This was the leading principle of our Society in the infancy of its institution; and, now that we are more matured in age, let us labour not to depart from it. Far then from advising the officers of this Society to suffer themselves, in their communications with the continent, to be lectured into a cold, dry, measured style of writing, I would exhort them to give vent to their warm and generous feelings. They may, in so doing, err in the sight of those disposed to make men “offenders for a word;” but they will better please the compassionate Master they serve; they will, under the divine blessing, cherish the fainting spirit of continental Christianity, and fan that spark of piety and zeal which is lighted up, I trust, never to be extinguished. I hope too the Committee will be encouraged as to the general objects and operations of the Society. I am, by actual observation, more than ever convinced, that, on a very large scale, this institution is on the continent, a favoured instrument in the hands of Divine Providence. The good which it has accomplished is immense. The evils which have been charged upon it, exist, rather in imagination, than in reality. Let the Committee go on to do what they can, and to do all in the spirit of love and generosity. Let them commit every endeavour to the blessing of Him to whom the souls of the multitudes scattered over the continent are unspeakably dear; let them be confident that the word of the Lord will have free course and be glorified; and that millions will arise, at the last day, to acknowledge with gratitude and joy the labours of this Society. Let the temper of the Society remain unimpaired at home; and it need not be disquieted at objections or assaults which will not at least commend themselves to the world at large, by the general spirit in which they have been defended. And may we never fail to repose an honourable confidence in the officers and friends of the Society; nor forget, in judging of others, to take into account the infirmities of our common nature. May we feel that, having embarked in the glorious enterprise of making all men acquainted with the pure and unadulterated word of God, it is not for us to be checked by slight obstacles; but to go forward, conquering and to conquer, in the name of him who has loved us, and given himself for us, and who has consigned this volume, as his precious legacy, to a perishing and suffering world. Believe me, my Lord, Your Lordship’s very obedient servant, F. CUNNINGHAM. _Pakefield_, _Lowestoft_, _Jan._ 5, 1827. * * * * * LONDON: IBOTSON AND PALMER, PRINTERS, SAVOY STREET, STRAND. Footnotes {6} 2397 Bibles, 2436 Testaments. {15} The doctrine of the atonement of Christ, and justification by faith.