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 DU. DE WITT’S SERMON 
 
 BEFORE THE 
 
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 AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 
 
Z \ )e CSospel JtJarbeat, anb Cferratfan'* Dutg. 
 
 A 
 
 SERMON 
 
 PREACHED IX BOSTON, OCT. 6, 1830, 
 
 AT THE 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING 
 
 OF THE 
 
 AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 
 
 FOR 
 
 FOREIGN MISSIONS. 
 
 BY THOMAS DE WITT, D. D. 
 
 OF THE C1TT OF NEW FORK. 
 
 Boston: 
 
 PRINTED BY CROCKER & BREWSTER, 
 47, Washington Street. 
 
 1831. 
 
SERMON 
 
 MATT. ix. 37, 38. 
 
 THEN 3AITH HE UNTO HIS DISCIPLES, THE HARVEST TRULY IS GREAT, BUT 
 THE LABORERS ARE FEW. PRAY YE THEREFORE THE LORD OF THE 
 HARVEST, THAT HE WILL SEND FORTH LABORERS INTO HIS HARVEST. 
 
 The history of the world in all ages exhibits the 
 extended prevalence of ignorance and error, of sin 
 and misery. The mind of the philanthropist feels 
 oppressed with the contemplation, and naturally in- 
 quires, Shall this state of things always continue? 
 Will the time never arrive when truth, and holiness, 
 and peace shall pervade the earth? Philosophy, 
 falsely so called, has speculated on the perfectibility 
 of human nature, while, in infidel rejection of truths 
 the most simple and sacred, she has ministered by her 
 spirit and by her instructions to the pride and corruption 
 of our nature. The legitimate fruit of her theories 
 and of her practical influence appeared in that har- 
 vest of pollution and wo, which is still vivid in the 
 remembrance of many. The humble Christian, 
 whatever may be for the present his griefs and dis- 
 appointments, cherishes the confidence that a brighter 
 
4 
 
 scene will yet be unfolded through the world; a scene 
 of blissful reality, succeeding the darkness and de- 
 pravity which now abound. He believes that this 
 will be accomplished through the word of divine truth. 
 He believes this, because this truth is precisely adapt- 
 ed to the state and wants of human nature, as it un- 
 folds the true character of God and man, reveals the 
 way of salvation, prescribes a perfect rule of duty, 
 and is accompanied by an influence adequate to sub- 
 due the heart and life to holy obedience. He be- 
 lieves this, because numerous instances are presented 
 of its efficacy in renovating the heart and character, 
 and thus becoming the “wisdom and power of God 
 unto salvation.” He believes this, in view of the 
 numerous and emphatic promises of Him who is in- 
 finitely true and faithful. Promises like the follow- 
 ing remain to be fulfilled, and claim and deserve the 
 Christian’s faith and hope: — “And it shall come to 
 pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s 
 house shall be established on the tops of the moun- 
 tains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all na- 
 tions shall flow unto it.” “The glory of the Lord 
 shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, 
 for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” “For 
 from the rising of the sun unto the going down of 
 the same, my name shall be great among the Gen- 
 tiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto 
 my name, and a pure offering.” “And the seventh 
 angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, 
 saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the 
 kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall 
 reign forever and ever.” The Christian believes this, 
 
5 
 
 because the Redeemer, for his obedience unto death, 
 is promised “the heathen for his inheritance, and the 
 uttermost parts of the earth for his possession.” Je- 
 sus now sees of the travail of his soul in the victories 
 of his grace among men; and the full fruit of that 
 travail will be enjoyed when the earth shall be rendered 
 tributary to his glory, and filled with his salvation. 
 For this purpose, exalted as Mediator, he has author- 
 ity in heaven and on earth, and rules in the kingdom 
 of providence, as well as grace, rendering all events 
 subservient to the fulfilment of his counsels, and to 
 the final and universal diffusion of his kingdom, which 
 is “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Iloly Ghost.” 
 
 The ministry of the gospel is the great instrument 
 for accomplishing these results. “Thy people shall 
 be willing in the day of thy power.” “The Lord 
 shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion; rule 
 thou in the midst of thine enemies.” “When he as- 
 cended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave 
 gifts unto men. And he gave some apostles, and 
 some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pas- 
 tors and teachers.” In organizing his church, he has 
 committed (if we may so speak) into her own bosom 
 the principle of her perpetuity and universal triumph. 
 From the faithful discharge of the trust committed to 
 her, under the blessing of God, stability and enlarge- 
 ment will assuredly result. 
 
 The words of our text were spoken by Jesus 
 to his disciples as he contemplated the multi- 
 tudes destitute of the means of religious instruc- 
 tion. “He was moved with compassion on them 
 because they fainted, and were as sheep without 
 
6 
 
 a shepherd.” The compassion that dwelt in the 
 heart of Jesus is not foreign to the hearts of his peo- 
 ple, for they are of one spirit with him. The text, 
 
 I. Presents an argument for missionary ef- 
 forts. “The harvest truly is plenteous but the la- 
 borers are few.” 
 
 II. Urges a duty in reference to them. 
 “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he 
 will send forth laborers into his harvest.” 
 
 I. An argument for missionary efforts. “The har- 
 vest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” 
 This harvest will be gathered, when the Christian re- 
 ligion shall universally prevail. It is well denominat- 
 ed great in view of, 
 
 1. The field which it will cover. 
 
 2. The blessings it conveys. 
 
 3. The instrumentality it requires. 
 
 4. The means and prospects now furnished by 
 Providence. 
 
 1. It is great in view of the field which it will 
 cover. “The field is the world.” As yet Christian- 
 ity has extended its influence to but a small part of 
 the earth; and where that influence has been found, 
 it has been partial in its character. Here and there a 
 spot has appeared in some degree verdant, amid a 
 surrounding, wide-spread, arid desert. But this des- 
 ert in all its extent will be cultivated and rendered 
 fruitful. All obstacles will be overcome, and the 
 whole earth exhibit the triumphs of truth. Benight- 
 ed, degraded, and oppressed Africa shall become en- 
 lightened, elevated, and disenthralled; — the wall of 
 China, (like that of Jericho) shall fall at the sound 
 
7 
 
 of the gospel; — the casts of the Hindoos shall be 
 broken, and one bond in the faith and service of 
 Christ shall unite them; — the Heathen shall every 
 where cast their idols to the moles and to the bats, 
 and worship the only true God, and Jesus Christ 
 whom he hath sent; — the worship of the false prophet 
 shall cease, and the pure light and peaceful influence 
 of Christianity shall spread over the regions where 
 now Mohammedism exerts its sway; — the isles shall 
 receive the law of the Lord: — all the perversions of 
 the religion of Jesus shall be removed, and the truth 
 shall be received in love, and exhibit its fruits wher- 
 ever professed! Then shall be realized 
 
 “Scenes surpassing fable, 
 
 Yet true! — scenes of accomplished bliss!" 
 
 2. The harvest is great in view of its many bles- 
 sings. The religion of Christ blesses the life which 
 now is, and prepares for happiness in the life to come. 
 It exalts the intellectual character of man. It re- 
 stores that balance and harmony in the intellectual 
 and moral powers of man, which are so important in 
 the proper cultivation of both. It corrects those pre- 
 judices, and subdues those corruptions which prevent 
 the investigation and reception of truth. Its truths, 
 when rightly viewed, come home to the duty, interest, 
 and affections of all; and claim among the many 
 proofs of their divine origin, their wonderful adapta- 
 tion to the character and wants of men. It was at 
 first a peculiar distinction of the gospel that it was 
 “preached to the poor,” and it will ever remain so; 
 while it is the only source of spiritual instruction, and 
 can alone instil that influence which will lead to 
 
8 
 
 mental cultivation in the mass of the people. Where 
 the gospel is not known or embraced, whatever intel- 
 lectual culture may exist among a privileged few, the 
 multitude will be found in ignorance and degradation. 
 The spirit of Christianity has wrought itself into the 
 frame of civil government, and in connection with 
 the diffusion of its light and power, we trace the ex- 
 istence, growth, and stability of civil and religious 
 liberty. The religion of the gospel refines and puri- 
 fies the social affections, hallows the domestic scene, 
 and while it dries up the sources of defilement and 
 bitterness, it opens springs of pure and refreshing 
 peace and joy in the various relations of life. Take 
 the map of the world, and select those countries where 
 Paganism, Mohammedism, and Popery bear sway, 
 and let the following inquiries receive an answer. 
 Are knowledge and intellectual cultivation generally 
 diffused? Are civil and religious liberty enjoyed? 
 Is the female character elevated and respected? Are 
 the duties of domestic life discharged, and its delights 
 mutually participated? Do purity and peace pervade 
 the community? The negative to these inquiries ap- 
 pears in full view. As we' take the contrast, and 
 mark the countries where the Bible has shed its influ- 
 ence, we discover the blessings adverted to all follow- 
 ing in the train. 
 
 But the religion of Christ sustains its distinguish- 
 ing and commanding value as a revelation of truth 
 and grace, and as the great instrument of our deliver- 
 ance from everlasting death. The truths peculiar to 
 it respect man’s fallen and ruined state; redemption 
 through the atoning merits of the divine Savior; 
 
9 
 
 the regenerating and sanctifying influence of the Holy 
 Spirit in restoring to that holiness “without which no 
 man shall see the Lord.” These truths, and others 
 immediately connected with them, constitute the vital- 
 ity of the religion of the gospel. Without them, its 
 glory departs, its influence ceases, and spiritual death 
 continues to prevail. Under their influence, the sinner, 
 awakened and renewed, returns in penitence to his 
 God; gratefully embraces the salvation which is in 
 Christ Jesus; takes up feebly yet sweetly the song of 
 redeeming love; cultivates purity of heart and life, 
 and devotes himself, in reliance upon divine strength, 
 to active exertions for the promotion of the divine 
 glory, and the best interests of his fellow-men. 
 These are the truths which give life to benevolent 
 effort in seeking the spiritual and eternal welfare of 
 men. When they are not cordially embraced, the 
 wants of men as sinners, and the value of the remedy 
 provided, cannot be duly estimated, and an awakened 
 interest and cordial and efficient co-operation in the 
 cause of missions cannot be expected. The history 
 of the church clearly shows, that, whenever they have 
 been denied or kept out of sight, there has been an 
 indifference to the spiritual wants and interests of men, 
 and the cause of missions has languished or died. In 
 the first age of Christianity, the doctrine of Jesus 
 Christ and him crucified, “to the Jew a stumbling 
 block, and to the Greek foolishness,” proved the wis- 
 dom of God and the power of God to salvation to 
 every one that believed; and so it has proved in every 
 age. In recent missions we find the value and effi- 
 cacy of these truths witnessed by their success in ele- 
 
JO 
 
 vating character, promoting order and happiness, and 
 preparing sinners for heaven. The lapse of a few 
 years has exhibited in the South Sea Islands, the seat 
 ot British and American foreign missions, a very sig- 
 nal and convincing contrast in the state of knowledge, 
 social and civil order, domestic purity and happiness, 
 and true religion. The wisdom of the world reiter- 
 ates the assertion, that it is vain to attempt to Chris- 
 tianize, unless we first civilize Pagan nations — that it 
 is vain to expect their religious improvement, unless 
 some steps are previously gained in the process of 
 mental culture. Facts refute this theory of infidel 
 wisdom, and evince that Christianity, while it inspires 
 the only pure and abiding principle of benevolent 
 effort, at the same time alone furnishes the truths 
 which come home to the hearts and consciences of 
 men in all ages, ranks, circumstances, and characters 
 of life. Divine truth, imparted by Christian missions, 
 has proved the great instrument of mental and moral as 
 well as spiritual culture. The Moravian brethren, 
 as if studious to select a field most fitted to test this 
 point, chose nations most debased in ignorance, super- 
 stition, and pollution, and the result of their labors has 
 furnished decisive evidence in this matter. This love- 
 ly band of believers have furnished an example wor- 
 thy of imitation by the whole Christian world. In 
 the smallness of their number and the feebleness of 
 their resources, they have gone forth in the love of 
 Christ, disregarding toils and sacrifices, and in un- 
 wearied devotion to their work, delivering the gospel 
 message in all its simplicity and purity. In every 
 place fruit has sprung up, honoring God and blessing 
 
]] 
 
 man. Had a similar spirit prevailed throughout the 
 Christian church, and a correspondent amount of con- 
 tributions and efforts been furnished, a far different 
 aspect would have been presented. Many a field now 
 desolate would have blossomed as the rose; and many 
 a place now solitary would have been made glad. 
 The spirit of the world, whether directed in the form 
 of commercial enterprise, literary research, or projects 
 of ambition, can never furnish the proper stimlus to 
 benevolent effort. Commerce and science can never 
 supply the proper means for curing the moral diseases 
 and woes of men dwelling in darkness and sin. 
 Philosophy ministers her lessons in vain, and employs 
 her efforts without effect. She mav irritate, but can- 
 not cure the wound. “Leviathan is not so tamed.” 
 When the truth of God comes with power from on 
 high, it proves “a discerner of the thoughts and in- 
 tents of the heart;” sets men free from the bondage 
 of error and corruption, and places them in the lib- 
 erty of truth and holiness. To learn the greatness 
 of the harvest in the value of its blessings, we should 
 contemplate its temporal gain in the contrast of the 
 ignorance, error, pollution, vice, and misery, which 
 it removes, with the knowledge, purity, peace, and 
 happiness, which it introduces through all the rela- 
 tions and conditions of life. And we should contem- 
 plate its eternal gain in the contrast of the everlasting 
 loss of the soul in ever-enduring corruption and wo 
 under the wrath of God, with its everlasting life to 
 the pardoned, sanctified, and saved. When the whole 
 earth becomes filled with divine truth, great will be the 
 harvest in the magnitude of the blessings thus secured. 
 
12 
 
 3. The harvest must appear great , in view of the 
 instrumentality it requires . The great result is to be 
 accomplished by the faithful use of those means which 
 God has in his wisdom and goodness appointed. As 
 in the natural world, means must be used in prepara- 
 tion for harvest; and, as ordinarily, the product will 
 correspond to the skill and diligence with which the 
 means are employed; so, also, in the spiritual world, 
 means are equally necessary; and a like correspond- 
 ence in the product will exist. “It pleases God, by the 
 foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe.” 
 “How shall they hear without a preacher; and how 
 shall they preach except they be sent?” God will, 
 indeed, as the latter day glory advances, open more 
 numerous avenues, and multiply facilities for mission- 
 ary labors; and will more abundantly bless them in 
 the outpouring of his Spirit. But, at the same time, 
 he will shed forth his Spirit into the bosom of his 
 church, and arouse her energies for promoting the 
 work of the Lord, by all the means within her prov- 
 ince. Zion strengthens her stakes, and lengthens her 
 chords at the same time. When the glory of the 
 Lord rises upon her, she arises out of the dust, puts 
 on her beautiful garments, and goes forth in his 
 strength, and receives abundant increase. The ne- 
 cessity of a ministry well qualified in mental, literary, 
 and spiritual endowments, thoroughly trained to be- 
 come teachers and guides to the flock of Christ, and 
 to resist the assaults of every foe, whether secret or 
 open, is evident. The character of the ministry, in 
 the combination of the requisite qualifications for the 
 skilful, successful, and devoted discharge of their 
 
13 
 
 work, should be equally the subject of anxious prayer 
 and diligent attention with the increase of their num- 
 ber. A weak, undisciplined ministry may do injury, 
 as well as an unsanctified one. The opinion may 
 sometimes have been entertained and expressed, that 
 the same qualifications are not required in the mis- 
 sionary going among the ignorant and degraded hea- 
 then, as in the pastor of a Christian flock intelligent 
 and refined. The opinion is very erroneous. If, in- 
 deed, a distinction is allowed, surely the higher re- 
 quirements are in the case of the missionary. Un- 
 aided by the associations and advantages which the 
 minister enjoys in Christian society, he goes forth 
 to build, not upon another man’s foundation, but as a 
 master-builder, to lay the foundation. What a com- 
 bination of qualities are requisite for such laborers; 
 sound, disciplined intellect, various knowledge, ele- 
 vated piety, and much acquaintance with human na- 
 ture; uniform meekness, unwavering courage, and 
 unremitted devotion to his labors of love. 
 
 In advancing the kingdom of Christ, the prejudi- 
 ces, interests, and policy of the world rise in opposi- 
 tion. In what various forms, and with what power, 
 have they hitherto appeared! What is not required 
 in those who go forth to meet the foe, and fight for 
 the cause of truth and holiness, with weapons which 
 “are not carnal, but mighty through God.” How 
 plainly do we behold verified, in the condition of the 
 world, our Saviour’s declaration, “The laborers are 
 few.” In our own favored country, while, as we 
 hope, a new spirit and new efforts are appearing in 
 the church, still what exertions are needed to provide 
 
14 
 
 and train a supply of ministers adequate to meet the 
 wants of our waste places, our weak and destitute 
 churches, and our rapidly extending population. We 
 cordially greet the efforts employed for increasing the 
 number and qualifications of ministers. And we call 
 upon the churches for redoubled zeal and activity; for 
 “the harvest is still great, but the laborers are few.” 
 We look over the regions of Christendom, and mark 
 its many and extended wastes and wants. The labor- 
 ers are manifestly “few.” As we look farther, through 
 the heathen world, how large and waste is the field; 
 while, in parts remote from each other, a solitary 
 laborer is found. The regularly ordained missiona- 
 ries from the different Christian denominations, 
 among the six hundred millions of heathen in differ- 
 ent parts of the world, as far as ascertained, amount 
 to about six hundred and fifty. They are in some 
 cases aided by assistants and native teachers. Still 
 how emphatically is the harvest great, and the la- 
 borers few: while some parts of the field are already 
 white for the harvest. 
 
 4. The harvest is great , in view of the means and 
 prospects furnished by Providence. God, in advanc- 
 ing his kingdom on earth, prepares the way, in ar- 
 ranging the events of his providence. He raises up 
 instruments qualified for his work; and often opens 
 the way before them, as they go forth crying, “Pre- 
 pare ye the way of the Lord; make straight in the 
 desert a high-way for our God.” When the disciples 
 were assembled, on the day of Pentecost, waiting for 
 the promise of the Spirit, they were endued with 
 power from on high, and the gift of tongues rested 
 
lo 
 
 upon them. They went forth, working miracles as 
 a proof of their divine commission, at the introduc- 
 tion of the new dispensation; and with the gift of 
 tongues fulfilling the Saviour’s injunction when as- 
 cending on high, “Go ye and preach the gospel to 
 every creature.” How well was this adapted to the 
 times and circumstances in which the apostles tvere 
 placed. When, in subsequent ages, the line gold had 
 become dim, and the glory had departed — when re- 
 ligion had become united with the power and policy 
 of state, and converted into an engine of despotism — 
 when the Bible was confined to a few, and the maxim 
 was enforced, “Ignorance is the mother of devotion” 
 — when thick darkness had for centuries brooded 
 over the nations; it pleased God signally to prepare 
 the way for the Reformation. The art of printing 
 had been invented; the mariner’s compass was in use; 
 the revival of letters had commenced. Luther trans- 
 lated the Bible into German, saying, “Let there be 
 light;” and the press multiplied its copies. The 
 struggle of the Reformation was in a great measure 
 to recover Christianity from human usurpation, and 
 to restore it to its rightful Lord. The revival of let- 
 ters furnished means for elucidating the word of God, 
 and clearing it from corruptions. In succeeding times 
 the reformed churches fell into a deep slumber. 
 While they “slept, the enemy sowed tares.” We 
 W'ell remember how plenteously they sprang up. In- 
 fidelity presented a bold front, and threatened to 
 destroy every thing sacred. In such troublous times 
 the true people of God were revived in spirit; and as 
 they trembled for the ark, mourned over the sins 
 
16 
 
 and woes of Zion, poured forth their intercessions, 
 and said to each other, “Let us rise and build,” the 
 pool which had become stagnant, was stirred by the 
 Angel of the Covenant, and afforded a refreshing and 
 vivifying influence. When reviewing the last forty 
 years, we acknowledge, with admiring gratitude, the 
 various institutions of Christian benevolence, which 
 are now in harmonious operation, exerting a mighty 
 moral influence, and furnishing facilities and means 
 to missionaries before unknown. The Bible Society 
 multiplies copies of the scriptures in the various lan- 
 guages of the world, and supplies the place of the 
 gift of tongues. — It is needless to specify the various 
 forms of Christian charity, which, commencing with 
 infancy, lays the basis of a scriptural and religious 
 education, and follows man in every course and state 
 of life; and seeks to apply the best relief of sin, and 
 want, and wo. 
 
 The efforts of the present day for arresting and 
 turning back that fell destroyer, intemperance, which 
 has annually slain its thousands and tens of thousands, 
 and which has interposed supli formidable obstacles 
 to the success of the gospel, are of incalculable worth. 
 
 The spirit of missions, which characterizes the pres- 
 ent period, commenced with the revival of religion in 
 the churches. Domestic and foreijrn missions have 
 grown and strengthened in connection with the power 
 of religion. The era of foreign efforts is identified 
 with the prosperity of religion at home. 
 
 The events which have recently transpired mark 
 the present as an interesting crisis in the history of 
 the world. The Christian will with care study the 
 
17 
 
 page of prophecy, and the movements of Providence, 
 and mark the light which they mutually shed on each 
 other. Though humbly conscious that it is not for 
 him “to know the times and the seasons, which are in 
 the Father’s hand,” he will carefully watch the signs 
 of the times, and discharge the duties to which Prov- 
 idence invites. By common consent it is universally 
 admitted that the prophetic period of twelve hundred 
 and sixty years is drawing to its close, preceding the 
 universal prevalence of Christ’s kingdom in the world. 
 Meanwhile, momentous and interesting events must 
 transpire in the civil and ecclesiastical world; and far 
 mightier efforts must be employed by the church. 
 Do we not now perceive the high and holy One 
 “shaking not the earth only but also heaven; that by 
 the removing of those things that are shaken, as of 
 things that are made, those things that cannot be 
 shaken may remain?” The Mohammedan power is 
 declining, and “the waters of the Euphrates are dry- 
 ing up.” The Christian colonies on the coast of 
 Africa furnish a presage of the entire extinction of 
 one of the foulest blots on Christendom, — the slave 
 trade; and the regeneration of long-afflicted and de- 
 graded Africa. Papal institutions and governments, 
 which have pressed heavily upon the interests of civil 
 and religious liberty, are also shaken. Literature, 
 science and true religion are extending their benign 
 influence. The angel is flying in the midst of heav- 
 en, with the everlasting gospel. God is giving proof 
 that his word “shall not return void.” The voice of 
 Providence, then, is, “Arise, shine, for thy light is 
 come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” 
 3 
 
IB 
 
 Such is the harvest, great in the extent of its field, 
 in the blessings it conveys, in the instrumentality it 
 requires, and in the means and prospects furnished by 
 Providence. 
 
 II. The text urges our duty in relation to mission- 
 ary efforts: “ Pray ye the Lord of the harvest , that he 
 will send forth laborers into his harvest .” 
 
 The spirit of the Christian is that of love to Christ 
 and to Zion; his life is in sincere and unreserved de- 
 votion to his Saviour’s glory and Zion’s prosperity. 
 Prayer is his vital breath. In proportion as his own 
 soul prospers will intercession constitute a leading 
 part in his addresses to the throne of grace. It 
 should never escape our remembrance, that of the six 
 petitions in the summary of prayer furnished us by 
 our Saviour, three respect the display of his glory and 
 the extension of his kingdom on earth. “Pray for the 
 peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” 
 The discharge of the duty enjoined by our Saviour 
 supposes, 
 
 1. That we cherish a deep and constant sense of our 
 dependence upon divine grace. The private Chris- 
 tian, in the divine life, “is clothed with humility,” 
 lives a life of faith in the Son of God, and seeks con- 
 tinued supplies of the grace and help of the Spirit. 
 So the Christian church should always be found in 
 the attitude of leaning on her Beloved; and should 
 realize that “all her springs are in God.” “The 
 treasure is in earthen vessels: the excellency of the 
 power is of God.” When this sense of dependence 
 has been lost, and yielded to self-complacency and 
 self-confidence, how often has it proved that the very 
 
19 
 
 instrumentality which should have promoted the 
 purity and growth of religion has tended to its corrup- 
 tion and decline. How many places once beautiful 
 are now desolate. “They said they were enriched 
 with goods; and they were poor.” As we contem- 
 plate the spiritual building, whose base is to cover the 
 earth, and whose top shall reach the heavens, and 
 look forward to the time when the top stone shall be 
 laid, with shouting, Grace, grace unto it; and at the 
 same time consider the difficulties that attend the 
 work, the weakness of the instruments employed, and 
 the malice and power of opposing foes, we are ready 
 to ask, How can this be? A voice from heaven 
 speaks, “Who art thou, O great mountain? before 
 Zerubbabel, thou shalt become a plain. Not by might, 
 nor by power, but by my Spirit.” Is there not dan- 
 ger, lest, in the midst of action, the church should for- 
 get the proper spring of action? Where will be the 
 glory and value of the tabernacle, if the ark of the 
 covenant is removed? 
 
 2. This duty requires habitual and fervent remem- 
 brance in our private devotions. Love to the Re- 
 deemer’s cause is not a transient emotion in the Chris- 
 tian heart; but it is a fixed principle and growing 
 habit of soul. “He prefers Jerusalem above his chief 
 joy.” He should then be frequent, fervent, importu- 
 nate, and persevering in his intercession. Do we 
 not greatly fail in this point? How often is Zion for- 
 gotten or remembered only with coldness? In this 
 we may find a test of our spiritual state. In asking 
 for personal blessings, our deceitful hearts may be- 
 tray us. When, in freeness and enlargement of spirit, 
 
20 
 
 we seek the good of Zion, we have the best proof that 
 we are born from above. Oh, that from the closets 
 and habitations of the righteous the smoke of incense, 
 in fervent, effectual prayer, may continually ascend 
 before the mercy-seat, as a sweet-smelling savor unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 3. This duty requires union in Christians. — Address- 
 ing his assembled disciples, Jesus said, Pray ye. The 
 true disciples of Jesus are united in spirit and service. 
 The words of our Saviour’s prayer are memorable; 
 “That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in 
 me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us, 
 that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” 
 What Christian can be reluctant to engage in a ser- 
 vice so delightful and animating, as united prayer for 
 the coming of Christ’s kingdom on earth. Who will 
 not say, I will go also? The monthly concert observed 
 by various evangelical denominations is greatly to be 
 valued. Were it to inspire a deeper interest, and 
 meet with a more general, punctual, and appropriate 
 attendance, the fruits thereof would be manifest in 
 our own bosom, and be seen spread around us. The 
 first suggestion of a concert similar to this, was made 
 to the American churches by one (President Edwards) 
 who, “being dead yet speaketh,” in the fruit of his 
 labors, and in his writings transmitted to us, and who 
 possessed the rare combination of the acutest and 
 most vigorous intellect, with the most simple and ten- 
 der piety. His treatise on this subject deserves most 
 careful perusal. “On the day of Pentecost the disci- 
 ples were with one accord in one place, continuing in 
 prayer and supplication.” It was there that the Holy 
 
21 
 
 Spirit descended upon them, and they went forth and 
 preached the Gospel of the kingdom. The same 
 truth which they preached is committed to us; — the 
 same Spirit which descended on them, and crowned 
 their labors, is promised. Fervent prayer will lead 
 to corresponding effort; — united prayer will lead to 
 united effort. Among those who embrace the same 
 fundamental truths which humble the sinner, exalt 
 the Saviour, and promote holiness, there exists a diver- 
 sity in smaller points which properly leads to distinct 
 organization. Here harmony is best promoted, and 
 strength gained, by each cherishing a sacred regard 
 to the rights and interests of others, and rejoicing in 
 their prosperity. It is remarked by Montgomery, 
 that the efforts of distinct denominations in promoting 
 the cause of religion, are like the light of the sun 
 reflected in the rainbow, a token of peace and salva- 
 tion to a lost world, while their common exertions 
 are like the rays blended in light. While faithful in 
 improving their particular spheres, there is a common 
 cause in which all the servants of Christ should join: 
 — the cause of truth and righteousness, against error 
 and sin. When tempted by the pride of opinion, in 
 matters comparatively unimportant, or by the clashing 
 of selfish interests, let us, found laboring with the 
 host of Israel, say, “I cannot come down, I am doing 
 a great work.” 
 
 4. This duty requires the use of all proper means 
 for suitably training laborers for the missionary field. 
 A suggestion has been advanced, as to the expe- 
 diency of instituting a seminary or a distinct depart- 
 ment especially designed for this object. It is worthy 
 
of serious consideration. It is believed, that such a 
 seminary would not only furnish greater advantages 
 to its members, but that it would more directly, and 
 distinctly bring the cause of foreign missions before 
 the Christian public, and inspire a deeper interest in 
 its favor. In our favored churches, where the Spirit’s 
 influence is enjoyed, let the subject of foreign missions 
 be presented in just prominence. In our theological 
 seminaries, let a careful inquiry and deep interest be 
 cultivated and cherished among their members, who 
 shall soon go forth, to preside in the churches of our 
 own land, to give a tone to their sentiments and feel- 
 ings, or else to enter themselves upon the glorious 
 work. 
 
 5. This duty requires that all the churches of 
 Christ should systematically and efficiently aid in the 
 promotion of the cause of missions. It cannot be 
 necessary to argue the duty of professed Christians to 
 give their prayers, their property, and labors to this 
 cause. The Christian judgment needs not be con- 
 vinced, but the Christian conscience needs to be 
 awaked, and the heart affected. Christians should 
 learn to give, not from the impulse of momentary ex- 
 citement, but from the deliberate conviction of duty, 
 in the discharge of which the heart seeks its highest 
 joy. — Systematically, I say, because it is to be regret- 
 ted, that so many churches so readily relax their ef- 
 forts, until some new impulse be given, which again 
 soon spends itself. These are like the mountain 
 streams, fed by sudden showers, which soon pass 
 away. The efforts and contributions made by the 
 enlightened judgment, and disciplined heart, are like 
 
the majestic river, fed by living springs, which heeds 
 not the drought of summer, but passes on, widening 
 and deepening. It is the genuine spirit of religion, 
 to prize and promote foreign Missions; and every 
 proper effort to promote them advances religion at 
 home. It is here true, as in other things, — “There 
 is that scattereth and yet increaseth.” “He that 
 watereth shall be watered himself.” And, on the 
 other hand, — “There is that withholdeth more than 
 is meet, and it tendeth to poverty.” Where the 
 churches are blessed with the spirit’s influence, cher- 
 ishing the graces of the pious, and converting sinners 
 to Christ, there will be found free will offerings 
 brought liberally, cheerfully, and continually, in be- 
 half of this cause. — Look, on the other hand, to the 
 churches indifferent to this cause, and neglectful of 
 duty: there mildew and blasting spread, and spiritual 
 barrenness reigns. When the churches of Christ 
 shall harmoniously exert their energies, what, under 
 the divine blessing, may not be accomplished? 
 
 W r e have reason to acknowledge, at this returning 
 anniversary the continued favor of Providence toward 
 this Board of Foreign Missions. Twenty years have 
 elapsed since its organization. The circumstance of a 
 few pious youths devoting themselves to missions 
 among the heathen, led to its formation. It has exerted 
 a most salutary influence on the internal state of our 
 churches; and its continued prosperity stands identi- 
 fied with the glory of the church and the welfare of 
 our nation. If there be a nation on earth more in- 
 debted to the gospel than all others, it is ours; and 
 shall we not testify our gratitude by contributing to 
 
24 
 
 extend its blessings to other nations? Every thing in 
 our history and circumstances, reminds us of the in- 
 valuable privileges and mercies handed down by our 
 ancestors, the puritan pilgrims and others, and the 
 responsibility resting upon us. One theme of regret, 
 however, presents itself, in the very considerable de- 
 ficiency in the revenue of this year, compared with 
 that of last year, while new missionary fields are 
 opening. The march of Christian charity and mu- 
 nificence should be ever onward. Let every pastor 
 present the claims of this cause prominently before 
 the people, and feel that its prosperity is identified 
 with the success of his labors at home. Let infor- 
 mation be generally extended, and every means to 
 excite interest and combine effort be employed. 
 While in opposing the march of truth, various errors 
 and conflicting interests combine, let the church of 
 God arise in her strength, and in unbroken columns 
 march onward under the banners of the great Cap- 
 tain, from victory to victory. While the enemy op- 
 poses and rages, we remember, “More are they that 
 are for us, than they that are against us.” God’s 
 truth is great, and must finally triumph.