K A it '»> V' ■« , f' \ ' 0 \\', SERMON DELIVERED BEFORE THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING TIIE GOSPEL AMONG THE INDIANS AND OTHERS IN NORTH AMERICA, AT THEIR AXXIVERSARY, NOV. 4 , 1813 . BY JOSHUA BATES, A. M. Pastor of the First Church in Dedham. • © © « BOSTOX: PUBLISHED BT CUMMINGS AND HILLIARD, FOR THE SOCIETY. Cambridge. ...Hilliard <§* Metcalf. 1813. Jit a meeting of the Society, November 4, 1813 Voted — That Dr. Lathrop, Dr. Holmes, and Dr. Ware be a committee, to present the thanks of the Society to the Rer. Mr. Bates for his Sermon, delivered before them this day, and to request a copy for the press. A. HOLMES, Secretary. SERMON. ZECHAK1AH ix. 10 . HIS DOMINION SHALL BE FROM SEA EVEN TO SEA, AND FROM THE RIVER EVEN TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. Do you, with reference to this prophecy, make the in- quiry, which the Ethiopian eunuch made concerning the fifty third chapter of Isaiah — do you ask, “ of whom speaketh the prophet this ? of himself, or of some other man ?”* We adopt in substance the answer of Philip ; and, in imitation of that primitive preacher, we begin at this scripture, and preach unto you Jesus. That Jesus of Nazareth, who by his mighty works and heavenly doctrines proved himself to be the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world, is the subject of this prophecy, will readily appear from a view of the context. Zechariah had been uttering a prediction concerning the temple, the house of the Lord. From this type of Christ he suddenly changes to the antitype, and in lan- guage of prophetic transport calls upon the church to re- joice at the prospect of the coming Messiah, and the fu- ture glories of his kingdom ; “ Rejoice greatly, O daugh- ter of Zion ; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem. Behold thy king cometh unto thee. He is just, and having sal- vation ; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, • Acts viii. 34. 4 the foal of an ass. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem ; and the battle bow shall be cut off ; and he shall speak peace unto the heathen; and his dominion shall be from sea ■EVEN TO SEA, AND FROM THE RIVER EVEN TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”* The first part of this prophecy an inspired evangel- ist expressly applies to Jesus of Nazareth ;f and thus teaches us how to apply the part, selected for our text. It is evidently applicable to Jesus, the Christ; and clear- ly denotes the extent of his kingdom. I need not stop here to show, that the dominion or kingdom of Christ means the same thing with the kingdom of Hecrven or the kingdom of God ; since these phrases are indiscriminate- ly used in the New Testament. Nor is it necessary to spend time in proving, that the figurative language of the text implies universal empire. This will incidentally appear, while we attend to the principal object of the dis- course — while we attempt to prove, THAT THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION IS DESIGNED ULTIMATELY TO PREVAIL THROUGH THE WHOLE WORLD, AND HAVE A GENERAL INFLUENCE ON THE CHARACTER AND CONDITION OF ALL MAN- KIND. What the precise state of the world during this uni- versal prevalence of Christianity will be, would indeed be presumption in us to pretend to determine. The prophecies, relating to this subject, arc delivered in lan- guage highly figurative ; and perhaps were not designed to be definitely understood, till the time of their complete accomplishment. It is even probable, that nothing, but experience, can furnish an adequate conception of the * Zech. ix. 9, kc. f Mattli. xxi. 5. 5 felicity of those days — that it will so far exceed the most exalted happiness, which the present condition of the world affords, as to justify us in accommodating to it this negative description of heavenly joy — as to authorize us to say, “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man”* to conceive, what it will be in its full extent and greatest purity. That there will be a great change in the social condition, if not in the civil institutions and political relations of the inhabi- tants of the earth, is however highly probable. An ac- quaintance with the nature of man, and the history of the human race, leads us to expect it; and it is clearly intimat- ed by the language of prophecy. But whatever may be the state of the world in these respects, the prophets leave us no room to doubt, that peace and righteousness and felicity will be universal and abundant. These in- deed are the natural fruits of Christianity, believed and obeyed. Let those, who have felt the power of religious principles, and experienced the consolations of Christian hope, consider for a moment, what must be the happy effects of a universal prevalence of these principles, and an uninterrupted enjoyment of this hope. How great must be the sum of human happiness, when all, in the exercise of Christian benevolence, seek the happiness of all! How great too must be the increase of personal felicity to each individual Christian, when all are Chris- tians — when his principles are continually fortified, and his hope daily cherished, by the pious example and press- ing exhortation of all, within the sphere of whose influ- ence he is placed ! If in the present mixed state of soci- ety, where the iniquity of the unprincipled aboundeth, and the love of many real Christians waxeth cold, the • 1 Cor. ii. 9. 6 happy effects of Christian faith and obedience are enjoy- ed in a measure by all, who believe and obey the truth ; what unspeakable happiness will be enjoyed, when this faith and obedience shall be perfect and universal — when none shall grieve his pious neighbour by transgression, nor discourage him in his holy purposes, and retard him in his Christian course by the influence of licentious max- ims, and corrupt example — when all shall be mutual helpers of each other’s joy and holiness — when those cor- rupt passions, whence wars and fightings among nations, and animosities and contentions between individuals, proceed ; those lusts in the human breast, that war among the members, if not entirely subdued, shall at least be brought under the habitual control of Christian love — when men shall learn war no more — when there shall be none to hurt, or make afraid on the face of the earth — when, (to adopt the figurative, but intelligible, language of the prophet Isaiah) “ the wolf shall dwell with the lamb ; and the leopard shall lie down with the kid ; and the calf and the young lion and the fading together ; and a little child shall lead them !”* Not, however, to extend these preliminary observa- tions, nor pretend to form definite views of the civil, so- cial, and political state of the w r orld under the universal dominion of the Messiah ; let us proceed to the proof of the proposition, that his dominion is designed to be uni. versal; or in other words, that Christianity is designed to become the religion of all mankind ; and will ultimately obtain a universal belief and a general practical influence through the whole world. I. We observe, that it appears evidently to be the design of Heaven, that Christianity should universally * Is. xi. 6. 7 prevail, from a view of its nature and tendency — its pro- visions and institutions. In its nature it is benevolent, in its tendency purifying, and thus is it adapted to the wants of all mankind. It provides for the pardon of sin- ners, the reconciliation of rebels, and the redemption of slaves — for deliverance from the power and condemna- tion of sin — for restoration to the love of holiness and the practice of virtue ; and thus is it accommodated to the state of an apostate world. Its leading doctrines fur- nish motives, which are equally efficacious in every age and country. Its general precepts are equally applicable to men in every state of society and every condition of life. Its institutions may be observed with equal pro- priety and convenience in every region of the earth. It contains indeed nothing local — nothing temporary — nothing, which can limit it to any particular age or coun- try, which can connect it exclusively with any peculiar form of civil government, which can render it dependent on any state of civilization, or exclude it from any climate, where man can d\yell. Whether Greeks or Jews, Bar- barians or Scythians, bond or free — whether living in an age of learning, or at a period of literary darkness — whether connected in society by civil ties of more or less constraint — whether inhabiting the cold regions of the poles, or the warmer portions of the earth, men may be Christians — may be animated by the hopes of the gos- pel — may obey the precepts, and observe the institutions of Christianity — may imbibe the spirit, and follow the example, of Christ — may find in our religion a guide to holiness and felicity, adapted to their common nature, and accommodated to their peculiar circumstances. We do not say, that all parts of the Christian scrip- tures are equally intelligible in every age, nor equally 8 well understood by all Christians in the same age. Though we are authorized in extending the observation of the apostle, concerning the Old Testament, to the books of the New — though we may affirm, that “all scripture is given by inspiration, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;”* yet we readily admit, that some por- tions of the inspired writings are more directly applica- ble at some periods of the church, than at others ; and better understood by some Christians, than by others. But we do say, that the great doctrines and leading pre- cepts of the gospel are so often repeated and in such vari- ous connexions, that all, in every age, may understand enough to render them good Christians. So plain is the Christian’s path, that the way-faring man, though a fool according to the estimation of worldly wisdom, is under no necessity of erring therein. Indeed practical and ex- perimental Christian knowledge depends neither on bril- liancy of talents, nor literary acquirements. In the school of Christ the learned have no preeminence above the unlearned. Although learning and talents arc im- portant qualifications in religious teachers ; since they en- able them to enforce truth, remove difficulties, answer objections, and convince or silence gainsayers ; yet they are by no means necessary to constitute a real Christian ; nor do they afford much assistance in acquiring a correct, practical knowledge of Christianity. The doctrines of this religion are simple truths, and the precepts plain di- rections. A child may understand many of the propo- sitions, in which these truths and directions are stated, and repeatedly stated in the Bible. — A single example will be sufficient to illustrate this observation. The doc- • 2 Tim. iii. 16. s> trine of the resurrection has been justly accounted one oi the most mysterious, taught in the scriptures. Yet noth- ing cun be more plain and intelligible, than the declara- tion of our Lord ; “The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall come forth ; they, that have done good, to the resurrection of life; and they, that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”*' The doc- trine is indeed mysterious ; but the mystery lies altogether in the mode, the time, and other circumstances ; concern- ing which men may reason and conjecture forever without increasing, and it is well, if they do not thus diminish the consoling and practical influence of the doctrine. All, that is necessary for the security of this influence, is a clear understanding, and a cordial belief, of the simple truth — the plain declaration, the dead , both just and unjust , shall rise. These observations might be applied with equal force and propriety to every principal doctrine and pre- cept of the gospel. Indeed nothing, but a spiritual mind f is necessary to discern the things of the Spirit. Noth- •ing, but an open heart , is requisite for the reception of the truth, as it is in Jesus. Nothing, but a teachable disposi- tion — an obedient will , is essential to the acquisition of re- al, Christian knowledge. “If any one will do the will of God,” said the Saviour, “ he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.”y — With confidence therefore we xepeat the observation, that Christianity is a religion, adapted to the various capacities, situations, and condi- tions, of all mankind ; and thus calculated to become the religion of the whole world. It is true, in some Christian countries, the modes of religious worship, and the rules of ecclesiastical proceed- ing, have been prescribed by law ; so that the religion • John v. 28, 29. f John vii. 17 . 2 10 itself seemed to a superficial observer not only connected with the form, but dependent on the authority, of civil government. But all these prescriptions are the offspring of human policy ; they constitute no part of the Chris- tian religion. When our Saviour said, “ my kingdom is not of this world,”* he said in effect, what all its laws and sanctions fully illustrate, that it acknowledges no af- finity with earthly powers, nor any dependence on world- ly policy. Prescribing no form of civil government, but enjoining obedience to all legitimate authority, Chris- tianity easily accommodates itself to the civil institutions of all nations. That it has sometimes been closely con- nected with these institutions, and often incorporated with them in constitutions of civil government, furnishes therefore no objection to our argument. Nor will this circumstance, though it may seem to retard, ultimately prevent, the propagation of the gospel, among the na- tions and tribes of the earth. It is true likewise, that the special ordinances of the gospel are sometimes administered in a manner, which would be impracticable, br at least extremely inconven- ient, in some parts of the world. Thus the use of wine has been common in administering the ordinance of the Lord’s supper ; and we surely have reason to be- lieve, that it was used, when this commemorative feast was instituted. Still however wine is not essential to the ordinance ; for it is not designated either by our Lord, or his inspired apostles. Where therefore it could not be obtained, a substitute might be found, to supply its place in the cup of blessing, without perverting the or- dinance, or violating even the letter of the precept, by which it was instituted. — Thus too some have adopted John xviii. 36. 11 a mode of baptism, which in some climates would be impracticable through the largest portion of the year, and which is always dangerous to invalids. But although we admit, that neither this, nor any other, mode of adminis- tering the ordinance is expressly forbidden ; yet we are certainly authorized to say, that neither this, nor any oth- er, mode is so definitely prescribed, as to constitute the essence of baptism, or be necessary to the acceptable discharge of the duty. Indeed all that variety in modes of worship and forms of ecclesiastical government, which exists in the Chris- tian church, and which may seem at first view to oppose a barrier to the general diffusion of the gospel, is the ef- fect of human invention. In some instances perhaps these modes and forms^ prescribed by man, are not only innocent, but convenient ; yet they are certainly not es- sential to Christianity, and therefore furnish no real ob- jection to our argument. II. We observe, that the manner, in which the Christian religion was introduced and established, as well as its pro- gress in the world in opposition to power and prejudice, is a proof, that it is designed to become universal, and a pledge of its future triumphs over “ the rulers of the darkness of this world,” over “ spiritual wickedness in high places,” over “ principalities and powers,” and every thing which opposeth itself to truth and righteousness. Its first con- verts, comprehending men of different nations and vari- ous ranks in society, were made, not by force, but by persuasion — by convincing the understanding and chang- ing the heart. It has withstood the opposition of wit and learning, policy and power. Though the gates of hell have uniformly resisted its progress, they have never been able to prevail against it. It is true, its progress has 12 not been uniform, nor without partial and temporary in- terruption. Sometimes the gospel has spread with great rapidity ; and sometimes it has seemed for a season to be stationary, or even retrograde. Particular churches have risen and fallen. Different regions have been enlighten- ed with the ra) r s of the Sun of righteousness, and again covered with thick darkness. Vital religion has alter- nately revived and declined. The church has frequent- ly been persecuted ; but the blood of the martyrs has proved to be the seed of the church. She has been de- pressed and covered with sackcloth ; but she has soon arisen from the depression, and “put on her beautiful gar- ments.” She has been in the midst of the fire ; but the flames have not kindled upon her — Jike the burning bush, she has remained unconsumed, j She has been driven into the wilderness, and hid for a season in the caves of the mountain ; but she has not been lost — she has come forth again in all her glory and splendor, “ fair, as the moon ; clear, as the sun ; and terrible, as an army with banners.” Thus the establishment, preservation, and gradual advancement, of Christianity in the world, not- withstanding the number, subtlety, and persevering in- dustry, of its enemies, is a proof, that it was designed to prevail; and a pledge, that it will ultimately prevail through the earth. But after all, for convincing proof and conclusive evidence of the truth of our general prop- osition, we must resort to the sure word of prophecy. III. Therefore we observe, that the prophecies of the Old Testament and New — prophecies, accompanied with the clearest credentials — prophecies, delivered by “ holy men, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” — proph- ecies, a part of which have already been accomplished, and thus been demonstrated to have proceeded from the 13 Spirit of truth ; — that these prophecies in various con- nexions, under different figures of speech, again and again, teach, illustrate, and confirm our doctrine. Thus in Isaiah, where the Messiah is spoken of under the dig- nified names and titles of “ Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of peace,” it is said ; “ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”* Among a multitude of other express declarations to the same effect, by the same pro- phet, it is added ; “ The earth shall be full of the knowl- edge of the Lord , as the waters cover the seas.”f Thus too the Psalmist, uttering a prophecy concerning Christ, says ; “ His name shall endure forever ; his name shall be continued, as long as the sun ; and men shall be bles- sed in him ; all nations shall call him blessed .” Again in language, similar to our text, he says ; “ He shall have dominion also from sea to sea ; and from the river to the ends of the earth.”% Thus likewise, according to the in- terpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream by the prophet Daniel, the kingdom, which was to comprehend the na- tions, included in the four successive empires of the East, is finally to be extended over the whole earth, and continue to the end of time ; — “ The stone, which smote the image, became a great mountain ; and filled the whole earth”) The same truth is taught by the same proph- et, in his prediction, founded on the vision of the four beasts. These are the concluding words of the predic- tion ; “ And the kingdom and dominion, and the great- ness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High ; whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom ; and all do- minions shall serve and obey him.” || — Thus moreover, • Is. ix. 6. t Is. xi. 9. * Ps. lxxii. 8—17. $ Dan. 2. || Ban. 7 . 14 the apostle Paul has clearly predicted, that the Jews will ultimately come into the Christian church, with the fulness of the Gentiles. I quote but a small part of his strong language on this subject, addressed to the Chris- tians at Rome; “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery — that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gen- tiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved ; as it is written, there shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob A* Thus finally, the apostle John, who was often “ rapt into future times and obtained a view, or heard a representation, of things to come, among other visions of the church uni- versal and triumphant, records one in these words ; “And the seventh angel sounded ; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ ; and he shall reign forever and ever.”\ I proceed no further in mak- ing quotations from the prophecies, not because others might not be made, equally appropriate ; but because these are abundantly sufficient for our present purpose. It would indeed be in vain, and certainly it is here unne- cessary, to attempt a recital of all the passages of scrip- ture, which contain intimations, symbolical representa- tions, and express predictions, of the universal propaga- tion of the gospel, and the general influence of its purify* ing spirit. But by what means, or in what manner, Christianity will obtain this universal influence, we are not able with much precision to determine. Indeed, (to adopt the lan- guage of Faber) “such ‘ secret things,’ as unaccomplish- ed prophecies, ‘ belong unto the Lord our God and it is • Rom. si. 25, 26. f Rev. xi. 15. 15 a vain waste of time to weary ourselves with conjectures, respecting the precise mode of their accomplishment. Up- on these points, when wc go beyond what is written, we exceed our commission; and it has almost invariably been found, that the commentator, who attempted to show how a prophecy was about to be fulfilled, was by the event convicted of error. We may safely and positive, ly declare, what will come to pass ; and we may even say, how it will come to pass so long, as we resolutely confine ourselves to the explicit declarations of scripture. But to point out the manner , in which an event will be accomplished, any further , than the word of God hath re- vealed the manner of it, is to pry too curiously into what he hath purposely concealed ; and to aim at becoming prophets , instead of contenting ourselves with being hum- ble and fallible expositors of prophecy.” An attempt to show precisely how the glorious event, predicted in our text, will be produced, would surely be in us the height of presumption. We know not, whether it will be sole- ly by the use of ordinary means, under the leadings of Providence and the gracious influences of the Spirit, sup- porting the preachers of the gospel, and opening the hearts of their hearers to receive the truth ; or, as at the first establishment of Christianity, by some miraculous interposition of Heaven — some special assistance from above — some wonderful effusion of the Holy Spirit. We are, however, certainly authorized to say, that ordinary means will not be omitted. Faithful teachers will be sent into every region ; the Bible will be translated into every language ; the gospel will be preached to every ra- tional creature under heaven. The analogy of grace as well, as the language of prophecy, must likewise lead us to expect, that the conversion of the world will continue 16 to be in some measure progressive ; like the growth of the mustard- seed, or the diffusion of leaven. This pro- gress may indeed, toward the time of the completion, be exceedingly rapid. The scene of Pentecost may be again exhibited. Nations may be born in a day. The figurative language of the prophet may be strictly appli- cable to the Christian converts of that period ; “ these fly as a cloud, and as doves to their windows.”* Indeed, although we have reason to expect, that the spread of the gospel and its happy influence will continue to be pro- gressive ; yet have we at least equal reason to conclude, that it will, for a season before its complete triumphs, spread with greater rapidity, and produce a more direct and permanent influence on the character and condition of men, than it has ever done, since the days of the apos- tles. For certainly the change, to be produced in these respects, is great — great not only in heathen lands ; but even in those countries, which are now denominated Christian. Much error must be corrected, great preju- dice overcome, strong passions subdued, and depraved appetites restrained and rectified. Thousands of nomi- nal Christians must be taught the very “ first principles of the oracles of God,” and turned from the error of their ways to the wisdom of the just ; and tens of thousands, who now worship dumb idols, must be converted from their debasing, sensual, and often cruel, devotion, to the knowledge and service of the only living and true God. Still, however, (I repeat the observation) what will be the precise mode and peculiar circumstances of this change, we pretend not to determine. Nor are we able to learn with certainty, haw soon this predicted change in the moral and religious state of the • Isa. lx. 8. 17 world will have so far taken place, as to constitute a complete accomplishment of the prophecy ; and it is a mark, not only of vanity, but presumption, to pretend to be wise above, what is written. Sir Isaac Newton very justly observes, that “ the folly of interpreters has been to foretel times and things by the Apocalypse, as if God designed to make them prophets. By this rash- ness,” continues he, “ they have not only exposed them- selves, but brought the prophecy also into contempt.” It is not, however, inconsistent with this modest senti- ment, to notice “ the times” and “signs of times,” which the prophets have described in connexion with predicted events. — Now both Daniel and St. John, whose prophet- ic numbers are in perfect agreement, have definitely fix- ed the duration of the reign of Antichrist to twelve hun- dred and sixty years ; and the great event, predicted in our text, is closely connected by the prophets with the destruction of this antichristian power. But whether the commencement of this reign is to be reckoned from the year 606, when the bishop of Rome assumed the impious title, and began to exercise the tyrannical pow r - er, of universal bishop ; or from the year 756, when the papal authority was confirmed by the union of civil and ecclesiastical power in the person, who succeeded this self-created bishop ; or from some other period, we are not able absolutely to determine. For wise reasons it was probably designed by Heaven, that we should not be able definitely and with assurance to determine this point, till the full accomplishment of the prophecy should as- sist the expositor in the application of all its parts. Nor is it necessary for any practical purpose, that we should indulge in uncertain conjecture. For at whatever prob- able period you fix the commencement of the reign of 18 Antichrist, the end cannot be far distant. According to every plausible hypothesis the hour is at hand, when eve- ry thing, which exalteth itself against God, shall be de- stroyed — “ when all opposition to the Redeemer’s king- dom shall appear to have been in vain” — when those, who are alive and remain, shall behold the accomplish- ment of the prophecy, and understand the meaning of the vision, in which the beloved apostle saw an angel come down from heaven , having great power , and crying migh- tily with a strong voice , Babylon the great is fallen ! is fallen !* But beside markedjperiods and definite eras, the prophets have furnished us with specific signs of future times and seasons. Among the signs, which indicate the speedy ap- proach of the happy period, predicted in our text, are these ; great commotions and revolutions in the world — nation ris- ing up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom ; — a temporary declension of vital religion — a falling away from the faith, once delivered to the saints — a preva- lence, for a season, of infidelity and error, vice and iniqui- ty, in Christian countries ; *and all this accompanied, or closely followed, by increased zeal and activity in the cause of truth and righteousness — real Christians of vari- ous denominations with united energy striving to strengthen the good things, which remain among them, and to communicate the light of life to them, that sit in darkness and in the valley of the shadow of death — men running to and fro through the earth and spreading the knowledge of God, our Saviour — an angel, a messenger, a zealous ministry, flying in the midst of heaven, going forth in haste, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them , that dwell on the earth, and to every nation and • Rev. 18. 19 kingdom and tongue and people. All these signs ot the universal prevalence of Christianity we have seen ; or if we look abroad through the world, we may now see. We have therefore every reason to expect, that the time is not very remote; when the dominion of the Re- deemer shall be extended from sea to sea, and from THE RIVER TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH WHEN THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION SHALL PREVAIL THROUGH THE WHOLE WORLD, AND HAVE A GENERAL INFLU- ENCE ON THE CHARACTER AND CONDITION OF ALL MANKIND. Our subject, my hearers, thus considered, furnishes lessons of warning, of consolation, of duty — of warning for the wicked, of consolation for the righteous, of duty for all. With a view to this division, and by way of im- provement, we observe ; First; Since Christianity is designed universally to prevail and triumph over all opposition ; the wicked , who directly or indirectly resist its injluence and oppose its pro- gress, must either repent , lay down the weapons of their warfare, and voluntarily submit to the dominion of Christ ; or be destroyed. Certain it is, that they will not succeed in their wicked attempts. They cannot undermine the church of Christ ; for it is founded on a rock. They cannot scale the walls of Zion ; for they reach to heaven. They cannot pull down the Christian edifice ; for it is a building of God, made of imperishable materials, erected and supported by an omnipotent hand. The fate of all who have preceded in this work of opposition to the gospel, strengthens this solemn admoni- tion. ‘The church, the spiritual kingdom, the pure re- ligion of Christ has had its enemies from the beginning — enemies without and enemies within. It has been 20 openly attacked by the weapons of infidelity, and secretly assailed by the subtle and intriguing arts of hypocrisy. It has been smitten in the dwellings of its acknowledged foes, and wounded in the house of its pretended friends. In different ways it has been opposed by all the violence of unholy passions and all the policy of unsanctified reason. But what have all these efforts availed ? What have the enemies of the Lord accomplished? What are the fruits of their labor ? Nothing, but their own mise- ry — nothing, but bewildering uncertainty and fearful ap- prehensions in this world, and in that, which is to come, “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power.”* In spite of all opposition, whether from the scribes and pharisees of old, or open en- emiesoflater times — whether from Judas, its first false pro- fessor, or hypocrites and apostates in succeeding genera- tions, Christianity has remained ; while its enemies have risen in succession, labored in vain, died in despair and gone to their “ own place.” If our doctrine be true ; the same, or a worse , doom awaits those, who continue to fol- lowtheirexample. For the higher the Sunof righteousness rises above the horizon, and the clearer and more ex- tensively the light of the gospel shines ; the greater will be the guilt, and the more severe the condemnation, of those, who obstinately close their eyes and walk in dark- ness. — What then are the enemies of the cross — the op- posers of the benign spirit of Christianity — the infidel, the hypocrite, the scoffer, the wicked of every descrip- tion — what are they doing? — Contending against Omni- potence! Working out their own destruction ! “Trea- suring up unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath !” — Oh, the folly and madness of the impious man 1 2 Thes. i. 9. 21 Iiow fruitless are his labors ; how vain his expectations , how wretched his end ! We observe, Secondly , Since Christianity is designed to prevail through the whole world; and since the time of its rapid progress and final triumph is probably near at hand, Christians have reason to rejoice. Our subject is certain- ly calculated to afford consolation and joy to all true be- lievers, even in this season of trials, this time of dark- ness, this age of wonders. For although we have reason to expect, that still greater tribulations, than those, which have already come upon the world, will yet precede the universal reign of the Prince of peace ; and that a still more extensive destruction of the wicked, than that, which is now produced by the desolating sword, will yet be made, to prepare the way for this mild reign of peace and righteousness ; — although we cannot doubt, that the re- moval of all obstructions to the pure and perfect influ- ence of the gospel will be attended with mighty revolu- tions and terrible devastations ; — although we know in- deed, that those, who continue to oppose the truth, and harden themselves against correction — who tread under foot the Son of God, count the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and do despite to the Spirit of grace* — who pervert the evidences, ridicule the doctrines, and dis- regard the precepts, of the gospel of Christ — who re- main incorrigible at the period of his final triumph and universal reign — who cannot be made willing and obe- dient subjects of his government, even in the day of his great power — that these and all, who have gone before them in rebellion against his authority, will be bound in everlasting chains, and with the angels, who kept not their first estate, reserved under darkness unto the judg- • Heb.x.29. 22 ment of the great day :*■ — Yet, when we take into view the subsequent peace, righteousness, and felicity, which will fill the earth — when we consider the multitude, the incalculable multitude, of all nations, kindreds, and tongues, who will then be redeemed from the power and condemnation of sin — when, in a word, we contrast the present condition of the world with what it will probably then be ; and compare the present small number of even professed Christians with the thousands of thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand, who will then rise in succession and occupy the boundless mansions of joy, which infinite love hath prepared; — when we connect this bright prospect of divine glory, of redeeming love, of human felicity, with the limited clouds and dark spots, which intervene, the view becomes transporting ; and forgetting the partial evil , we rejoice with joy unspeaka- ble in the universal good . — Who indeed can forbear to rejoice, while contemplating the approaching change even in the temporal condition of mankind ? Consider for a moment the cruel rites, the licentious precepts, and gloo- my prospects, of Pagan superstition — the corrupt, sen- sual, and debasing, influence of Mahomedan imposture — the contracted, envious, and proud, spirit of Jewish big- otry — we may add, the cold, formal, unmeaning worship, and selfish morality, of perverted Christianity, of nominal Christians, of those, who feel and act, like heathens, in a Christian land ; — consider these things with the compli- cated misery, which they produce in the world ; and then say, is not that change in the condition of mankind desir- able, which will be effected by a universal propagation of the gospel, and a general prevalence of its pure, peacea- ble, humble and benevolent spirit ? — then say, must it Jude 6. 23 not he a source of consolation and joy to Christians, that the happy time is fast approaching, when “ the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord”* — when “ at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”! — when Christian love shall dwell in every heart, and become the governing principle of human con- duct ? — But what are all these temporal effects of the predicted change in the religious state of mankind, in comparison with its everlasting consequences — in com- parison with the redemption of immortal souls — in com- parison with the joy in heaven, which will result from the immense accession to the multitude of the heavenly hosts — in comparison with the glory and felicity of the redeemed, who will daily ascend in crowds from earth to heaven — whose increasing numbers through successive generations none can estimate — who (if we may be in- dulged in one probable conjecture) will finally so exten- sively replenish the regions of light and felicity, as to render the place of darkness and despair comparatively, as a speck in creation, and hell itself (to borrow a simili- tude) as the mere prison-house of the universe ! This leads us to observe, Thirdly, Since Christianity is designed to become the religion of the whole world, and have a general influ- ence on the character and condition of all mankind ; and since ordinary means will not be omitted in producing this predicted change, it is the duty of all, who have op- portunity and ability , to become workers together in this divine employment. I say of all, though 1 know, that all do not feel and will not acknowledge the obligation. The infidel and the merely nominal Christian must experience • Is. xi. 9 . t Phil * 10- 24 a change in their own sentiments and dispositions, be- fore they can cordially unite in any attempt to promote this general renovation of the world. While therefore we state their duty, we expect not their assistance. But to real Christians we shall not speak in vain. — If, my brethren, you are constrained by the love of Christ — if you feel for the miseries of a world, lying in wickedness — if you have learned to estimate the value of immortal souls, you will cheerfully and earnestly engage in this glorious work. The language of divine promise will become the language of your daily prayers. You will pray in faith, with fervency and perseverance, that the dominion of Christ may speedily he extended from sea to sea , and from the river to the ends of the earth. For Zi- on’s sake you will not hold your peace ; and for Jerusa- lem’s sake you will not rest ; until the righteousness there- of go forth, as brightness, and the salvation thereof, as a lamp that burneth. To your prayers you will add your exertions. You will use your influence, to increase pure and undefiled religion in your families, among your friends, and through the whole circle, in which Provi- dence has destined you to move. You will, moreover, by personal labors or pecuniary assistances, aid in send- ing the gospel to those, who are perishing for lack of vision.* Let none, who pretend to be Christians, excuse them- selves from taking an active part in this business. Say not in the language of indolence and impiety ; “ because the Lord reigneth, our exertions are unnecessary, and would be in vain.” Such a declaration is a perversion of the doctrine of Providence, and implies a disregard to the express commands of Heaven. — It is true, God is the • Prov. xxix. 18. 25 Governor of the universe ; but men are among the agents, employed in his government. He will be the Author of the predicted change in the state of the world ; but men are among the instruments, which he will use in producing it. The gospel was not published without apostles. The reformation was not effected without the instrumentality of man. Nor will Christianity obtain its final triumph and universal influence, without human ex- ertion. Within a few years much has been done in the glo- rious work of evangelizing the world. Societies have been formed, both in Europe and America, for the prop- agation of the gospel in heathen lands, and the promotion of Christian knowledge, evangelical truth, piety, and vir- tue, among nominal Christians. Missionaries have been sent forth. Pious schools have been established. Bibles and religious tracts have been distributed. The sums, collected and expended, for these purposes, by several societies in England, are immense ; and their exertions beyond all example. By some of them missionaries are sent forth and supported in Africa, in various parts of Asia, particularly in Hindostnn and the islands of the ' Pacific ocean ; having the everlasting gospel in their hands, translating into various languages, and preaching it to people of different nations and tongues. Others are employed in supplying the poor and destitute with the word of God and other means of grace, not only in their own country, but through almost the whole extent of Eu- rope, not excepting even their enemies. The sqme mis- sionary spirit has likewise displayed itself, among seri- ous people, in other protestant nations in Europe ; and, as we before observed, has made its appearance, and spread with wonderful rapidity, in America. When 4 26 th*S SOCIETY, FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL AMONG THE INDIANS AND OTHERS IN NORTH AMERICA, WRS formed, there did not exist a similar institution in the country. But how many have since arisen, to aid it in its benevolent exertions ; some, to distribute the Bible ; some, to disseminate religious tracts ; some, to support missionaries, and assist in the settlement of ministers, in the destitute portions of our country; and some, to propagate the gospel in far distant, heathen, lands ! — Much has thus been done ; but much more must still be done, before this glorious work will be accomplished. Let me, therefore, exhort all in this assembly, seri- ously to consider, what they can do, and what they ought to attempt in this business. Every one may do some- thing, either by personal exertions, or by contributing to the funds of missionary societies. — Let none plead, that they are unacquainted with the subject of missions. For the increasing means of information, with which we are furnished, renders such a plea inadmissible. Beside, the different immediate objects of missionary societies all unite in one grand object. Whether, therefore, you contribute, to send missionaries to heathen lands, or to supply the destitute with the preached gospel in our own country — whether you aid in translating the scriptures into other languages, or furnishing them for the poor, who speak our own language, you are still promoting the same glorious cause. In the minds of some there may be a choice among these immediate objects ; and others may divide their contributions, and appropriate a part to each. But no Christian can, by pleading ignorance, jus- tify himself in neglecting all. — Nor can any plead inabil- ity, while they indulge themselves in one article of lux- ury — while they spend their money for one superfluity — 27 while, without injury to their families, or injustice to others, they could appropriate, for the propagation of the gospel, even the widow’s mite. — Let all, therefore, con- sider, what they can do for this purpose, and what they ought to do on the present occasion. I urge no further. Every one must judge for him- self, act for himself, and give account of his stewardship to God. “ Remember” only, my brethren, “ the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive.”* “ Every man,” therefore, “ac- cording as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, nor of necessity ; for God loveth a cheerful giver.”f AMEN. • Acts, xx. 35. f 2 Cor. ix. 7. ' '! < / /U (ft MU • • *■ ■ . ' • -i i ■ • A ' , «• v r i • X to Mm ?*>» *V 1 J j r : « - - . jnx'f . " v * . >'. i'.l «l . ' . r . . nlMlNI . fto* • . ‘ . I | M* appendix INDIANS. Stockbyidge Indians. The stated mission of Rev. Mr. Sargeant at New Stock- bridge has been maintained, as usual, and nothing material has occurred. The jealousy of the Indians, in regard to their lands, has been inquired into, and lias at least subsided. Among oth- er instances of encouragement, the missionarj mentions three persons, who were very seriously disposed, and applied to him for religious advice. “These three persons,’’ he observes, “ have for some years past been notorious for wickedness, but a great reformation has taken place in their lives for some time past.” JVarragansets. The grant, made by the Society for the erection of a School- house for the Indians, has been faithfully applied to that pur- pose under the direction of the President and Secretary of the Rhode Island Missionary Society. The building was so near- ly completed in May 1812 , that the Society then voted one hun- dred dollars towards the support of a school. Mr. Jeremiah Niles was soon after appointed instructor ; and, after consulta- tion with the president of the council, opened the school the 20th July. The number of his scholars varied greatly ; the lar- gest number was 31 . Their attention was principally directed to reading and to moral and religious instruction. “A decided testimony w as borne against falsehood, and every kind of pro- fanity; and the social virtues w ere inculcated.” The tribe, af- ter the first quarter, “ manifested a wish that a school might be continued.” Attestations were received of the acceptance and usefulness of Mr. Niles as an instrueter, and he was contin- ued in the school; which was kept about two thirds of the year. The Society, this vear, appropriated one hundred dol- 5 ' 30 lars to tiie school; anti Mr. 8ilas Shores, of Taunton, has been appointed instructer. Near the close of the first quarter, Ur. Pat- ten wrote to the Secretary, that “ his number of scholars has not been so great as was expected. But from good information his labors have been successful and very acceptable, and the In- dians are desirous that he should be continued another quarter, when his school Will be larger, as the boys which were hired out to work in summer will be at home. He appears to have been of use in the religious instruction of the Indians, for though they do not wish for a preacher, they are pleased to have him attend their meeting, and to speak in his turn , and request him to pray.” Mr. Shores is continued in the school. Wyandots. The Rev. Mr. Badger has recently sent to the Society a complete history of the mission at Sandusky. Its compilation was requested w hile the society was engaged in aiding that es- tablishment, which has at length been relinquished. The in- formation it contains may be of future use. It is a melancholy fact, that the principal obstruction to this mission was from white people. Mr. Badger observes: “this station (Lower Sandusky) has been resorted to by Indian traders, and, I believe, general- ly of the most abandoned characters.. ..The main difficulty in conducting a mission among the Indians arises from the influ- ence of the traders with them. They are wholly opposed to every attempt for the instruction of Indians ; and being well ac- quainted with Indian jealousies, use every device to excite them against the mission.... Since the mission broke up, there has beeH no opportunity of doing any thing with them.” St. John's Tribe. The Rev. Mr. Eastman was, in 1811 , appointed amission- ary for one month to the Indians on St. John's river.* The spe- cial design of his mission was, to aseertion their number, situa- tion, character, and whether there were any opening for melio- rating their condition, especially by religious instruction. The fears and jealousies of the white people, in regard to American missionaries, were found to be inauspicious to the mission. A- • He was then in the employment of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, in that region. SI larmed with the apprehension of an immediate war with Amer- ica, they feared our missionary would alienate the affcctious of the Indians from their own to the American interest. He was told by the principal agent for the Indians, that nothing could be done in the way of a religious education, w hile the Homan catholic priests held possession of their minds against all other instruction. “To ascertain the exact number of Indians in the St. John's tribe (lie observes) 1 found it somewhat dilhcull, as the alarm of war had scattered them in almost every direction. The governor of this tribe w ith his family had lied to K.cnne- beck a few days before I arrived ; some to Quebec ; others hunt- ing and hshing; but, from the best information, 1 believe the whole number to be about two hundred.” Natick Indians. A committee has been appointed by the society, to inquire, whether there be any reliques of these Indians, and, if any, what is their state. The committee (Rev. Dr. Prentiss and Rev. Mr. Greenough) have made a report, by w hich it appears, that scarcely any remains of this tribe can be found. Three females aged 60 and upwards, one man aged 40, and one lad aged 14, were all the Indians resident in this town ; and there are between 20 and 30 who are not residents. “ Of these,” the report states, “some cannot read, and in general they are desti- tute of property or regular modes of life, borne of them are exceptions from this statement, possessing some property, and a measure of information.” Western Indians. It being understood, the last year, that Messrs. Samuel J. Mills and John F. Schermerhorn, candidates for the minis- try, were about to make a tour through the western and south- western parts of the United States, to learn the religious situa- tion of the inhabitants, and occasionally to perform missionary labour; the Society voted them one hundred dollars in exclusive reference to the Indian tribes. A series of questions concern- ing the natives was communicated to them before their depart- ure, to which their attention was particularly directed. They 32 have returned ; and we are gratified in stating, that answers to our inquiries will shortly be given in a report, which is in pre- paration for the Society. DISTRICT OF MAINE. The Rev. Mr. May has continued to perform the three months’ annual service, assigned him at Brownville and the vi- cinity, with evident success. Finding his usefulness in the neighbourhood obstructed by certain preachers, he confined his labours for a time more particularly to Brownville, where the peo- ple, after various attempts on the part of these men to introduce themselves among them, had shown themselves almost unani- mously disposed to discountenance their labours. His account of the public religious exercises, as conducted under the guid- ance of these teachers, is truly affecting : “ Men and women and children all pray and preach in public, and at. the same time; so that those who would, can only feel but not think religiously, and the revival has in general progressed rather by words of excitement than words calculated at once to enlighleu the un- derstanding and warm the affections. '1 he Bible is considered by many, and publicly declared by some, to be of secondary im- portance as a rule of practice.” A letter, written from Wil- liamsburg in April last,‘- in behalf of the principal inhabitants of this vicinity,” expresses to the Society “ grateful acknowledg- ments of the favour shown them in the appointment of Rev. Mr. May, to administer to them occasionally the word and ordinan- ces of the gospel ; and in the donations to them from time to time, of such books as their state and situation have peculiar- ly required.” After strongly expressing their satisfaction in the ministerial labours of Mr. May, they observe : “ In a period like the present, when vice and infidelity on one hand, and ig- norant fanaticism on the other, are threatening openly to crush, or covertly to subvert the foundation of all religious order, and to confine within the narrowest limits, the dissemination of correct principles and sound doctrine, we look with solicitude to those societies, which the bounty of God has enabled, and his wisdom and benevolence inspired with a disposition, to extend the hand of charity to those whose limited means do not cu&bla 33 them to procure instruction for themselves, much less for their neighbours.” Mr May, the last winter, had a school of 25 youth under his tuition, in which he “ took great pains to in- culcate the love and reverence of the scriptures, and had the satisfaction to see his endeavours blessed iu the improvement of the miuds and morals of the rising generation.” The Rev. Mr. Smith, in 1811, performed the three months’ missionary service, assigned him at Temple and the vicinity; and, in 1812, another mission of four months. The mainte- nance of the ministry in Temple appears to have essentially de- pended on the aids of the society. We have received repeated assurances of the necessities of the inhabitants, and of their gratitude for the succour we have imparted to them. In the towns or plantations where Mr. Smith rendered his services, he received thankful acknowledgments from the people, and earnest solicitations to revisit them. The society in Temple has this year petitioned for Mr. Smith’s reappointment, and for a greater share of his missionary labours. The Rev. Mr. Lovejoy performed the three months’ ser- vice, assigned him at Vassalborough and the vicinity in 1811. The attendance was considerably more numerous than in the preceding year ; the importance of regular societies more gen- erally impressed upon the minds of the people ; and his labours w ere crow ned with “ visible success.” He admitted several members into the church, and administered baptism to 9 chil- dren. The congregational society, though small, raised oue hundred dollars for the support of the gospel, and expressed a wish for the continuance of Mr. Lovejoy’s services. At Fair- fax nearly fifty dollars were raised for the support of congrega- tional preaching; and here “things in several points of view appear more favourable than they have done before.” There is some hope that a congregational church will before long be founded here. Mr. Lovejoy performed a mission of three months in the same region, 1812. He “ found the people kind and hos- pitable wherever lie was called to labour.” He baptized 3 adults and 4 infants as Vassalborough. The society of this place have made their arrangements for the support of the gos- pel, and have raised the same sum w hich has been raised for 34 several years past, not thinking themselves able at present to do more. They feel under great obligations to the Society for propagating the gospel, for assisting them so much, and still request farther aid. At Fairfax appearances are more favour- able. In consequence of the small sum subscribed in this town the year preceding, they had preaching more than one quarter of the year. The missionary observes : “ Good appears to have been done. Three have been added to the church ; and all the members appear to feel most sensibly the importance of enjoying the regular administration of the word and ordinan- ces of God.” On this mission he preached 6 sabbaths at Vas- salborough, 1 at Haerlem, 2 at Fairfax, 1 at Fairfield, 1 at Unity, and 1 at Dixmont. He preached 54 limes, attended oue conference, and one meeting for prayer, visited G schools, and frequently catechised children. Mr. Ephraim Abbot lias performed five months' mission- ary service in Itobbinston and the vicinity, since his first mission of two months in 1811. In a part of Deunysville the people contributed ten dollars, observing, that they had received much benefit from the Society; that they hoped it would graut them farther assistance ; that they needed it, and books ; and that they wished the Society to receive their contribution as a token of their approbation of its benevolent designs, and of their gratitude for the favours which they had received from it.” At Dennys river Theodore Lincoln, Esq. has erected a building, that is used as a school house and meeting house. It is sufficiently large to accommodate 200 persons. After the first mission, Mr. Abbot preached 4 weeks at Robbinston, 6 w'eeks at Calais, and 3 months at Eastport; in the first of these places being compensated by the town, in the two last, by sub- scription. He distributed nearly 100 books and tracts, which he received of the Society ; 266 Bibles, and 216 Testaments sent him by the Bible Society; and school bouks, with religious books and tracts, received by donations from Andover, Cam- bridge, Charlestown, and Boston, to the amount of about one hundred dollars. The supply of school books encouraged par- ents to make considerable exertions to provide schools for their children. The religious books were much needed, and were all thankfully received. Many expressed their gratitude by words, and some by (cars. A large proportion of the people were poor, and many children, and some men and women could not read. The incorporated towns have public free schools. There are very convenient meetinghouses in Robbins- ton and Calais. The missionary observes: “The principal men in these towns have manifested a regard for the public, good by the erection of these houses, by their liberal support of schools, and by their judicious and expensive improvement of roads, which entitle them to much respect and esteem.” There was a very general attendance of the people in all places where he preached. During his mission, he assisted in organizing a church in Robbinston. Appearances were favorable at East- port, “where the principal men, who were desirous of having a congregational meeting among them, had signed obligations for erecting a respectable meeting house, and had purchased a convenient lot for its site.” The Rev. Robert Cochran was employed two months early in 1812, in the northeast parts of Lincoln county. His services were chiefly performed in Appleton and Lincolnville, an account of “the friendly disposition of the people towards the standing order of ministers, and the great gratitude they expressed to the Society for sending them a minister of that or- der.” He visited schools, and preached sometimes to large and attentive assemblies. He also performed two months’ additional service for the Society, in the autumn of the same year, at Robbinston and the vicinity. lie visited Jonesborough, where there is no church formed, of any denomination. The people of that place have been neglected, and requested that it might be made known to the society, “that they were very desirous of having them send a missionary.” At Dennysville he found considerable attention to religion, and to the educa- tion of the children. At Robbinston the people requested him to continue with them a few weeks, at their own expense; but he could not comply with their request. He preached 34 ser- mons on this mission, and remarked, that, “considering the scattered situation of the people, they attended meetings well, and gave good attention.” Robbinston, in his judgment, w ould be a very favorable station for a resident missionary, who 36 might instruct a school, perform pastoral duty, and occasional- ly do missionary service in the vicinity ; but the effects of the war upon that region of our country are such, as must for the present render such an establishment inexpedient, if not im- practicable. Mr. Cochran has performed the service, assigned him the present year at Appleton and the vicinity. In general, he had larger assemblies than he could have expected. He instructed children and youth in a school at Appleton one month and preached on Lord’s days. The success of the mission was very encouraging in this place, where he expected a church would be shortly gathered. The Society, the last year, voted one hundred dollars to Mr. Peter Nurse, in aid of the schools in Ellsworth. Mr. Nurse, in a letter to the Secretary, writes, that he taught a school there about ten months withiu the year, and that the num- ber of scholars, who were of all ages from four to twenty and upwards, has varied from 40 to 70 . “We use the Bible,” he observes, “ much in the school. I endeavour to make my scholars read it with attention and understanding. I often make such remarks as seem to me suitable and important on the portions of scripture which we read. In this way my scholars have become considerably acquainted with the facts recorded in the scriptures. And I live in hope that their hearts M ill in some future period be impressed with the great doctrines of the gospel ” The benefit of his instructions, in qualifying his pupils to become teachers, deserves notice, as it promises extensive advantage to the settlements in Maine. “ Nearly a dozen,” he writes, “ who have received the greater part of their education in my school, have been employed in teachingschools in this and the neighbouring towns. Two of my scholars are noM' teachingschools in Castine.” Mr. Nurse has been ordain- ed to the work of the ministry in EUsMorth; but he writes, “I am settled in this town on the condition that 1 shall superintend the schools, and instruct personally in the central one, as much as I can in consistency with the faithful discharge of minis- terial duty.” This statement sIioms the importance of the So- ciety’s grant, as if respects the ministry, asnell as the schools. To encourage such promising beginuiugs, and to aid so import- s 7 ant an object, the society has made the same grant to Mr. Nurse this year, as the last, of one hundred dollars. A fuller account of this mission is given by the Evangelical Mission- ary Society, in whose service Mr. Nurse was first employed, and under whose auspices he was ordained. See the report of the proceedings of the Trustees of that Society, 1812. Mr. Silas Warren performed two months’ missionary service for the Society, the last year, at Jackson and the vicin- ity. He preached 26 sermons, made 26 family visits, distribut- ed many books, visited one school, and attended two conference meetings. “The people,” he writes, “among whom I have laboured, join with me in expressions of gratitude to your So- ciety for the favour you have bestowed. We hope while we are faithful in our duty, that God will own and bless us, and that you will continue your aid.” Having been requested to pay particular attention to the schools, he forcibly states the importance of them, and the inability of the people to support them. “ Money expended in this w r ay,” he observes, “ would be of great utility. It would not only qualify the rising gen- eration for usefulness in society, but it would open the way for the reception of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The Society, this year, granted one hundred dollars to Mr. Warren, in aid of the schools in Jackson; and the design appears to be faithfully prosecuted. In a letter to the Secretary, dated 7th October last, Mr. Warren writes: “We have had a school in each plantation for the benefit of small children. These schools have been under my immediate inspection — I find they have been useful. I have been at a part of the expense by discharg- ing the bills of those whose parents were unable to pay. I have two under my care and instruction; one will be qualified to teach this winter. As soon as the inhabitants have gathered in their harvest, I shall commence a school in Jackson, and continue through the winter. The inhabitants join me in ex- pressing gratitude for the continuance of favours... .Yesterday the church was organized.” To have been auxiliary to this establishment, (as also to that at Ellsworth) must give satis- faction to the Society. A fuller account of this establishment is given by the Evangelical Missionary Society, by whom 6 38 Mr. Warren was first employed, and under whose patronage lie has been ordained. RHODE ISLAND. The Rev. Mr. Coe performed a mission of three months, the last year, in the western parts of this Slate. In several places he met with more encouragement than has usually been given in that quarter to missionaries. At Slater’s factory lodi jiugs were provided for him ; and he spent seven sabbaths there. The prejudices and habits of the people, in the region he visited, he considers as unfavourable to the cause. “ The few of our order,” he writes, “ receive the missionaries with joy;” but he sees no prospect of building regular churches at present, excepting in East Greenwich, South Kingston, or Smilhfield....“ Several circumstances, however, are favourable. More encouragement is given to education than in past ages.”.... The agitation of the times caused some interruption of his labours. During his mission he preached 73 sermons, attend- ed 7 meetings for prayer and addresses, and 1 conference, and visited 11 schools, and 20fi families. His Journal gives a particular account of the moral and ecclesiastical state of the country ; and suggests the importance of ascertaining proper stations for missionaries. The Society has granted twenty five dollars for the last year, and the same sum for the present, to Rev. Mr. Chapiit, of Pownal, in aid of the maintenance of the ministry in that place. The Congregational Church and Society in Phovincetoxwn have presented a petition, which was communicated at the late semi-annual meeting, and received, as it obviously claimed, par- ticular attention. They state, that the war lias brought upon them great calamity and distress, and an evil which they pe- culiarly deplore — the necessity of ‘-living without a preached gospel, unless they can obtain relief.” “In addition to our present poverty and distress (they observe) we should serious- ly view a deprivation of the public ordinances as a distressing 39 affliction. The people appear to be willing to niaiutain the gospel to their utmost abilities, but except they have some as- sistance they will be obliged to abandon the idea, which gives them much anxiety.” The Society voted for their present re- lief one huudred dollars. BOOKS. The Society voted, last year, 8200 for the purchase of books for distribution. That sum wus expended in the pur- chase of the following books : Baxter’s Saints’ Best Memoirs of Mrs Ramsay Hemmenway’s Discourses to Children Clinton on Baptism Watts’ Catechisms Religious Tradesman Jay’s Life of Winter Wright & Haweis on Communion Henry on do. Hymns for Infant Minds Doddridge's Sermons to Young Persons Friendly Visit to the House of Mourning Watts’ Psalms and Hymns Spelling Books Primers. Most of these books have been distributed ; and they have been gratefully received. The Society has appropriated §50 for the purchase of books, the present year. The preacher, appointed to deliver the annual sermon, hav- ing failed the last year through ill health, no account has been given of the proceedings of the Society since November 1811. This Appendix resumes the account from that time. The success of societies, instituted for benevolent and pious purposes, seldom rises to the height of their designs, impedi- ments, often unforeseen, and not unfrequently insurmountable, prevent the complete execution of the best schemes for diffusing 40 (lie knowledge, and promoting the practice, of Christianity. It is our constant aim to obtain the most correct information of the state of destitute churches and people, and of their comparative as well as absolute claims on our charily, and to employ the best means in our power to accomplish the end. The ditficul- ties attending missions, whether among the new settlers, or among the native inhabitants, of onr country, are not easily im- agined by persons, who view the subject at a distance, and have no share in its labour or responsibility. To suffer those difficulties, however, to discourage our hopes, or to slacken our exertions, in so good a cause, were unworthy of Christians. After all the deductions that must be made, the amount of good, effected by associations like ours, is incalculable. Thanksgiv- ings are doubtless ascending daily to God for their pious char- ities, and the blessings of thousands ready to perish will come upon the benefactors. The preceding narrative, it is believed, carries internal evidence, sufficient to satisfy t lie fair and can- did mind, that our efforts, far from being fruitless, have, with the divine blessing, been productive of great and extensive good. Encouraged by the past, we shall be animated to the future. Nor will we doubt, that, while the object of the Society shall be faithfully prosecuted, there will he a readiness in our fel- low Christians to aid it by their alms and their prayers. STATEMENT OF FUNDS. U. S. star per cent stock, 7500 dollars — real value 1st April, 1813, 82733 39 Union Bank stock, 0300 dollars, advance paid 413, 6713 00 Massachusetts State Mote, 610 dolls. 640 00 Bonds and Mortgages, 900 00 Massachusetts Bank Stock, 11500 dolls. — advance paid gl3 22 , 12822 00 823808 39 JC?” Of this sum, g8S61 56 is considered as the donation of John . Ilford , Esq. and the income thereof appropriated exclu- sively for the benefit of the Indians. 41 |C7* 8500 was presented to the Society in July last, by Ilis Honor William Phillips, Esq. to be expended during the current year. 10“ The collection at the Church in Chauncy Place, on the 4-f h of Nov. 1813, amounted to gl86 40. |0“ Received from an absent member on the 6th of Novem- ber, gio. MISSIONARIES FOR A. D. 1813. Names. Rev. Hezekiah May — — Daniel Lovejoy Nathaniel Porter — D., S >1 / form of a bequest, or legacy. Item : I give and bequeath the sum of to the Society for propagating the Gospel among the Indians and others in North America ; to be applied either to the general objects of the Institution, or to such particular purposes, consistent with those objects, as the donor may think proper. THE END.