liberality. Obey the orders of your Lead. er and King.

The question is, What are we to do in respect to the heathen, in consistence with our vows to Christ, and a proper regard to his example? Shall we be content that we have freely and largely received? Is it enough that we know the true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent ?—

in the field of Christian enterprise. And the facilities of human intercourse render access to the different parts of the field comparatively easy. The hands of the Church, through her Board of Foreign Missions, are extended to take our offerings, and faithfully to apply them. And those are not wanting who are prepared to encounter all the dangers and privations of missionary life. All that re-enough that we may sit under the vine mains is, that the people of Christ furnish the necessary supplies, and that the Great Head of the Church crown the whole with his blessing. Is there not occasion, then, for the people of Christ to give, and to give freely; to give in some good measure according to the example of Christ? Has not our Lord appointed means?—has he not required our co-operation ?—and does he not now set before us an open door?-and is not all this enough to constitute a call in his providence to duty? "Freely ye have received, freely give."

But the chief inquiry still remains, and to that we must give place. What influence should the example of Christ have upon us, in our attempts to diffuse the Word of Life?

And here observe particularly the connexion in the text of the command, "freely give," with the example, "freely ye have received." Our Lord does not say, "freely give," as one who himself has taken no part in the work, and sends forth his edicts on the ground of mere authority; but, pointing to his own sacrifices and self-denial; showing his hands and his feet; and bidding us look at the print of the nails and the spear; unfurling the banner of the cross, drenched in his own blood; and placing himself at the head of the column, he says, Follow me; do as I have done; move forward in my footsteps; advance against the strongholds of Satan; bring out the treasures which have been entrusted to your stewardship; use the weapons of this holy war which have been put into your hands; unsheath the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; bear down upon the domain of the Prince of darkness, with the united energy of faith, prayer, and

"Then

and fig-tree of Christian ordinances, with none to molest or make us afraid?— enough, that we may look forward to death, judgment, and eternity, with hope and peace? Are we to rest here, and turn away our faces from the scenes of wo which our world presents, and shut our ears to the cries of distress which come up on the four winds of heaven? If we do this, what is to become of the poor heathen? How can their souls be saved? Must they not, as they have been doing for ages, go down the broad road of eternal death? What but this can be expected? If we do this, what is to become of ourselves? If we disobey the command, and disregard the example of Christ, what are we? his disciples?- his friends? How can this be? are ye my disciples when ye do whatsoever I command you." "If ye love me keep my commandments." And how can we expect a blessing on the means which we enjoy, unless we labour to extend the same blessing to others? We have seen what is the great principle of Divine proceeding on this subject, and we have seen how kindly this principle works in the kingdom of nature; how glorious would be its effects in the kingdom of moral and spiritual being. And now with the example of Christ before us to the same effect, can we expect to receive or enjoy a blessing, unless we give as freely as we have received? Christ blesses that we, in our turn, may bless. He gives freely, that we may do the same. And if we obstruct this circulation-if we stop the tide of benevolence, what will be the consequence but a blast on our own fruitfulness, a decline in our own graces? How soon indeed will the Gospel itself become a savour of death unto death to them who

pervert or neglect it? How soon may Christ take from us the vineyard, which we occupy only for ourselves, and give it to them that will render the fruit in its season?

and will do speedily, if it be not already in hand? Among the thousands and ten thousands of the Presbyterian Church in this land, shall such a cause as this languish for want of means? Shall the door be open to the heathen world, shall missionaries stand ready to embark, and yet all stand still, because the treasury of the Lord is not replenished? In this land of light, in this church of sound Christianity, shall the streams of benevolence be obstructed by the rubbish of a worldly spi

To feel the full force of the example of Christ now before us, we should keep in mind its exact agreement with the great law of circulation which appears to regulate all the operations of divine goodness. And no where does this law appear to be more fully in force or more salutary in its results than in the spiritual kindgdom.rit, or chilled by the frost of covetousTo bear us out in this remark and to as- ness? No, no! Do I not hear the sure our minds in this matter, we have response running from heart to heart only to recollect the ample testimony of and from congregation to congregation, the Scriptures. "The liberal soul shall throughout the whole extent of the Presbe made fat, and he that watereth, shall byterian Church in these United States? be watered also himself." "There is that scattereth and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." "He that hath, (i. e. useth) to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundantly, but from him that hath not, (i. e. keepeth from use) even that he hath shall be taken away." If then we would have prosperity, even in the things of this world, much more in spiritual things, we must fall in with the operation of this great practical principle, and yield cheerful conformity to the example before us. If we would enjoy spiritual peace in our own souls, if we would see the dews of spiritual influence descending on our own families, if we would see flourishing churches around us, if we desire a revival of pure religion, when Zion shall arise and put on her beautiful garments, we must join heart and hand in the work of giving as freely as we receive. The lamp of grace is not lighted to be put under a bushel, nor talents given to be wrapped in a napkin and buried in the earth.

Let no misgivings of unbelief come over us in view of the magnitude of the work, or the incompetency of our strength. Grant we can do but little, "God loveth the cheerful giver," who does what he can. We can do but little, and individually considered, it must be very little; so the drop of rain that falls from the clouds can do but little. Nevertherless, all our streams, and rivers, and oceans, are composed of drops. A grain of mustard seed can do but little, and yet, in a due course of increase, it becomes a tree, and the fowls of heaven lodge in the branches. Do we what we can, even though it be little, and God will do the rest. The widow's two mites will not be overlooked nor prove ineffectual. Admit that the work is great and the difficulties appalling. Be it so, that the chains of superstition are iron, her gates brass, her walls adamant, and built up to heaven; that the prejudices and vices of the heathen are giants of fearful stature, what then? Is not our Redeemer able to gain us the victory, and make us more than conquerors; the weapons of our warfare, are they not mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds? Is not our encouragement great, and they that be with us, are they not more than they that be against us?

Can there be any question, then, as to what influence the example of Christ should have upon his people? Can there be a doubt, that, according to our means and opportunity it will lead us to earnest and persevering efforts to spread the Gospel and convert the heathen? Can any Remember what has already been done disciple of Christ, any true friend to his to open a door of approach to some of the cause hesitate, as to what he ought to do," most populous regions of the heathen

Gospel has free course and is glorified. Need I tell you what has lately transpired in China? That great hive of the hu

from near the time of the flood, barred against the Word of Life. But in the Providence of God, its brazen gates, which have long been rusting on their hinges are thrown open, and if recent events do not deceive us, the myriads of China are now accessible to the Christian missionary. And it seems to me that every disciple of Christ must feel a strong impulse, to cast in not only his pecuniary offering, but himself soul and body, and to act like one constrained by the love of Christ.

world, and to bless missionary labours || the heathen were cast away, and now the there. India, whose sunny fields and fertile valleys swarm with human beings, remained for ages beyond the reach of Christian labours. At length British pow-man family has remained for ages, even er and enterprise have opened the way. And what is more, that strange policy which a few years ago ordered away every missionary who set his feet on those shores, has given place to more consistent counsels. Men of wiser heads and better hearts, now hold the reins there. And all the regions of Hindostan, British-Burmah and Siam, are this moment as open to the labours of the Christian teacher as any village in our own land. The inhabitants are in a great measure disposed to listen. At all events, they do not persecute. The Christian teacher may stand in the Bazar, at the places of sacred bathing, or even on the steps of heathen temples, and proclaim the Gospel. Nor have labours among the heathen been without saving effects. From a summary of protestant missions lately published it appears, that, including the West Indies, there are at present 146,886 communicants, 163,658 scholars, 4089 native teachers, the fruits of a few years labour and in the beginning of the work. Need I mention what has been done in the Isles of the Sea? About twenty years since, a mission went from our own shore to the Sandwich Isles, then the abode of Pagan darkness. The missionaries departed not knowing what should befall them there. But God went before them, the idols of

On the whole, then, shall we talk of discouragement and difficulty? With Christ at our head, the word of God, with all its promises and prophecies in our hands, the providences of God opening the way, and the spirit of God blessing and ready to bless our labours, shall we hesitate and fear? No, no. Away unbelief, away excuses, down with the spirit of the world, open, open the channels of Christian love, let the waters of salvation flow, give to the Gospel its designed and required universal circulation, send round the world its saving tide, expand every Christian heart to the dimensions of this great and good work, while our motto is, FREELY HAVE WE RECEIVED, FREELY WILL WE GIVE.-Amen.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

SANDWICH ISLANDS.

forward movement is by no means so

LETTER FROM THE REV. MR. ARM- rapid as we could wish. As the eye ranges over Honolulu, it rests on more comfortable native dwellings, more neatly

STRONG, MISSIONARY OF THE AME

RICAN BOARD AT HONOLULU: OCT. dressed persons, more trees and shrubs, 12, 1842. and other evidences of an improved style Social Improvement-Temperance-Schools- of living than it could a year ago. When Religious Interest-New Church.

When I look around upon the face of society, I still see some evidence of an advance in various respects; though the

I enter native houses, too, I see every year an increase of comforts and conveniences; chairs, tables, lamps, plates, cupboards, etc. etc., often meet the eye

though in most cases they are not of the first quality. In attending small prayermeetings, also, in various parts of the village-a thing I do sometimes every evening in the week-I often find, on entering the humble grass hut, a table set out and covered with a white cloth, or a piece of kapa, a chair behind it, and the Bible and Hymn-book on it. On the Sabbath I see no one, however poor, without at least a shirt and pantaloons; in fact there is a strong tendency among the people of this place to extravagance in dress, and it is necessary occasionally to raise a voice of warning against it. The females are especially fond of gaudy attire, and we who are pastors are much grieved at times to see how extensively such a spirit || prevails in the church.

dents are too much under the dominion of fashion to abandon their wine, for the sake of the public good. As to sailors, poor fellows, strong drink is still their god of misery. How humiliating to see half a score of my own countrymen, whooping and yelling on horseback through the streets of Honolulu, mad through strong drink, while crowds of natives stand gazing upon them with contempt and ridicule. But so it is; and so it will be until a more propitious day dawns upon that class of men.

He addressed some 1400 children in

But all this redounds to the honour, not only of the king, but of the entire "cold water army" of natives, who have taken such high ground with so little countenance from foreigners; and it affords encouragement to hope that temperance Clothing and the other comforts of life principles have taken deep root among are easily obtained here, as compared with them. The king, so far, stands firm, and the remoter places. The price of labour is active in the cause. He frequently advaries from twenty-five cents to fifty cents dresses temperance meetings, and though per day, and those who have some skill in not much of an orator, being king, he the use of tools receive one dollar per makes a good impression, and is completeday; while twenty-five cents will easilyly up to the cold water mark. furnish one person with food for a week. [Mr. Armstrong represents the revised code of laws as exerting an important and salutary influence upon society. The marriage relation is better understood, because it is more clearly defined; penalties are annexed to its open violation. The reciprocal duties of parents and children, teachers and pupils, rulers and subjects, foreign residents and natives, are exhibited more fully. The distinction be tween right and wrong, in reference to these relations, is made quite obvious. Indeed many things which were formerly uncertain and only half understood are now intelligible and plain.-Ed. M. H.]

my church about two months ago with very happy effect, and he expressed himself very much gratified with the occasion. In the present attitude of affairs, it is as much as a native's character is worth to be seen drinking a glass of rum. May it ever be so; may it soon be so among foreigners. The Lord hasten the day.

The common schools within my bounds are doing as well as could be expected. The grand deficiency is still in the qualifications of the teachers; and this cannot be remedied effectually very soon. The school-houses in general are not much better than none at all. They are for the The temperance cause is also a most most part little more than a mere shelter powerful engine for good. I have seen from the weather, and often not even this; or heard of but two or three unimportant excepting at the station, not one in ten has cases of drinking since April last; I a bench or desk in it. But with all these mean among natives-for I am sorry to inconveniences, the progress of the pupils say that the reformation has hitherto re- is surprising. There are comparatively ceived but very little countenance from few children over eight years of age who foreigners. In fact, it has met with more cannot read the Testament; and I make opposition than assistance from that quar- it a rule to furnish every child that can ter. Even worthy and respectable resi-read well with a copy of the New Testa

VOL. XI.-42

ment. Blessed, thrice blessed be God for that noble institution which enables me to do so. I am also endeavouring to teach the children the Shorter Catechism, systematically and thoroughly.

The state of religion among my people is on the whole encouraging. Since the recent temperance movement commenced, I have had very little to do in the way of discipline. Every thing has been tranquil; many offenders have returned to duty, and been restored. The congregation has been large and attentive as usual. As the fruits of my first year's labours here, I have propounded over three hundred persons for admission to the church, who have been under regular instruction for nearly two years; and I can see no reason either in their lack of knowledge, or their delinquency in duty, why they should not be baptized.

On the 21st of July our new church was dedicated to the worship of God. It was an interesting day. The concourse of people was very great, probably not much short of four or five thousand; among whom was his majesty the king, his premier, and all the high chiefs. In the progress of the exercises, the king arose, and, before the vast assembly, presented a deed of the building and premises to the church which assisted him in erecting the house, and to those of like faith who may come after. The house is 137 feet long by 72 wide inside, and has been well filled every Sabbath since it was dedicated. The galleries are yet to be put in; the steeple is also unfinished. The cost of the house is estimated at

$30,000, the principal part of which was borne by the king. We enjoy the house much; for the first time in my life have I known the comfort of a good house to preach in; and I feel paid already for all my toil and care on this building. It was a little more than five years from the commencement to the completion of the work; almost two years less than Solomon spent in building his temple. This was a greater work for us than that was for him-Missionary Herald.

CHINA.

Extent of the Missionary Field now accessible.
Its importance.

The door of entrance into this empire, so long closed to all the efforts of the Christian world, has of late been so widely opened by a gracious Providence, and the encouragements to missionary enterprise in this field are now so many and great, that the Foreign Committee feel loudly called upon to take prompt and energetic measures for the establishment of our China Mission upon a broad and liberal foundation.

Canton is in

We learn from Dr. Boone the following facts, which will afford to many of our readers perhaps more definite ideas of the extent of the field which is now accessible than they have hitherto possessed. The five ports which are by the treaty thrown open to trade, and to the residence of foreigners of all nations, with their families, are Canton, Amoy, Fuh-chow-fu, Ningpo, and Shanghai. about the 23d degree of latitude, and is generally estimated to contain a million of inhabitants. Amoy is distant from Canton to the N.E. about 350 miles, and has a population of 130,000 with two very large cities of perhaps 500,000 inhabitants each in its immediate neighbourhood. Fuh-chow-fu is the capital of the Fuh-Keew province; it is situated on the Min river, which runs up into the Black Tea districts, and it is supposed by some that this port will become the great mart for the black teas of China. Its population is estimated by the Chinese at 5 or 600,000. It possesses in many respects great advantages as a missionary station. It is distant from Amoy about 200 miles, and is higher up the coast. Ning-po, the next port to the northward, is described as one of the finest cities in the Empire. It is in the midst of the rich and populous silk districts, and is not far removed from the great porcelain manu

factories.

Its population is stated at 600,000. Shang-hai, the fifth and most northerly port, enjoys an easy communication with the Yang-tse Kiang, (the Child of the Ocean,") the great river of China, and with the grand canal.