
 all who are acquainted with them know that this business is their 
 only means of support and of acquiring wealth. 
 
 In some of the thickly populated parts of the city, there are a 
 considerable number of hacks, which are known to be employed 
 for no other purpose than that of transporting these miserable 
 beings from one haunt of vice to another. Ten or twelve have 
 often been counted standing in a row, where they are forbidden to 
 stand by law, and where on almost every house is inscribed in 
 glaring capitals : The way to Hell ! And, what is painful to 
 add, numbers of these hacks are thus employed on the Sabbath. 
 
 It ought not to be concealed from the public, that many of these 
 females are held by their masters in the most abject slavery, and, 
 to keep them in subjection, are at times scourged in the most cruel 
 manner. Some, who, when wasting with the consumption, have 
 fled from one place to another, where they supposed they should 
 be better treated, have been seized by violence and carried back, 
 and kept, by their old masters, till approaching death had destroyed 
 all hope of further gain. The windows of at least one, and pro- 
 bably of many more of these slaughter-houses, are actually grated 
 with bars of iron. It is known, also, that children, some, their own 
 illegitimate offspring, and some, obtained by various arts of decep- 
 
 * The ball rooms of which we speak are often fitted up in an expensive style, 
 and universally furnished with a bar, or connected with a dram-shop. 
 
15 
 
 lion, from the families of others, are trained up expressly lor this 
 polluted traffic, and engage in it at a very early period of life. 
 Some of this description have been found whose age did not exceed 
 eleven years.] 
 
 On profanity, lying, theft, gambling, and many other vices, 
 which are prevalent among those who are destitute of the means 
 of grace, we cannot dwell on the present occasion. 
 
 We have time to mention only one or two other facts, as indica- 
 tive of the general state of morals. A respectable Female Associ- 
 ation for the relief of the sick and afflicted, some time .ago, resolved 
 not to aid those who lived in certain streets, supposing, that no 
 person of decent character would live in such places, and that it 
 would be unsafe for females to visit them. 
 
 Since I have been employed in examining parts of the city, the 
 observation has been made to me times almost without number: 
 "We presume you do not venture to go alone." The caution 
 has been a seasonable one. But what, let me ask, must be the 
 state of society, when it is the general impression, that it is unsafe 
 for one to go alone for the purpose of distributing Bibles and 
 Tracts ; especially, when it is found from observation and expe- 
 rience, that the impression is correct ? A respectable man, not 
 long since, who was distributing Bibles, was attacked, knocked 
 down, and had his clothes literally torn off, and was so beaten as 
 to lose considerable blood ; and such was the state of society, that, 
 after much inquiry and consultation, it was judged inexpedient to 
 prosecute for this outrageous conduct, lest it should enrage a herd 
 of such tigers, who would otherwise remain quiet, and cause them 
 to league together, the more effectually to oppose these benevo- 
 lent exertions. 
 
 Let it not be supposed, that all who reside in the parts of the 
 city referred to are thus grossly vicious. There are some who are 
 pious, and. who preserve the rest from the fate of Sodom and Go- 
 morrah. There are many industrious people of good morals, who 
 attend public worship. There are others, who, though feeling no 
 particular interest in the subject, would attend, did not poverty or 
 other circumstances prevent. There is, also, a large class who 
 are partially corrupted, or are prepared, for want of proper reli- 
 gious instruction, to receive any impressions which men of supe- 
 rior cunning and wickedness are disposed to make. All these 
 different classes of people live together, often in the same house, 
 and not unfrequently in the same room. We have sometimes dis- 
 covered, since the great demand for houses, virtuous families com- 
 pelled to live in places where they have blushed to be seen. 
 
 What must be the effect of witnessing such scenes as the people 
 in those parts of the city are, from their very situation, com- 
 pelled to witness? Crimes which are committed in open day 
 without the disapprobation of the better part of the cornmnity, are 
 readily believed to be of no very aggravated naturje. Such scenes. 
 
16 
 
 hy frequent exhibition, become familiar, and are witnessed with- 
 out those feelings of horror which they once excited. They are 
 soon winked at, and ultimately approved. It is surprising to see 
 what effect this exhibition of depravity has on the minds even of 
 Christians. What would once make them sigh, and weep, and 
 pray, can now be seen with little feeling, with almost entire 
 indifference. If such is the effect on the minds of Christians, 
 what must it be on the minds of those who are unrestrained by 
 the grace of God ? What must be the effect upon the rising gene- 
 ration ? Let it be remembered, that notwithstanding all that has 
 been done, there are multitudes of children and youth whose edu- 
 cation is entirely neglected, who are obliged to hear from the lips 
 of their parents and others, the most horrid oaths and blasphemies : 
 to see them, under the influence of intoxicating liquors, and their 
 own unhallowed passions, fight and abuse each other, wallow in 
 their own pollution, and engage in other wickedness of which it is 
 unlawful to speak. 
 
 To our inquiry the experience of the world furnishe3 an answer. 
 Considering the natural character of the human heart, we hesitate 
 not to assert, that it is impossible, without the special interposition 
 of God, that children in such circumstances should not grow up to 
 imitate the examples that are set before them, to become pests to 
 society and heirs of perdition. Accordingly we find children 
 practising every kind of iniquity of which their immature faculties 
 are capable. By this means conscience is blunted before it is 
 half formed; all sense of moral obligation, all dread of sin, all 
 fear of God, all regard to the best interests of society, and their 
 own present and everlasting welfare, is destroyed. 
 
 Here, then, we have a great mass of people almost entirely be- 
 yond the restraints of religion, among whom are interspersed 
 thousands who are grossly vicious. Multitudes are yet uncontami- 
 nated, especially of the rising generation; but vice isspreading 
 like a contagion ; the leaven of sin is extending to the whole mass, 
 and, if unresisted, will reduce the whole to a mass of corruption. 
 
 Let it not be imagined, that the picture has been too highly co- 
 loured : 1 have barely stated a few facts — have given the outlines 
 of a picture, which, if completed and held up to our view, must 
 cover us all with shame and confusion of face. From a regard to 
 my own feelings, and the feelings of others, I have cast a veil 
 over many scenes, which in the discharge of my duty I have been 
 compelled to witness. 
 
 Should any doubt the correctness of the representation which 
 has been made, let me remind them, that these people are not in 
 some distant part of the world to which they can have no access, 
 but in the city in which we dwell. Let me request, nay, let me 
 urge and entreat them to examine for themselves — to go out and 
 view the ravages of sin — to pass from one dark corner to another, 
 from one habitation of cruelty to another, from one sink of polla- 
 
17 
 
 tion to another, till their ears shall be deaf with blasphemies, till 
 their eyes shall be dim with scenes, which language cannot paint, 
 till their hearts bleed and die within them. Could christians be 
 persuaded to examine for themselves, it is not too much to say, 
 that the work of reformation would be half accomplished. They 
 would inquire, with deep concern, what must be done to stem this 
 flood of iniquity, to raise the character, and save the souls of so 
 many thousands of immortal beings. 
 
 It may be thought improper by some, that one who has been a 
 labourer in the vineyard for so short a period, should attempt to 
 point out the means by which the temporal and eternal welfare of 
 these people is to be promoted ; that having in some measure 
 exhibited their wretched moral condition, the methods of relief 
 should be left to age and experience. This course would be more 
 grateful to my own feelings, and would be pursued, were it not 
 often remarked by persons advanced in life, and even by divines, 
 that as we had established schools, provided bibles, and erected 
 churches and opened the doors, it was difficult to conceive what 
 more could be done. There is another reason also why I ought 
 not to be silent : having been upon the ground, and examined the 
 state of the inhabitants ; having visited and conversed with hun- 
 dreds of families, it is not unreasonable to suppose that I have ad- 
 vantages forjudging on this subject not in the possession of others. 
 The hope of aiding in the execution of the measures already 
 adopted, and exciting christians to the adoption of others, and the 
 pledge which I have given to some of the virtuous poor, both en- 
 courage and oblige me to proceed to mention some of the ways 
 in which the moral state of the destitute may be improved. 
 
 1. So far as respects that class of people, who are most ignorant, 
 whether adults or children, it is evident that they must, in the 
 first place, be taught to read, and have instilled into their minds 
 the first principles of religion. This, it is believed, can be done 
 in no way so effectually as by the establishment and support of 
 Sabbath Schools. 
 
 To this institution some pious people, from the best of motives, 
 have been opposed. As there are free schools for the purpose of 
 instructing the children of the poor, it is supposed, that to instruct 
 them on the Sabbath is an unnecessary profanation of that holy 
 day. It has, however, been ascertained, as we all know, that, 
 notwithstanding this generous provision, there are hundreds and 
 thousands of poor children in our large cities, whose education is 
 entirely neglected. It will be asked, perhaps, whether an effort 
 might not be made to instruct them on other days ? We believe 
 that the efforts made at present are small, compared with what they 
 might be, and we hope that the day is not distant, when to learn 
 persons to read on the Sabbath, will be neither a work of neces- 
 sity nor mercy — that period, however, has not yet arrived. Could 
 these children be collected on other days, where should wo finri 
 
 C 
 
10 
 
 persona to instruct them ? Most of those who instruct children on 
 the Sabbath are otherwise employed during the week. Most of 
 the children, also, who are of a sufficient age, are employed either 
 as servants or in some other way, so that they could not be col- 
 lected. As to adults, we know that they are obliged to labour for 
 tbeirown support, or the support of their families, and have, 
 therefore, no time but the Sabbath to receive instruction. Expe- 
 rience has abundantly proved, that large numbers of children and 
 adults, if not instructed on the Sabbath, will not be instructed at 
 all, and will consequently be ignorant and generally vicious. 
 
 There seems to have been some misapprehension as to the man- 
 tier in which these schools are conducted. Many appear to re- 
 gard them as schools of mere human learning ; whereas the great 
 object is to communicate religious instruction. It is true they are 
 taught to read, but it is to read the Bible. The lessons which 
 are used are selected from that sacred book. The Bible is read 
 and explained to them ; they commit portions of it to memory, 
 together with religious hymns and catechisms. The schools are 
 opened and closed with prayer, or some other religious exercise. 
 The great business of the teachers, who are generally pious, is to 
 instil, in various ways, into the minds of the learners, important 
 religious truths. In this manner they spend an hour or two pre- 
 vious to public worship in the morning and afternoon. They are 
 then conducted in order to the house of God, and their teachers 
 see that they behave with propriety during divine service. 
 
 By means of this institution, multitudes of children, and others, 
 who would be strolling about the streets, or spend the Sabbath 
 in other ways equally injurious to themselves and to society, and 
 offensive to God, are made to spend it in a most profitable manner ; 
 have their minds enriched with the treasures of divine knowledge; 
 are placed under the sound of the gospel, and, though neglected 
 by their parents, are, to some extent, trained up in the nurture 
 and admonition of the Lord. Time will not permit me, were it 
 necessary, to point out all the advantages to the teachers, to the 
 scholars, and to their parents and connexions, and to society at 
 large, which result from the institution of Sabbath Schools. We 
 will only add, that many pious people who have been opposed to 
 their establishment, have, after witnessing their operation, become 
 their most cordial and active friends — that it is an institution 
 which God has owned, by granting the influences of his Holy 
 Spirit — that by it thousands have been rescued from poverty, dis- 
 grace and wretchedness in this world, and from everlasting de- 
 struction in the world to come — have been made useful member.- 
 of society and of the church, and prepared for mansions of glory 
 in the heavens. 
 
 But Sabbath Schools, however excellent and important, will 
 not of themselves accomplish the object proposed. They are of 
 modern invention ■ they are not the gospel ; and we believe that in 
 
19 
 
 ihe Millennium they will be unknown, certainly in their present 
 form We believe, that they are among the means which are to 
 hasten on that glorious day, that they now exert a most powerful 
 and salutary influence. But by being unconnected with other 
 means, their influence is half destroyed. In the Sunday School 
 Teacher's Guide, there is an observation, though made for another 
 purpose, which is full of meaning, and exactly in point. It is the 
 following : " A few hours on the Sabbath, with respect to most of 
 them, (the scholars) is all the time, during which through tin- 
 whole week, they hear or see any thing like religion.'' Who 
 does not see, that the good impressions which may be made during 
 these few hours, must be almost entirely effaced by being exposed., 
 during the whole week, to all kinds of iniquity ; iniquity prac- 
 tised by their parents and others, whom they are taught to love 
 and obey. Many scholars who have been powerfully affected un- 
 der the plain preaching of the gospel on the Sabbath, and have 
 retired from the school room in tears. I have found the next day 
 in places where it seemed impossible that serious thoughts should 
 not be almost instantly banished from the mind. Did we not 
 know, that with God all things are possible, we should have no 
 hope that the seeds of grace, which are thus sown, would, in any 
 instance, spring up and grow and bring forth fruit. Let it not 
 be forgotten, also, that many of the scholars, after leaving the 
 school, mingle with the ignorant and vicious, and are beyond the 
 reach of christian influence. We take them and conduct them a 
 short distance, and then leave them to wander. We know the de- 
 pravity of the human heart, the power of bad example, and of 
 the great adversary of souls too well, not to believe, that most of 
 them will wander in the by-paths of sin. 
 
 It is asserted, and generally believed, " that the most effectual 
 mode of approaching the parent is through the medium of the 
 child." That many parents have been successfully approached 
 through the medium of the child, will not be called in question. 
 But that this is the only or the best mode, cannot be known till 
 others have been tried. Why, let me ask, cannot we approach 
 them in other ways as well as in this ? Suppose that a number 
 of christians should go forth to the destitute parts of the country 
 and setup Sabbath Schools — would this be furnishing the inhabi- 
 tants with those means of grace which God has appointed for their 
 salvation? Besides, a considerable proportion of the destitute in 
 this city are not within the reach of Sabbath Schools — some have 
 no children to send — some will not send them, because they are 
 too proud, or too indifferent, or for some other reason. There 
 are others, whose children go to school during the week, and do 
 not, therefore, really need such an institution, provided they are 
 not destitute of other means of obtaining religious knowledge. 
 There is also a numerous class of boys and girls, whose age and 
 habits forbid n« to hope, thai they will, without exertions of another 
 
20 
 
 kind, ever become members of such schools. On the whole, 
 highly as we think of this institution, we must reject the idea 
 that it will of itself accomplish the great work of reformation, 
 and effect the salvation of these perishing thousands. We pro- 
 ceed, therefore, to mention, 
 
 2. The distribution of Bibles, and other religious publications. 
 Upon those who have felt the sacred influence of the written word ; 
 whose hearts have burned within them, while perusing the inspired 
 volume ; whose tongues, with involuntary rapture, have exclaimed, 
 " How love I thy law ! It is my meditation day and night ; it 
 is more precious than gold, yea, than much fine gold ; it is sweeter 
 to the taste than honey and the honey-comb ;" upon such we need 
 not urge the importance of distributing the Bible to those indivi- 
 duals and families that are destitute. How dark must be that habi- 
 tation where the light of God's word does not shine ! How poor 
 would christians feel if deprived of this treasure ! The fact that 
 (he destitute do not feel their need of such a treasure, does not 
 render them the less poor without it. Equally unnecessary is it 
 to urge the importance of distributing the Bible upon those whose 
 eyes have been open to witness its influence upon the minds of 
 men of every condition in every age. Who that has marked its 
 progress, has not seen ignorance and superstition, vice and im- 
 morality, universally retiring at its approach ? On the duty 
 and importance, however, of putting into the hands of the desti- 
 tute the word of God, we need not enlarge. Concerning this sub- 
 ject, a spirit has been excited, which, it is believed, will not 
 abate till every man, woman and child, not only throughout this 
 city, but throughout the world, shall possess this best, this richest 
 of heaven's gifts — a fire has been kindled, whose light and heat 
 will extend throughout this valley of death. 
 
 But on the manner in which those who are destitute are to be 
 supplied, it may be well to make one or two remarks. It seems 
 to be the opinion of many, that if bible societies are formed, bi- 
 bles purchased and" deposited at some suitable place, and notice of 
 the fact given in the public papers, nothing further is necessary 
 to secure their universal circulation. But if we stop here, the work 
 is but half done. Our efforts may, indeed^ prove the existence of 
 christian principles in our own hearts, but they will not be the 
 means of producing them, to any great extent, in the hearts of 
 others. 
 
 It will be said, that if people will not take the trouble to walk 
 a short distance to obtain the Bible, it will be of no use for them 
 to have it — that they will not read it, if put into their hands — that 
 we cannot compel them to read, and to become religious. To such 
 objections and remarks, which have sometimes been made even 
 by professing christians, I answer, First, that so far as my 
 knowledge extends, and I have visited hundreds of destitute fami- 
 lies, not one-half of those who are destitute, and who wish to rc ? 
 
21 
 
 teive the Bible, know that there is such an institution as the Bible 
 Society in the world. This will appear strange to those who have 
 Hot examined the subject, who meet reports of Bible societies, 
 and find Bibles deposited in every book-store they enter, who see 
 notices of them in almost every newspaper they read. But con- 
 sider the character of these people. They are generally ignorant 
 and poor, they rarely if ever enter a book-store, never see a re- 
 port, or read a newspaper. They are not in the habit of reading 
 any thing ; most of them are entirely separated from the religious 
 community, and know little more what that community is doing 
 for the spread of the gospel, than the inhabitants of Hindoostan. 
 
 It is in my power to state, that hundreds in this city have re- 
 ceived the Bible with emotions of joy and gratitude, who never 
 heard of a Bible Society. But we have a still more substantial 
 answer to these objections. The Bible has not only been put 
 into the hands of a considerable number of people of this descrip- 
 tion, but, so far as they have been called on for the purpose of as- 
 certaining what use they have made of it, it has been discovered 
 that they have preserved it with the most sacred care ; that they 
 have read it, and that it has been productive of the most happy 
 effects. We have time to mention only one or two cases. 
 
 A poor labouring man was called on about five weeks after a 
 Bible had been given him, and was found to have read it through 
 once, and commenced reading it a second time. His wife in- 
 formed, that he had frequently set up to read till 12 and 1 o'clock 
 at night, and that, since he had been reading it, he had generally 
 accompanied her to church. From questions which were asked 
 him, it was evident, that he had read it with great care, and that 
 it had made a deep impression on his mind. He observed, that 
 he found in that book what he never knew before — he found that 
 he was a sinner. He was left in tears. What the event will be 
 in this and other cases, where the Bible has been given, and made 
 similar impressions, is known only to God. 
 
 A Bible was given to a poor woman, soon after she was con- 
 fined with a consumption, and who had never learned to read. It 
 was read to her daily. Her mind soon became deeply impressed, 
 her sins appeared too great to be forgiven — her heart was broken*— 
 she believed in Jesus — she died in triumph. A friend, who wit- 
 nessed her distress of mind, was awakened by it, and now gives 
 satisfactory evidence of being " a new creature." 
 
 Suppose that some will make either no use at all, or a bad use 
 of the Bibles which are given them — shall this prevent the distri- 
 bution 1 Who will venture to assert, that Bibles ought not to be 
 given to such people, provided even one out of a hundred prove 
 a blessing ? In answer to these objections, permit me to slate 
 another fact, which is, that we have found apparently devoted, 
 heavenly-minded Christians, who have wept, and sometimes 
 
32 
 
 cried aloud, and praised God, when we have informed thern of 
 the existence, and pointed out the object, of the Bible Society. 
 
 Secondly, It may be observed, that if millions of Bibles were 
 provided, and information given, to the destitute, that they could 
 be obtained by simply applying for them, the work of distributing 
 the Bible, to that extent to which it is our duty to carry it, would 
 not be accomplished. Many of these people do not know what 
 the Bible is. It is no uncommon thing for persons, in answer to 
 our inquiries, to assure us, that they have a Bible, and to prove 
 the truth of the declaration, present us with some other book. 
 Sometimes they will stare, and wonder what you mean. They 
 never heard of such a thing as the Bible. Many who know what 
 it is, and have been accustomed in early life to read it, have al- 
 most forgotten its contents, and are wholly unacquainted with its 
 value. They see, indeed, that many people are intelligent, 
 moral, respectable, pious, and happy ; while others are of a to- 
 tally different character — that the darkness of heathenism does 
 not rest upon us as a people — that we are not, in every sense, 
 idolators and savages ; but never imagine that the Bible has made 
 the difference. Such has been their education, and such are 
 their habits, that many of them have no inclination to read any 
 book whatever, and if they had, the Bible is not the one which 
 they would naturally choose. Shall they be left in this state ? 
 Shall we make no effort to show them the importance, the value 
 of the Bible, or to induce them to read '? Shall we not so 
 much as carry them the Bible, and ask them to read it? Nay, 
 shall we not go to them again and again, and urge and entreat 
 them to read that blessed book, in which alone " life and immor- 
 tality are brought to light?" Shall we not study day and night 
 to invent arguments to persuade them to read ? Shall we not 
 pourtray in lively colours the misery of hell and the happiness of 
 heaven ? Shall we not endeavour to give them some idea of the 
 value of the soul, of the solemnities of eternity ; if, by any means, 
 we may induce them to read that book, which is able to save 
 them from hell and fit them for heaven, to make that soul happy, 
 that eternity blessed ? 
 
 Upon the principle which some maintain, viz. that it will do no 
 good to give the Bible to those who are not sufficiently interested 
 to make application for it, we should effectually bar from that sa- 
 cred treasure the whole Heathen world ; we should leave those 
 millions to grope for ever in darkness. Suppose there were a 
 newspaper, which circulated throughout China, and which was 
 read by all its inhabitants, and that it should be published, that 
 all who wished might have the Bible by applying for it, what ef- 
 fect would it have ? How many would be supplied ? 
 
 The value of the Bible is discovered by experiment. We have 
 made this discovery ; and if we neglect to make it known to our 
 fellow-men, " how dvvelleth the love of God in us ?" Let it be 
 
23 
 
 .remembered, that where the Bible is known and believed to be the 
 word of God, it is often, and if its humbling truths come home 
 with power to the conscience, is always, hated. It is the sun of 
 the moral world. It is that light to which natural man will not 
 come, " lest their deeds should be reproved." We must carry it to 
 them ; we must cause it to shine in their dark abodes. II they flee 
 from it into a cavern more dark, we must follow them ; till there 
 shall be no place in the city or in the world to which they 
 can retreat. When this is done, we shall have performed our 
 duty, in relation to distributing Bibles, and we may then hope 
 that God, by his Spirit, will open the eyes of the understanding, 
 and purify the heart, so that men shall not only see but love that 
 light, and rejoice in it.* 
 
 The same reasons may be urged for the distribution of religious 
 Tracts. Their light is a borrowed and fainter light, but, gene- 
 rally, it is the true light, reflected from the word of God. By the 
 distribution of such tracts, many sermons have been, and may still 
 be, preached in places inaccessible to a minister of the gospel. 
 They may be thrown into haunts of vice, and produce the most 
 happy effects. They have been thus distributed in New-York, 
 and the vilest persons have been seen reading them with the most 
 fixed attention. 
 
 It is not to be supposed, that the Bible, in the present state of 
 society, is to be given to all indiscriminately, and without any 
 evidence that a proper use will be made of it. The follow- 
 ing is substantially the mode, which I have thought it my duty to 
 adopt. I have, generally in company with some christian friend, 
 visited all the families adjoining each other in a particular neigh- 
 bourhood — have endeavoured to discover what families were desti- 
 tute, and to ascertain by conversing with them, and inquiring of others 
 concerning them, whether they would make a good use of the Bi- 
 ble if put into their hands. Those to whom it was thought best 
 to give Bibles, have been noted, and informed, that we should 
 call again and supply them. By this means, their minds have, 
 in some measure, been prepared for the sacred deposit. Oppor- 
 tunity has been given, also, to address the other families on the 
 subject of religion, and leave tracts in their possession. Soon af- 
 ter this, the Bibles have been given, accompanied with such in- 
 structions and admonitions as the nature of the subject naturally 
 suggested. They have been directed to keep them, frequently and 
 
 * The managers and members of the Female Bible Society, we rejoice to 
 state, have actually commenced the work. Not satisfied with aiding, by 
 their funds and approbation, the parent and other Bihle institutions, nor with 
 purchasing Bibles, and depositing thern in the usual manner, they have en- 
 tered the habitations of the poor---h<ive sought out the destitute, and, with 
 their own hands, have given them the word of life. We trust their truly 
 christian example will be extensively foltovi ed, not only in this, but in oth~r 
 places. 
 
24 
 
 prayerfully to peruse them, and to instruct their children in there,. 
 They have been reminded, that, receiving the Bible in this man- 
 ner, they were under increased obligations to love, reverence, and 
 .obey its instructions ; that it was the word of the living God, and 
 would prove either " a savour of life unto life, or of death unto 
 death" — that it was the rule by which they would be tried at the 
 last day, and that, if it did not prove a blessing, it would be a 
 swift witness against them. Their names and places of residence 
 have been recorded, and they have been informed, that our anxie- 
 ty would probably lead us to call at a future time, that we mi<dit 
 know whether the Bible had proved a blessing or not. 
 
 In addition to giving Bibles and Tracts in this manner, and 
 forming Bible associations, which we hope will soon be done, 
 many may be circulated, by exposing them for sale in parts of 
 the city in which they are most needed. There are Christians 
 who will esteem it a privilege to take charge of them and sell them 
 at the first cost. A show-bill should be hung out to give the infor- 
 mation to those who pass. This plan has been suggested by find- 
 ing many people destitute of the Bible, apparently because it 
 had not come in their way. It has also had the test of experience. 
 Bibles and Tracts have been thus deposited, and several thousands 
 of the latter, and a considerable number of the former, have ac- 
 tually been sold. Christians who are able and disposed to give them 
 to their poor or vicious neighbours, may, by this means, be con- 
 veniently supplied. Bibles and Tracts may be circulated, also, 
 by employing suitable persons to go from house to house, for the 
 express purpose of selling them, allowing a reasonable advance on 
 what they dispose of. Several thousands of Tracts have recently 
 been circulated in this way in the destitute parts of the city. 
 Peddlers about the markets and streets may be furnished with such 
 books, instead of those of a corrupting nature, which they too of- 
 ten carry, and of which they too easily dispose. 
 
 3. The gospel must be preached. After the Holy Spirit has 
 testified, that it is through the " foolishness of preaching," that God 
 is pleased to " save them that believe," it will not be questioned, 
 that the preaching of the gospel is among the means by which the 
 souls of men are to be redeemed from sin and death — that it is one 
 of the great pillars by which the Church is supported — that it is 
 an institution of God. 
 
 But it is said, that you cannot preach the gospel to these peo- 
 ple ; they will not attend public worship, provided they have the 
 opportunity. In answer to this assertion, which has been reitera- 
 ted, till it is thread-bare, we observe, that it cannot be known to 
 be true till the attempt has been made. After labourers have 
 been sent into the vineyard, houses of worship erected, the gospel 
 preached, and other appointed means employed, and after all 
 have failed of success, this objection will be in point. It is 
 the opinion of persons, who are best acquainted with the 
 
25 
 
 character and condition of these people, that, if they had the op- 
 portunity, many of them would regularly attend upon the preach- 
 ing of the gospel. In the course of my visits, I have found many, 
 who have testified, that the only reason why they did not go to 
 church was, that they had no seats and were unable to procure 
 them. On this account, many families, that have formerly been 
 accustomed to attend public worship, have been absent so much 
 that the desire and the habit of attending are lost. 
 
 Will it be said, that the churches of some denominations are 
 free, and, therefore, that such people could hear the gospel if 
 they were disposed ? It is true, that the Methodist churches are 
 free, and I rejoice that it is in my power to state that they are 
 not only free, butfull. The Presbyterian, the Baptist, and the 
 Episcopal churches in that part of the city to which I refer, are 
 also full. 
 
 It is said, also, that in some of the churches in the lower part of 
 the city, there is room for hundreds of poor people, were they dis- 
 posed to come. This objection has already been answered. It 
 has been shown, that should there be pews which are unoccupied, 
 the poor can neither purchase nor hire them. The objection, 
 however, respects those pews which are owned by the more 
 wealthy, and which, on account of the smallness of the family, or 
 for a worse reason, are either empty, or but partially filled, on 
 the Sabbath. Should the poor be so much engaged as to come 
 from the upper to the lower part of the city to hear the gospel ; 
 should they so far overcome their natural diffidence, or, as some 
 would say, be so impudent, as to enter these churches, clad in 
 the manner in which they usually are, and necessarily must be, 
 would the occupants of these pews rise and give them seats ? 
 Some who have made this objection, and to whom this question 
 has been put, have already answered, so far as it respected them- 
 selves, in the negative. We are persuaded, that poor people 
 might go into churches, might go through them, and go out again, 
 before this class of objectors would give them a seat. Besides, 
 the question is not concerning a few hundreds or a k\v thousands, 
 but tens of thousands. It is said further, that if these people 
 were properly interested, they would go and stand in the aisles, 
 rather than not hear the gospel. It is undoubtedly true that they 
 would ; and it is equally true, that they would climb up at the 
 windows, and that the great inquiry about our streets would be, 
 " What must I do to be saved ?" Were this the case, there would 
 be little need of further efforts ; but who does not know, that one 
 great object of preaching the gospel is to arouse men from their 
 •stupidity, and to excite them to attend to their spiritual concerns ? 
 The fact that men are not properly interested in the subject of 
 religion, proves the necessity of more vigorous efforts. 
 
 It is not enough, however, that we erect houses of worship, 
 that we open the doors and proclaim, or cause to be proclaimed, 
 the glad tidings of salvation. We must do more. As in distri- 
 
 D 
 
i>6 
 
 buting the Bible, so in preaching the gospel, if people will not 
 come to us, we must go to them — we must enter their dwellings — » 
 we must preach from house to house. For this mode of preaching 
 we have the express command of Christ — " Go ye into all the 
 world and preach the gospel to every creature ;" " Go out into 
 the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in." God has 
 in mercy adapted the means of grace to the character and condi- 
 tion of his creatures. Having wandered from the sheep-fold, hav- 
 ing forsaken the " fountainof living waters," he has appointed the 
 means to follow them and bring them back. " The Son of Man 
 is come to seek and to save that which was lost." 
 
 In addition to the command, we have the example of Christ. 
 Though the Jews, among whom he laboured, were religiously 
 educated, and accustomed to attend public worship, he did not 
 think it sufficient to preach to them in their synagogues. He 
 went from place to place ; he entered their dwellings ; he met 
 them in the street, in the garden, in the field, by the sea, on the 
 mountain — wherever he found lost men, there was a pulpit, a sanc- 
 tuary, a preacher. When he sent out his disciples, he intimated 
 to them, that they were to preach in the same manner. They 
 followed his instructions, they imitated his example. Even while 
 among the Jews, " daily in the temple, and in every house, they 
 ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ." Paul declares, 
 that he taught not only '<* publicly, but from house to house." We 
 know, also, that this mode of preaching is often most effectual in 
 our established congregations ; that it is always practised in times 
 of revival. In hardly any other situation is it possible to preach 
 so directly to the conscience, to say, with such effect, " Thou art 
 the man." If the gospel is not to be preached to any except 
 those who are disposed to hear it and to seek after it, when will 
 it be preached to the thousands who are perishing in the destitute 
 pa ts of our country ? When will it be preached to the Heathen 
 nations — " to every creature ?" 
 
 If the people are visited and instructed in their own dwellings; 
 if, in addition to this, they are assembled together in little circles 
 for social worship ; if they are followed from day to day, and week 
 to week ; if all is done in a manner so kind, so affectionate so 
 faithful, that they shall be convinced, that you have no object in 
 view but the glory of God, and their own best good, we cannot 
 doubt, that a powerful effect will be produced ; that numbers will 
 be converted — that those who are not will be awakened from their 
 stupidity — that they will wish to attend public worship. This 
 leads me to observe, 
 
 4. That houses of worship must be erected, and congregations 
 and churches formed. If people are disposed to worship God, in 
 a public manner, it requires no arguments to prove, that they 
 must have suitable places for their accommodation. That such 
 places are needed at the present time, we have already shown-; 
 
27 
 
 A3 to the kind of house, it seems indispensable, when we consi- 
 der the natural pride of the human heart, in connexion with the 
 fact that these people live in a city, and in the midst of other 
 churches, that it should be a house built expressly for the pur- 
 pose — that it should be a church. It is unreasonable to ex- 
 pect, that people of this description should go to a school-house or 
 a private room to worship on the Sabbath, unltss particularly in- 
 fluena d by the Holy Spirit. Lectures have been sometimes ap- 
 pointed in such places, and because large numbers have not at- 
 tended, it has been concluded, that all further efforts would be in 
 vain. 
 
 Should such houses be provided, and other means which have 
 been mentioned, used, we believe, that some will become pious, 
 and therefore churches and congregations must be formed. That 
 christians may be zealous and active, and grow in grace, they 
 must unite, they must be in such a situation that they can "speak 
 often one to another," and enjoy the ordinances of the gospel. 
 Christians resemble, in no small degree, coals of fire, which, scat- 
 tered over a large surface, afford but little light and heat, and are 
 liable to be extinguished; but if collected together, they imme- 
 diately kindle into aflame, glow, and diffuse light and heat to all 
 around them. Since employed by the Society, I have found many 
 sad proofs of the importance of christian intercourse, and of pro- 
 fessors being constantly united to the visible church : I have found 
 many professors from other places, who have lived here for years, 
 and not united themselves to any church ; and, in consequence of 
 it, their first love has degenerated into lukewarmness, their zeal 
 into a spirit of conformity to the world. It is important, that 
 christians should unite together, not only for their own benefit, 
 but for the good of others. Their object is not only self-defence, 
 but invasion, not only to retain what they have gained, but to ex- 
 tend the triumphs of the cross. Were they thus to unite, soon 
 would they attach large numbers to their Divine Master. 
 
 To commence the work, let suitable men be employed to labour 
 as evangelists ; let them be aided by private christians ; let houses 
 of worship be erected. Were this method pursued, glorious con- 
 quests in the midst of these thousands would, with the blessing of 
 God, soon be made ; large churches and congregations would 
 soon be formed. 
 
 This general method of proceeding is sanctioned, not only by 
 the authority of God, but by the esample of the apostles and 
 primitive christians, and by the experience of the Church in every 
 age. We can only refer to the example of the great apostle of 
 the Gentiles. After calling to mind his qualifications both natural 
 and super-natural, and his unexampled success, no one will doubt, 
 that he selected the best means for the accomplishment of his ob- 
 ject. Mark his pro. ress. He goes out into the highways and 
 hedges, or into the midst of the heathen. He preaches from house 
 
28 
 
 to house, and in all other places where he can find any who will 
 hear him. He does not stop here. Wherever God is pleased in 
 any measure to bless his labours, or wherever there are a sufficient 
 number of christians, he forms a church, establishes the regular 
 preaching of the gospel, and the administration of the ordinances. 
 Without going back to past ages, we have abundant proof of the 
 correctness of these remarks from experience in this city. The 
 houses of worship which have been built in the upper part of the 
 city have not been built in vain. Large churches and congrega- 
 tions have been formed, and the state of society greatly improved. 
 
 It is a fact worthy of notice, that the further you go from a 
 church, both in the city and in the country, the more ignorant 
 and vicious you find the people. I speak not of individual fami- 
 lies, but of the great mass of the population. The very sight of a 
 church will often cause those who are grossly vicious to blush and 
 reform, or retire from its view. It is a perpetual monitor, espe- 
 cially on the Sabbath when people assemble together, and will 
 exert a powerful influence on the surrounding neighbourhood. A 
 brothel cannot exist by the side of a church, unless it have some 
 secret communication with the Theatre, that stronghold of Satan, 
 from which its altars may be supplied with victims. Erect a 
 church, and the moral atmosphere will be purified — the mists of 
 darkness and death will vanish — the harsh gratings of discord and 
 blasphemy will be changed into the sweet songs of Zion-— the ha- 
 bitation of cruelty and vice into a Bethel— -the sink of pollutioB 
 into a fountain of life — the desert into the garden of God. 
 
 Sufficient attention has not been paid, we believe, to the man- 
 ner in which provision has hitherto been made for the poor in 
 many of our churches. It will not answer to have particular 
 
 SE.\TS DESIGNATED AS SEATS FOR THE POOR. The simple fact, 
 
 that people are marked as poor, will effectually exclude from 
 the sanctuary many who would otherwise attend. To remedy 
 this evil, the churches may be so built, that the pews, or a part of 
 them, shall be disposed of at a low rate. If a poor man wishes 
 for a pew and is not able to pay ten dollars, let him pay two, or 
 one ; or if he is not able to pay any thing, let him have one with- 
 out paying for it. Let him, at all events, have a pew for his fa- 
 mily ; otherwise the whole house should be free. 
 
 Let it not be forgotten, that the work to be performed is so 
 great, that the energies of private christians must be called into 
 action. 
 
 Though missionaries or evangelists, who shall be employed, are 
 to take the lead, christians must co-operate, not only by their 
 prayers and their property, but by their active exertions. We 
 would not be understood, however, as intimating that nothing ha« 
 been done. Individuals have done much to supply the spiritual 
 wants of the poor ; but the effect of their labours has been com- 
 
29 
 
 paratively limited for want of system and union. Though single 
 efforts may be great in themselves, they will produce compara- 
 tively but little effect ; whereas combined, well-directed, perse- 
 vering efforts, will produce almost any thing. To call into ac- 
 tion, to combine, and to direct the energies of christians, it is 
 proposed, 
 
 6. To form associations in every ward, and in different sections 
 of the same ward, throughout the city. The first object will be 
 to ascertain the moral state of the people, and the second to im- 
 prove it : first, to ascertain what families are destitute of the Bi- 
 ble—what families or individuals do not attend pubiic worship— 
 what adults and children need instruction—what vices are most 
 prevalent: secondly, to distribute Bibles and Tracts, to visit the 
 sick and afflicted, to persuade old and young to attend public 
 worship, Sabbath Schools, and to assemble at other places where 
 they may receive religious instruction; to prevent, by various 
 means, Sabbath breaking, profaneness, intemperance, idleness, 
 and vice of every description. 
 
 It cannot be in the city, in every respect, as it is in the coun- 
 try, where the character and circumstances of every family are 
 almost necessarily known. In the' city there are, strictly speak- 
 ing, no neighbourhoods ; and were it desirable, we do not ex- 
 pect that all who live near each other should enter into habits of 
 intimacy. But were those who are pious and in comfortable cir- 
 cumstances to become so much acquainted with those who live 
 near them, as to ascertain their character and condition, both as it 
 respects temporal and spiritual things, it would produce the most 
 salutary effects. 
 
 Such a system would directly promote the temporal, and in that 
 way indirectly, the spiritual welfare of the poor. The respecta- 
 ble poor often suffer for the necessaries of life. The reason why 
 they will not make known their situation, is, that, as most per- 
 sons who beg are vicious, they would endanger their character, 
 and rather than do this they will endure extreme sufferings, and 
 sometimes even death itself. It is necessary not only to visit, but 
 often to make an effort to ascertain the wants of this class of the 
 poor. Many, both of the virtuous and vicious, suffer extremely 
 in sickness ; not because there are none to afford relief, for it is 
 not uncommon for the benevolent to go from one extremity of the 
 city to the other to visit and relieve the sick; but because their 
 situation is unknown. More may, sometimes, visit a sick person 
 than is really beneficial, while at the very next door, there may 
 be another equally needy and equally worthy of assistance, to 
 whom no assistance is afforded. Such cases have often occurred. 
 
 It is known, that, during the late inclement season, a number 
 of persons have perished in this city with hunger and cold. Had 
 there been such associations, their untimely death would most cer- 
 tainly bare been prevented. It may be said, that this was a very 
 
30 
 
 unusual time, and cannot be expected to occur again. Be this as 
 it may, christians, we trust, feel no smali degree of regret, thai 
 even a few immortal souls should, in this manner, be hurried in- 
 to eternity. It is a fact, however, that people die at other times 
 for want of attention. A respectable lady, a few weeks ago, 
 went into the house of a poor neighbour, and found, to her great 
 surprise, a woman lying sick, and, in the cradle by her side, the 
 remains of a lovely child. On inquiry she learned, that the wo- 
 man had been reduced so low, that she could not go out to obtain 
 relief, or make known her situation. The child had died with 
 hunger, and would, doubtless, soon have been followed by its 
 mother to the world of spirits, had it not been for this providen- 
 tial discovery. Those who are acquainted with the circumstances 
 of the poor, know that occurrences of the same general nature 
 are not uncommon. With such facts in view, who will pretend 
 that some system like the one proposed, is not indispensable ? 
 It would not only prevent the poor from suffering and dying for 
 want of timely aid, but it would prevent the necessity of that 
 aid. To manage their temporal concerns to advantage, many 
 need information, advice, and direction, which, without the least 
 difficulty, might be given by a kind and judicious neighbour. 
 This remark is more especially applicable to strangers, who are 
 unacquainted with the customs of the city. In consequence of 
 disappointment or misfortune, many are disheartened, and settle 
 down into a state of gloom and sloth,, which are the precursors of 
 personal and family vice, disgrace, and ruin. This might fre- 
 quently be prevented, should some friend take them by the hand, 
 assist them in finding employment, and encourage them to make 
 an effort. Their characters being known, there would be no dif- 
 ficulty in obtaining employment, and other necessary aid, for the 
 respectable poor. But, at present, they are mixed with the vi- 
 cious, are regarded in the same light, and are treated in the same 
 manner. 
 
 Such associations would greatly aid the Sabbath Schools. Those 
 who are not immediately connected with that institution, can re- 
 commend it with a degree of influence which is not at the com- 
 mand of the teachers. Poor children might be supplied with 
 clothes. That some assistance of this kind is necessary, will not 
 be doubted. But experience has taught, that it is unwise to have it 
 afforded, by those to whom the immediate management of the 
 schools is intrusted. 
 
 But such associations are principally important on account of 
 their more direct moral influence. Many people resort to our 
 large cities, that they may live with less restraint, and still retain 
 their standing in society. If a family, in a well regulated coun- 
 try village, does not attend public worship, it is known, and the 
 mural character of that family receives a wound. The same is 
 true of the neglect of other duties, or the practice of other sins. 
 
31 
 
 This eperates as a strong motive to restrain those who are not 
 under the influence of the gospel, and to induce them to attend at 
 least to the outward forms of religion How different in the city ! 
 People may here neglect public worship for years, and, because 
 it is unknown, may be as much respected by those who are not 
 intimately acquainted with them, as if they strictly observed the. 
 Sabbath. Let every man's character and conduct be known to 
 the moral and pious, and a change in the state of society will be 
 effected ; for there are but few, who are insensible to the opinion 
 of their fellow men, however they may disregard the command 
 of God. The very sight of the moral and pious is a check to the 
 wicked. Should respectable persons simply pass through parti- 
 cular streets every day, and look at those who now exhibit in 
 those streets all the degradation of their character, it would soon 
 cause them to hide their heads. The voice of the pious awakes the 
 internal monitor, and their presence encourages him to do his 
 duty. Christians may greatly promote the spiritual welfare of 
 the poor, by holding small meetings among them, for the purpose 
 of prayer and reading the scriptures. The exertions of such as- 
 sociations would induce many to attend public worship, particularly 
 those who are not grossly vicious, and strangers who have been 
 accustomed to attend previous to their residence in the city. When 
 they first come, they generally wander from place to place. 
 Having no seat of their own, and being frequently unable to find 
 one, it becomes unpleasant. They occasionally stay at home ; 
 it agrees with the practice of many around them ; it gratifies the 
 natural heart, and soon, instead of the old and good habit, a new 
 and bad one is formed. This is not true merely of the poorer 
 class of people, but also of a large class in comfortable circum- 
 stances. 
 
 Professing christians, who come into the city and live here for 
 a long time, without connecting themselves with any church or 
 congregation, would by this means be discovered and brought to 
 the enjoyment of the ordinances of the gospel. The number of 
 such is not small; and what is still more surprising, pious people 
 have been found, who have lived here for years and have formed 
 no religious acquaintance; not because they did not value christian 
 intercourse, but because they were strangers, modest strangers, 
 whose views of propriety would not permit them to introduce them- 
 selves. They have pined and mourned in solitude, their graces 
 have withered, and their usefulness has been comparatively limited. 
 Tears have sometimes testified the joy they felt at being delivered 
 f vm this unhappy state. 
 
 Such associations would greatly encourage and aid our poor 
 brethren who live in the midst of the most vicious, and who are 
 " vexed with their filthy conversation," who like " righteous Lot 
 dwelling in the midst of them, and seeing and hearing, vex their 
 righteous <?onls from day to day with their unlawful deeds. 1 ' Be- 
 
32 
 
 ing on the same level with their neighbours, as to worldly circum- 
 stances, and being alone, they can do little more than mourn and 
 pray in secret. But if they could associate with people more re- 
 spectable in the eyes of the world, they would, from their situation 
 be powerful auxiliaries in this holy warfare. 
 
 Particular pains should be taken to approach the destitute, es- 
 pecially the vicious, in times of affliction. Places inaccessible to 
 christians at other times, are then approached with perfect ease. 
 By afflictions God prepares the way before his people : he opens 
 the ears, restrains the passions, and softens the hearts of the most 
 profligate and hardened. There is one other fact which must not 
 be omitted. There is not the least doubt, that hundreds of peo- 
 ple every year are sick and die, and are buried without the pre- 
 sence of a minister, and a iarge number without the presence of a 
 private christian. " These things ought not so to be." 
 
 When we take into view the considerations which have been, 
 and others which might be suggested, we cannot but hope, that 
 christians will feel it their duty to unite together, to inquire into 
 the state of the destitute, to " go about doing good :" and that the 
 efforts of this nature which have already been made, will soon be 
 followed by others more systematic, vigorous, and successful.* 
 
 These, it is believed, are among the means which are to be used 
 for the instruction, the reformation, and the salvation of the desti- 
 tute, who constantly reside in the city. 
 
 But there is another class of the destitute, whom it is more diffi- 
 cult to supply. I refer particularly to our seamen, who in conse- 
 quence of their character and circumstances, have been regarded as 
 aimost beyond the reach of hope. The principal difficulty arises 
 from their having no permanent place of residence. Should any par- 
 ticular number of them unite together and establish a school, or 
 erect a church, or should this be done for them by their friends, who 
 live on shore, they could not enjoy the benefit. Their employment 
 obliges them soon to be at the distance of hundreds and perhaps 
 thousands of miles. They are constantly moving in different direc- 
 tions, constantly changing associates. While at sea they are in such 
 small companies, that they cannot ordinarily, either supply them- 
 selves with a preached gospel, or be supplied by their employers. 
 Even in the Millennium we cannot suppose that the gospel will, to 
 any great extent, be preached on the ocean. This renders it in- 
 dispensable that the principal attention should be paid to them while 
 in port. God has kindly adapted the dispensations of his grace to 
 the condition of his creatures. At sea they do not need the same 
 
 * A considerable number of christians have engaged, and appear much in- 
 terested in this benevolent work. They see and feel its importance ; are great- 
 ly encouraged, and determined to persevere. They meet together at stated 
 times, and are much refreshed while they communicate intelligence, and with 
 united hearts surround the throae of grace. 
 
33 
 
 attention. They are then removed from many of those temptations 
 to which they are exposed while on shore. Considering, therefore, 
 their character and circumstances, it is evident, that the means of 
 grace with which they are supplied must, in a sense, be common 
 property, to which all seamen shall have an equal claim. In order 
 to their improvement and salvation, it is proposed, 
 
 First, That in every seaport there should be a Marine School, by 
 which seamen may be instructed, in reading, writing, arithmetic, 
 geography, navigation, and other branches of learning. Strange as 
 it may seem, a large number of them are unable to read This is 
 not, however, generally the case in respect of those, who come 
 from parts of the country and of the world, where particular at- 
 tention is paid to the education of the rising generation. But sea- 
 men are from all parts of the country, and from all parts of the 
 world. Thou.rh their stay in a single port, at one time, is but 
 short, yet all the time which they spend in all the ports they enter, 
 is very considerable. It is estimated, that they are in port one 
 fourth part of the year, or three months out of twelve. During a 
 considerable part of this time they are wholly unemployed. Were 
 schools established, and proper efforts made to interest them in the 
 subject, we believe they would gladly embrace the opportunity. 
 Those, who needed it, would soon learn to read, while the more 
 enterprising would wish to attend to other branches, particularly 
 to navigation, if for no other reason, that they might be promoted 
 to higher stations. Were they thus instructed on the land, they 
 might by the aid of books and their more knowing companions, 
 pursue their studies while at sea. Observations on the manner in 
 which a school of this description shouid be conducted, must be 
 omitted. A Library also should be connected w r ith the school. 
 Most seamen are destitute not only of the Bible, but of all other 
 books, Many who have carried books to sea with them have lost 
 them, by shipwreck or in some other way. Were a library esta- 
 blished to which seamen, under proper restrictions, could have ac- 
 cess, numbers would employ at least a part of their time in read- 
 ing. If by these and other means they can be furnished with 
 employment while in port, much towards their reformation will be 
 accomplished ; for we are confident, that the want of employment 
 is one great reason why so many of them resort to haunts of vice. 
 
 Secondly, as another means of benefiting our seamen, Bible So- 
 cieties should be established, of which they shall be the active mem- 
 bers. Every person acquainted with their moral state, knows, that 
 most of them are destitute of the Bible, and that those who are not 
 destitute, are supplied in a manner by no means the best. Human na- 
 ture is such, that it is almost impossible, that a seaman should take 
 the same interest in the Bible where he has it in common with a 
 whole crew, compared will 1 what he would, provided he had >copy 
 of his own, obtained by his own industry, and from his bvvn so-. 
 cietj. By means of such a society, a record also may be kept, 
 
 E 
 
34 
 
 and testimonials may be given, which will gain them employment 
 in preference to the profligate. As the Bible is almost the only 
 means of instruction with which they can be supplied when out 
 of port, we trust, that they will not be permitted to leave our 
 shores without this compass, this pole star, to direct them to the 
 haven of eternal rest.* 
 
 If it be important, that their minds should be enlightened by hu- 
 man knowledge, and that the Bible should be put into their hands, 
 it is still more important, that the gospel should be preached to 
 them. In what manner can it be done ? In answer to this inquiry, 
 which has occasioned great and tender solicitude in the minds of 
 some, who have thought of seamen, who have wept over them, and 
 prayed for them, it is proposed, 
 
 Thirdly, That in large sea-ports churches be erected expressly 
 for their accommodation. This it is conceived is the only way in 
 which they can extensively enjoy a preached gospel. It is said, 
 that they may be accommodated in other churches, and in them 
 may hear the gospel. In answer to this, it may be observed, in 
 the first place, that there is no provision for them. The few seats 
 which are not occupied by private families, are occupied by the 
 poor, whom we always have with us. No provision whatever has 
 been made for seamen as a class of men by themselves. They 
 have been forgotten, or entirely neglected. 
 
 But, in the second place, were provision made for them in our 
 churches, it would not remove the difficulty. They regard them- 
 selves, and they are regarded by others, as an entirely separate class 
 of the community. They do not mingle with other people. Their 
 very mode of life excludes them from all society, except that of 
 their companions. With them they necessarily and exclusively as- 
 sociate while at sea. When in port they have no other acquaint- 
 ance, and have but little occasion or inducement to form any, ex- 
 cept it be that, which, though very limited in its duration, is ex- 
 tremely pernicious in its consequences. They have no places of 
 resort, except those which frequently become the grave of their 
 property, their morals, their happiness, and their souls. They are 
 most of the time strangers in a strange place. As they have ge- 
 nerally become vicious in consequence of being neglected, and as 
 no distinction is made between the sober and the profligate, they 
 are strangers whom all feel at liberty to despise. Those of them 
 who are respectable, and such there are, notwithstanding all the 
 disadvantages under which they labour, have a high sense of pro- 
 priety, and will not be guilty of intrusion : hence they have a 
 natural aversion to enter our churches. Another barrier is their 
 dress. Their dress is almost universally different from that of 
 
 * Since this report was read, a Marine Bible Society has been organized, 
 and the .subject discussed more at large in the Addresses to Merchants and 
 Masters of vessels, and to Seamen, which are before the public. 
 
35 
 
 other people. When they enter a church, they are known and 
 marked as sailors ; they attract the notice of no small part of the 
 congregation; and most of them would sooner face the cannon's 
 mouth than that thoughtless, supercilious gaze, which betrays 
 equally a want of civility to the stranger, and of reverence in the 
 house of God. Many have told me, with^strong emotions, that 
 they supposed people thought they went to church to mock at re- 
 ligion, or from some other improper motive. 
 
 There is another reason why they do not more frequently go to 
 church. It is a fact, and one at the recital of which the per- 
 sons concerned ought to blush, that they have been turned out of 
 our churches when they have entered ! They have received no 
 invitation to take seats — the pews have been closed against them 
 — and they, in some cases, have been informed, that there was 
 no room for sailors. Such was not the manner in which they 
 were treated by the Son of God. On account of this treatment, 
 many have not been to church for years. When one is thus 
 treated, it influences a whole circle of his companions : conse- 
 quently seamen are impressed with the idea, that there is no room 
 for them in our churches, and that their presence is not desired. 
 By the testimony of masters of vessels, and sailors themselves, 
 this impression is almost universal. This is the reason which they 
 generally assign for not attending public worship. 
 
 Will it be said, that this impression may be removed by making 
 provision for them, and inviting them to attend ? Suppose, that 
 in every church in the city, there was provision for a certain num- 
 ber of seamen, so that in all the churches, all the seamen who 
 come to the port might be accommodated ; how could they be 
 distributed according to the provision made in each church ? They 
 arc strangers : they usually remain in port but a very short time. 
 Should they be disposed to go at all, under such circumstances, 
 the probability is, that most of them would go to but few places. 
 They love to be together, they go to church in companies. In 
 this case a part of them would find no accommodation. They 
 might spend a considerable portion of the time of divine service 
 in wandering from one place to another. Should they enter a 
 church and not find a seat, they would be mortified. These con- 
 siderations, with the fact, that they have a strong reluctance to 
 go to a church to which others resort, would effectually close 
 against them the doors of the sanctuary. But such provision is 
 not made for them ; and we confidently assert, that il will not be 
 made, till that day when all shall feel, and love, and act as breth- 
 ren. Further, it is the opinion of a large number of masters of 
 vessels and seamen, who have been consulted during the past year, 
 not only in this, but in some other ports, that this is the only way 
 in which the gospel can be effectually preached to seamen. Al- 
 most every individual, to whom it has been made known, has ap- 
 peared highly gratified with the plan, and expressed a strong de- 
 
36 
 
 sife, that it might go into effect. The plan has received the ap- 
 probation, not only of seafaring people, but of a considerable 
 number of respectable merchants, clergymen, and others. Were 
 it known to seamen, that, whenever they entered a large sea-port, 
 they would find a church, many would be induced to attend, by 
 the influence of early education, by curiosity, a desire to see their 
 companions and to be like other people, or the pride which they 
 would take in an institution of their own. Though drawn by 
 such motives, the preaching of the gospel might, nevertheless, be- 
 come to them " the wisdom of God and the power of God unto sal- 
 vation." Many, we trust, would be influenced by higher motives, 
 a desire to worship God in obedience to his command, to hear the 
 glad tidings of salvation, and learn the way to heaven. 
 
 The expense of such an establishment would, at first, be consi- 
 derable. But when we consider the number of seamen, and their 
 unparalleled liberality, we cannot doubt, that they would, in the 
 end, amply support, by their contributions, the preaching of the 
 gospel. Wheh we take into view the importance of the subject 
 in all its relations, and the interest* which has already been mani- 
 fested, we believe, that the time is not far distant, when in every 
 large sea-port, the sanctuary will unfold its doors, and welcome to 
 its blessings our brethren, " who go down to the sea in ships, who 
 do business in great waters;" that, as they " see the wonders" 
 of the Lord " in the deep," they may, in his earthly courts, be- 
 hold the greater wonders of redeeming love. 
 
 But all human efforts for the salvation of the destitute will be of 
 no avail without the blessing of God. Means in themselves are 
 powerless. In a field like this, " a Paul may plant and an Apol- 
 los water" in vain : God alone can give the increase ; God alone 
 can raise to spiritual life these multitudes, who are " dead in tres- 
 passes and sins/' We mention, therefore, as an indispensable re- 
 quisite to the accomplishment of this work, 
 
 6 Continual and earnest prayer to God. From what God 
 has revealed in his word, as well as from his dealings with his 
 church, we have reason to believe, that prayer is the great me- 
 dium, through which the influences of the Holy Spirit descend. 
 Though " the Lord promises to build the ruined places and plant 
 that which was desolate," he assures us that he " will be inquired 
 of by the house of Israel to do it for them." With the commands 
 of God on this subject, every Christian must be familiar. On the 
 precious promises which he has made to support and encourage his 
 people in their labours, and which are scattered throughout the sa- 
 cred pages, as glowing gems in the midst of others of inferior lus- 
 tre, all must have dwelt with peculiar delight — with lively emo- 
 
 * A subscripting for a Seaman's Church was sometime ago opened in this 
 city. How much has been subscribed, it is not in my power to state ; enough, 
 however, to justify the belief, that such a church will be erected. 
 
37 
 
 lions of hope and joy. It is our Saviour who hath said, " That if 
 two of you shall agree on earth, as touching any thing that they 
 shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in hea- 
 ven." It is He who has assured his people, that their heavenly 
 Father is more ready to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, 
 than parents are to give good gifts to their children. 
 
 The examples of Moses, of Abraham, of Jacob, of David, of 
 Daniel, and of a host of ancient worthies, urge and encourage us to 
 the performance of this duty. Though Christ "spake as never man 
 spake ;" though he had power to turn the " hearts of the children 
 of men, even as the rivers of waters are turned,' he did not neg- 
 lect to pray ; he did not think of accomplishing his work without 
 prayer. On that consecrated mount by the devoted city of Je- 
 rusalem, he spent whole nights in holy wrestling with his Father. 
 In this, as in other things, he has left us an example, that we should 
 follow his steps. The efficacy of prayer is strikingly illustrated 
 in the case of the disciples soon after they had beheld their di- 
 vine Master ascend into heaven. From Olivet, they returned 
 into the city ; " they went up into an upper room," and there 
 they " all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, 
 with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his 
 brethren." Immediately after this, Peter goes out and preaches 
 to the hardened Jews. The windows of heaven are opened ; the 
 influences of the Spirit descend — in a single day, thousands are 
 converted and added to the church. Similar has been the effect 
 of prayer in every age. Never, I believe, have we as a Society, 
 or in smaller companies, set apart a season for prayer, which has 
 not been followed by more or less of the operations of the Holy 
 Spirit ; some have been awakened ; serious impressions, which 
 have betn previously made on the minds of others, have been 
 deepened, and individuals have been brought into the kingdom of 
 Christ. " The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as 
 some men count slackness." Let us, like the disciples, continue 
 in prayer ; let us, also, like them, be be of one accord. Respect- 
 ing union in prayer, we have much reason to be encouraged. Our 
 brethren in other places unite their prayers with ours on occasions 
 like this.* 
 
 Let us then be deeply impressed with the sentiment, that the 
 work in which we are engaged, is the work of God ; that without 
 his blessing it can never be accomplished. Let us remember, that 
 it is in oiu closets that we are to gird on the armour — that it is 
 there, we must gain strength to wield the weapons, to fight the 
 battles of the Lord. 
 
 * The Societies which have been formed for the same object in Boston and 
 in Charlestown, Mass., and, it is believed, the one in Charleston, S. C. have 
 their quarterly prayer meetings on the same day with the Society in New- 
 York. Should other Societies be formed, it is hoped that the prayers of all 
 rail at the same time ascend as incense, and minde before the throne. 
 
38 
 
 " Satan trembles when he sees 
 The weakest saint upon his knees." 
 
 If we can engage God to be with us, we need not tear. " More 
 are they that are with us than they that are against us. 1 ' Tnough 
 the enemy should come in like a flood, " the Lord will lift up a 
 standard against him." Before we, in any way, engage in this 
 holy warfare ; especially, before we visit the habitations of the 
 poor and vicious, let us, with our Bibles and Tracts, retire to our 
 closets, and there endeavour to gain some idea of the magnitude of 
 the work — of the wretched state of those, whom we are about to 
 visit ; and, in view of their present misery and that to which they 
 are approaching ; in view of that great day, when we shall meet 
 them at the bar of God, and in view of our own insufficiency, let 
 us lift up our hearts to God for his Spirit to prepare the way be- 
 fore us, and render the means effectual : There let rivers of waters 
 pun down because of the slain of the daughter of God's people — 
 there let us mourn over the ravages of sin, the desolations of Zion ; 
 and while we look around upon the slain, and ask, with heartfelt 
 solicitude, 
 
 " And can these mould'ring corpses live, 
 And can these perish'd bones revive — " 
 
 Let us, with holy importunate resignation, exclaim : 
 
 " That mighty God to thee is known, 
 That mighty work is all thine own. 
 
 — if thy Spirit deign to breathe, 
 Life spreads through all the realms of death, 
 Dry bones obey thy powerful voice, 
 They move, they waken, they rejoice." 
 
 We have now given some account of this new missionary held, 
 and pointed out some of the ways in which it is to be cultivated. 
 Many considerations present themselves as motives to urge us to 
 great and persevering efforts. 
 
 1. The command of God. The parable usually styled the 
 Gospel Supper, represents the great plan of redeeming mercy. 
 When those, who were first bidden, refused to come, the servants 
 were commanded by Christ, the master of the feast, to go out into 
 the highways and hedges, and compel those who were found there 
 to come in. The servants doubtless represent those who are em- 
 ployed in extending the blessings of the Gospel to the destitute ; 
 and the destitute, especially the poor, are represented by those 
 who are in the highways and hedges. " Go out quickly into the 
 highways and hedges and compel them to come in." Here we 
 have a plain absolute command of Christ, addressed directly to 
 his people. Obedience is a test of Christian character. " If ye 
 love me," says Christ, w ' keep my commandments." That man 
 deceives himself with a name to live while he is dead, who doe* 
 
39 
 
 not esteem it his duty, his privilege, his glory to obey. We might 
 here show how that other command of Christ, " Go into all the world 
 and preach the Gospel to every creature," bears directly on this 
 subject, and can never be obeyed till the Gospel is preached to 
 the poor. We might mention other commands of the same im- 
 port ; but with Christians one command is sufficient : a " thus 
 saith the Lord," cannot fail to bow the will, to reach the heart, 
 and call into action the energies of every child of God. 
 
 Intimately connected with this, preaching the Gospel to the 
 poor is an essential part of the Christian religion. When John 
 sent his disciples to Christ, that they might be convinced, that he 
 was the true Messiah, he points them to certain parts of his sys- 
 tem as evidences that it was divine. After informing them, " that 
 the blind receive their sight ; the lame walk ; the lepers are 
 cleansed; the deaf hear; the dead are raised up;" he com- 
 pletes the climax by adding, " and the poor have the Gospel 
 preached to them." Glorious system, worthy of its divine Au- 
 thor ! Those systems of pride and self-aggrandizement of the 
 Scribes and Pharisees, and of the Heathen, are shrouded in dark- 
 ness, while this is surrounded with the splendour of heaven. 
 
 If the account here given of the religion of Jesus, is correct, 
 then that religion, which does not provide means for the salva- 
 tion of the poor, is not the religion of Christ. These two 
 evidences, the working of miracles and the preaching of the 
 Gospel to the poor, were at that time sufficient to satisfy men of 
 serious inquiry, that the religion of Christ was divine. These 
 evidences were given by our Saviour himself. Miracles have 
 ceased, but as we always have the poor with us, we may always 
 be able to convince the inquiring, and stop the mouths of gain- 
 sayers, by showing them that the poor have the Gospel preached 
 to them. 
 
 The religion of the Gospel is designed for the world. It is 
 therefore designed for the poor ; for a great portion of the world 
 are poor. It is the religion of the soul, and the souls of the poor 
 are as valuable as those of the rich. Do we need any thing to 
 give greater authority and glory to this system ; we have the ex- 
 ample of our blessed Redeemer. His life was a comment on his 
 system, which sheds about it a divine lustre. It was among the 
 poor that he delighted to labour, — it was to them, that he con- 
 tinually preached the Gospel. Their wants he delighted to sup- 
 ply ; their diseases to heal ; their souls to save. 
 
 On reviewing the commands, the precepts, and the example of our 
 Saviour, in relation to the poor, will it not appear that they have been 
 too much neglected by Christians ? Is not this a stain on our religion ! 
 Are not the evidences of its divinity obscured ? When, from some 
 distant part of our country and of the world, our fellow men shall 
 come to inquire concerning our religion, can we say, that the poor 
 generally have the gospel preached to them ? Have wc been into 
 
4(J 
 
 the highways and hedges ? Have we, in this respect, followed the 
 example of our Redeemer? Has not God placed the poor of this 
 city particularly under our care, — and does not a regard to our 
 Christian character— do not our covenant vows require, that we 
 should share with them the rich, the heavenly treasures, which we 
 have so freely and so abundantly received. 
 
 2. The Christian's own happiness and growth in grace. The 
 spirit of God has testified, that " it is more blessed to give than to 
 receive," to do good to others than to gain it at their hands. 
 There is a pleasure in doing good, which can be known only to 
 him by whom it is felt. To enjoy religion in their own souls, 
 Christians must do the will of God ; they must find their pleasure 
 in the same way in which He found it, whom they profess to fol- 
 low, whose meat and drink it was to do the will of his Father. So 
 far as we are employed in doing good from right motives, so far we 
 resemble Christ, and no further — so much do we possess of the 
 spirit of the gospel, and so much may w r e expect of its consolations, 
 and no more. It is the consciousness of doing good to the bodies 
 and souls of men, from a desire to glorify God, that fills and swells 
 the soul. Compared with this, what are the pleasures of sense ? 
 All the titles and honours which men can bestow, nay the praise, 
 the admiration of the world is poor, when compared with the 
 " God bless you !" that vibrates upon the ear, and penetrates the 
 heart, as you retire from the abodes of poverty and wretchedness, 
 conscious that no one with whom you are acquainted sees you, but 
 your God, and that what you have done will be unknown till the 
 great day of account. 
 
 It is a glorious principle of our religion, that the more the pos- 
 sessor imparts to others, the more his own stock is increased. 
 " Cast thy bread upon the waters and thou shalt find it after many 
 days." " He that watereth, shall himself be watered." " Sell 
 what thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure 
 in heaven. 1 ' Go, Christians, spread abroad those treasures which 
 God has given you ; convert them into Bibles and Tracts, and 
 other means of grace ; convey them, with your own hands, to your 
 neighbours, who are perishing for them, and let your prayers ascend 
 to the throne of grace for the influences of the Spirit ; and those 
 treasures, like the widow's oil and flour, will increase ; those in- 
 fluences, will, like the gentle dew, descend upon your own soul ; 
 the Sun of righteousness will shine, in all his quickening power; 
 the seeds of grace will spring up and flourish, and blossom and 
 bear fruit more abundantly to the glory of God. Accordingly, 
 all who have been eminent for piety, have been eminent for 
 doing good, for active benevolence, or, have manifested the spirit 
 which would have prompted them to act, if circumstances had 
 permitted. A narrow, contracted, selfish spirit is not the spirit of 
 the gospel, and wherever it exists it blights the Christian graces. 
 
 Wealth and influence ou^ht not to prove, as they often do, the 
 
41 
 
 means of lukewarmness and declension ; but, on the contrary, the 
 means of growth in grace, of the increase of holiness and happi- 
 ness, both in this, and in the world to come. These things will 
 enable the Christian more extensively to imitate the example of 
 his Saviour. Though he cannot create bread, he can feed the 
 hungry ; though he cannot cause the wool and the flax to grow, he 
 can clothe the naked ; though he cannot heal the sick, he can contri- 
 bute totheircomfort,can,by his sympathy and his kind offices, dimin- 
 ish their sufferings, can point them to the great Physician, and to the 
 " balm of Gilead ;" — though he cannot snatch from the jaws of death, 
 he may be the instrument of smoothing " the passage to the tomb," 
 may bend over the dying body, may whisper the consolations of 
 the gospel, may commend the departing spirit to the Saviour of 
 sinners. What is all the happiness which this world can afford, 
 compared with one heavenly smile from that poor departing soul, 
 who feels, and blesses God, that you have been the instrument of 
 converting him from the "error of his ways," of supporting him 
 under his trials, of directing him to the blood of Jesus, of opening 
 to his view the bright prospects of immortal glory ! Visiting the 
 poor, the ignorant, the vicious, the afflicted, and the dying, will 
 make the Christian contented with the allotments of providence in 
 respect of himself — will afford him striking evidence of the de- 
 pravity of the human heart ; and cause him to exclaim, with his 
 oul glowing with gratitude to God, " Who maketh" me " to dif- 
 fer ?'' " By the grace of God I am what I am." 
 
 How many Christians, when casting their eyes over some pagan 
 field whitened with the bones of devoted victims ; when reading the 
 history of some self-denying missionary ; when tracing the footsteps 
 of a Brainerd, a Buchanan, a Newell, have desired to share with 
 them the trials, the joy, and the glory of their work ! But Provi- 
 dence has so ordered their circumstances, that they cannot go. 
 They need not go. They are already in a field which is " white 
 to the harvest." They may engage in the same glorious work, 
 and still enjoy all the sweets of home. 
 
 3. The interests of civil society require that these efforts should 
 be made. We trust that it is not to be determined, at this day, 
 whether good morals and the best interests of society are insepara- 
 bly connected, or whether good morals are the genuine, the cer- 
 tain, fruit of the christian religion, and of that only. We will then 
 suppose, that according to the influence exerted by the gospel, 
 sound morals will exist, and, consequently, the best interests of 
 civil society be promoted. 
 
 Almost all the sufferings of the poor in this, and other cities, are 
 the immediate effect of ignorance or vice. Of the truth of this 
 assertion any one may be satisfied, by becoming acquainted with 
 the state of the poor as they reside among other people, or by visit- 
 ing hospitals, prisons, and alms-houses. An alms-house, in another 
 
 F 
 
12 
 
 city , was sometime t>ince visited, and from a particular inquiry into 
 the former circumstances and character of its inhabitants, it was 
 ascertained, that not less than nine-tenths of them came to that 
 place in consequence of their own ignorance or vice ; and of the 
 remaining tenth, the greater part, in consequence of the wicked- 
 ness of others. The same is probably true of this city. 
 
 It is not an opinion hastily formed, nor is it altogether singular, 
 that many charitable institutions, or institutions for affording pe- 
 cuniary or other equivalent aid to the indigent, exert, on the 
 whole, an unhappy influence on society. Is it not true, that, by 
 these institutions, designed for the best of purposes, provision is 
 in fact made for idleness and other vices ? If people believe, 
 that they shall be relieved when in distress, they will not gene- 
 rally make exertions, will not labour when they are able and have 
 the opportunity. According to their views of things, they have no 
 inducement to labour, or make provision for a time of need. This 
 induces idleness, and idleness is the parent of vice. In Scotland 
 there are no alms-houses, no poor-rates. The consequence is, 
 the poor are a hardy, industrious, and, generally, a moral, class of 
 people. Man is naturally idle. It is by making continual efforts 
 that industry becomes habitual and pleasant. It is certain, that it 
 w r ould be better for many of those who are relieved by charity, if 
 no provision were made for them Let it be known, that death 
 or extreme suffering will be the consequence of idleness, or profli- 
 gacy, and the number of the idle and the profligate will soon be 
 diminished. Will it be said, that there are many of the poor 
 who are excellent characters, and who have been reduced to a 
 state of want by misfortune ? That there are many such there is 
 no doubt; and it is equally clear, that they ought to be relieved; 
 still it will be found, that most of them are in that state, in conse- 
 quence of the immorality of their connexions, or of the general 
 immoral state of society. Make society such as it should be, and 
 such as it may be with the use of those means which God has ap- 
 pointed, and the relatives of respectable persons in distress would 
 be able and disposed, in most cases, to afford them all the assis- 
 tance which they would need. Let me not be understood to speak 
 against charitable institutions of this nature, or to intimate, that 
 the afflicted, of whatever character they may be, ought not to be 
 relieved. Many such institutions are noble monuments of chris- 
 tian benevolence, it is only necessary, that they should be so 
 managed that they shall not be made the occasion of sin and of 
 greater misery. 
 
 It is not in the power of man to change the heart ; but it is in 
 his power to use those means, which, with the ordinary blessing 
 of God, will change the state of society ; which will make peo- 
 ple in general, so intelligent, so industrious, so moral, that they 
 will have but little need of the hand of charity to relieve them, 01 
 of the arm of the civil law to restrain or protect them. It is no' 
 
43 
 
 a little surprising that civil rulers, after witnessing the effects of 
 the gospel, have not discovered, that the most economical, as well 
 as the most effectual, mode of providing for the wants of .a com- 
 munity, is to supply its members with those institutions, the ob- 
 ject of which is to make men intelligent, moral, and pious. There 
 are but [ew, who have not sufficient physical strength and natural 
 abilities to enable them to support themselves in this country, pro- 
 vided that strength and those abilities were properly directed. The. 
 following calculations will place the subject in a clearer light. 
 The poor rates in Philadelphia will amount this year, it is said, to 
 150,000 dollars. If we take into the account the fact, that there 
 are between 12 and 13 hundred more persons licensed to sell ar- 
 dent spirits by the small quantity, in this city than in Philadel- 
 phia, and, also, that the population is probably greater, it is not 
 unreasonable to suppose, that the poor rates of New-York will 
 amount to 200,000 dollars. Allowing a minister of the gospel a 
 salary of 1000 dollars, and a teacher a salary of 500 dollars, this 
 sum would support 200 ministers and 400 teachers. But what are 
 styled the poor-rates, is but a small part of the expense of sup- 
 porting the poor. The committee appointed to supply the wants; 
 of the poor, during the late inclement season, estimated, that 
 there were 15,000 citizens supported by charity. If each indi- 
 vidual should have an annual allowance of 50 dollars, the whole 
 expense of the 15,000 would be 750,000 dollars. This, allowing 
 the above salaries, would support 750 ministers and 1500 teach- 
 ers. Allowing each pauper 100 dollars, the whole expense of the 
 poor would be 1,500,000 dollars, which would support 1500 minis- 
 ters and 3000 teachers. Allowing a bible to cost 75 cents, and 
 tracts to cost at the rate of 1 cent for every ten pages, it would 
 purchase 1,875,000 bibles, and 1,500,000,000 pages of tracts for 
 charitable distribution. The annual expense of the Aims-House fs 
 about 80,000 dollars. This would annually build four churches, at 
 20,000 dollars each, or eight at 10,000 dollars each. Allowing 
 a minister 1000 dollars, it would support 80 ministers of tb<- 
 gospel. 
 
 In the Seventh Ward there are between 2 and 300 persons li- 
 censed to sell ardent spirits by the small quantity : we will sup- 
 pose there are 220. Supposing each one to sell every day to 
 the amount of two dollars and fifty cents, the ardent spirits annu- 
 ally sold in the Seventh Ward will amount to 200,750 dollars. 
 This would employ in that ward, 200 ministers, or 400 teach- 
 ers. It would annually build twenty decent churches — pur- 
 chase 267,666 bibles— and 200,750,000 pages of tracts. All 
 the ardent spirits sold in the city, would, at this rate, build an- 
 nually 135 churches — support 1358 ministers — 2710 teachers — 
 purchase 1,811,616 bibles— or 1,358,712,500 pages of tracts. 
 No one will doubt that such a number of faithful ministers or 
 'eachers employed — such a number of churches built — such a nunv 
 
44 
 
 ber of bibles or tracts distributed, would produce a great change 
 in the moral state of the city. But intemperance is but one vice. 
 We must take into the account idleness, gambling, profligacy, 
 and other vices, which consume property, and which would be 
 removed, were the people enlightened, industrious, and moral. 
 
 It is an opinion, which has been formed and confirmed by the 
 observation of facts, that christians have erred with respect to the 
 subject of charity. The great object seems to have been, to re- 
 lieve existing distress, instead of preventing it. But we never 
 can make our fellow men happy till the cause of their sufferings 
 is removed. If we would make the fruit good, we must make 
 the tree good. If we can make a profligate man sober and indus- 
 Irious, we more effectually provide for his family, than we should 
 by bestowing thousands of gold and silver Let there be a great 
 effort to change the moral character of mankind, to remove the 
 cause of their sufferings ; let them be supplied with those means 
 of reformation and salvation, which God has appointed ; let the 
 proper influence of the gospel be exerted, and, if prisons, and 
 hospitals, and alms-houses, do not cease to exist, their dimensions 
 will be small, their inhabitants few. 
 
 As another motive to these exertions, we mention, 
 4. The interests of the church. That field at which we 
 have glanced is of great extent ; it is covered with thorns and 
 briers ; it has hitherto brought forth the " grapes of Sodom and 
 the clusters of Gomorrah." Is it not for the interests of the church 
 that it should be cultivated ; that the seeds of grace should be 
 sown ; that trees of righteousness should spring up and bear fruit ; 
 that it should become as Eden ? Is it not important, that, in the 
 midst of these 70 or 80 thousand souls, 70 or 80 temples to the 
 living God should rise ; 70 or 80 new congregations and churches 
 be formed ; that, to those already employed, 60 or 70 faithful 
 ministers of the gospel should be added ? 
 
 It is not, however, the salvation of the present generation 
 merely, which is concerned ; but that of thousands of their pos- 
 terity. Should the population increase in the same proportion 
 for twenty years to come, as it did between 1800 and 1810, the 
 increase alone will be 136,000, and will require therefore 136 
 additional churches, that there maybe one church to a thousand. 
 If we suppose that 60 churches are now wanting, there must be 
 erected within twenty years 196 churches, that there may be in 
 this city one church to a thousand souls. But our cities have an 
 extensive influence on the surrounding country. We have already 
 stated, that they afford a place of resort for those who wish to live 
 without restraint. It is not uncommon for those who have 
 lived in the city to return into the country, carrying with them 
 vices, which taint the morals of a whole neighbourhood. There 
 are some towns where the inhabitants have been corrupted by 
 their intercourse with some of our large cities, in such a manner 
 
45 
 
 as to make it evident to all who are acquainted with them. Young 
 persons frequently come to this city, and are destroyed by their ex- 
 posure to temptation. It is notorious, that there are certain vil- 
 lages not far distant, which supply a considerable number of vic- 
 tims to that vice, which has caused the heart of many a parent 
 to bleed. 
 
 Cities exert an influence on the people of the country, who are 
 not so immediately connected with them. The single subject of 
 fashions will show the correctness of this remark. In things of 
 greater consequence, cities are looked up to as examples, and 
 give character to the country. How immensely important, that 
 they should be free from ignorance, error, and immorality ! that 
 they should set an example of holiness and of every good work ! 
 
 As we advance, however, the subject rises in importance. We 
 must extend our views beyond the limits of the city and of our 
 own country. The subject is peculiarly important, on account of 
 its connexion with the great Missionary cause. Among the obsta- 
 cles which have hitherto prevented the universal spread of the 
 gospel, we find that the prejudices which the Heathen entertain 
 against it, hold a conspicuous place. 
 
 The number of heathen who visit our cities is not large. A 
 few, however, are sufficient to bear evil tidings to millions of 
 their countrymen. A few months since, a vessel came to this 
 port from Calcutta, which was manned by more than 40 of the 
 natives of Hindoostan, a part of the world where missionaries 
 are now stationed. Some, and perhaps all of them, had heard 
 oi Christianity ; had been informed, that it was the best religion in 
 the world ; that it made men good and happy. What did they wit- 
 ness ? they fell in company with the vilest class of people — they 
 were conducted to haunts of vice, even on the Sabbath — they en- 
 gaged, with those whom they supposed to be christians, in the most 
 abominable wickedness — they probably did not see an act of re- 
 ligious worship rendered to the true God, or hear the name of 
 Jesus, except from the lips of the profane. Judging, as the 
 heathen do, of a religion from the effects which they witness, 
 with what views of Christianity must they have retired from our 
 shores ? When they mingle with their countrymen, what intelli- 
 gence will they communicate? What will they exhibit as the 
 fruits of the " land of promise ?" Is it not morally certain, that they, 
 as well as their countrymen, will regard our missionaries as 
 impostors ? that their prejudices against Christianity and in fa- 
 vour of idolatry, will be strengthened and confirmed? On the 
 contrary, suppose this city had been, at that time, a city of right- 
 eousness — that all with whom they associated had been pious, or 
 even moral — that they had witnessed the genuine effects of the 
 gospel; with what different impressions and tidings would they 
 have returned to their own country ? If they had not loved, they 
 
46 
 
 would have respected christians ; if they had not embraced, they 
 would have reverenced the religion of Christ. Could our missiona- 
 ries appeal to some of the heathen, to testify to the blessed ef- 
 fects of the gospel, with what increased force could they exhibit 
 its claims on their belief, their love, and their obedience ! Pagans 
 from other parts of the world visit our cities — witness similar 
 scenes, and return, doubtless, with similar impressions and intel- 
 ligence. 
 
 Our cities have an intimate connexion with the heathen, by 
 means of our seamen. At present they are a barrier to the spread 
 of the gospel ; a screen which intercepts the rays of the Sun of 
 righteousness. When they visit pagan countries, as thousands of 
 them do every year, they not only join in all the wickedness of 
 the heathen, but teach them new vices. To their superior cun- 
 ning the heathen become an easy prey, and are not unfrequently 
 robbed of their property, their children and friends. Sailors 
 sometimes take up their abode in pagan countries, that they may 
 acquire wealth and be free from the restraints of the gospel. A 
 part of the crew of the ship, which transported the first missiona- 
 ries to the South Sea Islands, settled there, and are supposed to 
 have been the principal reason why their efforts were, for so long 
 a time, attended with no more success. Several gentlemen, who 
 have visited the Sandwich Islands, and some, who have for a 
 time resided there, are of opinion, that opposition from wicked 
 English and American settlers, and the prejudices which they 
 have excited, would constitute the principal obstacle in the way 
 of introducing Christianity among the natives. It is owing in a 
 great measure to the same cause, that the efforts to christianize the 
 aborigines of our own country have proved so ineffectual. Let 
 our seamen and others who visit the heathen become pious ; and 
 instead of contradicting the glad tidings which our missionaries 
 publish; instead of destroying the effect of their labours, they 
 will become a powerful weapon in their hands. It is through the 
 medium of christian example that the heathen discern the light of 
 the gospel. The influence of our seamen is not unknown to the 
 men of the world. A master of a vessel which recently arrived, 
 and which had visited one of our missionary stations, triumphantly 
 observed, that his sailors could, in a few days, undo all the work 
 of our missionaries. Though we do not believe this representa- 
 tion to be strictly correct, it is not without meaning. Let our 
 sailors continue vicious, and wherever christians send one mis- 
 sionary, Satan will send a hundred to oppose his efforts. 
 
 Should our seamen become pious, not only would a great ob- 
 stacle be removed, but the number of hands employed, and the 
 amount of labour performed in the great missionary field, would 
 be augmented. Should a crew land on a heathen shore, all 
 pious ; all deeply concerned for the salvation of their pagan 
 brethren ; all anxious to tell them of that Saviour, who is the only 
 
47 
 
 hope oflost men — to impart to them those treasures of knowledge 
 and grace which they had received, how would the darkness re- 
 tire before them ! 
 
 That property, of which our seamen earn and receive no small 
 quantity, and which is now squandered away, would, doubtless, 
 be consecrated to the spread of the gospel. No men are so libe- 
 ral ; none, whose hearts and hands are so easily opened; none, 
 who have such a strong fellow-feeling ; none, who are less care- 
 ful to preserve their lives. Were all consecrated to God, what 
 sacrifices would they not make ; what hardships would they not 
 endure ; to what dangers would they not expose themselves, for 
 the salvation of their fellow-men '! While, in consequence of ac- 
 tually witnessing the wretched state of the heathen, they would 
 feel more deeply interested than other christians, they would 
 communicate the same feeling to their brethren ; they would 
 become heralds, publishing glad tidings in every direction. Every 
 vessel, which arrived, would add new fuel to the flame, and 
 cause that flame to spread from our cities into the surrounding 
 country. Who does not see, that thousands and tens of thousands 
 of pious men constantly passing, and repassing, throughout the 
 world : mingling, now with christians, now with the heathen, 
 would give a new and powerful and lasting impulse to that great 
 machine, which is to diffuse abroad the blessings of the gospel ? 
 They form the connecting link between the christian and the 
 heathen wo.<ld ; the channel through which the water of life must 
 flow ; the medium through which the light of the gospel must 
 shine. 
 
 Cities are necessarily the center of all the great operations for 
 the salvation of the heathen — the main spring of the mighty ma- 
 chine — the heart of the world. If the main spring be disordered, 
 the whole machine is affected ; if the heart's blood be corrupted, 
 the whole system is enfeebled. It is from our cities, also, that 
 most of the property, which is to accomplish the great work, 
 must be derived ; and may we not hope, that from the destitute 
 some will be qualified and sent to preach the gospel ? It was 
 this attention to the destitute, which, with the blessing of 
 God, sent Buchanan to the ends of the earth. While these ex- 
 ertions will increase a missionary spirit, they will unite the hearts 
 of christians and ministers. Not only will seafaring men, and 
 ethers, who pass lroin one port to another, associate with chris- 
 tians of different denominations ; but, in such a work, christians 
 who constantly reside in the same place, must come in contact j 
 must see each other's faces ; must " speak often one to another." 
 This will destroy those narrow, contracted views, which com- 
 press the church of God into a sect, and mar its beauty; it will 
 break down the walls of separation, and cause the church to look 
 forth fair " as the morning, and terrible as an army with banners.'* 
 Every christian feels that it would be desirable, that all this should 
 
48 
 
 be accomplished : of its practicability some may doubt. We will 
 therefore, endeavour to show, 
 
 5. That our efforts will be successful. From the facts which 
 have been stated, it will be seen, that there are thousands of peo- 
 ple here of the same character, and, as it respects spiritual things, 
 in the same condition, with those on our frontiers. Will it be 
 said, that these discover greater hardness of heart, because they 
 might enjoy the blessings of the gospel were they disposed ? This 
 is precisely the case with the destitute in other parts of the coun- 
 try. It is not on account of their poverty, or any other natural 
 difficulty, that they are thus destitute. In a county not far from 
 this, there are thousands in this situation, and yet the people are 
 comparatively wealthy ; and, had they been disposed, might long 
 since have enjoyed all the blessings of the gospel. It is not po- 
 verty, it is not any natural, but a moral obstruction, which has 
 kept so great a part of the world, for so many centuries, ignorant 
 of the Saviour. The awful stupidity and depravity of the human 
 heart, form the mountain, the cavern, the gulf, which have pre- 
 vented the heralds of the cross from running to and fro through 
 the earth. If we adopt the sentiment, that we are under no obli- 
 gation, and that it will be of no use, to supply, with the ordinan- 
 ces of the gospel, those who are not disposed to supply themselves, 
 we ought to remand the missionaries, who are scattered throughout 
 the destitute parts of our country. We have the same reasons for 
 believing, that success will attend missionary efforts in the city, as 
 we have, that it will attend them in the country: we have more, 
 we have advantages which are peculiar. 
 
 That missionaries may labour with permanent success in remote 
 parts of the country, many things are necessary, which it will re- 
 quire much time, and trouble, and property to supply. Schools 
 must be established and supported ; teachers, bibles, and other 
 suitable books, must be obtained from a distance. Other difficul- 
 ties will suggest themselves to every reflecting mind ; all of 
 which will be removed, when we come to supply our neighbours 
 and fellow-citizens. Schools are already established ; Bibles and 
 tracts and other useful books, at all times, and to any amount,, 
 may easily be procured. 
 
 Christians will take a deeper interest in such a mission than it 
 is possible for them to do in one at a distance. They have the 
 destitute before them — their feelings will be excited — they will 
 contribute more liberally ; and, what is all important, they will pray 
 more fervently. Could we be transported to the plains of India ; 
 be stationed by the Funeral Pile, the Altar of Moloch, or the Car 
 of Juggernaut, how differently should we feel from what we do 
 now ? With how much more fervour should we pray ? With how 
 much more zeal should we labour? But if we view this subject 
 in its proper light, we shall daily witness what ought as sensibly 
 to affect our hearts. It is not more affecting, or ought not to be to 
 
49 
 
 christians, to see their fellow-creatures consuming on tne tuneral 
 pile, than in the flame of their own passions ; to see them sacri- 
 ficed on the altars of Moloch, than to see them slain by intempe- 
 rance ; to see children thrown into the Ganges, than to see thousands 
 of them growing up to be cast into the gulf of perdition. Here 
 are funeral piles— here are altars of Moloch — here is Satan's in- 
 visible car, constantly rolling and crushing thousand* beneath its 
 weight, and causing our streets to flow with the blood of souls. 
 Let us remember, also, the more aggravated doom of these vic- 
 tims. In a greater or less degree, they have enjoyed the blessings 
 of the gospel ; they live where they might enjoy them in all their 
 fulness. They have rejected the Saviour — they must sink to the 
 lowest hell. With such a prospect before him, what christian will 
 not wrestle day and night at the throne of grace ? what christian 
 will not consecrate his property, his time, his talents, his life, to 
 
 this glorious work ? But the principaladvantage arises from the 
 
 number who may be employed. The number of professing 
 christians, in some of the denominations, I have been able to as- 
 certain. If we allow all the other congregations to have, on an 
 average, the same number of professors as those congregations 
 which have been examined, there will be, in the city, about 
 13,000 professing christians.* Suppose these all properly engaged 
 in the service of God ; all employed in doing good ; how much 
 might be accomplished ! We will suppose that every one of these 
 professors spends two hours every week in visiting the ignorant, 
 vicious and afflicted, for the purpose of distributing Bibles and 
 Tracts, and doing good in other ways : and suppose that during 
 these two hours six families were visited, every professor 
 would visit, during the year, 312 families, or make 312 visits ; all 
 of them together would make 4,560,000. Supposing that at each 
 visit a tract were given, 4,560,000 tracts would be distributed. 
 Surely this will not be thought an unreasonable calculation. What 
 christian is there who cannot devote two hours in a week, or two 
 hours out of one hundred and sixty-eight, in " going about doing 
 
 * To ascertain precisely the number of professors has not been in the power 
 of the writer. It will be seen that a few of the other statements are of the 
 same general nature. It would be singular, if, in so many particulars, there 
 should be no error. It is the opinion, however, of respectable gentlemen, 
 who have accompanied him, and others acquainted with the situation 
 of the destitute, that the statement, so far from being exaggerated, is mode- 
 rate. While it was his intention to perform this painful duty, which 
 God, in his providence, assigned to him, in a faithful manner, his inclina- 
 tion led him to err on that side, where every feeling of the benevolent 
 mind would wish the error to be found. He wishes it not to be forgotten, that 
 the destitute are in a situation in which they may be examined. If it shall be 
 found, from a similar, or more faithful examination, that the moral state of 
 the city is better than has been represented, it will give him unspeakable joy. 
 Most of the facts concerning other places are taken from Morse's Geography, 
 Mills and Smith's Report, Picture of London, Address of the Connecticut 
 Charitable Society, &c. 
 
50 
 
 good," directly to his fellow-men ? Will it be said, that those in the 
 humble walks of life cannot engage in this work ? Let me ask, what 
 christian so humble, so ignorant, so poor, that he cannot give to a 
 neighbour a word of good advice ; set before that neighbour a 
 holy example ; or invite that neighbour to go to a sanctuary or a 
 religious meeting ; or give a Bible or a Tract, when furnished to 
 his hands ? What christian cannot pray ? What child cannot 
 give to another child a Catechism, or lead him to a Sabbath 
 School, or to the house of God ? 
 
 There is another consideration, which every one must have an- 
 ticipated. In this field we have the advantage of a numerous class 
 of christians, who will regard this work as among the domestic 
 concerns which claim their attention. Their leisure, their charac- 
 teristic sensibility, and the successful efforts which they have al- 
 ready made, need no remark : it is sufficient to say, that in this 
 good work, maybe employed thousands of pious females. In- 
 stead of being scattered over a wide extent of country, these peo- 
 ple live together; and may, therefore, be approached without 
 loss of time, and expense, and all employed, may act in concert. 
 
 We have reason to believe success will attend our efforts, from 
 what is said in the word of God. The parable of the Great Sup- 
 per exhibits our Saviour's views on this subject. The rich refused 
 the invitation ; but the poor, those in the highways and hedges, 
 were brought in. Lazarus is in heaven, Dives in hell. " It is 
 easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a 
 rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven." It was among 
 the poor that our Saviour laboured, and it was the poor, " the 
 common people," that heard him gladly. Such has been the suc- 
 cess of the gospel among the poor in every age of the church. 
 
 There is another reason why we should hope for success, which 
 ought not to be overlooked. It is, that there appears to be a pre- 
 paration of the heart, a general desire, to receive religious instruc 
 tion. It has not been unusual to find persons, who have not been 
 under the care of any spiritual teacher, or attached to any de- 
 nomination of christians, deeply exercised in mind. Numbers of 
 such have actually been brought, as we trust, into the kingdom, 
 and joined themselves to the visible church, of Christ. Several 
 cases of hopeful conversion have recently come to my knowledge. 
 May these be the first fruits of an abundant harvest ! Though I 
 have visited many hundred families, I have not been unkindly 
 treated, as I recollect, in a single instance ; but, on the contrary, 
 have generally been received with apparent gratitude ; often 
 urged and entreated to call again, and often followed into the 
 street with such exclamations as these, " May God bless you !" 
 ** May God reward you !" Those of the most vicious character 
 have listened to instruction and exhortation, not only with fixed 
 attention, but often with weeping. Perhaps it would not exceed 
 the truth, were I to affirm, that one half of the families, which have 
 
51 
 
 (been thus visited, and particularly conversed with, have been left 
 in teats. It is a fact worthy of notice, that all the congregations 
 in that part of the city, have, of late, rapidly increased. While 
 exploring parts of the city, I have often indulged the animating 
 hope, that the Spirit was moving " upon the face of the waters," 
 that God was preparing the way for those Christ-like efforts, which 
 we earnestly pray he may excite his people to make No such 
 effort at this day is unblest. Who can doubt whether that 
 which Christ has so expressly commanded, and sanctioned by his 
 own example, will prove successful ? 
 
 [Though* most persons may allow, that exertions to enlighten the 
 ignorant and reform the vicious, generally, may be successful, yet 
 there will remain certain classes of the vicious, of whom they will 
 believe there is no hope. It is true, that without help from God 
 we can do nothing. But with that help, we ' can do all things.'' 
 We do not hesitate to say, that the receptacles of vice referred to 
 can be broken up, and that God has appointed the means by 
 which it may be done, and that it is the du'y of Christians 
 to use them. There is a remedy. — But do n-» ,magine that it is 
 some new discovery, which has not been divulged. The remedy 
 has long since been prepared in heaven — it has been divulged by 
 the Holy Ghost — it is the Gospel of Christ. 
 
 Antiquity is the greatest supporter of that vice, which is yearly 
 slaying its thousands. It is said, that it has always been so in our 
 large cities ; that they have always, from time immemorial, been 
 thus corrupted. And this seems to have satisfied the minds of 
 Christians. These places have been regarded as a necessary evil. 
 Christians have seen and deplored this state of things ; but do not 
 seem to have ever imagined that it could be changed. 
 
 That we may put a stop to the progress of this corruption, there 
 must be a general united effort. Those men who keep these 
 houses must be openly attacked. This will be a hazardous under- 
 taking. But are we to tremble before those who bear the mark 
 of the beast in their foreheads : " whose sins are open before hand, 
 going before to judgment;'' who are known to be in close alliance 
 with Satan ; whose very dwellings are the avenues to his domin- 
 ions ? With such men we are to declare open war. We are to 
 seize with holy violence the sword of the civil law and the sword 
 of the Spirit. We are to follow them to their abodes of darkness, 
 and bring them forth to the light ; — we are to carry destruction into 
 their camp. That much may be done by the civil law is certain. 
 A magistrate, a few years since, assisted by only one of his as- 
 sociates, drove hundreds of these vile persons to a distant part of 
 the city. Many of them know him to this day, and tremble vvhed 
 they see him. If one or two individual magistrates could effect 
 this, what might not all united accomplish, especially, if supported 
 and aided by the whole moral and religious community. 
 
 An asylum must be provided, to whirh <Iiosp who are disposed" 
 
52 
 
 may resort. It will perhaps be said, that such an asylum was once 
 provided in this city, and found ineffectual. With the management 
 of that institution I am wholly unacquainted. But to be success- 
 ful, an asylum must be conducted in such a manner, that those who 
 resort to it shall not feel themselves to be in a prison. It must be 
 as comfortable as it can be made, both for body and mind. It 
 must be an asylum from disgrace as well as wretchedness. Of 
 those who have resided for years in these abodes of darkness, we 
 have not so much hope : but of persons as young as some of them 
 are ; of those who have fled to such places as a refuge from disgrace, 
 we think there is much hope, even from such an institution. In 
 England, many, by this means, have been rescued from infamy and 
 death ; have been restored to their friends, and lived, and ultimate- 
 ly died, respected. 
 
 We must not only provide for them a pleasant retreat, but we 
 must make the places of their resort unpleasant. If they flee from 
 the asylum and from one house to another, or from one city to an- 
 other, they must be followed. While engaged in this wickedness, 
 give them no peace. Plant thorns and daggers before them, which 
 shall pierce them every step they take in this highway to hell. 
 But if at any time they manifest a disposition to retrace their steps, 
 
 strew their paths with flowers. But this is not sufficient. The 
 
 same means are to be used with them as with other classes of the 
 destitute. The Bible and Tracts must be put into their hands, 
 and the Gospel must be preached to them. Some may smile at 
 the idea of preaching the Gospel to such creatures. But why not 
 preach the Gospel to them ? We preach it to the rich worldling 
 and to the self-righteous Pharisee, and do we not read, that " pub- 
 licans and harlots shall go into the kingdom of heaven" before such ? 
 Did not Christ preach the Gospel to persons of this description ? 
 
 Is not a Mary Magdalene in heaven ? When labouring in parts of 
 
 the city where they reside, we have been called to visit them 
 when sick and dying, and never have we witnessed such scenes of 
 distress of mind. We have frequently addressed a room full on 
 such an occasion, and never without seeing much tenderness ; fre- 
 quently almost all have been drowned in tears, and some of them 
 have cried out in the most affecting manner. 
 
 By the influence of the magistrate above alluded to, a ball-room 
 was, about a year ago, obtained in a neighbourhood where there were 
 supposed to be several hundreds of such persons, for the purpose of 
 preaching to them on the sabbath. The number that attended, con- 
 stantly increased (ill the room was closed by the owner. We have 
 since learned, that his neighbours of the same craft complained of him 
 and obliged him to close his room, lest the hope of their gain should 
 be taken away. We are not without evidence, that one or two have 
 become true penitents on a dying bed, have been washed in the 
 blood of the Lamb, and are now joined to better society in a bet- 
 ter world. 
 
 
53 
 
 There are those who, on another account, regard this vice as a 
 necessary evil ; who feel, that were those places of resort broken 
 up, their dearest friends would be in danger. Has it then come to 
 this, that we must endanger what is dearer than life, by putting a 
 stop to the grossest and most daring iniquity ? Must these sinks 
 of pollution remain, or must we have wolves and tigers prowling 
 our streets? Must we let go and suffer the flood to pour in upon 
 us without opposition? Is an evil of this kind, to be lessened by 
 giving it the sanction of public opinion, by removing all restraints 
 and presenting every possible temptation* ? The objection is 
 founded in ignorance of human nature. A thousand are now de- 
 stroyed where one would be, provided such places were unknown. 
 One fact on this subject. — As the worthy gentleman above referred 
 to and myself were one Sabbath in the upper part of the city, a 
 person came out of a house, apparently in ^reat haste, and entreat- 
 ed us to go in and see one of her friends, who she said was dying. As 
 we entered the door, we observed a middle aged lady genteelly 
 dressed and of very respectable appearance, whom we at first sup- 
 posed to be a Manager of some charitable institution, that had 
 come there to afford relief to the distressed. She retired and sat 
 down in another part of the room, while we addressed those who 
 surrounded the sick person, who at that time was deprived of her 
 reason. After addressing them for some time and praying with 
 them, I turned to a young man who stood at the foot of the bed, 
 and spoke to him, in a low tone of voice, on the subject of reli- 
 gion. The lady, who before had appeared much distressed, una- 
 ble to contain herself any longer, arose, and clasping her hands, 
 cried out in the most heart-rending manner, O ! that's my son ! my 
 son ! my dear son ! — The son had become a companion of the vile, 
 — the mother had followed him to this house of death, to persuade 
 him to return to the bosom of his friends. A list of additional 
 facts might be recited, which would make the ears of parents and 
 friends to tingle. Let us not forget, that in destroying these habi- 
 tations of cruelty, we must have help from God — " this kind goeth 
 not out but by prayer arid fasting." Let all who feel for the wel- 
 fare of the rising generation and the spread of the Gospel, awake 
 to this subject. Let it no more be reiterated, that our cities have al- 
 ways been thus corrupt. If this is to be repeated from generation to 
 generation, and to have its palsying influence, our cities must, ac- 
 cording to the ordinary providence of God, remain corrupt till they 
 are purified by the flames of the last day.] 
 
 It is a painful consideration, that this subject is intimately con- 
 nected with the spiritual welfare of our seamen, another class of 
 the destitute, who have, also, been regarded as in a condition al- 
 
 * How different the advertisements in some of our Newspapers and the in- 
 scriptions on the coiners of our streets, and sometimes on the fences which 
 surround our churches, from what they will be " in that day," wheu " there 
 ihall he upon the bells of the horses, holiness fxto the Lord.'" 
 
54 
 
 most hopeless. But, notwithstanding this, and all other unfavour- 
 able circumstances, I know of no class of men, with whom we 
 have greater encouragement to labour. When we consider, that 
 they are evidently vicious, because they have been neglected ; 
 when we recollect the interesting traits in their character — the 
 station in which God has placed them — the opportunity of doing 
 good, which he has put into their hands, we must believe, that 
 there is in store for them a rich blessing. 
 
 In a former part of this report, I informed the society, that I 
 had, for some time past, spent part of the Sabbath in preaching 
 to seamen. With gratitude to Him, " whose way is in the sea 
 and whose path is in the great waters," it is in my power to state, 
 that my most sanguine expectations have been more than realized. 
 According to a printed notice, put up at some of their boarding 
 houses and elsewhere, numbers of them have attended ; and, 
 though, in consequence of their short continuance in port, almost 
 every Sabbath has presented me with a new collection of them, 
 they have universally behaved with the most strict propriety — 
 they have listened to the preaching of the gospel with fixed atten- 
 tion — many of them have been melted into tears. One circum- 
 stance, as a testimony of their sensibility and their gratitude, 
 ought not to be omitted. A few Sabbaths ago, I informed them, 
 after divine service, that it was contemplated to build a church 
 and to form a Bible Society for seamen.* At the bare mention 
 of this fact, many of them wept. Similar interest has been 
 manifested at other times. Of those, who have attended 
 public worship, numbers have come to my lodgings to inquire, 
 apparently with deep concern, what they should do to be 
 saved. Though, in consequence of their being scattered over 
 the world, the effect of labours in this, or in any other ports, 
 should not be known, may we not hope, that we shall see many 
 of them at the last day on the right hand of Christ ? May we 
 not hope, that soon, every fla^ will become a standard of the cross 
 — every ship a temple, from which "incense and a pure offering" 
 shall ascend to God — every seaman a herald of salvation ; and that 
 this long neglected class of men will be eminently instrumental in 
 hastening on that period, when " the knowledge of the Lord shall 
 cover the earth as the waters do the seas?" The Son of God, the 
 Great Captain of our salvation, selected seamen to be his imme- 
 diate followers, and commissioned them to publish the gospel to 
 the gentile nations. 
 
 There is still stronger evidence, that the good work in which 
 you are engaged will be crowned with glorious success. It is a 
 work in which our blessed Saviour, while on earth, took a parti- 
 cular interest — a work in which he spent his life. If he be lor 
 us, who can be against us ? But while we thus deliberate, me- 
 
 * Since the Bible Society was formed, a very considerable number of sea- 
 men have become members of it, and by it have been supplied with Bibles. 
 
8k 
 
 thinks I hear him saying, " Go out quickly into the highways and 
 hedges." Souls are perishing in the midst of us. . The work has 
 been too long delayed. Even during the last year more than 
 twenty-seven hundred immortal beings have taken their departure 
 from this city to the eternal world. Considering how comparatively 
 small is the number, who even profess to know any thing of ex- 
 perimental religion, and that of these, many appear to be dead 
 while they have a name to live, how many hundreds have descend- 
 ed from the midst of us to the regions of despair! We must meet 
 them at the bar of God. Let us then work while the day lasts ; 
 let us cry mightily unto God, to hasten the time when " the in- 
 habitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedi- 
 ly to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts." 
 Whenever that blessed time shall come, we are assured, that 
 ' many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of 
 hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord."