MISSION TO FRANCE.

The following compendium of the remarks made by Mr. MALCOм, in support of motion to refer to the "COMMITTEE ON ENLARGING THE OPERATIONS OF THE CONVENTION," the expediency of making immediate efforts in France, is inserted in compliance with the resolution of the Convention, page 14.

There is great necessity for such a mission. Christianity is almost extinct. The Sabbath to the Nation as such, is abolished. It furnishes neither sacred rest, nor religious teaching, nor true devotion. The king reviews his troops, artificers and tradesmen ply their business, theatres are thronged, mountebanks harvest their gains, music resounds at the hotels, and the whole land is overspread with vice and profanation. The inseparable connection which exists between the observance of the Sabbath and the existence of true religion, makes these facts conclusive.

The population of France may be divided into three classes, the infidel, the superstitious and the inquiring-The thinking portion settle into a negligent infidelity. Taking for granted that the system of religion which they see around them is Christianity, and unable to feel the least respect for forms so frivolous, and dogmas so absurd, they reject the whole. Vast numbers of the unthinking, adopt the sentiments thus sanctioned. They disregard all religion because those above them do So. Of course most of the vicious and abominable adopt those sentiments as a refuge and an excuse. Thus the number of the despisers of God, is swelled into millions. The superstitious, with whom may be classed the ignorant and the interested, are almost the only votaries left to popery in France. They are frequently seen making confession, doing penance, saying prayers, &c., but the mass of the community pay no attention and are neither made wiser nor better by their example.

The inquiring constitute, happily, a considerable party. Too intellectual and considerate to adopt the frivolities of an absurd ritual on the one hand, or the irreverence of infidelity on the other, they are feeling after better things. But there are none to lead them in the way of life! A handfull of pious ministers among the 30 millions of the French, leave the people almost as sheep without a shepherd! Perhaps greater necessity for missionary effort, can scarcely be found on earth.

2. The encouragements at this time are peculiar. Every thing is ready. The Holy Bible, and admirable tracts are already in the language of the country, and may be had in any quantities from existing societies. What time and money must be spent in a heathen country ere this can be the case! The people are distinguished for inquisitiveness, intelligence and temperance. There is a peculiar respect and fondness for Americans. The language is almost universal. Evangelized France, teeming with religious books, would furnish reading to all the intelligent classes in Europe! Abundant in wealth and generosity, she would not only supply herself, but neighboring kingdoms with faithful ministers. The political influence and resourses of renovated France, would give a benevolent complexion to the diplomatic operations of the world, in respect to piracy, war, the slave trade, &c. &c.

The state of the public mind mentioned above, particularly in relation to the first and third classes, constitutes a happy predisposition for the reception of evangelical laborers. Few of those who reject Christianity do so maliciously. It is rather a disregard of the whole subject. To such an unoccupied state of the public mind, may be attributed, under

God, the greater success of Christianity among the Gentiles than among the Jews. The former cared little for religion in any form, the latter clung to their ceremonies, even when converted. Perhaps no nation, exemplifies at this time, so much of this open and accessible state of feeling, as the French.

The disposition to religious inquiry, in the third mentioned class, offers still greater encouragement. Protestant ministers, distinguished for piety, such as Monod the younger, and others, are attended by crowds of hearers, wherever they go. The people seem hungry for the word of life. Religious tracts are received and read with avidity. M. Wilkes assured the speaker that almost any number of bibles may be sold. Twenty or thirty persons obtain a livelihood in Paris and other places, by hawking bibles, which Mrs. Wilkes furnishes them at the cost price. Devoted and influential christians are found in Paris, aud other parts of the country, prepared to guide and second any proper efforts, in the most efficient manner. Perfect toleration now exists in France. Mr. Gran active member of the committee of the London tract Society, told the speaker that two or three years since,while travelling in France he was arrested with his wife for distributing religious tracts. The fact that he had been detected in so doing, was endorsed on his passport, and notice given them,that if the offence were repeated,they should be put under guard, and escorted by the nearest way, out of the kingdom. Now, no such hazards exist. The Speaker had, during the last summer, distributed tracts freely throughout a ride of 600 miles in that country, and though complained of several times, at the officers of police by a fellow passenger, no molestation was offered by the government officers. Under the present dynasty, orderly assemblies in any number, may collect to hear Protestant ministers of every kind.

3. Providence thus calls upon the friends of truth both by the extreme necessities, and the peculiar encouragements of the case, to arise and act. If Providence ever speaks intelligibly, it does so in this matter. God prepared the world for the introduction of christianity by a universal peace and an almost universal language. He prepared it for the glorious reformation by the revival of letters, the bestowment of the art of printing, &c. He prepared the Sandwich Islanders for the arrival and labor of the Missionaries by the renunciation of idolatry-He has prepared France! If we now neglect to scatter the holy seed, if we turn a deaf ear to so intelligible a call, if we look coldly on thirty millions of people famishing for the truth, if we turn to sloth and covetousness, and forget the vows of our consecration, God will require it!

4. We must act promptly. There is no security for the continuance of the present facilities. The restoration of the Bourbons would abolish the toleration which now exists-Other changes are possible, which will lead to confusion, if not to war. The present is the golden moment. Even if peace, and toleration, and other specified encouragements should continue, yet will not the field be left open to us in its present inviting aspect-Errors will spring up, and greater impediments than popery. Already do we hear of the St. Simonians spreading themselves, exceedingly. The pupils of the Geneva school, strong in Unitarianism, are forming congregations. If we do not step forth the field wil be occupied. Mere delay will forfeit our opportunity and set the seal of guilt to our neglect.

5. Special obligations rest upon us as Americans. We, more than the christians of any nation, are bound to remember France at this crisis. Much need not be said of her aid to our Fathers in the day of their distress-the very thought is enough to enkindle emotion. Let us repay the loan of fleets and armies by sending the Gospel of God! The

special friendliness with which Americans are received in France and the consequent ready access they enjoy to every mode of benevolence, imposes the duty upon us above all others. But chiefly, our example of democracy has disturbed their thrones! Seated on high, by the favor of God, we have attracted the observation of mankind; and induced among many nations, struggles to reach our pinnacle. We have shown men the errors of their governments, and the rights of the people. We have unsettled Europe! The strife will never cease in France, nor our glorious institutions be established there, till a renovation be effected in the moral character of the people. Wretched fluctuations must continue, blood must flow, and anarchy must triumph, till the principles of virtue, and the lights of true knowledge be diffused-the people must be taught how to obey, and how to rule. All this, christianity alone can teach. Shall we then look on any longer? Can we enjoy our blessings -will God allow us to retain them, if we shut up our compassions? Rise! ye American Christians-ye Baptists, always Republican! Rise and scatter the blessings you hold in stewardship! Repay the debts of your Fathers! Be worthy ancestors to the generations to come!

As a mission to France was probably never contemplated by those who furnish the funds of the Board; it has not been within its province to proceed in this work. This convention has power to authorize the enterprize; I therefore, move sir, that the committee on enlarging the operations of the convention, be instructed to consider the expediency, &c.