Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

but to give himself continually to the Ministry of the Word and to prayer. O happy Missionaries, who devote even the profits of their literary labours to one common fund, for the furtherance of the Gospel of their Saviour and the salvation of their fellow sinners! Their reward is with the Most High.

On the subject of domestic economy, I shall allude to self-preservation, or the management of health. About this we may suppose a Missionary to be totally unconcerned. Yet, though ready to part with life when God calls, he must not be prodigal of it. The health of preachers and of friends was not above Apostolic attention and care. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities—I wish thou mayest be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

(3). A Sound Mind is required further in the deportment of the Missionary toward his Brethren, and the various persons with whom he may in any way be connected.

He must carry others' burdens, and bear with others' infirmities. He must counsel his brother, and make allow ance for human frailties. He must never give occasion to the Heathen to say otherwise than-" See how these Christians love one another!"

The daily conduct and general deportment of a Missionary toward all men, may require peculiar discretion. A word out of order may lead to fearful consequences. A mere inattention to the courtesies of life, or the least motion which can be construed into impropriety, becomes in him a fault, not soon forgotten.

His duty to God, and his earnest desire to comply with every wish of his Civil Governor, may sometimes clash in such a case, what courage, judgment, and meekness are required! The present day, indeed, affords peculiar facilities, by the kindness and zeal of many persons in authority, to aid our Missionaries and promote the Gospel of our Redeemer. Both in the

civil and military departments, friends have been raised up, who have earnestly sought the best interests of the Hea then. The warmest thanks are due to these Honourable and Christian Men: and our prayers shall ascend with those of our Missionaries, that, faithful to their God, their Country, and their King, they may long be spared as the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof ; and may, at the end of their course, die in the full enjoyment of the blessing of the Gospel of peace.

It must be expected that the Missionary, in the course of his labours, will meet with enemies. Persons, inimical to truth or indifferent to real religion, may misrepresent or misunderstand him: and unreasonable and wicked men may shoot out their arrows, even bitter words. To meet this trial, a spirit both of Courage and Love and of a Sound Mind may be unitedly requisite. The Missionary is not, however, without the highest and best examples. If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil!-Being defamed, we entreat. Among ourselves, also, we have had men, who have known how to be abased: when a beloved Brother, before alluded to, was called to endure unjust insi nuations, he reviled not again; "Conscious that I did not deserve the censures that were cast upon me, I committed myself to God; and, in Him, may I abide till the indignation be overpast!" Another exemplary labourer in the East was of the same spirit: from the moment when he perceived himself to be misjudged, and unjustly or ungratefully treated, he set himself to make a Covenant with the door of his lips, lest he should offend with his tongue : "Of what use," he would observe, “is it to justify myself, and to convince those who have mistaken me that they are wrong? This they do not wish to perceive; and will only be the more inveterate against me, if I force open their eyes." Patient endurance and judicious love will frequently win the hearts of foes. When a man's ways

please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies be at peace with him.

sionaries can only be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. They' cannot be made by man. They cannot be formed by education. They cannot be qualified by natural endowments. "It is Jesus," said a converted African, in all the simplicity of his unadulterated faith, "it is Jesus, who must send Missionaries." The most splendid talents and every natural gift, without

All these varying circumstances and duties require a subdued mind and sound judgment. There must be a single eye. Pride, passion, and self in all its bearings, must be put down, or the work of a Missionary will be impeded, if not destroyed. But that, which, without rashness is undertaken in Christian Wisdom and conducted zeal for Christ and tender love for in Christian Love, may be performed souls, will accomplish nothing. without fear. With proper ballast, the vessel will float steadily in the midst of storms.

But who is sufficient for these things?

This leads me to consider

THE SOURCE from which these QUA
LIFICATIONS ARE DERIVED.

2. These gracious qualifications are NOT SELF ACQUIRED, BUT ARE IMPARTED IMMEDIATELY FROM GOD HIMSELF.

The more spiritual and heavenly the work, the more opposite is it to the nature of fallen man. The preparation of the heart, and the answer of the No one but he who is called of God tongue, are from the Lord. To give can execute the work of a Missionary. themselves wholly to their work, to But the humble man, who desires the labour fervently in prayer, to discover salvation of the Heathen-who has a the mind of Christ, to dispense the capacity for study and thought-Word in due season, to be an example who prays, watches the leadings of to believers-indeed require supernaProvidence, and burns to proclaim the tural aid. Who does not see that Misglory and grace of his Redeemer- sionaries can only strive according to His shall find that he has not run before working, who worketh in them mightily! he was sent. Though perpetually reIt is a heavenly endowment. There minded of his weakness and insuffi- are diversities of gifts, but the same Spiciency, though at times oppressed rit. And there are differences of adminiwith a sense of his guilt and unworthi- strations, but the same Lord. And there ness, though through a variety of trials almost overwhelmed-yet shall God arise, interpose, encourage, and bless him, with a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1. We observe, then, that these qualifications ARE NOT NATURAL BUT

[blocks in formation]

are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all. As in the building of the Tabernacle and Temple, so in the raising of the Spiritual Church, the Most High prepares and employs workmen, that need not to be ashamed; and He directs, assists, and blesses them, with all needful grace. Thus the living stones are collected from every quarter of the earth, and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the Chief Corner-Stone; in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord.

3. The Missionary must also remember that these qualifications ARE TO BE EXERCISED IN A CONSTANT DE PENDENCE ON GOD.

If he lean to his own understanding, or rely on his own strength, if he continue and act independently of God, and do not seek his direction, and acknowledge him in all his ways, he will certainly err in doctrine and in practice. When separated from intercourse with his brethren, he may be the more exposed to the temptation of partial or peculiar views of the Gospel of Christ. The mind may become fanciful and sickly; and be led to imagine that it has made some particular discoveries of divine truth. Let the word of Christ, therefore, dwell in him richly in all wisdom'; and let him exercise a simple dependence on the Spirit of God, that the truth, the heart-cheering and sanctifying truth as it is in Jesus, may never be forsaken or obscured. In dispensing this Word, he must not be elated with prosperity, lest he fall into the condemnation of pride; nor be overwhelmed by disappointments, lest he turn himself back in the day of battle. Above all men he should live near to Him, who is wise in counsel and mighty in strength. He may other

wise set out with the finest prospects
of success, and after all disappoint
the hopes and expectations of the
Let a Heathen
Church of Christ.
expect to conquer without being in-
debted to invisible help; but a Chris-
tian knows that he is nothing but as
he is taught and strengthened from
above. It is the Saviour's promise
that sustains him—My grace is suffi-
cient for thee, for my strength is made
perfect in weakness.

By this constant dependence on
God, the weakest in nature have, on
some occasions, manifested the great-
Women have
est courage in grace.
been tortured, not accepting deliverance,
that they might obtain a better resurrec-
tion. "It is all well, dear Saviour,"
said a Moravian Sister, when about to
which the
perish in the flames
Heathen had kindled around her.
Unless, then, the Most High, "pre-
vent us in all our doings with His
most gracious favour, and further us
with his continual help," the mighty
men do bow themselves, and the watchman
waketh but in vain.

Instructions of the Committee, delivered to the Missionaries by the Secretary, at a Special General Meeting of the Society, held at Freemasons' Hallthe Right Honourable the President in the Chair.

DEARLY BELOVED IN THE LORD

WHEN the Committee recal to memory the various occasions on which the Society's Labourers have been instructed and encouraged, preparatory to their entering on the work to which they had devoted themselves, they feel mingled emotions of sorrow and of joy. They lament the early departure to their Eternal Rest, of many of those faithful Servants of Christ, who, in these few first years of the Society's labours, have been called away from those useful and important exertions which are so greatly needed in this benighted world. But, in their holy services while living, in the triumphs of their dying hours, and in

their present happiness with their Lord, the Society cannot but feel a sacred joy.

You, Christian Friends, are following, as we trust, in the same blessed career; and go forth with one simple aim and purpose-to promote, in your proper sphere and according to the grace given unto you, the present and everlasting happiness of those among whom you may be appointed to pass your days.

Some of you can teach the simple arts of life; and can thereby shew to uncivilized men, that you know, better than they do, the things which may contribute to their present comfort.

Others may open to such men a

new world, in teaching them to read, in their own tongue, the wonderful works of God.

Others of you go forth, invested with the Sacred Office of Ministers of Reconciliation and Ambassadors of Christ.

You will all lay it to heart, whether you are Christian Men or Christian Women, that it is not for Ease, nor for Honour, nor for the indulgence of Self in any form, that you leave your friends and your country.

We trust that you have seriously deliberated and solemnly resolved on the work before you. We trust that each of you has often inquired, "What is my aim?"-"What do I mean, in leaving my kindred and my friends ?"

Dangers crowd thick around you; and of these it is our duty affectionately to warn you. A self-confident spirit has withered the strength of some who promised well, and sensual indulgence has palsied others. It is the contrite and the pure spirit, which marks the eminent instrument of God. At this moment, we could point out to you fearful monuments of shipwrecked talents; and of ardour and activity of mind diverted, by secular feelings and views, from that one direction of them which is the true glory of a Missionary-the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ in the world. And, in these things, we can speak to you with the authority of experience. This Society is not of many years' standing, but it has had to do with a great variety of characters. To the faithful Men and Women who have died in the Lord, we direct your eyes; and we say, Follow them, as they followed Christ: they have laboured; go ye, and enter into their labours.

You are proceeding, Christian Friends, to INDIA, to CEYLON, to NEW ZEALAND, and to WEST AFRICA.

Those of you who are appointed to INDIA will all sail as soon as circumstances will admit. The Court of

Directors of the East-India Company have been pleased to grant Licences for you to proceed to the respective Presidencies in which you are labour.

to

You, MR. KENNEY, WITH MRS. KENNEY AND YOUR FAMILY, and you, MR. RIDSDALE, are appointed to Madras; and you, MR. LA ROCHE, with MR. AND MRS. MORRIS, Mr. and MRS. PEROWNE, and MR. BROWN, are appointed to Calcutta.

When arrived at these places, you will act entirely under the direction of the respective Corresponding Committees, at those Presidencies. The Society may rejoice in having now, in each of the Three Presidencies, a Body of Men, who, from their situation, their local knowledge, their intelligence, and their piety, are enabled to conduct its Missions in India with peculiar advantages; as they can take a comprehensive view, and consequently form a judgment, of the various circumstances connected with the Mission.

correct

The Instructions and Addresses delivered to former Missionaries, will furnish you with many important hints on your conduct toward the Natives of India.

The Committee will add a few suggestions, arising from the experience of the Society, or from the communications of persons well acquainted with local circumstances.

Beside that relation which you will bear to the Society through the medium of its Corresponding Committees, you will have important duties to fulfil toward the Government under whose authority you will live; and, on this point, the Committee would lay it as a solemn injunction on all persons connected with the Society, cautiously to abstain from interfering, in any discussions between Government and the Natives-the sole object of the Society being to promote the intellectual, moral, and religious improvement of the people of India, by the diffusion of Christianity.

With the character of the Natives, for whose everlasting good you devote yourselves to the service of Christ in India, and with the most promising means of benefiting them, Christian Labourers are daily becoming better acquainted. The Committee avail themselves of the information which they have received on this subject, to add some directions to those which have been given on former occasions. Many illustrations of the remarks which follow, will be found in the Journals of Mr. Bowley at Chunar, and of Mr. Rhenius at Madras, printed with the Society's Reports; and in the very interesting Journals of the Society's faithful labourer, Abdool Messeeb.

In your intercourse with the Natives, while you preserve the purity of the Christian Character, you cannot connect yourselves too closely with them. Endeavour to bring yourselves down to their habits and customs, and to become familiar with their language. You can scarcely identify yourselves too much with them, in order to be useful. Conciliation and condescension are, in these respects, of the utmost importance. You must be willing to mingle and converse with them, in a familiar way-to bear with their errors and prejudices-and thus endeavour to engage their affections and confidence.

It has been recommended as a plan likely to answer for collecting a Native Congregation, to have small huts built in the midst of the native habitations, something like their own; in order that, from the very appearance of the building, they may feel greater freedom, of access. Here, or under the shade of a tree, you may easily collect the people.

There is little difficulty in assembling a Congregation in the towns; but such a Congregation is fluctuating. If you ask an individual in the Bazars any question respecting his situation, the very circumstance of an European conversing with a Native will soon

be the means of collecting a number around you, with whom you may lead the conversation to the great truths of the Gospel. The Natives have, in general, much leisure and curiosity; and, in the villages at a distance from the principal cities, an European is a stranger, and would more awaken their curiosity and interest than a Native.

The Natives of India peculiarly require, in your dealings with them, a mixture of firmness and kindness. Be perfectly open and affable; and yet, take care not to caress and spoil them. Let a prudent reserve be softened by the utmost kindness. If you indulge the Natives, there is dangerof their taking improper liberties, and becoming proud and unmanageable. While you are gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; yet remember the charge of St. Paul to Timothy, Let no man despise thee.

The Natives scarcely ever confide in one another. Let YOUR whole conduct approve you to them, as their hearty and decided friends. This will, in time, have its full weight on them.

There are some other features of the Hindoo Character which ought to be known. You will find them willing to oblige, in many cases, even to excess. There is among them a habitual disregard of truth. Their object, in their replies, is, so to answer as they think will most gratify you. They can carry on deception to an amazing extent, if they think it will serve their temporal ends. If they conceive, for instance, that they can obtain a place through the interest of a Missionary, they will pretend contrition and zeal for religion, and go a great way in an insincere profession of the truth. You will find much ground of caution on this subject, in the account of a Gooroo, at Madras, in the Appendix to the Nineteenth Report of the Society.

Yet while credulity must be guarded

« AnteriorContinuar »