might be one or two unmarried missionaries connected with every considerable station. These, without embarrassment of any kind, might take a wide range, visit schools wherever established, hold meetings wherever practicable, distribute books and tracts, collect information, watch for opening doors, and act the part of the vanguard and scouting parties of an army. Such men, when worn down with labors or attacked by diseases, will have comfortable homes to which they may retreat for assistance and refreshment. Missionaries of this class would have many important opportunities for doing good denied to such as are confined at home by the cares of a family."
But generally, it is not good for the missionary to be alone. In most instances those who reside permanently in one place should be married men, and for the following reasons.
1. The reasons which make it proper and expedient for ministers at home to marry, all apply to the case of the missionary. As a man he possesses the same nature, and it is no better for him to be alone than it is for them. Nor are his circumstances better fitted to reconcile him to the monastic life. They will rather give strength to that powerful law of nature, which is operative alike in all countries and climates and among all conditions and classes of people, producing the family state. It might seem indeed, that the perpetual cheerlessness of his habitation would urge him, as a christian, to more frequent and intimate communion with his Savior, than is common with married men; but experience has long since demonstrated the cloister not to be the most favorable place for meditation, prayer, and a close walk with God. Indeed there are no reasons in favor of marriage in the minister who remains at home, which do not apply generally to