The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-06-03

ing the Gospel of Christ, My heart is filled
with encouragement and joy by this great fact
God looks with regard upon US, and makes US
instruments to do his work. The Executive
Committee could not hesitate single moment
to go forward in the work. They are glad the
Assembly meets Just at time to assume the
responsibility of the work. There is no alter
native but to go forward in the way God has
pointed out His commandment is most ex-
phcit We cannot refrain or withdraw from
this great work without FORGETTING our claim to
be a part of the Church of Christ. L know 1t
has been said: Our great business is to build
up the Church and kingdom of Christ In our
own desolated country. For some time all our
energies have been devoted to the home held.
but now God calls us to go abroad. Whoever
assumes to say that our duty is only In the
home field assumes great responsibility. 1t
is not for US TO say that We have no right to
operate in foreignield. Our great marching
order is, 'Go We into all the world and preach
the Gospel to every creature" If we limit all
our resources to our home work We do not
know that we shall ever see the day when the
work will be DONE If we would be loyal to the
King in Zion, and consistent with the prlnci-
pies of our Church, we must go wherever
Providence directs.
Remember this important fact in all our
land perhaps there is no soul without some
knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus to save
the soul. But in those far distant heather
lands there are millions who know nothing OF
our God, and Christ whom he has sent. Faith
| in the Lord Jesus Christ we are taught Is the
condition OF salvation. But rhow can they
believe without a preacher? And how car
they preach except they be sent? Moreover,
We are told that in our present material pros
tratiou, we cannot do anything for Foreign
Missions. We are poor | know well; but be
heve we have abundant means tor the work il
we have the heart. Now the Committee has
carefully investigated the probable cost of this
new missionary enterprise. We believe that
SIS, 900 will do the work. Thirty cents from
each member Of our Church will make this
amount. You can scarcely find single indi
vidual who cannot give this amount.
Let us look back at what has been achieved
by other Churches. The MOravian Church,
when but little band, determined to devote
themselves to this work. They have had TO-.
| 600 heather converts; three times the number
of their Charch.
God has greatly honored that people. Now
he calls to the work. If we obey he will put
great honor upon this Church. There can bt
no doubt that we can furnish the means
hope and pray our Church may understand
her great call and her influence will be felt tc
the ends of the earth. The Church at large is
awake to the Importance of the work. Other
branches are awake and at work. Let US be W
and doing in our Masters great vineyard. The
objection is sometimes made that the progress
of missions is very small or nothing at all. Il
time permitted, could show you that far great
er progress has been made in heather lands
tnan in Christian countries.
The converts of the Church Missionary So
ciety number 76,000-almost as many as the
whole membership of our Church. The con
verts of the Wesleyan Missionary Society
number IA, 600. Now are we to take no part in
this work? Shall we not share in this honor
l would be ashamed to be member of this
Church if its energies were not called out by the
work now placed before us.
Let me say word about the field we have
chosen for our operations. Hang Chou, where
Mr. Iuslee has located. has one million inhab-
itautS. lie is the first missionary 70 that city,
l h,,,l
auother's foundation. There are many things
which make this city favorable for our opera
tons. 1t is easy of access from the sea coast.
Around it are six other cities-each of mil,
lion nhabitants-besides many towns and vii
lagos. A grand and glorious work is before
us. 1t is great honor to be called to such a
work, and it is great honor to find the means
for carrying it on. l trust the time is not far
distant when many in that benighted land shall
hear and believe the words of the Gospel from
the lips of our missionaries,
Rev. B. Helm was introduced to the Assem-
bv. He lisa young brother from Kentucky who
has been preparing for the Gospel ministry at
our Seminary in Prince Edward. Heexpects
to be a missionary in China under the care of
our Committee. He said, that: This night
inspires hope; hope for heather lands, hope
for his own country ard his own Church
Love was the cement of the Church, and this
night manifests an awakening Of this hope and
love. He trusted it was under the call of God
that he looked towards heather lands, and he
hoped it was under the guidance of the Spirit
L. HIcb aa III.
the heather and earnestly cried, How can
God send me?" He felt little uneasiness
about the means of support alluded to by
the Secretary; if it was for the Lord he was
going, then the Lord would provide for him. 1"
Rev. NJ II. Houston, of Va, who also expects
to engage in the foreign missionary work, said {:
We speak of the foreign field and the home
field, but the Saviour speaks of but one field,
ego into all the world" If we are permitted
to 90 out we shall feel that we are CO aborers
with you here Every natural view of the
work in heather lands causes the world to say
it is fanatical, and it would be so if the hand
of the Lord was not in it. The Lord chooses
the weak things of this world to coufound the
mighty. Our bones may rest in foreign lands,
but they will be like the bones of the Patri-
archS, indicating that the whole land belongs
to the people of the Lord.
Just in proportion as the prayers of Gods
people ascend, the means will be supplied. 1t
rejoices my heart that am here in this meet
ing. You who love God-you will remember
US at the throne of grace. The hands of the
missionary must be upheld by Gods people at
home. l trust our going abroad will result in