much of the general approbation which has attended our labours.

It is true that, as an infant Society, we have misrepresentation to meet with ;-the obloquy which has rested on the cause of missions generally, has attached itself of course to a new institution; the natural jealousy for the reputation of old, and venerable, and most useful Societies, has at times shown itself. But to the transient and almost harmless surmises of objectors, we uniformly return an answer of charity and peace. We are quite aware that there is no good to be done in a world like this, without difficulties and misrepresentations. We consider also that prejudice is best removed by a silent and steady perseverance in well-doing. In this way we have already gained the hearts of numbers who once opposed us; and now we simply ask of those who still object to our plans, -not that they should yield their own opinions to ours, nor that they should transfer their aid from older Societies to our own,-not that they should sacrifice a single conscientious sentiment which they may have formed-but that they would redouble their efforts in their own more approved institutions, and believe that we are sincere and honest both in wishing to aid them, and in labouring for ourselves; and I think it is not too much to say, that the five thousand pounds lately voted by our Committee to the

Lord Bishop of Calcutta, for his Mission College at Calcutta, is some proof of the truth of these statements.

If, however, misrepresentation and envy must for a time attend us, still we are prepared, I trust, to receive it with meekness, for the love which we bear that Saviour, on whom the reproaches of the world once rested for our sakes. And surely if a heathen could utter the noble sentiment" He who for a great cause endures calumny, judges rightly, for hatred does not long continue, but immediate splendour and future fame remain never to be forgotten;" if this, I say, is a sentiment recorded by Thucydides, relating to earthly projects, and looking for its reward to human praise; much more may a Christian Society like ours cheerfully bear the shafts of unkindness, considering the incalculable importance of their object, the fleeting nature of unmerited reproach, and the eternal benefits which will at length remain as the fruit of their humble labours. Sir, good: actions are immortal;-but objections and dislikes pass away like the dew of the morning.

It is, moreover, a further encouragement to these efforts of benevolence, that the success of Missionary Societies abroad is intimately, connected with the revival of piety, and the progress of charitable institutions at home. It has been sometimes thought, indeed, that the de

mands for exertion in our several private spheres were sufficient for the most active zeal, and that therefore Missionary Societies had an unfriendly aspect on our domestic charities. But, Sir, I appeal to every gentleman before me, whether our home charities have not been multiplied and extended in proportion as our foreign institutions have prospered. The reason is, that our great religious Societies bring down upon us the blessing of God, awaken attention, stimulate to inquiry, interest the indifference, and rouse the torpor, and unlock the selfishness of the human heart, and thus feed the source whence all true charity flows. Sir, we never lose when we act nobly in the cause of our God and Saviour. As there is a re-action in the natural world, so there is in the moral. He that blesses others, is blessed also himself. who first begins with his personal and family duties, then proceeds to his duties towards his neighbours and fellow-parishioners, then honours and obeys the Bishops and Pastors of the Church, next loves his king and country, and last of all joins in attempts to save the world,— this is the Christian whose own mind will prosper, whose children will imbibe a similar spirit of piety, and on all of whose concerns the blessing of Almighty God may be expected to rest. Such a man, instead of loving debate and contention, will delight in communicating bless

He

ings; and if he must err, will err on the side of doing too much, rather than too little, good to others. On such a man memory delights to dwell. His influence and example form a bright spot amidst the sorrows and cares and perplexities of an infirm and troubled world. And even if calamities should visit his abode, and the storm gather around him, the acts of charity and beneficence in which he delights, will form his solace and refreshment, and be the hallowed occupation of his happiest hours. Of such a man may I not say in the well known and beautiful language of Goldsmith,

"As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form,

Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm;
Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles on its head.

But, Sir, I check myself in these hurried and too much extended observations. Allow me only to add, that the delight I have experienced in this my first visit to this antient and venerable place, has been much enhanced by the spirit of benevolence and charity which I perceive animates it. I shall ever retain a fond recollection of your kindness. I shall associate with the fame and antiquity of your city, the vigour and warmth of your charitable efforts. I shall unite in my mind your noble walls, your rock-built streets, your stately towers, your multiplied

relics of former grandeur, your long tried loyalty and affection to your Prince, your chivalrous history, with the tokens of your piety and affection towards the heathen, and the marks of favour and good will towards myself. Nor will I cease to pray, that upon the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop, upon the Reverend the Clergy, upon every family and every individual of this city, the blessings of Almighty God may abide; and that the life and influence of pure religion, in all its grace and all its efficacy, may so abound amongst you, that, in the sublime and figurative language of the Prophet, your walls may be SALVATION, and your gates PRAISE.