fN'** The duty and reward of evangelizing the Heathen: DELIVERED IN NEWBURYPORT, LORD^S DAY EVEJS'mGf NEWBURYPQRT ! PRINTED BY WILLIAM B. ALLEN & CO. AND FOR SALE AT THE NEWBURTFORT B90K-9T0RF-. 13, Cosh Hill.. .1815. A OCTOBER 22,1815. BY HORATIO BARDWELL, ONE OF THE MISSIONARIES TO CEYLON. V •' ■ j fV . r 'fe-S' ( j '"L f-r i- Y-‘ /'i-i.'''’ « rf-ji ■}? ' 'V, i. > .• . l*‘' .' .1 ^'.'!n^•Jtr V « '/Ve* THE following Discourse was delivered to a nu- merous and attentive auditori/f the Evening previous to the embarcation of the preacher, and his companions, on a Mission to the Island of Ceylon- It is now pub- lished in the hope that it may aid in cherishing and ex- tending the missionary spirit which has recently a- woke in our country. An ardent wish to promote an object so interesting, prevailed on Mr. Bardwell to resign the Sermon, neither transcribed nor corrected, for publication. With a few circumstantial correc- tions, made by his request, it is now commended to the candor of the Christian qmblic, and the blessing of Godf > " ■ ’ t . ' ' ""'■ 'Tr ■ '' ' • r ■*!' i .VA‘<\ ..;;» •* wyt -.V* ■*■ , Vi.-'C -r< • %y( '.'r\ '■ ; 'i •I'Vt'' v..' y.''K ay -'f ■> ^ ■■ , vv-^"i :;■; .;r^: i", If' i j j ilk r .’ ■ .; \. ,_.. ’ ',T;'t-' 7 '"' . ‘ ' ■. i ten*. ;..> .i-. I' 'tv, i-.s f.'i ! . iiUf .•; . *v4 1 'h» ■;■ ..’.j ^,»)Vi^li‘ li| 1 -; . i' i 'T.M^n ■ , ; » -, T' I'll * '• • . . . * ' . * ^' . . «*■ < 1 . i;*: !>VS J /' '. . < , ij ; ,'. ,H .; ,'f’ ■;-i •t ,, ,■ J'' -ft*' SERMON PROVERBS, 11, 21. THERE IS THAT SCATTERETH, AND YET INCREASETH ; AND THERE IS THAT WITHHOLDETH MORE THAN IS MEET, BUT IT TENDETH TO POVERTY. The world was made by, and for Christ. — To display the glory of God, through the existence and prosperity of the church, were the heavens spread as a curtain over our heads, and the foundations of the earth established. All the manifestations which God has made of him- self to mankind, hear an intimate relation to the estab- lishment and final extension of the Redeemer’s king- dom ; which is destined to become great, and to fill the whole earth. In all these manifestations, the divine benevolence is conspicuously seen. From the first morning of cre>. ation to the present moment, good-will to man, has been inscribed on the works and providence of Jeho- vah. God is a being of infinite benevolence. To mani- fest this character to his rational creatures, in the ful- lest manner possible, he has revealed, and is carrying into operation, his designs of mercy and grace, through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the accomplishment of this glorious system, the great Head of the church most reasonably requires the concurrence and co-operation of his creatures. The divine constitution, respecting the church, is such, that human instrumentality is necessary. Men must be co-workers with Christ. Not because God is not aide to carry on his own work without them, but because thus it hath seemed good in his sight. How gi’eat is the honour, to be employed in the same work with the Lord Jesus Christ ! — In the same work, which engages the attention of saints and angels 6 in heaven ! In that cause which will at length pre^ vail, and rise triumphant above all the efforts of its enemies ! In this glorious cause, my brethren, we are permit- ted, yea, we are commanded to engage : — and through Christ strengthening us, we can do much. By our prayers, by our influence, and by our property, we can do much. Besides, those who devote their time, their talents and their wealth to the promotion of this benevolent object, will not be losers. The cause in which they labour, is the Lord’s, and he is able to return into their bosoms an hundred fold, and he icill do it. Not one sacrifice made for Christ shall ever pass unrewar- ded. The word of the immutable Jehovah is fledged. He that watereth, shall also himself be watered.^’ Those, and those only, use the world as not abus- ing it, who consecrate it to the glory of God, and in- scribe upon all their possessions, Holiness unto the Lord.’’ Those, who thus obey the divine command, shall not lose their reward. They shall obtain a blessing from the Lord. — They have no reason to expect, as a general thing, tliat their pecuniary stock will be di- minished, by acts of benevolence. For he that glv- eth to the poor, lendeth unto thef Lovd,’^ in whose hands are the treasures of the earth. God is pleased with the cheerful giver, and will restore unto him double. Yea, durable riches and righteousness shall be his re- ward. AVhilc the miser bolts his coffers and hardens his heart against the cry of poverty, and the wants of the miserable, he is starving his soul with eternal famine. His gold and his silver will testify against him, and prey upon his peace forever. But the liberal soul shall be made/ttf.” By giving to the poor, and dis- persing abroad, he is not only laying up treasures in heaven, but he is communicating happiness to others, and glorifying the King of Zion. My hearers, the sentiment of my text is applicable to men in almost every station and relation in life. It is, no doubt, designed to enforce this practical truth, that the way to obtain true riches is to lend unto the Lord : — To view ourselves as stewards of the Lord’s treasure, aud with feelings of true benevolence to em- brace every opportunity of supplying the wants of our fellow-men. It is my present design to apply the sentiment of the text-to the subject of evangelizing the heathen. My hearers, when we look abroad in the earth, we see, comparatively, nothing but darkness and death. The desolations, which sin has made, are spread far and wide. The prince of darkness holds almost an undivided dominion. Cast your eye on the map of the world. — How small a portion of the whole do you sec illuminated by the Sun of llighteousness. On our own continent, how many ignorant and mer- ciless beings have come to our knowledge ! And we may reasonably suppose that still greater numbers are to be found in the vast wilderness between the Missi- sippi and the Pacific Ocean. These uncultivated wilds ought not to be forgotten, though more promis- ing fields for present labour are to be found. Behold the degraded state of the poor Africans. — Despised and depressed by civilized nations, they are- immersed in more than midnight darkness, save a few scattered rays, which beam from the Cape of Good Hope, by the instrumentality of a R'icherevy a Van- dev Kemp, and their worthy successors, whose praise is in all the churches.” Nor should the numerous and fertile Islands in the Southern and Pacific Oceans be forgotten. Islands peopled with immortal, yet dying creatures, and all, with a very few exceptions, living and dying in sin ; -destitute of the delicious comforts of civilized life, and ignorant of the only Saviour of sinners. Cast your eyes, for a moment, to the East. View that vast and populous continent, with its adjacent Isl- ands. Here you behold 500,000,000 of immortal souls, almost wholly undejc the influence of abomina- H ble idolatry : — Pagans, practising the most absurd, cruel, and detestable rites, — or Mahometans, sunk in sensuality and sloth, inflated with pride, and the am. bition of proselyting with the sword. Over this vast number of human beings, darkness that may be felt spreads its gloomy wings. Not one ray of gospel light points out to them the path to hea- ven. Idols, horrid as obscene, fill every pagoda. Al- tars are planted under every green tree, to testify to the world, that the true God is not known. In this widely extended and populous part of the world, the door seems to be opening for the spread of the gospel. Though they are far removed from us, yet we can have access to them, and the prospects of extensive usefulness seem, at present, to be more flat- tering, than in any other part of the heathen world. In view of the deplorable state of the heathen, and tlie duty which presses upon the chui*ch, of putting the means of life into their hands ; let me solicit your at. tention to the doctrine of my text, in this connexion. Exertions made to evangelize the Heathen, WILL NOT IMPOVERISH, BUT ENRICIin'HE ClIURCH. However contrary this sentiment may be to the feel- ings and maxims of the world, still it is capable of sat- isfactory proof, both from scripture and facts ; and that too, not on the ground of miraculous providence, but on those common principles by which God deals with the church. 1. Exertions, made to evangelize the heathen tend to impress upon the church the value of the gospel. Those who have been educated under the light of the gospel, are exceedingly prone to undervalue this inestimable treasure. And in exact proportion as Christians undervalue the gospel, they undervalue that which makes them to difter from the degraded hea- then, and slight the greatest gift that God ever bestow- ed upon mankind. In no way do men so clearly see the value of their 0 blessings, as by contrasting their situation and pros- pects with those of the destitute. This contrast will be continually presented to the minds of those who engage in the noble work of evan- gelizing the heathen. They will see and feel, that the gospel is the great means, in the hand of God, of delivering them from darkness and infidelity, and open- ing to them those glories which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive.” It is a fact, my brethren, that the more you exert your iniluence to spread the knowledge of the Re- deemer, the more highly will you prize this blessed volume, which brings life and immortality to light. While you see its glorious inttuence in prostrating the idols of the heathen, you will have additional evi- dence of its divine original. While you arc labouring and praying to communicate this divine treasure to the blind votaries of paganism, a celestial flame will be enkindled in your OAvn breasts. Returning to the pe- rusal of the sacred pages, the pious heart M ill exclaim with new ardor, O how love I thy laM' ; it is my meditation all the day !” 3. Exertions made by Christians, to evangelize the heathen, greatly increase, and call into exercise, feel- ings of Christian benevolence. The spirit of the gospel is a spirit of benevolence. Where this temper is Avanting, true religion is Avant- iug. And Avhere Uiis abounds, the church Avill be rich in faith and good Avorks. So long as every man cares for his oMm, and no one for the things of another, the christiau graces are en- feebled, and the cause of Christ languishes. That course of conduct, then, which has the greatest tenden- cy to promote among Christians a spirit of enlarged beneA^olence, is the best calculated to enrich and adorn the church. The benevolent spirit of the gospel is a spirit AAdiicli impels to action. It is increased by exercise. Like the small rivulet fed by tributary streams, though 15 10 scarcely noticeable in its beginning, it at length be- comes great, and like the river of Egypt, spreads fer- tility and beauty all around it. It is a fact, corroborated by the testimony of thou- sands, that the more active Christians are, in looking into the necessities and supplying the wants of the des- titute, the more liberal are their feelings, and the more unlimited their exertions. As well may the rush grow without mire, or the reed without water, as evangelical benevolence, in the breast of that man, whose prayers and exertions arc confined to himself. Look at Christ, our great example of benovolence ! — Daily and hourly engaged in acts of humanity aui kindness. — Look at his first disciples. How did they arrive at such eminence in the divine life ? — By fol- lowing the footsteps of their Master — by engaging personally in the benevolent work of evangelizing the heathen. — Behold the great apostle of the Grentiles ! How did he attain to such a measure of the spirit of Christ ? What course did he pursue to become so much assimilated to the great Head of the church ? By labouring niglit and day — by encountering perils and hardships both by sea and land — by fasting and prayer, that the blessings of the gospel' might be dis- seminated through the'earth; He at length became so entirely engrossed in the cause of tlie church, that he almost forgot himself. I could wish myself accursed from Christ, fm’ my breth- ren and kinsmen according to the flesh.” He count- ed not Ids own life dea.r to him, that he might preach .lesus Christ, and him crucified, and thereby save the souls of his fellow-men, and glorify his beloved Sa- viour. My hearers, look around upon those within the cir- cle of your acquaintance. — Who are those individuals that most exemplify the spirit of Christ, and who ap- pear to derive the greatest consolation in the duties and exercises of religion ? Are they not those who have been in the habit of using their influence, of con- il tributing their property, and of supplicating the throne of grace, in behalf of the miserable and destitute ? My brethren, do yon desire to he delivered from a selfish, worldly spirit — do you wish for that consola- tion which results from a likeness to the blessed Je- sus ? Turn not a deaf ear to the cry of misery, bin- gage actively in the pleasing work of extending the borders of the Redeemer’s kingdom. 3. Exertions made to evangelize the heathen, will have a most happy tendency to unite the church. A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Though Christians cannot be called enemies, yet there often exists a sinful coldness of afleetion to each other. This sometimes rises to such a height as to destroy Christian communion, and greatly to dishonour the cause of Christ. There is a strange propensity in Christians to suffer difference of sentiment, though comparatively unim- portant, to extinguish, or at least suppress, those feel- ings of Christian fellowship, which should unite them as a band of brothers. The attention of the church is often too much occu- pied with idle speculations on subjects of minor im- portance, which often terminate in empassioned dis- cussions, and even in acrimonious disputings. Chris- tians are prone to tithe, mint, anise and cummin, while they neglect the weightier matters of the law.” To remedy this evil, both as it respects personal en- joyment, and the honour of Christ’s cause, let Chris- tians remember the great design of Christ’s coming in- * to the world. Let them fix their eye on that object for which they were redeemed from the powers of dai’kness. Let them follow the footsteps of the apos- tles, in striving to build up that kingdom which is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. No object has ever bad a more happy influence in removing personal and party prejudice among Chris- tians of the same, and of different denominations, than that of christianizing the heathen. We need only cast our eyes on the various reports of the numerous 13 missionary and bible societies, in England, and on the Continent, for full evidence of this. One spirit actuates them. The great question is, how can we most faciliate the circulation of the word of life. Christians of different denominations reciprocally assemble in multitudes, to celebrate the joyful anni- versaries of these benevolent societies. While they listen with eager attention to the successes of their mutual exertions, their hearts are warmed with love to one another, and glow with an increasing flame of be- nevolence towards the heathen. With cordiality they extend the hand of Christian fellowship. After ming- ling their prayers to God for the perishing heathen, and for his blessing upon their pious efforts, they joy- fully unite in commemorating the death of their com- mon Saviour. Here every party feeling is laid aside, and united thanksgiving crowns the sacred feast. Yes, my brethren, the angels of God view with rapture such interesting scenes, and hail them as the com- mencement of happier days. May we not confidently expect, that this great work of evangelizing the heathen will dispel every unchris- tian feeling, and 1)e the instrument of uniting the hearts and exertions of Christians, till the fellowship of the church on earth shall be like that above ? d. The exertions of the -church to evangelize the heathen, will confound infidels. No weapon formed against the church shall pros- per, but none has ever had a more threatening aspect, than that which unbelievers have fabricated, from ma- terials made ready to their hands, by the professed disciples of Christ. Hloth and indifference in religion are so repugnant to the doctrines and spirit of the gospel, that the ene- my thinks he has strong ground of objection, when he sees the inactivity of Christians. It was once romark- ed by a violent enemy of Christianity, — Were I a Christian, I would outlive them all.” My brethren, shall we endure this ? Shall we cru- cify the Son of God afresh ? God forbid that we 13 should dishonour that holy name by which we are called ! 'I’he infidel boldly says, The llihle is not the word of iiod ; if it were, it would have been sent to all man- kind. Christians do not believe that this is the only guide to heaven, or they would not be so indifferent res[)ecting its circulation. Now if christiaus were to arise, with united zeal and activity, and employ their time, their talents, and their property, for the extension of the church, the mouth of the infidel would be shut. His weapon would he turned against himself. He would be compelled to acknowledge, There is a divine reality in the Christian religion.’^ How active has been that potent combination of in- fidels ou the Continent of Eui-ope, in the last century ! No moans uere left untried to spread their nefarious principles, and (to use their own blasphemous lan- guage) to crush the wretch.’’ How should their activity stimulate us ! Let us, my brethren, in the heavenly spirit of the apostles, and with the indefatigable activity of these sons of Beli- al,” engage in spreading the doctrines of the cross, and what might we not expect ? The Holy Spirit would crown our efforts abroad, and shed his blessed influence on the churches at home. Let Christians, instead of conforming to customs of the world, unite all their efforts in spreading the gos- pel among their own countrymen, and the destitute heathen ; and more would be done to stop the mouths of gainsayers, than could be effected by the eloquence of ten thousand preachers. 5. The exertions of the church to evangelize the heathen, w ill dratv down the influences of the Holy Spirit upon ourselves, and our country. The Christian is never more happy, than tvhen en- gaged in acts of benevolence to his fellow -men. His reward is not only in heaven, but in the present feel- ings of his heart. He knows by experience, that it * is more blessed to give, than to receive.” 14 ✓ ^ But this is not all- Exertions made to save the souls of the heathen, will prove a most efficacious means of grace to ourselves, and our countrymen. There are many pious and respectable Christians, ♦^vho cannot think it the dpty of the American church- es to send away missionaries to foreign lands, as long as there are so many destitute churches, so many im- penitent sinners, and so many heathen in our own land. But here, the maxim ot the text has a powerful application. “ There is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” It is indeed a melancholy fact, that the labourers are so few, in comparison with the harvest at home. How shall we deliver our neighbours and country- men from the kingdom of darkness ? — Let us act up- on this gospel principle, that he who does good to oth- ers, has the most certain prospect of receiving good to himself. In no way may we so reasonably expect a revival of religion amoiig ourselves, as by sending the gospel, to- gether with a multitude of ils publishers, to heathen nations. This is a truth not only taught in the word of God, but abundantly confirmed by the history of the church in all ages. There never has been so much religion in Great Britain, as since they have tprned their attention to the heathen. The same may be said concerning all Chris- tian societies, in all parts of the world. And, my hearers, does not our own experience accord with this principle ? No event has ever excited the attention, and enkindled the devotion of our churches, more tlian our mission, which has recently been established in the East. AYhen have our churches been more flourishing ? — AVhen has there been a greater number of religious a- wakenings ? When has the Holy Spirit descended more copiously upon our Colleges, and Seminaries of learning ? AVlien has there been a greater number of * learned and pious preachers of the gospel ; and when have the destitute parts of our country been blessed 15 with the prcachin.^ of the gospel, more thnn at the j)resent day ? — 'Hie Lord will verify liis promise — The liberal soul shall be made fat.” AVe may setthis down as a truth, that we never shall, on the whole, be more destitute, by imparting to the heathen the bread of life. Yea, may we not reasona- bly expect, and that too on gospel principles, that re- ligion will revive at home, in exact proportion to the eflorts we make to send it abroad? Where one mis- sionary is scut to the heathen, may we not hope that faithful preachers will be raised up at home, in a ten- fold proportion ? With truth has it been said, that religion is a com-, modity of which the more we export, the more we have remaining.” While Christians are labouring and praying for the benighted heathen, the Holy S[m it will descend upon them, as rain upon the mown grass. While they arc striving to raise pagan idolaters from their miserable and dangerous condition, their hands w ill be strength- ened by the rapid increase of praying souls around them. While they are striving to impart to the chil- dren and youth, in heathen lands, the blessing of civi- lization, and the richer blessings of the gospel, their own children will feel the sacred impulse ; will start into life by their side, and consecrate the morning of their days to God. I have now attempted, as was proposed, to illus- trate and prove the sentiment of my text, by show ing that exertions to send the gospel to the heathen, would have a happy tendency on the church, by enhancing tlieir estimation of the gospel — by exercising and strengthening the feelings of benevolence — by promot- ing union among Christians — by stopping the mouths of infidels — and by drawing down the influences of the Holy Spirit around them. In view of this subject, I am led to remark, 1. On the reasonableness of the command of Christ to his disciples^ “ Go prcaeli the gospel to every crea- ture.” 16 This command though primarily given to the twelve apostles, is nevertheless binding on Christians in eve- ry age of the cliurch. So long as there is a single heathen on earth, the church is laid under the most solemn obligation to “ preach to him the gospel.” ♦ If any doubt remain, respecting the general appli- cation of this command, it must surely be removed by a consideration of tlie promise annexed : Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” The command must be coextensive with the promise. In this passage then, Christ addresses us. We are com- manded to engage in this benevolent work. And in Jt we may all engage, according to the true spirit of the command. Though we are not called, as were the apostles, to undertake personally in preaching the word, yet the work is to be carried on, so far as means are concerned, by tl^ prayers and liberality of tho church at home. Has not Christ a right to give such a command to his followers ? Clothed as he is with Omnipotence, and standing at the head of his church, who can dis- pute his divine authority ? This command is reasonable. Who has purchased your redemption? Who groaned on the cross to save your souls from death ? The same Being who now calls upon you to show your love to Him, by sending His gospel to the Gentiles. Where then is your grat- itude to Him who not only ransomed you from death, but through whose blood, you derive all the blessings of life ? Is it not reasonable that you should render to Him what is already His own ; especially wlien, thus doing, you may expect he will return an hundred-fold into your own l)osoms ? God is able to carry on his work without the agen cy of his creatures. But this is not according to his wise and benevolent purposes. He well knows that the graces of his children require exercise : and there fore in love to them, he gives them the privilege of l>e- ing co-workers with the Lord Jesus Christ. He has left them a great work to do — a work wliich *lcmauds 17 ail their time, and all their talents. And he who re/' fuses to exert himself in behalf of the heathen, not on- ly disobeys the rcasoTiable command of Christ, but starves his own soul. He will neither partake of the bread of life himself, nor help it forward to those wlip arc destitute. • S. From our subject, I am led to remark on the rea- sonableness of the conduct of the ancient apostles. The twelve disciples were literally missionaries. — They were ordained and sent forth by the great Head of the church, to proselyte heathen nations to the doc- trines of the cross. Nor were they disobedient to the heavenly call. They “ did not confer w ith flesh aiul% blood.’’ They did not refuse to go to the distant hea- then, on the pretence that much remained to be done at home. They first gave thei%own countrymen the offer of salvation, and when their countrymen refused to hear them, they turned to the gentiles. And when, among the gentiles, their labours WTre blessed, they established churches, appointed over them rulers and teachers, and still pursued their way to other cities and nations — determining to spread the doctrines of the cross as far as lay in their power. They explored other regions — travelled by sea and by land — visited the most populous regions of the w orld, and spoke with boldness in the name of Jesus. Pursuing that course which the finger of God pointed out, they feared nei- ther prisons nor gibbets. AVhen they were brought before rulers and governors, Christ remembered them, and put words into their mouths. When they were imprisoned, the light of heaven cheered their dungeon ; and when put to death, they gloried in the sacrifice, for Christ’s sake. If the apostles had acted according to the maxims of the world, they w^ould, probably, never have left Je- rusalem ; for that city was filled with infidels, and im- penitent sinners. There v. ere their friends and neigh- bours. Why not stay till they were all converted to the faith ? What then w’^ould have become of the gen- tiles ? Where should wq have been ? Probably in C lieathenisli darkness. Instead of assembling in the sanctuary, and worshipping the true God, we might, this evening, have bovt'ed before Baal. Instead of pre- senting to Jehovah of Hosts the pure sacrifice of pray- er and praise, our altars might have been stained with the blood of our immolated sons and daughters ; and even our own blood might have been shed to appease the anger of demons. Blessed be God, that through the instrumentality of these pious missionaries, our an- cestors became acquainted with the gospel of Christ, and have transmitted it to us, their posterity. Let me ask, my hearers, do you not approve of the conduct and admire the zeal of the apostles ? Yes.” ^Vhy then are you so indifferent about evangelizing the distant heathen, at the present day? Souls are as j)re- cious now, as then. The prospects of success are as great, because Christ is still with his missionaries, even to the end of the world. The hardships and dangers of the undertaking are no greater. No objection can be urged against missionary ef- forts, at the present day, that will not equally con- demn the conduct of Christ and his apostles. If then any objection be made, let it be aimed at the great Head of the church. Ho not condemn the disciple for acting according to the command of his Lord. Finally. From a general view of this subject, we may see motives sufficient to justify the greatest exer- tions to send the gospel to the heathen. It has, it is believed, been proved, that the church at home will be enriched I)y such efforts. This alone would seem to be a sufficient stimulus to action. But in addition to this, be intreated to consider that multi- tudes of wretched heathen arc every day dropping in- to eternity, ignorant of the only w ay of life and salva- tion. ' The field for labour is truly large. But because we cannot occupy the whole, shall we (juietly fold our Immls and do nothing ? AVe must select that part of tlie lieathen world, which presents the most favourable ])ro.specls. We ought not to suffer any local or per- 19 sonal feelings to insulate onv ellorts, or confine us ak home, when Providence has opened a wide door to the foreign heathen. Xhc soul of a Hindoo, or Hottentot, though thousands of miles distant, is of as much value, and its salvation will cause as much joy in heaven, as the soul of an American. My hearers, if no higher motive could he found to stimulate our exertions, than the cause of hnmaniti/y methinks this alone would he suilleient. AVith what liberality does the philanthropist oj)en his hand to e- rcct hospitals and almshouses for the comfort of the sick and the poor ! And are there no bowels of mer- cy to yearn over the self-torturing pilgrimages of tlu^ heathen ? Are there no tears of compassion in view of the flaming pyrc,consuming the living with the dead? Is there no outstretched hand, to seize the drowning infant ? Is the arm of humanity palsied, that it can- not drag the infatuated wretch from under the car of Juggernaut ? Here is an ample field for the philanthropist, but still j^renter for the Christian. Here arc multitudes of immortal souls, not only under the degrading influ- ence of superstition, but exposed every moment to eter- nal ruiu ; and no friendly voice to tell them of their danger, or point out to them the way of escape. Mis- erable beings ! AVoflld to God, that there were thou- saiuls oi Brainerds and Vander KemjJS, to weep and. . labour and pray for their salvation ! Could we but visit these places of abomination and cru- elty, we could not be indifferent respecting their wretch- ed state. If one spark of Christian benevolence dwell in our breasts, it must impel us to action. If love to perishing souls can stimulate to vigorous efforts for their salvation, then the friends of Christ cannot be in- active in helping forward to the heathen the invaluable blessings of the gospel. Let not distance of place furnish an excuse for not engaging in this great work. Let not the self-denials and hardships of the undertaking deter us from the at- tempt. How many hundreds of our countrymen bid ^0 adieu to friends and country — explore distant regions — learn the most difficult languages — expose them- selves to a thousand dangers, in sultry and unhealth- ful climates ; and all this for a little shining dust ; or for that honour which vanishes before the light of eter- nity. How long shall the children of this world be wiser in their generation than the children of liglit? Had you brothers and sisters in a distant heathen laud, under the influence of pagan delusion, would you think any sacrifice of property, or any labour, too great, to impart to them the sweet comforts of civiliz- ed society, and to open to them the gates of heaven ? W ould not your hearts beat high with joy, at the thought of telling them that human guilt was expiated on Calvary — that they have no need of their supersti- tious and sanguinary rites — but that repentance to- wards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, con- stitute the only way of deliverance from the wrath to come ? But the souls of strangers are as precious as those of your kindred. Will it not be a source of unspeakable consolation , to us, in our dying hour, to reflect, that we have done something in this glorious twork of enlightening the lieathen ? In heaven, my christmn brethren, how' glo- rious the thought, of meeting the souls of pagans, ran- somed by the blood of Christ, and saved by our in- strumentality ! Who would not labour apd suffer and die for such an olvject ? This happiness may be ours. Shall we neglect the privilege ? Shall wo despise the blessing ? If ice refuse to engage in tliis great har- vest, the work will go on — Israel will be gathered — all the enemies of Zion w ill be disappointed and des- troyed. The work is the Lord’s. Others will be raised up, with the spirit of the first apostles, who will rejoice to bear the precious gospel to the ends of tlie earth, and receive the blessing ofl'ered to us. If then we do any thing in this blessed cause, it must be done (juiekly ; for the time is at hand, when the 21 f great Lord of the harvest will call us to render an ac- count of our labours. And are we prepared to give up our account ? Will our consciences justify us in say- ing that we have improved our Lord’s bounty to his glory, and to the salvation of perishing souls ? Once more. Let me entreat you, my hearers, to be earnest at the throne of grace for the benighted hea- then. ‘f Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.’^ In this pleasant duty, all may engage. ' In this wa;^ every one may contribute to the great cause. Not one prayer will be disregarded. AV^henever you bow before the throne of grace, think of the millions that arc \yorship- ping dumb idols. ‘ Pray with confidence and perseve- t ranee, Thy kingdom come,’’ until your faith is chan- ged into vision, and your prayers, into the songs of an- gels. A HYMN Sung aji the deliiiery of a valedictory Discourse, by one of the JUis sionaries : Tuesday evening, Oct. 17, 181S. SOVEREIGN, free and pow’rful grace, Saves the guilty race of man ; Stays the wand’rers downward race, Consummates fair mercy’s plan. Freely as we have receiv’d, Freely we our ofiFerings bring ; By thy grace our souls believ’d. Teach our lips that grace to sing. Near the solemn, parting hour, ' Round thy awful throne we bend j Spirit, grant thy quickening power, Let our souls to heaven ascend. Pardon, Lord, the falling tear, Christians, sure, are born to love ; Yet tho’ separated here. May we meet to sing above. Gracious Saviour, thou wilt ne’er Leave the soul who loves his God, Neither earth nor hell we fear. While w'e trust thy precious blood. Let thy arm of grace defend. These who leave their native shore j Winds and waves on thee depend, All are subjects of thy power. AVaft the ship to Ceylon’s Isle, AV'here in darkness Satan reigns ; Bid tlie ransom’d heathen smile. Break the captive sinner’s cliains. Shield them from the tempter’s art, Then their only strength and stay j Spirit dwell in ev’ry heart. Till they reach the realms of day. Now' our strains united rise — Soon these mingling notes w ill cease } Saviour, hear us from tlie skies, Geully soothe each heart to peace.. When life’s varying scenes are o’er. And we launch in death’s cold sea. May we meet on Canaan’s shore. Ever with thee let ns be. 23 The Missionaries^ Farewell : Sung on the same occasion. KINDRED, and friends, and native land, How shall we say farewell ? And, when our swelling sails expand, How will ourhosonis swell ! Yes, nature, all thy soft delights. And tender ties we know. But love more strong than death unites To Him that bids us go. Thus, when our ev’ry passion mov’d. The gushing tear-drop starts : The cause of JESUS, more helov’d. Shall glow within our hearts. The sighs we breathe for precious souls, Where He is yet unknown. Might waft us to the distant poles. Or to the burning zone. With the warm wish our besoms swell, Our glowing powers expand : Farewell, then, we can say farewell! Our friends, our native land ! Farewell to the Missionaries: Suns at their embarcation, SOVEREIGN of worlds ! display thy pow’r, Be this thy Zion’s favour’d hour ; Bid the bright morning star arise. And point the nations to the skies. Set up thy throne where Satan reigns, On Afric’s shore, on India’s plains ; On wilds and continents unknown — And be the universe thy own ! Speak — and the w orld shall hear thy voice j Speak — and the deserts shall rejoice ! Scatter the shades of moral night ; Let worVliless Idols flee the light ! S4* Trusting in Him, dear brethren,, rear The Gospel Standard, void of fear : Go, seek with joy your destin’d shore, ^ To view your native land no more. Yes — Christian Heroes ! — go — proclaim Salvation through IMMANUEL’s name i To Ceylon’s Isle the tidings bear. And plant the Rose of Shauon there. He’ll shield you with a wall of fire, "With flaming zeal your breasts inspire s Bid raging winds their fury cease. And hush the tempest into peace. And when our labours all are o’er. Then we shall meet to part no more $ Meet with the blood-bought throng to fall. And crown our Jesus, LORD OF, ALL ! N : • M • ! i: .’ '