the same sum being contributed the next year, with the understanding that they are not to enlarge the sphere of their operations, but to confine themselves to the field now occupied. It is much less difficult to obtain augmented resources, by presenting a rising and triumphant cause, than to secure the same income from year to year, on the avowed plan, that the same engagements, as in former years, will embrace all that is to be attempted. In a word, the missionary cause must rise, or it will be depressed; and if it should unhappily proceed long in a downward course, there is no such thing as making an adequate estimate of so awful a calamity, in its baleful influence on the spiritual condition of our race. To suppose such a thing, would seem a libel on our churches;-and we will not suppose it. The Committee have always acted with the expectation, that the missions, the stations, the schools, the printing presses, the expenditures, were to be increased from year to year; and for the friends of missions to act with any other expectation, would appear to be an event of the most distressing kind, in its bearing upon the religious character and interests of this country. by all classes of contributors to this great object. While the regular expenses of the Board were necessarily going on, and before large resources could be derived from the new organization, a mode of remittance to India was proposed by Mr. Newton, a member of the Board residing there, which had several advantages to recommend it. The proposal was thought favorable, as. by opening a credit in india to be sustained by providing for drafts on London, time was gained for calling forth resources at home, the Board being relieved from the immediate charge of the Bombay and Ceylon missions. Accordingly, the Treasurer paid very little, during the last two years, for the support of those missions; and the principal expenses for the year ending with last April, have lately come upon the treasury. The expenses for the year ending with next April will come in due time; and, as the financial affairs of India have experienced a great change in consequence of the Burmese war, the mode of remittance must be changed as soon as possible, and money must be sent in advance for the support of the eastern missions. This change, taken in connexion with what was first stated, may make it very important and desirable to meet the expenses of the eastern missions for three years, in the course of a year or fifteen months; it being kept in view, that most of these expenses have been already incurred and defrayed in India. Another occasion of embarrassment arises from the fact, that the Board has assumed the engagements of the United Foreign Mission In pursuing this course, however, when a reinforcement was sent to the Sandwich Islands in the autumn of 1822, the Committee were not fully sustained by the Christian public; and at the annual meeting of the year 1824, the Board was in debt fourteen thousand dollars. During the following year, this debt was nearly extinguished. In the mean time, the attention of the Committee was much directed to the regular organization of the Christian community, so that applicationary Society, which require large payments to might be made once a year, in the most sys- be made, before the resources of those friends tematic, respectful, and acceptable manner, of missions, who contributed to the treasury to all friends of missions, who would be likely of that society, can be called forth and rento regard the Board as the proper channel of dered available. The Committee regard the their beneficence to the heathen world. The union as a most happy event, and as likely to labor of effecting this organization required a promote the missionary cause in a very high more extended agency, than the Committee degree; but, as frequently happens in regard were able to employ; as it is extremely diffi- to the most useful measures, it is attended cult for settled clergymen to leave the people with a present inconvenience. Since the of their charge, and as the pressing demand union was consummated in June last, debts of for young men entering the ministry, espe- the United Foreign Missionary Society, to cially those who possess popular talents and the amount of $10,744 55 have been paid, high qualifications, is such as to preclude the beside the constantly recurring expenses of possibility of obtaining a sufficient number of the missions transferred by that Society to suitable agents to organize the friends of the care of the Board; so that, in both these missions throughout our country, within a ways, more than $16,500 have been paid, as moderate period of time. Much progress a consequence of this union, after deducting has been made, however, in this great and all that has yet been received through the necessary work. If it has not proceeded channels, which, as another consequence so fast, as the Committee could desire, it of the union, have been directed into the is nevertheless been cordially approved "treasury of the Board. This estimate is carefully made, and must be substantially correct. It is not here introduced by way of complaint; but as one occasion of the apprehended embarrassments; for, if these expenses had not been defrayed, payments to the same amount might have been made for the eastern missions. It should be said, moreover, that the Committee gladly anticipate the time, when the receipts from those friends and auxiliaries, who have come into a connexion with the Board by the terms of the union, will greatly exceed all the expense of the engagements thus assumed, and will continue to increase, with the increasing facilities of doing good, till the world shall have experienced a moral renovation. As an earnest of this pleasing anticipation, it is proper to mention the late organization, in the city of New York, auxiliary to the Board; in the formation of which, the munificence of individuals and the readiness of congregations were conspicuous. No avails of this organization have as yet been received, but substantial aid may soon be expected, and, as the amount cannot now be accurately ascertained, the readers of the Missionary Herald must be referred to future acknowledgments, in the monthly list of donations. A similar organization has recently been introduced into New Jersey, where it is hailed with the same cordiality as in other places; and nothing but a sufficient number of agents, who are well acquainted with the subject, and are able to present it clearly and forcibly, is wanting to secure the co-operation of numerous congregations, in all the older parts of our country, and in many of the new settlements. Upon the adoption of an efficient system of rendering aid to missionary enterprises, much of their success must depend. But to afford immediate relief in a case like the present, it is necessary that those, who are sincerely friendly to the object, should spontaneously come forward with their liberal offerings, and not wait for the tardy process of making a regular and systematic appeal to all the members of the community. From what has been said, it is plain, that a necessity exists for prompt and vigorous exertions. Even present engagements cannot be met, without a very considerable augmentation of receipts. And what shall said be of more extensive operations? and even of supplying the vacancies, which death has caused in the missionary ranks? The dying address of Mr. Hall appeared to make a deep impression upon the minds of multitudes, in every part of our land; and the universal cry from all quarters has been, that the Bombay mission must be sustained. Doubt- And when the Committee look to the Sandwich Islands, and see the number of missionaries lessened as a consequence of sickness, so that some stations must probably be relinquished,-stations, where thousands of natives gladly hear the Gospel;-and when they hear the voice of other thousands, in every part of the islands, pleading for spiritual teachers, who shall bring the torch of salvation into their benighted borders;-and when the necessity of having a well organized Christian commanity, at the principal places on the islands is considered, not only for the direct improvement of the natives, but to limit the pernicious influence, and restrain the brutal violence of outlaws from Christian countries; -when these things are brought clearly before the mind, and made the subjects of prayer and deliberate consultation, how can the Committee help feeling a strong desire to send a reinforcement thither, at the first favorable season? Such a season will return early next autumn. And shall these thousands, suffering under a complication of vices, which the Gospel alone can cure; sunk in a depth of degradation, from which the Gospel alone can raise them; held by Satan in a bondage, from which Christ alone can vindicate them;-shall they be left to perish without light and without hope, because the expense of sending and maintaining a few additional laborers cannot be borne? Many contributors to the missionary cause may be disposed to inquire, "How shall we know when the present exigency has ceased; and when the Board is able to proceed, in supplying the missions now existing, without embarrassment and without anxiety; at least so far as pecuniary resources are in question?" This is a natural inquiry; and, for several reasons, it should receive an answer, which needs not to be repeated every month. Although the Committee neither possess nor desire the power of directing or controlling the religious charities of their brethren, otherwise than by presenting unquestionable facts, sound arguments, and Christian motives; and although they do not presume, in any case, to fix the sum, which any one of their brethren should appropriate to these objects; yet they feel bound to state, that the present embarrassments will not be removed, unless the monthly list of donations, for several months in succession, shall show the average amount of receipts to be ten thousand dollars a month. And they have no hesitation in adding, that Christians in the United States, who have already patronized the missions of the Board, owe it to themselves to see, that the average of the monthly donations should never hereafter fall below that sum. There are in Great Britain three missionary societies, all relying upon the aid of those, who believe that men must be horn agun, before they can see the kingdom of God, and all intently engaged in sending the Gospel to the heathen. Each of these societies, for several years in succession, has received an annual income of $150,000, gradually rising above that sum from year to year; and during --a the year before the last anniversary, which included a period of pecuniary distress unparalleled in that kingdom, the contributions for supporting missions were augmented;-grand exemplification of the firm hold, which this cause has gained upon the affections of British Christians. There are several other societies engaged in the same cause, promoting it with great zeal and success, and receiving a generous support. But of the three, to which special reference is had, it is believed that not one of them can depend upon the support of so numerous, or so wealthy, a community of Christians, as are to be found in the Congregational and Presbyterian churches of this country. Not one of them can appeal to so many well educated evangelical ministers, as are to be found holding the office of pastors of these churches; or to so many private Christians not bowed down under the weight of public burdens, and not straitened for the means of meeting their ordinary expenditures, as are to be found enjoying the ministrations of these pastors. Why then should American Christians be willing to follow, at so humble a distance, the noble example, which is set in the land of their fathers? Why should they not outrun, as they will soon be able to do, all that has yet been achieved by any single generation of men, since the age of the Apostles? There is, indeed, in some of our cities and towns, a little circle of devoted men and women, who would not suffer by a comparison with any similar portion of the British public even; either as to the extent of their benefactions, the perseverance of their efforts, or their pious attachment to the cause. But have professors of religion generally put forth their strength to this work? Have they labored for it, as for a highly valued object? Have they preferred the success of missions to their chief joy? Have they endeavored to enlist others in this noblest and most beneficent undertaking? Have their actions corresponded with their prayers, their professions, their pledges, or their avowed wishes and expectations? If all these questions could receive a satisfactory answer, there would have been such a supply of means, from the voluntary and cheerful offerings of the pious and the liberal, as would have conveyed spiritual life and peace into many lands as yet unvisited by the Gospel. When the Committee ask for additional resources, it is proper to renew the assurance, which has always been implicitly given and understood, that the appropriations to meet the various engagements of the Board. are made with a solemn and conscientious reference to the inquiry, How can the most good be done, in the different fields of missionary labor, at the least expense? Or, How can the means furnished accomplish the greatest amount of good? In answering this inquiry, the Committee are doubtless liable to err; and it would be high presumption to suppose they have not erred more than once: but they can truly say, that they seek for information, with reference to this subject, from every quarter; that they endeavor to profit by experience; and and that they are in the constant habit of asking for wisdom from above to guide them in discharging every part of their official trust. After this frank disclosure, and this d rect appeal, it is proper to recommend several measures, which, if generally adopted, will not only afford present relief, but give a new impulse to all the evangelical exertions in our country. These measures may be arranged under the following heads. 1. Let the organization of the friends of missions into associations and auxiliary societies, so far as it has been effected, be thoroughly pursued. In order to this, the annual collections should be made exactly at the proper time; that is, at the expiration of each year, reckoning from the date of the first payment. As the numerous associations were organized at different seasons of the year, the annual payments will be coming in, from different quarters, in the course of every month; so that a constant supply will be afforded. But delays, in reference to periodical claims of charity, are extremely natural. Their influence, however, on the whole system of operations, is depressing, and discouraging, to an alarming degree. All who are awake and alive to their duties,-(and who should not be awake and alive?) ought not to indulge themselves in procrastinating an attention to these duties for a single day. It is an easy matter for a contributor to suffer his religious charities to fall into long arrears. But it is not an easy matter for a missionary among barbarians to live without food, when his supplies are exhausted; or without medicine, when he is sick; or without clothing, when his garments are worn out. It is a serious thing, for rising schools in heathen countries, to be abandoned, for want of the accustomed means of supporting them; and for the press to stand idle, for want of paper, in the midst of a population clamorous for books. While punctuality is urged upon the mass of contributors, in regard to their payments, the secretaries, treasurers, and collectors will excuse the Committee for pressing upon them, with affectionate importunity, the great advantage of a punctual and exact attention to their duties. It surely will not be said, that the labor, and the care, and the exertion are too great. This is surrendering the whole cause at once. For if the resources of the Christian community cannot be called forth, with the aid of a simple and popular organization, they cannot be called forth without this aid; and if there is not public spirit enough to collect and concentrate the otherwise feeble and divided efforts of individuals, it would seem hardly possible to attempt any thing on a large scale for the salvation of men. It should also be the constant aim of all, who justly appreciate this object, to increase the amount collected, till it shall have risen to a much higher standard, than has prevailed hitherto;-to a standard, which shall have been evidently formed, under the powerful influence of Christian principle, and with a steady reference to the eternal world. 2. Another proposal, which the Committee would respectfully make to their brethren, is this: that they should sit down, and deliberately ponder this subject, with reference to their past contributions. There are those, doubtless, nor is their number very small, who, after a particular scrutiny, will be confirmed in the opinion, that they have treated the cause of missions, as it becomes enlightened men and women to treat a great and noble cause, which has a claim upon their best affections, and demands their strenuous efforts. Are there not others, who must pass a different sentence upon themselves? and who cannot avoid the conclusion, that, for the accomplishment of a purpose dear to their hearts,-for obtaining a personal gratification,-they should cheerfully have given five or ten times as much, as they have contributed to send the Gospel to the ends of the earth? If any should be conscious, that this is the case in regard to them, does not the present occasion call for an immediate revision of the matter? And will they not deem it a privilege to make up past deficiencies by a prompt remittance, either through the established channels of communication. or directly to the treasury of the Board? 3. It may be fairly presumed, that, among the multitudes, who will read these paragraphs, there are not a few individuals, who have done nothing for the benefit of the heathen, or whose contributions have been so small, and so infrequent, as scarcely to be remembered; and who, notwithstanding, rank themselves If all Boston, Jan. 26, 1827. TUSCARORA MISSION. among the decided friends of missions, always || the support of all, who love the Saviour of praise the self-denial of the missionaries, and lost men, or claim to be numbered as his disappear to rejoice in the good which is accom- ciples. plished. Is this altogether consistent? the friends of missions were to limit their patronage to the expressions of warm attachment and cordial approbation, would not this be, in the language of Scripture, to love in word, and in tongue, and not in deed, and in truth? And would not the extinction of the light, which now begins to shine in so many dark places, be the immediate consequence? Let every person, then, who gives the sanction of his voice to the missionary enterprise, and has gladly received by the principal men of the given nothing else, hasten to add the sanction of a spirited example. 4. Much is to be done, in the way of directing patronage to this object, by friends in their intercourse with friends, and neighbors with neighbors. How many are there, who could enlarge the circle of missionary influence, and enlist new strength in the cause, by simply making it as prominent a subject in conversation, as its dignity and importance deserve? In using such an influence, as is here recommended, there are no drawbacks, nothing to detract from its salutary tendency, nothing to give pain on reflection, even in the most solemn circumstances, and in the hour of death. To conclude, the design of bringing all men to the knowledge of the true God, and to faith in Jesus Christ, is so benevolent in its character, so distinctly authorized by Scripture, so efficacious in its bearing on the happiness of man, that it invites scrutiny, and is not afraid of the closest investigation. It boldly challenges 25th of December, with his wife, and proceedTHE Rev. Joseph Lane left Boston on the ed to the station among the Tuscaroras, in the western part of New York, where he is expected to reside. He arrived at the scene of his future labors early in January, and was tribe. FORMATION OF ASSOCIATIONS. OHIO.-Morgan Co. Mc Connelsville. Gent. Assc. Rev. J. Hunt, Pres. Mr. R. Robinson, V. Pres. Dr. P. B. Johnson, Sec. Mr. J. Porter, Treas. 3 coll.-Lad. Asso. Mrs. J. Hunt. Pres. Licking Co. Newark. Gent. Asso. Rev. S. S. Dea. L. Rose, V. Pres. Samuel Bancroft, Esq. Sec. Knox Co. Martinsburgh. Gent. Asso. Wm. Me Wayne Co. Wooster. Gent. Asso. Dr. William Barnes, Pres. J. Patten, Esq. V. Pres. Mr. M. Culberten, Sec. Thomas Cox, Esq. Treas. 4 coll.Lad. Asso. Mrs. T. Barr, Pres. Mrs. E. Patten, A notice of other Associations, is again excluded by other important matter. DONATIONS, FROM DECEMBER 21ST, TO JANUARY 20TH, INCLUSIVE. |