P0LVNI5SIAN RESEARCHES. 
405 
though surrounded by multitudes of human beings, is 
yet doomed to perfect solitude, in respect to all mutual 
and reciprocal interchange of sympathy in thought and 
feeling. 
Sure I am, that did the friends of those who have gone 
to distant, barbarous, and often inhospitable lands, know 
the alleviation of trials, and the satisfaction of mind, their 
epistles are adapted to produce, they would not be content 
with simply answering the letters they may receive, but 
would avail themselves of every opportunity thus to 
exchange their sympathies, and impart their joys, to those 
who are cut off from the many sources of comfort acces¬ 
sible to them. 
Did the friends of the exile abroad also know the pain¬ 
ful reflections to which a disappoinment, in reference to 
expected intelligence, gives birth, they would endeavour 
to spare them that distress. In his lonely, distant, and 
arduous labours, a Missionary requires every solace, 
assistance, and support that his friends can impart. The 
communications he receives from his patrons are valu¬ 
able, but they are frequently too much like letters of busi¬ 
ness, or treat only of general subjects. His communica¬ 
tions from his relatives and friends are of a much more 
touching and interesting character. These, though they 
deeply affect, do not engross his soul; he feels connected 
with, and interested in, the general advancement of the 
Redeemer's kingdom, and the gigantic energies of those 
institutions of Christian benevolence and enterprise, 
which, under God, are changing the world's moral aspect. 
The reports, &c. of these institutions should be sent, and, 
in addition to these, a regular correspondence should be 
kept up with the Auxiliary Missionary Societies with 
which he may have been connected—the Sabbath-schools 
