PAM. 
 
 SERM. 
 
 
 arfic ©(ilt'aattonsof (Ehristtang to the IDenthrn Woilti 
 
 
 DELIVERED AT THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN* BOSTON 
 
 UEFORE THE 
 
 AUXILIARY FOREIGN MISSION SOCIETY 
 
 BOSTON AND VICINITY, 
 
 AT THEIR 
 
 ANNUAL MEETING, JANUARY 3, 1825 
 
 BY WARREN FAY, 
 
 Pastor of the First Church in Charlestown, Mass. 
 
 Boston: 
 
 P BI If TED BT CROCKER AND BREWSTER, 
 No. 50, CornliUI. 
 
 1825. 
 
<ZThc ©fcUQAttons of Christians to the heathen £3?orUJ. 
 
 A 
 
 ummmw 
 
 DELIVERED AT THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH IN BOSTON, 
 
 BEFORE THE 
 
 AUXILIARY FOREIGN MISSION SOCIETY 
 
 OF 
 
 BOSTON AND VICINITY, 
 
 AT THEIR 
 
 ANNUAL MEETING, JANUARY 3, 1825. 
 
 BY WARREN FAY, 
 
 Pastor of the First Church in Charlestown, Mass. 
 
 Boston: 
 
 PRINTED BY CROCKER AND BREWSTER, 
 No. 50 , Corahill. 
 
 1825. 
 
Boston , Jan. 3, 1825. At a meeting of the Auxiliary Foreign Mission 
 Society of Boston and Vicinity, held at the Old South Meeting House, after 
 the public services of this evening; 
 
 Voted; That the Rev. B. B. Wisner, Jeremiah Evarts Esq. and Thomas 
 Vose Esq., be a Committee to present the thanks of the Society to the 
 Rev. Warren Fay for his able and impressive Discourse, and to request a 
 copy of the same for publication. 
 
 Attest, 
 
 WM. J. HUBBARD, Secretary. 
 
Sermon. 
 
 MARK xiv, 8, 9. 
 
 SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD; SHE IS COME AFOREHAND TO ANOINT 
 MY BODY TO THE BURYING. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, WHERESOEVER 
 THIS GOSPEL SHALL BE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD, 
 THIS ALSO THAT SHE HATH DONE SHALL BE SPOKEN OF, FOR A MEMO- 
 RIAL OF HER. 
 
 T hese words form a part of the description of a very 
 interesting scene at Bethany, in the house of Simon, 
 whom the Saviour had probably healed t)f his leprosy. 
 While he sat at meat in the hospitable mansion of 
 him, to whom he had been so great a benefactor, there 
 came a woman, who, another Evangelist tells us, was 
 Mary the sister of Lazarus, and brake an alabaster 
 box of precious ointment, and poured it on his head. 
 To this Judas the traitor, whose prominent feature of 
 character was covetousness, objected, as a waste of 
 the blessings of providence; and he founded his objec- 
 tion on a pretended benevolence to the poor, though 
 we are informed it was “not that he cared for the 
 poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, 
 and bare what was put therein.” His objection 
 appeared so specious, and savored so much of a 
 
4 
 
 prudent care of temporal good, and of compassion to 
 the needy, that the disciples joined him in the com- 
 plaint. “And they murmured against her.” 
 
 The Saviour then interposed, and silenced their 
 murmuring, and justified, in the most unequivocal 
 manner, the conduct of his self-denying and devoted 
 disciple. “And Jesus said, let her alone; why trouble 
 ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me. For 
 ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye 
 will, ye may do them good; but me ye have not always. 
 She hath done what she could. — Verily I say unto 
 you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached 
 throughout the whole world, this also that she hath 
 done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” She 
 had poured on his head an alabaster box of ointment 
 of the highest value; it was “very precious ointment.” 
 An offering of less value, and presented with less 
 sacrifice, would not fully express her attachment to 
 Jesus Christ and his cause; would not be a full disclo- 
 sure of her readiness to make the greatest efforts and 
 sacrifices in his service. It was not only very precious 
 ointment, but, it would seem, was as costly an offering 
 as she could present. The Saviour declares, “She hath 
 done what she could;” — she has made the highest 
 sacrifice in her power. And this he most unequivo- 
 cally approved. He commended her conduct in the 
 hearing of all present, as expressive of her supreme 
 regard to him, and as doing all she could at the great- 
 est sacrifice to honor him before men. Nor was this 
 all. He' would have this noble sacrifice recorded, and 
 proclaimed wherever his Gospel should bo preached 
 
o 
 
 throughout the whole world. He would have this 
 self-denying and munificent act spoken of every where, 
 and in every generation, fora memorial of her, to make 
 known his cordial approbation of the greatest sacri- 
 fices to promote the honor of his name, and the inter- 
 ests of his kingdom. 
 
 Since the ascension of the Sa\ iour to Heaven, his 
 disciples cannot express their love to him by anoint- 
 ing him with precious ointment, by sitting at his feet, 
 and administering to his wants. But they may express 
 their affection in a manner no less acceptable, and no 
 less unequivocal. They may still make efforts and 
 sacrifices in honor of his name, and to supply the 
 spiritual wants of those, for whom he died. They 
 may still rally around his cross, and unfurl the banner 
 of his truth in Christian and in Pagan lands. They 
 may still bring their most valuable offerings, and cast 
 them into his Treasury, and become instrumental of 
 spreading the savor of his name, more precious than 
 the most precious ointment, over a race of dying men. 
 They may do much to erect, in the midst of heathen 
 darkness, a memorial not only of his people’s love to 
 him, but of his love to a perishing world; and to bring 
 that world to bow at his feet, and rejoice in his salva- 
 tion. 
 
 And how can they more directly and unequivocally 
 express their love to Christ and their attachment to his 
 cause; how can they better imitate the conduct of the 
 pious disciple, he so highly commended, than by doing 
 all they can to disseminate the blessings of his grace 
 over a perishing world? 
 
6 
 
 Our text exhibits the sentiment, that Jesus Christ 
 APPROVES THE GREATEST EFFORTS AND SACRIFICES 
 IN HIS CAUSE. 
 
 The object of the Auxiliary Foreign Mission Soci- 
 ety, by whose appointment, and in whose behalf, I 
 appear with diffidence to address this respected audi- 
 ence, this evening, is to set up the kingdom of Christ 
 in the whole earth, to translate the Scriptures into 
 every language, to convey the blessings of Christian- 
 ity to every nation, to preach the Gospel to every 
 creature. 
 
 This object is to be accomplished directly and 
 extensively, under the blessing of God, by Foreign 
 Missions. We are not unapprized, that some objections 
 have been suggested against Foreign Missions, which 
 are not made, or not urged with so much frequency 
 and confidence, against other objects of Christian 
 benevolence; that some are ready to say, with refer- 
 ence to the expenditures and efforts in this vast 
 department of Christian charity, — “Why this waste?” 
 Why not devote these charities and labors to other 
 objects; why is not the money thus expended, “given 
 to the poor;” why not retain the Missionaries, to 
 supply the want of ministers in our own country; why 
 send away so many promising men to waste their 
 strength and talents in fruitless toils in foreign lands, 
 and to die in an inhospitable clime? 
 
 We decline instituting any comparison, as to the 
 importance or utility of the various benevolent institu- 
 tions of the age; though we cannot think that, which 
 embraces the widest field, meets the most expansive 
 
7 
 
 views and wishes, and aims at the greatest and noblest 
 results, — the conversion and salvation of the world, 
 second to any other. This institution with its various 
 dependencies cannot flourish without the aid of other 
 institutions. If the channel of this river be broader 
 and longer and deeper, it can be filled only by tribu- 
 tary streams; and if it send its healing waters into all 
 the earth, it must be replenished from all the springs 
 and rivulets of the Christian world. The various 
 benevolent institutions, which adorn the age, are 
 component and intimately connected parts of one great 
 system; they are streams issuing from the same vast 
 fountain; and, like all the rivers of the earth, they flow 
 into the same vast ocean, and form a sea of joy and 
 bliss, augmenting forever. Bible Societies, Educa- 
 tion Societies, Tract Societies, Domestic Missionary 
 Societies, and all the benevolent institutions, originat- 
 ing in the love of Christ, and suited to extend his holy 
 kingdom on earth, are necessary, and even indispensa- 
 ble, to form that vast moral machinery, which is 
 designed, in its combined operation, to enlighten, and 
 bless, and save the world. 
 
 But as some objections have been made against 
 Foreign Missions in particular, the subject and occa- 
 sion seem to demand, that the most prominent of these 
 should be candidly noticed, before we proceed to the 
 illustration of the sentiment contained in the text. 
 
 Some suppose, that the Heathen do not need the 
 gospel as a means of salvation, and consequently that 
 it is unnecessary to furnish them with Christian 
 instruction. But are not the blessings Christianity 
 
8 
 
 confers in the present life, the richest blessings we 
 enjoy, more to be prized than gold, yea than much 
 fine gold? And would not these blessings be equally 
 valuable to ignorant degraded Pagans? If the gospel 
 with all its light and privileges and hopes would be no 
 blessing to them, why should we value it, or support 
 the preaching of it among ourselves? — Let the advo- 
 cates of this objection be asked, if they are willing to 
 exchange condition with the Heathen; if they are 
 willing to relinquish all the temporal blessings they 
 enjoy in consequence of possessing the gospel; if they 
 are willing to exile themselves from all that is peculiar 
 and cheering and elevating in Christian lands, and 
 retire into the western wilderness, or plant themselves 
 on distant heathen shores, and live in all the darkness, 
 and miseries, and wretchedness, of Paganism? 
 
 But before it is admitted, that the Heathen do not 
 need the blessings of Christianity, look at their condi- 
 tion in this life, and also at their prospects for the life 
 to come. 
 
 Behold them enveloped in mental and moral dark- 
 ness, — almost destitute of the blessings of domestic 
 and social life; living either in a state of savage bar- 
 barity, or under civil oppression and despotism. See 
 them debased by the most horrid idolatries and shame- 
 less vices, tormented by the most distressing fears and 
 consuming passions, submitting to the most painful 
 penance and excruciating tortures, sunk in pollution 
 and vassalage and crime and misery, amidst which an 
 enlightened Christian would not think life desirable; — 
 and then say, does not their present state call for our 
 
9 
 
 commiseration anti charities, and demand that they be 
 furnished with the blessings of the gospel? What 
 but Christianity would relieve their present sufferings, 
 and raise them from the depths of their degradation? 
 What so much promotes mental cultivation, furnishes 
 such salutary principles upon which to establish social 
 order, and civil government, and gives such powerful 
 sanctions to equitable laws? What but Christianity 
 has actually subverted pagan rites, subdued the self- 
 ishness and malignity of pagan hearts, and introduced 
 the blessings of a refined civilization? The state of 
 those, over whom science and the arts have exerted 
 their highest influence without Christianity, has been 
 a semi-barbarous state. Does not the present condi- 
 tion of the Heathen evince, that they need the blessings 
 of Christianity? 
 
 Look at their prospects for the future world. They 
 are, even to them, gloomy prospects. Upon the future 
 rests an awful uncertainty. Whether annihilation, or 
 a mixed state of pleasure and pain, or a scene of 
 unmingled misery, awaits them; whether they shall 
 exist with the same conscious identity, or whether 
 their departed spirits shall animate the brutal creation; 
 whether they shall hold the same rank, or be ele- 
 vated as gods, or degraded as devils; — they know not. 
 But when their prospects for eternity are contemplated 
 through the medium of the gospel, they are still more 
 dark and appalling; — for the scriptures teach us, that 
 they are under the dominion of those sinful propensi- 
 ties and unhallowed passions, which disqualify them 
 for the enjoyment of a holy God, and the society of 
 
10 
 
 “the just made perfect;” that those, who practise their 
 vices and abominations, cannot dwell “where nothing 
 entereth, which defileth or worketh abomination, or 
 maketh a lie;” — that “no idolater hath any inheritance 
 in the kingdom of Christ,” and that “idolaters shall 
 not inherit the kingdom of God.” 
 
 Here let it be distinctly understood, that we do not 
 say, nor do we in any sense admit, “that the Heathens, 
 merely from the circumstance that they are Heathens,” 
 that is, that they are born in heathen lands, “are 
 under the wrath and curse of God;” or that they will 
 be punished with everlasting destruction from the 
 presence of the Lord merely for not believing in a 
 Saviour, of whom they have not, and could not have 
 heard; but that the crimes and abominations, with 
 which they are actually chargeable, expose them to 
 endless misery; and, like those who perish from under 
 the light of the gospel, they are liable to be punished 
 for the guilt they have incurred; for sinning against 
 the light they have enjoyed; for violating “the law 
 written in their hearts.” 
 
 If the Heathen are perfectly innocent and holy, 
 they cannot be exposed to future misery. But if they 
 are guilty in the sight of God, and in a state of impen- 
 itence, and without excuse, why are they not as liable 
 to hopeless perdition, as the impenitent under the light 
 of the gospel? It is the language of inspiration, “As 
 many as have sinned without law shall also perish 
 without law.” And though it will be “more tolerable” 
 for them in a future world, than for those who neglect 
 the salvation of the gospel, and die in impenitence 
 
11 
 
 under all its heavenly light, yet is it not infinitely 
 desirable to prevent, if possible, their “perishing tor 
 lack of vision?” Do they not, in a candid survey, 
 through the medium of revelation, of their prospects 
 for the future life, need the light the gospel emits, 
 the transforming influence it imparts, the consolations 
 it affords, fhe hopes it inspires, and the salvation it 
 reveals, and actually secures to all who yield to its 
 renovating and sanctifying influence? 
 
 Some, again, object to sending the gospel to the 
 Heathen, because they, suppose it a visionary scheme, 
 and that the gospel will produce among Pagans no 
 salutary effects. 
 
 It is admitted, that there are difficulties to be over- 
 come in bringing Pagans under the influence of the 
 gospel. But these difficulties arc no greater now, 
 than they were in the days of the Apostles. They 
 were indeed endowed with the gift of tongues, and 
 enabled to speak in the different languages of those, 
 whom they addressed. But Missionaries now learn 
 the languages of those, to w hom they are sent; they 
 translate the Scriptures into these languages; they 
 preach in these languages, so that the Gentile nations 
 hear, as on the day of Pentecost, “every one in his 
 own language the wonderful works of God.” The 
 Apostles WTOught miracles. But it was to prove their 
 divine mission, and thus confirm their instructions, 
 and not directly to renew and sanctify the heart. Men 
 were not converted under their instructions by miracles. 
 Missionaries at the present day exhibit an authentic 
 
12 
 
 record of these well attested miracles to confirm the 
 truth of the same message. They present to the 
 minds of the Heathen, in an embodied form, a greater 
 number of miracles, than the Apostles presented to the 
 eye of any one community. The Apostles had the 
 promise of the Saviour’s presence, and of the influ- 
 ences of the Holy Spirit. Missionaries no# have the 
 same precious promises; for the Saviour said, “Lo I 
 am with you always, even to the end of the ivorld .” 
 And the same power, which crowned with success the 
 instructions of the Apostles, can crown with success 
 the labors of modern Missionaries. — Faithful and 
 devoted Missionaries have, then, the same encourage- 
 ment to expect success, as the first Christian Mission- 
 aries, called Apostles, and sent forth by Christ him- 
 self. 
 
 They have, also, the same encouragement to expect 
 success, as have Ministers of the gospel in Christian 
 lands. It requires no more power, nor an influence 
 more immediately from Heaven, to give saving efficacy 
 to divine truth in Pagan, than it does in Christian 
 lands; to give the highest success to Missionaries 
 abroad, than to Ministers at home. All, who cordially 
 receive Jesus Christ, in countries called Christian, as 
 well as in those called Pagan, are “born not of blood, 
 nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but 
 of God.” 
 
 But is it said, that missionary labors among the 
 Heathen have been, and still are, entirely unsuccessful 
 and useless? Were this true, me should all have been 
 
IS 
 
 Pagans; for ouv distant ancestors, our Pagan fathers, 
 centuries ago, were enlightened and christianized by 
 the labors of Missionaries. 
 
 Or is it .objected, that no success attends the present 
 mode of conducting Foreign Missions; that all the 
 expenditures and labors and sufferings in this cause 
 are now unsuccessful and useless? And are these things 
 so? Is it altogether useless to establish so many 
 schools in our Western wilderness, and among Pagans 
 on the Eastern Continent, and in the Islands of the 
 Sea; to place so many children and youth under lite- 
 rary, moral, and religious instruction; — to translate 
 the Scriptures, or at least portions of them, into so 
 many languages; — to circulate so much Christian 
 knowledge by well written and well adapted tracts; — to 
 preach the gospel to so many, who never heard it 
 before; and to prepare the way for the more general 
 dissemination of useful knowledge, and especially the 
 knowledge of “the true God and eternal life?” Is it 
 accomplishing nothing, that, by the aid of Foreign 
 Missions, the light of science and revelation is kindled, 
 and shining forth in the darkest regions of Gentilism, 
 and chasing away the midnight gloom, which brooded 
 over the most degraded of our species; — that so many 
 dreary spots, in the vast wilderness of moral darkness 
 and death, are cleared, and the seed cast into the earth, 
 and already vegetating to produce a rich and extended 
 harvest? 
 
 But this is not all. Foreign Missions, — to the 
 praise of divine grace be it spoken, — have not failed 
 of the ultimate success desired. Not only have the 
 
14 
 
 ignorant been enlightened, savages civilized, and idol- 
 aters induced to cast their idols to the moles and to 
 the bats; — but the thoughtless have been alarmed, 
 those, who have slumbered during a long night of 
 Paganism, have been awaked, and those, who were 
 “perishing for lack of vision,” have hopefully become 
 enlightened and devout Christians. It is ascertained 
 from authentic testimony, and has not been contradicted 
 by those who have most examined the subject, and 
 have the best opportunity of judging, that there are now 
 FIFTY THOUSAND PROFESSED CHRISTIANS, wllO have 
 been rescued from the darkness and superstitions of 
 Heathenism, and brought into Christian fellowship, by 
 the labors of Missionaries. Were those who have 
 been gathered into Christian churches from the wastes 
 of Paganism, apportioned among the ordained Mission- 
 aries in the field, it would give them larger churches, 
 than the average number in the churches in this 
 country. And do the Missionaries of the cross go 
 into the very heart of the wilderness, and clear the 
 soil, and sow the seed on ground, which had been 
 unbroken for ages, and so speedily reap as rich a 
 harvest, as is gathered by the majority of laborers, 
 who cultivate the fields, which have been tilled and 
 fertilized for many generations; — and shall it be said, 
 that they have accomplished nothing; that their labors 
 and sacrifices have been utterly unsuccessful and use- 
 less? Is there not as much reason to advise, that the 
 great majority of ministers in Christian countries 
 abandon their posts and their office for want of suc- 
 cess, as that the present system of Foreign Missions 
 
15 
 
 ^ • 
 
 he abandoned, because the success of its efforts does 
 not equal the highest wishes of a benevolent heart? 
 
 But what if the success of Foreign Missions were 
 less, far less, than it now is; — what if those, whom we 
 send to cultivate the wilderness, and repair the wastes 
 of Heathenism, saw no immediate success; would this 
 he a reason, why we should neglect to obey the plain 
 command of Christ, and to do all in our power, that 
 the gospel may he preached to every creature? llow 
 often did Jesus Christ and his Apostles proclaim the 
 truth, and no spiritual resurrection follow, no recruits 
 come to the standard, they had set up? How often do 
 faithful ministers labor in the best cultivated and most 
 promising parts of the vineyard, year after year, with 
 little or no apparent success? And is it expected, that 
 the Missionaries in the vast wilderness of Paganism 
 will see a verdant landscape blooming at their feet, or a 
 rich harvest rising up before them, as soon as the first 
 blow is struck, and the noise of the axe is heard? The 
 husbandman, on lands long cultivated and highly 
 fertile, waits with patience, and labors with diligence 
 and high expectation, until he receive the early and 
 the latter rain. And shall not the Missionary, in the 
 midst of a deep forest, be allowed time to clear away 
 the growth of a century, and break the ground, and 
 scatter the seed, and nurture the rising plants, before 
 you pronounce his labor unsuccessful and useless, 
 because he has not gathered a matured and abundant 
 harvest? When it is announced, that eighty have hope- 
 fully become Christians the past year under the labors 
 of the Missionaries at Ceylon; and not less than fifty 
 
16 
 
 in the Cherokee nation of Indians; when whole terri- 
 tories, like the Society Islands, are known to have 
 renounced their horrid idolatries, and yielded to the 
 influence of Christian institutions more generally, than 
 any community in Christendom, under the labors of 
 Missionaries, and in less than twenty-five years; shall 
 the objection any longer be repeated, that Foreign 
 Missions are visionary and unsuccessful? 
 
 Another objection made against Foreign Missions 
 is, that an interest in this cause will lessen the aid 
 afforded to other charitable institutions, and diminish 
 the efforts made for the advancement of religion at 
 home. 
 
 But it must be obvious to a reflecting mind, that 
 there is the most intimate connexion between Foreign 
 Missions, and almost all the objects of Christian 
 benevolence. The former opens a deep and extensive 
 channel, which conveys the charities and blessings of 
 other charitable institutions over the world. 
 
 It is now about thirty years, “since the Apostolic 
 spirit, which had so long slumbered in the Church, 
 awoke,” and the importance of Foreign Missions 
 began to be felt. And to what noble monuments of 
 Christian benevolence has it given rise in Christian 
 lands? While the success has been greater abroad, 
 than could have been reasonably expected, we are 
 sometimes ready to conclude, that it. has done even 
 more for the churches at home; for the streams, it has 
 sent forth, have risen no higher in their meanderings, 
 than the fountain. In the period of thirty years, as 
 the spirit of Foreign Missions has expanded the 
 
17 
 
 hearts of Christians, how many institutions for the 
 purposes of religious charity have sprung up in all 
 parts of the Christian world? How much more 
 strongly has it been felt, that we must have Education 
 Societies, because we must have more Missionaries; 
 that we must have Bible Societies, because the influence 
 of the Bible at home and abroad directly promotes 
 the cause of Foreign Missions; that we must do more to 
 promote Domestic Missions, because the efforts and 
 charities of the whole Christian world are needed in 
 evangelizing the Heathen; that we must promote reviv- 
 als of religion, and labor to increase greatly the numbers 
 and the piety in our churches, and to raise the standard 
 of Christian attainments and sacrifices, because all 
 this is necessary to send forth the blessings of salva- 
 tion to a dying world. 
 
 This objection does not evince the most intimate 
 acquaintance with the expansive and glowing benevo- 
 lence of the gospel. The man, who has a strength of 
 compassion and love, which can embrace distant per- 
 ishing nations, can surely extend his solicitude and 
 benevolence to those around him, to his own country- 
 men. Would any suppose, that Paul felt less com- 
 passion and solicitude for his kinsmen the Jews, 
 because *he had a benevolence expansive enough to 
 embrace the Gentile world? And, generally, are those, 
 who sigh and weep most over the miseries and 
 wretchedness of distant Pagans, who have a benevo- 
 lence, which bleeds and prays and labors for the 
 conversion of the world, most indifferent to the spirit- 
 ual interests of their families, to the advancement of 
 3 
 
18 
 
 Zion around them, to the progress of Domestic Mis- 
 sions, and to the prosperity of the various benevolent 
 institutions of the age? Are those, who do most to aid 
 Foreign Missions, the men who complain of the 
 burden of supporting the Christian ministry, who turn 
 away, with cold indifference, from solicitations to 
 enlighten the ignorant, and supply the destitute, and 
 save the perishing in our own land? And are the 
 other religious charitable institutions patronized whol- 
 ly, or chiefly by those, who virtually say, when you 
 pass the limits of your own family, or parish, or state, 
 or country, you pass the limits of Christian benevo- 
 lence, and go among immortal beings, who should 
 have none of your sympathies, none of your Christian 
 privileges, through the medium of your instrumental- 
 ity? We are not disposed to make invidious compari- 
 sons, or to say that no man has any compassion or 
 benevolence, who does not aid Foreign Missions; and, 
 certainly, not to boast of the liberality of those who 
 do. But we think it suitable, when this objection is 
 raised, to meet it with plain, undeniable facts; and 
 until these facts are disproved, we hope the objection 
 may no more be heard. 
 
 Another objection raised against Foreign Missions 
 is, that the labors of the Missionaries are not properly 
 directed. 
 
 It may be sufficient to say, in reply to this objection, 
 that the Board of Foreign Missions have supposed the 
 directions and example of the Apostles, who were 
 themselves Missionaries to the Heathen, their best 
 guide. And they have sought the conversion of the 
 
19 
 
 Heathen in the same manner, in which they believe 
 the first Christian Missionaries sought the same object; 
 — by plain and faithful Christian instruction; by 
 pouring the light of heavenly truth into the mind, and 
 endeavoring to bring it in contact with the conscience 
 and heart; by “reasoning with them out of the Scrip- 
 tures.” They read the command, “Preach the gospel 
 to every creature;” they learn the fact, that the Apos- 
 tles preached the gospel to the Heathen; and that 
 when “the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased 
 God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that 
 believe.” They wish, that Christian instruction 
 may be adapted to the state of ignorant, deluded 
 Pagans, and that the gospel may be preached to them 
 in the most intelligible, impressive, persuasive manner. 
 But they expect, according to all past experience, that 
 the strong holds of the prince of darkness in pagan 
 lands will be demolished by spiritual weapons, and 
 that the kingdom of Christ will be set up by the 
 preaching of the gospel, accompanied with a divine 
 influence. They adopt the general course of mission- 
 ary labor, and indeed the only one, which has been 
 successful in the conversion of the Heathen in past 
 ages; — the same means, in the use of which Brainerd, 
 and the Missionaries in the South Sea Islands, were 
 so successful; and in the use of which, under the 
 blessing of Heaven, they have reason to hope, that 
 some have become the friends of God and heirs of 
 eternal glory, at almost every missionary station they 
 have formed. 
 
20 
 
 But if a better mode of conducting Missions among 
 the Heathen can be shewn from actual experiment; if 
 to send a few men of uncommon literature to become 
 companions of enlightened Mohammedans and Pagans, 
 to impart a knowledge of the history and philosophy 
 received in the Christian world; or if an attempt to 
 introduce only the light of science and the blessings of 
 civilization will bring the learned Brahmun to bow at 
 the feet of the cross, and a greater number of idolaters 
 to true repentance and a meetness for Heaven, than 
 the word of God given in the languages of the Hea- 
 then, and the gospel preached in their languages, and 
 attended with a divine influence; we shall be willing 
 to look candidly at the evidence, and disposed to 
 review the present system of missionary labor. Until 
 the experiment has been made, the fact evinced, and 
 the evidence furnished, we shall think the present 
 general system for evangelizing the Heathen ought 
 not to be condemned. 
 
 We shall now attempt to show, as concisely as 
 possible, that Jesus Christ approves the greatest 
 efforts and sacrifices for the salvation of the Heathen 
 world. 
 
 1. Our first remark is, that he requires such efforts and 
 sacrifices for the attainment of this object. The com- 
 mand he gave his disciples was, “Go ye into all the 
 world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Now 
 could the disciples obey this command, few in number 
 as they were, and not only destitute of all civil aid, 
 
21 
 
 but withstood by the prejudice and ignorance ol 
 the world and by the power of the civil arm, and 
 assailed by opposition and reproach at every step, 
 without making great efforts and sacrifices? To obey 
 the command of Christ, and accomplish the sacred 
 enterprize of evangelizing the world, they must travel 
 and toil; they must sacrifice their worldly possessions 
 and prospects, their ease and reputation; they must 
 submit to false accusations, and persecution, and want, 
 and imprisonment, and stripes. All this the first dis- 
 ciples of Christ were required to do for the conversion 
 of the Heathen. And while the Saviour required his 
 Apostles to make such efforts and sacrifices for the 
 salvation of the world, he required the churches they 
 had planted, to administer to their necessities, and to 
 be instant in prayer for the success of their self-deny- 
 ing labors. 
 
 This command of the ascended Saviour is still in 
 force. The promise annexed evinces, that the requi- 
 sition is still binding; “Lo, I am with you always, 
 even to the end of the world.” Nor can this command 
 now be obeyed without benevolent efforts and personal 
 sacrifices. Those, who go to translate the scriptures 
 into the languages of Pagans, and to preach to them 
 the gospel of Christ, must make great sacrifices, and 
 endure hardness, as good soldiers of the cross. They 
 must abandon their friends, and country, and choicest 
 privileges, and commence their mission at a great 
 sacrifice. They must toil and study and preach 
 amidst privations and hardships, with vigorous effort, 
 to the end of life. Churches in Christian lands must 
 
22 
 
 make strenuous and persevering efforts to advance 
 religion at home, that the fountain of Christian benev- 
 olence may rise higher, and send forth more copious 
 streams; that the number and piety of “the sacra- 
 mental host of God’s elect” may be greatly increased, 
 and a vast army be enlisted to storm the strong holds 
 of Paganism, and set up the banner of Zion’s King in 
 every land. To furnish the requisite means for carry- 
 ing the word of life to every nation, and preaching the 
 gospel to every creature, the churches must make 
 sacrifices as well as efforts; they must deny themselves . 
 in some respects at least, that they may evince then- 
 love to him, who “pleased not himself;” that they 
 may secure the approbation of him, who delights in 
 obedience to his commands. 
 
 2. Jesus Christ expressed the highest approbation 
 of the greatest efforts and sacrifices to honor his per- 
 son and advance his kingdom on earth. His declara- 
 tion with respect to the conduct of the disciple 
 mentioned in our text, w ho poured an alabaster box of 
 very precious ointment on his head, is one instance. 
 She had made the highest sacrifice she could; she had 
 presented, as an expression of her attachment to the 
 Saviour, the most costly offering. ,Our Lord declares, 
 “she hath done what she could;” or as the original 
 imports, hath given that she had, all she could. And 
 he would have his unqualified approbation of the deed 
 proclaimed, wherever his gospel should be preached, 
 throughout the whole world. 
 
 On another occasion the Saviour sat iii the temple 
 over against the Treasury, into which the people cast 
 
23 
 
 their offerings to defray the expenses incurred by the 
 stated services of the sanctuary; and while he saw the 
 rich contributing large sums, he observed a certain 
 poor widow cast in two mites, which was all her 
 living. He then took occasion publicly to express his 
 cordial approbation of the great sacrifice she had 
 made to so pious a purpose, by declaring, that she had 
 cast in more than all the rich, because her offering 
 was a sacrifice of all she had. 
 
 The Apostles made great efforts and sacrifices to 
 spread the gospel, and to promote the salvation of the 
 Heathen world. For this they relinquished friends, 
 and ease, and reputation, and all worldly good, and 
 “counted not even their own lives dear unto them- 
 selves.” The Saviour blessed their labors and sacrifices 
 in this cause; he gave them greater success, than any 
 preachers of the gospel before or since. Never have so 
 great efforts and sacrifices been made for the salvation 
 of the world; never have efforts for this object been 
 so extensively succeeded; never so high approbation 
 conferred by the Great Head of the Church. 
 
 3. For the salvation of the world the Saviour him- 
 self made the greatest efforts and the highest sacrifices. 
 It is the testimony of inspiration, that “though he was 
 rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we 
 through his poverty might be rich.” He was born in 
 a manger, lived in obscurity, entered on his ministry- 
 in the face of danger, reproach, and death, and spent 
 his days amidst privations and sufferings for the sal- 
 vation of a perishing world. Follow him to the 
 place where he was betrayed, the hallowed place of 
 
24 
 
 his secret devotions; — to the hall where he had his 
 mock trial, was buffeted, was smitten with a reed, 
 was crowned with thorns: — to Calvary, where he was 
 nailed to the cross, and reviled, and given vinegar to 
 drink, and crucified; — and consider, all this he endur- 
 ed, his own life he sacrificed, for the salvation of the 
 world. — Not merely for the city of Nazareth, where 
 he was brought up; not solely for his own country- 
 men the Jews, because they had on this account 
 peculiar claims upon him; but for the Gentiles also, 
 for the chief of sinners, for the remotest generations, 
 for the world . “He became a propitiation for the 
 sins of the whole world.” In all these efforts, and 
 sacrifices, and sufferings, for such an object, he was 
 approved of his Father, and afterward received up to 
 glory. The greatest efforts and sacrifices, in the same 
 cause, he will approve now, and before the assembled 
 Universe at his second appearing. 
 
 4. The salvation of the Heathen world is an object 
 of sufficient importance, to demand and justify the 
 greatest efforts and sacrifices. What is wealth; what 
 are worldly distinctions, or worldly pleasures, or the 
 highest mental cultivation, or all the objects for the 
 attainment of which the greatest efforts and sacrifices 
 are actually made, compared with this? What all else 
 man pursues with the most unwearied labors and 
 painful self-denial, compared with the salvation of one 
 soul? Suppose by all the efforts and sacrifices, which 
 can be made by the whole Christian world, but one 
 Pagan should be rescued from the darkness of Gentil- 
 ism, from the greater darkness of spiritual death, and 
 
25 
 
 from tlio still greater “blackness of darkness forever, 
 — and raised to the image of God, to a throne ol 
 glory, to a participation in all the boundless joys and 
 ever increasing blessedness of Heaven, while Jehovah 
 lives and reigns; — woidd the sacriliee be too great for 
 the attainment of such an object; would the salvation 
 of that soul cost too much? Look over the world, and 
 behold hundreds of millions of immortal beings, 
 enveloped in moral darkness, degraded by vice, desti- 
 tute of the blessings of Christianity, ignorant ot their 
 present debasement, of the God who made them, of a 
 world of retribution, and exposed to perish in all their 
 idolatry; — and say, what is too much to be done to 
 rescue them from their present wretchedness, and raise 
 them to immortal glory? Will not the Saviour approve 
 the greatest efforts and sacrifices made for the salva- 
 tion of this vast multitude of immortal beings, for 
 whom he sacrificed his life? 
 
 My Brethren, is it not evident, that the standard of 
 Christian effort and sacrifices for the salvation of the 
 Heathen world is much too low? Is it as elevated, as 
 the precepts, or example, or spirit of Jesus Christ and 
 his Apostles would raise it? Are not the efforts made 
 in the Christian world for this most important object 
 which can interest the heart of man on earth, com- 
 paratively few and feeble; and the sacrifices even less, 
 than the efforts in this cause? Have professed Chris- 
 tians generally, reached tJie proper standard of 
 retrenchment in their expenditures, in order that they 
 may aid this object of Christian charity? Have they 
 laid aside whatever is unnecessary and useless in dress, 
 
26 
 
 in equipage, in their mode of living, in their selfish 
 enjoyments, that they might do more to send the 
 gospel to the Heathen? We are happy to say, that 
 there are those, in this city, and in other places, 
 whose diligence in business, whose economy, and 
 whose efforts, are directed to this object, and who 
 exhibit a noble example of doing what they can, by 
 their charities, to enlighten and save a perishing world. 
 But how small, comparatively, is the number, who 
 have made great efforts in this cause, either to arouse 
 others to its importance, or to acquire property for 
 the high and sacred purpose of devoting it to this 
 object? How few, comparatively, have made personal 
 sacrifices, and denied themselves earthly comforts, 
 that they might more effectually aid in rescuing a 
 perishing world from perdition? Of how few can it be 
 affirmed, they have done what they could? Of how 
 few, that they have done what they might, without 
 any personal sacrifices, to promote this object? 
 
 What might not be accomplished, if only that part 
 of the world called Christian, were to do what they 
 could to promote the salvation of the Heathen? What 
 wonders might, under the blessing of God, be speedily 
 wrought in this benevolent enterprize, if professed 
 Christians would do what they could; or even if real 
 Christians would do what they could; — if the mission- 
 ary spirit of Jesus Christ and his Apostles, of Elliot 
 and Brainerd, of Buchanan and Martyn, were to per- 
 vade their hearts? 
 
 It should be remembered, that if men are not 
 required now to sell all that they have, for the sake 
 of the spiritually destitute, as they were in the period 
 
27 
 
 ot the first Christian Missionaries, it is not because 
 they are not accountable stewards for all the blessings 
 ot divine Providence entrusted to them; it is not 
 because they are not required to consecrate all they 
 have to the service of Christ; but because, by retain- 
 ing a part, and improving it for this object, they may 
 have more to cast into the Lord’s Treasury, and may 
 double their two and five talents. 
 
 As the Millennium approaches, and the signs of the 
 times indicate that greater success is about to attend 
 missionary labors, the signal is thrown out to increase 
 and multiply those labors an hundred, nay a thousand 
 thousand fold. To aid in the accomplishment of this 
 object, the Society which solicits your charities this 
 evening, was formed. It is an Auxiliary of the 
 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- 
 sions, which has planted the standard of the gospel in 
 our Western Wilderness, on the Eastern Continent, 
 and in the Islands of the Sea. These establish- 
 ments, that they may carry into execution the highly 
 benevolent design of their founders, and extend their 
 operations as the providence of God seems to require, 
 need more pecuniary aid than the Board of Missions 
 can now' furnish. The demand, in the mean time, is 
 made, by the Missionaries in the field, by the Heathen 
 to whom they are sent, and by those w hose hearts 
 glow with ardent zeal to be engaged in this Apostolic 
 work, to send forth more Missionaries. The Board, 
 under all these pressing solicitations, were compelled, 
 the last year, to expend about seven thousand dollars 
 more than the receipts into their Treasury. 
 
28 
 
 This evening the most important Auxiliary of the 
 Board, encircling the seat of its operations, and best 
 acquainted with its movements, its objects, and its 
 necessities, comes before you to ask, — shall the means 
 be furnished, the means which have been so kindly 
 placed in your hands by a munificent Providence, to 
 carry forward the operations of the Parent Institution? 
 Shall they be enabled to listen to the calls of the Hea- 
 then, to the desires of those whose hearts pant for the 
 privilege of carrying them the gospel, and to the impor- 
 tunities of the Missionaries in the field; — or must they 
 withhold their hand, and even suffer the arduous laborers, 
 now employed far off among the Heathen, to want, to 
 struggle with pecuniary embarrassments, to toil to the 
 greatest disadvantage; and, — in the painful anticipa- 
 tion, that the stations they have planted, with so 
 many personal sacrifices and prayers and tears, will 
 ere long be abandoned, because no recruits are furnish- 
 ed to occupy them, — to sink into a premature grave? 
 The latter you will not permit, and the former accords . 
 with your best wishes, and with the well known 
 munificence and Christian liberality of this city. 
 
 Did Jesus Christ approve the unwearied labors and 
 unparalleled self-denials of the Apostles and primitive 
 Christians for the conversion and salvation of the world? 
 Does he approve the efforts and sacrifices made by the 
 devoted and faithful Missionaries, who have abandoned 
 their homes, their friends, their country, and almost 
 every thing they held dear on earth, to seek the salvation 
 of dying Pagans? — Has he not evinced his approbation, 
 by the precious consolation imparted in the closing 
 scene of life to those, whom he has called from their 
 
29 
 
 missionary labors to the world of glory? And will he 
 not approve the greatest efforts and sacrifices made by 
 ns, with the same high and sacred motives, for the 
 attainment of the same great and noble object? Does 
 he not require those, who go from the midst of us, as 
 Missionaries to distant nations, to make great efforts 
 and personal sacrifices? Must they not do this to 
 execute their Mission? And do we not expect it of 
 them? 
 
 But are we not under the same laws, and the same 
 obligations to obey the last command of the Saviour, 
 to do all in our power to promote an object, for which 
 they toil, and suffer, with so much self-denial? Will 
 not the judge, at the great day, require, that we should 
 have been as holy, as disinterested, as truly devoted 
 to his cause, as deeply interested in the salvation of 
 the world, as the Missionaries of the cross? Or will 
 there be any dispensation in our favor, or any apology 
 for our not having done all we could in this sacred 
 enterprise, because we were not Missionaries? And 
 have they exiled themselves from all the endearments 
 and blessings of a Christian land, and exposed them- 
 selves to all the toils and sufferings of laborers for the 
 salvation of the Heathen; — and is it too much, that we 
 should contribute liberally of our substance; that we 
 should share in their burdens, even by making some 
 sacrifices, by exercising some self-denial, that we may 
 aid in the accomplishment of their benevolent design? 
 Shall we still remain in the enjoyment of our friends, 
 and of all the privileges of Christendom, and can we 
 have fellowship with them, or w ith the Apostle to the 
 Gentiles, or with Jesus Christ in his sufferings, and 
 
30 
 
 not do all we can, by our charities and efforts and 
 prayers, to aid them in their work? They hear the cry 
 of hundreds of millions in all the gloominess of spirit- 
 ual death and in all the gross darkness of Paganism, 
 calling for help; — for the privileges we enjoy, for the 
 precious blessings we have the means of sending them. 
 They echo the cry in our ears. It pierces their inmost 
 souls. O that it may penetrate our hearts! 
 
 This evening, we have opportunity to aid essentially 
 in erecting a memorial of our love to Christ, and of his 
 love to sinners, in the wide wastes of Paganism. It 
 is a precious opportunity to present a New Year’s 
 offering to the Lord, to do what we can for the salva- 
 tion of those who are “perishing for lack of vision.” 
 Dying Pagans are waiting the result. The Mission- 
 aries are expecting some important aid from your 
 prayers and charities this evening; and are waiting 
 the result. Angels in Heaven are looking down with 
 interest to see what you do this evening to bring 
 Pagans to repentance, and swell their joys; and are 
 waiting the result. Jesus Christ himself is here, sit- 
 ting over against the Treasury, waiting to approve a 
 generous, a noble, a holy offering, to spread the savor 
 of His name among the Heathen. And you are wait- 
 ing, with glowing hearts, 1 devoutly hope, to testify 
 your love to Christ, and to those who know him not. 
 The opportunity is your privilege; and you shall wait 
 no longer. 
 
THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY 
 
 OF THE , 
 
 auriltarg SocCctij Of ifostou Vicinity. 
 
 The Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary Foreign Mission Society 
 of Boston and Vicinity was held at the Vestry of the Old South Church, at 
 half past four o’clock, in the afternoon of Jan. 3, 1825. The Meeting was 
 opened with prayer by the Rev. B. B. Wisner, after which the Reports of 
 the Secretary and Treasurer were read and accepted. 
 
 The Corresponding Secretary of the Parent Institution then addressed 
 the Meeting on the subject of a new organization of the Society, in order 
 that a systematic arrangement, which had been commenced in the forma- 
 tion of Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Associations in several of the ecclesiastical 
 societies of the city, might be completed. The following Resolutions were 
 proposed and unanimously adopted: 
 
 “Whereas an organization of an Auxiliary Society upon a different plan 
 from that prescribed by our present Constitution is very desirable, and the 
 members of this Society have generally united in Associations with the de- 
 sign of adopting a new organization; Therefore, 
 
 “Resolved, 
 
 1. That those members, who have united in the Associations above refer- 
 red to, be considered as having withdrawn from the Society in its present 
 form, with a view to the immediate formation of a new Society, for the 
 accomplishment of the same object in a different mode. 
 
 2. That for the reasons named above, this Society is now dissolved.” 
 
 The dissolution of the Society was necessary, because, according to an 
 
 article in its Constitution, no changes could be effected in its organization, 
 unless they had been proposed one whole year: and the new organization, 
 was thought to be too much needed to authorize so long a delay. 
 
 A new form of Constitution was then proposed, and was accepted without 
 opposition. 
 
 On account of the augmented duties now made to devolve on the Secre- 
 tary, as well as on account of his own enfeebled health and numerous avo- 
 vations, the Rev. Mr. Jenks, Secretary ®f the former Society, requested 
 
32 
 
 that he might not he regarded as a candidate for a new election. Mr. Hill, 
 the Treasurer, made the same request, remarking that, as he was Treasurer 
 of the Parent Board, and the office could be filled perfectly well by some 
 other member of the Society, it seemed most proper that some one else 
 should be chosen. 
 
 Before the meeting was adjourned, the thanks of the Society were voted 
 to these gentlemen for their services in their respective offices. 
 
 Officers were then chosen for the ensuing year. 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 Article 1. This Society shall be composed of the members of the sev- 
 eral Gentlemen’s Associations in Boston and its vicinity, and shall be called 
 The Auxiliary Foreign Mission Satiety of Boston and Vicinity. 
 
 Art. 2. The sole object of this Society -hall be, to raise funds in aid of 
 the missions under the patronage of the American Board of Commis- 
 sioners for Foreign Missions. 
 
 Art. 3. The officers of the Society shall be a President, as many Vice 
 Presidents as shall be thought expedient, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. 
 These officers, in connexion with at least one person elected by the Society 
 from each of the several Associations of which it is composed, shall consti- 
 tute an Executive Committee, of whom not less than five, including the 
 Secretary, shall form a quorum. 
 
 Art. 4. Every minister of the Gospel, who is a member of the Society, 
 shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meetings of the Executive Com- 
 mittee. 
 
 Art. 5. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to adopt the 
 most energetic measures in their power to accomplish the object of the 
 Society; especially by distributing such publications as shall be committed 
 to them by the Parent Institution, or as they shall otherwise obtain; by 
 deputing some of their number to attend the annual meetings of the several 
 Associations; and, in general, by aiming to excite, in the use of all suitable 
 means, a powerful interest in favor of the missionary cause. 
 
 Art. 6. The Executive Committee shall have power to call special 
 meetings of the Society. 
 
 Art. 7. The Treasurer of the Society shall receive payments from the 
 Treasurers of the several Associations of males and females, and subscrip- 
 tions and donations to the Society, and shall pay over, from time to time, 
 the funds in his possession, after deducting incidental expenses, into the 
 Treasury of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. 
 
 Art. 0. The Secretary shall record the proceedings, and conduct the 
 correspondence, of the Executive Committee and of the Society. 
 
33 
 
 Art. 9. There 9 ha)l be an annual meeting of the Society at such time in 
 the week of the General Election as the Executive Committee may appoint; 
 when the accounts of the Treasurer, properly audited, shall be presented; 
 the proceedings of the past year reported by the Executive Committee; the 
 officers for the year ensuing be elected; and such other business transacted 
 as shall be deemed expedient. 
 
 Art. 10. A copy of the Constitution, authenticated by the Secretary, 
 with the names and residences of the Officers annually elected, and also a 
 copy of the Annual Reports, shall be transmitted to the Corresponding 
 Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. 
 
 OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 Hou. William Phillips, President. 
 
 Josiah Salisbury, Esq., Hon. Samuel Hubbard, John Tappan, 
 Joh >■ Houston, Henry Homes, Isaac McLellan, Samuel T. 
 Armstrong, and William B. White, Esquires, Vice Presidents. 
 
 William J. Hubbard, Esq. Secretary. 
 
 Mr. Charles Stoddard, Treasurer. 
 
 Bradford Sumner, Esq., Horatio II. Willis, Esq. and Mr. Gerard 
 Hallock, (Secretaries of the Old South, Park Street, and Union Gentle- 
 men’s Associations, respectively,) in connexion with the oeficers above 
 named, Executive Committee. 
 
 Joseph Ballister, and Ezra Haskell, Auditors. 
 
 *U|)0Vt of tftc SCCVCtarD. 
 
 The new circumstances, in which our Society has of late been placed, 
 oombined with new efforts to increase its usefulness, seem to have imposed a 
 duty on the Secretary, at this anniversary, to give a detailed view of them. 
 In doing this, he will avail himself of notices obligingly furnished by the 
 Assistant Secretary of the Parent Board, and will trust himself for its defi- 
 ciencies to the long experienced candour of the Society. 
 
 In the Autumn of 1823, the Prudential Committee of the A. B. C. F. M. 
 determined on a systematic plan for raising missionary funds, to be proposed 
 for adoption through the community. [See Missionary Herald, vol. xix, p. 
 365 — 367.] For the sake of an experiment, the Assistant Secretary of the 
 Board met the Ladies of the Old South, Park Street, and Union Societies 
 
 5 
 
34 
 
 respectively, and laid the subject before them. Ladies’ Associations were 
 formed, in each of those societies, on the plan proposed. These Associa- 
 tions were all organized in Oct. 1823. 
 
 The experiment succeeded as had been expected. Collectors, varying 
 in number from 8 to 15, were appointed in each of the Associations, whose 
 duty it was to ascertain what Ladies should be requested to contribute, and 
 to call on these Ladies, after having made a proper division of the labour 
 among theni'elves. The advice, which was given them, with respect to 
 the course they should pursue, has since been embodied in “Missionary 
 Paper, No. II.” 
 
 The success which has attended their efforts, will appear by extract* 
 from the Reports, which were presented at their Annual Meetings in Oc- 
 tober last. 
 
 Extracts from the Report of the Old South Ladies' 1 Association. 
 
 “In pursuance of the advice of one of the gentlemen, who addressed ut 
 at our fir-t meeting, a distribution was made among the Collectors, who ^ 
 were then appointed, of the names of the ladies connected with the Old 
 South Society. The Collectors, in the discharge of their duty, have been 
 uniformly received with kindness, and many have cheerfully contributed 
 to the object, which has engaged their attention. Mmh benefit has 
 doubtless been derived from those excellent “Hints to Collect, rs,” which 
 have recently been published in the form of a tract, and which we earnestly 
 recommend to all persons, who may be employed in soliciting assistance 
 for any charitable, or religious institution. 
 
 “From the statement of the Treasurer, it appears, that, through the ex- 
 ertions of the Collectors, 115 donors have been obtained, whose subscrip- 
 tions amount to $163,75. Of the sum thus collected, $148,57 have been 
 transmitted to the T reasurer of the Boston Auxiliary Foreign Mission 
 Society; $15,18 having been paid for printing the Constitution and receipts, 
 and in purchasing books for the use of the Association. 
 
 “We indulge the hope, that the lapse of time, instead of diminishing, will 
 increase whatever zeal and activity may now exist among us. 
 
 “Are motives necessary to urge us onward! What motives so powerful to 
 the Chri-tian, as the prospect of promoting the glory of God, of advancing 
 the Redeemer’s kingdom, of securing the salvation of immortal souls! By 
 the constitution of our nature, we derive the most r< Gned and elevated 
 pleasure, from the contemplation of sublimity. All that is grand and mag- 
 nificent in the inanimate creation has a tendency to exalt and delight the 
 soul of man. But moral sublimity is calculated to produce this effect in a 
 much more eminent degree. And where can we behold it so strikingly dis- 
 played, as in the stupendous scheme of man’s redemption’ In the pure and 
 
35 
 
 ennobling pleasure, which results from contemplating the success of this 
 vast design, thus advanced through ourfeeble instrumentality, we possess an 
 additional motive to exertion. 
 
 “The expectations of the Parent Society, is another motive not unworthy 
 of our attention. Its Directors are continually receiving applications from 
 multitudes, who are famishing for the bread of Heaven, and from their 
 missionaries, by whom they are importuned for additional assistance. They 
 have recommended the system which we are now pursuing, as the most 
 probable method of increasing their resources. They expect much, very 
 much, from the liberality of Christian females, and shall we disappoint their 
 expectations? No; rather let us far exceed them. 
 
 “Do we ask for additional encouragement' 1 What so encouraging as the 
 promises and predictions of the Most High, and as the success, which has 
 attended, and which still attends, in ati increasing ratio, the exertions of his 
 children. 
 
 “True, every individual effort is not successful, or does not succeed in a 
 measure proportionable to our wishes and expectations. Sometimes the 
 pathway of the Missionary is thickly beset with thorns and briars, and dark 
 * clouds gather around him. Faint and discouraged, he discerns not the 
 Heavenly Guide, by whom he is constantly attended, nor “amid the howl- 
 ings of the tempest, does he behold the Angel, who rides in the whirlwind 
 and directs the storm.” Occasionally, too, difficulties of a more serious 
 nature occur, God appears to frown so continually upon some favourite mis- 
 sion, that Christians are upon the point of abandoning it altogether. Or, he 
 suffers some one, upon whom they have placed their warmest affections, and 
 of whose piety and missionary qualifications they had not entertained the 
 smallest doubt, to disappoint their hopes, and deeply to injure the cause 
 which he has espoused. 
 
 “But it would be strange indeed, if it were otherwise. How else could 
 the faith and patience of Christians be exercised? In what other way could 
 they be so effectually preserved from self-dependence! 1 All these difficulties 
 and discouragements are necessary; anil when the end for which they are 
 appointed is attained, they disappear. The faithful missionary pursues his 
 course rejoicing, and Christians, with renewed vigour, again press forward in 
 the path of duty. 
 
 “Our horizon may sometimes be obscured, but in general our path is 
 illumined by so steady and so strong a light, and the difficulties in our way 
 are so few, that none but the most timid and distrustful are deterred from 
 advancing. 
 
 “Trusting in the guidance of Heaven, and sustained by the arm of Omnipo- 
 tence, let the Missionary explore distant regions, traverse the desert, and 
 plunge into the abodes of vice and wretchedness, and let Christians at home 
 assist them by their prayers, and by their liberal contributions, confident of 
 
the ultimate and complete success of that noble cause, which thus engages 
 their attention.” 
 
 From the Report of the Union Association of Ladies. 
 
 “Through the exertions of your Collectors, sixty-six donors have been 
 obtained, from whom the sum of $248, has been received and forwarded to 
 the Treasurer — through whom, (deducting $7 for incidental expences,) the 
 sum of $241 has been transmitted to the Boston Foreign Mission Society, to 
 be appropriated as required by the Constitution of your Association. 
 
 “Your Collectors have it in their power to state, that they have been 
 uniformly received with the utmost civility, and have met with a degree of 
 promptitude and a disposition to second their efforts beyond what is usually 
 evinced. 
 
 “The cause of Missions is ever one of deep interest to the reflecting mind. 
 It calls forth all the sympathies of our nature, and brings into action the 
 purest principles of our religion. Though, like most other undertakings 
 entered into for the spread of religious knowledge, it meets with its obstruc- 
 tions, and has to combat with the pride of reasoning, and the opposition of 
 the unrenewed heart; yet however numerous the objections men may 
 advance, the success that has already attended the efforts of Mission- 
 aries sufficiently declares it to be one the Almighty condescends to bless, 
 and honour with his special protection. 
 
 “The accounts which have been transmitted to us, must convince every 
 one, who gives the subject any degree of attention, that the idea that no 
 impression can be made on the uncivilized mind should no longer be con- 
 sidered admissible. « 
 
 “Its enemies may use their efforts to check its advancement in the world, 
 may waste time and words respecting the expediency of sanctioning its de- 
 signs, and furthering its progress, and withhold their aid lor objects more 
 agreeable to their views, — while the good seed that is sown springs up, 
 shoots forth — and tribe after tribe throw away their idol gods, and bow to 
 the sceptre of the Redeemer. 
 
 “In this cause we may co-operate with all those holy men of old, who, 
 trampling on earthly enjoyments, and bidding defiance to the censures and 
 malice of a vain world, steadily held on their course, spreading the glad 
 news of salvation to distant lands, enduring the toil, and submitting only to 
 death. 
 
 “Our compassion is instantly excited by scenes of want and wretched- 
 ness at home — we can feel for that misery which directly presents itself to 
 our view; and we should mark that man inhuman who could coldly pass by 
 a fellow-being perishing within reach of his assistance: — but the beings we 
 aim to relieve are not only practising on themselves the self-devoting rites 
 
37 
 
 of barbarism, but having the law written in their hearts to which they are 
 amenable, and breaking that law, they are in most imminent danger of future 
 misery, and greatly need those Scriptures which can alone make them wise 
 unto salvation. A great responsibility therefore rests upon us; and great 
 will be our condemnation if we prove unworthy of the trust committed 
 to us. 
 
 “Our Society is yet in its infancy; and one out of our number* who 
 took an active part in its formation has, during the past year, been 
 called to unite in nobler and higher services around the throne of God. 
 While we lament the breach her death has occasioned, and the check 
 given to that widely extended influence she always diffused, let the 
 remembrance of her piety, and active, unremitted zeal, stimulate us to 
 greater faithfulness in the fulfilment of the duties incumbent on us. 
 
 “The demand for exertion made on us is great. We have begun to do 
 something towards carrying on the great work of christianizing heathen 
 natious* Let us be animated to a more vigorous discharge of our duty, 
 and when we take into view the sacrifices made by the Missionaries of the 
 Cross, let us not withhold the exertion of a much Jess degree of self-denial 
 required of us. 
 
 “The cause we espouse is one in which the Saviour bled — which will 
 endure when states and empires shall have passed away: and, however 
 powerful may be its enemies, “Preach the Gospel to every creature” still 
 remains a command obligatory on all who hear it; and to whatever class of 
 mankind men may belong, Christian or Mahometan, we have the Saviour’s 
 declaration, sufficient to silence every objector, “Ye are my friends, if ye 
 do whatsoever 1 command you.” 
 
 From the Report of the Park-street Ladies' Association, it appears, that 
 the Collectors obtained $118,04. Of this $115,04 were paid to the Treas- 
 urer of this Auxiliary Society. The Report itself has not been presented. 
 
 Associations of Gentlemen have been formed, with great success, in the 
 Old South, Park-street, and Essex-street congregations, and incipient 
 measures are taking to form others. More than $2,000 have been already 
 subscribed, and further sums are expected. These efforts will make the 
 Foreign Mission Society of Boston and Vicinity an important Auxiliary to 
 the American Board. We forbear, at present, to dilate on them, or on 
 the plan of Associations generally — acquiescing in that view of them which 
 has been presented by the Board, in their authorised periodical publication. 
 By the lapse of another year, we trust, they will have acquired consistency 
 and establishment, and their Reports of labours form no small part of the 
 
 * Mrs. Bulley. 
 
38 
 
 documents on which this Society will ground its claims to the patronage of 
 a Christian community. 
 
 The claims on the Parent Society — the respected organ of so much sacred 
 charity — are grooving with the extension of their exertions. New missions 
 must be established — reinforcements added to those which have beeu form- 
 ed — the wastes of mortality repaired — and the progressive march of im- 
 provement maintained. And it is expedient that every Christian feel it his 
 duty to aid, as far as may consist with other important obligations, in this 
 great work of Evangelical Benevoleuce. 
 
 To this city, which is the centre of its operations — to New England, 
 whence its principal resources must he drawn — and ultimately to the 
 United States, must the Parent Board look, for encouragement to advance. 
 It will be our felicity, by the aid of associated bodies, to aid their enterprise. 
 System and perseverance must, with the Divine blessing, effect much. 
 
 We cannot close this brief and imperfect Repcrt without recommending 
 to the assiduous perusal of all who are connected with us, the publications 
 of the American Board, entitled ‘Missionary Papers.’ Directions to the 
 Collectors will be found in it, well worthy their attention. There is also a 
 full and distinct view of the general plan of the Board for these auxiliary 
 institutions, which, we think, cannot fail to interest the Christian public. 
 May they obtain the smiles of the Great Head of the Church, and their 
 combined efforts advance the glory of His name, and the extension of His 
 kingdom. 
 
 On behalf of the Executive of the Society, 
 
 WM. JENKS, Secretary. 
 
 Boston , Jan. 3 d 1825. 
 
 arteasurer's statement. 
 
 From a statement of the Treasurer it appears, that from the formation of 
 the Society in 1812 to the close of the year 1824, the following sums have 
 been paid into the Treasury of the Parent Institution, the contingent ex- 
 penses of annual meetings, &c. having been previously deducted: viz. 
 
 In the year 1812, 
 
 $1,175 99 
 
 In the year 1819, 
 
 $509 16 
 
 1813, 
 
 1,223 72 
 
 1820, 
 
 235 29 
 
 1814, 
 
 538 61 
 
 1821, 
 
 2.195 96 
 
 1815, 
 
 371 19 
 
 1822, 
 
 1,020 36 
 
 1816, 
 
 583 75 
 
 1823, 
 
 1,869 30 
 
 1817, 
 
 1818, 
 
 431 47 
 394 14 
 
 1824, 
 
 1,226 79 
 
 Total, #1 1,775 73 
 
39 
 
 The receipts of 1821 and 1823 exceeded those of the other years on 
 account of the influence of some public meetings, at which addresses were 
 made by several gentlemen, some of them well acquainted with the state of 
 missions in India. 
 
 It must not be supposed that the whole, or even the greater part of the 
 donations to the Parent Board, from persons residing in Boston, have here- 
 tofore passed through the Treasury of this Society, though it is hoped that 
 hereafter the principal part of such payments will go through this channel. 
 In the year ending Aug. 31, 1819, the Board received from friends of mis- 
 sions in Boston, (including a very small amount paid to this Society by per- 
 
 sons residing in the vicinity,) $1,801 73 
 
 In the year ending Aug. 31, 1820, 2,203 38 
 
 In the year ending Aug. 31, 1821, 6,579 21 
 
 In the year ending Aug. 31, 1822, 3,490 85 
 
 In the year ending Aug. 31, 1823, 4,909 34 
 
 In the year ending Aug. 31, 1824, 4,009 99 
 
 In the four last months of 1824, 661 77 
 
 In addition to the above, the Board received from persons residing in 
 Boston, towards the support of a Printing Establishment in Western Asia, 
 the following sums; viz. 
 
 In the year 1821, $990 00 
 
 In the year 1822, 1,550 00 
 
 In the year 1823, 3,140 00 
 
 In the year 1824, 1,585 00 
 
 These sums made a part of a subscription of $3,000 a year for the support 
 of the Printing Establishment. Several of the subscribers reside in New- 
 York and in other places. 
 
 ASSOCIATIONS CONNECTED WITH THE SOCIETY. 
 
 Old South Gentlemen's Association . 
 Rev. Benjamin B. Wisner, Pres . 
 
 Samuel H. vVallev, Esq. ) Jr D 
 Edward Phillips, Esq. 3 » • Pres. 
 Bradford Sumner, Esq. Sec. 
 
 Mr. John Kent, Treas. 
 
 Eight collectors . Formed Dec. 20, 1824. 
 
 Old South Ladies' Association. 
 Mrs. Pliny Cutler, Pres. 
 
 Mrs. B. B. Wisner, V. Pres. 
 
 Miss Frances Erving, Sec . 
 
 Miss Callender, Treas . 
 
 Twelve collectors. Formed Oct. 22, 1823. 
 
 Park Street Gentlemen's Association. 
 Hon. George Odiome, Pres. 
 
 John W. Langdon, Esq. \ r D m 
 Col. Joseph Jenkins. 5 V ' ^ res ’ 
 Horatio M. Willis, Esq. Sec. 
 
 Mr. William T. Eustis, Treas. 
 
 Eight collectors. Formed Dec. 21, 1824. 
 
 Park Street Ladies' Association. 
 Mrs. Henry Humes, Pres. 
 
 Mrs. S. E. Dwight, V . Pres. 
 
 Mrs. Henry Hill, Sec. 
 
 Mrs. J. F. Bumstead, Treas. 
 
 Fifteen collectors. Formed Oct. 23, 1823. 
 
 Union Gentlemen's Association. 
 Rev. Samuel Green, Pres. 
 
 William Ropes, Esq. 7 rr 
 Isaac McLellan, Esq. S 
 Mr. Gerard Ha Hock. Sec. 
 
 Hardy Ropes, Esq. Treas. 
 
 Six collectors . Formed Dec. 28, 1824 
 
 Union Ladies' Association. 
 Mrs. John McLean, Pres. 
 
40 
 
 Mrs. Samuel Green, V. Pres . 
 
 Miss Catharine Codman, Sec. 
 
 Mrs. Hardy Hopes, Treat . 
 
 Eight collecting. Formed Oct. 24, 1823. 
 
 Gentlemen's Association in Congregations con- 
 nected with the Mariner's Church. 
 
 Rev. William Jenks, Pres . 
 
 Dea. Elishu Hunt, V. Pres. 
 
 Mr. William Bates, See. 
 
 Mr. Edmund Hay, Treas. 
 
 Sir collectors. Formed Jan. 11, 1825. 
 
 Ladies' Association. 
 
 Mrs. Sally Labree, Pres . 
 
 Mrs. Parmenter, V. Pres. 
 
 Miss Mary Ann Homer, Sec. 
 
 Miss Mary Field, Treas. 
 
 Four collectors. Formed Jan. 6, 1825. 
 
 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE SOCIETY. 
 
 Since the formation, in December, of the Gentlemen’s Associations of 
 three of the Congregations connected with the Society, there have been 
 very liberal subscriptions, of which a particular account will be given at the 
 Meeting of the Society in May next. In those three Associations the sub- 
 scriptions amount, at the time this sheet goes to press, (Feb. 5th,) to about 
 two thousand Jive hundred dollars. The Collectors have not finished their 
 applications. The sum of the subscriptions to the Ladies’ Associations, has 
 not yet been been reported.