PREFACE. THE advocates of foreign missions are obliged to contend with serious obstacles when they plead with Christians to send the gospel to the heathen. Many of those whom they address combine with a very limited knowledge of the subject, the strange belief that it stands in hostile array against their personal interests and the spiritual welfare of their countries. So long have they possessed the inestimable blessings of divine grace, that they have at least practically forgotten that these blessing were neither communicated originally to them, nor designed exclusively for them. Hence they assume as a princi ple of action, that they have a right to dispense the gospel in the manner and measure which their judgement and generosity may dictate. The following pages aim at the correction of these and similar mistakes. Those arguments which are usually advanced against foreign missions, are briefly and dispassionately considered, while those which should engage every Christian in this work are presented to the consciences of all to whom they apply. To divest the subject of all local or extraneous associations, the writer has had recourse to an effort of imagination. He has pictured a scene for the occasion, which lies within the region of the strictest probability, and is perhaps best calculated to place the subject of missions in its true aspect. His object is not to pamper a vitiated taste, nor to embellish truth with the trappings of imagery. The candid reader will not charge him with much attempt at dramatic effect. He will soon perceive that the characters introduced are with very few exceptions made to possess about the same amount of intelligence, and to employ the same style of address. They are represented as urging rather what might be advanced on the points they advocate, than what persons under their circumstances would be qualified to adduce. The sole intention of the writer in this ideal scene is to present the Christian duty of evangelizing all nations, in as pure and strong a light as he can pour upon it. CONTENTS. PREFACE. PAGE. CHAPTER I.- Description of the Assembly.- Opened with reading the Scriptures expressive of God's purpose to convert all nations, and the means of its accomplishment,.. CHAPTER II.-Speech of an Oriental; his own ignorance especially of the subjects referred to in the texts cited,-how can they be reconciled with the history of the church? Disobedience to Christ's commands. Its effects upon his relatives and friends,............ CHAPTER III -An Englishman. - Attempts to reconcile the discrepancies alleged. Greatest exertions to be given to the most important places. England most important; therefore the command not disobeyed,.. CHAPTER IV. - American, country,... applies the same reasoning to his own ..... CHAPTER V.-German to his,..... nese- exposes the absurdity of such interpretation,-shows they have not carried out their own principles,. CHAPTER VII.-A native of India, of European parents. - Reaction of Missions. To benefit one's own country must act on a liberal scale,.. CHAPTER VIII.-Second day. One who had prevented his son from becoming a Missionary. Charity begins at home. Heathen enough at home,.. CHAPTER IX. Layman of education who had two sons Missionaries. Fallacy of the above objections,.. CHAPTER X.- Á Christian who knew very little of Missions, and took no pains to become interested in them.-Time not yet come not take God's work out of his hand,. CHAPTER XI. Converted Mahometan. - Inconsistency of previous reasoning. Do not act up even to this. Providential preparations for the gospel in many places,........... CHAPTER XII.A minister who was once going to the heathen, but abandoned his purpose.The heathen in a much better state than many suppose,.. Must Only CHAPTER XIII. A commentator.- Destiny of the heathen.safe plan of action,. CHAPTER XIV.-Third day. Subject of the day, sectarian distinc. tion. Speakers contending that the church must first be purified, each in his own way. A converted Brahmin. - Effects of this seetarian spirit upon himself and the church. Greatest hinderance to Missions,... CHAPTER XV. Liberal-minded Christian.-How sects might act in concert in evangelizing the world,.. CHAPTER XVI. Objections to Missions by a Millenarian, answered by one of the same school. No other speaker. Old man who first spoke surprised at what he had heard, asked what grand laws had been enacted for extending the kingdom of Christ. This to be the subject of future discussion,.... CHAPTER XVII. First principle admitted by the assembly.-Second principle. A heathen inquired why so many young men remained at home.-Many replies,... 9.8 67 83 91 100 ....... 103 |