Jerusalem, distributed the Scriptures, and often conversed freely respecting them. He had nearly completed his tour, when he was attacked with a fever, and died near Aleppo in Syria. Two large editions of the Armenian Bible are printing in Russia and in India. The Protestant Bible Society at Paris, with the assistance and patronage of the British and Foreign Bible Society, have lately printed a large edition of the Turkish Testament, under the superintendence of the learned Baron De Sacy and Professor Keiffer, interpreting Secretary to the king; and some thousands of this edition have already been forwarded for circulation. The whole Bible is soon to be printed, at the same place, and sent to Turkey. How interesting, my brethren, to see France and Britain, which have been for many centuries almost incessantly at war, now at peace; and cordially co-operating in Bible Societies to spread the word of Life; and how interesting to see France, which has done so much to spread infidelity, now awaking her energies to distribute the Bible.

Sometime last year, the Syrian Archbishop of Jerusalem, left his dwelling on Mount Lebanon, to obtain from some source the means for printing and diffusing the Scriptures. He first visited Rome, in hope of obtaining aid from the college for propagating the faith. Here he was disappointed. He next applied to the Catholics at Paris. Here he was disappointed again. He then visited England. Here he found the aid he sought. Several hundred pounds were collected for him, and an American gentleman who was there, presented him with a printing press. After leaving England he visited Paris again. During his

absence, an interest had been excited in his behalf, and he received 400l. from private subscription, and nearly as much from the king. In May, he was about leaving Paris for his own country, to prosecute his work. Such are some of the favorable indications of Providence, which lead us to believe, that although no mission has yet been established there, yet the work may be commenced with fair prospects

of success.

VI. The proposal is now distinctly made to the American churches for their approbation, their patronage and their prayers. The proposal is made by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Though they have now many stations, many missionaries, and many schools under their care, yet the liberality of the public, and the smiles of Providence, encourage them to extend their views, to select new fields, and to employ more men.

The proposal is, that two embark in the first instance, reside a little while at Smyrna, and then explore the country as Providence may open the way, with the hope that others will before long come to strengthen their hands. The ground, if Providence permit, is to be surveyed, and then the distribution of the Bible, the preaching of the Gospel, and the establishment of Christian schools are to succeed. This undertaking is submitted to the churches for their approbation. Let the timid say, “A lion is in the way." Let the infidel demand, "Where is the promise of his coming?" Let avarice muster all its objections. But the friends of Jesus have learned how to measure their benevolence by contemplating his cross, and how to regulate their anticipations of the future, by

recollecting what God has formerly wrought. We rejoice that we are not called to this work, while our fathers and brethren disapprove of our purpose. It gives us heart-felt satisfaction to lay the object before the friends of the Redeemer and say, "While you continue here to cultivate the vineyard of the Lord, we will go to plant, if possible, a branch of his vine in the land where it first grew. While we rejoice in your labors, and sympathize in your trials, we are happy to believe, that you will approve our determination and rejoice and weep with us."

The subject is also proposed for patronage;-for such pecuniary aid, as may furnish means for circulating the Scriptures-establishing schools-and increasing the number of missionaries.

Again, the object is presented for their prayers. Who is sufficient for this undertaking? While we recollect our youth, our inexperience, our remaining sins and imperfections, and our inadequateness to meet the temptations and the labors before us, we desire that Christians will pray for us, in the closet, when they find ready access to the throne of their Father; in the family, when all the fervor of social affection is consecrated to devotion; in the praying circle, when kindred minds mingle in holy communion and earnest intercession; in the general concert, when a cloud of incense ascends to heaven; and in the great congregation when the prayers of the Sabbath are offered. And the thing for which we especially request their prayers is, that we may be filled with a faithful spirit. Nor is this object presented to the churches in vain. Already have ministers and Christians given most substantial proofs of their approbation; proofs which have

exceedingly cheered and encouraged our hearts. Among these tokens of approbation we shall long remember, with tenderest sensibility, the solemn and affecting day, when, as our spirits were sinking in view of our arduous labors, he,* who has lately ascended from this pulpit to his rest, extended to us the hand of Christian and ministerial fellowship, and encouraged our hearts by affectionate assurances of approbation, and assistance. And, if we judge of future patronage by what has been already experienced, we may hope to see, before even a few years shall elapse, many Bibles distributed, many schools established and many missionaries employed, in this interesting field, by means of American effort and American charity. Many, we do not doubt, have been already engaged in earnest supplication for the blessing of God on this undertaking. These tokens of approbation, these charities, and these prayers, have done much to lessen the sacrifice we are called to make, to smoothe the rugged path before us, and to animate us in our work.

But though we are cheered with animating hopes, yet we go, not knowing the things that shall be fal us. Whether we shall be buried in a watery tomb; whether disease shall bring us to an early grave; whether the suspicion of government or the bigotry of false religion, shall shut the door against us; or whether a great and effectual door shall be opened before us, and the word of the Lord have free course and be glorified, as it is with you; whether we shall spend a long life in labors, and die having only sown the seed from which others may reap the harvest; or whether we shall see the truths prevail and die sur

The Rev. Mr. HUNTINGTON.

rounded by converts from error, who may soothe the bed of death and weep over our tomb; these are points to be decided not by human sagacity, but by Him, whose Providence calls us, whom we would cheerfully obey, and in whom we would trust the future. The time has arrived, when we are called by the Providence of God, if its language is not altogether misunderstood, to leave the scenes of our childhood, and the country that is blessed, beyond any other country under heaven, with civil and religious privileges; not to find other privileges and friends like them in another land; but to meet the uncertainties and difficulties, attendant on a Christian mission among Turks and Jews. If any circumstances can affect the mind in health, as it is affected by a near prospect of death, it is perhaps thus affected with the prospect of leaving for life all who have ever been known, and all that has ever been This prospect brings eternity near. It excites solicitude respecting that meeting, which shall be an eternal meeting, or a prelude to eternal separation. In this parting moment suffer the word of exhortation. Christian brethren, live in prayer. Bear the cross. Keep your hearts in heaven. Be faithful to souls under your care, and to all around you. Be eminently spiritual, devout and holy. Grow in grace, in usefulness, and in Christian enjoyments. In this way may you hope for a happy death. My youthful friends, be exhorted to attend carefully to your spiritual interests. Let not the glowing hopes of juvenile ardor so possess your breasts, as to leave no place for a Savior's love. Time and all it can boast is but a dream. In eternity are the realities, that demand your

seen.