the gospel over the 600,000,000 of Papans and 120,000,000 of Mohammedans that the world contains? In answering this question, account must be taken of the quickened zeal and activity of the churches, which even yet, after the immense advancement made, is only beginning to be aroused. But especially it should be observed, that the question is not one of simple proportion, but of geometrical progression. It is like a body falling toward the centre of attraction, which gathers new momentum every instant; or like the spread of a conflagration, the power and fury of the flames increasing with every fresh object upon which it seizes; or like the multiplication of grain by successive harvests, each furnishing seed to be swelled by that which comes after. The present rate of progress, hopeful as it is, amazing as we may even say it is, considering all the circumstances of the case, is tardy and feeble compared with that which, in the natural course of things, we must expect to follow hereafter; and with that which the express language of prophecy bids us anticipate, when a nation shall be born in a day. We see the early numbers of the progression; a few more multiplications, and who can say what they shall become?"

CONCLUSION.

The preceding argument was presented by the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Missions to the Synod of South Carolina, in November, 1856, at its meetings in Chester. The conclusion of his Report and the resolutions of Synod are here given.

What, then, it will be asked, in conclusion, have been the manifestations of this faith by our churches during the past year?

The whole amount reported by the Treasurer in Charleston, from November 10, 1855, to October 23, 1856, is.....

......$3,602 06 The whole amount forwarded to the treasury in New York, in addition to the above sum, from November 1, 1855, to November 1, 1856, is...

Making a total amount of......

1,237 63

.$4,839 69

This exhibits an increase above the amount reported last year, which was $4,400, of $439.69.

This fact is encouraging, so far as it goes, and calls for our thankful praise. It is also sufficient to show that if all our pastors are faithful in their pulpit instructions on this subject and all our elders cooperate in faithfully presenting the cause

to their congregations, the most desirable time may soon come, when all our churches will contribute to this cause; when those contributing will give more in accordance with their respective means; when no churches will be found disobedient to this Heaven-commanded duty, and this Heaven-appointed means of prosperity and progress; and when each one of our eleven thousand four hundred and forty-eight church members shall be found coming up-including both white and coloredaccording to their names, to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.

"The Executive Committee of Foreign Missions, through their chairman, the Rev. Dr. Smyth, presented their Annual Report, which was referred to a committee, who, through the Rev. Dr. Thornwell, reported the following resolutions, which were adopted:

"Resolved, 1. That the work of Foreign Missions is not only in accordance with the general temper and positive injunctions of the gospel, but with every impulse and habit of the renewed and sanctified heart. It gives scope for the exercise of every christian virtue, whether active or passive, for the work of faith, the labour of love, and the patience of hope; and though men may countenance and favour it, who are as indifferent to the salvation of others as of themselves, the true believer cannot stand aloof from it, without renouncing to the extent of his apathy, his christian profession. The very nature of his life demands this species of exercise. The harmony of his soul with God is in nothing more conspicuously manifested, than in cordial sympathy with the divine purpose, that the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. That glory is Christ, and he is revealed in the propagation of the gospel.

"2. That the Synod has witnessed with pleasure the successful operation of the plan adopted by it many years ago, founded on the principle that the contribution of alms and offerings to the service of God, is in its habit a christian grace, and in its exercise an element of worship. This is the doctrine of the Scriptures, the doctrine of our standards, and we rejoice to say, is becoming the practice of the Church. The result, wherever it has been tried, has been propitious. In our own case, the amount given has been, with the exception of one or two years, steadily increasing. The Executive Committee reports this year five hundred dollars more than it reported last year. This is highly encouraging. Still there are churches which have contributed nothing; and the Synod cannot but enjoin it upon pastors and Sessions to see to it, that every man have the opportunity of presenting his alms and offerings to the treasury of the Lord, and be instructed in his duty and privilege. While

there is much to encourage us, there is nothing to boast of. We are still far behind what ought to be expected from our means and resources.

"3. That the Synod expresses its sincere thanks to the venerable Treasurer, Mr. James Adger, for his faithful and laborious services, freely and gratuitously rendered; and hereby extends to him the right-hand of a warm and cordial sympathy in the visitation which has deprived him of a companion, and has given to heaven a saint.

"4. That the Report of the Executive Committee be printed in pamphlet form, at the expense of the Committee, and circulated throughout our churches, and that the Treasurer's Report be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes.

"5. That the Executive and Auditing Committees, and the Treasurer, be re-appointed."