submit a few additional remarks as theologians. When urging upon mankind the necessity of entire abstinence from the use of alcoholic liquor, wine and beer as well as ardent spirits, we have been frequently met with an objection derived from the direction of the Apostle Paul to his son Timothy: 'Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.' But this text, so far from weakening the force of the arguments in favor of total abstinence, not only from what are generally denominated ardent spirits, but also from wine as a common drink, that it greatly strengthens them; for it would appear that so uncommon was the practice of drinking wine, that the conscientious Timothy dare not allow himself in its use without an express authority from his father in the Gospel. Had it been a common practice for Christians to indulge themselves in the use of wine, is it to be supposed that Timothy would have needed this apostolic license to induce him to use it? The expression, 'Drink no longer water,' most manifestly implies that water only-for the use of tea and coffee we may presume was then unknown-had been the common beverage of the evangelist, and of course of the Christian Church generally. Besides, it should be remembered that the use of wine was allowed only medicinally on account of the weakness of his stomach, and of his often infirmities.' What has this to do with its daily and habitual use by persons in health?

It is furthermore plead that the use of wine was allowed to the Israelites by an express grant from their God; and that therefore its use now is justifiable. But we think that, granting the truth of the first member of the argument,-which indeed we must grant,-the other by no means follows. It is generally allowed, we believe, by those who have studied this subject, that whatever fruits are indigenous to a country contribute to the health of its inhabitants; and that those which are imported are less or more deleterious to health. Allowing the truth of this position, it will not follow that because wine was allowed to the Israelites, therefore its use may be justified among us. If we examine the Mosaic law in respect to animals that might and might not be eaten, we shall find that those only were prohibited which had a deleterious influence upon the health of the people, when used as an article of food. Thus swine's flesh was forbidden to them, because the eating of it had a tendency to induce that loathsome disease, the leprosy, which was so prevalent in that country And it is highly probable that the juice of the grape was allowed, because, being indigenous to the country, the grape vine growing spontaneously, it promoted, when used moderately, the health of the inhabitants. Why should not those who plead for its use because they were allowed to drink it, discard the use of swine's flesh, because that was forbidden to the Israelites? To be consistent throughout, they should lay aside the use of

oysters, clams, &c, as well as pork, out of regard to the Divine command.

But how prone are mankind to pervert the use of God's creatures! How soon did those people so abuse the use of this beverage that the most awful woes were pronounced upon them! Wo to the drunkards of Ephraim!' 'Wo to them that rise up early, and drink until wine inflame them.' And may we not presume that this intemperate use of wine, which had become so prevalent among the Jews, was one reason why the early Christians used it not at all, as has appeared evident from the case of Timothy?

Those, therefore, among us, who so loudly declaim against the use of rum, and brandy, and gin, and whatever other name may be given to ardent spirits, and yet plead for the use of wine, ale, strong beer, &c, are only substituting one evil stimulant for another, and can never justify themselves either on Scriptural principles, or on the principles of economy or utility. The whole posse of them must be discarded, or we shall never effect a thorough reformation. If the doctrine laid down in the book before us be true, and we firmly believe it is, then the whole catalogue of alcoholic liquors, whether in the form of cider, cider brandy, wine or French brandy, whiskey or Holland gin, beer or ale, may be safely dispensed with; and hence the time is coming when he alone shall be considered a truly temperate man who shall proclaim a war of extermination against the whole army of liquors which induce intoxication.

Under these views we cannot but wish success to every effort that is made to drive these enemies of God and man from all the land. Let not the sacred Scriptures be perverted, nor reason dethroned, to uphold and defend a practice which annually carries thousands to a premature grave, and fills the countries where it prevails with desolation and wo—which 'turns a fruitful field into a wilderness'-by exerting a blighting influence upon the intellectual, moral, and physical powers of man—that banishes peace from the domestic circle, makes children orphans, and turns the fairest portion of God's creation into brokenhearted and sorrowful widows.

REVIEW OF THE MISSIONARY FIELD.,

Fourteenth Annual Report of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

We have now entered upon the fifteenth year of this Society's labors, and may say in truth, Hitherto the Lord hath helped.' We have now before us its first Annual Report, which shows how small and feeble' were the beginnings of this noble enterprise. We indeed well remem

ber with what fear and trembling we took hold of this cause, lest a failure at the outset might prevent the realization of the hopes and wishes of its friends. Methodism had already accomplished much. In the midst of poverty, reproach from its enemies, who either knew not or were unwilling to appreciate its true character, it had gradually pressed its widening way among a willing people, until hundreds of thousands had felt its renovating and sanctifying influence; and though missionary in its character from the beginning, such were the calls of the people in many places, and such the openings of Providence among heathen tribes, together with the general sentiment of the Churches in favor of more extended missionary exertions, emphatically so called, that a Society of this character, which should come strictly under the control and direction of the proper authorities of the Church, was generally felt to be both expedient and necessary. Accordingly a plan was digested, and submitted to the people for their approbation. Though some hesitated, and others, from not understanding the primary objects of its friends and advocates, threw obstructions in the way, the great majority, both of preachers and people, soon hailed the existence of this Society as an auspicious era in the history of American Methodism ; and subsequent events have fully justified the anticipations of those who projected this plan of more effectually extending the Redeemer's kingdom among men.

In their first annual Report, after detailing some of the incipient steps taken by the Society with a view to prepare for more active operations, the managers conclude with the following remarks :—

These things not only remind us of our duty, and encourage us to perseverance with renewed diligence, but also lead us to adore that gracious Providence, which has appeared to smile upon our undertaking, and to direct its operations. That Gospel which has been gradually illuminating the human understanding, is, we humbly trust, about to rise with increased splendor, and by its radiant beams enlighten the whole length and breadth of this western hemisphere. To accomplish an end so desirable and so glorious, this Society shall become an efficient auxiliary.

When we cast our eye upon the map of the world, we behold millions of our fellow men, either enslaved by degrading superstition, or immersed in all the darkness of heathenism. The natives of our wilderness, the original proprietors of our soil, as well as many of the civilized inhabitants of our new states and territories, in addition to the many to be found in every town and neighborhood, remain yet to be converted to God. What a call for the united exertion of the Christian world!

The voice of humanity, of mercy, the voice of God, calls aloud to the Christian philanthropist to lend his aid for the accomplishment of the conversion and eternal salvation of these immortal souls. And shall the call be unheeded? This Society would echo the sound of

Divine mercy, and call upon its patrons and supporters for their animated exertions to extend its beneficent influence among mankind.

The managers feel, with no common weight, the importance of the duties assigned them, and the high responsibility resting upon them, in the management of the concerns of the Society. And while they look up to God for wisdom and grace to direct and support them, they would throw themselves at the feet of their brethren, and solicit the united exertions of preachers and people, to encourage, by every laudable means, a liberal support of the institution. It is no common cause you are called to support. It is the cause of God; a cause which involves the salvation of those souls for which Christ bled."

This, to be sure, seems like the language of faith; and the results of the Society's labors have amply proved that it was well founded. Being conscious of the purity of their intentions, the managers of the Society could confidently rely on God for help and success.

The amount of receipts into the treasury for the first year was only $823 04; but as no missionaries were yet actively employed in the field, the principal part of that sum was in hand, ready to be appropriated whenever it should be called for, according to the provisions of the Society's constitution.

Such was the commencement of a Society which has since achieved, by the blessing of God on its exertions, wonders in the conversion of sinners, both among our own white population, and the aborigines of our country, but particularly the latter; about eight thousand of these having been brought into Church fellowship, in the United States and in Upper Canada. And the conversion of these natives to the knowledge and experience of Christianity, has had a most happy and reviving influence upon the Church generally, imparting a new and more vigorous impulse to Christian exertion and enterprise of every sort. Like the mountain streams which descend from the springs in the remote hills and valleys of the wilderness uniting in their course to form mighty rivers, which swell and overflow their banks, and thus fertilize all the plains below; so the conversion of these hardy sons of the forest has produced the most happy and powerful action upon the Church generally, exciting gratitude, prompting to more united and vigorous exertion, and calling forth those streams of benevolence which set in motion every generous feeling of the Christian's heart. In this way, those who water are themselves watered again.

According to a provision of the Constitution of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, it is the duty of its managers to make a report of the transactions of the Society and the state of the funds, to the General Conference every fourth year. A reference to these reports will show the progressive state of the Society from year to year.

The whole amount received from April 2, Society was formed to April 23, 1824, the quadrennial report, was

Expended during the same period,

Leaving a balance of

1819, the time the date of the first $14,716 24

11,011 40

3,704 84

The following is the second quadrennial report presented to the General Conference in 1828.

Conformably to a requisition in the constitution of this society, the managers respectfully present to the General Conference a statement of the receipts and expenditures of the society during the four years past. The whole amount received is twenty-two thousand one hundred and sixty-three dollars and eighty-one cents. Of this sum, there have been received within the bounds of the

Donations from sundry individuals, not included in the above..

485 12

22,163 81

Balance in hand April 23, 1824,

3,704 83

Amount of disposable funds during the past four years.

$25,863 64

During the same period there have been paid for the support of missions and mission schools, twenty-five thousand seven hundred and one dollars and fifty-three cents. Of this sum there have been paid within the bounds of the

From the above exhibit, it appears that there has been paid more than received, during the four past years

$3,537 72

For a more particular and detailed account of the transactions of the society, the managers refer to the printed reports, herewith presented.