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and assist each other. There is no occasion for collision or rivalship among them. All are important and most of them absolutely necessary in hastening the accomplishment of that glorious and animating prediction: "They shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord." They are precursors of the latter-day glory, and will usher it in as the morning stars precede the natural sun, and usher in the natural day. As this period advances, that system of benevolent operations which is designed to enlighten and bless the world, will increase in extension and efficiency. In order to this, a thorough knowledge of the nature, designs and progress of these operations, must be diffused through the community, to awaken an interest, and to excite to vigorous and persevering efforts on their behalf.

It was thought that were the nature and importance of the several prominent Societies discussed, the claims of each urged, and the whole presented in one volume to the public, it would contribute to this desirable end.

For many years the Author of the following work has been specially interested, in the Christian efforts which are made for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and, for the last ten years, has been exclusively devoted to them. While engaged in

his present employment, he feels bound to consecrate his whole strength to these benevolent enterprises, which he considers the glory of the present age. With this in view, he has deemed it his duty to lay before the public the succeeding Dissertations, which were principally prepared some years since, but have recently been revised for publication. It is hoped they will appear to be fair discussions of the several topics on which they treat. An opinion of the comparative value or merit of the different benevolent Societies has been purposely avoided. In the arrangement of the Dissertations it was thought best to have no regard to the order of nature, to the time of formation or importance of them.

It was supposed, that an Appendix, containing a brief historical and statistical sketch of the different benevolent Societies, would be a valuable accompaniment. This, therefore, has been subjoined. In preparing the Appendix, much assistance has been received from the Secretaries of the different benevolent Societies, and other individuals.

The work was written, partly for the Author's own improvement, and he trusts he has received much benefit from his attention to these subjects. His mind has been informed, and his heart more deeply interested in the general cause of benevolence. And his fervent prayer to the Great Head of

the Church is, that the work may also be a blessing

to others, and a means of promoting that cause which is so dear to the heart of Infinite Love.

Boston, May, 1839.

CONTENTS.

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Usefulness of knowledge to man as a rational and accountable being.-
No knowledge to be compared to that which relates to divine sub-
jects.-The Bible the great store-house of instruction, but the writings
of pious and good men, not inspired, highly important and useful.-
Among these, Tracts hold a conspicuous place.-Their character,
as drawn from the Bible.-Easy to be put into circulation.-Their
use among the heathen, and the testimony of missionaries concerning
them.-Different classes of persons who may employ them.-Their
cheapness favorable to their wide circulation.-Commendation of the
Tract system.-Agency of Tracts in bringing on the Millennium.-
Their influence illustrated in the Dairyman's Daughter and Young
Cottager.-Mention of the London Tract Society and the American
Tract Society at New York.-Anecdote of Antoninus the Roman
Emperor.-Comparison of Boston and New York at the time of
their religious anniversaries to ancient Jerusalem, at the time of the
Jewish festivals; to London and Paris.-Hope and confidence that:

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Comparison of the state of depressed and desolate churches with that of
ancient Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah. The resolution of the
Jews at that time.-Survey of the waste places of Zion in the United
States-New England-South and West.-Reasons why Zion
should be built-benefit of individuals-good of society-promotion
of Christ's kingdom and the glory of God.-Methods by which Zion
should be built-Churches must help themselves-ministers and
pious people must assist-those who have ability must afford gratu-
itous aid-plan of sending missionaries to feeble societies-import-
ance of their being prudent, faithful, zealous men-importance of
prayer for the divine blessing.-General call to all who love Zion or
their country to arise and build,

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