THE PANOPLIST, AND MISSIONARY MAGAZINE, FOR THE YEAR 1815. VOL. XI. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL T. ARMSTRONG, THEOLOGICAL PRINTER AND BOOKSELLER, NO. 50, CORNHILL: of whom may be had the former volumes of this work, and a large assort- 1815. PREFACE SINCE the commencement of this volume, the public relations of our country have been changed from a state of calamitous war to a state of prosperous peace. This change, so salutary in its nature and influence, affords many cheering topics of congratulation; but especially to the Christian, whose eyes are constantly fixed upon the success of his Master'e cause, it opens a most enlivening prospect. While he contemplates this prospect with delight, let him not forget his own obligations. The same considerations, which cause him to rejoice, should prompt him to act. Unproductive resolutions, sluggish endeavors, benevolent attempts half formed and easily abandoned, will not pass for the genuine results of benefi cence at the present day; and he has but a slender title to the name of a Christian, who does not exult in the privi lege of taking an active part in the great designs for meliorating the condition of man. The American people, if not blind to their own permanent interests, and stupidly ignorant of their own advantages, can perform wonders in the accomplishment of the grandest designs, which ev. er claimed the attention or employed the activity of mortals: designs of no less magnitude, than the establish, ment of schools, churches, and the regular ministration of divine ordinances, in all the destitute places of our own country; the distribution of the Bible, and the support of missionaries to preach its doctrines, in every part of the globe; the alleviation of human suffering of every kind, wherever men are to be found: in a word, the entire subjugation of the world to Christ, and of course the eternal salvation of unnumbered millions in all future generations. Who does not give thanks to God for the op. portunity of being permitted to exert even the humblest agency, in promoting so blessed a consummation? It is evident, by the most recent intelligence received from England, that every great institution, which has for its object the civilization, instruction, and salvation of |