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principle, has called into existence numerous institutions formed for the diffusion of the glad tidings now before us. Some are characterized by the adoption of measures more remote and mediate in their influence, formed more on the principle of preparing what may be required, and accomplishing what may be, and no doubt shall be, possible; more a theoretic, and less, at present, a practical measure; more from a calculation of what, through past experience, has been deemed necessary and beneficial, than to meet the immediate demands, or have a direct and instant bearing upon the great objects. So far as the plans of such institutions are rational, and the leading principles sound and consistent with the doctrine according to godliness, and so far as the religious characters of the managers are such as will legitimately promise a righteous administration of their affairs, they ought to be decidedly supported.

Other institutions have again arisen from the necessity of circumstances, and have been proposed as the first ripe fruit which God has graciously given to the previous labours of his servants; they are the successful results of other plans, and are the practical reasonings of an inductive benevolence: their principles have the stamp of experience as the test of their truth and necessity; and the sanction of the divine blessing as a pledge of the honour God will yet put upon them. Their utility is not hypothetical, their influence is positive and evident, their usefulness is apparent, their application is immediate, the demand

for them cannot be resisted, and their machinery is already prepared, and cannot be rejected without violence.

In both classes, these projects possess their varied features, their different characters. And when we contemplate their number in different countries, the support which they receive, and the encouragement which they enjoy; the wisdom generally characterizing the measures of their managers, and the probable success attending their efforts, (differing one from another, as one star differs from another star in glory, and all shining with that light which is from above— all like lights in the firmament illuminating the dark parts, till the full rise of the Sun of Righteousness,) we have cause to be filled with joy, and to say, "What hath the Lord wrought." The proposed end of all is, that the gospel should from them be sounded forth to surrounding regions, and the church should watch with a godly jealousy, should pray, and labour diligently, that this may be the fruit of their efforts.

Where a choice of objects is placed before us, and where one is of the former, and a second of the latter description above referred to, we can hardly hesitate for a moment, which presents the stronger appeal, which possesses the more direct claims for immediate aid. Shall we subject ourselves to the charge of thinking too highly of ourselves, by claiming the latter description as applicable to the Mysore Mission, or will it be viewed as a disposition to give too much importance to our own efforts, if we use it as an

argument for immediate attention, and that aid should be rendered to the college in connexion with this mission? We trust that we shall escape such an imputation, and be regarded only as zealously affected in a good cause, and that our appeal will be favourably received. It is for an infant institution, whose annual demands will amount to more than £500, for which buildings must be erected that require considerable funds. There are, besides teachers, and Samuel Flavel, Native Superintendent, fourteen students, believed to be men of God, receiving instruction for the gospel ministry-they are all supported from the funds of the mission. It becomes you, as the friends of this institution, to follow up, to fail not in your usual liberality. And I hope you will contribute according to your substance, remembering the presence of God, that he loveth a cheerful giver; and not forgetting the apostolic direction: "Let him that giveth, do it with simplicity;" may I add, with liberality. And now to God the Father, and to God the Son, and to God the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end.

THE

VALIDITY OF ROMAN CATHOLIC BAPTISM

DISPUTED,

AND

THE CHARACTER OF ORDINANCES ADMINISTERED

IN THAT CHURCH

(ESPECIALLY BY HER CLERGY IN INDIA)

EXPOSED.

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