The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-04-14

error. 1t is not merely the unrehecting en-
thusiast who is subject to depression from
this source. See the testimony of one of the
most heroic missionaries since the times Of
the Apostles Nife of Martyr, Journal for
April 80, 1SO6.) Look at Henry Martyr at
Falmouth, at Cork, or at Cornwall, eager to
enter upon his work. See him again as he
walks by moonlight on the shores of India,
rejecting on his mission. "But what sur
prises me" says he, sis the change of views
l have from what 1 had in England. Then
my heart expanded with hope and joy at the
prospect of the speedy conversion of the
heathen; but here the sight of the apparent
impossibility requires strong faith to sup
port the spirit" Shortly after this, op-
pressed with the deepest melancholy, he said
that he seemed to "be left oithot motivs."
He looked forward to an idle, worthless life
spent in India to no purpose. Exertion
seemed to him "like death-indeed absolutely
impossible" If such was the experience of
one of Gods bravest and most honored SER
wants, shall we hope to escape like trial !?
Then pray that we may be supported through
this temptation also.
We feel assured that your earnest inter-
cession with God on our behalf will not be
without its benefits to yourselves. You
have, if may so speak, vested interest in
us. You have given of your means for our
support and comfort. 1t is not mefcenary
or unchristian, but your privilege and duty
to have "respect unto the recompense Of
reward" He that does the least act of
kindness to prophet or to a disciple in the
name of a prophet or disciple, does it unto
Christ, and shall have prophets and a dis
ciple's reward. fyou are to be partaker
with us of our reward, it is to your interest
that our reward should be the largest pos
sible.
But your prayer will return into your own
bosom fraught with still other blessings
There is no Christian grace which does not
bring its own reward with its proper exer-
else. This is eminently true of prayer
Prayer teaches and benefits us, not God.
In praying for our success and deliverance,
you will obtain clearer view of the diff
Guilty, danger, and responsibility of our work.
In praying for the wants of the heather
you will have more vivid conceptions of their
urgent necessities. Your zeal will thereby
be increased, your activities enlarged, and
your efforts for their salvation multiplied.
We are also told that "the efectual, fer
vent prayer of the righteous availeth much;"
and you may know what Paul thought of the
efficacy of the church's intercession in be-
half of the spread of the gospel by the quo.
tations I have already made. What shall
be your joy then, when you shall know here
after, that, mingled with the incense of your
prayers, as they are offered up before the
throne in heaven, is the sweet smelling SAVIOR
of myriads of immortal souls who have made
themselves free-will offerings in the day Of
Gods power? What unspeakable pleasure
will it be to you to know that your prayers
have awakened in heaven new notes of joy
and praise from angel choirs, over new tri.
umphs of our Saviour's love?
said in the beginning of these remarks
that the first missionaries Of the primitive
church went forth with the prayers of the
people of God for their success. Let me
point you, in conclusion, to the significant
narrative of their return. After their wide
circuit, Paul and Barnabas returned "to
Antioch, from whence they had been recon-
mended to the grace Of God for the pOrk
Which they fulfilled. And when they were
come, and had gathered the church together,
they rehearsed all that God had done with
them, and how He had opened the door Of
faith unto the gentiles." Shall we return
to you having fulfilled our wOrke Shall we
in after years call you together again, and
make such a glorious recital of Gods do.
ings-such a rehearsal of joyful tidings az
Paul made? Then, brethren, do as the dis
ciples of Antioch did, recommend US to the
grace of God for our work"