DR. WOODS’S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SERMON. IHE PROFITS OF THIS SERMON WILL BE DEVOTED TO THE SUPPORT OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. / Se-TTnovis 1 ' !>.• y{ Jrfiiv ■ .!>r;ST j .;f,^ fiu'i m r<.l / A I, . - , • .. . V . * : c ' V ' * ?' - ' ' ') . * INTRODUCTION. It seems proper that, in this place, some account should be given of the origin, and progress of that Missionary zeal, which has issued in sending messengers of peace to publish the gospel in the eastern hemisphere. It has been often said, within a few years past, that Christians in America ought to support missions among the heathen in Africa or Asia; but the writer of these paragraphs is not able to state, w’hether any young man of suitable education seriously thought of engag- ing personally in such a mission, earlier than about four years ago. About that time some of the young men mentioned just below, while pursuing their studies in different places, and unacquainted with each other, made missions among the heathen a subject of delib- erate and prayerful contemplation, and resolved to devote themselves to this service, should Providence prepare the way. They considered it doubtful, how- ever, whethei they should have an opportunity of en- gaging. in tl'iis employment; and, in tlie mean time, they sedulously examined, and re-examined the sub- ject, and used every advantage in their power to gain information respecting the state of the heathen, and the encouragement to preach the gospel among them. In the spring of 1810, these young gentlemen, willt others who joined them, disclosed their views to the Professors in the Pheological Seminary at Andover, \vherc they were then prosecuting their studies. In June following, they applied for advice and direction to the General Association of Massachusetts Proper, then sitting at Bradford. The application was made in writing, and signed by Messrs. Adoniram Judson, Samuel Nott, Samuel J. Mills, and Samuel Newell. 1 hcv slate the history of their views and feelings on the subject, and make several inquiries, with respect to 6 "n'liich they solicit the advice oi' their fathers in the church. The Association appointed a Committee to make re- port on the application; and, in consequence of the report, proceeded to institute a Board of Commission^ ers for Foreign Missions, “for the purpose of devising ways and means, and adopting and prosecuting meas- ures for promoting the spread of the gospel in heathen lands.” The Board was composed of nine gentlemen well known to the Christian pubhe. The Association advised the young gentlemen “to wait the guidance of Providence in respect to their great and excellent de- sign.” The Board of Commissioners held their first meet- ing at Farmington, (Con.) Sept. 5, 1810. After form- ing a Constitution, and appointing officers, they took measures to obtain the best information in their pow- er, respecting the state of unevangelized nations; high- ly approved the readiness of the young gentlemen at Andover to enter upon a foreign mission; and advised them to pursue their studies “till further information relative to the missionary field be obtained, and the finances of the institution will justify the appointment.’'* They also prepared and published an address on the subject of missions. The Board metagain, at Worcester, Sept. 18, 1811* During the year which had elapsed, the Prudential Committee of the Board examined and approved four young gentlemen, as future missionaries to the heathen; viz. Messrs. Judson, Nott, and Newell, above named, and Mr. Gordon Hall, also a student at Andover. Mr. Mills, had not finished his theological education, and for that and other reasons was not examined with his brethren. The Committee also sent Mr. Judson to England to confer with the Board of Directors of the I^ondon Missionary Society and to procure important information on the subject of missions, which could not be so well procured in any other way. He was wel- comed with great cordiality by the Directors, who en- gaged to take him and his three brethren under their care, and to allow them salaries, and employ them on 7 a mission, if the funds of the American Board should not be competent for their support. The Board appointed the four brethren, above named, missionaries “to labor in Asia either in the Birman empire, in Surat, or in the Prince of Wales’s Island, or elsewhere, as, in the view of the Prudential Contmittee, Providence shall open the most favorable door,” and advised them “to wait the further intimation of Provi- dence as to support from this country in the proposed Foreign Mission.” At this meeting Messrs. James Richards, and Edward Warren, students at Andover, offered themselves to the Board for the missionary service, and were approved and taken under the patronage of the Board. The missionary brethren were, in the mean time, fitting themselves for their future arduous employment. Messrs. Newell and Hall attended courses of medical lectures, both at Boston and Philadelphia, in order to be more extensively useful among the heathen. About the middle of last month it was found that a ship was soon to sail from Philadelphia to Calcutta. No time was to be lost. Robert Riilston, Esq. of Phil- adelphia, with that zeal for missions and for Christian- ity which he has long manifested, took an active and very friendly part in facilitating the embarkation of the young men, both by procuring passages for them on very favorable terms, and by making a generous donation. Messrs. Newell and Hall hastened to meet their breth- ren at Salem, where it was determined, by the Pruden- tial Committee, to have them ordained, and to send them immediately to the field of Missionary labor. Mr. Luther Rice, who had been a student in the same Theological Seminary, and was then employed asa candi- date for the ministry, offered himself to the Prudential Committee to join the mission, and was approved and accepted. ^ The Prudential Committee sent to several neighbor- ing churches, and convened a Council^ at Salem, on •The Coimcil was composed of pastors and delegates from the North Congregational church in Newburyport, the Congregational church in Cliarlestown, and-thc Tabernacle church in Salem; also of the Rev. Dr 8 the 6th. instant, at which time and place the five young gentlemen were solemnly consecrated to the service of God in the gospel Ministry among the heathen. On this occasion the following Sermon, Charge, and Right Hand of Fellowship, were delivered before a crowded and deeply affected auditory. It is confidently believ- ed, that such impressions were made by the solemni- ties of the day, as will be lasting and salutary. Three of the persons ordained, viz. Messrs. Nott, Hall, and Rice, set out the same evening to go with all practica- ble haste to Philadelphia.* The other two sailed with their wives from Salem, on the morning of Wednes- day the 19th. instant, commended by the prayers of multitudes to the gracious protection of God.f The issue of this mission must be cheerfully left to the disposal of Him, who is the Lord of the universe, and who will ultimately establish his kingdom through the w’hole earth. Griffin, pastor of Park Street church in Boston, and the Rev. Dr. Woods, Professor at Andover. The Rev. Professor Stuart was invited to attend, but was necessarily prevented. •Mr. Nott was married on his way to Philadelphia and took his wife with him; the other two went single. They went on board the ship Harmony, (in which they had taken their passage,) on the evening of the 18th. instant, and probably sailed from Newcastle the next morning. f They sailed in the brig Caravan. February 29, 1812. SERMON. PSALM IxTii. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us. that thy way may be KNOWN UPON EARTH, THY SAVING HEALTH AMONG ALL NATIONS, Let the people praise thee, 0 God; let all the people praise thee. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy. -Let the people praise thee, 0 God; let all the people praise thee. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall FEAR HIM. ^ _ Can any real Christian be a stranger to the enlarged views, the benevolent desires, and pleasing anticipa- tions of the pious author of this Psalm? It cannot surely be necessary to inform my audience that every true worshipper of God resembles him in love, and can be satisfied with nothing short of all that infinite love designs. The Christian has a heart to feel for his fellow creatures. He takes into account their tem- poral comfort, and endeavors to promote it; — their temporal wants and sufferings, and does what in him lies to relieve them. But, M’hen their spiritual inter- est is before him; when he contemplates the value of 2 10 their souls, and the prospect which the gospel opens of immortal happiness in the world to come; his bowels of compassion arc moved; his tenderest affec- tions kindled; pure and heavenly love pervades and warms his soul. He longs for the eternal felicity of his kindred and friends, of his country and the world. His hearts desire and prayer to God is, that all men may be saved , — that all human beings may forsake their evil ways, and turn to the Lord; that his king- dom may come, and his will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. With this holy affection reigning in his heart, the fervent, devoted Christian presents him- self a living sacrifice unto God; and counts it a privi- lege to do and to suffer any thing for the advance- ment of his cause. He is ready to “endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the sal- vation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” In this state, no difficulty discourages; no danger alarms. The sacrifice of property and pleasure; stripes, imprisonment, and death, lose their terrors, and become more attractive, than any earthly good. He is as steady to his purpose, as resolute, active, and patient in pursuit, ivs the restless misei', or the ambi- tious conqueror. And as their desire of wealth and of conquest is insatiable and unbounded; so is his de- sire for the diffusion of Christian knowledge and hap- piness. Every degree of success attending the dispen- sation of the gospel, even a single instance of conver- sion among the weakest and meanest of mankind, yields him the purest pleasure. But this pleasure only increases desire. His enjoyment of the good already attained urges him on to the pursuit of more. I'hc progressive enlargement of the kingdom of Christ will constantly enlarge the benevolence of his heart. While there is a nation or tribe under heaven not sub dued to Christ; the enlightened, fervent Christian can- not rest. II is unalterable object is, that the kuuul- eclge of the Lord may fdl ihe eaiih. Hts heart beats high for the conversion of the vcorld. 'rhis, my dear brethren, is the true spirit of our holy religion. This is the affection which glows in every new born soul. Tiiis is the principle which governs and animates the church of Christ. I shall not make it my business to prove the exis- tence of an affection so diffusive and generous, in the hearts of Christians. Nor shall I endeavor to enter- tain you with ingenious speculations on tlie theory of benevolence, nor with florid declamations on its beau- ty. These would be as sounding brass and a tink- ling cymbal — On this new and very interesting oc- casioo, my object is to rouse you to benevolent ex- ertion. I would persuade you to act, decidedly and zealously to act under the influence of Christian love. I would excite you by motives which no follow^er of Christ can resist, to make the spread of the gospel, AND the conversion OF THE WORLD, THE OBJECT OF YOUR EARNEST AND INCESSANT PURSUIT. My first motive is the worth of souls. Man, a creature of yesterday, frail as the tender grass, is made for IMMORTALITY. The lamp wdiich the Lord hath lighted up in his breast, will burn forever. The mind will be ever vigorous and active. No labor can exhaust it. No length of ages can waste its vigor. No pressure of guilt or suffering can destroy its activ- ity. Such a mind, destined to exist and act forever, destined to the bliss of heaven, or the pains of hell, lives in every human being, in the savage us well as in the citizen; in the heathen as wdl as in the Chris- tian; in the Hindoo, the Chinese, and the Hottentot, as well as the polished European or American. In 12 the name of him who died on Calvary, I call upon you, O Christians, to labor for the salvation of beings that will never die. Of what consideration is their na- tion, climate, color, language, government, education, manners? Here all distinctions vanish. Learned and ignorant, refined and rude, honorable and base, are all on a level in point of accountableness to God and im- mortality of soul. Rise then above all the distinc- tions which misguide our judgments and our hearts, and seek the salvation of this great family of im- mortals. In some favored hours of divine illumination, have you not seen, have you not felt the ineffable preciousness of your own souls? Have you not cast away every thing as dross for eternal salvation? And has not the grace of God taught you to love your neighbor as yourselves? See the poor, degraded Africans. See the thousands of children sacrificed in the Ganges. See the throngs of miserable pilgrims pressing forward to devote them- selves to the impure and sanguinary worsliip of Mo- loch. The souls of all these are as 'precious as your own. The wisdom of God, — the blood of the dying Savior has so declared. Do you love your own souls, then? and will you not love theirs? — Change places with them. Put yourselves in their condition, and them in yours You are then spending your life in a land of darkness, ignorant of God, slaves to the basest superstition and most hateful vices. Moved by pity and love, they send a herald of the cross to preach sal- vation in your ears, tie comes and speaks to you of Jehovah and his law; discloses your guilt, and points you to the judgment day. He preaches to you Jesus, the Savior of sinners. With trembling, bleeding hearts, you go to the Savior, and he gives you rest. How great the salvation! How happy your state! Would you not forever exalt the Redeemer’s name? Would you not love and thank the messenger of his grace, and those who sent him? Now, if salvation would be so great a blessing to you, why not to those who are actually in the condition here supposed? And if you would love and thank those who sought your salvation, why not secure to yourselves the same love and gratitude from heathens sayed by your labors? Imagine the souls of your kindred in pagan dark- ness, having never heard the name of Immanuel. Imagine your children, parents, brothers, sisters this moment in the midst of India, worshippers of the hor- rid idol Juggernaut. Would not your hearts leap for joy to see these dear young ministers going to teach them the way of life? Would any thing be too pre- cious to part with in order to animate their zeal, and help them to rescue from ignorance and ruin the ob- jects of your love? But have not the Indians souls as precious as the souls of your kindred? — Nay rather, they are themselves your kindred; allied to you by the ties of a common nature; offspring of the same heav- enly Father; children of the same family. In every human being you see a brother or a sister. O for- get not the partners of your blood! Send some of your Bibles and preachers to your dear kindred in Asia. The second motive by which I urge you to seek the conversion of all mankind is tbe plenteousness OF THE PROVISION WHICH CHRIST HAS MADE FOR THEIR SALVATION. Were there any thing scanty in this pro- vision, — any deficiency in divine grace, — any thing circumscribed in the evangelic offer; our zeal for prop- agating the gospel would be suppressed; the tongue and hand of Christian charity would be paralized. But my brethren, the word of eternal truth has taught us that Jesus tasted death for every man; that he is the pro- 14 pitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the u-hole xcorld; that a rich feast is pre pared, and al! things ready; that wliosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely. This great atonement is as sufficient fer Asiatics and Africans, as for us. This abundant provision is made for them as well as for us. I’he door of Christ’s kingdom is equally open to them and to ,us. Unnumbered millions of our race have entered in; and yet there is room. The mercy of God is an ocean absolutely exhaustless; and so far as his benevolence is a pattern for our imitation, and a rule to govern our exertions and prayers, he xvills that all men should be saved. Christians, you have, then, full scope for your pious benevolence and zeal. In your labors and prayers for the salvation of men, you cannot go beyond the bounds fixed for you by the Savior himself. You are not straitened in God. Y ou have no occasion to fear that in this cause your zeal and activity will exceed the abundance of grace. You have a warrant from God to strive for the salvation of the whole world. And wherever the preaching of the cross shall stir up them that are lost to seek salvation, there salvation will be found. Per- suade the whole empire of Birmah, and China, and all the East to come to the gospel supper, and they will all be supplied; — ^to enter into the kingdom, and they will all be admitted. Every perishing sinner on earth would find the same welcome with yourselves. In any country or corner of the w'orld, “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst; I the Lord will hear them; I the God cf Israel will not forsake them.” Re- member then, Christians, you cannot exhaust the mer- cy of God. Exert yourselves to the utmost for the sal- vation of mankind; your exertions will fall far below 15 the heio;ht of recleemins: love. Its length and breadtli o o o will infinitely transcend your largest benevolence. The third motive I shall present is the coimmand of OUR lord; — .'‘GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.” This command is an exact expression of the heart of Jesus; a display of the vastness of his love. It would be very easy to show that the obligation of this command is not to be confined to the twelve apostles. It is limited to no age or nation. The command is binding upon Chris- tians “always even to the end of the world.” The reasons which moved the apostles to preach the gos- pel to every creature, remain in full force. Nations without the gospel are as wretched noiv as they were then. Their salvation is as necessary, as important, and as easily accomplished. Will any say this command is obligatory upon the ambassado7's of Christ, and not upon private Chris- tians? It is indeed the duty of ambassadors of Christ to go and preach the gospel to all the world. The Messiah is given to be a light to the Gentiles. I’he Gentiles must be enlightened in the doctrine of salva- tion. They must hear the glad tidings. “But how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach, except they be sent?” If ministers must go forth, the Christian world must send them. If they must devote their life to the business of evangelizing the heathen, the Christian world must support them. Does the thought arise, that the apostles went forth without such support? They did; — for there was no Christian nation or church, overflowing wath wealth, to support them. But whatever their peculiar circum- stances obliged them to do, the general maxim which they laid down was, ‘■‘■that no man goefh a xcarfarc tti his own charges.'’’ 16 But 1 cannot stop to reason. I make my appeal to your generosity. Those who go to teach your brethren in pagan lands, must be maintained. But at present they cannot receive maintenance there. The heathen must be converted, and formed into Christian societies, before adequate provision for the ministers of Christ can be expected from them. Will you then see your missionaries, who have left all to preach the gospel of peace among the poor heathen, reduced to the necessity of abandoning their sacred office, and en- gaging in servile labor for their daily bread? Will you see your apostles, the ambassadors of peace from America^ clothed in rags, and compelled to beg or starve? And must they tell the heathen that they are thus forsaken of their Christian brethren, who have enough and to spare? It is too obvious to need any farther illustration, that the Christian community at large has a deep con- cern in the command of Christ, “to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” I urge this command of our risen Savior, as absolutely obliging you to seek the conversion of the 'world. The uni- versal spread of the gospel, and the salvation of the ends of the earth is a business in which every Christian ought to take a part. This gracious injunction was given by our Lord just before he ascended into heaven. It was a most memorable occasion. He had finished his work on earth, and was about to return to his Father and our Father, to his God and our God. He knew the superabounding grace which flowed from Calvary; the ruined state of man, and the saving power of his cross. All nations and ages were before him. Then, with the love and authority of the King of Zion, he gave the command, to evan- 1 ? gellze all nations. And can any one who has the heart of a Christian, or of a man, refuse obedience? My fourth motive is derived I'rom the conduct OF THOSE WHO RECEIVED THIS COMMAND, AND OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES IN SUCCEEDING TIMES. TllC apostles ‘■^'went forth, and preached every tc/iere.” I’hey travelled into various parts of tlie idolatrous world, preaching the gospel to the poor; — planting and waterip,g churches; and encountering fierce and cruel persecutions. In all their journeyings, labors, and sufferings, their invariable object was, that God’s voay might be known upon earth, and his saltation to all nations. The same spirit appeared in the primitive churches. Under the first sermon which was preached after the ascension of Christ, three thousand were converted. What was the fruit of their conversion? We are im- mediately told that “they who believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all as every one had need.” From time to time the churches and individ- ual Christians assisted the apostles in their journies, and contributed in various ways to the propagation * of the Christian religion. How excellent the spirit of the apostles, and of those early converts to the Christian faith! Can you help feeling the attraction of such examples? Will you not imitate those who beheld the glory of the only be- gotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and re- ceived of his fulness? Shall the first apostles and mar- tyrs of Christianity be forgotten? Read the history of their self-denying labors, their deprivations and sac- rifices, their patience under reproach and torture, and their inextinguishable zeal for the salvation of sinners. i.. 18 Read too the history of what has in later times been done by the missionaries of Christ in Europe, Asia, Afri- ca, and America. And consider that it was owdng to Missionary labors, that your distant ancestors were delivered fi'om their idols, and entrusted with those sacred oracles which they have transmitted to you. While you revolve these tilings, do not your hearts burn within you? Do you not look with admiration upon the faithful messengers of grace? and do you not long to be partakers of their labors and sufferings, their success, and their crowns of glory? My fifth motive is derived from the peculiar de- sign OF CHRISTIANITY IN CONTRADISTINCTION TO JUDAISM, AND ITS ADAPTEDNESS TO BE A UNIVER- SAL RELIGION. Brethren, we are not disciples of Ju- daism. But have we not had too much of its limited and exclusive spirit? Have w'e not thought it enough to enjoy the scriptures and the ministers of religion among ourselves, without any care to send them to other nations? But why should we indulge feelings so adverse to the Christian dispensation, and limit that, which its divine author has left unlimited? Why should we engross a religion to which all nations have an equal right, and which is adapted to universal use? As well miglit we think of engrossing the common light and air. The doctrines of Christianity arc ajiplicable to all men; because all have the same nature, and stand in the same relation to God and to one another. The laws of Christianity are suited to govern mankind of every nation and climate. These laws rest on general principles, and extend equally to the whole human race. The corruptions which they require us to sub- due, are found in every child of Adam. The repent- \0 ance, faith, and holiness, which they demand, are equally the duties of all nations. All the promises, ordinan- ces, and blessings of the gospel, would be as precious to renovated pagans, as they are to us. — Why should we withhold such a religion from the unnumbered millions who people the eastern world? We will not, brethren. We, who profess to believe and love Chris- tianity, will not adopt principles and measures so con- trary to its celestial nature, and its diffusive, benign tendency. My sixth motive is derived from prophecy. My brethren, has not the notion often insinuated itself into our minds, that all has been done which can be done for the conversion of tlie world, and that things are likely to remain much as they are? Or if we have not admitted this in theory", has it not been our practi- cal sentiment? When we have looked upon the mil- lions of men who are uncivilized, degraded, without God and without hope, are we not prone to give up their conversion as hopeless? And if it is not tne lan- guage of our lips, is it not of our feelings, that the king- dom of Christ will stop where it is; that the obstacles in the way of christianizing the nations of the earth are too great to be surmounted; and that the most we can expect is to maintain the ground already secured. To raise you above this sinking discouragement and indolence, I will open to you the prophetic page. •He shall see the travail of his soul and be satisfied.” "It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the pre- served of Israel; — I will also give thee for a light to THE GENTILES, that tliou muycst be my salvation to THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. ASK OF ME, AND I WILL GIVE THEE THE HEATHEN FOR THINE INHERITANCE, AND THE UTTERMOST.' PARTS OF THE EARTH FOR THY 20 POSSESSION. Thus saith the Lord God; behold I iL'iH lift up my hand to the gentiles, and set up my stand- ard to the people. — All the ends of the earth SHALL SEE THE SAi^vATioN OF GoD.” Shall these ^orious predictions fail of accom|.lishment? Shall these unchangeable decrees of the Almighty be frus- trated? — Heaven and earth shall pass away, but not one jot or tittle of these promises shall fail. The mouth of t)ie Lord hath spoken it. When we survey the idolatrous, blind, barbarous nations of the world, our courage flags; and we ask, with desponding heaits, can these dry bones live? — We forget the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who fainteth not, neither is weary. We forget that all nations are in his hands; that he fashioneth them as he pleaseth Because the conversion of the vcorld is beyond our power, we think it beyond the power of God. Well might Christ say to us, “O/i ye of little faitliT — Did Paul indulge such despondency when he conferred not ydth flesh and blood; but with the ardor of a young convert, and the fearless fidelity of an apostle, preached the word of God in Greece, in Asia, and in Rome? Did Wickliffe indulge such feelings? Did Luther? Did Swartz, Eliott, Brainerd? — Away with every hesitat- ing, unbelieving thought! Is the Lord’s arm short- ened that it cannot save? Is his grace exhausted? — The great design of God is not yet accomplished. He who died and lives again, is not yet satisfied. Eighteen hundred years ago he said;^ — “And I, if I be lifted up from the eai th, vcill draw all men unto me.” And he said, more than two thousand years ago; Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.” — This word has not returned unto him void. The whole Christian world testifies, that it has been astonishingly efficacious. — It will be still moi’e efficacious. The word of the Lx)rd does not grow old and decay; but is ev'er new and powerful. Its accomplishment is gradual, sometimes slow, but always sure. To him, with whom a thou- sand years are as one day, and one day as a thousand years, the things which he has foretold or determined, are as certain as though actually accomplished. Do you then begin to cast your eye over the world, and ask; How can those benighted places be illumin- ated'^ How can those depraved wretches be converted? How can the deaf heai', and the dumb sing? — My friends, this is the very design of the gospel. These are the very effects which it is fitted to produce. Do you still hesitate, and yield to fear, thinking, with gloom and discouragement, that although eigh- teen centuries of the Christian Era have passed away, the greater part of the world is yet in Mahometan or pagan darkness; thinking, too, how few ministers we have even for ourselves; how difficult it is to instruct even a small number of heathens, and to guard them from apostasy, when they become proselytes; how difficult to civilize savages; how little all past exertions have effected; and that we are not to look for mirac- ulous operations. Is this the state of your minds? And when you hear God, by the mouth of a prophet, declaring; ‘-From the rising of the sim even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name and a pure offering; for my name shall be great among the heathen;” do you again despondingly inquire; “how can this great woj'k be done? — Such unbelief is a dishonor to God. — Do you say, we must keep the ground, which our relig- ion has already gained? — The best way to do this is, io gain more — Do you Say, u'e have but few minis- ters for our ow)i country? — Multiply them, then, by giving part to the heathen. “He that vvatereth shall be watered also himself.” Why should you ask how this great work of converting the nations can be done? I might ask you, how could the earth and all its inhabitants be created? How could the heavens be stretch- ed out as a cuitain over your heads? What power is it that sustains the world, and causes all its mo- tions and changes? Do you talk of pow er? The God who forms a blade of grass, and begets a diop of dew, can as easily conveii a soul? And he who converts one soul, can as easily convert a nation — Every day, in the midst of heathen lands, God exerts a power sufficient to save the universe. Who gives to the pagans life and breath, reason and conscience? Who causes their sun to shine, and their ground to yield its fruits? — Say no more, then; how can the great work of converting the nations be done? It is only FOR GOD TO SPEAK THE WORD. He Call cause all Asia to bow to his grace, as easily as he can shake the leaves of the forest And as to mii'aculous operations, we will only ask of God to lepeat among the heathen the same mkacle that w'as WT’Ought in christianizing your ancestors; the same that w’as wrought in bringing to the foot of the cross every believer wdio sees the light of heaven. My hearers, 1 must not detain you. But I cannot forbear to hint at the operations of divine provi- dence AT THE PRESENT TIME. The evcnts of tlicse last days are highly animating to the hopes of Chris- tians. The Lord has given the w'ord, and great has been the company of the publishers. A large number of ministers of different denominations, moved by the 23 love of souls, have labored in the gospel where Christ had not been named. The multiplication of Bible Soci- eties in Great Britain and America, the liberality and zeal they have displayed, and the success which has crowned their unconfmed operations, have exceeded the most sanguine hopes; and we are now reaching forward to the blessed time when the various nations of the Eastern world, and the Islands of the sea, will read in their own tongues the words of eternal life — I mention, as another favorable sign of the present times, that facilities for the pious education of youth and for the general diffusion of Christian knowledge are great- ly increased. — Another most delightful omen is the effusion of the Holy Spirit, and the consequent revival of religion in several of our Colleges, and in a great number of our churches and Societies in different parts. At the same time the attention of Christians is roused, in an unparalleled degree, to the interests of the Re- deemer’s kingdom. My feelings also constrain me to speajc of it as a cir- cumstance highly encouraging, that among the friends of evangelical religion greater love and harmony have begun to appear. Christians of different denomina- tions, —Episcopalians, Presbyterians,CongTegationalists, Baptists, Moravians, new divinity men, and old divin- ty men, have all been more or less disposed to attach too much importance to the points in which they dif- fer from each other. They have had party spirit. They have load narrow prejudices. They have often been more forward to proselyte to their own sect, than to Christ;— to set up themselves, than to do jus- tice to others. They have had contention, and strife, and evil speaking among them. They have injured the truth by discussing the hnjjoiiant subjects of disa- giecment without due meekness and candor, and by 24 layuig oi>t too mucli strength on those which arc un-^ important. These things I say honestly, and in the fear of God. Christians have wanted some grand ob- ject to seize tlieir hearts and engage all their powers; — some great and common cause in the promotion of which tliey might be eftectually purified from error and find a grave for all their jealousies and animosi- ties; and in which the eternal truths of Revelation might be maintained with unyielding firmness, and projxigated with augmented and unconquerable zeal. — The SPREAD OF THE GOSPEE and THE CONVERSION OF THE WORLD constitute //le wanted,. — the com- mon cause which ought to unite, and has already be- gun to unite the affections, prayers, and labors of the great family of Christians. This harmonizing spirit among the followers of Christ forebodes good to Zion. O may it increase, and diffuse its happy influence, till Christians of every name shall be so completely occu- pied with the Redeemer's cause, as to forget their oten. Even the civil revolutions and convulsions, and the desolating wars of the present day, need not dishearten. For they are not only suited to withdraw our affec- tions from the perishable things of this world, and fix them on the immoveable kingdom of God; but are themselves presages of the church’s prosperity. The Lord shook all nations just bei'ore the Desire of all na- tions came. He has arisen now to shake terribly the earth; and we expect the spiritual coming of Christ, and the millennial glory of the church, will soon fol- low. All the passing events of the civil and religious world, in connexion with prophecy, indicate the approach of better days. In many instances this favorable ten- dency of things is obvious; and where it is not, we slxuild be equally strong in faith. God loves the church; 25 and will make all things contribute to its welfare. At all times he keeps a steady eye upon the kingdom of grace. In all his works, this is the object most dear to him. Compared to this, the interests of earthly kingdoms are nothing. He will build up nations or cast them down, cause convulsions and wars, or give tranquillity, as he sees will be most conducive to the extension and final glory of the church. Dear brethren, can you pursue a more excellent ob- ject than the spread of the Gospel and the conver- sion of the worlds 1 have endeavored to excite you to this pursuit by a variety of motives, derived from the worth of immortal souls, and the plenteousness of the provision which Christ has made for their salva- tion; from the express command of our Lord; from the example of those who first received it, and of others who followed them; from the peculiar design of Christianity, and its adaptedness to be a universal rehgion; from the spirit of prophecy; and from the operations of divine Providence at the present day. Are you not persuaded by these motives, and others which will readily occur to you, to give yourselves to this great work? Are you not resolved to do every thing, to part with every thing, to submit to every thing, to forward this glorious design of filling the earth with the knowledge of the Lord? Yes, I trust many of you say — we are persuaded; we are resolved. We feel that we are not our own. Lord, what wilt thou have us to do? We will no longer live to ourselves, but to him who died for us, and rose again. Lord, make use of our talents, our substance, our labors, our suf- ferings for the welfare of thy church; for the salva- tion of those who are perishing in sin. — If we for- get thee Oh .Jerusalem, let our right hand forget her cunning. i 26 DEAR YOUNG MISSIONARIES, I trust these feelings are yours. You have devoted your lives to the work of making known among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, We know you do not Icav^e your native land, because you have not the fairest prospect of reputation, usefulness, and comfort here. You go, we believe, because the love of God is shed abroad in your hearts by the Holy Ghost. We fondly look upon you, as chosen vessels unto Chr'ist, to bear his name before the Gentiles. Blessed be the Lord God of the Gentiles, that he hath put this design into your hearts. The cause in which you have enlisted, is the cause of divine love. You have chosen the noblest and most honorable work on earth; more honorable than the laurels of conquerors, or the diadems of kings. But it is also arduous and per- ilous. Who is sufficient to do the work of an apostle to the heathen? When you have seriously contemplated the greatness of this work, you have often cried out; “Lord, if thy presence go not with us, carry us not hence,” I hope you will never forget, that 'without Christ, you can do nothing. Without the help of Christ, you can no more advance his kingdom among idolaters, than you can scatter midnight darkness by a word. He that plan.tcth is nothing, and he that watereth is noth- ing. The increase is wholly of God. Without his as- sistance, you will not only fail of success, but of fi- delity and perseverance. If you should be forsaken of God, what would your conduct be? and what would become of your mission? — The precious name of Jesus would be blasphemed among the pagans. Your lio’ht would i?:o out in darkness. Shame and blushing would cover the faces of your patrons and friends; and their hearts would die within them. The bright and celestial flame, which has been kindling up 27 among us, — how would it be extinguished! — My dear friends, I would not distress you; — but you know this would be the dreadful result of your mission, if the special help of God should not be granted you. But if you go forth in the strength of Christ, you will be burn- ing and shining lights in regions of darkness and death — We hope to hear good tidings of great joy from the East. — Your personal exertions can indeed go but a little way. But be not discouraged on this account. Think how it will be in Asia a century or two hence. The kingdom of Christ, which you are sent to promote toward the rising of the sun, will be like a little leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened. It will be like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth. But when it is sown it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth forth great branches, so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. In some chosen re- gions, the Lord enable you to plant this precious seed. To see young men, who have been my beloved pupils, faithfully preaching Christ among the heathen, shall be my joy and my crown. Oh may the first fruits of our Seminary in pagan lands be to the praise of the glory of divine grace. Dear young men, I will not break your hearts and my own by dwelling on the affecting circumstances of this parting scene. If you must go, I will animate and comfort you. Remember, then, though we must leave you, HE,whom your soul loveth, will not. I'he God, you will worship on the plains of Hindostan, will be the same God, whom you have here worship- ped in our Seminary, in the Sanctuary, and in the closet. The Savior, whom you will adore and trust 28 in there, will be the very Savior, whose glory you have seen, and of whose fulness you have received here . — Go then, dear missionaries, with the partners of your life, the objects of your tenderest affection ; and may God Almighty be your Preserver. Go, and remember you are not your own. Go, and “de- clare the glory of the Lord among the heathen, his wonders among all people.” Esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches, than all the wealth of India. The parents and friends you leave behind will never, never forget you, till their hearts are cold in death. Our earnest affections and prayers wdll constantly at- tend you. We shall share with you, in every peril you will encounter by sea and by land. All the suc- cess you obtain, and all the joy you partake, will be ours. Every sorrow that melts you, and every pang that distresses you, will also be ours. We shall often meet you at the mercy seat, where you and we may find grace to help in time of need. You will be as dear to our hearts, and as near to God and to heaven in Asia, as in America. — If we are friends of God, our separation will not be forever. At the glorious appear- ing of the Son of God, we hope to see you, dearly be- loved, and those whom your labors may rescue from pagan darkness, at his right hand. The God of mercy grant, that we may then join with you, and with a great multitude which no man can number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, who will stand before the throne and before the Lamb, and cry with a loud voice, saying, salvation to our God, who sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb. — With this joyful anticipation, I do, my dear friends, cheer- fully, and most affectionately, bid you, farewell. Brethren and friends, these dear young men are going to preach to the heathen that religion, which is 29 your comfort in life, your hope in death, your guide to heaven. Consider yourselves now looking upon them for the last time, before you shall meet them at the tribunal of Christ. Assist them in their arduous office by your substance, and by your prayers. Bear them on your hearts when you draw near to God. The decisions of the judgment day will show, how cold has been our warmest zeal, how trifling our best exertions, how languid our most fervent prayers, com- pared to the greatness of the object now before us. — The Lord of the universe, in these last days, is about to do a marvellous work; a work of astonishing pow- er and grace. The time of his glory is come. He will soon destroy all idol worship. The thrones of wickedness he will level with the dust. He will dissi- pate the gross darkness, which covers the nations. He will send out his light and truth, shed down his quickening Spirit, and renovate the world. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the w'a- ters cover the sea. My hearers, God offers you the privilege of aiding in this gi’eat w'ork of conveiiing the nations ; — a work, which he has reserved to these last, best days; — a work, w'hich the holy apostles would almost wish to live again to promote; and in which the hosts of heaven exceedingly rejoice. The God of love offers you the honor and happiness of taking a part in this blessed f;* ii, t . I.^ 'f '• ;•■■} J i 1^1^ ♦ u'. 5 > M I J J-J.’ t r ■ ^ Afi i f '7 V." fm . f > <>♦ f-rl : 1 ' .f.i..rij ■/ rjft ,-. ;i, j ;i;*a.v. '». i) . .' HTvr. J^< VK-i I j.s-ir ;r^a •& vat naxm>r.MBs«c» ■i Sr HiRvx?!} T-X^'7 • li-'i i ciV- i, « JJ. J i.' it *r>V; '*'-T' "i- Vi' W i iy^./ j./ i,. .' ^ mJt-*- vl' % - -^'0, ^ W* ' •-♦ V '• • nf-^V.*‘ V4i ^if}Tli ^r') >» Hh’frr- At '«i'*KJ* t„u ,ti . <^4 rtifMVW '^f*V**i tViif T^» T> . f.oT** <*4; "t ‘■f#e#» 't ^ T»- ^ -t.A .ii^.ljUi» Vrr»4JTr?f^ ‘ T f jf: w-«- • '■‘^s** . /jir*w. ^'r^ -i o^J IW4 t« rv^^l inn. I '- II tl > • flF» -Wt >t-i ♦» .U4 t44|a.#V) l4 »iVi*^‘ !#• {t!T> AAiJt* t'l V» »w ,*i *1' > W Hi * 4S trtir^MMii *r' T 1 • iM - / <,' * •; X T i * ..|i4'l^j^- ‘i>j^.ae particular service to which you are appointed. We are not of the number of those, who hold the religion of Brahma to be as good for the people of India, as the religion of Jesus; nor can we believe the polluted and bloody rites of a pagan pagoda to be as acceptable to the Holy One of Israel, as the pure and spiritual worship of a Christian temple. No, dear Brethren, we have not so learned Christ. We know upon the word of God, that “the things which the gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to de- mons and not to God;” that righteousness has no fel- lowship with unrighteousness, light no communion with darkness, Christ no fellowship with Belial: that “all the world lieth in wickedness,” and under just con- demnation; and that “there is none other name under heaven, given among men,” by which to be saved, than the name of Jesus. We believe, in a word, that the blood of the Son of God was not unnecessarily shed; that the ministry of reconciliation through him was not unnecessarily instituted. We are, therefore, not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, nor do we esteem it of little importance to mankind; but we glory in it, as “the power of God unto salvation to every one thatbe- lieveth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” We also hold the unrevoked edict of the risen Savior to be not only a sufficient warrant, but a solemn, authoritative disection to go into all the world, and preach THE gospel to EVERY CREATURE. We, therefore, hail the day — the auspicious day, which we have long desired to see: — this day, dear Brethren, on which we solemnly present you to God, as a “kind of first fruits” of his American churches. We bow the knee with de- vout thanksgivings to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that he has inclined your a 4^ hearts and is favoring you with an opportunity to go to “them who are far off,” with the words by which they and their children may be saved. Go then, beloved Brethren, as “the messengers of” these “churches, and the glory of Christ.” Go, carry to the poor Heathen, the good news of pardon, j>eace, and eternal life. Tell them of the God whom we adore; of the Savior in whom we trust; of the glorious im- mortality for which we ho[)e. Tell them of Him, WHOSE STAR WAS SEEN IN THE EAST; and point them to that blood, with which he will sprinkle MANY nations. We participate witli you in this great undertaking; our hearts arc joined with yours, and by the right hand which we give you we shall hold ourselves inviolably pledged, as God shall enable us, for your help. We are not insensible to the sacrifices which you make, or to the dangers and sufferings to which you are devoted. You stand this day “a spectacle to God, to angels, and to men.” You are in the act of leaving parents, and friends, and country, “for Christ and the Gospel’s sake.” A- land of darkness, and of the shadow of death is before you; and you are to erect the standard of the cross where Satan has long held his cruel and bloody empire. Your eyes will be pained with sights of re- volting impurity and horror; your hearts will be wrung with anguish for immortal souls in the most dreadful bondage: .and while you strive for their rescue, you will have to contend, not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and po^vers, with the rulers of the dark- ness of this world, with spiritual wickedi'.ess in high plapes. But you go, we trust, in the strength of the Lord; and the weapons of your warfare “are not car- nal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every 43 high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” This is our confidence, this is our consolation respecting you. But, dear Brethren, we shall have you in the tender- est remembrance, and shall not cease to make mention of you in our prayers. We shall not cease to beseech the Allsufficient God to be your shield, and your ex- ceeding great reward; evermore to cheer you with his presence, and gird you with his strength; to stablish your hearts with grace, and give you a mouth and wis- dom which none shall be able to gainsay or resist; and to open to you a great door and effectual, and cause you to hear extensively around you the shouts of sal- vation. Our hearts desire and prayer to God for the people to whom you are going is, that they may gladly receive the Gospel, and be saved. We shall v/ait with ardent hope to be assured, that you have not run in vain, nei- ther labored in vain. It will give us unspeakable^ joy to know, that on the banks of the Indus, the Ganges, or the Ava, by means of the pious liberalities and efforts of this western world, the Gospel is ()reached with suc- cess, churches are planted, and the praises of the Re- deemer are sung. Trusting in God, vve anticipate the glorious scene. Already do we seem to hear from the farthest East, the grateful, swelling song, “How beau- tiful upon the mountains are the feet of them who bring good tidings, who publish peace, who bring good tidings of good, who publish salvation.” Bles- sed day, when, from the throne of Heaven, Zion shall hear the word, “Arise, shine; lor thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee:” and THE GENTILES SHALL COME TO HER LIGHT, AND KINGS TO THE BRIGHTNESS OF HER RISING. The day will come; it is rapidly approaching: the word and 44 providence of God declare it to be near. The gleams of the dawn are even now to be seen. Let the cheer- ing prospect, dear Brethren, animate your hearts and stimulate your exertions. You are but the precursors of many, who shall follow you ir. this arduous, glori- ous enterprise: for the Gospel shall be preached to all 'nations, and all people shall see the salvation of God. Beloved Brethren, be of good courage; go in peace; and may the Lord God of the holy apostles and proph- ets go with you. We commend you to him, and to the word of his grace; and devoutly .pray, that in the day of the Lord Jesus, we may have the happiness to see you present many of the Heathen before the throne of his glory with exceeding joy. Amen. \