I. The mission is destined to an interesting land. It is destined to Judea, having at the same time particular reference to Asia Minor on the north west, where were the seven churches addressed in the Revelation, and also to Armenia on the north. In ancient days, it was 'a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands.' With a temperate and salubrious climate, with a soil naturally luxuriant, producing in the greatest abundance the means of support for man and beast, this country is capable of supporting, under a favorable government, and with favorable customs and laws, a very numerous population. This was the spot selected from all the surface of the earth by the Creator, to be the residence of that people, whom he loved above all other people. Here the Lord their God gave them 'a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains, and depths that spring out of vallies and hills; a land of wheat and barley and vines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of oil olive and honey; a land, wherein they might eat bread without scarceness and not lack any thing, a land, in which they might build goodly houses and dwell therein, and in which their herds and flocks and gold and silver might be multiplied, that they might bless the Lord God for the good land which he had given them.' It would seem, that the country was originally a favored portion of the earth; or else that a peculiar blessing was granted, that it might be a suitable dwelling for the people of God.

This land is rendered almost sacred in the eyes of every Christian, by a thousand religious associations. Near this place, probably, was the first residence of man,-Paradise with all its innocence and all its bliss.

Here, certainly, was the scene of almost all that is interesting in sacred story. On one of these mountains, Abraham manifested his faith: here Jacob wrestled with God; and here the Israelites found liberty and rest after all their cruel bondage and perilous journeyings. Here David breathed forth those pious sentiments, which have so much assisted, purified, and exalted, the devotions of millions; and here Solomon prepared for the world those wise sayings, which have so enlightened and guided millions in seasons of darkness and doubt. It was here, that Isaiah triumphed in such enrapturing visions of future holiness and peace for the people of God; that Jeremiah poured forth his pious lamentations, on account of prevailing wickedness and the prospect of national ruin; that Nehemiah, and his faithful associates, manifested such undaunted courage, religious hardihood, and persevering industry, in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem;—that all the prophets taught, and labored, and bore reproach. It was in the wilderness of Judea, that John came to announce the Savior's approach and prepare his way before him. In one of these villages Jesus was born; on one of these plains the shepherds were watching their flocks, when a choir of angels came from heaven and sung in their hearing, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. In the waters of one of these streams our Redeemer was baptised; and it was in these villages that he went about teaching and preaching, healing the sick and raising the dead. On this ground was the garden which witnessed his agony, the stupidity of his faithful followers, and the treachery of the apostate; and on one of these hills stood his cross, the wonder of the

universe, the only hope of a ruined world. This ground has been enriched with the blood of inuumerable martyrs, and is the repository of unnumbered bodies, which are to be revived in the form of the Savior's glorious body. This is the spot, from which burst forth that heavenly light, that is to illumine every corner of the earth, and guide to glory all the elect of the Messiah.

But though all these associations may awaken, curious inquiry, and inspire the imagination, yet the heart of piety will be more deeply affected by considering the character and condition of the people, who dwell in this land.

II. Judea is inhabited by several interesting classes of men. The principal of these are Mahommedans, and Jews; and Roman Catholic, Greek, Armenian and Syrian Christians.

The Mahommedans, who are masters of the country, who possess most of its wealth, and who have the exclusive management of political concerns, are, as you well know, the followers of that artful impostor, who arose in Arabia, about the commencement of the seventh century. Their religion was first propagated, and is still defended, by the sword. Cruelty and blood are among its most prominent characteristics, Mahommedan piety consists very much in fasts, ablutions, pilgrimages to Mecca, and the persecution of infidels and heretics. Mahommedans believe, that Moses and Jesus were true prophets; that Jesus was the greatest of prophets except Mahommed; that the Pentateuch, the Psalms, the Prophets, and the Gospels were revelations from God, but have been so much corrupted by Jews and Christians, as to deserve but

Little credit. They assert the unity of God, the immortality of the soul, and future rewards and pun ishments. They have, indeed, much of truth in their system: but their customs, established by the usage of centuries, the despotic nature of their government, the prominent articles of their faith, and the very genius and spirit of their religion, shield the Mahommedans almost impenetrably from the influence of Christianity. To make spiritual conquests from them will require the most vigorous efforts of the Christian church. Let the Gospel prevail among them, and some of the strongest fortresses of error and sin will be taken.

There are now a considerable number of Jews at Jerusalem, and in the vicinity. Notwithstanding all that this people have suffered; notwithstanding all their dispersions; they still continue a distinct people, and retain their ancient language, customs and religion:not their religion as it was exhibited in the piety of David, Daniel, and Nehemiah, but as it appeared in the unbelief and self-righteousness of those Jews, who rejected and crucified the Lord Jesus. Judea, their ancient residence, has always been a rallying point, the centre of information and influence, for the Jews.

The Roman Catholics are scattered in small numbers throughout Judea. At Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and various other places, they have churches, convents, and priests; and enjoy the exercise of their religion. But though they bear the Christian name, and be, lieve the leading facts stated in the Bible; though they hold the doctrine of our Savior's divinity and atonement, and many of the fundamental doctrines of

Christianity, yet they are extremely ignorant of the true spirit of the Gospel; are almost entirely destitute of the Scriptures; and to what they retain of real Christianity they add many inventions of their own. In their view, the Pope is supreme and infallible, and has power to forgive sin and to grant license beforehand for its commission. In their view, men are able to perform, not only such good works as are necessary to their own acceptance and salvation, but by works of supererogation, to lay up in store merit, which may be sold for the 'benefit of others. Their religious worship consists principally of pompous, insignificant, unscriptural ceremonies.

The Syrian Christians are nominally under the Pope's jurisdiction; though they are said to pay very little deference to his authority, and are much more. inclined than the Catholics, to the true doctrines of Christianity, and to the diffusion of them.

The Greeks, in the number and insignificance of their ceremonies, very much resemble the Catholics; but in their doctrines they have not by any means departed so far from the simplicity of Gospel truth. They do not admit the Papal infallibility, indulgences, dispensations, or purgatory.

The Armenians derive their name from the country in which they dwell, and differ very little from the Greeks.

All these sects, though they call themselves Christians, are still destitute almost entirely of the Scriptures, and deplorably ignorant of real Christianity. They embrace probably more than half the population of the whole country. Are not churches, that are more highly favored, under some obligations to