ple of action, that they have a right to dispense the gospel in the manner and measure which their judgement and generosity may dictate. Those The following pages aim at the correction of these and similar mistakes. arguments which are usually advanced against foreign missions, are briefly and dispassionately considered, while those which should engage every Christian in this work are presented to the consciences of all to whom they apply. To divest the subject of all local or extraneous associations, the writer has had recourse to an effort of imagination. He has pictured a scene for the occasion, which lies within the region of the strictest probability, and is perhaps best calculated to place the subject of missions in its true aspect. His object is not to pamper a vitiated taste, nor to embellish truth with the trappings of imagery. The candid reader will not charge him with much attempt at dramatic effect. He will soon perceive that the characters introduced are with very few exceptions made to possess about the same amount of intelligence, and to employ the same style of address. They are represented as urging rather what might be advanced on the points they advocate, than what persons under their circumstances would be qualified to adduce. The sole intention of the writer in this ideal scene is to present the Christian duty of evangelizing all nations, in as pure and strong a light as he can pour upon it. CONTENTS. PAGE. PREFACE... CHAPTER I.-Description of the Assembly.-Opened with reading the CHAPTER II. — Speech of an Oriental; -his own ignorance especially -- CHAPTER III - An Englishman. Attempts to reconcile the discrepan- places. England most important ;· -therefore the command not CHAPTER V. -German to his,.. 29 nese-exposes the absurdity of such interpretation, -A native of India, of European parents. of Missions. To benefit one's own country must act on a liberal CHAPTER VIII.-Second day. One who had prevented his son from becoming a Missionary.Charity begins at home. - Heathen enough CHAPTER IX. Layman of education who had two sons Missiona- CHAPTER XI. - Converted Mahometan. - Inconsistency of previous CHAPTER XII.-A minister who was once going to the heathen, but -The heathen in a much better state than many suppose,. CHAPTER XIII. A commentator.-Destiny of the heathen. - Subject of the day, sectarian distinc- CHAPTER XV. - Liberal-minded Christian.-How sects might act in concert in evangelizing the world,.. CHAPTER XVI. Objections to Missions by a Millenarian, answered by CHAPTER XVII. First principle admitted by the assembly. Second 67 83 91 PAGE. CHAPTER XIX.-A returned missionary,- his personal history, -re- CHAPTER XXI.-Reply of a young clergyman who had left a congrega- |