is, I am persuaded, light enough on the subject, which either has been or may be scattered, to excite a lively interest, and a glowing zeal, in every pious

heart.

6. A careful attention to Missionary intelligence affords great and constant encouragement in the Missionary work.-A person might feel deeply interested in this work-he might be a zealous advocate and supporter of it; and yet, were he ignorant of the facts which from time to time have been published respecting it, he would be in great danger of becoming wearied and discouraged. The work he would see was great; he might think himself almost alone in it; and he would probably relinquish it under the desponding impression that it never could be accomplished. A proper acquaintance with Missionary intelligence is an effectual security against such despondency, and affords the friends of Missions. great and constant encouragement to persevere. In attending to this, they discover, that although the work is great, they are not alone in it. The thousands of Israel are all united with them. There are thousands and ten thousands in different parts of the globe, whose hearts and hands are resolutely engag ed to carry it forward, and bring it to the desired result. And they discover farther, that the united efforts of the friends of Missions are crowned with great and signal success. Much has been already done; a deep impression has been made on the kingdom of darkness; the throne of superstition, in some regions, is completely overturned; in others, it is tottering on its bloody base; and nothing is wanting but persevering effort and prayer, united with the promised blessing of heaven, in order to the moral renovation of the world. In view of these animating

facts, the hands of the friends of Missions are strengthened, and their hearts encouraged, and they devote themselves to the cause they have espoused with renewed diligence, devotion, and zeal.

7. An acquaintance with Missionary intelligence excites to prayer for the success of Missions, and fits us to pray with understanding as well as fervor.Prayer is an expression of our desires to God; and the power of prayer is ever in proportion to the ardor of these desires. But it is impossible to excite and sustain an ardor of holy desire in respect to Missions, except by a knowledge of facts in relation to the subject. And an acquaintance with facts is requisite to our praying with understanding, as well as with fervor. If we were requested to intercede for a friend in affliction, we should wish to know the circumstances of his affliction. Or if we were to offer prayers for any desirable object, we should wish to know the facts respecting it. So when we pray for the success of Missions; in order that our prayers may be appropriate, and may flow forth from an enlightened mind and a fervent heart; it is necessary that we keep up an acquaintance with Missionary Intelligence. Otherwise, we shall be liable to ask, we know not what, and our prayers must of necessity be formal and ineffectual.

8. An acquaintance with Missionary intelligence excites to an enlightened and well directed liberality, in our contributions for the support of Missions. True liberality is very different from a lavish and wasteful disposition. The liberal man may entertain a high sense of the value of property; but he is willing to bestow it, so far as it is his duty, whenever he is made acquainted with great and worthy objects. To bestow it upon objects with which he was unacə

quainted, would be little better on his part than throwing it away. It would be to dispense his favors in the dark, and where, for ought he knew, they might as probably promote evil as good.-There can be no true liberality in respect to Missions, without some previous acquaintance with the subject of Missions. And the more the sincerely benevolent become acquainted with this object, the more will they be disposed to contribute for its support. Besides, their contributions will, in this case, be wisely directed. They will know what part of the great system of charity, under existing circumstances, most needs support-will know where to place their helping hand and will be, not only disposed to do all they consistently can, but enabled to direct and apply their charities in the wisest manner.

I only add,

9. The perusal of Missionary intelligence is a source of rational and high enjoyment to the people of God.-I know not how better to illustrate this idea, than by appealing directly to the experience of such persons on the subject. Have you never, my dear brethren, felt your souls refreshed, and your hearts dilated and filled with joy, when beholding, through the medium of some religious publication, the gradual undermining and overthrow of Satan's empire, and the mighty march of your Redeemer's kingdom ? Have you ever been happier, than when contemplating the animating facts, and the still more animating prospects, presented before you by means of Missionary intelligence? In view of facts and prospects such as these, the very heavens rejoice; and it is reasonable, my brethren, that you should rejoice with them. It would be an impeachment of your piety and benevolence, were you capable of doing otherwise..

I would not be understood, by any thing here said, as recommending a perusal of Missionary intelligence, to the neglect of the Scriptures and other valuable religious books. I am aware that in the minds of some, there is danger of this. But the real Christian, I would confidently trust will suffer nothing to detract his frequent, studious, and solemn attention from the word of God. And the ChrisItian who is wise will not allow his thirst after Missionary Intelligence to give him a disrelish for doctrinal discussions, and for religious studies of a severer nature. There is such a thing, as sustaining the Christian character in its due proportions. We may, I think, statedly peruse and wisely improve the interesting religious intelligence of the day, and still not neglect those other important studies and pursuits, which pertain to the Christian life.

It should excite our gratitude, after what has been -said, that so much animating intelligence of a religious nature is furnished and published at the present time. Only a few years have elapsed, since this was not the case-since, instead of recounting spiritual victories, and celebrating the progress of a Redeemer's kingdom; the horrible sound of war, and the jarring notes of political strife, were emitted from a thousand presses, and echoed from every quarter of the globe. Little religious intelligence was published, and little in fact was to be published. But a new era in this respect appears to have commenced. Christians now have the privilege of hearing often respecting those things in which they are most deeply interested. Religious papers and pamphlets are circulating in almost every village and hamlet of our country-they are flying to the utmost regions of the world; while to have them in

possession, and to keep pace with their contents, are deemed essential to a religious education, and to an accomplished religious life,

In view of what has been said, let us, my brethren, duly appreciate the importance of giving a wise attention to Missionary intelligence. This, we have seen, will be conducive, not only to our general improvement, but to our religious knowledge, and growth in grace. Or if we have conceived objections to the Missionary cause, it is by this means they will best be obviated and removed. Or if those who love the kingdom of Christ have never yet felt interested and engaged on the subject of Missions, it must be because of their ignorance of facts; as a full knowledge of facts pertaining to this subject cannot fail to enlist every pious benevolent heart in its favor. By a proper attention to these facts, we shall also find encouragement to persevere in our devotedness to the cause of Missions; shall be excited to pray for it; shall know how to pray; and our prayers and alms will ascend up together, as a memorial of us before the throne of God. And by thus observing the movements and triumphs of the Redeemer's kingdom; the hearts of his people will rejoice and their tongues be glad; and they will be prepared to sing with the sweetest devotion, "Be thou exalted, O Lord, above the heavens; be thou exalted in thine own strength; and let the whole earth be filled with thy glory." Amen and Amen.