and assist each other. There is no occasion for collision or rivalship among them. All are important and most of them absolutely necessary in hastening the accomplishment of that glorious and animating prediction: "They shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord." They are precursors of the latter-day glory, and will usher it in as the morning stars precede the natural sun, and usher in the natural day. As this period advances, that system of benevolent operations which is designed to enlighten and bless the world, will increase in extension and efficiency. In order to this, a thorough knowledge of the nature, designs and progress of these operations, must be diffused through the community, to awaken an interest, and to excite to vigorous and persevering efforts on their behalf. It was thought that were the nature and importance of the several prominent Societies discussed, the claims of each urged, and the whole presented in one volume to the public, it would contribute to this desirable end. For many years the Author of the following work has been specially interested, in the Christian efforts which are made for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and, for the last ten years, has been exclusively devoted to them. While engaged in his present employment, he feels bound to consecrate his whole strength to these benevolent enterprises, which he considers the glory of the present age. With this in view, he has deemed it his duty to lay before the public the succeeding Dissertations, which were principally prepared some years since, but have recently been revised for publication. It is hoped they will appear to be fair discussions of the several topics on which they treat. An opinion of the comparative value or merit of the different benevolent Societies has been purposely avoided. In the arrangement of the Dissertations it was thought best to have no regard to the order of nature, to the time of formation or importance of them. It was supposed, that an Appendix, containing a brief historical and statistical sketch of the different benevolent Societies, would be a valuable accompaniment. This, therefore, has been subjoined. In preparing the Appendix, much assistance has been received from the Secretaries of the different benevolent Societies, and other individuals. The work was written, partly for the Author's own improvement, and he trusts he has received much benefit from his attention to these subjects. His mind has been informed, and his heart more deeply interested in the general cause of benevolence. And his fervent prayer to the Great Head of the Church is, that the work may also be a blessing to others, and a means of promoting that cause which is so dear to the heart of Infinite Love. Boston, May, 1839. CONTENTS. THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE SCRIPTURES. Need of the Bible as an inspired book, in view of the deficiency of the best uninspired writings.-Meaning of inspiration.-Consciousness of the sacred penmen that they were inspired.—The impossibility of their writing as they did, if they had not been inspired.-Their profession that they were inspired.-Evidence of their inspiration from history-from miracles-from prophecy and its fulfilment- from the moral precepts of the Bible-from its tendency and effects from the propagation of Christianity. Remarks:-the duty of possessing the Bible-obligations of gratitude in view of the facilities of the present day for distributing the Bible-and the duty of distri- Usefulness of knowledge to man as a rational and accountable being.- such celebrations will be ere long in all the great capital places on the globe, and the inquiry what we shall do in hastening forward The Saviour's command, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."-Question how far it has been complied with, and what portions of the world are still unevangelized.-State of the Pagan world, and the immense number yet ignorant of the gospel.-State of the Mohammedans and Jews, and the Greek and Latin churches.-Reasons why the command of Christ should be obeyed-the necessity of the gospel to the well-being of man-the command of the Saviour-and the certainty that the gospel will one day pervade all nations.-Cursory glance at what must be done in order to it.-Story of a lady in Paris.-Reference to Dr. Worcester, Glance at the history and character of the Jews, with their views of the Bible, showing their moral condition to be little or no better than that of Mohammedans and Pagans.-Consideration of their number— dispersion-degradation and oppression.-Their literal restoration to the land of their fathers-when this will take place-and their subsequent happy condition. --- Afghans descendants of the Jews.-Opinion of Sir William Jones and Dr. Buchanan.-Drs. Stiles, and Boudinot's opinion about the Indians. Remarks:-The exertions at the present day in behalf of the Jews an omen of good- great encouragement to labor for their conversion-becomes all to Comparison of the state of depressed and desolate churches with that of 123 |