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Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmAs en commenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'iiiustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaltra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole —^ signifie "A SUIVRE ", le symbole V signifie "FIN ". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmAs A des taux de rMuction diffArents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour 4tre reproduit en un seul clichA, 11 est film6 A partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ntcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. ! f : i * 9 • x^ /. ^ / L ' I X 1 > ■-■ ( i K • \ ■* A CHARGE '/ / ' . 'C ^• DELIVERKD T(» '/• ■) O THE CLERGY OF THE DIOCESK OP UUPKUT'S LAND, AT HIS T R 1 1^: N N T A L V I S IT A '\ I O N, May 29, l8o(). DY DAVID ANDERSON, D.D. I.OlUi lllSllnl' dK Hll'Kltr'S LAND. I.ONDON: THOMAS HATClIAin), IST 1M(( ADHJ.V LONDON : I'liul.fl by (i. Hauclay, Casllo St. T-oiccKtir Sq. ■|() NIK V 1<:XFJ! A lU.K THE AUCn DICACONS OK A ss [N 1 r>() 1 A A N I) ( ' r y. r> vai i . a n i >. IN WUOSl', HANDS, DIIMNC A Ti'lMroHAKY AliSl iNf I'., TlUi iXOCKSK IS I.KFT IN I'Ul.I, (ONFiDr.Nt K, ^bis cTbirb (Cbiircic Q \j u f*/ IF. AI'IECTIONATKI.V INSCKIBKI). \ '^ A CM Alt (ill, i'Vf. iVc. Mv Ri:vkui:n'1) Buktiiiucn, Necessity conipols m(5 on the present occasion to anticipate the nsual period of our asseniblin«( together. From the nature of tlie climate, tlie winter affords for tli(; most part the more favonr- ablc opportunity for meeting in any number, as the hiohways are then more accessible, and our brethren from a distance can come in at less personal inconvenience and sacrifice. As, how- ever, I expect to he absent from the diocese during the following winter, instead of awaiting the return of St. John's Day, I have chosen for our purpose the anniversary of my own conse- cration. Such a day was in the olden time styled the Bishop's Birthday ; and in some of the ancient liturgies special prayers and portions of Scripture were appointed for its celebration.* On it wc * "Tlic Gallican Offices direct that St. John, x. I-IT), shall be read every year, on what Ihey call the Jiishoi>'.s Jiirthday, the anniversary of his consecration." — Bishop I)«)A\F., in his sermon, The Sluplnrd of the Sheep, referring to Dean Comber. (i have ourselves been jircustomod from vcar to vear to hold somo commcnionitive service ; and • wo have found it profitable to review the progress of the work coniniitted to us, as a motive to deeper gratitude, and an incentive to more la- borious exertion. It has been connected, too, with our infant collegiate establishment and its elections ; and for these reasons its adoption to- dav would commend itself to all who have at heart the hii'hest interests of relitiion in this " CD land.* May we feel something, as beretofore, of the presence and Spirit of the Lord ; and as wc look up to liim for fresh guidance and direc- tion, may it be abundantly given unto us from above. On the objects of such a visitation it is now unnecessary for me to dwell. Twice (dready have we so met before ; and it is thus in some measure a thing habitual, not alone a custom authorised bv the wisdom of conturies, but en- cleared to us from having experienced its bene- ficial effects. It is, in its highest aspect, to confer together regarding the cure of souls ; and, viewed in this light, it possesses an interest which links it verv closelv with the continuance of the work of grace upon earth. This expres- * It is not a little singuliir that tlie first Bishop of Hiipcrt's Land, a tei-ritory gran tod by royal charter by Charles II. to his cousin I'rince linpert and others, should liiivc been consecrated on the anniversary of the restoration oftlKit monarch. The consecralion, too, took place at Can- ti'rl)nry. where he rested on the eve of his entry into the nu'ti'djiolis. I sive phrase, tamiliar as it is to us, has in it a depth, a force and beauty, which have called forth the praises of writers not of our own coni- niunion.* How much moreoui>ht it to he full of prei^nant meaning to ourselves from its occur- rence in our own most solemn services and ad- dresses to the throne of God ! To each of us, then, it is well to he reminded, is committed a cure of souls. Small, therefore, though our numbers may be, the interests involved will reach into the next generation as well as this ; thev will affect each successive m*neration in the land : nav, the consecuiences will onlv be fully developed through the countless ages of eternity. The historical feature of a Visitation, as stated in our last Charge, has been noticed hy several since, who have all acknowledged that it rests on a basis of truth. If an additional ex- ample were required by way of confirmation, it would be afforded by that Charge, which has been read, I think, by most of you, in which the past and present state of China are vividly portrayed, and which would lead us to watch with intense eagerness the critical position of that land, and the gradual development of a movement which would affect the destinies of a third part of the family * " The cure of souls, — a phrase which coiupreheiuls far more than the ijreachinu; of sermons, iiml the duties of the Sabbatli ami the sanctuary. Tliere is a definiteness, an ex- plicitness, in tliis beautiful expression, into which we have need more dee|)ly to enter." — Ukv. J. AN(ii'.Li- Jamf.s, I'larncsl Ministri/, [). IS.l. 8 of mankind.* Of our own Cliarjjo tiio historical stamp is sufficiently obvious. Hope was then bri- forwaicl to a period of prolonged trancpiillity. While wc were wttcrinii' tlie words, tlie note of j)reparati()n was b(Mng sounded — the hosts were being marshalled for the battle. We seem already to have been engaged in a war of some length, from the suspense of deferred expect- ation, and even from the sanguinary nature of some of the conflicts. But while we arc closing this address, the tidings of peace have been, brought to our ears. Here, then, are suflficient marks of time : — the profound rest and peace in which Europe lay when we were last assembled, the war which has since convulsed and agitated all her leading powers, and the rebound of feeling from the almost unlooked-for cessation of hos- tilities, which, through the gracious interposition of God, is now announced. Enough, surely, this to show that our lot is cast in eventful times : enough, surely, to prompt from every heart the earnest prayer that the peace may not be a transient one, but established on a solid and last- ing foundation ; and such as to ensure the ulti- mate spread and extension of the Iledeemer's kin<»dom. But, if war thus mark the interval on which * '' China; lier Futuiv and Iicr Past." A Charge by the Bishoj) (){' Victoria. we look back, it can scarcely bo out of place t o •1( betl c MMer whetner any special sins, any yrowii)"- evik, can bo discerned, which mav have assisted in brini'inL'' down the judonuMit of (lod on a nation so lon*,^ favoured with peace. W c mav be unahl(» to fix on the verv sin which mav have })rovokod the Most lli^h; but wo caiuiot doubt that fori^etfulness of his hand, in soiui^ shape or other, may have withdrawn his favour for a time ; and that some disroiiard of his honour mav have prolon«»ed the scouro'o. Now amwng the thinirs very hicrhly disploasinij", we doubt not, to God, would be the under^^row th of Infidelity — a tendency to doubt, and question, and undermine the foundations of the faith. A spirit of the kind \\l. one of the melancholy forerunners and attendants of the previous war ; and such a spirit, though in a very chan Burnett Prize Kssays, in which the Churches of England and Scotland are seen once more in graceful competition, contending together for the common faith. Nor ought we to overlook th(5 addictions of the pre- sent age to works of an earlier date ; what a large mass of additional matter in the " TTora> Faulina\" as edited by Birks, — a wrangler of high standing contributing thus all the light of modi'r:; criticism to illustrate the production of a senior ,\ rangier, his predecessor by seven'y years. Ui to a co-ordinate r)riestliood : ^' when arrayed on the side of truth, thev would act as a rciicne- rating power in the world, penetrating wher ; the voice of the preacher has never reached ; and, where it has, still taking up a more permanent dwelling in the family, and exercisinir even a more constant sway. But, when the source and fountain are poisoned, what more fatal scourge can sweep over the face of the earth ! Let us then take some encouragement from the fact, that when the enemy has heen coming in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord has ever in former times heen seen to lift up a standard against him: let us recognise that God is doing this now among ourselves, that defences are being published of power and merit to meet the specious cavils of every oppoi. jnt. And, in making this acknowledgment, I cannot but add that, besides the direct answers which have issued from places from which they might have been expected, besides the elaborate counter-statements of the truth, a very simple and powerful reply has been furnished from a very different and a very unexpected quarter. While some w^ere disputing about the limits of inspiration, and others, with a fearful respon- sibility, were cpiestioning the eternity of punisli- ment, the evidence of the i)ower of faith in the grand fact of the atoueiuent, and of genuine de- peiulence on the letter of the word, was l)eing gathered from tlie battle-field. Amid the ago- * Dciiii TMilmaii. 14 V I nios of death, or in cool preparation for the un- certainties of coming warfare, was seen trium- phantlv the power of a simple faith to bear up and sustain the soul. A solid evidence has thus been furnished, which will penetrate to many a fireside, and speak convincingly to many a heart, and counteract with thousands the subtleties of a spurious philosophy. Together Avith this infidelity, how large an amount of social discontent has been lately de- veloped! In an age, upon which God has la- vished so many mercies, in which the comforts and conveniences of life have been so vastly in- creased, and art and science done so much to raise the average happiness, how little has there been of adequate gratitude and patient depend- ence on that hand, from which all these bless- ings flow ! Was there not too much of pride and self-trust at the commencement of the strug- gle — too much of a spirit which might say, " I shall never be removed"? and when, perhaps in righteous retribution, the partial reverse came, or the day of victory seemed thrown into the distance, how little w'as there of confidence in the arm of the Most High ! With what unbe- coming haste were immediate issues expected, and how feverish and frotful was the anxiety dis- played! The energies of those in command were paralyzed through the reproaches of many, who could not fully estimate their sufferings, or sympathise with any plan which did not promise some palpable and instant results. 1." Now it is this spirit, as viewed in the Hght of Scripture, as it must be regarded by God, that we would notice. How offensive in the eves of Him, who seeth the end from the beginning, who doeth according to his will in the armies of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, that the nation, to which he has pre-eminently committed his word and truth, should glorify him so little in the day of visitation ! May we not almost imagine Him saying, as was said to the house of David of old, ** Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary God also?" Does it not tend to show, that a deeper foundation has yet to be laid ; that art and science can do but little, if there is a festering sore and a lack of inward happiness ; that it is righteousness, in its broadest and most comprehensive meaning, and that alone, which exalteth a nation ? Blessed be God that a spirit of prayer has been called forth in many places — that many on bended knee have sustained the hands of those who were wielding the sword in battle. For their sakes God has been entreated ; and, if only with the return of peace a calm dependence on his arm, and a devout acknow- ledgment of his power, shall take the place of the spirit of angry discontent, we may then find that ** in quietness and confidence shall be our strength, in returning and rest we shall be saved." There is yet one other tendency of the age, to which I would invite your attention — one which has long dwelt on my own mind, and 16 hi which, if (lulv considered, is, I am convinced, founded on facts. I mean, a morbid and restless craving after an Ideal Optimism. Stated, per- haps, in this form, it may scarcely seem to you a thing to be spoken of except in terms of com- mendation. And vet, brethren, when we reflect and look beneath the surface, how verv little is man able to carry out a theoretical optimism in his plans and institutions ! In all there is a con- tinual hindrance — something which stamps im- perfection on the execution, however fair and noble may have been the idea. It is unques- tionably true, that in moral and spiritual excel- lence we are to go on unto perfection, we are to be ever pursuing ; but it is of another region of subjects that I now speak. What is there, framed by man, which does not betray some blemish, in which we could not imagine some possible im- provement ? And the question is. Are we to be always aiming at this? Is not the necessary effect to produce an endless change — to rise up aoainst one of the verv conditions of our beinjif ? IIow seldom is the straight line visible in nature ! Is not the regularity of the heavenly orbs se- cured amid the very perturbations, which at first unsettle the beautifully adjusted formula? And does not man work at present between limits, with many apparent anomalies, which beset him on the right hand and on the loft, and between which he is to run with patience his appointed course ? The effect of what has been thus im- perfectly desicrilxMl is; a frequent ov(M*-legislati(m, to 17 each generation thinking it can correct the work- ing of the machine, hut introducing the altera- tion so rapidly, that its action has not time to manifest itself. And there is this more ohvious effect, that if Optimism is to be the universal standard, man must settle in what the excellence is to consist. As intellectual excellence is the one moft palpable and capable of test, it is sure to have the pre-eminence over other claims. In this way intellectual merit bids fair to carry the day over moral character, and an idolatry of talent is likely to take place, of which some very unequivocal symptoms are apparent. The few may be highly educated and quickly promoted in life, while the many may be comparatively overlooked and neglected, and much unobtrusive merit may sink entirely into the shade. Now this tendency may be more later.t, more difficult to trace in its root and lay bare in its consequences, but we feel confident that it exists. To grapple with it may often expose to obloquy and misrepresentation, because it rests on what is in itself good : but it ])roceeds on a false and narrow view of the com- plex nature of man; it does not take into con- sideration the actual state of tlie world, the ne- cessary friction of the machine, and the many disturbinjr causes which must affect everv human plan.* ii * Examples of what is here alluded to may be found in the Oxford University and P^ast India Hills, which have in- troduced great and heiujficial chanues: yet in each of these, after tlie principle was broadly stated, the ..!0St ardent re- B 18 Here, then, are some tendencies of the age in which we live, from which we anticipate evil. Others noticed on former occasions still exist, thouii^h in more or less modified forms. The errors dwelt on in our Primary Charge do not, we think, jjain strength, though their effects can- not yet have died away. Their shadows still darken the full light of truth in many a hrcast, and throw a cloud on the pure doctrines of the Gospel. But the attention has heen drawn off from such topics by more absorbing subjects, and they do not grow : according to general confes- sion, there lias been a lull in theological contro- versy, which all, doubtless, would hail, as giving hopes of more peaceful times for our beloved Church. The system dwelt on in our Second Charge, that of the Church of Rome, has, we are con- vinced, lost ground since we last met. In pub- licly announcing from the seat of infallibility, as an assured doctrine of the faith, a doctrine re- pugnant to the plain letter of Scripture, and opposed by many leading authorities within her own pale, she has surely not a little damaged her own cause. Our own position as regards Rome has thus improved, and she stands convicted before the world of an error of no little magnitude. It formers came forward to propose limitations and introduce exceptional cases. Illustration also might be afforded by the debate on Promotion in the Army, in which the difficulty of applying one universal test of merit was fairly acknow- ledged by all sides. 19 It would require more than her wonted wisdom and iiif^enuity to extricate herself from the dilemma in which she has thus placed herself. It is as if a spirit of blindness were upon her from the Lord ; and if we take into account along with it the crumbling of her power in Northern Italy, and in the valleys of Piedmont, we might almost be tempted to think that her time for deceiving the nations of '"he earth was fast drawinrowino- disregard of the Sabbath, — a relaxation of the stringency of those laws which now ffuard the sanctitv of God's day. If God has graciously vouchsafed to save us from a Continental war, let there not be any desire to approximate to a Continental Sabbath ; or then, assuredlv, the vials of Divine wrath will soon be poured out again. Do you ask. What is our ov»'n concern with these things ? It is, per- haps, closer than we may at first sight imagine. We are still a dependent Church; our support is, with a very few exceptions, derived from the bounty of those at home. If the pressure conse- quent on war should be prolonged, or the flame of war be kindled afresh, we must expect that these resources will be crippled, and that the liberality which carries the bread of life through this country will be checked. And, at the pre- sent moment, no event that could ha])pen to our b2 QO land would be more deplorable and disastrous than this. Life enough, I trust, there might be ; spirit and zeal sufficient to maintain the work, notwithstanding the reduction of the means of support ; yet when ground has been gained after years of labour, it would have a discouraging and blighting effect to have the sphere of operation suddenlv curtailed. For what is our present position to-day ? If I proceed to answer this question individually, it is only in the hope, that I express your own opinions, as gathered from frequent conference and conversation, and with the entreaty, that, if my sentiments do not agree with yours, you would not scruple to inform me. We are more established than we were seven years ago. Now, by the word used, I do not mean that we possess anything of power or ascen- dancy — anything of that political pre-eminence which is associated with the kindred word at home. We have not any advantages, as an esta- blishment, over the souls and consciences of men. If we are more established, it is by the develop- ment of our own intrinsic powers, by our own personal energy, by carrying out as much as pos- sible united and common system with mutual and happy co-operation. We grow ** by that which every joint supplieth." We have, indeed, advantages, which may assist and aid us in plant- ing ourselves in any fresh territory, and erecting there the standard of the cross. It is a mighty advantage to be connected with that Church of If the Reformation, which g'A\e hii th to Cranmer, and Latimer, and Hidley, — to feel that wc are descended from tho-e, who watered the Word sown with their blood. It is a ijrcater j^round of confidence to feel that we are in doctrine and fellowship linked, as closely as may be, with the Church of the Apostles — that we have a part, a place and standing in that " House of God, which is the Church of the living God, ^he pillar and grourd of the truth." That House and Church may, and we rejoice to think, does include others; but, blessed be God, wc cannot doubt that we are within it ourselves. Even this, however, stands us in little stead in a new land, where every man is tried bv his own practicnl worth, by his effective power. Now, employing such a test and criterion, we are more established ; and the proofs of this are easily produced. There is an expression which I much like, which is a common one in our Church in America, that of an " organised parish." Now of such organised parishes, wiLh their church and parsonage, their churchwardens, school and schoolmaster, we have five at leas«t ; we might almost say, seven. And I wish much that both the churchwardens or vestry, and the school- masters, should feel that they are indeed part and portion of the fabric — that they are called to be fellow-workers together with us, in carrying out the Redeemer's kingdom, and in building up and cementing the spiritual edifice. With their hearty and zealous co-operation towards one oh- ^^tl joct, the number of thoso labourintr for the Lord in cjicli parish would be inucli augmented, and the clc^rcvnian would not stand alone. On this account we have summoned on the present occa- sion those who are holding these offices in five different churches ; and on our return, should (jod permit, we would endeavour to meet them in some way or other periodically, and develope in a more systematic form the lay element of our Church. This, however, is only external ma- chinerv and framework : and, bv the word " esta- blished," I mean more than this — that there is the minister attaclicd to his people, and lihe flock attached to their pastor. You are more bound to your work than yim were a few years ago. As far as liuiuau eye reaches, I do not anticipate many chani>os. A period of relaxation you may take, and such a period I deem very desirable, that in the Church there should be the furlough as in the civil service : yet you all speak of this as your sphere and work ; and even those who leave us for a time seem onlv to return with renewed zest. Am 1 wrong, then, in arguing from these symptoms, that we are more established ? We are, too, much more generally known. How few could be found many years ago, who knew anything of Rupert's Land or the Red River ? Pass from county to county, and there was an almost universal ignorance of their very names. But now how different ! Our diocese occupies a large portion of the sympathy and re- gard of the Christian public, and the links are 23 fast multiplyirif]^ \vhi(;h connect us with the Church of our forefatlicrs. As the mysterious electric fluid has opened communication with the remotest parts, and made it as rapid as thought, so, surely, there is a more extended Christian sympathy diffused by God throughout his Church than in former times. I feel this when I open each year letters of deep affection from those whom I have never seen in the flesh, and when I gaze upon their kind gifts and presents for the needy brethren of the body oi' Christ. I feel it a deli<]^htful bond of union to mv own Colletre * that the Advent Offertory should each year be devoted to this diocese. I feel it when I think of two be- loved friends, appointed since we last met to the Bishoprics of Sydney and Mauritius. I feel, as I cast my eye from the distant W est to those islands of the South and China, that there is a union of hearts which mocks at distance, and binds toge- ther the widely separate. Now this sympathy and intercommunion of spirit are from the Lord. They increase with the increased facility of com- munication, — with the bringing together of the ends of the earth, v.hich we witness in this age, — with the breaking up of the kingdoms of this world, and the fusion of the spiritual kingdom throuahout the whole. Our own communication a with other lands has increased greatly in the last three years. The visits of our brethren to Eng- land, especially the late visit of one of our arch- * Exeter College, Oxford. ^4 deacons, have brought us much before the public eye. There is now scarcely a county, if there be one, where we are not known ; scarcely one in which we have not somo active, energetic, and prayerful friends. All this, then, must neces- sarily involve an increased responsibility ; as it alfords matter of gratitude and deep thankful- ness, so it ought to lead us to look well that we turn it to good account, — it ought to pledge us this day to redoubled exertion and diligence. With these more favourable indications, the work, however, may be as wearing, in some cases more so than before. In the Settlement, the generation of those who came out in earlier times will soon have passed away, and there will remain those born in the land, and educated in its associations. Xow there are few who will affirm that such are fully equal to their parents : there is found in every colony a slight depreciation in the next generation. An education they may obtain equal, in some cases superior to that of their parents -, but there is not the same steady in- dustry, the same versatility and power of meeting difficulties. Thev are thus a heavier burden to the minister of God ; they require more assist- ance, more counsel and direction. And in the case of the Missionarv Station, whether purely or partially such, the addition of fresh believers, or, even short of this, of fresh inquirers, entails, as you know, a burden of no little weight. It is not the individual alone ; Q5 there is tlie family. If a profession of faith is to be made, there must be the clothing — if the means of grace are to be attended, there must be the house — for the first year or two there must be the food. Af]^ain and ajjain have we felt, as all have done, and more especially those who, at an infant station, experience the burden from morning to evening, from one day to another, that the passage of Scripture most capable of application would be the words of Jethro to Moses, — ** Thou wilt surelv wear awav, both thou, and this people that is with thee : for tfiis thin"- is too hcavv for thee." * Aofain and afjain have we felt, in looking on the poor Indian coming with expectations, which the wealth of the richest mines could not meet, the natural- ness of the words of Moses, sinful though the spirit was in which they were spoken at the moment, — ^" Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me. Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father bearoth the suckin"- child ? " t This, vou can bear testimony, is no ideal picture ; the words of the Spirit, in reference to the Israelites, have their very counterpart in the poor Indians : our task with them is, indeed, to carry them as in our bosom, to bear them as a nursing father doth his children. They require to be taught to think, to look beyond the present hour ; they have to be guided bv the hand in each step, as * I'.xod. xviii. 18. t Num. xi. 12. €6 they emerge from a state of nature aiiu bar- barism, into the verv lowest rudiments of civiliz- ation. In this lengthened effort, after the Indian has crossed the boundary line, and said in sub- stance, I will be as you are, ** Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God," we have few to aid and assist us. It is this poverty which wears us down. Those who have acquired an independence in the land, for the most part, leave it, and the minister of God is left to struggle on with an auo^mcnted familv, and vet with di- minished resources. There is not the energy of other colonies ; much of the life-blood is with- drawn ; many of the young, the bone and sinew of the land, leave it, and go to try their fortunes abroad. Yet, for the sake of the souls of the remnant, and the souls of the poor heathen, the minister continues to labour on. How difficult often, and how increasinolv difficult mav this become, with prices raised, and the articles of life more hiohly taxed ! Difficulties must not, however, lead us to lose sight of the work before us. There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. It is well to endeavour to perform the work that is done efficiently, and not, by enlarging the area, to do all in a more slovenly and perfunctory spirit. Yet the thought of those beyond — of those who may be sighing as they think, *' No man careth for my soul," — must often suiifijest itself to our mind. And it is more particularly forced upon our attention at the present time by the large number of Plain Indians, who are encamped in our immediate neighbourhood, and who (with whatever other motive thev mav have come hither) have expressed their desire to have a minister of God sent among them, and the means of civilization placed within their reach.* Now, in connexion with this remoter field of labour, it is obvious, that we can scarcely hope to carry it on in the same method as our present stations. The outlay would be too large; the transport of property and substance too laborious. Might we not, however, extend eifort in some directions, if more of an industrial character were stamped on the undertaking — if it were fully understood that, in return for the priceless blessings imparted to the convert, we should in every case expect some equivalent in the shape * It seemed more than a fortuitous coincidence that a large body of* Phiin Indians should have been in the settle- ment at this time. I feared that they would pay me their formal visit during the delivery of this Charge, and I there- fore sent to say that I should l)C happy to see them in the afternoon, or the following morning. Aceei)ting the latter proposal, the fo\ir Chiefs came the next day with a large retinue, amounting in all to nearly two hundred, and the greater part of the clergy being still with me, we held a conference, at which addresses were made on both sides. Though unattended with immediate elfect, it will, I am con- vinced from what passed, tend to break up the system of heathenism ere very long. One of the Chiefs has since been baptized, but he had been an in(piirer for several years bel'ore. 28 ' I 11 1 of labour? I notice that at the foot of the Himalaya Mountains there arc what are termed Industrial Schoolmasters, and that in their hands the mission becomes almost self-supporting. This wen; an idle dream for some time in this country, but in endeavouring to carry our missions to- wards the Rocky Mountains, or towards the Arctic Sea, might we not do well to make some return of labour an understood condition of membership? Besides, it is sufficiently manifest, that we cannot expect to multiply European labourers, nor can we hope to obtain for many others salaries of large amount. This, then, would lead to the question, Crai no other method be adopted for carrying to the benighted Indians the truth of God ? Now, bv one of your own number the suggestion has been offered, whether something of Colportage might not profitably be adopted ; whether an Indian, wlin has received the truth in the love of it, mi^jht not be sent forward to communicate to his countrymen the Woivl which he has found precious to his own soul. The suggestion seems to us worthy of con- sideration ; and now^ that the Colporteur might take with him large portions of the Word, the Prayer-book, and some simple tracts, both in the Roman and S\ liable characters, the way seems i lore open in the providence of God. Few, it is true, a.e fitted for such a task and errand; but your own minds can suggest one 29 or two, who, had thov been free and disenffaffcd, would have been invaluable and trustworthy.* And, while thus dealing in suggestions and throwing out hints, may we not ask, whether the time has not yet arrived for undertaking ourselves something of the work ? Our mis- sionary field now covers a wide surface, from the East Main to the Enolish liiver, vet small, com- pared to what lies beyond. We cannot expect that the liberality of others can aid us in any farther extension of the work. Ought we not to arise ourselves and possess the land ? Are we not suiRcient for it as regards means, and num- bers, and influence, if only the Spirit of the Lord should breathe upon us ? It may be, perhaps, that the flame of piety burns scarcely so brightly as in the earlier days of the mission — that a measure of worldliness may have crept in. Now what more likely to counteract this, and to draw down the blessing of God on our own souls, than to arise to a concern for the souls of others ? Should we live, then, to return among you, it would be our earnest desire to inaugurate a new period, by becoming ourselves a Missionary Church for transmitting the light onwards ; that we should have a missionary of our own, sup- ported by ourselves, to labour in a spot where * Tho system is, in offcd, carriod out at present by one catechist, at the Lakes of (^u'Appelle, and by a second at Fort Alexander. What is to be wished is the extension of the same macliinery beyond tlie Portage ]ia Loche. 30 the foot of the messenger of peace has not yet trodden. Thus to throw out branches from itself would be the mark of a fruitful vine. It would indi- cate life and healthy action. It would connect us with that life and expansion which are con- spicuous in every portion of the Church at this moment. Since we last met, five additional Bishoprics have been added to the Colonial Church. Of others, which remain to be created, the two to my own mind the most interesting would be that of the Melanesian Islands, and that of Agra, or Northern India. To the latter, indeed, I should have been inclined to give the preference over some smaller spheres lately raised into Episcopal Sees, and I could have wished it done during the lifetime of the venerable Metropolitan of India ; that as he has lately had the happy privilege of consecrating at Calcutta a Bishop for Labuan and the Island of Borneo, so, assisted by the other prelates of India, he might also have consecrated another to preside over the vast territories, which the providence of God has so marvellously added to our empire. To endeavour to raise man is thus the fflorv of the age — to raise the Dyaks — to raise the Zulu, the Patagonian, and the Indian. In this, too, we bear a part ; our calling is to raise a people, one of the families of mankind, as well as to preach the everlasting Gospel ; and if we have received much from others, let us seek to lead I 31 our '^eople to impart also, as good stewards of the man: fold grace of God. We would contemplate, then, a more aggres- sive inroad on heathenism, in a more direct form, should life be spared. In this, perhaps, we could all bear a part : for there are some near us, in- termingled with us, as well as beyond the limits yet visited. To these we might endeavour once more to commend the Gospel, and entreat them in Christ's stead, '' Bo ye reconciled to God." We can all gain much from past experience ; and a fresh effort, from the knowledge thus acquired, might carry with it the Divine blessing. If it be asked. What arc the requisites for such an undertaking ? they would appear to bo the very gifts which go to form the true mission- ary. Now, this we always imagine to be a pe- culiar calling — something different from minis- terial life, as such. We might say of him as of the poet, that he is born, not formed ; or, more correctly, that he is called to his work by the Spirit of God, rather than framed and fashioned by the instruction of man. As we believe that the Holy Spirit still gives the true and effectual calling to the ministry, so beyond that we feel that he gives to some the peculiar desire to labour in the outer fields, in the highwavs and ' CD y hedges, gathering the lost and outcast into the fold. Such are the very individuals fitted for labour abroad — they are there exactly in their places, and blessed abundantly by God : transfer 32 ■\' n them to the crowded city or the retired parish at home, they are out of their element and lost. What, then, would be the missionary requi- sites ? It is almost unnecessary to say, that at the root must lie ardent love for souls. It is the sight of the perishing which leads him to forsake country and home ; it is the mind, dwelling much on the numbers of the lost — the millions u'™ ^er the grasp of Satan — which is led, as w th a mighty and strong impulse, to devote itself to their rescue. And it is equally superfluous to say that there must be also a patience which is never wearied by discouragements and crosses, and a spirit of prayer which faints not, though the stirring among the dry bones may be long dolayed. These requisites are universally recog- nised, and force themselves on the attention even before the work is entered on, and have been alluded to by us on former occasions. I wish now rather to speak of gifts less commonly no- ticed, and which experience alone brings out to view. There must be, brethren, much self-reliance, as a primary element of success. In the selec- tion of instruments, this ought to be an essential point, it can be traced in all who have been the most honoured agents in largely extending the kingdom of the Lord. It is indispensable in the earthly conqueror that he should feel a con- fidence in his own resources, and that, though baffled by temporary difficulties, he should stea- 83 (lily follow up some dofinito plan ; and, knovvinift, and varies much : it is what we would call constructive power. You may see it in the parochial minister. In one spot we perceive much available power ; but all are acting without unity of effort and sympathy witli their bend, and all is therefore isolation. In another spot \\wvc is one heart and mind — all are pulling in one direction- — each has an office, a (lufv, and we think of them naturallv as 35 one body under one head. It is this i\r{ of pro - du(*in<^- unity whieh is wanted in ilie missionary, only that the prol)lem in his case is an hundred- fold more difficult, as he has to form a society out of the most discordant eknnents — to form of imits void of every ])riiici])le of combination ;i compacted whole. Surely, In-ethn^n, such a task requires no small measure of ability and con- structive skill. Of intellectual attainment and a''quircd know- led^j^e, you may yet expect me to speak, i^ndinps it miiilit suffic<^ to say, that in the work therj* is em])loyment ibr the very hioliest.* \\\; rejoice to find that many, trained in every branch of human learning, have oonc forth to India and China, to meet tlie Brahmin and tlie discii)les of Oriental philosophy, and lead them to the simplicity of the truth as it is in Je^us. lUit we cannot think the same amount of accpairement alike necessary in all. i\Iany full of zeal and earnestness have, we doubt not, been often lost to our Church, bv insisting' on one unvarying and unbending rule in all cas(;s. Perhaps a oreater depth of theolooical learning should rather have been rccjuired, when the extent of classical erudition was the on(^ point chiefly re- garded. I have not, as a rule, required the a(> (piaintance with the ancient languages, vvhil' Acatlcniieal Aciiuinniciils." A l-ccllirc l»v Ihc Ivcv. fi. r!!,i|)in;.ii. 11.1-'.; r-i)(('ii!l!y i>. JU c 2 :M> .1 'J qualificntioii at lionio. Wo want special insfru- iiK^iits for a special work; but, if adniiltcd to the TTiinistrv without a louL^cr period of previous train- ini,"-, vou stand pled<^e(l to the more constant study of that which may supply the deficiency — the diliircnt and laborious study of the jrreat writers in our own tongue. It is with pleasure that I find that you are thus juixious to store your minds, and that in this way our diocesan library is likely to turn to direct and innuediate profit. The power of ac(iuirini»- the native ton<^ue would fall under this head. The necessity would vary much according- to the s])ot, and the amount of intercourse with the Indian. That the lan- e, \vhatever the dialect may be, can be ac- (luired in a very slun't time, I tliink sufficiently proved from what has been done in our Eastern missions. Ikit beyond the mere la!iL»uaoe, it is verv essential to study the tone of thought and feelino-. It was said of i illustrious linguist, a late Cardinal of the Church of Home, that, in commencinij^ a lani'uai'e, he endeavoured to gain its rhythm and general flow ; so in the Indian lan- "uatres we may discern somethinij^ in the tone of thought which, if grasj)ed, becomes a key to the wishes of the speaker. The language of the Indian, vou well know, bears a close resemblance to his life. He never enters on his subject at once ; but the practised ear can, from a few sentences, or even words, discern, by a kind of instinct, the remoter subject to which he is tending. Study, then, the language, those of you whose life and sphere are (\ ;r/ i ainoiii^r the Indians; hut, hcsidos this, study much their minds juid thoughts, so as to Jicciuire iiiHu- enco and ((mmiand over them ; condescend to lend tlie patient ear to their tale, with its many bends and windings ; and after so <»ainin«j: their hearts, unfold to them the storv of jrrace — tlu; <>lad tidin*^s of <;T(;at joy — and, as you speak, ])ray that (Jod may (r\vv, them the hearing- e;ir and the understand iua" heart. Now, in order to carry out any such mission- ary enterprise with success, it vyould be absohiti^lv necessary to abstain from (luestions of mere worldly politics. This is, indeed, an acknowledg-ed })rin- (;iple in all missionary operations, and if ne(tessary in other countries, in our own doubly so. To entangle ourselyes in local matters is too sure to defeat the object of our high calling, and to cir- cumscribe, rather than to extend, the kingdom of that Master whom we serye. That as citizens of the country — as those who haye a lar^^c stake in it — as those brouhoulderH of others, nor expect that under the 38 |)res(;nt dispensation those employed in the va- rious avocations of life will tread in the steps of the minister of God, and become evangelists to lost souls. That the next seven years will be productive of oreat changes in the land we feel assured. Our own desire would be to see additional settlers introduced, and immigration, though for a time on a very cautious scale, encouraged. At a period when the mother country is overstocked and over- peopled, it would seem that a land which could furnish support for the industrious might take off a part of the population. Judging by the reports of those who have left us and gone else- where, the means of life are, on the whole, more easily procured here than in other spots ; and w^e belie\e that, over the surface of the land, some situations might be found as fertile, and offering as fair returns to the auriculturist, as the lied River. Our hope, too, would be that, in any plan for the amelioration of the land, the avenue to the highest employments — to the positions of greatest trust — should be thrown open to the native, as in tlu5 recent case of Eastern India. As education ailvances, this would alFord the strongest stinudus to exertion, to find that birth would never ope- rate as a cause of exclusion, but that with merit and application all might rise. To effect, liowever, political cliangcs, or even lo interfere in them, is not our [)ro\ince; to hold du opinio, 1. .d'tcM- tlu! experience of the pas(, and 39 to support it with sufficient reasons, is the com- mon privilege and hirthright of all. But if in political matters powerless, in social improve- ments, and their recommenaation, we possess no small weight. In these respects, too, changes may he before us, through the increase of ma- lihinery, the subdivision of labour, the encou- ragement of the manufactures of the country, and the introduction of special trades. Indeed, as you well know, a settled society is only just commencing among us, emerging from that wild and irregular state, in which all were of nccessitv obliii^ed to undertake everythino' for thimiselves. It is our legitimate province to endeavour to give a healthy tone and direction to this gradual pro- gress of society, as it uprises around us. And in doing this nothing ought to be deemed trivial or unimportant. As regards the dwellings of the poor, I would ask you to use your influence in promoting improvement in their internal ar- rangement. Much has already been done by recommending, and even insisting on, the subdi- vision of the houses, where different members of a family were under the same roof. This is alike necessary for comfort, and im})ortant as regards the moral well-being of tho household.* Let me also lequest you to discourage those \ 1 * Any ri'luctunco wlilcli I felt to ulliidc to this subject AViis overeoiuo by iliuliiij; it noticed in a Melroixilitau CJiarj^e : — " 'I'hnt intorniil arrangement of cottages, whereby three sleeping !ii)urtnients, however small, may be secured to ':■■/ 40 if % \ very large gatherings which often take place at marriages. Some apology might be offered for such general invitations, when the settlement was small, forming, as it were, but one family ; but, as the population increases, it cannot be necessary to enlarge the number to such unreasonable di- mensions. It has often materially lessened the resources of the young couple for many years, and, what is of greater consequence for us to notice, it has been the prolific source of much evil. And if in the hour of rejoicing you arc to exert an influence, and to seek to bring in mode- ration and a more excellent way, so in the house of mourning there is something for you to modify and correct. W(^ cannot too strongly express our dislike of the large numbers that are often found by the bedside of the sick or the dying. It is kindly meant, but it is kindness sadly misapplied. Nor can we approve of the watching the livelong night by the corpse. The deeper feelings of the bereaved would rather seek solitude — a place in secret where to weep — than to be exposed to the gaze of others at such a sacred season. And, when the body is to be carried to the house ap- pointed to all living, rather seek to diminish the attendance, and confine it to the relatives and each cottiige, sliouM be strongly rocomrnciulcd, instead of that (leniorali/ing custoin which crowds the whoh; t'aniily, of whatever age and sex, into one nndivided ehamber." — Arciuusiku' ui' Vuuk'8 Second Chan/i', I So,']. u nearest friends, than embrace a circle of indis- criminate mourners. By attention to these matters affecting our daily life — our sorrows and our joys — family comfort would be increased, domestic holiness autrmented ; and, while the tide of joy and j^rief would not be lessened, it would flow, I cannot doubt, in a deeper and more consecrated channel. And now it onlv remains that I offer my usual summary of work performed, and then in a few^ parting words commend you to the good care and keeping of God. Our own numbers have advanced with the same steadv increase as before. One has from unavoidable circumstances been withdrawn — cir- cumstances over which neither he nor I could exercise any control ; but, as his heart is still with us, as it is his eager wish to return, and as the desire of his late flock is as great to receive him back again, I can hardly deem him lost to us. Were he with us, and had I been able to effect the journey to the Saskatchewan as I had proposed, and there to ordain one additional labourer, we should have been twenty instead of eighteen to-day. For the continuance of un- broken health among us we cannot feel too grate- ful ; and for that providential care which has guided so many of us in journeys by sea and land. And yet we are remindiKl that death may come in an unexpected hour. One, to whom allusion was made when we last met, has si v*e been carried hence vei'v suddenly by God- shipwrecked on I M JO I I, Ills voyage homo.^ We rejoice that his place at Vancouver has been supplied ; and wo could only wish that it were possible for us to include his suc- ces>!orl in our own number, and that he could join with us in brotherly intercourse and fellowship. In ordinations, four European labourers have been added to our little band ; and it is a satis- faction to me to leave all in priest's orders before my temporary departure. Of consecrations, we have had but one church — one which, in effect and finish, would form a "ood model for any future structure. t At Moose and at St. Andrew's I have consecrated burial-grounds ; and that around St. James's Church will be ready before f go. This will leave in the country five cliurches and five burial-grounds consecrated. Churches are completed, but not yet consecrated, at the Indian settlement and at La Prairie. An en- largement of the previous building having been found necessary at Moose, a new church will instead bo erected there ; and at York, but for the want of labourers on the spot, a church would have been in progress during the present summor.§ * The Rev. U. J. Staines, D.A., Hon. Hudson's Bay Company's Cliaplain. Fort Victoria. t 'l^'J'e Rev. Edward Cridge, la(e Incumbent of Clirist Cliurcli, Strattbrd. :|: Sl.flames's Church, Assiniboine : to it the Society for Promoting Cliristian Knowledge contributed 200/., the re- maining outhiy l)cing made uj) by vohmtary subscriptions. § The churclies at Moose and York will be erected by llie lion, UudsouV l»;i\ CouqKiny. Si tci W(3 are engaged in our third seri(\^ of contir- mations, and they proceed hopc^fully. On each occasion fresh spots are added. In our first scries I confirmed at seven diflerent places ; in the second at ten ; during the third, shouhl I live to comphito it, the rite would ])e administered at seven places before my departure, and at seven more after my return. My fear was, that the numbers ^'ould necessarily diminish considerably from its recurrence after an interval of onlv thriM* years ; but the number of those presented on the Red River and Assiniboine has alreadv exceeded those on the previous occasion. We are still, bevond all doubt, the chief oro-au of education in the land. On the two rivers alone, or, as it might be said, within the extended boundaries of this colony, we have twelve schools ; at the out-stations as many more. The iniiuence of these four-and-twenty schools caunot be small. As in other countries, we have to uiment over the apathy of parents, who might l)y a judicious exercise of authority, and by some little self-sacri- (ice, keep their children much longer at school. Once started in life, they look back on the past with reorot, and thev constantlv confess to us their deficiencies with unavailing sorrow. Those fully trained and educated by us are found not inferior to those whom they meet in life, able to compete vigorously with others who have enjoyed much greater advantages. The want still is depth and solidity of character. The experiment of a dis- tinct female school (►!' a lii«iher stanij) has now 3-jr 44 boon made for five years ; and has, I trust, bei ii appreciated through the country. For the sake of the young, especially those necessarily soparnted from their parents at a very early age, and fe(*l- ing deeply the mighty importance of raising the female mind, as affecting the well-being of the next generation, I am willing, at whatever cost, to risk a second attempt ; and I have endeavoured to obtain a suitable successor to her whose loss to the country we have now to deplore. At St. John's a Board of Trustees has been established, who will act as guardians of the pro- perty connected vvitli the Collegiate School, and keepers of the Diocesan Library. The latter now numbers more than one thousand volumes, — a number small in itself, but considerable when the difficulty of inland carriage is taken into account. They now bear the stamp, device, and motto of St. John's College. And yet I feel that the very name of College may at times perplex and be- wilder, from the scanty number which we can assemble in the land, and the little claim that we can make to anything approaching to college life. But, as I think of and use the word, I revert to bygone years, and the meaning of the term in early times. In this sense would I employ it, as embracing not the pupils and scholars alone, but the bishop and clergy also, forming a missionary college in a dark land. I would regard each clergyman as a member of that College, and it thus becomes a centre, uniting us all. In this light it is no longer a vision or an ideal thing, 45 but a livin' to his desires. And from York we hear of the renowned petitions to that quarter of the Severn Indian. Many of them were bap- tized during the last summer at York, but the supply of books has been very inadequate to the demand. They call for the Syllabic volume, but with some slight changes from the Moose dialect. And on the English Kiver much patient study and biborious thought has been i^iven lo the wider application of the Syllabic system, in the hope that it may be brought to bear on the Chippewyan. This may be effected, it is thought, bv the introdpction of a few additional characters, just as, at a conference at Moose, it was agreed to add a few symbols to adapt the system to the wants of the Eskimo. Now I cannot believe that such labour will no without its reward : in whi( h- 17 I over form (.hrist is' prcacln^d, and the brokcMi fraanionts of the bread of life distributed, " a therein do rejoice, and will rejoice." The number of our own clergy who can now addre>s the Indian, and speak to him in his own tongue, would be at least se\ en ; the number of those who have translated portiims of God's word would be six, to four of whom the language was not their vernacular tongue. With a work thus gr ing and increasing, and a sphere of operation widening each year, it may naturally be asked, Why leave the slieep in the wilderness ? And from the close and affett- tionate footing on whii^h I have been among you, you have perhaps a claim to know some of those reasons which have led me to wish for a tem- porary absence at this time. When I first came out I imagined that a necessity might have arisen for mv visiting England at an earlier period: year after year this was deferred, and, had I not fully pledged myself now, this year also I might have postponed it. But I bcdieve that there arc reasons, which render it almost impera- tive for me, and expedient in some measure for yourselves. After the completion of seven years I wish to render up some account of my stewardship. Not, indeed, that it is by man's judgment we stand or fall : it is the great day of the Lord which will trv our work of what sort it is ; and it is to that Master alone that we m;ike our final appi\d, ns ministers of Christ and stewards of the mvsteries 48 '•••• ( i ti of God. But wo derive ns* a Clmrcli so much from others, that it is only right that thoy should have the fullest information how the work ad- vances. With the condition of every station f am now perfectly familiar, from personal inspec- tion and oversight. I become, therefore, the re- presentative of you all, and in leaving you would hear both von and your work on mv heart. Mv earnest desire would be to report, as simply and faithfully as I can, what mv eyes have seen of your spheres, your trials, and successes. You have each your personal friends, tlie home parish in which you were brought up, the house of God in which you were accustomed to worship, and from which you were sent forth with many prayers ; these will of course b^ spots sought out by me, in order that I may refresh their hearts, bv tellino: them how the work of the Lord . CD prospers in your hands. There is too a very large debt of gratitude, which I am anxious to discharge, and to thank Cliristian friends for the riches of their liberality. Surely it is *'a land which the Lord our God careth for," if, with so little cost or outlay, almost without money and without price. His hand has provided it with ministers, and Bibles, and schools. To the Societies, from which as His instruments, vve have received these gifts, what adequate thanks can we render? Words are a very poor acknowledgment, but to each it is your wish that I should confi^ss ourselves largely in- debted. There are congregations which support t9 special schools, and contributo to particular mis- sions ; circles of Christian friends, who send the raiment wherewith to clothe the inquiring Indian. There are those who have kindly thought of our orphans ; they must he told of the removal of their asylum from a spot, in which we had found insuperable obstacles, to a place in which God had already assembled many of that helpless class, and where, under the very roof of the devoted missionary, they are as of his own family, sharing in all that prayer and the deepest affec- tion can effect for them. And there are noble contributions cast into the treasury of the Lord by those, the records of rvhose deeds will never appear on earth, whose names will not be known until the Saviour shall acknowledge the cup of cold water given to the saint, — there are the offerings of the widow, the hard-gained earidngs of self-denying poverty. Not overlooked are such gifts by the Lord of the vineyard, and if so, then they too are not to be forgotten, when we recount wirh gratitude what we receive. We w^ould not willingly omit one drop which feeds the stream that fertilizes and enriches our land : from the fellowship of ministering to the saints none are excluded, the richest may give by hun- dreds, the poorest may give the mite watered by prayer, and to each we may be alike debtors. And while making this poor return, the only one in our power, the experience of the past would embolden us to venture to increase the debt, and make even an additional appeal. It ]) I ' 50 has surely boon a l)lesse(l period for Britain, since God poured out on her the spirit of en- larged charity, — since God made her his almoner to the very ends of the earth. Even amid the distractions of war, the extremest East and West have continued to reap her bounty. As a nation, she hath found that " there is that scattereth and yet increaseth ; " and religion hath burnt all the brighter at home, from diffusing the light abroad. A further purpose would be to collect, if God permit, for some special objects. Should I live to spend other seven years in the land after my return, a portion of them must be devoted to the task of building. While other churches have been assisted and aided by us, we have not yet attempted our own Cathedral Church. For it we would require help, and we cannot for a moment imagine that this will be withheld. The three special objects for which I would solicit contributions would be, (1,) The erection of a modest and unpretending Cathedral ; (^2,) The enlargement of the Missionary field ; (3,) The carrying out of Educational effort ; and donors may appropriate their gifts to any of these ac- cording to inclination. If the work be of the Lord, pleasing and acceptable in his sight, then he will, I doubt not, incline the hearts of many to offer of their substance willingly and cheer- fully. And the last object T would mention would be to gather fresh life and vigour from the sight of home activity and intercourse with Christian 51 frioiids. As it is iiidisDufablo that the hii- man frame, in eominji; from warmer countries, brino^s with it an amount of lieat, wliich it gra- dually throws off from year to year, so we miirht expect beforehand that the warmth of Christian feeling, the liyelicr emotions with which we first commence the work, would become somewhat lessened by residence in a foreign clime, vyhere the highest standard of Christian excellence is not presented to vievy, — much more where there is the daily deadening contact \yith heathenism. That the country is healthy for the European constitution, I deem a fact sufficiently established, (our average of missionary labour, which is al- ready higher than in most other lands, vyould prove it ;) but for the restoration of spiritual life, for the invigorating of all the mental powers, on this account I would recommend in your case, what I now seek for myself, — a year of relaxation from severer duty, to be spent in the bo>om of Christian society. It is not to a period of idle- ness and entire remission that I look forward ; almost daily shall I be occupied on behalf of this country and its interests, even while absent : I shall be speaking and pleading for it at a distance, while you are supplying my lack of service and working on the spot. I might, as you well know, have spent an easier period among you, and have kept myself comparatively free from care and anxiety, but I undertook a larger responsibility, when I saw no one willing to assume it. Though the mind has thus at times been much exercised, D "i Jl ut 52 my health is, through the blessing of God, wholly unimpaired; and I scarcely feel to-day as if seven years had passed over my head. Should health be continued during my absence, I feel as little inclined to spare myself; my wish would be still to spend and be spent for the land to which, as on this dav, I solemnlv devoted mvself. In the fullest confidence, I would leave all in vour hands, beloved brethren, durin«T mv absence. The ecclesiastical authority would devolve on the senior archdeacon on the spot, so that all would be left in reyularitv and order. For vour labo- rious discliari>e of your duties, and your ever readv attention to mv own wishes, whik I have been among you, I return you my warmest thanks. And, if thus diligent while we have been toge- ther, I cannot doubt that you will be doubly so when mv eve is removed. Ilcalise, then, I en- treat you, more and more, the momentous inter- ests committed to you; and, in the full light of eternity, preach the Gospel in its bearing on man's hopes and peace in uiis world, and on his blessedness in that beyond the grave. The longer God graciously spares you to your flocks, let them discern the more a deepening expe- ri'^nce of Divine truth in your preaching, a richer unfolding of the spiritual treasures of the word. All things conspire to remind us, that the time may be short. The events of centuries seem now crowded into a few years. The latter days spoken of may be perhaps approaching. To the East I once before directed vour eve, to look out 53 for the signs of the Master's appearing: how much more has the attention been drawn to that quarter in the interval which has since elapsed ! We need not the voice and vision in order to hear the appeal. The scene of conflict of the powers of the earth is on the border land between the two continents, near the very spots most noted in early story. Asia now calls to Europe, "Come over and help us," — ^thc Churches of the Revelation and the neighbourhood of Para- dise may ere long revive under the light of the Gospel, — the way of the kings of the East may be soon prepared. Now, all these would be signs heralding the coming dawn : all would point to Jerusalem as *' the first and last centre of the Church on earth."* To assist in forwarding this blessed consum- mation is our glorious privilege. Mercy has been termed the pattern-attribute of God ^ and what mercy, brethren, can compare with pity for lost souls ? Yet a little, and the condition of the souls of all will be fixed irrevocably : no messenger of peace can then pass over the great gulf. But now, how beautiful on the mountains the feet of him that publisheth peace, — how sweet to make ready a people prepared for the J^ord — to make straight in the desert a highway for our God ! Seven years of imperfect labour have we given to the work amid many short-comings, which we pray God to pardon. But insensible and un- * "Liuid oi' the Morning." U< v. II. li. W. Churton. V. .'U)4. 54 ''1-1 thairkful should I be, were I not to confess that fruit appears, to the praise and glory of God's name : a change does appear in the wilderness and solitary place, — a change appears in the heart and bosom of your parishes. And I call upon you to say, what I would humbly exclaim myself, — " Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place." May I solicit your earnest prayers, that my very absence for a season may be for the furtherance of the Gospel in this land, and that, if we arc again permitted to meet on earth, it may be in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ, with more extended power to carry for- ward the proclamation of his truth, and hearts more enlarged to make known his salvation ! ' 1 iL< A I rx)n(ioii ;— riiiitoil liy (i. Daullay, (jimtlo St. I,oii!C«toi' Krj. ;i :l at I's iss be ill m ys th in rs, he It, it )el )r- rts