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162
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

patience with our activity, and promote the great cause; and while we water the celestial plant, should trust its growth to Divine agency, which alone, in His infinite goodness, can defend it against the blighting minds of the gainsayer and the worldling."

"I am in association with many who profess pure piety and religion in this country, and with all its toleration of such a variety of sects, am afforded hopes very favourable to the rise of a genuine faith; in short, the reports of our missionaries show the extent of similar community existing in almost every country."

"Truly," added the General, "we see kings and emperors are become solicitous for the success of missions."

"They are so, and instead of continuing to act in the support of error, will by degrees take the character of acting in support of truth. The warfare at present reigning, what does it seem to threaten but the extirpation, amongst those who call themselves Christians, of a blind faith and bigoted zeal?"

"And which," replied the General, "will be most assuredly overthrown."

"Let us then," returned the Doctor, "rejoice at this truly delightful prospect; let us fervently