Sermon and charge delivered at Sion-Chapel, London: July 28, 1796, on occasion of the designation of the first missionaries to the islands of the South Sea. The sermon by Henry Hunter ... the charge by Edw. Williams ... To which is prefixed, a short narra

SERMON AND CHARGE

DELIVERED

ON OCCASION OF THE DESIGNATION OF THE

FIRS1 MISSIONARIES

TO

The Iflands of the South Sea.

DELIVERED AT

SION -CHAPEL, LONDON:

July 28, 1 ;g0.

On Occafion of the Defignation of

THE FIRST MISSIONARIES

TO THE

IJlands of the South Sea. ■

THE SERMON by HENRY HUNTER, D.D.

Mmifter of the Scots Church, London Wall,

THE CHARGE by EDW. WILLIAMS, D.D.

Minifter at Rotherham, Yorkfhire*

% TO WHICH IS PREFIXED,

A SHORT NARRATIVE

-OF THE ORDER. OF THE SOLEMNITY
OF THAT DAY.

Tubhflied at the Requejt of the Directors of the
Mijfionary Society.

LONDON :

PRINTED AND SOLD BY T. CHAPMAN,
FLEET STREET.

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NARRATIVE

op • ,

THE SOLEMNITY.

THE Directors of the Miffionary Society
having determined, that as many as
had devoted themfelves to the fervice of the
Heathen, ffiould receive a folemn defignation
to the Work, they agreed to appoint one
Minifter of each denomination for this bleffed
fervice, and to exhibit that fpirit of Union,
which it hath been their firft defire to culti-
vate, and hope to be the happy means of in-
creafing.

The Miffionaries are compofed of men al-
ready ordained, of others in the habit of ex-
pounding and praying in focial worfhip, and
the reft men of tried Chriftian fidelity ; all
filled with holy zeal to ferve the beft inte-
refts of the natives in the South- Sea Iflands,

a ' by

VI

NARRATIVE OF

by introducing the principles of ufeful know-
ledge, and true religion among them.

The Directors wifhed to fend them forth

with their Chriftian benediction, commend-

\

ing them to the care and teaching of the
great head of the Church, to pour out upon
them the abundance of his grace, to qualify
them for the work to which they truft, God,
the Holy Ghoft, has been pleafed to call
them.

In confequence of the refolution taken,
Thurfday, the 28th of Auguft, was fixed
upon, and the following plan agreed to be
purfued by a Committee appointed for that
purpofe, and confirmed by the Directors.

The moft fpacious place of worfhip they
apprehended would fcarcely contain the num-
bers that would affemble on this occafion ;
therefore Zion Chapel was preferred, in order
to afford to as many as could be admitted,

the

TIIE SOLEMNITY

Vii

the fatisfattion of witneffing a feene fo fin-
gular and blefifed.

The place was early crowded ; and after
feven or eight thoufand had filled the Chapel
to the doors, multitudes were reludtantly
obliged to depart difappointed, whilft others
crowded the windows without.

The fervice began with ail invocation to
the Holy Spirit : “ Come Holy Spirit, hea-
venly dove, &c.” and was fung with the
moft enlivened devotion. The Rev. Mr. Evre,
of Hackney, then read the prayers of the
Church with great folemnitv. Three verfes
of “ Salvation, O the joyful found, & c.”
followed. When the Rev. Mr. Brookfbank
prayed before the Sermon in a manner fo
heart-felt and affecling, as every hearer wit-
neffed. Dr. Hunter then, in his ufual ftrain
of eloquence, and, animated by the prefent
occaficn, delivered a moft impreffive Dif-
courfe on Luke x. i — 20.

a 2

“ O’er

NARRATIVE Of

v lit

4 4 O'er the gloomy hills of darknefs, he.
was next fung, and every heart feemed to
feel the ’flame of vehement defire for the
completion of the great and precious pro-
mifes.

r . /

M * . *

The twenty-nine Miflionaries * then land-
ing round the Communion Table, the
Rev. Dr. Haweis, in a fhort, but pathetic
and folemn prayer, addrefled to Jehovah-
Jefus, the great Head of his Church and
People, commended the Miflionaries and their
Work to his almighty care, wifdom, and
love : to dire<fl:, fupport, blefs, and give the
fiuccefs, w hich he alone can command.

The five Miniflers chofen by the Direftors
for this fervice {landing together, (the Rev,
Dr. Haweis, of Spa-Fields, the Rev. Mr.
Reynolds, of Camomile-Street, the Rev. Mr.
Love, of Artillery- Street, the Rev. Mr.

Waugh, of Wells-Street, Oxford-Road, and

. , . . _

* Their names are contained in the fubjoined lift.

the

THE SOLEMNITY.

ix

the Rev. Mr. Wilks, of the Tabernacle)
each of them took a Bible from the Com-
munion Table, where they had been pre-
vioufly placed, and five of the Miffiotiaries
approaching the communion rails, kneeled
down, when the Minifters, with the Bibles
in their hands, advanced, and each in fuccef-
fion addrefitd to the perfon kneeling before
him the following words : “ Go, our be-
“ loved Brother, live agreeably to this bleffed
“ Word, (putting the Bible* into his hands)
ft and publifh the Gofpel to the Heathen,
<c according to your calling, gifts, and abi-

9

“ lities.” To which the Miffionary replied
in words to this effect : “ I will, the

“ Lord being my helper.” Five others
then knelt down, and the fame ceremo-
nial was repeated, till the entire Million
received their defignation. The whole was a
fcene of fuch impreffive folemnity, as has

4 , K ' i i

* The Bibles were beautifully bound, and the gift of
Mr. Bailey, of Hackney, a Member of Mr. Eyre’s
congregation, with that Scripture written by him on the
Hank leaf. Math, xxviii. 19, 20.

hardly

X

NARRATIVE OF

hardly ever been witneffed ; the Minifters
and the Miffionaries feemed alike fo deeply
affeCted with the awfulnefs of the Work be-
fore them, whilft the Congregation exprefled
the fenfations of their fouls in filence, tears,
and fecret prayer.

The hymn “ Lord make them faithful,’*
was fung with the mod fervent fpirit of
prayer by the whole congregation.

The Rev. Dr. Williams, of Rotherham,
then, from the pulpit, addreffed the Mif-
{ionaries, {landing round the communion rails
before him, in a mod able and judicious
Charge, refpe&ing their tempers and con-
duct, from Gen. xvii. i. which was heard
with deep attention.

The Rev. Mr. Walker, one of the fenior
Fellows of Trinity College, Dublin, clofed
the Solemnity with a mofl fcriptural prayer,
and full of animated devotion, fuited to the
occafion, finilhing with the ufual benediction,

“ The

THE SOLEMNITY.

XI

“ The peace of God, &c.” The Congrega-
tion then rofe, and united in fuch a fong of
praife as, perhaps, was never before heard,
“ Captain of thine enlifted hoft, &c.”

The whole departed from this folemn
fcene full of joy and hope ; thanking God
for what they had feen and heard, and crying
mightily to him, that he would accomplilh
the number of his eletft, and haften his king-
dom.

LIST

i

LIST OF THE MISSIONARIES.

• . ) J ' l • ) Jf i f ' ' 1

Rev. Thomas Lewis
James Cover
John Eyre
John Jefferfon
Mr. David Bowel 1
John Buchanan
Henry Bicknell
Benjamin Broom hall
James Cooper
William Crook
John Cock
Samuel' Clode
John Allan. Gillhan*

William Henry
John Harris
Samuel Harper
Rowland Haftell
Peter Hodges
Seth Kelfo
Edward Main
Ifaac Nobbs
Nott

Francis Oaks
James Puckey
William Puckey
William Shelley
William Smith
James Wilkinfon

N. B. Mr. George Veefon was fince added to
the above Lift. — Mrs. Cover, with her ton, Mrs.
Haftell, with her two children, Mrs. Eyre, Mrs.
Henry, and Mrs. Hodges, accompany their hulk
bands. — But Mr. Hudden, with his Wife, was put
on fhoBC at Portfmouth, her refolution hiding her
while on board the veflel.

■%

JESUS CHRIST’S INTRUCTIONS

' * TO THU

SEVENTY DISCIPLES .

LUKE X. 1 tO 11. 16 tO 20.

After thefe things the Lord appointed other Jeventy
alfo, and fent them two and two before his face into
every city and place whither he himfelf would come.
Therefore /aid he unto them, The harvejl truly is
great, but the labourers are few : pray ye there-
fore the Lord of the harvejl, that he would fend
forth labourers into' his harvejl. Go your ways:
behold, I fend you forth as lambs among wolves.
Citrry neither purfe, nor f crip, nor Jhoes : and falate
no man by the way. And into whatfoever houfeye
enter, firjl fay. Peace be to this houfe. And if the
Jon of peace be there, your peace Jhall ref upon it:
if not, it fiall turn to you again. And in the fame

houfe remain , eating and drinking fuch things as
they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.
Go not from houfe to houfe. And into whatfoever
city ye enter, and they receive you, eat fuch things
as are fet before you ; And heal the fick that are
therein ; and fay unto them, The kingdom of God is
come nigh unto you. But into whatfoever city ye
enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out
into the f reefs of the fame, and fay. Even the very
dujl of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do
wipe off againf you: notwithfanding , be ye fare of
this, that the kingdom of Gcd is come nigh unto
you. He that heareth you , heareth me ; and he

14

jEsis Christ’s instructions

that defpifeih you, defpifeth me ; and he that de-
fpifeth me, defpifeth him that Jent me. And the
Jeventy returned again with joy, faying, Lord, even
the devils are Juljeft unto us through thy name.
And he faid unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning
fill. from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power
, to tread mi fer gents and for pious, and over all the
power of the enemy ; and nothing Jhall by any means
hr rt you, Notivithjlanding in this rejoice not, that
the fpirits are fulject unto you ; but rather rejoice,
beta ufe your names are written in heaven.

*' X)ELOVED, he not ignorant of this one
“ that one day is with the Lord as a

thouland years, and a thoufand years as one day.
t: The Lord is not flack concerning his promile, as
fbmc men count flacknefs.*” In the prefence
of Jehovah the meafurements of time and lpace
ilirink into nothing. To his eye, not only the.in-
conclafive reafonings of men, but the fagacity and
penetration of u angels iland chargeable with folly.”
With cmphatical lblemnitv he pronounces concern-
ing himfelf : “ I am God, and there is none ellc;
** l am God and there is none like me: declaring
*• the end from the beginning, and from ancient
4* times the things that are not yet done, faying,
“ Mv counfel {hall ltand, and I will do all my plea-
*• fuiv'j'. The eighteenth century is haftening to
its expiration, fince the primitive miffionary in-
iirnctions, which I have now rehcarfed, were iti'ued
in perfon by the great King and Head of ihe
Chriiliyn Church. More than threefcore times has
the revolving globe, fince then, changed its inha-
bitants. Mighty empires have crumbled into ruin.
\ new world has emerged out of the vaft ocean.
Nations then obicure, unknown, have acquired ce-
lebrity and importance. Britain was, at that period,
si iiat the iflaudsof the Pacific Ocean are now ; it was

f If. xlvi. 9. 10.

* 2 Pet. iii. 8. g.

arifing

TO THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES.

15

arifing into light, prefenting an object of curiofity
to the Geographer, of cupidity to the Merchant,
of ambition to the Conqueror. And in the w il'dom
and goodnefs of God, the curiofity of the Geo-
grapher, the cupidity of the Merchant, the ambi-
tion of the Conqueror, became “ the preparation of
41 the Gofpel of Peace,” and “ the wrath of man
« praifed God.” And what may not the ifiands of
the South-Sea, through the wifdom and goodneli
of God, in a few years become !

Empires have been formed, and have fallen ; the
name of Pontiff has itvallowed up that of Emperor;
new worlds have been difeovered ; the whole Globe
44 groncth and travaileth in pain together” at this
eventful hour; the beam of the balance quivers on
its axis; but amidfi all the Revolutions which have
fucceffively affected the Globe, fince Chriftianity
was firll planted in it, certain objects have never-
tbelefs unvaryingly preferred their character, and
exhibit to this day appearances exactly fimilar.
Human nature is the fame perverfe, degraded, de-
filed, wretched thing it was. The laws of the
molt high God maintain their priftine force and
authority. The word of the Lord is “ the fame
44 yefterday, and to day, and for ever;” and the
grace that is in Chrilt Jefus overflows in the fame
inexhaulted fulnefs. The commilfion of the Lord
Jefus to his difciples, to “ preach among the Gen
44 tiles the unfearchable riches” of their divine Mat-
ter, prefervesthe fame validity; and the execution
of it fhall, through the bl effing of Heaven, be
crowned with fimilar fuccefs.

The Angularity, and newnefs, of this day’s fer-
vice would have induced me to decline taking
any part in it. I have been frequently called upon,
in the courfe of my miniltry, to addrefs a Pallor
Jolemnly fet apart to the charge of a particular
department of the Church of Guilt; and frequently
to addrefs a Chriftian congregation in behalf ol the

Paftor

l6 Jesus Christ’s instructions

Pallor fct over them in the Lord. But the people
this clay to be admonifhed, are innumerable, un-
known myriads of human beings, fcattered over the
yet unexplored regions of the Southern hemifphere.
How fhall a voice that can fcarcely fill this fmall
circle penetrate through the diameter of the folid
earth ? and could it be heard lo far, would not
the founds which it utters, and the meaning which
it conveys, be unintelligible jargon to men of
a ffrange fpcech ? Ah, what leas are to be
croffed, what promontories to be doubled, how
many moons mull wax and wane, how many dif-
ficulties and dangers mull be furmounted, before
an imprelTion can be made on untutored minds,
before a fingle ray of heavenly light can difpel the
awful gloom! Our addrefs here, therefores, mu ft be
dire&ed to the great Father of all, who has imme-
diate accefs to' the ear, to the he^rt, to the con-
fcience of each of his intelligent creatures; that
it may pleafe him, who has put it into the hearts
of his fervants in the Britilh iflands, to extend an
arm of mercy towards their brethren perilliing for
lack of knowledge, that it may pleafe him to dif-
pofe their hearts to receive with gladncfs the mef-
fiage of peace and falvation : may it pleafe him to
conduCb our little miflionary bark to the defired
haven ; let the “ valleys be exalted, and every
“ mountain and hill be made low, and the crooked
“ be made flraight, and the rough places plain ?
“ that the glory of the Lord may be revealed, and
“ all flcfh fee it together, as the mouth of the Lord
“ hath fpoken it*.”

But though wc can thus with confidence “ caft
this burthen upon the Lord,” a delicate and a
difficult part of the talk yet remains. I low various
are the views, characters and difpolitions of the per-
fons who haye fct this million afloat ! How va-

* If xl. 4. 5.

nous

TO THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES.

17

rbus the views, characters and difpofitions of the
pcrfons who compofe it ! What prudence is re-
quilite to fpeak a word fuitably, and in fcafon, to
each of thele! I fhould even at this late hour
fhrink from the office affigned me, were not the *
labour to be divided, and were I not furnilheci with
an example of conveying inftruCtion which all
mud refpeCt, and fupplied with topics of addrefs
from the ftores of perfect wifdom, even from Him
who made the heart of man, who knows what is in
it, and who has all power over it. While I endea-
vour, therefore, from the directions given to the
feventy by the Lord Jefus himfelf, to lugged ge-
neral inftruCtions to all my brethren in the miniftry,
though not to the exclimon of our friends of the
Million, I joyfully leave it to the Minifter who
fliall coinc after me, to addrefs a more particular
charge to them, l'uch as the folemnity of the day,
and their peculiar circumltances may require.

At the time when our bleffed Lord fent out the
Seventy, by two and two, he was preparing to
follow them in the laft circuit which he made
through Galilee, being within the laft fix months
of his abode upon earth. What He addrelfed to
them on that memorable occalion, may, with the
change of a few circumltances, ferve to admonilh,
warn and inltruCt us all, and efpeeially thole whom
we are fending out in his name, on a progrefs much
more extenlive, but precifely in the fame view. I
trult all will liften to them, therefore, with that
attention, deference and humility which are due,
not to the words of a mere man like themfelves,
but of Him who “ fpake as never man fpake.”

1. Chrilt fent out the feventy by pairs, feeming
to fay with Jofeph to his brethren, “ Sec that ye
“ iall not out by the way.” The little diftrict of
Galilee was thus parcelled out into thirty-five fub-
divilions, and thereby the labour and danger were
diminifhed by being equalized. Befides, each
Miflionary was thus provided with a known and

B tried

] 8 jesus Christ's instructions

tried friend, embarked in the fame caufewith
lelf, whole con venation would relieve the tedioufnefs
of the way, mutual confidence would be infpircd
to thedifcharge of their important truft, and credit
would be fecured to a mcfiage delivered under the
concurring teftimony of two witneffes. If God fhall
be gracioufly plcafed to convey our Miffionaries
to the place of their deftination, they too muft be
under the neceflity of fcparating, and of prolecuting
the objedl of their mitfiou in little fub-divifions,
perhaps fingly. Lei's than half the number of the
fevcnty are to be fcattered over a field, compared
to which Galilee, Judea, are but a fpeck. But
wherever there arc two, there, we are confident,
will be found brothers and friends in the deareft
bonds, kindred flames of love to God, to each
other, and to the fouls of men. They will relieve
the languor of exile from their native land by an in-
terchange of kind affections; and as they “walk
by the way,” they will realize the prefence of an
unfeen, but well-known Redeemer, and “ their
“ hearts will burn within them,” as they hold
communion with him and with each other, and
while “ he openeth to them the Scriptures.” How
powerful will be their addrefs to the heathen,
when they are found to be living and fpeaking the
fame things, and “ loving each other with a pure
“ heart fervently !”

The arrangement made by our blefTed Lord
adminifters inllrudlion, reproof and encourage-
ment to us who arc to remain at home. Coupled
together in th'e work of the Chriftian minitlry, we
have not always, as we ought, drawn in the yoke
kindly together. By pulling in oppofite directions
we have wearied and watted each other; too often
turned to each other in anger, to tear, and bite,
and devour. The common enemy has triumphed
in this, the common caufc has futrered, and “ the
“ hearts’* of many of God’s people “ have beep
“ made fad.” We are, bleflcd be God, beginning

TO THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES. 1(?

to pet iomewhat more gracioufly aflbrted; the
(cowling eye of fufpicion is exchanged for the fmilc
of cordiality, and the enemy of the Gol'pel is ltrip-
pcd of one of his topics of reproach. To union in
miffionary views we. are indebted for this happy
and honourable change. May it become more and
more vifible every day in heart, converfation, and
life !

2. Our blefled Lord fairly and faithfully warned
the feventy of the difficulty and danger of the
charge which they were undertaking. The labour
and difficulty he reprefents under the idea of an am-
ple harvelt to be reaped by the hands of a few la-
bourers. That man has conceived very abfurdly
of the Chriltian minillry who confiders it as a com-
fortable and commodious fituation, in which he
may live at his eafe, eat and drink, and rife up to
play. The harveft field is a lcenc of more than
ordinarv exertion, toil and fatigue, even when la-
bourers are abundant ; it calls for unremitting appli-
cation through the whole day, and frequently
through the night ; it demands emulous yet friendly
energy. In this hive every drone is a complicated
evil, he fets a molt pernicious example, he Hands
in the way of the bufy, and he devours the honey
which he had not alliltcd in lloring up. But the
induftrious labourer is encouraged by the confidera-
tion that the eye of the Lord of the harveft is upon
him, that his toil is not overlooked, will not be
driven to excefs, will not pafs unapproved, unre-
warded; that additional fellow-labourers will be
fupplied, at his requeft, as the exigencies ;of the
harveft may require.

The danger of the enterprize, is reprefented in
the charadter here given of human nature: “ be-
“ hold I fend you as lambs among wolves," “ Be-
“ ware of men." When the foldicrs of this world
beat up for recruits, they7 decoy the unwary by a
flattering reprelentation of the fervice; they hold

B 2 out

20 jesus Christ’s instructions

out ideas of profit, of advancement, of glory : they
keep carefully out of fight all that is difgufting and
painful in the profeffion, exhaufting marches, con-
tagious diforders, “ garments rolled in blood.’7
Not fo the Captain of our falvation. He faithfully
declares the word: of his fervice, from the beginning.
“If any man will come after me, let him deny
“ himfelf and follow me.*” “ Ye fhall be hated of

“ all men for my name’s fake, men fhall revile you,
“ and perfecute you, and fhall fay all manner of
“ evil againft you falfely for my fake-f~;” and in the
text, “ I fend you as lambs among wolves.” Mor-
tifying view of human nature! and alas, it is not
the exaggerated account of a difeontented, irritable
cynic, inflamed with hatred agafnft mankind, but
a true reprefentation of the cafe from one who knew
it well, and who bitterly deplored that depravity
which he was conflrained to expofe. Man a wolf
toman! to his brother, his benefadlor! Man a
vidlim to the fury of him whom he fought to fave !
“Beware "of” — what? the roaring lion, the ra-
vening wolf, the “ bear bereaVed of her whelps, the
adder in the path, the fiery flying ferpent ?” no,
beware of men \ you are in greatell danger where
you are difpofed to deem yourfelves mod fecure;
reckon not on the ties of humanity, of confangui-
nity, ofjullice, of gratitude; the innocence of the
lamb, the harmlefsnefs ofthe dove are no defence.

No fmajl degree of fagaeity has been employed
in feledling the fpot and the people on which our
firft iinpreflion is to be attempted. A genial cli-
mate and gentle manners have greatly contributed
to determine the choice. But, O ye Miflionaries,
trull not to either. Remember the words of the
Lord Jcfus, “ Beware, of men.” Arc there no
dangers, think ye, but thol’c which arife from
boiltcrous elements, and ferocious fpirits ? are there

* Mat. xvi. 24. f Mat. v. tr.

no

TO THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES.

1\

nojdangers lurking under clement fkies, and fra-
grant bowers, and alluring •miles, and a courteous
demeanour. “ Beware of 11100.’'’ “ Watch and

pray that ye enter not into temptation.”

3. Our Lord cautions his Miffionaries againft an
over curious and minute regard to accommoda-
tion, preparatory to their entering on their million,
and while employed in executing the butinefs of it :
becaufe he would inculcate on them an unbounded
confidence in the care of Providence, and perfect ,
contentment with fuch provifion as the hofpitality
of thofe whom they vilited might, ffom time to
time, fupply. They arc enjoined to dilregard
fome particulars which niott men would deem ef-
fentially neceffary to a journey: “ carry neither
“ purfe, nor ferip, nor fhocs.” An anxious foli-
citude about conveniences, much more about
fantaliical gratification and indulgence, betrays a
mind unfubdued to the authority, and unin-
fluenced by the example of the Lord Jefus, betrays
the fickly appetite of a fpoilt child, which mull be
tempted and pampered with delicacies, not the
manly lpirit of the intrepid youth who cares not
how hard he lies, and how coarfely he fares, pro-
vided he gets forward. He who expects between
the decks of a fmall vcflel, on a long voyage, all
the cafe and comfort of an enlarged, unreftrained
lituation, had much better continue on fihore.
He who dreams of ca&rying with him to Otaheite,
or of finding there, all the luxuries of London, has
not a particle of the miffionary fpirit within him,
let him remain where he is. He who affcdls pre-
eminence and diitindtion, he who is not pre-dif-
pofed to order and fubmifficn, he who is not dif-
poled to be, and to do, any thing, every thing
which may tend to promote the objedl cf his mil-
lion ; he who is not determined by grace to facri-
fice pundlili'Q, humour, intereft, even his reafon-
able claims, nay reputation, health, life, for the

cauls

22 jesus Christ’s instructions

caufe in which he is embarked, is not for our
purpofe, “ let him return and depart.” “ Na-
“ ture,” fays the proverb, “ is fatisfied with little,”
and grace with lcfs, and grace in a Mifftonary
fhould not be of the ordinary caft. To what a
height of it was the firit and great Apoftle of the
Gentiles exalted, when it enabled him to fay, cc I
“ have learned in whatever Hate I am, therewith
(e to be content. I know both how to be abafed,
“ and I know how to abound ; every where and
“ in all things I am inltructed, both to be full
“ and to be hungry, both to abound and to fuf-
“ fer need What a tbame then is it for a mo-
darn apoftle, for a difciple of the felf-denying Je-
fus to ramble “ from houfe to houfe,” in queft of
a fuller table or of a fofter bed, and peevifhly to
complain, if his temper is not ftudied, and his pa-
late gratified, in every particular?

4. Our Lord recommends to the difciples, un-
divided, undeviating attention to what was fpe-
cially committed to them. This is plainly implied
in the injunction, “ Salute no man by the way.”
And this is by no means an encouragement to
pradtife rudenefs and incivility, for the Gofpel in-
culcates not only the weightier matters, fueh as
“ are true, venerable, juft, pure but thofe alfo
which cc are lovely and of good report,” and ordains
that “ all things be done decently.” But the falu-
tations of the eaft were, and are, formal, tedious, ce-
remonious, and cuftom fandlioned them fo far as to
lufpimd and interrupt the moft ferious and neccf-
fary bufinefs. It became needful, therefore, on
urgent occafions, to difpenfe with the cuftomary
laws of decorum. To this purpofe was the in-
ftruelion given by the Prophet to hisfervant, when
the fon of the Shunnamite was to be raifed to life
again : “ Gird up thy loins, and take my flaff in

* Thil iv. ii, 12.

“ thine

TO THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES. 23

“ thine hand, and go thy way : if thou meet any
man falute him not; and if any falute thee,
anfwer him not again*.” The King’s bufinefs
requireth hafic. When a dark world is to be en-
lightened, when the dead in trefpalies and fins are
to be quickened into newnefs of life, let the fer-
vant of Jelus Chrill give his whole heart to it ;
“ let the dead bury their dead,” let the men of
the world attend to the ceremonial of the world,
but “ let his eyes look right on,” let not him
turn to the right hand nor to the left ; let him go
forward from Strength to ftrength, from company
to company. May no holtile lalutation impede
or defeat the progrefs of this Million, but wafted
of Providence, may it fpeedily reach the field of
action, and in due time rejoice our cars and our
hearts with the glad tidings of their advancing, in
the llrength of the Redeemer, from con quell to
conquelt.

5. Our Lord’s inltruftions to the Seventy re-
fpe6t their work, and the manner in which they
were to perform it. This con lilts of three articles:
They were to proclaim peace wherever they went,
they were to heal the fick, and to announce the
immediate approach of the kingdom of God. What
a copious return for the lodging and refrelhments
of a day ! And it is thus that the great God ac-
knowledges and remunerates the little fervices
which men render him in the perlon of his mini-
fters. “ Say, peace be to this houfe.” It was the
glory and the joy of angels to deliver a limilar
mefiage to a perilhing world, by announcing the
advent of the Saviour. “ Unto you is born this
“ day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is
“ Chrift the Lord, — and fuddenly there was with
“ the angel a rtiultitude of the heavenly holl,
t( praifing God and faying. Glory to God in the

* 2 Kings iv. 29.

(( big-heft,

24 jesus Christ’s instructions

“ higheft, and onTarth peace, good will towards
<c' men*.” This honour is the glorious Jehovah
pitting on you, men and brethren. I behold you
hovering in the air over Otaheite, with the olive
branch in your hand, and the habitation of peace
on your lips. Peace be to this illand, peace be
to old and young, “ peace, peace be to him that
w is afar otF, and to him that is near” — “ Peace
u with God through JefusChrift our Lord.” You
are, not going to ftun the cars of thole unoffending
iflanders with the thunder of European artillery %
and to reduce their native domain to a defert, in
carder to enfure the fovcrcignty of it. Inafmuch
as it is more blefted to give than to receive, will
your bleflednefs be fuperior to that of all the dif-
covering navigators, and of all the ambitious con-
querors that have cxiftcd from the day that the
afpiring Julius landed on the Britifh brand, down
to the prefent hour. O may the fons of peace be
prepared to receive you, that “ your peace may

reft upon them,” and not “ turn fruitlefs unto
*e you again.”

“ Heal the ftek.” The Seventy were endowed
with miraculous powers of healing. They had
this fupcrnatural fcal affixed to their commiffion,
and thus an effectual door was opened for them to
the hearts of thofe to whom their meflage was ad-
drefted. We pretend not to fend you forth armed
with fuch powers as this. But you go not altoge-
ther unprovided. You carry with you no incon-
fiderablc portion o £ European lkill and experience;
you are furiiifhed with the medicines of all the
quarters of the globe; you may be called in pro-
vidence, to perform wonders of healing, which
I hall have, to thole fimple fons of ignorance, all
the appearance, and produce on ,thcm all the ef-
fects, of a real miracle. And who can tell what

* Luke ii. 1 1, 13, 14.

a return

TO THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES. 25

a return you may be enabled to make to your own
generous country, for the good which it intends,
and is attempting, in the yet unknown medicinal
plants, and drugs, and gums of thofe fortunate
iitends; blefhngs of Nature dill lying hid to us,
as the biddings of the Gofpel are, as yet, to them ?

“ Say unto them, the kingdom of God is come
nigh unto you.” This prepared the inhabitants
of Galilee for a perfonal vifit of the Saviour of the
world, thus was his approach announced in “ every
“ city and place, whither he himfelf would come;”
and thus are thefe our miffionary brethren to “ go
“ forth,” I trull, “ in the fpirit and power of Elias,
u in the fpirit and power of John Baptift ;” a “ voice
“ crying in yonder wilderncfs, Prepare ye the
te way of the Lord, make llraight in the defert a
“ high-way for our God;”* a finger pointing
out, a tongue proclaiming, “ Behold the Lamb of
“ God which taketh away the fin of the world’. ”*j*
“ Our brethren who vifited you at firfl, came in
“ the name, and by the command, of the King
“ of our native Ifland, but we come to you in
“ the name, and by command, of the King of
<x kings, the God of the whole earth. He already
a rules’ over you, and over all mankind, in the
“ kingdom of nature and of providence, and he
<c is now coming to you in his kingdom of grace
“ and love; he has fent us before his face to warn
“ you of his approach, and though you will not,
“ cannot fee him with the eye of the body, for
“ God is a fpirit, he will make you to feel his
<e power, and to rejoice in his goodnefs.”

6*. Chrifl encourages his difciples with this af-
furance, that he fhould confidcr the reception
which they met with, as given to himfelf; every
ihflance of negle<5l or iiifult which fhould be of-
fered to them as difrefpe&ful to him, and confe-

* Ifaiah xl. 3. f Ja, ii. 29.

C quently

JESUS CHRIST S INSTRUCTIONS

26

qucntly to God; and every expreffion of kindnefs
and benevolence to them, as a perfonal favour.
“ He that heareth you heareth me ; and he that
“ defpifeth you defpifeth me; and he that defpifeth
“ me defpifeth him that fent me.” Such is the
tender in ter eft which the Redeemer condefcends
to take in the treatment of his fervants. When
“ Saul goes forth breathing out threatenings and
“ daughter againft the difciples of the Lord,” he
is arrefted with this challenge, not, why perfecuteft
thou thefe ? but, “ Saul, Saul, why perfecuteft thou
“ me?”* When the works of mercy performed
by the righteous are to be applauded and rewarded,
the acknowledgment runs in thefe terms, “ In as
much as ye have done it unto one of the leaft
“ of thefe my brethren, ye have done it unto mc.”-j-
Keep the intereft of your Mafter, my very dear
friends, fteadily in view, and you may fafely truft
him with the care of yours; to touch you is to
“ touch the apple of his eye.” But imagine not
yourfelves warranted from this, to refent and re-
venge every fuppofed affront offered to him in
your perfons. The arm of man is much too feeble
to wield the thunder, and his head too uninformed
to cliredt it. In “ the meeknefs and gentlenefs of
“ Chrift,” let your imitation be as exadt as poffi-
ble, “ Come unto him, and learn of him to be
“ lowly of heart.” But he will not truft the crea-
ture with his wrath. With an cmphatical folem-
nity he challenges this awful province as his own.
“ Vengeance is mine, I will repay, faith the
“ Lord. The difciples James and John were
difpofed to execute fignal judgment on a village
of the Samaritans, which refuted to receive their
Mafter: “ Lord,” faid they, “ wilt thou that we
command fire to come down from heaven, and
“ confume them, even as Elias did ? But he turn-

t Mat. xxv. 40 \ Rom. xii. 19.

• “ed.

* Adis ix. 4.

TO THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES. 27

« ed, and rebuked them, and faid, Ye know not
<c what manner of fpirit ye are of, for the Son of
X( Man is not come to deftroy mens lives, but to
“ lave them: and they went to another village. ”*
The only mark of difpleafure which the Seventy
were permitted to exprefs, in the cafe of being
treated inhofpitably, was to “ go out into the
“ ltrcetsof the city, and to wipe off the duft from
“ their feet” againft the inhabitants, with a decla-
ration that they had done their duty. Leave it to
a fanguinary Mahomet, to a bigotted Pontiff, to
propagate opinion by fire and the fword. “ The
“ weapons of our warfare arc not carnal, but
we arc confident they will be “ mighty through
“ God to the pulling down of ftrong holds, cafting
“ down imaginations, and every high thing that
“ exalteth itfelf againft the knowledge of God, and
“ bringing into captivity every thought to the
“ obedience of Chrift.”'}'

7. Our Lord inftnnfts his difciples to keep their
hearts with all diligence, from the emotions of felf-
gratulation and complacency in the hour of fuc-
cefs. To the full extent of his promife, and be-
yond it, his prefence and power had accompanied
them. This they joyfully acknowledged on their
return, “ faying, Lord, even the devils are fubject
“ unto us, through thy name.” That eye which
nothing can efcape, difeerned through this ex-
preflion of exultation a fhade of vain-glorying,
which, with a mildnefs peculiar to himfelf, he
deems it neceftary to reprefs. While he himfelf
“ rejoices' in fpirit” at the commencing downfal
of “ the Prince of the power of the air,” he admo-
niflies them ' of a purer fource of latisfacftion and
delight than even the lubjedtion of evil fpirits to
the miraculous powers conferred upon them. It
could not but be grateful to them to receive this

* Luke ix. 51 56. ‘f 2 Cor. x. 4, 5-.

C 2 aliurance

28

jesus Christ’s instructions, Jkc.

afiurance • from the lips of their divine Mafter:

“ Behold, I give unto you power to tread on fer-
“ pents and fcorpions, and over all the power of
“ the enemy; and nothing fhall by any means
“ hurt you this fenced them about as with “ a
“ w 11 of fire,” againft all the allaults of earth and
hell, but even this was furpaffed by a ftill dearer,
and more deeply interefiing confederation : Not-
“ withtlanding, in this rejoice not that the fpirits
“ are fubjedt unto you; but rather rejoice, becaufe
“ your names arc written in Heaven.” Hereby
their great, their eternal all was effectually fecured.
Whatever might be the ilfue, whatever the effedt,
of tneir future miniltrations, they had the exalted
confolation of reflecting, that their “ life was hid
“ with thrift in God,” that “none couldpluck them
“ out of his hand.#

The gifts of prophecy, of working miracles, of
fpeaking with tongues, have been bellowed upon
bad men. The Lord Jelus, in another place, lup-
pofes more than the probability that a plea of this
nature wopld be let up unavailingly, in the great
day of accounts': “ Many will fay to me in that
<c day, Lord, Lord, haye we not prophelied in thy
“ name? and in thy name have call out devils?
“ and in thy name done many wonderful works?
“ And then will 1 profels unto them, I never knew
“ you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.*”
It will be higjily honourable for you, my beloved
brethren, to be made infirumenlal in catting down
the idols of, the heathen to the ground, in wrefting
a province from Satan’s empire; it will obtain for
you a name and a place among the benefadtors of
mankind ; but remember you have a full nearer
and dearer concern to purlue: “ Work out your
“ own falvation with fear and trembling,” that
you may have “ your own fouls for a prey in the

* Math. rii. 22, 23.

day

TO THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES. IQ

u day of the Lord.” Look to the Apoftlc Paul,
and learn of him to fay : “ I keep under my body,
“ and bring it into fubjecftion : left that by any
means, when- 1 have preached to others, 1 my-
fC felf fhould be a caft-away.”* “ Not as though
“ I had already attained, either were already per-
“ feeft: but I follow after, if that T may apprehend
“ that for which alfo I am apprehended of Chrilt
“ Jefus. Brethren I count not myfelf to have ap-
“ prehended: but this one thing Ido, forgetting
“ thofe things which are behind, and reaching
“ forth unto thofe things which are before, I prefs
“ toward the mark, for the prize of the high cal-
ft ling of God in Chrift Jefus.

To conclude: Let every profefted Chriftian con-
lider himfelf as fpecially commiflioned to declare,
and to live, “ the truth as it is in Jefus,” in the
ears, and before the eyes of a carelefs and unbe-
lieving world. Let fuch as have put forth their
hand to this good work, more efpecially, remem-
ber that they are “ a city which is fet on a hill,
“ that cannot be hid.” Many eyes are upon you,
and not all of them in kindnefs and alFedion.
Take care that cc your good be not evil fpoken of ;”
that this “ miniftry be not blamed ;” that you
u give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to

“ the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God.”

“ Now the God of Peace be with you all. Amen,”

* i Cor. ix. 27. f Phil. iii. 12, 14..

MISSIONARY

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MISSIONARY

> .

ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

A

CHARGE

ADDRESSED TO THE MISSIONARIES,

BY

THE REV. EDWARD WILLIAMS, D.D.

MINISTER. AT ROTHERHAM.

ADVERTISEMENT.

IT is hoped the feverity of
criticifm Will have no room for exeY'cife, when it is
nnderjiood that, owing to peculiar circumflances,
the following Difcourfe was written on one day,
delivered the next, and, on the third, fent to the
Prefs untranferibed-, which was unavoidable ,
partly, becaufe the Author was obliged to lecn>e
town that day, and partly becaufe no time could
be loft before Printing, that the Publication, of
which it is a part, might be ready for the Mif-
Jionaries, who are in daily expectation of embark-
ing. May God blefs the Publication, both to
the dear Mifjionaries and all who read it, and He
jhall have the glory.

A

C H A R G E

" * • i

ADDRESSED TO THE MISSIONARIES .

MY dear brethren in the Lord, the magnitude
of the caufc in which you are now engaged,
and the foiemnities of this dav, have not been
often equalled ; whether we confider your num-
ber as Miifionaries, the liberal countenance of the
public, the place of your deftination, or the na-
ture of the caufe itfelf. So interefted is the re-
ligious public in your favour, that not only
thoufands of prayers have been and dill are of-
fered up for you, but alfo about twelve thou f and
pounds contributed with the fame view. The
place of your deftination, confidered in a religious
light, isfallownefs itfelf, fallow ground untouched ;
and if you have the noble ambition of the apoftle
Paul,* “ To preach the gofpel in diftant regions,
“ and not to boat! in another man’s line, of things
“ made ready to your hand,” you have, in pro-
fpedt, an opportunity of having that, ambition gra-
tified to the utmoft.

Of the caufe itfelf, who can calculate the con-
fequences? Who can tell, but millions in lucceed-
ing ages may be everlaftingly benefited by it? The

* 2 Cor. x. 16.

D

influence

34

A CHARGE

influence of a parent on his pofterity may be
great; the influence of a magiitrate on the circle
of his jurifdidtion greater; the influence of a chief
governor on his extenflve dominions ftill greater;
but a rnmijler of God has an influence, good or
bad, on the minds of men, ftill greater than them
all, as he officially prepares, or negle&s to prepare
them for happinefs in a never-ending- fiate of ex-
iftence.

This applies to every minifler of religion; but
to a MiJJionary more than any other. His name
may be emphatically called “ legion,” for the
happinefs or mifery of many thoufands appears pe-
culiarly cormcdtcd with him.

When, a few days ago, application was made to
me to perform this office of addrefling you, many
difficulties arofe in my mind, but none greater
than the difficulty of entering fully into the real
fpirit of the occalion ; I reflected, that without a
heart-felt flmplicity of dependence upon God,
without a fteady regard for his glory, difregarding
the praifes or cenfurcsof men, without ardent love
to the Lord Jefus Chrift, and the fouls of men ; in
a word, without the true fpirit of a Miffionary,
there would be a manifeft impropriety in my com-
pliance. Confeious weaknefs therefore urged me
to decline the momentous talk, but deference to
the judgment of thofe whom I greatly rcfpc<5t, and
love in the truth, difpofed me to acquielccnce.
And now, O Lord God of truth and love, afliff
both fpeaker and hearers, for thy mercy, for thy
Son, for thy precious promife’ fake.

The Holy Scriptures abound with profitable
fubjc<ffs and fuitablc paflages as ihc ground of
fuch a difeourfe as this; many things, addrefled to
patriarchs, prophets, apoftles and cvangelilts, are
highly applicable to you on this ocenfion. Were
1 to add refs you merely as miniflers, no words
could be more applicable than our Lord’s con-
. . eluding

TO THE MISSIONARIES.

35

eluding charge to his difcipleS*, “ Go ye therefore
“ and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
<e name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
“ Holy Ghoft; teaching them to obferve all things
.*•' whatfoever I have commanded you; and lo, I
“ am with you ahvay, even unto the end of the
“ world.” Whence might be noticed, the autho-
rity of Chrifl, as the ground of your Million, Go
ye therefore — your primary aim, and principal work,
to teach, difciple, or evangelically to frofelyte the
nations to whom you go — the bode of letting them
apart, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and fo on — your conduft to the converted, teaching
them to obferve all things whatfoever I have com-
manded you — and, finally, the promifed prefence and
aid of our divine Lord, and lo, I am with you ahvay
even unto the e?id of the world.

But as you arc not all minifters in the firiiftefl
fenfe, nor the greateft part of you, that fubjcCh
would be too confined; I lhall therefore adopt, as
a motto to what I have further to lav, the words
you find in Gen.xvii. 1. the latter part. u lam
“ the Almighty God; walk before me and be
“ thou perfect.” — Or, I am GW (as in the margin
and the old tranflation) all-sufficient, walk be-
fore me, and be thou perfect, that is, upright , or
fincere.

Thefe words, my’ dear brelhren, were addreffed
to Abraham; to whom God had fpoken, fome
time before, on this wife : “ Get thee out of thy
“ country, and from thy kindred, and from thy
(f father’s houfe, unto a land that I will fhew thee.
“ And I will make of thee a great nation, and I
“ will blefs thee, and make thy name great ; and

thou flialt be a bleffing. And I will blefs them
u that blefs thee, and curfe him that eurfeth thee:

and in thee lhall all families of the earth be

, r

* Marth, xxviii. 19, 20.

D 2 “ blefled

A CHARGE

36 ' -

“ bleffed. So Abraham departed as the Lord
“ had fpoken unto him*.”

Thus, you fee God’s call and Abraham’s com-
pliance ; and your call feems not much lei's dear,
though fignified in a different way. I feem to
view each Miff on ary as an Abraham — a pilgrim,
going forth in the name of the Lord, exerebing
fir pi faith in his promife: “ By faith Abraham,”
fays the Apoftle-j~, “ when he was called to go out
“ into a place which he fhould after receive for an
“ inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not
“ knowing whither he went” — not having a parti-
cular knowledge of the country to which he was
going. “ By faith he fojourned in the land of
tf< promife, as in a ft range country, dwelling in ta-
“ bernaclcs with Ifaac and Jacob, the heirs with
“ him of the fame promife. For he looked for a
<6 city which hath foundations, whofe builder and
u maker is God.” *

I feem alfo to view each MiffioUary as & father
of many faithful — and all of you collectively, the
fathers of many nations ! — And to each of you are
thefe words now addreffed, “ 1 am God all-fujfi-
“ cient, walk before me, and be thou upright."

Here you have, firft, a fummary direction by
which to proceed in all your future attempts ; “ be
“ thou upright , or fincere;” — and, fecondly, the
grand fource of your encouragements in the dis-
charge of your arduous work; (< lam God all-fuf-
i( ficient " — Permit me now to attempt an imita-
tion of this divine pattern, by

I. Offering to your eonlideration fueli direc-
tions and remarks as appear to me mod important
and ufeful to you as Chriftian Miffionaries. By

II. Propoiing to you fuch encouragements as
your arduous undertaking requires, and which our
all-fufficient God affords you. May lie afliil us
all!

f Chap. xji. 1 — 4. f Hdj. xi. 8--- 10.

« I. I am

TO THE MISSIONARIES. 37

I. I am to offer fome directions and remarks.
As a fundamental general obfervation, I would
have you never to forget, that <e godlinefs re pro-
fitable for all things,” and that nothing can com-
penfate for the want of perfonal holinefs. I fo-
lemnly declare, I would prefer feeing one of yon,
both deaf and dumb, embark, if under the influ-
ence of religion, than the inoft eloquent man in
Europe, if not godly. Yet this godlinefs with its
life and power muft be fo cultivated and directed
as to promote tire caufe you have efpoufed. Suffer
therefore the word of exhortation :

1 . Maintain a cot Jl ant , holy jeahujy over your
ends and motives, in every flep of your Millions ry
walk. If thefe are indeed good, your only end
will not be your own refutation, whether of felf-
denial and mortification to the world, or your
Chriftian faith and courage, however great — nor
the glory of the Britijh name, its riches, commerce,
arts" and fciences, population and power — nor yet
the temporal happinefs of the heathen, though it
were great, and extended to millions yet unborn —
but an cgd far higher is full in your eye, a motive
much more powerful is operative in your foul, their
fpi ritual and evcrlalting happinefs. This you will
daily keep in view, and dread the thought of its
being eclipfed by any thing earthly, remembering
there is an end ftill more glorious than this, to
which your hearts fhould be if ill more firmly at-
tached— the glory of God our Saviour.

To promote the glory of the God of grace, our
world ftands, all the wheels of creation move ; to
this are directed all the rays of providential wifdom",
all the difpenfations of religion, all the communi-
cations of grace to the foul, with all the fucceeding
influences of the Holy Spirit and the means of
grace.

See then that it be not a mean, unworthy end
you propofe, or motive that actuates you, either

now

38

A CHARGE

now or in future. The love of fame has been
called “ the univerfal paffion difprove the uni*
verfality of the maxim, to the content and joy of
your own heart, and the confiffion of gainfavers,
by your future conduct. What I now propofe to
you, God urged upon Abraham — “ Walk before
<c me, and be thou fincerc” in thy ends and mo-
tives. And this is what our Lord inculcates on
his difciples, “ The light pf the body is the eye,
“ if therefore thine eye be tingle, thy whole body
thall be full of light*.” Allow the expreffion,
infincerity in a Miffionary is “ death in the pot” —
a Miffionary without lincerity of ends and mo-
tives, is “ fait without favour.”

2. Next to the glory of God, Let the irjlruftion ,
foirverfion , and everlajting happinefs of the heathen ,
he Jleadily intended , even when you may not think it
expedient openly to avow the defign. This upright -
nefs your prefent folemn engagement requires. It
is almott incredible what wonders this principle—
tleadinefs of aim — has produced in every depart-
ment and concern of life ; and God has ever ho-
noured it in his fervants. Prodigies of mental
powers, and the greateft brilliancy of parts, have
failed of fuccefs, when this was wanting; they
promifed victory like Goliah, but ignominioufly
fell ; whereas fleadinefs of aim, like David, makes
no fhew and yet fucceeds. In all your traffic and
covenants, in all your intercourfe and public de-
portment, among the untaught natives of the
South-Sea Iflands, bethisyour unvaried, inflexible
aim — their falvation. Be this the aim of your

prayers and praifes, your joys and cares, your fuf-
ferings and enjoyments. Be this your meat and
drink, becaufe it is our heavenly Father’s will.
For this plead continually, as a hungry, naked
beggar for an alms ; even more than a proud and

* Matt. vj. 2Z.

greedy

TO THE MISSIONARIES.

I '

greedy Sycophant for promotion. For this let your
common actions in life be employed; to this let
your eating and drinking, as well as fading be di-
rected; to this your deeping as well as your wake-
ful moments be confecrated; to this your educa-
tion of the heathen children, as well as your fet
converfation or difeourfes to their parents; to this
the education of your own children, and the con-
duct of your families; to this all your connections
and engagements with the natives.

Thus principled and employed, you will tread
in the fteps of our common Lord, who laid afide
his own cafe and honour; who, though he was
rich, for our fakes became poor, denied himfelf for
our advantage ; took upon him the form of a fer-
vant, and made himfelf of no reputation. In this,
therefore, be ye followers of Chrill as dear children.
But, as fincerity of principle, and fieadinefs of
aim, 'require an inftrument to work with, there-
fore

3. Cultivate a greater acquaintance with the purity
and fmplicity of the gofpel — God’s covenant. — By
this alfo prove the fincerity of your profeflion.
This is the word he has honoured above all his
name ; this is the wifdom and power of God, the
rod of his flrength, and the fword of his Spirit.
Evangelical truths are the weapons of your war-
fare, let them not be covered with unfightly ruft,
nor blunted by too much polifli — mind chiefly the
edge. Remember alfo, that the word is a two-
edged fword, the law and the gofpel — the one, to
fir ike conviction into the confcicnces of Tinners;
and the other, to cut off fin from the believer in
Jefus, as well as to lop off and confign to deftruc-
tion all apoltatcs*.

Divine revelation is a bright, pure, well-polifhed
mirror ; do not disfigure it with fcratchcs, made

X I y

* See Hcb, ij. 1—3. a r.d chap, iv, 1 1. rz.

with

40

A CHARGE

with unholy and foolifh fancies, though they
fparkle in your eye like diamonds. The gofpel is
pure wholefome milk; do not adulterate it with
the water of your own fountain, corrupted reafon.
The gofpel is a net ; do not alter the methes, to be
either greater or finaller than the divine appoint-
ment. But keep in mind, my brethren, that a
growing acquaintance with the purity and fimpli-
city of the gofpel is the effedt of divine teaching;
feek therefore, with all humble importunity, the
u undlion from the Holy One,” that ye may
“ know all things.”

It is indeed poffible that, to induce a profejfwn of
Chrifiianity, fome human mixtures or additions
may be ufeful ; but God does not allow any of his
fervants to be wife above what is written ; he will
not have his bright and precious jewel, the gofpel,
daubed with gaudy paint. Many, like Saul, pre-
tend to offer a facrifice to the Lord, by human ad-
ditions, and God’s anfwer to his plea by Samuel,
is a fufficient reply to all intermeddlers*. “ Hath
“ the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and
“ facrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
“ Behold, to obey is better than facrifice, and
“ to hearken than the fat of rams.” Take for yout
example and guide the great Apoftle of the Gen-
tiles : — te I determined not to know any thing
“ among you,” fays he to the Corinthians^, “ fave
*'£ Jefus Chrift, and him crucified.” And to the
Galatians];, “ God forbid that I lhould glory, fave
,£ in the crofs of our Lord Jelus Chrift, by whom
££ the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the
(( world.”

The Prophets and Apoftlcs do not fet themfelves
formally tq prove the being and perfe&ions of God,
as learned hypothefis would probably advife; but
the fpirit of prophefy is the testimony of Jefus, and

* i Sam. xv. za. -J- i Cor. ii. s. , Chap. vi. 14.

the

TO THE MISSIONARIES.

41

the glory of the New Teftament Miniflers is to
point Him out as “ the lamb of God, who takctli
“ away the fins of the world” — to exhibit him,
from the divine oracles, as God-man — Mediator — •
born, to die for our tins, — and dying, to rife and
reign for our juflification, and finally our glorifica-
tion. The repeated experience of others has abun-
dantly proved the preference due to this fnnplicity
of teaching, before any other method, though more
learned and laboured.

Thus furnilhed, permit me to recommend to
you

4. An alternate regard to private and focial reli-
gion. By neglecting perfonal holinefs you will de-
generate into men of the world; worldly maxims
will prevail, your zeal will be damped, your minds
become earthly, your religion a lifelefs image, and
your profeffion an unmeaning name; and, by ne-
glecting foeial religion, you will not bcMiltionaries
but Hermits, you might as well flay at home, live
in fome lonely Englifh cottage, retire into the
Highlands of Scotland, or Mountains of Wales.
Let therefore converfe with God in folitude be fub-
fervient to public utility. Enter therefore thy
clofet, or penetrate the woods of Otaheite, to con-
verfe with Jefus, to maintain fpirituality, and to
plead for your idolatrous neighbours; and then,
warmed with this holy lire, go and warm others by
focial intercourfe. Thus your heavenly Father s
will reward you openly, and heathens will in time
learn that none but the difeiples of Jefus can be
thus happy and thus ufeful.

Under this head, let me advife you, not only to
guard againfl falling out by the way, (which God
prevent !) and to love one another out of a pure heart
fervently, but even let the poor ignorant natives
take knowledge of you, that you do lb love one ano-
ther, and that with the love of benevolence you
are affectionately attached to them. Let them be

E eonllraincd

42 A CHARGE

conftrained to fay, “ Behold how thefe new-comers
love one another!” How pleafant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity ! Some of us of late have
feen delightful fpecimens of this union, we fee it
alfo this day. My brethren, we commiffion you
this morning, in the name of the Lord, to make a
fair report of the lovely fcenes which you have be-
held, to the teachable natives of Otaheite !

Tell them what you have feen, in the belt man-
ner you are able, fo as to convey the fentimcnt into
their inmoft fouls. Allure them by your teftimony
and example, that the religion of Jefus leads to
blits. Say, have fellowfliip with us, for “truly
“ our fellowfliip is with the Father, and with his
fon Jefus Chrift;” the God we adore, the Saviour
we ferve. In this connexion I would add,

5. Aim at exemplifying the religion of Jefus in all
its parts . There arc few human characters but
have many fpots, and all in our world have fome ;
it is therefore our wifdom to difcover and correct
them in ourfelves and others. But how is this to
be done ? By looking into the glafs of the word,
which will faithfully exhibit each one to himfelf.
One who endeavours to- walk before God uprightly ,
aims more at removing imperfections firft, than
performing brilliant exploits. Study therefore your
defects with a view to pardon and amendment;
then you will be better able, when they afk you,
What meaneth your new religion ? to anfwer them.
Come and fee, follow us in every flep of our walk;
obferve us in all our private and public, perfonnl
and relative concerns. Behold us patient in tribu-
lations, mild and meek when provoked, honed;
when it is, in our power to impofe, doing to others
as we would be done by, wifhing well and doing
good to our very enemies, enduring all things for
the elect fake, that they maybefaved.

Though we are equal as brethren, yet, obferve
us, we know how to fubmit to our fuperiors, we

know

TO THE MISSIONARIES.

43

know how to obferve clue fubordin^tion among
ourfelves. And as this exemplification of religion
in all its parts is the heft practical anfwcr to the
queftion, What is Chrifiianity ? fo it is the moll
likelv way to your fucccfs. He who thus aims,
and lludies, and llrives to honour God, will be
honoured by him, and fhall be honourably reward-
ed. “ Walk before me and be thou perfect,”' fays
God, “ and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and
“ thou fhalt be a father of many nations, and I will
“ make thee exceeding fruitful.” I now add,

(j. Be more attentive to duty than even to fuccefs.
Uprightncfs and fincerity will regard the will and
authority of God, leaving all events to him-— to his
adorable and fovercign difpofal. A man of real
faith, in its free exercile, will not object and mur-
mur, though God demand an Ifaac in facrifice.
But fhould we be unconcerned about luccefs? By
no means. But every thing in its due order. You
may defire fucccfs much, but lhould ftill more
carneftly defire to walk before God in uprightnefs,
according to the folemn promife you have now
made. And if you have but a little fuccefs, clo
not “ defpife the day of finall things.”

The human mind is bufy in anticipation; you
already pourtray to yourfelves what fort of a voyage
you are likely to have, — what reception at your ar-
rival,— what habitations, manners, and employ-
ments? Be not over anxious about thefe things,
but mind more prefent duty, let our text refound
in your ears, and daily recur to your thoughts,
“ Walk before me and be thou upright.” You
will fee, perhaps, forafeafon, but little, very little
fruit of your labour ; but “ who hath defpifed the
“ day of finall things ?” Think of the hufband-
inan, he calls into the ground the principal wheat,
and waits for the crop with patience. The gofpel
is. leaven, and it mull have time to operate; the
gofpel is a preferving fait, it rnufl have time to
. E 2 penetrate;

44

A CHARGE

penetrate; the gofpel is a grain of muftard feed/
and it muft have time to grow.

The way to fuccefs, even to furprifing fuccefs,
is often intricate. Viewing Jofeph in the pit, in
the prifon, who but the Omnifcient could have
thought of his future fuccefs ? Who that faw the
danger of Daniel, Shadrach, Mediae and Abed-
nego, or of Jonah, would have given a pebble for
their lives? — What wonders were wrought by
means of illiterate apoftles, evangelifts, and difei-
plcs, when God commanded fuccefs! View, on
the one hand, the Coloflean powers of this world,
on the other, the defpifed Nazarene, as a “ ftone
cut out without hands, breaking them to pieces.”
(Dan. ii. 34.) “ Thou fawelt till that a ftone was
“ cut out without hands, which fmote the image
“ upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and
“ brake them to pieces.” It is added, (ver. 35.)
{: and the ftone that fmote the image became a
“ great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” I
afk again, Who hath defpifed the day of [mall things ?
Who knows not, that the flately oak was once an
acorn, that the molt majcftic river begins its courfe
as a finall rill, that Rome, though time was when
it could boaft fuperiority to all other cities in the
world, was once a fmall village, nay, that Great
Britain itfclf was once a land of ftupid ignorance,
and vile idolatry. He, therefore, who commanded
the North to give up, and it was fo ; can alfo fay to
the South keep not back, and it fhall be fo. To
facilitate the performance of thefe duties enjoined,
let me advife you

7. To contemplate with qfjiduity and affeftion, the
char after of God, as dilplayed in his word, and in
his favourite fervants in all ages. To walk before
God, or with God, as Enoch did, muft imply a
contemplation of, and afFe(ction for his true eha-
radter; but what I would now particularly recom-
mend to you, as greatly conducive to the end pro-

poled,

TO THE MISSIONARIES.

43

pofed, is, to read and obferve attentively the fclf-
denying characters of thofe men . who, bearing
much of the divine image, have Hood forth publicly
to confefs him before men.

In the holy fc raptures you have a “ cloud of wit-
nefles,” whom you will not fail to contemplate and
to imitate; but above all be afliduous in looking
unto Jefus, the author and finifher of our faith,
who for the joy. that was fet before him, endured
the crofs, defpifing the thame. Read, with con-
tinual reviews and prayers, the lives of the Patriarchs
and Prophets, the aCts of the Apoftles, the hiftory
of the firft Chriflians by Eulebius, which if you
have not already I hope you will be provided with,
— the mod authentic holy lives and martyrologies —
the bed journals of Midionaric? — efpeciallv the life
and journal of Braincml, that highly favoured mail
of God, written by another who had drank deep of
the dime fpirit, Mr. Jonathan Edwards, of New
England.

Having thus endeavoured to give you mv bed
advice, directions and remarks, in addition to thofe
that have been recommended by my Rev. Brother,
relative to your character and conduCt as Mil-
donarics, I now proceed

II. To propofe to you fuch encouragements as
your arduous undertaking requires, and which our
all-fufficient God affords you. I am God all-fuff -
cient. Under this branch of our fubjeCt it would
be improper, on feveral accounts, to detain you
long; briefly then let me fugged to you the fol-
lowing particulars.

l . Under every trial, hardfhip, or perplexing
difficulty, know afluredly that, while in the way of
duty, you have a covenant intered in the all-fff-
ciency of God. In every flation there are difficulties,
in a Chriflian million many and peculiar ones, but
this one thought, if properly realized, mult ever

prove

A CHARGE

46

prove an adequate remedy, “ I am God all-fuffi-
dient.”

How well adapted this confideration is to anfwer
the end propofed, is evident from the circumltances
that firft occaiioned its application to Abraham.
Promifes were made, but difficulties fo great ap-
peared in the way of their accomplifhment, that
this confideration, and this alone, was equal to the
difficulty.

Brethren, there are different forts of trials —
there are trials and lnares even from profperity :
Profperity! fay you, (ffiaking your heads, and
your hearts trembling with the expectation of the
reverfe) Who of ns can expect prqfpeniy ? But are
you not going to Otaheite? for the lake of return-
ing to which iiland of fenfual delights a ffiip’s
crew mutinied? Ah, remember the hifiory of the
antidiluvian church; ye u fons of God,” beware of
the “ daughters of men.” Do not miftake me, I
would not diffuade any from forming an honour-
able and godly connexion; but fee firft that it be
honourable and godly. Let not the Chriltiau
Miffionary — the Chriftian mechanic — be dazzled
with the prolpect of alliance with the nobleft fami-
lies of the land, with the prelumptuous hopes of
making them afterwards Chriftians. Are you
wil'er than Solomon ? I repeat the queftion, are
you wifer than Solomon ? — Oh cry to God all-fiiffi-
cient, for he alone can help you in fo great a
temptation, that the daughters of the land do not
bear away your hearts, until they are made the
daughters of God. Oh that none of you may be
led in triumph by them, until they are led in
triumph by divine grace!

Do not fay, this branch of the fubjeA is necd-
lels; fori verily believe, and therefore fpeak, that
fomc of your greateft trials in proccfs of time will
arife from this quarter, and in nothing will you
have greater need of having rccourfe to God all-

TO THE MISSIONARIES,

47

mighty, God all-fujfic'tent , than in this cafe. Suffer
therefore the word of exhortation ; you feein to me,
my young friends, as fo many Jofephs — not that
you are huted by your brethren — not that you are
fold for Haves— not that you are going to a tyran-
nizing Egypt — but becaufe it is more than poffible
your purity, you chaHity may be tried. May the
God of Jofeph be with you, and help you to do as
he did! Why did Jofeph prevail and profper? God
was with him ! and he is all-fuffipicnt for you.
You are going to the land of Gofhen, be not dif-
couraged, God all-fufficient is even there, and
the way thither is by a long voyage; but think.
Who holds the ocean in the hollow of his hand?
Who walked on the fca ? If billows rife, if ftorms
break in upon you, caft out your anchor — caft the
anchor of your hope within the vail, to Jefus in the
higheft heavens, that you may be fure and ftcdfafl
in your minds.

2. The Lord Jefus Chrift, whofe you are by re-
demption and grace, and to whom you dedicate
yourlelves for this blcfied work, has all power and
authority in heaven, earth, and hell, for your
good; and he hath declared that he “ will be with
t{ you alway.” — Ye arc going, as ye have heard,
as lambs among wolves, but the great fhepherd of
the iheep will be with you; view him holding in
his hand the recompenfe of reward, as he did once
to Mofes, and hear him fay, “ To him that over-
“ cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.
“ A fhort feafon hence and you fhall fee and re-
“ ceive a crown of life.” — Even now he fpeaks in
loud and firm accents; “ Be thou faithful unto
(i death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

3. Take encouragement from the covenant,
office, and promifed influences of the Holy Spirit.
All Chriflians may indeed take encouragement
from this very important confi deration, but as none
have greater need, fo none have a greater right

A S

A CHARGE

than you. What lifted up Chrift’s immediate
Miffionaries when call down? what fupported
them when weak? directed their feet when dark-
nefs and doubts covered their way ? Who, but the
Comforter? He fhall take of mine, faidJefus, and
flfall fhew it unto you; he fhall guide you into all
truth ; by him it fhall be given you in the hour of
need what to /peak, and what to do.

Let not mountains of difficulties affright you t
“ Not by might, nor by power, but by my fpirit,
tc faith the Lord of Hofts,” the fpiritual Temple is
to be eredtcd. O look then to the Spirit of Promifc ; •
He can make you equally wife and meek — wife as
ficrpents, but harmlefs as doves; and He can kindle
a fire on the altar of your heart, and keep it burn-
ing, which all the floods proceeding from the mouth
of the dragon fhall never never be able to extin-
guifh.

I add no more. May God add his bleffing to
ijvhat has been now find, and to all the fervices m
which we have been engaged, for Jcfus’ fake,

COUNSELS

COUNSELS

AND

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REGULATION

OP

THE MISSION,

&e. &c.

—

BY THE DIRECTORS.

F

• . ■ p'

t

'

T :■!. V r ■

/ . \

« ' Jx ■ ' i\ ' Srt

, - i

.

. , - •'

i

COUNSELS

AND

INSTRUCTIONS,

&c. Sac.

.**1 • - . I I » <

I.

1 * l \ f

fcounfels for the Regulation of the Perfonal Conduct
and Spirit of the Mijfionaries .

ALL counfels of this kind may be lummed up
in this — Live near to God, and walk in love
towards one another. A lenfe of the magnitude,
high importance, and difficulty of the prelent at-
tempt, fhould imprefs the mind of every Mif-
lionary with the abfolutc ncceffity of continual
nearnefs to God. A Miffionary, who docs not
earneftly feek and entertain the moft intimate
communion with the Molt High, is as a handful
of chaff before the whirlwind: he mull walk with
God; he mult fet the Lord always before him.

Should any Miffionary walk lightly under fo
great a trull, as though he were equal to the
work, fuch temerity and prefumption would pro-
voke the Lord to jealoufy ; but we hope it will
be far from our Miffionaries. Rather every one
of them will have the fentence of death in him-
felf, from a preffing lenfe of ignorance, depravity,
and infufficiency ; each one will feek to be lower
in the dull before God than another, that all may
“ trull not in themfelves but in God, who raifeth
“ the dead.”

F 2

The

52 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE

The idea of the great expenditure of facred
money in this Million, though an inferior con-
fl deration, fhould imprefs the confciences of the
Miflionaries ; but when they confider the ex-
pectations, anxieties, and hopes of fo many Mi-
nifters of Chrifl, and of fuch multitudes of fe-
rious Chriftians ; when they think of the obferving
eye of adverfaries ; above all, when they furvey
the hundreds of millions of fouls lying in the dark-
nefs of heathenifm, who may ultimately be affe&ew
by the good or ill management, by the failure or
fuccefs of this Million, how ought every Millio-
nary to weep and make application, wreftling
with the Great Angel of the Covenant, that he
may be kept pure from the blood of all men, and
may gain the prize of turning many to rigfrteouf-
nefs.

Every Millionary Ihould fay from the bottom of
his heart, “ Who is fufficient for thefe things r,v
And he will think that it is no time to ftruggle
for the little interell of perfonal pre-eminence,
when fuch things are at flake.

The immutable purpofe of the love of Jehovah,
founded not in human goodncfs, but in fovereign
mercy, mufl be the Miflionary’s ' ftrength. The
finilhed and infinitely meritorious work of Jefus
mult be ever before his eyes ; the voice of his
blood and of his fweet heavenly interceflion mufl
ever be founding in the Miflionary’s ears. The
triumphs of the day of Pentecoft, of the three firft
ages of Chriftianity, and of the glorious reforma-
tion mufl dwell in his memory.

“ Live together in love and union.” Ye are
•brethren, but being men, are compaflcd about with
infirmities. Bear and forbear : holding the unity
of the fpirit in the bond of peace. Satan’s chief
device will be to divide you. Form no parties,
nor cabals; fupprefs the firft movements of difpirte
and divifion ; ever remember the words- of the

Lord

regulation of the MISSION. £3

Lord : He is the greatest in his kingdom, wl>o is

the jervant of all.

We requelt it lolemnly, we adjure you in the
Great Mailer’s name, “ Lore one another out of
4t a pure heart fervently putting on bowels of
merey, kindnefs, long-fufFering, forbearing imc
another, and forgiving one another, even though
any man had a real caufe of dil'pleafure again it his
brother, as God for ChrilVs fake hath forgiven you.

Your examples muft preach as powerfully as
your words. But if ever bitter envyings and ft rife
nrife, you will put an effectual bar to your own
ulefulnefs, and defeat the great purpofe of your
Million. Let all your zeal, therefore, be refervetl
for your work, and let no felfilh paffions mingle
with it, to corrupt the limplicity which is in
ChrifL

You will be very differently qualified ; and in
fome things there can be no competition between
-you. The talent one lacks, another poflefles in a
more abundant manner, and each is cquaily valu-
able and necellary for the work of God, and your
mutual comfort and advantage. Remember al-
ways St. Paul’s beautiful allegory of the human
body : Every part is alike needful, for its beauty,
fymmetry,and prefervation ; and juit fo every mem-
ber of your community thould have the laine care
one of another.

Should evil break in upon a brother, which may
the Lord preferve you from, be not baity or harfh
in your rebukes, nor too fevere in your cenfures ;
a broken bone muft be handled gently. You know
St. Paul's direction where grievous offence had
been given — “ Ye that are fpiritual, reltore fuch a
“ one in the fpirit of meeknefs.”

Watch over each other in love and fidelity ;
prevent, if pofiible, the evil ; kindly conceal from
your brethren lefier offences, after private admoni-
tion ; the greater, if unhappily fuch fhould arife,

mu it

54

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE

miuft be cenfured openly : not treating him Jfs
an enemy, but admonifhing him as a brother.
Exclufion from your fociety becomes neccflary,
when guilt produces no humiliation ; and obftinate
perfeverance in evil, compels the excifion of the
mortified limb, left the body be infected.

Avoid as much as poffible all occafions of temp-
tation. Let no man be permitted, without leave of
the community, to be abfent at night from the com-
mon dormitory. In every journey, walk, occupa-
tion, let two or more brethrefi always be together.

Should any native women feek inftru£tion in
private, let one of our women fitters be their
teachers. In public, all who pleafe, and arefilent,
may attend our worfhip and inftruction.

If a brother thinks he ought to marry, let fuch
a one take care that he be not guided by paflion
and fancy : Only in the Lord is the clear apoftolic
order : If therefore his defire be that he may' keep
himfelf more pure in the honourable eftate of wed-
lock, let him communicate his wifhes to his bre-
thren, nor prefume to form any fecret engage-
ments, but always a6t openly, with the approbation
of the Million.

Should any brother marry a native, they fhould
build a little houfe near their brethren, and come
under the fame regulations as our own married
brethren; their wives affociating with our believing
women, and on no account feparate, but live in
daily communion and worfhip under the fame roof.

Internal

REGULATION OP THE MISSION.

55

II.

Internal Order , Adminiflratton , and Inftruclion ,

[The Obfervance of this Order commences with the
Voyage, and is to be continued on the Iflands, with
fuch Variations as Circumftances render necefiary.]

YOU mutt be a little Church and Commu-
nity, and form fuch rules for your proceed-
ing on the fpot as may appear beft tinted to your
circumtlances : but every one is obliged to give
way to the conclulions of the majority, and chear-
fullv to acquiefce in all matters of prudential re-
gulation, and not to follow his own opinion or
will.

It is hoped that the fpiritof faith, love, and hu-
mility, will fo pervade the whole Million, that
every individual will be ready, for the general good,
to take the lowed place, and to become the fervant
of all. At the fame time, condition, difunion, and
want of fubor-dination, mull be avoided ; the Mif-
lionaries will endeavour, in humble dependance on
Divine Counfel, to form and maintain fuch an or-
der among themfelves as is luitable to their diffe-
rent gifts, offices, abilities, and employments ; fuch
an order as may exprefs folemn refpedl and obe-
dience to the inftitutions of the New Tcftament ;
fuch an order as may ltrike the minds of the hea-
then with ideas of its wifdom, fweetnefs, utility,
and dignity.

That an order to defireable, without the pecu-
liarities of any denomination, may be fecured ;
that the honour and purity of the ordinances of
God may be maintained, and that the effects of
human pride and felf-lufficiency may be prevented,

fixed

5(5

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THB

fixed rules are neceffiary, and mull be unanirnoufly
adopted.

The Management of the whole and feparate
Millions fhould be conduced by a Committee of
five, elected by the whole body of the Milfionaries.
The determinations of this Committee fhould be
confidered as final. Of this Committee the Cap-
tain is of courfe one, and permanent Chairman
during the voyage. At the end of one month
while on board, and three months afterwards, one
of the Committee fhould go out by rotation, and
another be chofcn in his place by the whole body.
To this Committee, and which it will be bell to
elect on the firji day of the month, when that does
not fall on the Sabbath-day, mult belong the ar-
rangement of public religious fervices, the cog-
nizance of immoralities, errors, and diforders, and
the direction of all endeavours refpeCting the Hea-
then, In cafes of peculiar difficulty and danger,
all the Miffionaries may, if it appears to the Com-
mittee practicable and advifable, be fummoned to
hoid an extraordinary conference, and invited to
give their opinion and advice.

During the voyage, the Captain is to be con-
fidcred as having authority over all the Miffiona7
ries, as to all external matters ; to him it belongs
to determine the convenient times for public fer-
vices in the veflel.

When fixed on fhore, and fettled as a commu-
nity, it is abfolutely necelTary that a Chairman be
elected by the Committee for fix months at the
leaf ; but we recommend that, in order to fuit the
ideas of the natives, aceuftomed to the continual
government of the fame Chiefs, it be for a longer

Prcfidcnt, for the time being, belongs al)
the external arrangement of bufinefs ; he is the or-
gan of the Society in all negociations with the
native Chiefs, but he can only aCt in concert with

the

period.
To t

REGULATION OP THE MISSION. 5 7

the Council, in which he is always to have a deli-
berative voice.

The fame order mud be followed with the fm id-
ler communities, which may branch out from the
main body to the adjacent iflands, if the linall
number in fuch Millions admits of, or requires it.

The Lord's I),p thou Id be obferved with fitcred
regard and particular attention, and the whole of
it employed in excreifes of. devotion, or labours
of love.

We recommend folcmn fervice to be twice per-
formed, careful only not to exceed a limited time,
perhaps an hour and a half at fartheft ; the time
to be fixed as luits the climate and manners of
the people.

The beft informed, and longeft in the Miniftry,
will naturally prelide in your devotions. Thole
who are in the habits of lpcaking (hould, in their
turn, improve their gifts, and edify their brethren.
Every Mondav the Committee fhould fettle the
morning and evening devotional exereiles, and ap-
point who fhall read, give out the pfalms or hymns,
pray and preach, the next Lord’s-Day, dividing
the fcrvices among each other, as may be moll for
edification.

Every day the morning fhould open and the
evening clofe with a chapter, prayer, a pfalrn or
hymn ; a fhort expofition may be given the one
evening, and a fhort fermon the following event-
ing, all through the tveek. Every man’s gilts may
thus be tried and brought forward ; and let no
man delpife his brother, but encourage the feeble-
minded, and be patient towards all.

The Lord’s Prayer may be ufed or omitted, ac-
cording to the option of him who officiates at the
time ; approved verfions or paraphrafes of the
Pfalms of David, and hymns containing found
docinne, fhall be ufed from time to tune, fo as

G t<?

58 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE

to meet as much as polfible, the ideas and withes
of all the Milfionaries. The preachers fhall be
careful to digeft well thefubjedt which they handle
in public, and endeavour to introduce in their
difeourfes a proper mixture of dodlrinal, experi-
mental, and practical religion. No forms of prayer
fhall be enforced fratedly and invariably ; thofe,
however, who choofe to make ufe of a form or
part of a form of prayer, fhall be at liberty to
do fo. '

As our worfhip on the Lord’s-Day, and alfo
morning and evening every day, fhould be open
to the natives, and they fhould be invited to at-
tend ; particular regard fhould be fhewn to fuch
as appeared ferious and attentive ; and as foon as
polfible little bodies of them fhould be formed,
for evening conferences with them.

Refpecting the moft probable means of fuccefs
with the natives, there can be but one opinion.
The lives of our brethren muft give weight to their
teaching : If they are truly exemplar}-, half the
work is done.

How they are to teach, whether in difeourfing
publicly, or in private conference, will hardly ad-
mit of a doubt : — The B ble, and the experience
of the moft fuccefsful Millions, allure us, that
the great dodtrine of the Atonement muft be the
chief corner ftone. The glory and the humiliation
of Jefus, and every thing relative to the delive-
rance from fin and- death by him muft make the
ground work. A limple recital of his love, the
defign of his incarnation, death, and refurrec-
tion ; thefe muft be the points, chiefly repeatedly-
dwelt upon. The obligations of love and duty
which we owe him, naturally conned! thcmfelves
with thefe views; together with proinifcs of his
grace, through the agency of his own fpirit, to
enable us to follow him in the regeneration.

REGULATION’ OF THE MISSION.

59

The bleffcdnefs and comfort of fuch a life in
this world, and the ai'iurance of an attainment
thereby of a happy and glorious eternity in a bet-
ter, will afford a field of delightful inftru&ion.

AffcCl not fubtleties and deep points of contro-
verly, either among yourfelves or with the natives.
Wave as much as poflible what would lead to
queftions, rather than godly edifying. Attempt
not by arguments on the reafonablenefs, or evi-
dences of the Chriltian Religion, to difplay your
own whilom ; or, fuppofe you can anl'wer and
filence all their objections, adhere to the fimpli-
city which is in Chrift, trufting to the power of the
Holy Ghoft to take the things of Chrift, and fhew
them to their confidences with divine conviction
and effectual energy. It is the evil heart of un-
belief that muft be fnbdued ; an awakened con-
fidence feels the need of a great faerifice : an
unawakened mind will always refill the Holy Ghoft,
and muft be left to him, who only can remove the
darknefs, and quicken from a date of death to
newnefs of life.

It muft be by divine operation, and not by mo-
ral perluafion alone, that any real converfions will
ever be wrought among the Heathen, or indeed
among any others.

In all attempts to convince the natives of their
fins, we fhould particularly leleCt thofe inftances
of depravity which are molt frequently ftriking,
viz. the {hocking crime of fhedding human blood ;
the horrid murder of children ; the abominable
public proftitulions, and fuch other enonpities as
carry upon the face of them fomething revolting
even to humanity. Avoid attacking their eftablifh-
ed cuftoms of a more indifferent nature, fuch as
their drels, amufements. Sc c. however indecent
the one may appear, or in their confequences ap-
parently dangerous the other. If the confidence
becomes truly awakened, it will then grow tender,

G 2 and

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE

60

and thev will be ready to hear, as in matters of
lefs notoriety, and abtlain from the appearances
of evil.

We cannot but obferve, however, that fome of
their moft horrid practices may afford occation to
the moft ufcful improvements. Their human fa-
crifices themfelves open the way, in a very affecting
and folemn manner, for introducing to view the
Great Sacrif.ce, which alone can take awav fn ;
and the oblations at their morais alto may be im-
proved, as leading to an acknowledgment of the
immortality of the foul, and the doctrines con-
nected with an eternal world.

The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper fhould be
adminiftered at leaft once eyery month ; the en-
quiries and applications it would give rite to, might
be made very profitable to the natives.

Infants fhould be admitted to baptifm where
either of the parents are profefted believers. If it
be judged expedient to baptize the children of any
of our countrymen, it fhould be done under the
folemn engagement, that they fhould be brought
to our tents as foon as they are capable of inftruc-
tion.

Marriages fhould be folemnizcd publicly by any
of our Minifiers, in the prefence of the Church,
and entered into a regifter ; and if any Heathen,
who has married one wife among the natives, pay
attention to our teaching, he fhould be exhorted
to enter into a folemn engagement to continue the
hulband of one wife.

Avoid unnecefiary difputes about modes and
forms; in uncftential matters, let every man think
for himfelf, and not exaggerate the importance
of things which do not aftcCt the fundamental
doCtrincs of Chriftianity.

Regulations

REGULATION OP THE MISSION. 6l

III.

Regulations on the Voyage .

APT AIN WILSON being appointed to the

command of the (hip Dlpf, an obedience to

his injun&ions and regulations is neceflarily re-
quired on the part of the Millionaires.

The improvement of the Millionaires in ufeful
knowledge, and the prefer vation of their health,
arc the two great objects to be attended to during
the voyage ; the fiifl is intimately connected with
eftablilhing a dilcreet fyftem of ufeful employment,
adapted to the capacities and future defignution of
the Miflionaries.

I. The Miflionaries mav be divided into two

• J

clafles ; thole who arc already in a more advanced
Itate of mental improvement, and who are more
particularly defigned to be employed in the in-
flru6tion of others; and thofc who will berm-
ployed in the! exercife of their art' and knowledge
as mechanics. With refpedl to the firft it is re-
commended,

1. That fome part of every day fhall be em-
ployed in reading the Bible, and fueh other works
as are adapted to increafc their religious know-
ledge, and thereby their fitnefs for communicating
religious i nil ruction.

2. That fome part of every day fhall alfo be
employed in the accjuifition of general knowledge,
viz. natural hiftory and the mathematics, particu-
larly navigation.

3. That they fhall occafionally be engaged in
the inftru&ion of the others in every branch of
ufeful knowledge.

4. That one of them fhall be appointed Libra-
rian, w ho is to have the charge of the books, and

who

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE

t>2

who is to enter the name of the perfon who defires
v one from the Library.

5. That one of them fhall be appointed to keep
a journal, in which fhall be recorded the daily
tranfadtions and general employments of the Mif-
fionaries, together with their obfervations, taken
from the thermometer and barometer every morn-
ing, noon, and night.

0. That a portion of their time fhall be em-
ployed in learning the vocabulary of the Otaheitan

4 language, which they will be furnifhed with.

With refpedt to thole who are more particularly
to be employed in the mechanic arts, it is recom-
mended,

1. That they alfo fhould employ feme part of
every day in reading the Scriptures, and other re-
ligious writings, for the purpofe of increafing their
religious knowledge.

2. That they make themfelves ufeful on board
of fhip as occafions may arife, in the exercife of
their arts, as carpenters, fmiths, fail-makers, pain-
ters, &c.

3. That they diligently attend to the inltrudfions
which may be afforded them by others for their
improvement in general knowledge.

II, With refpect to the health of the Miffiona-
rics, as a free circulation of air, and an attention
to cleanlinefs are the moft eflential means of pre-
ferving it, it is recommended,

1. That when the weather permits they fhall
bring their hammocks on deck, at fuch hour as
Captain Wilfon {hall hereafter appoint, and to
keep the fpa.ee betwixt the decks clean, by as fre-
quently wafhing the fame as fhall be thought ne-
cefiary.

2. That as it is cuftomary, for the fafety* of the
fhip, that the lights in it fhould be extinguifhed
£>y eight o’clock in the evening, and conle-
(juentiy the Miflioparics will retire early to refi, it

is

REGULATION OP THE MISSION. 6$

is recommended, as a means of preferring their
health, that they thould rife at the break of day.

3. That as inactivity, or too much fedentary
employment, may be injurious to health, it is re-
commended that every Miffionary take daily exer*
cite upon the deck.

IV.

Concerning the Mode of Settlement in the
IJlands.

IN attempting to obtain an abiding fettlemcnt
in any ifland, it will be the duty of the Mif-
fionaries to exercile much dependance on the Lord
their God ; for the communication from on high
of that peculiar dilcernment and liigacity which
arc nectjlary in the firft opening of intercourfe
with an uncultivated and unknown people ; and
likewile for that influence upon the minds of the
nations, which will turn the hearts of the people
towards them, and bring them into favour and
tender love with them. In fubordination to this
dependance, every proper mean is to be ufed, with
a humble fear of provoking divine jealoufy, by re-
liance on the arm of flelb.

The Miflionaries may avail themfelves of the
good opinion which they And entertained by the
Heathen of thofe Europeans, particularly from
this ifland, who have formerly viflted them. They
will alio watch the firlt opportunities to iinprefs the
people of the iflands with the flmplicity and un-
feigned benevolence of their own hearts towards
them, in the flrlt initance, with refpett to tem-
poral objedts and concerns ; inflnuating to them,
without oftentation, the luperior improvements in

the

64 INSTRUCTIONS FOR ,THE

the arts of life which they have had opportunity
to acquire, and expreffing a cordial readinefs to
impart to them every inflruedion and affidance of
that kind. At the fame time, it will be becoming
the character of Spiritual Miffionaries, to convince
the natives, as foon as it is practicable, that they
fct no great value on thefe things, or on any thing
whatever belonging merely to this world ; but that
the chief treafure they convey is entirely of a reli-
gious and heavenly nature. The favourable pro-
vidential influence on the minds of the natives,
above alluded to, will attend thofe, who, while
they ufe prudent precautions, keep clofe to their
fpiritual errand and work, as that which will bear
them through every difficulty.

The Miffionaries muft make the natives fen-
fible, that in fettling among them they have no un-
reafonable demands to make, no claims of ambi-
tion, arrogance, or avarice ; that they are difpofed
to acknowledge with the pureft integrity and re-
fpedt the dominion of the natives over their own
ifland, and all its productions, and thje fubordina-
tion previoufly eflabliihed, and that they defire no
further footing or property among them than is
neceflary, in order to their ferving them in their
mod valuable interefts. Every thing, therefore,
ihould be fixed between the natives and the Mif-
fionaries, by t ran factions formed in the cleared
and mod equitable manner, according to the ideas
of juflice which the natives entertain, and arc ac-
quainted with. The Miffionaries mud not feem,
nor indeed be, anxious to obtain an independanee
of the free good-will of the natives, but rather
fhow a willingnefs to place confidence in their
juflice and generofity.

The firft acd of the Captain, or whofoev^r may
be empowered to treat with the natives, will be
tiie procuring, by favour or purchafe, fuch a fpot

of

REGULATION OP THE MISSION. 65

of ground as may be fufficicnt for provifion of
every fort, as well as for an abode.

On this fpot a confiderably large houfe fhould
be eredted, which may ferve for the place of public
worfhip, wheir the weather will not admit our af-
fembling beneath a wide-fprcading tree, or the
fair canopy of Heaven. Thisfpacious manfion fhould
be formed as much as convenient after the mode
and with the materials of the country, in building
which, it is hoped we fhall have the affiflance
of the natives. There fhould alfo be a large room
appropriated to a common hall for all meals, which
fhould be fixed and regular, and it will alfo ferve
for a fchool room for the natives, at appointed
hours.

All matters of houfbold economy may be regu-
lated by a fleward, appointed by the Committee
for this very purpofe, who is to take care, with
proper affiftants, from the produce of the land and
the ftores, to provide the family, according to a
bill of fare regulated by the fealons, and the abun-
dance or fcarcity, which mult regulate your con-
fumption.

At meals, the acknowledgment of God fhould
be folemn, animated and chearful : fometimes ac-
companied with a pfalm or hymn ; temperance, an
unfeigned readinefs in each to become the fervant
of all ; a mutual delight in each other’s temporal
comfort, and a difpofition to catch proper fealons
of converfation on fpiritual things, fhould diitin-
guifh the Chriltian from the Pagan board.

/

66 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE

V.

Mariner of Life in Society, Lomefic Economy,
and. Employment of Time.

HERE'alfo will, wc hope, appear among the
Miffionaries the marks of that wifdom and
energy which proceed from the Ipirit of the living
God. The order, harmony, vigour, and fubordi-
nation, which will reign through every corner of
the mclofure, muft exhibit a ftriking lpedtacle to
the untutored mind.

How much of your time the neceffary attention
to your provifion and maintenance will require,
cannot, be known till you get there ; labour is ra-
ther to be courted than refufed, as nothing would
be more dangerous than a fpirit of idlenefs.

Hours for the culture of your ground muft be
allotted daily, when every hand muft be diligent
according to his ability. Probably it will be moft
for the general good that thefe hours for manual
labour fhould be employed by each in their fcveral
peculiar arts and vocations. The gardener and huf-
bandmen, and thofe who have no art or peculiar
occupation, thould be in the field, cultivating the
land ; the carpenter at his law-pit or Ihop ; the
fmith at his forge or vice ; and each ferving the
community in his own way ; fo that the appointed
hours of labour being thus fpent in the moft ufeful
manner for the whole, the reft of the day may be
appropriated for the more immediate purpofes of
the. million.

Your own improvement in ufeful knowledge
fhould occupy a part of every day ; the beft in-
formed may improve themfelves, and aftift and
bring' forward their brethren. Particular attention,
fhould be paid to acquire as fpcedily as poftible the

Otaheitau

REGULATION OP THE MISSION. 67

Otaheitan language, to which the afiiftance of the
Englilhmen we may find there will greatly contri-
bute ; if but one or two of them cordially embrace
the Miifionaries, and appear traCtable, and dif-
pol'cd to hear the word of falvation. Thus, as foon
as pofiible, lhould we endeavour to have tranfia-
tions of prayers and hymns in the Otaheitan lan-
guage, and may probably find thefe blefied to the
natives, even before we can acquire a facility to
addrefs them in their own tongue ; many may be
pleated to ling with us, even before they undet-
liand the import of the words ; feleCt pafiages of
Scripture and hymns may be amonglt our firft ef-
fays of printing. We cannot but feel a facred
glow when we think that the firft chapter of St.
John’s Gofpel may be read in the Otaheitan lan-
guage before another year expires.

Some part of every day fiiould be fixed, as is moft
convenient, to inftruCt the natives, to which instruc-
tions they fhould be invited : our brethren each tak-
ing a clafs to teach the letters of our alphabet ; the
women fhould teach the women and girls apart,
and the brethren the men. We fcarce entertain
a doubt that many of the natives, from the higheft
to the lowed:, will be eager to learn how to read,
and mark thofe characters that to them muft ap-
pear fo wonderful.

During the time alfo that our feveral handi-
craftlmen are at work at their feveral trades, the
natives will crowd with curiofity around them : all
readinefs to inftruCt and inform them fhould be
fhewn ; every little office of kindnefs be freely
done for them, and native youths of ready ge-
nius, efpecially the relatives of the fuperior people,
whofe protection and favour will be of ufe to us,
taken and taught how to manage tools.

At fuch feafons there will be a favourable op-
portunity to addrefs the natives, who may be at-

II 2 traCted

6B instructions for the

trailed by their curiofity, and to mingle divine
fubjedts of indruction with lefions of information.

It is earnedly recommended that every perfon
in the Mifsion keep a particular diary of his own.
Befides this, one perfon fhould be appointed to
keep a general diary of the daily employments, and
of every material occurrence which happens, we
with no fpecious accounts to meet public curiofity,
but fimple narratives of fa£ts and oblervations.

This diary fhould contain remarks on the coun-
try, extent, divifion, foil, climate, produce, reli-
gious obfervances, government, focial manners,
common employments, &c. of the inlanders : each
from time to time fhould read thefe, and add any
farther obfervations they have made. Something
of this kind fhould be done every day, and the ma-
terials arranged once a week for transmitting home.
Thefe obfervations, formed into a body, would
exceedingly gratify the public, and probably greatly
advance the purpofe of the Mifsion, by exciting a
milsionary fpirit, and producing a considerable pe-
cuniary afsiftance towards the furtherance of the
work.

Whilft every brother poflefies the property he
choofes to carry with him, as an individual — as a
Chriflian Society they fhould have a community of
all the goods provided by the Society’s funds, of
the produce of their lands, and of their feveral la-
bours, all this fhould come into a common ftock
for the cc|ual ufe and benefit of the whole : This
is primitive, and, in the prefent date of things,
mod conducive to the great obje<5t.

Whild every office of kindnefs individually
fhould be fhown to the natives, no traffic, on any
account, fhould be carried on, but by the perfon
the President choofes to be the medium of com-
munication in every purchafe or exchange ; nor
fhould any brother prefume to infringe this regu-
lation, By this means you will be prevented from

exhauding

REGULATION OP THE MISSION. G(J

exhaufting your ftorcs, which by all wife methods
you mult hufband to the belt advantage.

Great caution fhould be ufed as to af fuming a
fuperiority over any of the natives by making fer-
vants of them, even though they may feem willing
to lubmit to the yoke, excepting in fuch things as
fifhing, that cannot be well done without the af*
fiftance of their ferviccs. The great and powerful
among the natives fhould be taught by example to
reward and do good to the lowcft.

Till the {hip returns, do not feparate from each
other, but endeavour to perfedt yourlelves in the
language of the country. Let your excurfions al-
ways be in company two or three together, lent
by the brethren, limiting the time of abfence, and
returning according to order.

We recommend great diligence in providing
an abundant culture of native vegetables and roots,
as well as railing fuch new ones as may be carried
out, and will be found congenial with the climate.
A prolific foil will probably abundantly repay their
efforts, and plentyr will enable us to afsifl the more
indigent of the natives, and conciliate by adts of
kindnefs their regard ; remembering always that
the fouls of the mcaneft are as precious as the
fouls of the greateft, and fuch kindnefs to their
bodies will mark our friendfhip to them, and we
hope enable us by every means to gain fome.

Whatever European commodities may be left,
medicines, liquors, articles of drefs or food, fhould
be carefully preferred for exigencies, all ftrong
and fpirituous liquors fhould be wholly abftained
from, but as medicine and on fpecial occafions,
and the natives fhould never be fuffered to tafte
them.

The natives are difpofed to fteal our iron
and tools, and as the temptation to them is fo
great, we fhould be very careful, when ufing tools
in their company, to lay them near us and in

light

. wO * , < ' ,

70 INSTRUCTIONS, 8CC.

fight, and never leave them with fuch temptations
before them.

The books belonging to the Million fhould be
under the care and refponfibility of a particular
perfon, who {hall take a note from thofe brethren
who may defire to borrow any of them, and none
be removed without fuch a note occupying a place.

Though we hope our conduCl will convince the
natives that they will get more by our inftructions
and affiftance than by any robbery they may com-
mit, and that the King and Chiefs will probably
pledge themfelves for our fecurity under that con-
viction, yet we advife that the houfe be never left
without fome perfon in it, as our attention w ill
difcQurage any temptation.

On fhore, probably, the fettlement itfielf fhould
be formed, with fome view of fituation, eafy of
defence, and difficult of accefs, and the houfes fo
fituated, as to be furrounded with a ditch and
pallifadocs, which, if no other purpofe was an-
fwered, would render all noCturnal depredations
from the natives more difficult ; make it lecure as
the fituation will admit, without appearing to ere<5t
a fortrefs, or to defend it by arms, which might
alarm the jealoufy, and alienate the affection of
the Chiefs. Our own peaceable and unafluming
behaviour will foon convince them, that they have
nothing to apprehend from us of danger, and every
thing to expeCt of kindnefs and affiftance.

FINIS.

Publifhed by T. CHAPMAN, Fleet-Street,

Price Two Shillings and Sixpence,

SIX SERMONS,

Preached in London at the Formation of the

MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

September 22, 23, 24, 1795,

BY THE

Rev Dr. Haweis, Aldwinckle.

Rev. George Burder, Coventry.

Rev. Samuel Greatheed, Woburn.

Rev. John Hey, Briftol.

Rev. Rowland Hill, M. A. Surry Chapel.
Rev. David Bogue, Gofport.

To which are prefixed Memorials refpe£ting the Ella-*
blilhment and firft Attempts of that Society.

also -

Price Two Shillings and Sixpence,

FOUR SERMONS,

Preached in London at the Second General Meeting
of the

MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

May 11, 12, 13, 1796,

BY THE

Rev. Mr. Lambert, Hull,

Rev. Mr. Pentvcrofs, Wallingford,

Rev. Mr. Jay, Bath, and
Rev. Mr. Jones, Llangan.

To which are prefixed, the Proceedings of the Meeting,
and the Report of the Direftors,

With a Portrait of Captain Wilfon.