Missions for the propagation of Christianity among the heathen can no longer be regarded as doubtful experiments. The grounds of attack and defence, therefore, have undergone an entire change. Thirty or forty years ago, such undertakings were represented by those who opposed them, as fanatical and utopian; as begun under the influence of a misguided zeal, and never likely to answer the purpose, or reward the benevolent exertions and sacrifices of their projectors.

The friends who espoused the cause, knew too well the nature of the work in which they had embarked, to be put down or discouraged by this mode of assailing them. Their enterprise was founded on a correct knowledge of the nature of Christianity, as a message from God to man, and as adapted to all the diversified evils which belong to his fallen nature. They were fully persuaded that it was the will of God the gospel should be preached to every creature; and that, though they might err in the selection of instruments, or in the choice of spheres of action, God would regard with approbation the effort to promote his glory, and sooner or later smile upon it with success. Success, come when it might, however, they never alleged as the proper ground of their engaging in the work. They knew that it was the prerogative of God alone to give it in answer to prayer, and in connection with effort, while it was their duty in faith and patience to wait for it.

I grant that if success in such a cause were indefinitely delayed, it would lead to some important considerations. It would induce suspicions as to the nature of the work attempted; as to the construction put upon the revelation of the will of God; and, finally, as to the divine origin and design of Christianity itself. For if any part of the communication from heaven be clearer than another, it is the intimation, that the blessings of the gospel, as they are adapted to al!, so they are destined by God to be enjoyed by all the nations of the earth. If, therefore, all attempts to propagate the gospel should fail, it would follow either that we are incapable of understanding its revelation, or that something of a very mysterious nature belongs to the designs of God respecting it.

So far from being under the necessity of looking at the subject in this light, we have been furnished with evidence of the most satisfactory kind, that the experiment has succeeded to the full extent, if not of the wishes, at least of the expectations of those who have tried it; that in every instance where the attempt has been judiciously made by proper instruments, and sufficiently persevered in, success to a greater or less extent has taken place; and that on the whole, the results have been so satisfactory, as to present a complete answer to every objection, and the fullest encouragement to proceed.

There is such a thing as being impatient of labor, or of waiting for its results; of entertaining too magnificent ideas of the amount of our own doings; and of assuming the attitude of menace and reproach, because every thing is

not according to our mind. It is possible too to forget, that when a gigantic superstructure is to be raised, a platform or foundation of proportionate extent must be laid. It seems to be expected by many, that the cupola should be rising into view, before there has been time to accomplish the work under ground. It is overlooked, that a very large portion of the work which has been done by missionary societies and missionaries, during the last thirty or forty years, has been chiefly preparatory in its nature. Much labor has been enployed to overcome difficulties and obstacles which stood in the way of the work at home, or of its introduction into various countries abroad. The efforts required to subdue positive hostility to missionary undertakings have been great, and required much wisdom and perseverance. To have succeeded thus far in commanding public confidence and approbation, is alone of vast moment to the future interests of the work. It is but within a few years that the cause has acquired the appearance of magnitude, or that the operations have been conducted on a scale at all worthy of it, or of the persons who espouse it. Yet we are already told that our success is nothing, compared with

our means.

Many of our most valuable and efficient missionaries have been employed rather as pioneers, than as regular soldiers; their time and talents have been chiefly devoted to the compilation of grammars and dictionaries of new and difficult languages; to the translation of the scriptures, and of other valuable works, into those languages; to the forming of systems, and conducting seminaries and schools for education; in short, to the construction of a vast apparatus of means for attack and defence, which may be more extensively and effectually employed by others than by themselves. What has absorbed the chief part of the time, strength and talents of the Baptist missionaries at Serampore ?-translations, dictionaries, schools and school books. The same remark will apply to many of the missionaries belonging to the London Missionary Society, in India, China, and the Chinese Archipelago. In Madagascar, in the Mediterranean, and iu Siberia, a great part of their employment has been of this description.

To have overcome the difficulties which were in the way of these preliminary objects, ought not to be regarded as a small matter. I am aware I shall be told that these are, after all, but means, however important they may be in themselves. I answer they are ends as well as means. They are legitimate objects of Christian labor; many of them will not require to be done again; and the man who has accomplished them ought not to be considered by his brethren as having lived in vain.

Is it nothing, considering the vast fabric of superstition, idolatry, and oppression, which we have begun to assail, that a slight vibration only begins to be perceptible? Our success ought not to be estimated merely by the cost and labor employed, but in connection with the opposition which we have to encounter. In this point of view our means are really insignificant. With our feeble energies directed against hundreds of millions, is it nothing that a few outposts have been carried? that some alarm has been created? that the sound of war has penetrated the lines, and been heard even in the centre of the camp? All this it seems is nothing, because we have not carried the main fortress; or at least overcome a large portion of the enemy.

It is not correct, that there has been little success even in the work of conversion, where the proper means have been employed. Are the conversions of the South Sea islanders forgotten? Both in regard to numbers, and to the effects of the gospel on the individuals, these conversions have no parallel, except in those of apostolic times. But not to look exclusively at the work in this quarter, I am not afraid to assert, that, with few exceptions, wherever fit men have been employed in directly addressing the heathen on the subject of Christianity, they have not labored in vain; and that the success which has followed laborious and persevering exertion will bear a fair comparison, all things considered, with what takes place among ourselves. I challenge inquiry on this subject; and refer for the truth and accuracy of my statement to many parts of India, and Africa; and to the West Indian Missions, belonging to the Moravians, the Wesleyan Methodists, and the Baptists.

Instead, therefore, of pouring forth complaint and discouragement, it becomes us to adopt the language of thanksgiving, and to humble ourselves before God for our own unbelief and unprofitableness. The failure has been on our part,