If the system we are pursuing be indeed fundamentally defective, then, of course, little good is to be expected from it, and the sooner it is overthrown the better. Miracles themselves, I conceive, would do little to remedy a fundamentally defective system of operation. They were not intended to remedy or supplement such deficiences at first, and, of course, could not do so were they now restored. But I submit that only one of two things can render a system of missionary operation fundamentally defectivea deficient or erroneous system of Christianity, as the thing propagated, or the employment of unchristian or unworthy instruments in its propagation. Other errors may affect the degree of success abroad, or the degree of efficiency and comfort in the administration at home; but these evils alone can affect the whole plan, and render it finally abortive. The impression which the cited paragraph is calculated to make, therefore, is mischievous; though, I am sure, the author had no mischievous intention in framing it. For, suppose that he does not succeed in dissolving the present elements of Christian zeal," and in recomposing them upon the "New Model"-which it does not require prophetic augury to foresee that he will not-it will then follow that the whole Christian world is engaged in the fruitless prosecution of a scheme which is radically and fundamentally wrong. A more discouraging view of matters, or one more likely to paralyze exertion, it is not possible to present.

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Such a new modeling as the author proposes, I believe to be impracticable, to be undesirable, and to be unnecessary. It is impracticable without creating a degree of confusion, and involving an extent of mischief, which, I am sure, even the author of the "New Model" would find it difficult to prevent, and impossible to contemplate without dismay. He must be aware of the difficulty of convincing the thousands of persons at home, of the necessity of such a reformation as he proposes, without whose concurrence it could not be carried into effect. He must also know that we cannot re-model the hundreds of agents abroad, at our will and pleasure, many of whom would plead conscience (the most unmanageable of all things by human legislation), in bar of our proceedings, and who, if it were resolved to enforce them, would move heaven and earth by their outcries against our unjust and irreligious proceedings. The author will perceive that I am now referring particularly to one part, and that a leading one, of his plan. To begin a new scheme is one thing, to melt down and re-cast what already exists, and which is the more difficult to touch the longer it is in operation, is a very different affair.

I think such an attempt exceedingly undesirable. Its success is very doubtful-its failure would be certain ruin. Experiments, where there is great hazard, are generally inexpedient, as the probable gain may scarcely balance the loss actually sustained. Frequent or extensive

changes are never deemed expedient in the management either of families or of communities. It is not possible to foresee all the consequences which may arise from such revolutions; and hence in general, though I grant it is often more the love of ease than the consideration of utility that operates, men prefer the ills they know, to fleeing to others which they know not. It would not be difficult to pull out the pins, and break the main-springs of our moral machinery; but it might be found impracticable to bring it soon again into efficient operation. It is easy to cut down and to destroy, compared with the labor of building and planting.

For similar reasons, I do not think such an extensive re-modeling requisite. I think the faults of the present system greatly exaggerated; the good effected by it understated or overlooked, and the anticipated advantages of the more excellent way too highly colored. Various plans at present in operation require amendment, and they are susceptible of it, without admitting that they are fundamentally defective, or requiring that the whole frame-work should be taken to pieces. To this extent, I think, some of the author's views call for attentive consideration, and will not, I trust, be entirely lost, though his main object should fail.

I apprehend this ingenious writer attaches rather more importance than is correct, to what he calls a peculiarity of means, which he seems to think must be nicely studied in every case in

which we send the gospel to a people. Now, without disputing the general principle, that the means must be adapted to the end, I conceive that we may be greatly misled by it, if we adopt human views of adaptation as a main principle in our attempts to evangelize the world. It would bring the doctrine of expediency into operation to a far greater extent than has ever yet been the case. It would reduce the advancement of the kingdom of God very much to a thing of human calculation. I cannot think that the appropriateness of the agent, or of the means, have been hitherto altogether neglected. Every man has not been thought qualified for every place, or for every kind of employment. The work has not been carried on so much at random as our author supposes; errors and faults have been committed, but all has not been error and absurdity. The wisdom which selected and sent forth Henry Martyn, or William Carey, or Robert Morrison, and all missionary wisdom has not been entirely expended upon them, should not be forgotten in the glare or splendor of a favorite scheme, or in the zeal to censure that which is far from perfect.

On another point also, I venture to suggest my conviction, that the author has far too lofty ideas of what may be effected by an extensive plan, whose wisdom and energy would be demonstrable to all the world. He seems to think, that if there were no fundamental lack of this nature, that no doubt could be entertained of its

certain and universal success. I trust I shall never be an advocate for evil or imperfection, or stand in the way of adopting any plan which comes recommended by Scripture, or by its obvious utility. Yet I must avow my belief, that the genius and design of Christianity are not favorable to this view of its propagation. In general, the more of man that appears in the work, the less there is of God. The whole history of its diffusion, hitherto, has not reflected great honor on the instruments or means employed. Its success in any country, hitherto, will not justify the Christian church in saying, "By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent." Here, as in other departments of his great dispensation, the Lord of Hosts seems to have purposed to stain the pride of all human glorying, and to bring into contempt the things which are most esteemed among men. "Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, have been employed in calling others to the knowledge of the truth. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the mighty, and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen; yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are, that no flesh may glory in his presence."

I am fully aware that this mode of reasoning is liable to abuse, and that we are not to defend