ing these Scriptures must be sent out to the preachers. There is likewise this further preparation by the same Providence; that most of the languages of the East have become, in the course of ages, written languages. As the art of printing extended the knowledge of the Gospel to our own country, at the Reformation; so the art of printing must now convey it to the other nations of the world.

It may be also observed, that, if the means of conveyance were at our command, many works in the Eastern Languages, might be printed with more expedition, and at less expense, at home, than abroad.

4. A further and very important consideration is this. It is proper that a Missionary should have an opportunity of returning to his native country, when ill health or the affairs of his family may require it. When he goes out as a Missionary, we are not to understand that he goes necessarily into a state of banishment. It is proper indeed that he should go forth with the spirit of one, who "hath left father " and mother for the Gospel's sake;" but men in general have duties to discharge to their parents, to their children, and to their relations of consanguity; duties sometimes of a spiritual nature. We do not read that St. Paul went forth to his work as an exile. On the contrary, we know that he returned home, at least for a

time, and kept up a personal correspondence with Jerusalem. In like manner, many of the preachers who are now abroad, suffering from declining health, and sinking under the pressure of an enervating climate, if they had the means of conveyance, would be glad to revisit their Jerusalem; that they might return again to their labours with renewed strength and spirits.

It may be further observed, that the communications of such persons would be very valuable to the Church at home. This may be exemplified in the instance of the worthy clergyman of New South Wales; who lately visited England whose communications were not only serviceable to the general interests of religion; but were, in many respects, very acceptable to government.

*

5. The last advantage which we shall mention, is that of VISITATION, by men of learning, prudence, and piety: who would make a voyage with no intention of remaining; but, induced partly by considerations of health, and partly by motives of public service to the Church, would visit their brethren in distant lands, to inform themselves fully of their state and progress, to animate and exhort them, and to report to their respective societies concern

The Rev. Mr. Marsden.

ing new plans of usefulness. As there ought to be no jealousy among men promoting the same object, the same ship might, in her voyage, visit all the stations in her way, render every grateful service, communicate with all, afford supplies to all. There are, at this time, upwards of thirty different places where Missionaries are preaching in foreign lands. If but a single ship were employed for the general use of all the societies, it might be an auspicious beginning.

In adopting means for regular communica tion with our Missionaries, we have the example of two of the oldest societies:-the "So"ciety for promoting Christian Knowledge," and the Society of the "United Brethren." The former sends out an investment to their Missionaries in India, regularly every year; and has done so for a century past. These supplies consist not only of books, stationary, and materials for printing; but they include articles of household economy, and for female use, which are forwarded, under the name of presents, to the families of the Missionaries.

The Reverend Mr. Kolhoff, the worthy successor of Swartz, assured me, that he considered the well-being of that Mission during so long a period, to have been much promoted by this parental and affectionate intercourse. The Society for promoting Christian Know,

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"ledge" have no ship of their own; but they are favoured with the necessary freight every year in the ships of the East India Company. Let us then imitate the example of this Venerable Society, which, in regard to the support of Missions, and the translation of the Scriptures, is "the mother of us all."

But the strongest recommendation of the measure which I propose to you, is the successful example of the "United Brethren." That Episcopal Body has had a ship during the period of nearly 50 years, chartered for the sole purpose of carrying the Gospel to Labrador, and other foreign lands. The ships Harmony and Resolution have been employed in this important service; a service far more honourable than any that has ever been atchieved by any ship of war, commerce, or discovery. Nor ought we to omit, on this occasion, to make honourable mention of the liberal plans of the "London Missionary Society." The first operation of that Society, in sending forth, at once, a large body of Christian Teachers, displayed a noble spirit of zeal and unanimity; and manifested a laudable and well-grounded confidence in the ultimate success of the great design. The merits of that great Expedition have not, perhaps, been sufficiently acknowledged at home. But the sending forth a ship to the Pacific Ocean at that day, was a great

event in the history of the Gospel; and will be recorded in the books of the Heathen World in ages to come.

That I may lead your thoughts to the serious contemplation of the measure which I have proposed, I shall now recite to you a prediction of the prophet Isaiah, and the interpretation of it by the Jews of the East. For it is considered by some learned persons, both at home and abroad, as referring to these times, and to the means by which we ought to extend the knowledge of the Gospel.

The prophecy to which I allude is in the xviiith chapter of Isaiah. It begins in our Translation with these words: "Woe to the "land;" but which ought to be translated "O "land!" being an address of affection and respect.

"O land! shadowing with wings, which is "beyond the rivers of Ethiopia; that sendeth "ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of "bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye "swift messengers, to a nation scattered and

* We do not refer here to the place selected for the first mission, but to the spirit which sent it forth. Those, who now blame the choice of the place, did not themselves, perhaps, anticipate the difficulties. A country which is protected by a regular government, is indeed the most suitable. But the Gospel must also be preached to savages; besides, a regular government will not always receive a mission.