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The same gracious direction which it becomes all Missionary Societies earnestly to solicit, and conscientiously to obey, is opening other spheres on our own continent. A respectable and well recommended missionary, whom the Convention find pleasure in encouraging the Board to adopt, has offered his services in New Orleans and its vicinity. In the south-western department of our union, the fields for missionary attempt are wide and promising. Impressions made in New Orleans and Louisiana may make way for the triumphs of redeeming grace, in the regions where the policy, avarice, and ambition of Cortez and Pizarro strewed the plains with desolation and mortality.

It is a circumstance remarkable and pleasing, that two young brethren have had their minds seriously impressed with a conviction, that, if Divine Providence approved, it would become their duty to commence a Western mission. For upwards of the last twelve months they have been engaged in preparatory studies under the direction of the Baptist Education Society in Philadelphia. Their pulpit talents are in a high degree respectable, and have been welcomed among the churches of Christ where they have had opportunities of preaching in his name. The immediate sphere of action to which their minds have been directed, and which it is believed they may, with the approbation and encouragement of the Board, to advantage occupy, is the vicinity of St. Louis on the western banks of the Mississippi. A spiritual dearth there exists. A mission established in this part of our continent, extending itself to the Indians in the west, the Convention consider it their duty to encourage and support.

It is pleasing to observe, that the minds of the churches and brethren in the western States have been strongly incited to this important object. The Convention has cause to rejoice in the indications of the advance of the work of the Lord afforded by the numerous applications for the missionary service.

In contemplating the state of our Union, the Convention cannot suppress its joy on observing the Associations generally interesting themselves in the work of Missions. Means are usually proportioned to the magnitude of the objects which infinite intelligence designs to accomplish. The almost universal readiness discovered by one hundred and twenty or thirty Associations to encourage the service, and the lively zeal of the almost equally numerous and increasing missionary societies, intent on the salvation of the Heathen, justify the conclusion that the Head of the church is preparing to effect some glorious result. He who marshalled even the stars in their courses to fight against an opposing Sisera, is now marshalling his saints, that, through their instrumentality, the stratagems and energies of hell may be defeated, and "the prince of this world be cast out.". If it be asked, why have missionary efforts been so long deferred? We might answer by asking, why was the Reformation delayed so long? or, why was not the idea of Bible Institutions, of Sunday schools, and of Tract societies, earlier conceived and brought into efficiency? The truth seems to lie in

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this single consideration. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the sun." Sometimes for reasons which infinite wisdom approves and eternal rectitude will vindieate, the hand of God is hidden in his bosom—while, at other seasons, it is revealed. We have lived to see the period when "the Lord has made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations ;" when minor exhibitions of mercy lose their importance in a glory that excelleth. "It is a light thing," saith the Lord," that thou shouldest be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to preserve the restored of Israel; I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation to the ends of the earth."

The Convention has observed with abundant satisfaction, the cheerful and liberal exertions of pious females. These have formed numerous societies, and in several instances sent their delegates, consisting for the most part of ministering brethren, to the general meeting. They sincerely hope that such as have commenced this blessed service will abound in it more and more, and that many others will copy their luminous example. Every enlightened female must know that where Christianity exists not, the character of woman is shamefully degraded. Our Lord, when on earth, welcomed the ministrations of holy women, and he welcomes them still. It is prophesied "the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift?" the daughters of America have already anticipated her offering.

In perusing the recent accounts from our Missionary brethren in Asia, it is pleasing to observe that their labours are very much directed to the establishment of schools among the heathen, for the education of youth. This effort, the result of wisdom and experience, promises extensive good. The attention of the juvenile mind is easily arrested. Prejudices against Christian teachers are destroyed in the blossom, and it may reasonably be hoped, with the blessing of God, that the young offspring of idolaters, trained up in the way in which they should go, when old will not depart from it. While the Convention cordially approves, and heartily rejoices in the lovely project, they cannot forget that there are thousands of our youth in the United States that need similar instructions. Sunday schools are multiplying in America.—It is most solemnly wished that you may feel the importance of such institutions, and that you endeavour to originate and support them to the utmost extent of your ability.

The loss of a number of celebrated Grecian youth is by one of their orators compared to the loss of the buds of spring. Too much attention to the tuition of the rising generation can scarcely be paid. They are the buds from which future fruit is to be collected. It is hoped that such as have it in their power will not conceive property ill-employed when used for this very important end. Such as cannot command funds for instruction ought to be taken under the zealous and faithful management of Sunday school establishments. To the subject of education, generally, the mind of the Conven

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tion has been seriously directed. They stated, in part, their ideas relative to this point in their first address. They wish to recall your attention to this most interesting topic, particularly in relation to such pious young men, as shall possess talents which promise usefulness in the Word. They are fully sensible, that, in relation to grace in the heart, a sacred necessity compelling to the work, and the valuable success that shall accompany pulpit labour, the Lord alone can make able ministers of the New Testament: but when they mark the advantages which those servants of the church enjoy who can read the lively oracles in their original languages; when they consider the improved, and rapidly improving state of society, in which the grammar of the English language is generally taught; when they mark the zeal which other Christian societies are exercising on this subject, and the advantages which it secures them; when they consider how much literary assistance is desired by godly and intelligent young men, and the facility with which it may be obtained by a little, generous, and common exertion, they feel compelled, affectionately and importunately, to solicit your bounty and influence. A scheme in favour of education being introduced, the Convention were unanimous as to the importance of the subject, and left it in charge with the Board to give it that maturity and publicity which they shall approve. It is hoped that something on this point will be speedily and vigorously attempted. It is certain education may be abused, and so may health, and food, and civil liberty, and every blessing of earth and heaven; but it is equally certain that it may be improved for purposes profitable to the church of God, and conducive to the best interests of thousands. The difficulties on this subject felt by some pious brethren are, like vapours of the morning, vanishing.

The agency employed within the United States by the Board, for giving birth and stability to Mission Societies, and efficient operation to a plan of systematic general intercourse, is fully approved by the Convention. They believe that the continuance of such an agency will be of signal use to the cause of God.

When the royal prophet prayed, "O Lord send out thy light and thy truth!" he subjoined the request, "let it lead me and guide me.' Missionary endeavours will be of no avail to our personal welfare, without the spirit of individual religion.-Let family worship be solemnly regarded. Remember, beloved friends, conscientiously remember, the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Encourage prayer meetings, and especially the monthly prayer meeting for the spread of the Gospel. Walk worthy of God unto all well pleasing, and contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints. God of his mercy grant that when the Judge of all the earth shall appear, you and we may be accepted of him, "not having on our own righteousness, which is of the law, but the righteousness which is of God by faith."

Yours affectionately, in the Gospel,

RICHARD FURMAN, Pres.

DANIEL SHARP, Secretary.

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On the vast consumption of ardent spirits.

If it be admitted that the quantity of ardent spirits consumed an nually in the United States cost forty-five millions, (an estimate probably too small,) and that the population of the states be nine millions, this sum would average five dollars to every individual in the union. In ten years, allowing the expense to continue the same, it would amount to 450,000,000 dollars; and in 100 years. it would be increased to 4,500,000,000 dollars; a sum equal to the whole valuation of the several states in eighteen hundred and ten.

But to bring the subject nearer home-the item of expense for the above article, in a town containing 1500 inhabitants, would be 4,500 dollars; about double the amount of ordinary taxes of all descriptions, which is now considered a heavy burden. Or, in other words, we cheerfully pay twice as much for the purchase of spirits, as we do for the eduation of youth, support of the poor, and other town expenses.

It is not, however, granted that the people in all parts of the country are equally addicted to intemperance. We believe this vice does not prevail to the same extent in New England as it does in the western and southern states. Still it is an evil of the first magnitude from Maine to Georgia. And we would seriously inquire if nothing can be done to check its progress? By spirited exertions many families might be recovered from approaching ruin, and multitudes of individuals might be snatched from plunging in the fatal gulph, and be restored to their friends, their relations, and to the public. It cannot be expected that a few scattered individuals, nor small and distant societies will avail much in effecting a reformation. Intemperance is a vice of long standing, and has become deep rooted. When the use of spirituous liquors is discountenanced by the public generally-when drunkards are treated with that contempt they merit-when all sober persons, particu larly christians, bear testimony, not only in words, but in conduct, against those scenes of confusion and revelling which commonly takes place on public days, and when these exertions are seconded by magistrates in the execution of the laws, then, and not before, can we rationally hope the plague will be stayed. Portland Gaz.

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Masonic Liberality.

At the last annual communication of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Vermont, it was resolved to forward to the American Bible Society sixty dollars, for the purpose of constituting the Rev. JONATHAN NEY, of New-Fane, Grand Chaplain of said State, &c. and the Rev. ERENEZER HEBBARD, of Brandon, past Grand Chaplain-members of the said Society for life.

The Female Cent Society of Hanover (N. J.) have sent thirty dollars to the treasurer of the American B. S. to constitute the Rev. Mr. Condit, their pastor, a member for life.

THE CHRISTIAN HERALD.

VOL. III.j

Saturday, July 12, 1817.

No. 16.

PROCEEDINGS

Of the GENERAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION of the Baptist denomination in the United States of America, for Foreign Missions, assembled in Sansom-street Meeting-house, Philadelphia, the 7th of May,

1817.

The meeting was opened with an appropriate hymn and solemn prayer by the president.

The delegates and proxies from Mission Societies, Associations, and Churches, upon producing credentials duly certified, took their seats.

The Rev. RICHARD FURMAN, D. D. was elected President, and the Rev. DANIEL SHARP, Secretary.

The Board offered to the Convention the following

'ADDRESS.

The Baptist Board of Foreign Missions have, for the first time, the pleasure of addressing the General Convention. They rejoice in the return of another meeting of your beloved and venerable body, and pray that the spirit of wisdom and counsel, the fear of the Lord, and a sacred zeal for his glory, may animate and direct your consultations and endeavours.

In the first and second Annual Reports, a summary of the pro, ceedings of the Board, from the period of their appointment, has been given. Any additional information that may be desired, you will have an opportunity of collecting from the whole of the minutes of their body, which are submitted to your perusal.

Since the publication of the last Report, the services which, in the course of Providence, the Board has been called to fulfil, have been comparatively few. They have, however, with pleasure witnessed the success which has attended measures formerly adopted; and derive from the review fresh motives to gratitude and exertion

Intelligence has been received of the arrival of our dear mission ary friends in India. By the brethren at Calcutta, and at the Mission House at Serampore, they were welcomed with the accustomed hospitality of those eminent servants of God.

Mrs. Charlotte H. White, who accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Hough, had her views, in common with theirs, directed to Burmah. Her expectations, by a controlling Providence, have been disappointed. An important missionary station is established at Digah, near Patna, between 3 and 400 miles above Serampore: Mr. Joshua Rowe, of the English Baptist Mission, is there engaged. He solicited, and obtained a union in marriage with Mrs. White. The step appears to have been approved by the brethren of the Serampore Mission House. She has now the care of a large school (a station for which she is excellently qualified) where a directress was greatly needed, and is introduced into a sphere of respectability, usefulness, and comfort. The Board consider it their duty to state to the Conven

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