I

noy, state dit, 9-023-35

30953

A Tither is

PREFACE.

T the conclufion of a second volume, the pubhappy to announce to his readers the progrets of the miffionary spirit, and the extenfion of the benevolent plans which it has produced.

Among those in whom it was first awakened, he observes no abatement of the union, the zeal, and liberality which it inspired. Many who formerly were indifferent to their plans, have warmly engaged in the support of them; and not a few who had condemned the whole work, as premature and enthusiastic, have fince acknowledged the divine agency in it.

It must be confefsed that many difficulties, which were not foreseen, have occurred; fome of the most promifing plans have been disconcerted, and the most flattering hopes disappointed. By these events superficial observers of the divine dealings have been discouraged, and the faith, as well as patience, of the strongest believers tried. But of what importance is the capture of a ship, the alarm and flight of a few miffionaries, or the fruitless expense of a whole voyage, compared with the " trial of faith; being much more precious than of gold that perifheth?"

If the Duff has been captured, in that event God hath discovered to the missionaries, and to all who have read the history of their treatment, his faithfulness to his promises, and his power to protect his people and to controul the hearts of their enemies. If the flattering profpect in the South Seas has not been realized, still a beginning has been inade, the good feed has been sown, a few remain to cultivate it, and the disappointment, if such it may be called, has issued in a more extensive décla ration of the gofpel in New-Holland. If one miffion to the interior of Africa has failed, another in the fouth of it promises great fuccess; and a new society has been established in London, for "missions to Africa and the

(4)

east," by members of the established church of England. Although it had long been supposed that the caft of the Hindoos opposed an infeparable bar to their converfion; yet, from the Baptist miffionaries who labour among them, very pleasing intelligence has lately been received. Through their united labours, the New Testament has been translated into the prevailing language of that country, and a part, perhaps by this time the whole of it, is printed. Provision is also now making for a tranflation of the scriptures into the Chinese language, which will give them access to millions who are perishing for lack of knowledge.

The cultivation of the miffionary spirit in Britain has contributed to its origin or revival in other parts of Europe and America. On the very theatre of war, and amidst all the horrors of political distraction, in Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, compassion for the perishing heathen has, in an unusual degree, manifefted itself. Besides four societies instituted with the express defign of carrying the gospel to the Indians, almost every religious denomination in this country has made fome efforts for their converfion, as well as for the inftruction of our frontier settlements.

In tracing the progress of the missionary spirit, the extensive, the perfevering and successful labours of the United Brethren should not be forgotten. Taking the lead of all other denominations fince the reformation, in this important work, they have not in the least remitted their exertions, but derived new vigour from the activity of others. On the whole, it is manifest, that a compaffion for the poor heathen is increasing, and the plans prompted by it daily becoming more extensive and fuccefsful; the cloud which a few years ago was but as a man's hand, is rapidly overspreading the heavens.

The attention of the christian church, in every part of the world, to this subject, instead of diminishing, is remarkably kept up. The number of periodical publications, to which the revival of the miffionary spirit gave rise, has greatly increased. Besides those which are (5)

printed in Germany and the Netherlands, upwards of 30,000 numbers are circulated every month in GreatBritain. Since the commencement of this magazine, another, conducted in a very able manner, has obtained a very extensive circulation in this country, and except what arifes from the very nature of periodical publications, there has been little diminution of that support which the publisher of this work has heretofore acknowledged to an indulgent public.

As earnestly as ever engaged to merit the countenance of his readers, he folicits the aid of their communications as well as of their punctual contributions, and engages, while they continue their support, to carry on the work as far as possible, in conformity with the conditions under which it commenced, except in the period of publication, which will be the commencement of each month, instead of every two months. To this he has been induced by the counsel of his friends, and the defire of making more frequent communications of religious intelligence, which becomes daily more interesting.

The friends of this work are again urged to communicate such materials and articles of intelligence as may be suitable for infertion. Short elucidations of fundamental doctrines, facred criticism, reviews of religious publications, every thing that may have a tendency to counteract the pernicious influence of error; anecdotes, remarkable providences, experience of dying christians, well authenticated biography of faithful minifters and eminent faints, incidents respecting the ordination and fettlement of minifters, the organization of congregations, and accounts of the revival of religion in particular congregations or districts: with the information upon these subjects which many have it in their power to afford, it is hoped that this work will contribute both to the entertainment and instruction of christians, while it cannot but offer to them continual inducements to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

New-York, Nov. 1, 1801.