blessing to the church of Christ; and he immediately sent the following recommendation as to the title of the tract: "It seems to me that By John Howe' is too plain and blunt a title, especially as there is another author called, Cobler Howe.' Many tract readers never heard of our John Howe, and they may think more highly of the tract, if they know that John Howe was M. A., and Rector of Great Torrington, Devon; and I am inclined to think you had better add this."

It was entirely in consequence of the recommendation of this congregational minister, that the Committee (perhaps without duly considering the matter) inserted the words to which your correspondent objects, and not, I am sure, from any thing of a trimming spirit, or the least intention to deceive.

I will here add, that about two months ago, when it was whispered that some persons had objected to the addition made to Howe's name, it was immediately cancelled from the stereotype plates, so that future editions will contain simply the name of the revered author.

Your correspondent refers to Palmer on examining his work, I find that he also is a fair subject for the animadversions of your

acute correspondent. Palmer, referring to the ministers of whom he writes, says, "In this index, not only are their degrees accurately specified, but likewise their rank in the church, whether rectors, vicars, curates, or lecturers, and the computed value of a great number of their livings." He consequently marks Howe as the rector of Great Torrington.

Your correspondent intimates that there are some other tracts which are scarcely consistent with the liberal basis of the Institution. I think it not improbable that a high churchman, or a high dissenter, may find such tracts as he would wish to be made more conformable to his own views; but it appears to me that the only way in which the Society can proceed in its operations, is upon liberal and comprehensive principles, never throwing odium on any denomination of evangelical Protestants. So far as I have known the Society, I have always seen a disposition in its Committee to avoid any thing that might justly give offence on the right hand or the left. I am sure they will be glad to receive the suggestions of your correspondent, as their object is to benefit all denominations, to injure none.

A CONGREGATIONALIST.

OH! have we never seen an eye,
Pure as the infant's at its birth;
The look of some superior sky,
Allied to heaven, though found on
earth?

A rich, a soul-subduing gleam,

That with the blush of angels shone ; Brief as the moon-beam on the stream; A glance, that thrill'd us, and was gone?

These are the dim precursors kind,
That, in mysterious symbols, tell
Of realms, enduring and refined,
Where soon the pure in heart will
dwell.

This gleam of sunshine after storm,

This look benign, this eye of love, Just emblem, in their faintest form, The pleasures of the world above!

From Cottle's Sacred Lyrics.

THE enterprise of the Christian Missionary is both important and glorious. The embassy on which he is sent is difficult, and often dangerous; but it is one of the greatest magnitude and the highest honour. The message which he goes to declare, is solemn and interesting; while the end which he has in view, is dignified and sublime. No object, whether mercantile or political, literary or scientific, can be compared with that which he pursues. He makes known the true God, and the way in which sinners may obtain his favour, and the enjoyment of everlasting felicity. That Being, the knowledge of whose existence, perfections, and will, he endeavours to communicate, is possessed of a character that cannot be sufficiently admired. The salvation which he proclaims is the only one suited to the character and wants of mankind: no other can raise them to the favour and image of God, and that happiness with which they are inseperably connected.

The tidings which the Missionary communicates, are those of joy and peace. He proclaims peace to them that are afar off;" and entreats them to be reconciled to God, through the death of his Son. He brings glad tidings of great joy, and shows the only foundation upon which the hope of immortality can rest. What can be more interesting than to point those who are sunk in ignorance, in guilt, and in misery, to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the

world? The Missionary's grand aim is to bring men to Christ: "To turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." He is anxious that, through his instrumentality, the captives of the mighty should be taken away, and the prey of the terrible be delivered. If he explores unknown regions, and in

creases the stores of literature and science; if he introduces among savage tribes and nations, the arts and comforts of civilization; these are objects attained, and blessings conferred, in connexion with the accomplishment of his grand design. In themselves they are not unimportant, but they are valuable chiefly as they are sub.. servient to the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. The man who goes forth as an Evangelist to the heathen, accomplishes his legitimate purpose, in so far only as he succeeds in bringing perishing sinners into the fold of Christ; or prepares the way for their being brought by others. His great aim is to raise men from degradation and woe, to the exalted rank, and the glorious privileges of the sons of God.

This object may be derided, or deemed contemptible by some; but all, who truly believe the word of God, consider the immense value of the soul, and the danger to which it is exposed, and feel their need of deliverance from the power and penal consequences of sin, will acknowledge that it is one of vast importance. For its accomplishment the Son of God became incarnate, and expired upon the cross. In its success the angels rejoice, and the Redeemer sees of the travail of his soul, and is satisfied.

To be employed, therefore, as the instrument of delivering those who are drawn unto death, and ready to be slain," is an unspeakable honour. It elevates the individual on whom it is conferred: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace!" The man, who goes as a Missionary to the heathen, under the influence of mercenary views, and carnal feelings, is one of the most despicable beings treading the face of the earth. He will inevitably fail in the accomplishment of his professed object, incur the odium of all enlightened men, and draw upon himself the frown of his righteous Judge. But he, who is constrained to become a herald of mercy to some distant land, by love to Christ, zeal for his glory, and tender compassion for the souls of men, will have the sympathies and prayers of believers while living, and dwell in their grateful recollections when he is dead, and when his bones lie forgotten, far from the place of his fathers' sepulchres.

There is, however, another ground upon which some truly pious and devoted Missionaries claim the attention of every real Christian: their example is inspiring and instructive. Of those who have laboured for the spiritual interests of the heathen, comparatively few are remembered long after being called from the scene of trial and conflict to the place of reward. The majority struggle for a short time, then, passing away, leave the field to others; and "the memory of them is forgotten." But this is a matter of little moment; for " they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." Their tears, their prayers, and their efforts are recorded in the annals

of eternity; and Christ will honour them with his approval, when he sits upon the throne of his glory, judging all nations. But there are some who have been distinguished by superior talents and piety; by more ardent zeal for Christ, and more entire devotedness to his cause; and by more abundant labours for the conversion of sinners, the record of whose character and actions will descend to future generations. Of their history it may be said, they, being dead, by it speak. No human writings are so much calculated to improve the heart, and stimulate the soul to the cultivation of holiness and christian zeal; and none ought to be more carefully read by all who are anxious to resemble Christ and his most devoted servants. The Christians of the present age are highly favoured in having placed before them such characters as Brainerd and Chamberlain, Martyn and Milne. And with these may be classed, the devoted servant of Jesus, whose memoir now lies before us.

Pliny Fisk was born at Shelburne, Massachusets, June 24, 1792. Through the Christian instruction and example of pious parents, he became the subject of religious impressions at an early period of life; and was made a genuine subject of divine grace in the seventeenth year of his age. The circumstances of his conversion are related by himself, and are very interesting, but our limits will not permit us to insert them. Nor is this necessary, as our object is not to furnish our readers with his life, but to excite them to peruse the volume in which it is contained. Soon after giving himself to Christ and to his church, Mr. F. began to think of devoting himself to the work of the Lord, and about a year after,

having made a profession of his faith in the Redeemer, he entered upon a course of instruction to prepare him for that highly important undertaking. In 1811 he entered Middlebury College, Vermont, and in 1815 became a member of the Andover Theological Seminary. Prior to his being admitted to College, the work of God among the heathen had engaged his attention, and he had determined, in case of becoming qualified, to go "far hence unto the Gentiles." He consulted with those who were most capable of giving him proper advice, as to his engaging personally in the missionary work, and, after much anxiety, reflexion, and prayer, he offered his services to the Savannah Missionary Society.

This volume contains a long series of extracts from his journal, illustrative of the rigorous and prayerful self-examination to which he subjected himself before this step was taken, the whole of which we should gladly transcribe did our pages permit; we cannot, however, refuse to give our readers a specimen, knowing that they will unite with us in a fervent wish that those who devote themselves to this noble enterprize may possess a kindred spirit!

"Ever jealous of his own heart, and feeling that his determination to become a foreign missionary, might possibly result from unhallowed motives, he reviewed the whole subject during the second year of his theological course, that he might determine more satisfactorily the question of duty. The following are some of his reflections, while engaged in the examination of this important question.

66 WHAT IS MY DUTY RESPECTING MISSIONS?

"February 3, 1817. Desirous of ascertaining my duty on this subject, I set apart this day for fasting, and prayer, and inquiry. After imploring the divine assistance in the important work of the

day, I propose to meditate, read and pray, and write down my views.

"In answer to the question, I am con vinced that it is my duty to pray much. I ought to pray for Pagans, Mahommedans, Jews, Papists, and Protestants. Their souls are all precious, they are all sinners, and can be saved only by Christ; they are all my fellow-beings, and objects of Christian benevolence.

"I ought to pray for missionary societies, missionaries, native preachers and converts, and those who contribute or pray for the spread of the Gospel. For they are all imperfect, liable to mistakes and wrong feelings, dependent, short-sighted, exposed to temptations, exertions, the conversion of the heathen and on their spirit, prayers, plans and very much depends. I ought to pray that God would raise up missionaries, societies, and benefactors for the work. all these objects, to remember them often feel it to be my duty to pray much for in my prayers, to set apart seasons for special prayer for them; to be particular and fervent in my petitions; to cry conscience condemns me for not having mightily to God on their behalf. My discharged this duty as I ought. I wish to be humble; and I pray that a spirit of fervent supplication for the heathen may be given me.

"It is my duty to acquire and communicate information respecting missions. For this purpose I feel bound to improve leisure hours, and to seek leisure, that I For this I would read attentively the may have it to improve for this purpose. biography of missionaries, the history of missions, missionary reports and journals, descriptions of different countries, geoand converse with intelligent men, `as I graphy, and history; I would correspond have opportunity, and devise every method, and improve every facility for obtaining information relative to the number, character, religion, condition, and prospects of the heathen; the number, situation, exertions, and success of missionaries; the character of native converts, and the best fields for missions; the societies that are making exertions to spread the Gospel, the contributions that are given, and the state of missionary feeling among the churches. And, as I acquire information on any of these subjects, I feel it my duty to communicate it by conversation, by letters to individuals and societies, by lending, selling, and giving away books, by public addresses, containing, statements of facts; and, if I ever preach again, by preaching missionary sermons.

"It is my duty to do what I can to excite others to suitable views, feelings, and

efforts on this subject. For this purpose I should labour to remove all objections that are brought against missions; to correct all erroneous impressions respecting the state of the heathen world, and respecting the designs and exertions of missionaries, and missionary societies; to point out to the rich and the poor, the various ways in which property may be earned or saved for this purpose. I should endeavour to direct the attention of those who are preparing, or who ought, perhaps, to prepare for the ministry, to the examination of their duty, and to the claims of the perishing pagans. In short, I should make it my object wherever I go, whenever I write or speak, read or preach, or whatever I do, to bring into view, in every suitable manner, the wants of the heathen, and our duty towards them; to urge on ministers to preach, Christians to pray, young men to enlist, and people of every age and class to do all they can to extend the borders of Zion.

"It is my duty to inquire carefully in what part of the vineyard I ought to labour. It is the duty of some young men to go to the heathen, of some to labour in the destitute parts of our own country, and of some to supply the vacancies occasioned by the death and removal of clergymen. Lord Jesus, whither wilt thou send me? I have often given myself away to thee to be employed any where, and in any manner that shall conduce to thy glory and the salvation of souls.

"For many years past I have felt much anxiety on this subject. In the summer of 1810, about two years and a half after I became, as I hope, a friend to Christ, after several months of careful inquiry, I felt convinced that, if my life and health should be spared, and I should succeed in acquiring an education, it would probably be my duty to be a missionary to the heathen ;--at least I was convinced that I ought to keep myself free from all engagements which might interfere with my duty in this respect; to direct my attention particularly to missionary subjects; to hold myself in readiness to go wherever duty should call; and to make my calculations with a view to spending my days among the heathen. During a period of more than six years, I have had my attention directed to this object, and have had earnest desires, and fond expectations, that I might sooner or later preach Christ, where he had not been named.' My desires for the work have sometimes been strong, at other times weak. Sometimes my attachment to relatives, and to Christian society, my love for social en

joyments, ease, and convenience, have almost induced me to say, I pray thee have me excused.' But when I have thought again of the heathen going down to woe with no one to point them to Jesus; when I have read the command of my ascending Saviour, I have readily cried out,-"Here am I, Lord, send me.' This has been my language when flattering prospects have opened before me, when my attachment to friends has been in mind, when I have lain down and risen up, when I have been in company and when alone. I have often said,--' It is my earnest desire to go among the heathen.' I have prayed that God would not hedge up my way, but grant me the desired privilege.

"But when I was young, only eighteen, when I first resolved on being a missionary. Much that is unholy has been mixed with my feelings on this subject. Many unholy motives may induce a man to desire this work. I wish, therefore, to re-examine all my past resolutions and plans, and inquire anew what I ought to do. I take it for granted that some young men, who are now entering the ministry, ought to be missionaries. Am I one of the number? In pursuing the inquiry, I desire to have no regard to private interest, personal convenience or suffering, reputation, natural attachments, advice, or wishes of friends, any farther than it may conduce to the good of souls. I desire that my own improvement in holiness, my obligations to relatives, the preservation of my life and health, the acquisition of property and influence, the conversion of sinners, and the glory of sinners, and the glory of Christ, may all be viewed in their proper light, as I proceed.

"An inquiry on this subject may properly respect one's age, health, talents, habits, feelings, connexions in life, reputation, the leadings of Providence, and the teachings of the Holy Spirit.

66

Age. Though men considerably advanced in life have engaged in missions with great success, as was the fact with Dr. Vanderkemp, yet, when new languages are to be acquired, new habits formed, and new modes of living adopted, the work should evidently be undertaken in early life. My present age, (twentyfour years and a half,) I think may be considered very suitable. Should I be a missionary, I shall probably be able to engage in the work in my twenty-seventh year, if not sooner. No objection, therefore, can be raised from this source against my being a missionary.

"Health. The privations, the sufferings, and the labours, connected with a