can possibly superintend it, either to their own satisfaction or that of the public; and even if they could, the establishment of one or two additional Societies, at a proper time, and at suitable distances, might, without the production of the least discord or unkind feeling, accelerate the growth and influence of such a zeal for gospelizing pagan nations, as the exigencies of the case require. This is a fact of universal experience, and would imply no reflection upon the wis dom, and zeal, and impartiality of the best set of men that ever lived. That as much Foreign Missionary work would be done in the Presbyterian Church without, as with, a Society or Board within its own bounds, is a supposition which contradicts the testimony of experience in all other human things. How would it apply, for example, to the article of Colleges and Theological Seminaries?

2d. We think that while the ecclesiastical organization of the Presbyterian Church presents some facilities for Foreign Missionary operations, which ought not to be lost, there are on its Judicatories, especially presbyterial and sessional ones, a responsibility on this subject, as direct and relevant as those which are connected with ministerial inspection and Christian discipline. Under what commission, for example, are these bodies organized? On what appointment do pastors and elders sit in the house of God and hold the keys of the kingdom of heaven, but that which commissions them to go and disciple all nations?

If at the bar of such courts, by the very fact of their lawful existence, the perishing heathen have no right to sue out the payment of the debt of the Redeemer's mercy, then the most material object of their sittings is cancelled; and that neglected, starving portion of mankind, who enter with a specific claim, are turned out to find relief by an appeal to the sympathy and undefined personal responsibility of particular disciples. Will the "Head of all principality and power," himself stay in Judicatories where the laws of his kingdom are so expounded, as to intimate that, on that one, indivisible, and most solemn respon sibility which a constituted church court implies, the Foreign Missionary interest has no claim, and from it the heathen world is to expect no mercy? Until something more is done for the conversion of the nations, what article on the docket of business, can be relevant at any meeting if this is not? Shall a worthless, unsound delinquent be told that, according to the word of God and the con stitution of the church, he has a right there to come, and consume hours of time in trifling litigation? and shall a world of benighted men, who have received as yet no hearing, and no mercy, and no information that Jesus has left a deposit for them also, be turned over to the slow and uncertain compassion of individuals! Certain it is, that if a presbytery, a church session, is not a missionary associa tion; if Jesus Christ has in the New Testament chartered any spiritual jurisdic tion, whose duty it is not to look after this matter, the fact has never been shown If every convert to Christ is to look upon himself as enlisted for life to serve, in the best way he can, the kingdom of Messiah in its universal establishment, wil not this duty equally press upon him in whatever associated capacity he acts so as to make the particular church or presbytery to which he belongs, a single permanent body, which the Captain of Salvation recognises as an organized band of Christian soldiers? And may not the act of neutralizing this feeling o responsibility go to weaken the force of personal obligation? These remark do not, of course, imply the unlawfulness and inexpediency of doing the work i other ways than those which are properly ecclesiastical, provided that eac church judicatory feels bound to inquire after and see that the thing is done i some way. It does not involve the consequence, that these judicatories mus

claim authority to specify in what particular form the mercies of God's people shall be conveyed to a dying world; and, therefore, the doctrine which is here urged, does not disturb the question of ecclesiastical or voluntary association. Its direct tendency would be to give vigor and impressiveness to that solemn injunction of the reigning Saviour, which lays its tender and powerful claims upon all forms of Christian influence. Now to us it appears, that in a body so systematically organized as ours, and resting this permanent organization on Scripture warrant, there are facilities for rousing up, and extending, and perpetuating a flame of missionary zeal, which ought not to be lost; and we should not be surprised if presbyteries and sessions should ultimately become, in God's hand, the most steady, stated, and powerful instruments of supplying the materials for this glorious enterprise. They must always continue to hold stated meetings, and to secure a better attendance of members than any other assemblies, and if they come once to feel that Christ requires them, as the representatives of the people over whom they preside, to give an account to him as it respects efforts to convert a dying world, how can they be godly men and yet let the matter languish?

This may all be mere theory; and, at all events, we have no expectation of success to the sacred cause of Foreign Missions, further than the life and power of true godliness pervades the kingdom of Christ. "Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from" us, "O Lord: let thy loving kindness and thy truth continually preserve" us.

66

In these reasons, the candid friend of missions will rejoice to find no element of discord or distrust whatever. The appearance of this Society and its Journal, on the great field of evangelical effort, with chastened hopes and meek pretensions, is attended with sentiments of veneration and love, for all those older Institutions which it finds already gathering the trophies of sacred victory. Of that Board especially, which has for better than twenty years, so ably and faithfully sustained the best hopes of the American Churches, it would devoutly say, "May its bow abide in strength, and the arms of its hand be made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." "Because of the house of the Lord our God, we would seek thy good."

This Chronicle would be able to show the children of Zion, (if they do but take hold of the work of the world's conversion, in earnest, and in aid of this Society,) that energy, and vigor, and perseverance, in administering its affairs, repay the confidence which may be reposed in it. More than any other class of enterprises on earth there must lie along the path of Foreign Missionary Institutions, difficulties, trials, and disappointments, such as abase all false confidences; prostrate the soul in humility and prayer, and fasten every hope of success upon Him alone, who leads through tribulation when he blesses with his special favor. The record of these things will not, therefore, dishearten his "faithful brethren:" as in its prosperity they will not forget to whom belongs all the glory. To the Triune God, to whom be glory in all lands, and under Him, to our brethren and fellow-disciples in the Presbyterian Church, we Now RESIGN THE DESTINY OF THIS LITTLE PUBLICATION AND THE SOCIETY FOR WHICH

IT SPEAKS.

ADDRESS

association of Presbyteries, as such, in the work of Foreign Missions, it offers to those who adopt the principle of ecclesiastical or

Of the Executive Committee of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, to Presbyteries, Sessions, Pastors, Churches, and Benevolent In-ganization, or the action of the church as dividuals connected with the Presbyterian

Church.

Respected Friends, and Dear Brethren,

such, every essential feature of the plan which they require: its Board of Directors being an assembly met by Presbyterial ap pointment to fulfil certain specific duties.

In view of that solemn hour of retribution | On the other hand, as this association of which is, in respect to all of us, rapidly ap- Presbyteries is voluntary, and as the Board proaching, what, next to our own personal so constituted, claims no jurisdiction over religion, can appear so important as the es- other parts of the church; connects itself tablishment of Christ's kingdom on earth, with no other duties or questions whatever; and the salvation of a lost world? Over and leaves all particular congregations and a great proportion of that world, the night of individuals, to act with it or not as they think pagan darkness still reigns; and with great- proper, it presents no feature which can ly increased facilities for its illumination, give offence to the warmest advocates of voand greatly augmented resources, and vast luntary association. The annual meetings felds for missionary labor opening in the of its board will probably itinerate, as the Frovidence of God in almost every land, convenience of its members and the interests the church of Christ still denies the lamp of of Missions may require. There is indeed life to millions of benighted souls. In pri- in the constitution a power given to the vation, and dishonor, and suffering, to re-synod, to elect such an additional number of deem mankind from ignorance and death, directors, above what is chosen by the Prèsher Divine Master led the way, and now He byteries, as to provide for the contiguous looks down from heaven upon his fol- location of an executive committee, but to the lowers to see whether this spirit of self- board, the superintendence of the whole sacrifice for the glory of God is among concern properly belongs; and this with the them; and whether each separate portion of single exception now mentioned, is compohis visible family suitably remembers and sed of one Minister and one Ruling Elder, obeys his last injunction. In reference to from each Presbytery composing the Societhe important concern of heathen missions, ty. When its formation and these princidoes he see in us, brethren, and in our church ples of organization were announced, they as a body, nothing, to disapprove-nothing met the approbation of many in various that demands immediate amendment? Call ed to superintend the interests of a Board formed for and already embarked in Foreign Missions, and looking to the Presbyterian Church for its chief resources, we desire to lay our system, plans and measures before you, and earnestly bespeak your active cooperation.

parts of our body; and by one or two sy nods, and by the general assembly of our church, the existence of the society was spoken of in terms of gratulation. The Divine favor seemed to attend its earliest measures, and many expressed the anima ting hope, that, for the cause of Christ and the souls of men in pagan lands, a new and brighter day was about to dawn upon us. I. Principles of Organization. Some presbyteries and churches, with a This Society, in whose behalf we address promptness that cheered our hearts, tenderyou, has been in operation little more than ed at once the affectionate and substantial one year. Its form of organization was in- proofs of their interest in these movements. tended to subserve the best interests of the But, brethren, we regret to say, that it would Foreign Missionary cause in the Presbyte-seem, even amidst the grief arising from the rian Church, in a way the least likely to reate excitement, or awaken unkind feeli. As its fundamental principle is the

sudden removal of one of the most promising of Missionaries, to have been thus far denied a word of encouragement—a token of ap

probation, from many of those on the faith | after to be exclusively given to the Society; of whose co-operation the effort was begun! but whose support is not to be drawn from Our brethren in the ministry, and the elder- its general funds. Under this arrangement

ship, seem to have forgotten that if the dy-it is the purpose of the Committee, as the ing wish of the devoted Barr, as the standard fell from his hand and he sunk in death, "O that our enterprise to Africa may at length arouse our church to the long neglected work of foreign missions," is ever realized, the leaders of our tribes must not wait to be visited and entreated themselves, before they begin to put their bands in motion; and the people must not hold back their contributions and their prayers, (for both usually go together,) until the solicitor of their compassion has had time to reach them. All should feel that the law of the Saviour is in their hands, and that ere this can in all cases possibly be done, the tongue that should plead for the benighted heathen, and the hand that should give for their relief, may be alike cold and silent in the grave. II. Missionaries, and Fields of Labor. Though greatly afflicted by the sudden and lamented death of one of its first Mis

sionaries, just as he was about to embark for Africa, the Society has been permitted to see his surviving associate advance on his destined way, and there is reason to hope that he has already set his feet on that benighted continent, soon, we hope, to be followed by other laborers of kindred spirit. Two or three other brethren are expected to leave this country about the first of May for Eastern Asia, with a view to the commencement of a Mission in Northern India, or some other unoccupied field in that populous region of the globe. The Society have also two or three other young brethren under their care, soon to be licensed preachers of the gospel, and two or three other assistants, from among whom, it is our expectation to fit out a Western Mission in the course of the present year.

Lord of the harvest may enable them, to proceed in the missionary work with energy and perseverance. The main proposition which they would now bring_forward for the solemn consideration of the Presbyterian church is, that an effort be made to secure one missionary to the heathen for, and belonging to, and supported as far as possible by each and every presbytery within its bounds. If some of the smaller Presbyteries were assured,that on making the attempt and doing what they could, they should receive aid from some one of the larger, would not this plan be entirely practicable? Would it not be an allowance for the heathen sufficiently scanty, to say the least? Does it not propose a principle of distinct presbyterial obligation,-and of speedy, attainable good? Our desire is to see each presbytery, in reliance upon Christ, at least make the attempt. This their herald of salvation, should, if circumstances allow, be selected by themselves;-be" set apart" by their own body; be directed (if practicable) to the field of their choice; leave his name permanently on their roll; be expected statedly to report to them, and occasionally through them to make his written appeals to the churches under their care. When any presbytery passes its solemn vote to undertake the support of one missionary under our care, it becomes a constituent part of this association of presbyteries, entitled to the choice of two directors, one minister and one ruling elder, and to the transmission to its members of the missionary publications of the society. When such presbytery finds itself unable, within a reasonable time, to select a missionary, the committee engage, as the Hope of Israel may enable them, to propose one to them, and if approved of by them, to send him into their bounds commissioned to aid in raising the sum required for his support, and to enlist the christian sympathies and fervent prayers of the people, in the important enterprise in which he is about to embark.

III. Plan of the Committee. Having thus been permitted, through the Providential smiles of the blessed Redeemer, to make, during the first year of their existence as a Society, an auspicious beginning in this great and good work, the Board of Directors have judged it necessary to secure If the fact is admitted, that in a few case the services of a Corresponding Secretary it may be requisite for some of the smal and General Agent, whose attention is here- presbyteries to unite in an effort of this kit,

We contemplate its past achieve.

or to throw their contributions into the com- The main thing is to have the principle act mon fund, how entirely practicable does it ed upon, and let this be in that connection appear immediately to provide the means for which each presbytery may on the whole this immense augmentation of effort to evan- prefer.* In reference to the American gelize the world? And this too, in a way Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis which, (instead of limiting as is now too sions, we hope to cherish no selfish principle; often the case, the charitable contributions and we shall appeal to no sectarian feel of the church, to a comparatively few indi-ing. viduals and congregations,) would diffuse its ments and its present prosperity with unhappy influences over the entire body. This plan would also leave to larger and wealthier presbyteries, above what would be requisite to support their missionary, additional resources to aid the society on a special emergency, or to give substantial assistance to the other Foreign Board. Another advan. tage, is, that by leaving it with each presbytery to take its own measures, and fulfil the principal agency in the collection of its own funds; there may be secured a very important saving of expense and labor in the employment of special agents to visit the churches; and the annual meetings of the several congregational Auxiliaries may be so arranged in Presbytery, as to afford a special delegation to each; and give interest to all. There are now comparatively few Presbyteries by which this is done, and yet this large accession of missionaries in the foreign field would require an average annual expense of less than 374 cents for each communicant in the Presbyterian church. It is true that the support of missionaries simply, is far from being all the expense connected with missions to the heathen. The provision of printing-presses for the publication of the bible, tracts, and schoolbooks; the support of schools, to say nothing of other items of expense, are indispensable. But are there not some Presbyteries which might sustain two or three missionaries, and thus leave the contributions of smaller ones, and of those congregations in which nothing is done presbyterially, as well as the special donations and legacies of individuals,to meet the general expenditures of different mis

mingled pleasure. Our only strife will be to copy its every good example, and try not to be outdone by it in kind affection and christian magnanimity. We hope to be able, as a Presbyterian Board, (perhaps in a fee. ble and humble measure,) to increase the amount of missionary feeling and effort in our church, but certainly on such principles of mutual harmony, and brotherly co-opera tion, as every sincere disciple of Christ will delight to witness. When, better than a year ago, we cast our eye over the Presbyterian church, numbering more than 2000 congre gations, and extending over a vast territory, and disturbed with conflicting opinions as to the best and most scriptural forms of evangelical effort, we felt that something more should be done to secure for millions, shrouded in utter darkness, the animated exertions of the entire body. To this an additional society seemed necessary; nor did it appear to us that the excited state of the church and the fear of collision constituted a sufficient reason for omission, or delay, in reference to the most likely means of accel erating the spread of the everlasting gospel through the earth. We thought we saw the Presbyterian church, in common with others in this favored land, in the possession of resources, which might be used to great effect for the eternal benefit of many to whom no Saviour had ever been made known; and we asked, "Must she, as a church, yet stand with folded hands, and see generation after generation pass away without an effort to save them?" Much, it is true, has been done; but in view of the judgment day, and the increasing calls for help from every pa gan land, can we hope to be approved of When we express our ardent desire to God, and richly blessed in spiritual things, see each presbytery thus acting in the dis-if in this large and extended body there extinct and visible form of a missionary socie-ists no solitary institution, for the important ty, having its own laborer in the field, you ill not understand us to speak of such a re-undertaken to sustain one Missionary under each * One or two larger Presbyteries, have already in exclusive reference to this society. Board.

sions?

IV. The other Board.