on that which is past, several of us can, with the Psalmist, sing both of mercy and of judg ment. It is the Lord; and blessed be his holy name, for the support which we have received in the darkest seasons of affliction and misery, and for the consolations he hath administered in the midst of the deepest overwhelmings of human woe. The Lord liveth, and blessed be our rock; and let the God of our salvation be exalted.

It has been usual for us, (through a long period back) to begin the new year with a recollection of past mercies; to begin, as it were, anew our Christian race, and to start, as it were, afresh for the prize; stirring up our hearts to persevere in every holy purpose, that we may abound more and more in the work of the Lord, and finish our course with joy. And, as nothing can be more animating to a real Christian than to hear what is going forward in the earth to the glory of Christ, we have generally noticed the progress which true religion is making in the earth, and the means employed for the diffusion of it in India. I have on a former occasion mentioned the British and Foreign Bible Society, instituted in the year 1804, the exclusive object of which is to promote and assist the circulation of the Scriptures both at home and abroad; and for

this purpose they have established a corresponding committee in this country, to aid them in translations, and to forward their general views.

We have just heard of Bible Societies formed in many other parts, on the same principles: That six have been established in Ireland, and that religion has flourished there during the last four years, beyond the history of any country. An unprecedented number of the ministers of the Established Church have engaged, with peculiar zeal, in diffusing the knowledge of God and his word, and in preaching the gospel with power; and there is such fruit under their ministry, that makes them daily say, What hath God wrought! Praise, eternal praise, to our Jehovah, who hath begun, and, we trust, will carry on this glorious work!

Accounts have also lately been received from the coast, of the prosperity of the English missions, particularly that of Tanjore, where thousands are adding to the church of Christ continually. In a new district, six congregations have been lately raised, but the labourers are few; and, (which I particularly wish to bring forward at this time, and to press upon your attention) there is a melancholy dearth of the Holy Scriptures. It amounts to nearly a famine

*

a famine of the word; and I now call upon you, who have so lately been distributing to the poor, with liberal hand, the bread that perishes, to devise in your hearts how you may dispense the bread of life to the many thousands of the Israel of God, who are totally destitute of that heavenly manna, which fills your hearts with food and gladness, and which constitutes your comfort, and riches, and happiness.

[Here a number of extracts from letters were read; but as they related to that particular time only, they are omitted.]

I am persuaded, my brethren, after what you have heard, it is unnecessary for me to trespass longer on your time; you will begin the new year with this labour of love, and you will be blessed in your deed.

Five hundred Tamul Bibles may be purchased for somewhat less than eight thousand rupees. Let us not say, "But what are they among so many ?" These will furnish a bible to every twenty-four persons among the twelve thousand Christians in Tanjore. I need only add, subscriptions will be received by the

* On Christmas-day, sicca rupees 7,325 were collected for the Charitable Fund.

Rev. Mr. Thomason, who will also circulate subscription papers, with information concerning the British and Foreign Bible Society, to those who wish for it.

And may that God who crowneth the year with his goodness, prosper this beginning! May he prosper our affairs, our families, our souls, and particularly this undertaking! We conclude with the solemn prayer of Moses, the man of God-" Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands, establish thou it.”*

*Preached at the Old Church, Calcutta, Monday, January 1, 1810. There was no collection made at the church. On the same day, 3,000 sicca rupees were subscribed, (sent to the treasurer, Rev. Mr. T.) and on the 31st January ensuing, the subscription was closed, amount. ing to 9,000 sicca rupees.

SERMON XII.

FOR A TESTIMONY.

Preached at the Mission Church, Wednesday Evening, December 31, 1806.

1 Cor. ii, 1, 2, 3, 4. "And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."

T

HE Apostle, on some occasions found it expedient to speak of himself, and of his conduct as a minister of the gospel, towards those among whom he labored.

It would be arrogant for any minister at this day to compare himself with St. Paul, who while he confessed himself to be the chief of sinners, was allowed by all to be the very chiefest of the Apostles. None will pretend to his talents, or authority, or zeal, or usefulness.