track has been marked across the ocean, and to the islands of the sea; that the standard of the cross has been already planted on every quarter of the globe; and that all things are ready for our immediate and efficient co-operation, as soon as our term of preparatory training is completed. And as a part of this previous training, I say again, let us vigorously prosecute our inquiries respecting missions Let us know the achievements that have been already made, and to whom pertains the honor of making them. Let us learn, also, the modes of operation which have been attended with the happiest results. Let us survey the countries that yet remain to be possessed; and the strength and numbers which stand in hostile array. Let us fix upon the points that afford the fairest prospect of being assailed with success; and, as not least important, let us learn also the most effectual means to swell the numbers, to heighten the enthusiasm, and to call forth the energies of those who are engaged in promoting this noble enterprise. Thus, in whatever place, or in whatever capacity we are called hereafter to act, we shall be prepared to perform manfully our part. Does Providence indicate that we are to labor among the heathen? we shall be able to count the cost of the enterprise; we go forth to our work with a full knowledge of the obstacles that will oppose our progress. Our knowledge will prepare us to meet them with fortitude, and will give us skill in selecting the means best adapted to remove them from our way. We shall go forth prepared to estimate how essential to our success are the sympathies and co-operation of our brethren whom we leave behind; and, while prosecuting our more appropriate labors, we shall feel the importance of transmitting full and accurate reports of our labors, and of the condition of the people among whom we are placed. We shall be prepared to judge how far it falls within our sphere to transmit those kinds of information relative to unknown countries, which are interesting to men of science, to philosophers, to those who are curious to examine the various aspects exhibited by different portions of our race; and how far this will be adapted to recommend the missionary cause, and to augment the means of its advancement. But are we left to watch over the interests of the churches at home, the prosecution of our inquiries will both show us the importance and give us the ability to exert an influence in their favor here. The pulpit surely will not be degraded nor perverted from its proper use, by imparting clearer views, and infusing a right spirit on this subject. Nor would the monthly concert of prayer for the success of missions be less interesting or less useful, if the giving of information respecting missions were a part of the exercise. And the periodical journals of missionary intelligence, those messengers welcome to the heart of every friend of Zion, which bring reports of her welfare, which convey to us the sighing of the devoted missionary when the heathen rage against him, and shut him out from his pious labors; but which more frequently convey to us the joyful overflowings of his heart at the success of his exertions; those vehicles of knowledge in dispensable to awaken and sustain, and to awaken still more an interest in behalf of missions; these journals, (with their columns enriched, it may be, with the effusions of our pens), we may extend into a wider circulation, and make them the means of still greater usefulness. A knowledge of the history of missions will also help us to exhibit more clearly the firmness of the foundation on which the truth of Christianity rests. The progress of Christianity from its commencement to the present time, running counter to all the feelings and passions of depraved men, assailed, as it has constantly been, by foes. from within and foes from without, and still surmounting every obstacle, constitutes another miracle to be added to the number of those which at first bore testimony to its divine origin. "A flame," says a late writer, "a flame living on the very bosom of the deep, opposed by all the winds of heaven, often obscured, nearly extinguished, always resisted, yet rising from apparent exhaustion and decay, into new brightness, enlarging the circle on which it shines age after age, and smiling on the elements which are battling against its existence, must be sustained by etherial fires." Once more I repeat, in view of the advantages to be derived from knowledge respecting missions, let us vigorously prosecute our inquiries, not indeed as an ultimate object of pursuit, but both as an incitement to ourselves, and as a means of inciting others to press ardently onward in all the noble undertakings, which the age peculiarly calls us to promote,-discharging all the duties which the word and the ways of Providence show are binding upon us, and fulfilling all the charities to which we are prompted by the worthy example of the pious, by compassion to our fellow men, and by an enlightened and grateful regard to the honor of our Redeemer. RENUNCIATION OF THE TITLE D. D. I beg leave to be allowed the privilege of requesting my correspondents and friends, through the medium of the American Baptist Magazine, and the Columbian Star, no longer to apply to my name, the title which was conferred on me, in the year 1823, by the Corporation of Brown University, and which, with all deference and respect for that honorable body, I hereby resign. Nearly three years elapsed before I was informed of the honor done me, and two years more have been suffered to pass, partly from the groundless idea that it was too late to decline the honor, and partly through fear of doing what might seem to reflect on those who have taken a different course, or be liable to the charge of affected singularity, or superstitious preciseness. But I am now convinced that the commands of Christ, and the general spirit of the gospel, are paramount to all prudential considerations; and I only regret that I have so long delayed to make this communication. A. JUDSON. Maulaming, May 9, 1828. REVIEWS. The Memory of the Just a Discourse delivered in the First Baptist Meeting-house in Providence, R. I. August 20, 1828, at the Interment of Rev. Stephen Gano, A. M. late Pastor of the First Baptist Church in that town. By DANIEL SHARP, Pastor of the Third Baptist Church in Boston. Ir is gratifying to recall the virtues and the services of a good 'man who has finished his course. His friends are consoled; and they are excited to diligence in the various duties of life, and to the pursuit of glory in heaven. And who, though a stranger, can contemplate the recorded example of a good man, and the expressions of the hope which cheered his descent to the grave, without acknowledging the value of Christianity and the wisdom of cultivating the meekness, and the purity, and the benevolence which it enjoins, and of placing confidence in Him who is the resurrection and the life? With the author of this sermon, we wish indeed rather to hear how a man lived, than how he died. Yet when a life of piety has been terminated by a peaceful death, the fact may profitably be made known, so that a good man, though dead, may yet speak. The sermon named at the head of this article, is from Proverbs x. 7. The memory of the just is blessed. The sentiment of the. text is illustrated by three propositions; I. The retrospect of a pious man's life creates the most delightful emotions. II. The beneficial influence which the example of a just man has diffused, causes his memory to be blessed. III. We follow the just in our thoughts from a life of devotion and benevolence on earth, to the rewards of the righteous in heaven. In expatiating upon each of these propositions, the author adverts to the character and services of the deceased; of whose conversion, ministerial labors, and death, a brief account is also given. The sermon is concluded by appropriate remarks to the children of the deceased, and to the members of the church and society of which he had been for thirty-six years the pastor. Our limits admit of only a few extracts. "Those who have been so unwise as not to pursue a course of virtue, but have allowed their appetites and passions to have the ascendency over them, cannot withhold their respect and admiration from one whose life has been a practical illustration of the principles of Christianity. When a person has not only been temperate and upright, but imbued with the spirit of piety and philanthropy; when we can follow him in our recollection, to the habitation of the widow and the fatherless; and see him mingling his tears with theirs, and hear him offer up his supplications, and impart to them the best advice, thrilling sensations of joy fill our bosoms. Although we may have derived no direct benefit from him ourselves, yet we cannot contemplate his character, without being conscious of the most lively satisfaction. And those who did participate in his favors, and feel that they have lost a valuable friend, must experience unutterable emotions of sorrow, associated with feelings of a cherished gratitude. "The sensations excited by the remembrance of departed worth are described with great simplicity and pathos in the Acts of the Apostles. When Dorcas died, who "was full of good works, and almsdeeds which she did ;" her friends sent unto Peter, "desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. And when he was come into the upper chamber, all the widows stood by him weeping, and showed the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them." Who can conceive of a more touching scene? What tenderness of affection was displayed! What warm expressions of gratitude were manifested in all their gestures and actions, speaking even more loudly than words! What powerful appeals to the heart of the Apostle to induce him to restore their benefactress to life! 'And while we mourn the death of a revered individual to-day, we have this consolation, that his memory is blessed. We dwell with fond recollection on the pure principles which composed his character. He was what a distinguished Poet has denominated "The noblest work of God." In him there was no deceit, hypocrisy, or guile. Whether he was mistaken in his judgment or not, you might always know what that judgment was. If ever a just man lived, there are the remains of one. But he was not only just; the law of kindness was in his heart. His habitation was the abode of hospitality. He fed the hungry, and clothed the naked. When the eye saw him, or the ear heard him, it blessed him. He was not the man that would say, "Be ye warmed, and be ye filled," and then feel satisfied that he had discharged his duty. His charity was often abused; but never, it is believed, withheld when he was satisfied that the applicant was a subject of distress. Such indeed was his well known sympathy, that many who belonged to no religious society, felt a confidence in applying to him either for ministerial attentions or charitable aid. He was ever ready at the call of the sons and daughters of affliction, although they might be friendless and poor, and dwelling in the obscure retreats of vice and wretchedness. When the pestilence, that walketh in darkness and the destruction that wasteth at noon-day, made desolate many of your dwellings, it can never be forgotten by some of you, that he not only administered medicine to the poor who were diseased, but personally tended them, when, through fear, they were forsaken by their neighbors and friends. While living he received the blessing of many who were ready to perish; and now that he is dead, we will treasure up the memory of his virtues, as a precious legacy designed for our good.' pp 6-8. 'It is due to the late Pastor of this Society to state, that his pious and amiable example for a series of years had a most happy effect on his brethren around him. In the various Associations with which he was connected, and in ecclesiastical councils, he did much to promote a spirit of kindness and forbearance. He was a peace-maker. He could not endure the thought, that Christians should ever bite and devour one another. He had that charity which covereth a multitude of sins. If in the discharge of his pastoral duties, there were times when any one could have wished he had been more stern in frowning upon what was wrong; if any one could have desired that like a practised surgeon he had held the probe of discipline with a firmer grasp and a less trembling hand, let it be remembered that this seeming deficiency arose from the kindness of his heart, and a reluctance to inflict upon any of his friends the slightest pain. So that it might be said with truth, that "E'en his failings leaned to virtue's side." "These recollections afford us peculiar pleasure, because we know, that his meek and patient and prudent deportment softened the asperities, and restrained the indiscretions of others. I only utter the feelings of the ministers and churches of the Association over which he so long presided, when I say that they are greatly indebted for their peace and good fellowship to his uniformly pious and amiable example.' pp 10, 11. દુ Our readers will be gratified, we doubt not, by an additional extract in which Dr Sharp describes the peaceful end of this righte ous man. The deceased experienced, in a high degree, the consolations of religion in his sickness. After he was incapable of pulpit labors, he frequently declared that the doctrines he had taught from this desk were his only support. He knew that his disease would terminate in his dissolution; but he also knew in whom he had believed, and that He was able to keep that which he had committed to him until that day in which Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe. His salvation he attributed to the distinguishing grace of God, and this grace was his hope and his joy. When he was so feeble as to be unable to speak without extreme difficulty, he frequently repeated, and with visible emotions of pleasure, the words of the Psalmist: "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." In similar circumstances, while his countenance seemed to lighten up with joy, he said, in broken accents: "Oh! if my Lord would come and meet, 66 'On another occasion, when his friends thought he was dying, he remarked to one who had been called to witness his departure, "O my brother, I am glad to have an opportunity to express to you, that you may tell the dear church, that the doctrine of the Deity of Jesus Christ is my support; it is the rock on which my soul rests in the last hour." "You still hold to that doctrine, then, Sir." "Ah!" answered he, "that holds me, or I should sink." He clasped the hand of his child, and said, "O my child, weep not for me! Are you not willing I should go to my God, to be like my Saviour?" When his soul was too active for his diseased frame, and he was incapable of giving a distinct and unbroken utterance of his sure and certain hope of a resurrection unto eternal life, he quoted, after repeated pauses for breath, the triumphant language of the Apostle; But ye are come unto Mount Zion-and unto the city of the living God-the heavenly Jerusalem -and to an innumerable company of angels-to the general assembly -and church of the first-born-which are written in heaven-and to God, the Judge of all-and to the spirits of just men made perfect." With these, and other expressions, "His comforters he comforted; great in ruin, No one could leave his dwelling without feeling that "The chamber where the good man meets his fate, Is privileged beyond the common walk Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of heaven." 'His last day was brightened with the rays of hope and glory. "I have enjoyed much," said he ; "not a cloud, but all clear sunshine. I |