work, it matters not, only that the sailor is saved, and God is glorified. The committee know nothing of nation or sect in this hallowed cause. They embrace all nations and all parties; and whether in this race of christian benevolence the goal is reached by England or America-by churchman or dissenter-by Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Independent, Wesleyan, Moravian, or Baptist, they will not withhold their laurel from the wreath which may encircle the favoured brow." And how were these sentiments received? What response did they find in American bosoms? Their sentiments are generous, noble, christian. Their words are: "Such is the language of the Directors of the British and Foreign Sailor's Society ;-such the sentiment with which they send us their greetings. The Executive Committee of the American Seamen's Friend Society reiterate a sentiment so eminently christian, both as the principle and pledge of our single and concerted action in the sailor's cause, and as worthy of becoming the golden currency of the christian world. Why, when the great object of all christians should be the publication of gospel truth for the salvation of men, and churches the mere agencies in effecting it-why should any say, I am of Paul, or of Apollos, or Cephas, and spend all their energies in fencing and defending their own little garden? Away with narrow views, and selfish efforts in a work which has God for its patron, and salvation for its end. If a bigoted selfishness must exist, let it be in the deepest ravine of the darkest mountain, and not on the shore or surface of the great and wide sea." Such is the position in which the two societies now stand before the one great catholic church. And to the whole church they appeal for their prayers and their aid, in favour of a cause, the results of which will affect the destiny of millions, and run parallel with unending ages. 2, JEFFREY SQUARE, ST. MARY AXE, London, December, 1842. |