the

though in its infancy, has furnished the to press them to receive the messages of digreater part of the missionaries who have vine mercy in Christ, and rely upon his been sent to the heathen by the Western righteousness for justification, and the pow Foreign Missoionary Society; and from er of his Spirit for purification from moral which, if it be sustained, we may receive defilement-and consecrate themselves with. continual supplies. (3.) Sabbath School out reserve to his service-to instruct the Institutions, which, when rightly conduct- young in the knowledge of the Gospel, and ed and duly attended, are an excellent urge them to devote the prime and vigor of means of preserving the young from the their lives to the glory of their great Creacorruption of the world, and leading them tor and Redeemer.As the Bible was "giv. in the ways of truth, righteousness and en by inspiration of God," and is the perfect, peace; and of preparing them for useful- infallible rule of faith and practice, it ought ness as citizens of our free and happy to be possessed by all men. But it should country, and as members of the church, ever be accompanied with the preaching of zealous and active in promoting the glori- the Gospel, which is especially used by the ous cause and kingdom of their Lord and Spirit as the means of convincing, convertSavior. Who, that desires to see the light ing, sanctifying and saving sinners.-Withof the Gospel more extensively diffused, in the last half century, the missionary and true religion perpetuated and increased spirit in Christians has revived and increas in every successive generation, until "the ed; and manifested itself in the establishearth be filled with the knowledge of the ment of missions in various parts of the Lord," would not be willing to contribute heathen world, which, by the blessing of something for the supply of these institu- Heaven, have been crowned with success. tions with books happily calculated to teach I refer to those among the American Indi young the knowledge of the Bible and ans; those in the South Sea and Sandwich the superlatively excellent and important Islands, in South Africa, the West Indies, principles of the religion of Christ? (4.) and parts of Asia and the Island of Ceylon; Religious Tract Societies, whose publica- in all which much good has been done by tions are truly evangelical, and admirably the preaching of the Word, the distribution calculated to instruct those who are "void of Bibles and Tracts, and the instruction of of understanding," to awaken sinners, to youth in daily and Sabbath Schools. The establish and edify the children of God, and Gospel is to be preached to all nations, in animate them in his holy service and their obedience to the last command of our Sav efforts to advance his kingdom. I have ior. He has promised his presence and particularly in view those of the American blessing to his faithful ministers "alway, Tract Society. Scarcely any where can even to the end of the world." And the tracts and choice works of evangelical wri- successes of missions in time past justify and ters in bound volumes be procured at so lit-encourage the most vigorous exertions to tle expense as in the depositories of this In-send out and sustain missionaries in num stitution. And what Christian is not dis-bers greatly increased. Can we turn a posed, according to his ability, to obtain supplies for himself and his family, and for gratuitous distribution-and especially to aid the Society to answer the loud and increasing calls for tracts in distant heathen lands? (5.) Missionary Societies, Domestic and Foreign. The objects of these are to give the living ministry to the desti- I might enumerate many other benevo tute in our own land, and in Heathen and lent institutions, all which are worthy of Mahomedan countries to assist them to patronage, and ought to be remembered in understand the written word of God-to our contributions, whether we be able to awaken their profound attention to divine give little or much; such as the Seamen's, and eternal things-to convince them of the Jews', the Temperance, the Coloniza their sin, danger and helpless condition-tion, Societies. But,

deaf ear to the numerous and pressing calls of the heathen for missionary laborers! Have we tasted that the Lord is gracious? and can we shut up our bowels of compassion from our forlorn and wretched fellow. beings who are perishing for want of the bread and water of life? It must not,cannot be.

II. It may be proper to show how the duty of honoring the Lord with our substance ought to be performed.

1. With liberality, according as God has prospered us; for this is the rule given by the Apostle: "If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not." Few, who plead poverty as an excuse for not giving something for religious or benevolent purposes, can be poorer than the poor widow who "cast into the treasury two mites, which make a farthing;" and was commended by our Lord for "casting in all that she had, even all her living."-Much may be saved for benevolent purposes by strict economy and care to avoid all extravagance in meat, drink, dress, furniture, &c.

5. Systematically, or according to a well devised plan or regular method; formed after due consideration of our resources, the comparative importance of the benevolent objects presented to our view, and our obligations to promote them by regular contributions according to their magnitude and our ability. This would tend to preserve us from caprice and irregularity in giving, to form us to steady habits of beneficence, and enable us to effect some permanent good in sustaining the benevolent institutions of the day. The apostle Paul enjoins the observance of a regular course in making collections for the poor saints at Jerusalem; "Upon the first day of the 2. Without hypocricy and ostentation, week, let every one of you lay by him in and not to be seen of men or from a desire store, as God hath prospered him, that of popular applause. In reference to pri- there be no gatherings when I come." vate charities, our Savior says, "Let not Hence, we may see the propriety of church-thy left hand know what thy right hand es and presbyteries making stated collec-doeth." But there are also public chari- tions for the support of missions, or of ties in which an example of liberality may some particular missionaries in foreign. have a happy influence upon others. Of this we have several instances in Seripture, as in the contributions for the tabernacle and temple. But whether we are called to give in public or private, we ought to do it with humility and purity of motive, regarding the glory of God and the best interests of men: "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity."

3. Cheerfully, not with reluctance or by constraint, but with a ready mind; for this is the will of God, as expressed in his word: "Every man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver." The same is implied in what the Scriptures speak of free-will offerings.

fields.

III. I shall endeavor to enforce, briefly, the duty of honoring the Lord with our substance.

1. It is frequently enjoined in the Scriptures; as is abundantly evident from preceding quotations. All the commands of God are most just and reasonable, and deserve our most cheerful and unreserved obedience; and all disregard to his high authority is exceedingly criminal and deserving of his displeasure. We ought, in this case, and every other, to do, not only what he has commanded, but because he has commanded it.

2. It is recommended and encouraged by numerous examples recorded in the Scriptures for our imitation. The ancient 4. Frequently, as occasions arise; for patriarchs, and the kings, princes,' elders, this will not only render us very useful to and people of Israel, made liberal contribuothers, but also cherish and strengthen the tions, as we have seen. Pious women minbenevolent principle in our own hearts. If istered to the necessities of their Lord; and we give from right motives, we will receive the Christian Philippians, to those of the a gracious reward, according to the prom- apostle Paul. And this apostle and his-asise of God; but if we withhold, from a cov-sistant laborers in the Gospel collected etous spirit, we should remember that all from the Gentile churches supplies for the we possess may speedily be torn from us by relief of the afflicted and impoverished Jewsome adverse dispensation of Providence:ish converts at Jerusalem.

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soever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." "Give; and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom: for with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measur

3. It tends to the glory of God, who is honored by the proper use and application of our substance, proceeding from a principle of genuine love to him and undissembled good will to men. It is one of the acceptable "fruits of righteousness which are, by Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God."—And it leads the pious partakers of our bounty to give thanks to God, and glorify his name for the influence of his Gos-ed to you again." pel upon our hearts, manifested in such be- 6. If we neglect our duty in this respect, neficence; for, says the apostle, "The min- we incur the displeasure of God, and draw istration of this service not only supplieth down his curse upon ourselves and our the want of the saints, but is abundant also concerns: "There is that withholdeth more by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." by the experiment of this ministration, they "Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have glorify God for your professed subjection to robbed me, even this whole nation." "Dethe Gospel of Christ, and for your liberal part from me, ye cursed, into everlasting distribution unto them, and unto all men." fire, prepared for the devil and his angels; 4. It contributes, in different ways, to for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no the present and everlasting welfare of our meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no fellow-men. It relieves the destitute, the drink," &c. "He shall have judgment widow, and the fatherless, or provides for without mercy that hath showed no merthem the means of subsistence and com-cy."-Those who, disregarding the comfort. It secures the education of the young and the instruction of the unenlightened in the knowledge of divine truth, by purchasing for their benefit the Holy Scriptures, and sustaining faithful missionaries of the cross, who leave their native and beloved country and the enjoyments of civil society, and go to foreign and far distant lands, to "preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ," and make a tender of salvation thro' the merits of his obedience and death to thousands who never heard his precious name.

5. It is attended with a great blessing to ourselves, in the growth of our benevolent affections which always give delight,| in the consciousness of faithfully discharging our duty, in the increase of our tempo. ral prosperity in the providence of God, and a gracious reward in the kingdom of heavenly glory; according to the multiplied and unfailing promises of God: "He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again." "The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself." "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days." "He that soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." "Who

mands of God and the interests of his kingdom, withhold what they are able to give, are frequently visited with adverse providences, deeply affecting themselves and their families; and judgments upon their farms and merchandise, their herds and flocks; which strip them of that wealth which they have received of the Lord, to be used for his glory, but which they have not, as faithful stewards, employed according to his will. Or, if he suffer them to prosper in the world, they will "have their portion in this life," very unsatisfying and transient; and, at the close of mortal life, lie down in everlasting sorrow.

Let us seriously ponder these thingsfeel our obligations to honor the Lord with our substance, and conscientiously endeavor, in reliance on his grace, to discharge this duty according to his prescriptions, influenced by the weighty considerations which he has laid before us in his word.

ORDINATION.-Mr. James Wilson, who will shortly embark for Northern India, as a missionary, under the direction of the W. F. Missionary Society, was ordained at Goshen, N. Y. Oct. 20, by the Presbytery of Hudson. The Presbytery have undertaken his support.-Presbyterian.

WESTERN FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

MISSION TO NORTHERN INDIA.-LETTERS peaceful and submissive-no wish to live

OF REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE.

Concluded from page 353.

EXTRACTS OF LETTER IV.

no doubts respecting her acceptance, but thankful and very composed. She gave me many directions and counsels; and of Howrah, Nov. 23d.-My dear Father- ten expressed her trust in the Savior, and I hardly know how to proceed with this her confidence in him, notwithstanding her letter. Perhaps one reason why the for- unworthiness. On the morning of the day mer part was not forwarded was, that I she left us, I had first addressed her; "The might give you a connected view of my Lord bless thee and keep thee this day?” most severe and trying bereavement. My She immediately added, "and take me to dearest Louisa took her departure night thyself!"

before last (21st Nov.) about 9 o'clock. For several days, she had been very While I was at tea, she requested the col- languid, though with intervals of wakefulored woman attending her, to "tell me to ness. During one of these intervals that come to bed and get some sleep"-1 had day, I asked respecting her resignation to been sitting up more or less, every night the will of the Lord-her acquiescence in for weeks previous. To please her, I lay dying far from home and friends-and her down about 7 o'clock, and after trying in preference still to depart; to all of which vain for an hour to get asleep, I got up and she answered readily in assent. She did sat by her side, reading a review of South- not, at any time, regret having engaged in ey's Bunyan. An extract related to the the work of missions; though, at one time introduction of the Pilgrims into the Heav- she expressed her fears about the anxiety enly City, "which," says Bunyan, "when and the expense, where she could do so litI had seen, I wished myself among them." tle. I soon succeeded in removing that apThis I had just read, when she uttered a prehension. To an inquiry concerning moan and asked me to raise her up. I did any regret, she replied, "No; the Lord sees so at once, supporting her head on my it best that I should not," &c. She expressbreast and then on my shoulder and cheek. ed, at the same time, her hope that I might The struggle was very severe, but very have grace to do much good; that the Soci brief. She said, "Is this dying?" then "O.ety might not repent having employed me; my Savior!" and, while Mr. Winslow and that I might live in communion with God, myself were saying, Lord, receive her spir- &c. On the whole, though not favored it! Be thou her strength when heart and with those triumphant views which some flesh faint and fail!"-she breathed more enjoy, there was (what is perhaps quite as gently for a minute and then fell asleep, in valuable) a steady, intelligent, entire religreat tranquillity. ance on the Savior and confident expectaIt was not more than five minutes from tions of blessedness through his merits. the first pang until she was gone. She had Yesterday, her mortal part was commit. been reduced to very great feebleness, by ted to the dust--just as the sun was sinking the disease; so that she could only move from the horizon; but, like that luminary, her arms; and was also in a good deal of again she will rise in new strength and pain, from being compelled always to lie brightness. in one position, until her side was very In this city of strangers, there were but sore. Her cough too, at times, was very few followers to the grave; but that very exhausting, though not so much so latterly, circumstance seemed to increase the grief as in the earlier stages of the disease. But of those who were there. Throughout, the closing struggle was occasioned by a we have received very great kindness from kind of cramp, taking hold of the heart. Mr. and Mrs. Pearce, and Mr. Winslow; Of this she had an attack about ten days and it is a consolation that every thing, before her death, principally affecting her which could afford alleviation, was within bowels, though causing great pain. our reach.

From the first, her mind has been very!

And now, My dear Father, I feel alone

2

in the world. It was trying to weep over the grave of my dear mother in a strange graveyard; it was very trying to part from yourself and almost all I loved on earth; but still, there was one dear friend left; and around her the affections of my heart clustered with new and increased strength. She was worthy of all my love. I think, after the most deliberate reflection, I never knew any one more nearly perfect. I blessed God for his goodness, in giving me just such a wife-but now I am bereaved and very solitary.

my

MISSION TO NORTHERN INDIA.

Many letters of Mr. Lowrie, our missionary to Northern India, have appeared in the columns of the Missionary Chronicie. The following is not of as late a date as some that have been published. It contains some remarks on subjects which were brought to view in preceding letters. Yet, it is believed, that it contains variety sufficient to interest our readers, and such an exhibition of in

telligence, piety, missionary zeal, and Christian affection, as cannot fail to delight "those who have

their senses exercised to discern good and evil.” Extract of a letter from Rev. John C. Lowrie to

Rev. Andrew O. Patterson, of Mount Pleasant, Pa, dated Howrah, opposite Calcutta, March 20, 1834.

MY DEAR BROTHER PATTERSON,

I

Often a feeling of cold desolation steals over my heart, and I am ready to be wea ry of my life. Yet I would not give way to such feelings. Assuredly, the Lord has done right, and has ordered this dispensation in mercy. I would not recal her, if I could; but rather say as David did respecting his child, "I shall go unto" her; and the prospect of rejoining her and dear mother and other beloved friends, in the presence of the Savior, is very refreshing. My chief wish and prayer is, that this most severe dispensation may be sanctified to me and to us all-that we may live more in communion with God, and in preparation for death and for heaven. For this end, may grace be given-even the influences It is now, I think, nearly eighteen months since of the Holy Spirit; to teach, seal and sanc- enjoyed the privilege of communion with yourtify all the instructions which this mourn-self, and with the dear Christian friends in your ful dispensation is adapted and designed to congregations. I could only spend a few days impress. among you; but their impressions and associations are still so strong and affecting, that I suppose they will never be forgotten by me. And now even more than when in our own country, I often find myself riding along with you to church, helping you to conduct your prayer-meetings, uniting with you in the social party, until my mind becomes so oppressed by the recollections, that I can only find relief in pouring my full and earnest desires before the throne of grace, that all blessings of mercy and peace may rest on yourself and all your beloved people.—It affords me times, that some at least among your people, and great pleasure, I assure you, to hope, at such yourself I am persuaded, have not altogether for gotten me; but still feel interest enough to prompt a petition, now and then, for blessings from our heavenly Father.-Are you ever tempted to regret, that we are endowed with such strong and tender sympathies? No doubt, we should be delivered from much sorrowful feeling, if we could think of distant and departed friends with the same kind of concern which we may suppose a stone or a brick has for its fellows who have been

Nov. 26th. I have given to Bro. Winslow a note of introduction. You will find him a pleasant man, and very communicative. The Seminary with which he is connected is, perhaps, the highest object in India; and I hope his efforts to promote its interests will be successful.

We have moved into our hired house, on this side of the river; and hope soon to commence studying the language-the Hindee, derived chiefly from the Sanscrit, and spoken generally by the lower classes; as the Hindostanee is by the higher, throughout Hindoostan proper. The Hin dostanee is derived chiefly from the Per

sian.

This is a time of great sickness and mortality, both among natives and Europeans, in Calcutta. The Lord will take care of us and preserve us, while he has any work

its companions for ages. Yet Stoicism does seem to degrade our nature. We love to indulge every