I'm not opposed to the principles of missions; but, to their being promoted to the disregard of all other considerations.

Saint Paul says that we should do good to all, and especially to such as are `of the household of faith.' Our missionary societies never seem to consider this.

The endless number of charity sermons that we have to preach for their aid, not only extracts too much of what should be spent for the benefit of our own special communities, but militates against our getting contributions to other works of greater utility.

Our congregations become so deadened by _these_ repeated onslaughts on their benevolence, that they button up their pockets and respond in only a half-hearted way when we claim their assistance for _our own_ poor and parish.

Let us, I say, look at home first, and reclaim the lost, the fallen, the destitute in our streets; let us convert our own `heathen,'-- our murderers, our drunkards, our wife-beaters, our thieves, our adulterers; and, _then_, let us talk of converting Hindoos and regenerating the Jews! Our duty, Mawley, as I hold my commission, is to preach Christ's gospel in all its truth and simplicity and love.