815 ADVERTISEMENT. THESE letters have proved too acceptable to the christian public to require any further recommendation. They have passed through many editions in England, and two in America. They are now out of print. The Publishers, are happy to gratify the friends of Missions by presenting them with a new edition. The Author's preface, and all the Letters are retained entire. paragraphs may not seem appropriate to the American churches; but justice to the author, and a regard to the merit of the work, forbid any mutilation. Some These letters have been eminently instrumental in exciting that lively interest in the cause of Missions, the effects of which are so visible at the present day. The author is now actively engaged in promoting the great cause, which he here advocates with such ability and eloquence. It is hoped, that the perusal of these letters will lead Christians to become more interested in the salvation of the perishing heathen. TOGETHER with these Letters, I beg leave to lay before my readers some account of the steps by which I was induced to write them, and to solicit the exercise of candor and indulgence to their Author. I had gone to Sierra Leone with the hope of doing something towards the establishment of a Mission to the natives; and, after a residence of fourteen months, I returned to England, from a conviction that I could not effect my purpose. I am fully of opinion that Missions would succeed in those parts, if they were taken up with proper spirit, and conducted in a proper manner. The natives are friendly and tractable, and appear desirous of information in religion as well as in letters. The lives and properties of Missionaries would be safe. The necessaries of life would be found plentiful and cheap; and European accommodations (as far as it is A2 |