abroad-the more interest will be felt for the heathen at home. But we do say that that is a false zeal, that professes to seek the salvation of souls in another hemisphere, and is utterly regardless of the welfare of the many precious immortals, who are perishing, on every side, for want of knowledge; and we affirm that every judicious and well informed Christian will give to Domestic Missions an important place in his heart and in his charity; and, while he cheerfully aids in sending the blessed intelligence of a Saviour's love to the Hottentot and Hindoo, and rejoices in the marvellous change which these precious tidings have effected in the once besotted islanders of the Pacific-he will take, at least, equal pleasure in cheering, with the hopes of immortality, the small remnant of that unhappy people, who once possessed the lands which we now call our own, and once roamed through the forests which we have converted into the habitations of civilized man. Nor, will he feel less delight in being happily instrumental in strengthening the things which remain, and are ready to die-in reviving the hopes, and in brightening the prospects of those who once enjoyed better days-and in furnishing with the means of Christian instruction and spiritual

knowledge the rapidly increasing population of our extensive country.

It was with a view to the accomplishment of these important designs, that the society was instituted, whose claims we now present to your respectful consideration and benevolent regards.

If priority in associated efforts to spread the gospel-if the patronage of many distinguished and excellent men-if the unwearied exertions of those to whom executive duty has been committed-and if a steady, uniform, and consistent endeavor to evangelize the aborigines of our country, and to supply with faithful pastors and missionaries many destitute parts of our Zion, constitute a claim upon the attention of the friends of piety and truth-then, The Society for propagating the Gospel among the Indians and others in North America,' will hold no inconsiderable rank among the religious institutions of the present day, and will not be suffered to languish and decline for want of the vigorous and effectual support of an enlightened public.

It is true, other societies, having similar objects, have sprung into existence, and proffered their claims upon Christian benevolence. We rejoice in their multiplication-and, in His name, whose gospel they strive to promulgate, we cor

dially bid them God speed. There is room enough for all, and for many more. May they ever go hand in hand in the prosecution of the blessed work in which they have engaged. It will not impoverish them to contribute to our funds, nor will it impoverish us to contribute to theirs. Let us give to each and to all, as we have ability and opportunity; and relax not our benevolent efforts, until the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

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SERMON X.

THE POLITICAL ASPECT OF THE WORLD, FAVORABLE TO THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL.

EZEKIEL XXI. 27.

I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.

THE duties of the Christian ministry are wisely defined and clearly understood. It is the great business of the ambassadors of heaven to proclaim to rebel men the terms of reconciliation with a holy God. For this purpose they meet the congregated assembly from Sabbath to Sabbath, and urge upon the consciences and hearts of their immortal hearers, the imperative duties of immediate repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. But, although their first and

principal duty is to endeavor to bring sinners home to God, by direct and personal appeals to their hopes and fears, their love of happiness and their dread of misery,—it is not to be expected that their ministrations should be confined to those subjects that have a direct and immediate bearing upon the duties of faith and repentance, but that they occasionally take a more extended view of the moral and religious condition of man of the state of the world-and of the prospects of the future progress and glories of the Redeemer's kingdom.

There are times and occasions, when such topics seem more suitable for public discussion than at others. The Sabbath is, and ever ought to be, especially consecrated to prayer and praise, and those religious duties which more intimately concern the relation of man to his Maker,—and it is never without pain that we hear subjects discussed from the pulpit on the Sabbath, which, although indirectly, it is true, connected with religion, have not an immediate reference to the sinner's duty to return to that God from whom he has revolted—and to the privileges of Christians to contemplate the joys that arise from pardoned sin and the hope of glorious immortality.