Mr. Binney's address : [the Baptist Missionary Magazine - extra]

MR. BINNEY'S ADDRESS.

BAPTIST MISSIONARY MAGAZINE.

[EXTRA.]

The substance of the following Address was delivered by Mr. Binney on the occasion
of the designation of missionaries to Burmah, in Bowdoin Square meeting-house, Bos-
ton, Nov. 5, 1843. It was committed to writing during the subsequent voyage, and
is placed at our disposal, at our request. The views which it expresses, appear to us
to be eminently timely and momentous. We believe, indeed, that until they become
common among us, until they be wrought into the very texture of the Christian church,
both ministers and people, we shall continue to lag in our work of evangelizing the
heathen. We bespeak for the Address no hurried nor cursory perusal. Let it bo
studied, and pondered, and " kept in the heart," mingled with much prayer and a
rigid self-application. We have broken it into paragraphs, for the more convenient
reference ; but it should be read continuously. And may the Spirit of all wisdom and
grace add his blessing thereto. — [Eds.]

^titiress of £^x. 23mtxej.

The present occasion is one of very deep interest. Not only is it so to the
church generally, which is moved by whatever affects any portion of Christ's
cause ; and to our immediate relatives and friends, who regard it as one of the
last stages of a process which is soon to separate us from them ; but particularly
is it so to the parties more immediately concerned. The Board are about to
increase their already numerous responsibilities, and cannot but be anxious
respecting the result of our appointment. The missionaries to-night occupy a
position whence we can readily observe what has been and is about to be
relinquished, and with some certainty anticipate tlie, to us, untried circumstan-
ces and labors to which we are designated. Our age and our past circum-
stances prepare us to feel the solemnity of now confirming our former reso-
lutions.

INDUCEMENTS TO ENTER THE FOREIGN FIELD.

We are not surprised, therefore, that many inquire — Why, at our period of
life, we are induced to enter upon the uncertain vicissitudes of a foreign field.
In the few remarks I may offer this evening, let me first glance at what has in-
duced this determination.

JVbt the lightness of sacrifices incurred.
It is not, dear friends, that this step involves no sacrifice on our part. We do
not, indeed, anticipate many of the trials to which the pioneers of this cause
1

2 Addrtss of Mr. Binney.

were exposed. Some of these arose solely from a combination of circumstances
such as seldom occurs. Others were peculiar to new and to untried iields.
Such is the condition of our places of destination, that we do not apprehend a
violent death, nor imprisonment ; though we are too well acquainted with the
instability and caprice of arbitrary governments, not to know that possibly we
may be subjected even to these. Such also are the facilities of intercourse be-
tween these stations and the churches at home, that it cannot be necessary to
expose us to great deprivations of any of the comforts of life. To anticipate
them, therefore, would be an uncharitable suspicion of our brethren and friends,
which we have not for a moment indulged. But if extraordinary trials may not
await us, we cannot forget that the happiness or the suffering of life depends
mostly upon its more ordinary events. Its every-day bestowments are the most
essential to our welfare, and these, to no small extent, must be relinquished by
every one who becomes a foreign missionary. We know the privileges of this
free country, and we have enjoyed its literary, social, and religious associations;
our homes were stored with comforts, as yours are to-night ; we loved our peo-
ple, and they loved us ; our numerous relatives and our other personal friends
are unspeakably dear to us ; our very language is replete with the most tender
associations ; hitherto, in our anxieties and labors, we have had the sympathy and
cooperation of many friends, and in perplexing circumstances we have been
associated with those ready to counsel us, and to share with us our responsibili-
ties. I speak the sentiment of you all when I say, that suddenly to part with
any such tributaries to your happiness would deeply afflict you. You know
what sorrow is experienced when Divine Providence lessens your comforts, or
removes even a single loved one from your family circles. What, then, must
be our feelings, when called to relinquish nearly all, of every class, at about one
and the same time. Believe us, no one who has the sympathies of a man, and
the tender attachments which a Christian should possess, can become a foreign
missionary without great sacrifices.

JVbt the romance of missionary life.
Of all this we are well assured. Our age and habits forbid the indulgence of
mere romance. Missionary labor is now too well known as an every-day busi-
ness, fitted to test our patience and to exhaust our powers. We have seen too
much of men and things to be deceived respecting the position we are really to
occupy. Besides, we are too well acquainted with the true state of missionary
feeling and action at home, to indulge in mere imagining. It is a painful fact,
taught us by years of pastoral labor and observation, that the missionary is not
remembered as he should be by the great body of our church members. True,
there are exceptions to this ; and to us it is a consolation which no language can
express, that there are a few who will daily remember us and our labors in
earnest prayer to God, and from whom we may expect prompt and persevering
cooperation. May our Heavenly Father long spare their lives and their means
of usefulness, and may He greatly increase their number. But how. very few
there are, who are conscious that the wants, and especially the usefulness of the
missionary, are the subjects of their daily, secret pleading with God ! And even
to the " monthly concert prayer meeting" how very small a part of the church
come up to pray the Lord of the harvest, either to send forth more laborers, or
to bless those already in the field. How few pastors succeed in obtaining a
general attendance of their people upon this meeting. Alas, how few pastors
so much as expect all their peeple to be interested in this work of praying for

Address of Mr. Binney. 3

the missionary cause. Even in our cities it is often thought necessary to unite the
meetings of different churches in order to secure an ordinary assembly. And,
then, how small is the number of those, who cheerfully make sacrifices that
they may be able to give liberally to this cause. And how much smaller is their
number, who faithfully labor to induce others to give. And when once they
sincerely engage in this work, how easily do other subjects divide their ranks
and divert their efforts. Upon their constancy in prayer and in effort for this
cause, our success very largely depends. With so intimate an acquaintance then
with this whole subject, it would indeed be strange, if we were not soberly to
contemplate the work upon which we are about to enter.

No, brethren, we are not influenced to this step by the supposition that sacri-
fices are here no longer required ; nor because we have failed to perceive that
necessity. Not only is the sphere one of necessary self-denial, but we enter
upon it with our eyes open.

Abf a superabundance of home laborers.
Nor is it that we depreciata the wants of our churches at home, that we are
induced to embark in this cause. With these we have long been familiar, and
they have enlisted our sympathies and secured our efforts. But we are pain-
fully impressed with the disinclination of brethren to enter the foreign field.
Notwithstanding the destitute condition of much of our own land, yet in our
older country communities, churches and preachers are multiplied until they are
brought almost to every door : and in our cities and large towns evangelical
ministers are crowded together, and many are running to and fro ; so that many
find it difiicult to obtain a settlement, and the efficiency of others is often sadly
diminished. We are confident, therefore, that others will soon fill the desirable
stations we vacate ; but where are the men, ready and waiting to enter the wide
doors of usefulness which are constantly opening abroad ? Again and again has .
the cry of the missionary, fainting amid his lonely toils, come up into our
churches in vain for help. Even the heathen have joined in that request, until
their thrilling appeals have forced tears from our laymen and flaming speeches
from our ministers. Some have been led to say, — " go, go to their rescue ;" but,
alas, how few respond to the appeal with, — " Here am I, Lord, send me." It is
this that moves us, that so few devote themselves to this work.

JVot new and peculiar impulses.
Nor is it that we are led by any new and special impulses peculiar to our-
selves. We have no desire to rid us of the enjoyments of home ; our circum-
stances and employments here are by far the most congenial to our natural
tastes ; and we confess, that at times our hearts even recoil from the peculiar
condition of a heathen land. We can see no obligation resting upon us, that
does not rest upon Christ's disciples as such ; and we know of no divine wrath
that awaits us, if we go not, more than also awaits our ministering brethi-en who
remain at home. We seriously doubt whether many of our laymen, who live so
much for wordly good, — and many of our pastors, who still cleave to their native
land, — have not, at some period of their Christian course, had impressions like
our own. Indeed, we solemnly believe, that they have often heard the cry of
the heathen and the command of Christ, and have been troubled thereby ; and
that, had it not been for the difficulties of the foreign field, the influence of near
friends, and the allurements of this happy country, they would have known
their duty. We say not this for the soke of complaint; but that our own feel-

4 Address of Mr. Binnty.

ings may not be mistaken upon this subject. After an intimate acquaintance
with young converts, with laymen, and with our ministering brethren, as learned
from their own declarations, we can find in our own experience no impressions
which most of them have not more than once felt.

But if either of these considerations has not induced our decision, so neither
one nor all of them can be permitted to keep us from the path of duty. Our
views of the cause outweigh any number of difiiculties, and constrain us to go
out, not knowing what may befall us.

JVot the temporal state of the heathen.
In reflecting upon the state of the heathen, and in comparing their temporal
condition with that of our own happy country, we have ever supposed that this
wide difference arose from the fact, that upon us were showered the benign in-
fluences of Christianity, while upon them came only blighting and mildew: —
their false gods and their necessarily false principles have, like bands of locusts,
oversj)read the nations, and desolated all that was lovely and conducive to true
hap])iness. We confess, our sympathies have often been moved by this re-
flection, and we have wondered why the gospel might not be made to impart
these blessings to the whole family of man ; though we are not certain that this
view alone would secure our determination.

Millions of souls lost or ivon.
But when we remember their eternal prospects, there can be no longer any
question how much expense may be justified, to make them acquainted with the
great salvation. We do honestly believe the bible to be God's own word, that all
its assertions are true, and that all its promises and threatenings will be fulfilled.
We cannot, therelbre, ex|)el the thought that — " The wicked shall be turned
.into hell, and all the nations that forget God ;" that — " There is none other name
under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved," than that which
the gospel presents ; and that the heathen, though very ignorant, have some
knowledge which they do not improve, " so that they are without excuse." On
the other hand, " the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be
ashamed. For there is no difl^erence between the Jew and the Greek ; for the
same Lord over all is rich unto 'all that call upon him. For whosoever shall
call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How, then, shall they call on
him in whom they have not believed ? And how shall they believe in him of
whom they have not heard ? And how shall they hear without a preacher ?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent .^" With us, therefore, there is
no question, that about six hundred millions of souls, precious as are our
own, are exposed to the wrath of God, and to endless misery in hell ; that
millions of souls are every year hastening into wretchedness infinitely
more dreadful than the worst of their temporal state, which so easily excites
our compassion ; and that nothing known to us can save them from this un-
speakably awful prospect but the minister of the gospel proclaiming "the Lamb
of God, who taketh away the sin of tlie world." Now what, dear brethren, are
our earthly interests, comj)ared with the welfare of millions of souls, each of
which, our Savior has taught us, is of more value than the " whole world ?" Is
it possible for us to retain our confidence in God's word, and yet to evade the
awful pressure of this thought? For years it has been before us, and we must
turn infidel in intellect or in heart before we can banish it. As truly as the
bible is the inspired word of God, so truly can notliing but the preaching of the

Address of Mr. Binney. 5

gosj^el rescue these millions from the woes of hell : Kothing else can light up
in their hearts the anticipation of that rest in heaven, which so much cheers
and comforts us to-night.

The command of Christ yet unfulfilled.
Immediately connected with this reason is another. Our Divine Master has
commanded his church and his ministers to give this gospel to the world. We
say, our Divine Master has so commanded. He is assuredly that much to us,
or he is nothing. Whatever he bids, we must do ; or cease to be his servants.
Upon that condition alone did we become his; and that condition, — that we
take up our cross daily, — that, if necessary to obey him, we hate lather, and
mother, and brother, and sister, and houses, and lands ; yea, and our own lives
also, — was by us distinctly understood. Now Christ has commanded us, to go
into all tlie world and to preach the gosjiel to every creature. This is given to
every disciple according to his ability, and it is binding until every creature has,
the knowledge of the Savior. But, though eighteen hundred years have passed
since the church received this commission, six hundred millions of perishing
sinners are yet ignorant of the death of Christ and of its design. If this com-
mand cannot be obeyed by us without incurring the loss of all things; then that
loss is matter of plain necessity, and we must a|)ply to our own case the passage
just noticed. Nothing can render this more plain, than the facts mentioned, —
that without it the temfjoral happiness of six hundred millions of God's crea-
tures cannot be secured, and that millions of immortal beings are annually to
enter upon the pains of eternal death, — and that Christ peremptorily com-
mands us to preach his gospel to every creature. Siiould a doubt still linger,
whether, on account of the greatness of this loss, it might not be declined ; let
his sayings still ring in our ears, while he adds — " If any man will save his life
he shall lose it," — " It is enougli for the disciple to be as his Master, and the ser-
vant as his Lord," — " No man having put his hand to the plough and looking
back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Now our brethren through the length and
breadth of our land have heard this command, but from various considerations
they decline the service. It is not for us to inquire, how far they may be safe in
so doing; it is enough that Christ commands the work to be done, and that by his
church. If others will not go forth, as they certainly do not, then that duty
must be ours. Should he come to remove the candlesticks from unfaithful
churches, and to turn dishonest stewards from their oflice, we would count any
sacrifice as trifling to be allowed our place in his service.

The request of the Missionary Board.
One other consideration has greatly conduced to this decision. Our Mission-
ary Board have requested us to go. We have always regarded that body as the
agent of the churches. They are elected from the denomination at large, by
delegates assembled from every part of our country, solely ibr the consideration
of this subject. To them it is committed in a special manner, to watch over the
interests of Christ's kingdom in foreign lands, and in behalf of the churches to
do all in their power, that the last command of Christ may be fully obeyed.
According to the best of their judgment, they are to select fields of labor, to
commit these to the care and eftbrts of faithful men, and to inform the churches
not only of their proceedings, but of the means necessary most effectually to do
the work assigned them. And every reasonable request for aid should be prompt-
ly and cheerfully afforded by those for whom they act. When we committed to

6 Address of Mr. Binney,

them the care of this department, we certainly did not expect them to conduct its
operations at their own expense ; we virtually pledged to them all necessary
means. Besides, the church having thrown upon them the responsibility of this
department, we, to no small extent, regard them as acting by the authority of
our Savior, as well as by the appointment of their brethren. And their request
for any amount of aid in men or money, necessary to give the gospel to the perish-
ing, is urged upon us to the extent of our ability by the command of Christ him-
self Nor does this at all infringe our right of private judgment ; for we our-
selves are to judgs of that necessity, as we hope at the last day in peace to meet
the heathen at the bar of God. To this thought we should add, that under
present circumstances we must act by some such delegation of trust, or not
obey the commission of Christ. We can do but little, if any thing, effectually
in this field, merely as individuals.

Such hcxve been our views of our relation to the Board and of our obligation to
cooperate with them. We believe they have been as economical in their depart-
ment, as could reasonably be expected ; that the fields they have occupied, were
judiciously selected ; and that they have scarcely begun, yet, to meet the press-
ing wants of the world. As they can proceed only by the assistance of the
church, so their requests for that assistance have never yet exceeded the actual
necessities of the work assigned them. Hitherto they have asked our prayers
and our money, and, without waiting for personal application, we have endea-
vored to afford our aid. When they have issued special appeals, we have made
special efforts to meet the crisis. They now tell us that they need not only
money, but men ; and that, should it upon prayerful reflection appear our duty,
they wish our personal service in the foreign field. What could we say to this ?
We had committed to them the responsibility of directing this business of win-
ning souls from among the nations ; but they have returned upon us the solemn
responsibility of cooperating with them : at the same time they inform us how
we may best aid in their object. Shall we reply, that they have progressed
sufficiently far in converting the world unto God ? Never, never ; so long as
millions of immortal souls are yet ignorant of the great salvation. Shall we say,
that the Lord's treasury is exhausted, — that no talent of his yet remains buried
in our napkin, — that we have done all in our power ? Before God we dare not
assert this. True, that which is here required has become so much a part of
ourselves, that it can now be taken, only, as by the drawing of blood. Still, it
is not our own ; it belongs to the Lord ; and by his grace we can render unto
God that which is his. What we can do, we ought to do, in this case certainly ;
and hence our decision.

Yet think not that, having learned our duty, we are otherwise than most cheer-
ful in its performance. Never were we happier than at the present time.

DUTY OF THOSE WHO STAl AT HOME.

Having stated briefly as possible a few thoughts respecting ourselves, allow
me to consider a moment the question, — What is the duty of the churches in
this matter ? What, dear brethren, is your duty .'

Responsibility mutiutl and equal.

That you will constantly remember us in your prayers, and that you will, so

far as circumstances allow, afford us a comfortable support, we cannot doubt.

This is understood. The field is divided. We take one department, and you

retain the other. We " go down into the wbIV and you " hold the rope*" But

Address of Mr. Binney. 7

there is one feature in this obligation, which may not be so generally appre-
hended, and which may be illustrated by the expression just quoted. If one
descends into a well to perform a labor common to himself and to him who re-
mains above, the latter is obligated not merely to hold the rope for the safety of
the former, but to afford him such facilities, that he may most successfully ac-
complish their common object. It is surely wrong to require him in the well,
because he already has the most difficult department, also to work to disadvan-
tage ; unnecessarily to expend his strength and to impair his constitution. Yet,
such has been the condition of missionaries. Their own maintenance has been
sufficient ; but they have been compelled to work to disadvantage. Often have
they frittered away their strength and impaired their constitution for want of fa-
cilities, and especially for want of fellow-laborers, to accomplish that for which
they went forth. How often have you heard the agonizing cry of your brethren,
assuring you that they were almost exhausted from over-exertion, and that the
work all about them remained unaccomplished for the want of necessary as-
sistance ; and imploring you, by all that was momentous for time and for eter-
nity, to send them help ? This is what at times oppresses us. The thought
that you may not perceive, or that you may not fully appreciate, this part of the
home obligation ; — that we may be left at the bottom of the well without the fa-
cilities of working to advantage, and that, consequently, all our trials may prove
comparatively in vain ; — is painful beyond expression. A comfortable support
is not the object of our solicitude ; that we could more readily obtain at home.
It is that we may be enabled to accomplish the tvork, for which we relinquish
those many blessings which you retain.

We have been reminded this evening of our solemn obligations to Christ and
to his church for the results of our labor. To the sentiments advanced, we add
our most hearty amen. We reflected upon them before our decision, and they
have appeared to us far more appalling than all personal deprivations. Were
it not written, — " Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world," —
and, "My grace shall be sufficient for thee," — those sentiments, so true and sol-
emn, would dispel our every thought of entering the field of foreign missions.
But judge, dear brethren, the extent of our sorrow, if to this and to all our other
sources of solicitude, there be joined the painful consciouiness, that we are ex-
pected to " make brick without straw ;" — if we are held accountable for results
which are utterly beyond our control for the want of your full cooperation. We
know that God will not be deceived ; yet we may be exceedingly unhappy even
respecting this part of our responsibility. A tender conscience may so severely
judge us, that eternity alone may render clear to us the true cause of our failure.
1 know, dear brethren, that you now understand us. I think I hear you say, —
" that were indeed unjust, that ought never to be, the Board should afford you
every facility." But, alas, what can the Board do ? Nothing but direct the means
supplied by the churches. It is the church, through them, that must afford
these facilities ; and each on« in this assembly should feel his personal responsi-
bility to the missionary.

The principle of consecration is one.
But your greatest obligations are to Christ, our common Lord, and to his cause
in the world. Christians generally have not clearly apprehended these ; at
leeist, they have not done so in comparison with what they deem obligatory upon
those who enter the foreign department. Christ gave his command to his dis-
ciples as such. Ho taught them all that they were not their own, that they wer*

8 Address of Mr. Binney.

to enter any department of his vineyard, where, according to their talents, they
might most effectually serve him. However varied, then, may be the particular
duties of Christians, the principle of consecration is one. In whatever depart-
ment they may be, to the performance of its duties they are to devote eveiy
ability of soul and body, of time and property. Every other one is as truly
bound to live wholly for Christ and for his cause, as is the foreign missionary, —
to do as much and to suffer as much, up to the wants of the cause and to hia
capacity. And this consideration is paramount to every other. The responsi-
bilities of no particular department can require more ; nor can the favorable
circumstances of any sphere allow less, so long as millions of souls are in a
perishing condition. It is in accordance with this view that, under God, we be-
come ministers or missionaries. Nor has any disciple of Christ a right to de-
vote his talents to the calling of a lawyer, physician, merchant, mechanic, or
farmer, upon any other principle. Nor, according to this, has any minister of
the gospel a right to yield to the inducements of a home settlement, if his aid is
more needed abroad ; provided, he is qualified for that sphere, or provided that
by severe discipline he may obtain that qualif cation. It is not enough that he does
good, he is obligated as a disciple of Christ to do the most good in his power;
and that often depends as much upon the necessities of the field, as upon the
amount ol labor performed. If any seriously doubt this, it is surely time for
such carefully to review the first principles of discipleship ; and in great ear-
nestness to implore the instruction and direction of God. In eternity they may
learn, that this is the very foundation of true submission to God.

If such is the principle of consecration, what, then, is the responsibility rest-
ing upon Christ's disciples in this assembly ?

Ministers of Christ must be missionaries.
Is it not the duty of some to enter personally into the foreign service ? I see
before me many young men, who are the ministers of Christ, and who are can-
didates for that sacred oflice. To you, dear brethren, do we most solemnly
direct our appeal this eveiiing. It is to be the business of your lives to unfold
to others this principle of consecration, to urge them to unlimited fidelity to the
Master. Can you consistentlj^ or successfully do this, unless conscious that
you are disposed to practise accordingly ? You are not ignorant of what Christ
requires, nor of the perishing condition of millions of your fellow-men. Nor
are you unaware of the fact already stated, that in New England and in many of
the older States ministers of the gospel are multiplied, until their usefulness is
often seriously impaired. Why, then, spend your life in doing a work, which
would be equally well and, perhaps, better performed without you? Why
especially do this, when millions of men are left annually to pei'ish in their
sins, without the knowledge of that salvation which it is your business to
preach ? Are you sure that it is alone to glorify God, and that you are where
you can do the most good ? Have you a comfortable evidence that the Savior
has made this your duty? Will that evidence bear agitation ? Has he never se-
riously impressed you with the contrary ? and what have you done with those
impressions? Do you here urge your love of the refined and literary, your
worldly relations and prospects, the great sacrifices required, and particularly
your want of qualifications ? What missionary, whom you would recommend
to this work, must not experience the same, or similar difticulties ? Tell us, dear
brethren, can it be possible, that he wlio upon earth had not where to lay his
head, and who in the garden and on Calvary drank to the very dregs that most

Address of Mr. Binney. 9

bitter of cups, to provide salvation for sinners, really approves your unanimous
resolution to remain at home, while a world is perishing in your hearing? Has
he appointed only here and there a solitary one, to preach his salvation to
perishing millions ; and has he made it the duty of the mass of his ministers to
remain with the few, where they are more comfortable, but less needed ? Did
he die for America only, or was it for the world ? O ye disciples of this cruci-
fied one, to whose gospel you are indebted for all that you are, and for all that
you anticipate, arise ; and look out upon this wide scene of desolation. With
your own views of scripture truth enter with these millions of heathen the eter-
nal world ; stand with them before the judgment seat, and hear and see for
yourselves the result of this neglect; then say, can you turn your backs upon
such fields, and with a quiet conscience remain at home, where you ai'e of com-
paratively little service ? We solemnly urge upon your consideration, that such
multitudes are so entering eternity every year ; and that it is in your power to
guide many of them to the cross and to eternal life.

His churches are his steivards.

But the great body of the church may not go to the heathen ; nor is it needed,
if they will sacredly observe their obligations at home. To this class belongs
the largest part of this assembly. In connexion with your labors for America,
you are to cooperate with the Board to the extent of your ability, until Christ's
command is fully obej^ed. Your bodies and minds, your time and attainments,
all belong to Christ ; by them you obtain money, which is equally his. You
are his stewards, ti'ading upon his capital, for the promotion of his interests.
Your powers and time must be diligently employed, or you will bury his talent
in a napkin ; you must live frugally, or he will charge you with having perverted
his funds for your own indulgence ; the remainder you must consecrate to his
cause, so long as it is needed, or he will eventually condemn you for having
lived unto yourselves, and not unto him. Is it inquired, how fur you should prac-
tically apply this principle ? We think, dear brethren, you are best able to give
the answer. How far do you expect the inissionai~y practically to apply it ? There
may at times be peculiar circumstances to modify the form of his sacrifices, and
so far they must difl^er from your own. But, generally, you and he are alike the
servants of Christ, and subject to the same rules. You can have no more right
to live unto yourselves and to your families, than he has to live for himself and
for his family ; that is, neither has any such right. Why should not the Ameri
can pastor, the lawyer, and the physician, — why should not the merchant, the
mechanic, and the farmer, live as entirely for Christ and as sacredly obey his
commands, as the missionary ? Why should not the sisters of the church here
be as self-denying and as faithful to this cause, as their sisters in foreign lands .'
Did they not alike come to the cross for salvation ? Were they not all pardoned
upon the same consideration ? Is it not one vineyard, into which they were all
received as laborers ? And are they not all to act upon one principle ? Of whom
is it said, — " Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price ?" of the mission
ary, or of all Christians? Is it not emphatically said, — "No man liveth unto
HIMSELF ?" Weigh, my dear brethren and sisters, the reasons why it is our duty
to enter upon this work. Do not the same reasons press yom- entire consecra-
tion to this cause ? Is there no language to you in the dreadful condition of so
many millions of perishing ones ? Are you not a part of those disciples to whom
the Savior commands, — " Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature ?" Again prayerfully ponder the instruction of the Holy Spirit

10 Address of Mr. Binney.

in Rom. x. 11-15, and remember, that upon the amount of your cooperation
will depend, under God, the number of those who personally enter this field of
labor, and the efficiency of their effijrts. The fact that the missionary is thus
dependent upon your aid, removes every doubt respecting the extent of your ob-
ligation compared with his. Again, the Board has informed us how we might
best aid this work; and have not you, too, heard its appeal? Again and
again have they told of the unoccupied fields, upon some of which the first kind-
ly influence is yet to be exerted ; while upon others the gospel has operated,
until they are already ripe for the harvest. If these considerations might justly
move our decision, when surrounded with the rich enjoyments of this Christian
land, ought they not also deeply to affect you ? The position, dear brethren,
which you occupy, is most fearfully solemn. The world is perishing in your
hearing, and Christ requires you to spare no labor or expense for its rescue.
You stand in the very passage-way to the heathen, through which the mission-
ary can pass only by your aid. If you prove false to your trust, you will block
up that way (unless God in mercy to a fallen world removes you) ; very few will
pass it; the heathen will continue to perish in their sins; and you, — who can
portray your feelings, when with them you stand at Christ's judgment seat to
answer for the buried, or for the wasted talents of your Lord!

Evasion fallacious and futile : — its remedy.

We know of but one way to evade these considerations. Young ministers do
so, respecting their personal service ; because there is no more money to sup-
port additional fields and laborers. Others do so respecting funds, because men
are not loaiting to he sent forth, who are kept back only by an exhausted treasury.
But neither of these pretend that Christ's command is obeyed, or that the work
is done. They plead the unfaithfulness of each other, to excuse their own con-
tinued neglect of duty. However much this course may now evade the appeals
of their brethren and silence their own consciences, it will not obey Christ, nor
save the world. It will not suppress the wailing of damned spirits for eternity;
nor cause the arches of heaven to reverberate the songs of millions saved through
their instrumentality. Brethren, believe us, or rather believe the whole tenor of
God's word, — this may answer for time; but it will not suffice when he who
died for sinners, and who gave his commission to the church, " maketh inqui-
sition for blood." It will be no trifling matter, then, to find the blood of souls
upon their garments ; to hear the unutterable, eternal anguish of the heathen
charged to their neglect.

Allow us to suggest a remedy for even this evasion. Let the Board select
any and every man, whom they think best fitted for the work ; and let them
solemnly appeal to him, if he is willing to go on two conditions : first, that those
who are best qualified to judge, shall deem him fitted for the sphere ; and
second, that the Board are able to send him forth, with a reasonable prospect,
under the influence of Christian faith, afterwards to support him. Let them
thus leave this responsibility, where it belongs, at the door of each man's heart,
to decide the matter for himself, as he hopes in peace to meet his Master at the
last day. Let them then record every man's name who consents to go, and
make this record known to the church, that its members may understand, not
only the wants of the world, but that men are waiting to enter upon the ser-
vice, who are prevented only by the want of means. In like manner let them
appeal to the church for funds. Every one knows that in that treasury of God's,
there is enough and to spare, if its resources were drawn and applied to the

Address of Mr. Binney. 11

right purpose. Long, long before the disciples become as their Lord, and have
not where to lay their heads, will this, his treasury, afford ample means. I
know not how we might dare to ask him for more, until at least the capital, now
lying dead in the hands of his stewards, is applied to the work. Let, then, the
Board, without reference to the number of men at present waiting for this ser-
vice, apply in person to the rich for their abundance, and to know how far they
may be relied upon, if foreign laborers can be found ; let them also encourage
the poor to forward their several mites; that the means of greatly enlarged op-
erations may be supplied. And let the state of the treasury be made known to
our young men. Let the men and the means no longer wait for one another,
and mutually encourage neglect of duty.

Thus let the ministry say, — " We wish to remove this reproach, that men can-
not be found to do Christ's work, even among those purchased by his blood —
we are waiting to he sent." On the other hand, let the body of the church say to
their young ministers, and to their young members who are yet engaged in worldly
avocations : — " In the opinion of our brethren we are necessarily prevented from
going to a foreign land, but we are Christ's ; and if you will go, we will here
live as sacredly for him as you do there ; and we will give you the means to
work to the best advantage, if it takes all ive have and all we can honorably obtain."

We believe this would remove that last common evasion. For, " As face
answers to face in water, so the heart of man to man." Besides, great confi-
dence may be reposed in the spirit of Christ in his disciples, when it is fairly
tested. We cannot believe, if there were sufficient funds, there would be any
want of men ; or if men enough stood ready for the work, there would long re-
main any want of funds. And yet, we are now as truly responsible for this neg-
lect, as we should then be ; and the consequences to millions of souls are as
deplorable for time and for eternity.

Pardon us, dear brethren, the fi'eedom of these remarks. I speak for myself;
and, in most respects, I think I may safely say, I speak for my brethren also. If
we had not most deeply felt the sentiments here presented, you had not seen us
here to-night, about to go forth as your messengers to the heathen. We have,
probably, passed our last Sabbath in the land of our fathers, and in this city of
most tender recollections. A day or two more, and we shall see your faces no
more upon earth. We go down into an exceedingly deep well, — and very
solemn thoughts possess us, as we wait a moment at its mouth. Dear brethren,
will you hold the rope ? Will you give us, lohile there, the facilities to work to ad-
vantage') We cannot doubt it, — and the God of all blessings will bless you itt
so doing.

But we shall meet again ; until then, let us labor faithfully, knowing that
there remaineth for us a rest in heaven.

13 Letters of Melvill Home.

Be ye followers, 8fc,. — Heb. vi. 12.

" Had the Apostles of our Lord conducted themselves toward us, as we con-
duct ourselves to the heathen world, not all the refinements of the eighteenth
century would have emancipated us from the worship of Thor and Woden.
But blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, their religion was
of a different temper. Having received the commission of their Sovereign, they
declined not to engage in this warfare. Having counted the cost, they entered
into the combat, like men determined to conquer or to die. Confident of the
superlative excellence of the cause for which they had drawn the sword, they
threw away the scabbard, and disdained capitulation with the world. The love
of Christ, which we coldly talk of, they warmly felt. They had beheld his
glory, were witnesses of his holy life and blessed death, his victory over the
grave, and his ascension to heaven. Their faith was a commanding evidence of
things unseen, and gave a'present subsistence to things hoped for. They knew
emphatically, by the witness of that Spirit in their hearts, which was at once the
seal of their adoption, and the earnest of their inheritance, the immense grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ. His poverty had made them rich, — rich in grace, rich
in faith, rich in the promises and veracity of God, who cannot lie ; nor would
they have bartered these riches for all the kingdoms of the world, and all their
glory. To suffer for Christ was their glory and their joy. Stripes, chains and
death, were considered as the highest honors of the kingdom of that Master,
who expired on a cross, — bestowed as a prize of valor, and as tlie reward of ex-
tensive services, and of the most approved integrity. Uuawed by those terrors
which shake our breasts, as far as reason would permit, they aspired after these
honors, — lived in hope of the crown of martyrdom, — and envied the felicity of
their fellows, who received it before them. The cross of Christ had crucified
them to the world, and the world to them. In the powerful light which beamed
from it, they beheld riches and poverty, — ease and torture, — honor and infamy, —
life and death, with a placid mind ; and the great world, and all that it contain-
ed, was contracted to a point of vanity, before the faded lustre of that eye which
wept over its sins and miseries. Before that object of endless astonishment,
adoration, and love, they died to themselves, and revived again to live to Him.
They were not their own : His blood had bought them, and his love constrained
them to do and suffer all things for his sake. They had no reserves, no draw-
backs on their fiiith ; but, having given in their names to Christ, they would have
judged themselves worthy of the fate of Ananias and Sapi)hira, if they had de-
frauded him of their lives and fortunes. The world fell before such combatants ;
and its pomi)S and vanities, its riches and honors, its science and learning, its
arts and arms, its potentates and gods, were subdued by the doctrine of the
cross." Melvill Horne.