necessary to the accomplishment of the prophecies and the universal establishment of Christ's kingdom. I hope also, that these operations will soon be carried forward more effectually and at less expense. But I am not prepared to propose the dismission of Agents, Secretaries, or publications. Taking the Christian world as it is, they are necessary. If the Ministers of the Gospel and their churches had suitable knowledge and right feelings, Agents might be dispensed with. But neither Ministers or Churches are prepared for this now, and I have some fears, that they are making very little advance towards it. Some Ministers are opposed to the employment of Agents, and yet they and their churches would do scarcely any thing without them. In general, Churches are in a great measure what their Ministers are. If ministers are swallowed up with selfishness, we may expect churches to be also. If ministers pray, preach, and practice, for the benefit of the world, most of the members of their churches, and a great part of their congregations, will be ready for every benevolent work. I do most sincerely wish Ministers were better educated in these things, and candidates for admission into the churches better taught by precept and example. At present we must have Societies, Secretaries, and Agents." Says another clergyman, "Ministers may exert a most salutary influence on the minds of their people in stirring them up to prayer, contributions and mutual endeavors. But can they take the work of the Christian enterprises entirely into their own hands and relieve the church from the tax arising from agencies? My answer is, that at present, whatever may be hereafter, they cannot. It is universally agreed that the number of persons to be found in the Christian community who are suitable to undertake in important agencies is small. Many good Ministers have not the moral power to stir up Christians to a liberal state of feeling and induce them to contribute largely. I judge of the utility of Agents in part from their happy effects upon my own people. It is in my view owing to their influence, that Ministers and Churches have progressed in zeal and a willing mind to promote the spread of the Gospel to the degree it has been, and it will not be safe to withdraw their propelling power." Such is the nature and necessity of the agencies to be employed in the benevolent enterprises for the conversion of the world. These enterprises should be hastened with all possible effort. Using the language of one ardently engaged in such pursuits, "Every good work should be zealously prosecuted, otherwise more precious souls will be lost. And who can make the loss good to those who perish? What is our labor, what is our money, compared with the worth of the immortal soul?" Appendix N. DISSERTATION XV. QUALIFICATIONS OF PUBLIC AGENTS. The great work of evangelizing the world is to be accomplished, instrumentally, by the ministry and the press. While pastors are laboring for the conversion of sinners, and the edification of Christians at home, missionaries are to be sent abroad to preach the gospel to the heathen; the Bible is to be distributed to all the families that dwell upon the face of the earth; and religious tracts are to be scattered to the four winds of heaven. That these and the various other plans of Christian effort may be executed, the benevolent societies, whose object is the conversion and sanctification of the human family, must be sustained and enlarged in their operations. To do this is a work of great labor, and one that must be performed by men especially set apart to this service. Hence the necessity of public agents for Benevolent Societies. In view of the prominent part which these agents are to take in evangelizing the world, it is important, that the qualifications requisite in them should be pointed out, both as it respects those who sustain these relations, and the Christian community, by whom they are employed. Nor is this subject one of so much delicacy as it would seem to be on a slight view of it. The qualifications important to be possessed by persons in either of the three learned professions, law, medicine, and divinity, are often considered. Those of ministers, especially, are a frequent topic of discussion at the time of their induction into office, and beneficial effects to the people, and to the ministry, are supposed to result from it. Similar effects may be experienced from the discussion of the characteristic qualities necessary in agents. What qualifications, then, are desirable in a public agent of a benevolent society? 1. Respectable talents. If an agent possesses only ordinary mental powers, however much he may be loved for his amiableness, he will not be duly respected, and, consequently, the cause he pleads will in some measure fail to be appreciated; for it is usual and natural to associate the cause advocated with him who advocates it. It is important, that an agent possess good talents, that he may be able to present his subject in a forcible and impressive manner. It is even desirable, that his mind should be of a high order, though this is not absolutely necessary to his being useful. A competency of talents for his work is absolutely essential. 2. Good sense. This is a combination of talents, and a primary requisite. While an agent ought to possess a clear and comprehensive mind, it should be well balanced, that soundness in judgment and discretion in action, may characterize all his proceedings. What is sometimes called forecast, should be a distinguishing feature in his character. A large share of sound, common sense, is indispensable in an agent; for without this, he will not be likely to succeed in his enterprise. 3. Respectable appearance and address. It is desirable, that an agent be favored with an attractive form. His manners, too, should be prepossessingsocial, amiable, and free from violations of etiquette; his attire and habits respectful, and such as become a clergyman. The opinion, that an agent will be more acceptable and successful by laying aside his clerical dress and practices, is entirely erroneous. By such conduct, he will be considered as treating the ministerial character with levity, degrade himself, and consequently, diminish his usefulness. It will be a favorable circumstance if an agent possesses a voice that is pleasant and easily audible, and an utterance which is ready and distinct. These will render him more acceptable, and will greatly facilitate his labors. 4. Good health and spirits. These will have a tendency to prevent depression in seasons of trial, which an agent will be liable to experience; and happy for him will it be, if under them he has the sympathy of those around him, and if, by nature and grace, he is able to endure them. Bodily indisposition and mental dejection will unfit him for his arduous services, and the discouraging scenes through which he may be called to pass. He ought to possess great courage and a determined perseverance, and never be diverted from the path of duty; and an air of cheerfulness and hope should always be exhibited in his countenance, while engaged in promoting his cause. 5. Ability to devise and prosecute those plans, which are best adapted to accomplish the object in view. It is important, that an agent be able to devise plans not only for himself, but also for others, that they may assist in the enterprise in which he is engaged; and his plans should be not fanciful, but judicious and feasible. While he plans wisely, he should be able, also, to set himself and others to work in the accomplishment of the plans devised. It is, moreover, important, that he be bold in his conceptions, ardent in his feelings, and efficient in his operations-not blustering in his movements, but |