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characters to form a Missionary Society several years before it was instituted, yet we trembled and hesitated and paused and postponed the object repeatedly lest our number and influence might prove inadequate to the honourable execution of the design. But, in consequence of the example of others and the opening field of usefulness, with confidence in the divine promise and support, we formed the Society, and marked out our missionary ground. To the destitute District of Maine, and the extensive territory near the Western Lakes, we have for several years sent our diligent Missionaries. The success with which the enterprise has been crowned exceeds our highest expectations. We have met the smiles of providence both at home and abroad. While extensive settlements, destitute of stated instruction, have gladly received our missions, we have been generously furnished with proper means to support them with honour. Who shall despise the day of small things? Those who are for us are more than those who are against us. The mighty God, while building up Zion in reforming the Gentiles and restoring the Jews, is the great patron of missionary institutions. We have nothing to fear but ourselves. For those who trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion which cannot be moved. Let us then stand impartially and firmly upon the elevated ground we have constitutionally described. Both in the choice of Directors and Missionaries, and in the adoption of all our measures, let us copy the example of Christ,

and calculate for the eternal world. To prevent Gentiles and Jews from testifying against us at the tribunal of God let us merit and if possible secure their christian love and esteem. My Missionary Friends and Brethren, may the good wilk of him, who dwelt in the bush and conducted his people safely through the wilderness, direct and bless you, and make you the happy instruments of saving thousands, who are now standing on the verge of destruction.

By faithfully following Christ let us excite others to copy the heavenly example. It is practical christianity only which will induce the residents of the wilderness to accredit our missions. The sagacious savages will not believe preachers who practically disregard the doctrines and duties which they inculcate, nor will they receive a Saviour from those who manifestly reject him.

Let us

then live like Christ while we preach him, and suitably recommend the Cross to others; for a different course of conduct will rather prevent than promote their salvation.

To conclude; we infer the duty of all, and especially the subjects of affluence, to open their hearts and coffers and by every useful measure to concur with heaven in reforming the world. The object before us is infinitely great and precious. As previ ously remarked, it engages the divine perfections. The salvation of man is the glory of God. The same invaluable object charms and captivates the angels of light, and all the children of wisdom.

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Whom then shall we imitate? The men of the world, who have their portion in this life, or Christ, who died for sinners, and says it is more blessed to give than to receive? Can we halt a moment between the alternatives? As it is, therefore, manifest that qualified missionaries cannot leave their domestic and parochial connexions at personal expence, shall we not readily contribute to their port? As the silver and the gold are God's property, to be improved by his stewards in the best manner, it is natural to ask whether some unappropriated monies ought not now to be returned. The most liberal donation, and the least tribute of benevolence also, are acceptable, and will be answerably rewarded. For the Redeemer and Judge of the world will presently say: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these ye have done it unto me." Before this tribunal the real value of property may be easily and accurately ascertained. Let us only realize the doctrine that the salvation of Gentiles and Jews by divine constitution depends on present exertions to diffuse light, and the hand of charity will be extended.

In a word, if our dear relatives, brothers, sisters and children, were now willingly roving about with the deluded natives of the wilderness and attached to their pagan customs and rights, should we not cheerfully employ faithful men to present the message of grace? If unable either to recall or visit them, should we calculate the expence of

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a gospel mission? Pause a moment! Are not the souls of millions equally precious? But, I can proceed no farther for the liberal man deviseth liberal things and is impatient to be a doer of the word. Amen.

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THE Society, on being informed that we have before us more

than three hundred pages of the Journal Manuscripts of last year from our diligent Missionaries, will expect but a summary in the subsequent report.

In the course of the year past we have supported two summer and two winter missions near the western Lakes: and also two summer missions and one during the winter in the District of Maine. The Rev. Mr. Avery, the Rev. Mr. Cram and the Rev. Mr. Alex. ander, have laboured in the Western Territory; and the Rev. Mr. Wines and the Rev. Mr. Sewall, in the Eastern Territory. Their respective journals, which describe the extensive field of their service, and mention the places where they preached, and the manner in which they employed their time, must be considered as ample testimonials of their missionary qualifications. They appear to have been faithfully attentive to the interesting object of their mission; and in some instances their wisely directed and distribu ted labours, have been crowned with desirable success. The des titute Inhabitants of the wilderness have not only eagerly embraced their mission, but have discovered a peculiar readiness to avail themselves of their assistance to form churches that they might en joy the special privileges of the gospel.

The open fields for faithful enterprising Missionaries are vastly extensive. In the western territory, near the Lakes, the missionary ground is computed to be as extensive as the State of Massachusetts exclusive of the Maine. The eastern circle from the river Kenne beck to St. Croix is also very extensive. For the vast district of

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