The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-01-23
Evangelical Missionary Society.

The annual meeting was held on the Cd
day of October. The Society met at Concert
Hall, for the transaction ofbusiiess, at 3o'cloc!..
and at attended religious sirvice in Brattle-
street Church, where an Appropriate discourse
was delivered by the Rev. James Kendall, of
Plymouth, and collection made for the funds
OF the Society. The following are extracts
from the report of the Trustees.
Satisfied by experience, that the plan orig
inally adopted, of assisting people in new SET
Elements, and small societiesin other places.
which had been diminished by sectarians, was
attended with the most beneficial effects, the
Select Committee have pur;ued this course
in the employment of Missionaries the past
year. They are confirmed in the belief that
the mos: judicious expenditure of the funds Of
the Society, and the most good done for those
whoTeceive our aid, are by peiseyering in this
system. There is less display, and less to at
tract the attention of the superficial, in this
mode of procedure. But so long a, it promises
AID produces the greatest real benefits, it ought
not to be abandoned for any other, however
specious or popular.
1t is, also, agreeable to our plan and our
professions, to provide for the Instruction of
youth, in new settlements, in the rudiments
of human as well as Christian knowledge;
and in some instances, this has been prac-
tised. But we beg to suggest, whether more
might not be attempted with good hope of sue
cess, in this important preliminary, to evan
gelizing our fellow-men. They must be en-
lightened to certain extent, before we can
reasonably expect to have them understand
and value the gospel. A profession of faith,
without knowledge of the great leading
of hF,Cf toY,t4rx l..
less, and often dangerous. 1t is believed
greater good may be done in this way, than
has heretofore been effected. Our funds are
gradually increasing, and it will probably be
in our power to assist teachers of youth, as
well as Missionaries, more efectually than we
could do in the early period of the Society.
1t is due to the Society and to the pubIick.
here to state, though ii has been observed on
former occasion, that it is not our plan to
impose missionary on any people, or to OBJ
trude our labours into places where our assist
ance has not been solicited. But where our
aid and advice have been requested, and
there was prospect Of usefulness, there we
have been DESTROYS 10 employ teachers. and To
assist in their supports on condition, however.
that those who receive the benefits of these
services should contribute, according to their
ability, for the maintenance of the gospel.
Rev. Silas Warren, who has been the min
lister IN Jackson, (Maine,) for about ten wears.
and who was induced to fix there by encour-
agement given by the Trustees of our Society.
has been paid $500. This is agreeable 10
former vote Of the Society, which is still obli
gatory upon the Trustees. We have satisfac-
tory evidence, that Mr.. Warren is active and
jealous in dschargng the important duties of
his station, and that his services are well re-
ceved. His lot has fallen among a people of
different religious sentiments, for many wears
unaccustomed to regular religious instruction.
and some Of whom are now disposed TO avail
themselves Of the laxity in their laws as 10
the support of clergymcn. So long as he IS
not discouraged, he ought to have our support.
And perhaps his usefulness would be increas-
ed by employing him at a small additional ex-
pense, occasionally to assist in the instruction
of youth.
Rev. Freeman Parker, Of Dresden, had
mission for two months, the last winter. at
that place and vicinity, as his own judgment