but, on the other hand, are there not many who will have eternal cause to rejoice in afflictions, sanctified by grace to their salvation?

To extend the glad tidings of salvation is a great christian duty; and the true disciples of Jesus every where acknowledge it. To fulfil this duty, missionary societies have been formed in our own country, as well as in Europe. Distant missions to the heathen have been planned and executed. That spirit which has deplored their situation, and attempted their relief, we honour and rejoice in. But shall we neglect missionary ground under our eye, and at our very doors? Whilst we explore far distant regions of missionary labour, shall we pass over our own fields, which are whitening to the harvest? The wisdom of such conduct is exceedingly questionable. The soul of a pauper in the alms-house of New York, is as valuable as the soul of an Indian on the banks of the Ganges. Whilst our eyes then are turned to the distant harvest-fields, let us not leave our own uncultivated or ungathered.

To urge the necessity of immediate attention to this subject, I would observe,

2dly. That if any thing is done, it must be done by individuals.

Benefactions of a public or private nature, may hereafter forward this work of charity; but the foundation of it must be laid in individual enterprise. It is doubted whether the corporation of this city have power to appropriate any part of their funds for the support of a religious instructer in the alms-house. If they have not, it cannot be expected; if they have, they may wish to avoid the charge of partiality to a particular denomination.

Jealousy between different denominations, in a case like

f

this, never has, and we have reason to believe from the nature of it, never will appear. Be this, however, as it -may, something should be done for the relief of these institutions, as soon as possible. We acknowledge it as a just principle, that privileges extended to one denomination, should be equally allowed to others; and that favours conferred on one, should be common to all. As we, therefore, arrogate to ourselves no exclusive privilege, none can have a right to complain.

It may be supposed by some, that if the clergy should visit those institutions in their turn, it would supersede the necessity of employing a missionary. Such an objection, if made, is founded in ignorance of the situation of the clergy, as well as of the duties to be performed by such a missionary. The writer of this address is persuaded that the ministers of the Gospel in this city, are disposed to do their duty; but he also knows that a faithful observance of duties in their own charges is enough, and in many instances more than enough, to occupy their whole time and attention. Such of the laity as are best acquainted with ecclesiastical affairs know this statement to be correct. But again, if they are to preach in those institutions, they ought to officiate on the Sabbath, and must consequently leave their own churches unsupplied. occasional preaching is not the whole, nor even a principal part of what is to be done in those institutions. The person charged with the spiritual care of them, should be daily at his post. To form an acquaintance with his charge, to know their characters, to exhort and rebuke with all long-suffering and gentleness, to dry away the tears of the afflicted, to pour oil and wine into the festering wounds of the broken-hearted mourner, to counsel and pray with the

But

dying, and daily to preach from ward to ward, and from couch to couch, Jesus and the resurrection; these are a specimen of the labours of a missionary in those houses; and if this be not done, the object to be accomplished, is not, and cannot, be attained.

Can all these duties be performed by the stationed pastors of this city? No, it is impossible; they may mourn over the omission, but they cannot supply it. Abundantly furnished with the means of grace for ourselves, brethren, are we not called by every consideration that can influence the human mind, to extend these blessings to the poor, the destitute, and the friendless? It is characteristical of the Gospel, that it should be preached to the poor; and shall we suffer them to starve at our doors for the bread of life? Can we excuse it to our consciences, or can we answer it to our God? "Freely ye have received, freely give," was a command of Christ to his disciples; a command which will apply to us, in relation to this subject, with peculiar emphasis. The members of Christ may suffer, but they are his members still; and let us not forget that what is done for the least of these his brethren in tribulation, he will graciously consider as done unto himself.

You will undoubtedly pardon the author of this address, brethren, for the liberty he has taken. He has felt himself constrained to be urgent on this subject. The object held up to your view, he considers of incalculable importance, and deprecates the idea of its abandonment. He knows there are many claims on your liberality, but who among you is the poorer for them all? We live in troublous times, but shall we, therefore, cease to live actively for Christ? If what has been said, shall have a tendency to

draw your attention to this subject, he will think it an honour to associate with such as may wish to carry it into effect. And if he can be in any wise instrumental în fixing the Gospel on a permanent foundation in those institutions, he will consider it as one of the happiest events of his life.

That it may please God in all things to direct you, and that grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, may be multiplied to you and yours, is the prayer of,

Dear brethren,

Your friend and servant in the Lord,

PH. MILLEDoler.

New York, Sept. 16th, 1812.