EDITED BY WILLIAM NEILL, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

EDUCATION REGISTER.

THE GREAT COMMISSION.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned:" Mark xvi. 15 & 16; compared with Matt. xxviii. 19 & 20, and Luke

xxiv. 44.

same class of subjects, namely, sinners of the human race, the principles of sound Biblical interpretation oblige us to admit, that they are alike complete, both in kind and duration: so that, if the believer be completely and eternally saved, the unbeliever will be completely and eternally lost. So runs the closing sentence of the finalJudgment: And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal:' Matt. xxv. 46.

The Gospel, then, is to be preached to all the world, to every creature; and its acceptance is to be urged by promise and by penalty; by an assurance of endless felicity to him that believes, and a

one who rejects the gracious message. The APOSTLES undoubtedly understood their Master's orders; and the sacred history informs us that they proceeded, straightway, to carry them into effect:

After the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God; and they went forth and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following."

We have before us the commission which Christ gave to his apostles, a short time before his ascension to glory. The two other inspired writers, referred to, give us substantially the same account of its import, together with some brief notices of the manner in which it was de-threatening of endless misery to every signed to be executed, and the promise with which it was accompanied. We are to regard this commission, therefore, as emanating from the fountain of all power; as being indubitably authentic; and as furnishing ample authority for the faithful and fearless discharge of the sacred functions therein prescribed. The APOSTLES are here commanded, by the Risen Redeemer, no longer to confine their evangelical labors within the limits of Judea, but to go forth, as extensively But these holy men, however prompt as possible, into all the world, and preach to obey, and however well they might be the GOSPEL, the glad tidings of salvation furnished for the work, could not fully to every creature, to every human being, accomplish the design of the Saviour, in to every descendant of Adam, to whom regard to the propagation of his Gospel. access can be obtained, without distinct- Though inspired, and endued with miion, and without limitation. The middle raculous powers, they were mortal men, wall of partition is broken down; the veil they could not continue in the work, by of the temple is rent asunder; the ransom reason of death. We are astonished and▾ for captive souls is paid; an everlasting delighted indeed in reading the history righteousness is announced as unto and of their achievements. The weapons of upon them that believe; life and immor- their warfare were mighty; the truth tality are brought to light; the grace of was wonderfully efficacious under the God appears unto all men, and all are ministration of the Spirit. Multitudes of invited to participate of its liberal provi- souls were rescued from the dominion of sions. Nor are these precious overtures sin, and turned from dumb idols to the of mercy to be despised with impunity: service of the living God. But the career "He that believeth and is baptized shall of these primitive ministers soon termibe saved; but he that believeth not shall nated. The lapse of a few years bore be damned." This awful appendix, or them to their eternal rest, while the (if we may so.call it) sanction of the world was yet far from being completely Evangelical Law, is to be published evangelized; so that, had the commission along with the joyful message of grace in question been limited to the age of the and glory. The design of this moment- apostles, the progress of the Gospel ous declaration is manifestly good and would have been arrested by the death useful. Let it be carefully noted, by ev- of its first ministers. But the truth is, ery one who hears the Gospel; that, this commission was given to the church while it warrants the sinner to lay hold of God, to that blood-bought community on eternal life by faith in the Son of God, which lives and grows under the smiles it also premonishes him, that, if he will and guardianship of her immortal King not come to Christ, that he may have and Head. Now the church has a MINlife, he must die in his sin, with the ISTRY, instituted for her edification, and wrath of God abiding on him. And as designed to be exercised, in succession, the life and death, the salvation and per-by men called of God, and endued with -dition, here spoken of, are placed in con- various gifts and graces. This is evident trast with one another, and relate to the from the fact that Christ has directed his

disciples to "pray the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers," and has ordained that "they who preach the Gospel shall be maintained, so that they may be in circumstances to give themselves wholly to their appropriate work."

and for which we give thanks to the God of all grace. But much, very much, remains to be accomplished. The dark places of the earth, are large places; and they are filled with the habitations of cruelty. More than three fourths of mankind are, at this moment, destitute of the light and influence of the blessed Gospel; and the resistless tide of time is bearing them, on its bosom, to the judgment seat. O when will the earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord? And when will Christians awake out of sleep and put forth their combined efforts to save the souls that are perishing for lack of vision? Surely Christian Missions, whether for

The promise, moreover, which accompanied the commission, demonstrates beyond all reasonable doubt, that it had a prospective bearing: "Lo, I am with you alway; even unto the end of the world!" Matt. xxviii, 20. It is not said, I am with you till death, which might have been said, with a personal reference to those whom the Saviour immediately addressed; but I am with you al-eign or domestic, have high and holy way, every where and in all perils, till the end of the world. But the Apostles could not be ministers in the church, on earth, till the end of the world; and yet we are not to suppose that our Lord uttered words without meaning. Is it not perfectly plain, therefore, that this promise was made to the Christian Ministry, then, embodied in the Apostles but which was intended to be perpetuated, in the church, till the end of the world, for the accomplishment of the Redeemer's gracious designs?

This order of our blessed Master has

not been, as yet, fully executed: and yet it is in full force. The obligation which it imposes upon the ministers of Christ to, go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature, is nowise diminished. But how can they go and preach, except they be furnished, sent, and supported? Ministers of the Gospel are, in a qualified sense, the property of the church. They are reckoned among the gifts which her ascended Lord bestowed upon her: She is bound, therefore, to bring their agency into operation. She must use proper means to procure them, in sufficient numbers, and with suitable qualifications. She must rear them up, and send them forth, and sustain them, in their arduous work, by her prayers and her charities. We," says Paul to the Corinthians, (2 Epis. iv. 5.) "preach, not ourselves, but Christ Jesus, the Lord; and ourselves your servants, for Jesus' sake."

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claims, upon all who love the Lord Jesus, and profess a regard for the welfare of their fellow men. Exceptions may be taken to the mode of conducting missionary operations; but when prosecuted discreetly and in conformity to the principles of the New Testament, opposition to the cause of missions IDENTIFIES ITSELF INEVITABLY with hostility to the kingdom and glory of Christ.

Address of the Presbytery of Watertown, and the Black River Association, to the churches under their care.

From the Monitor, Watertown, March 7th, 1831.

DEAR BRETHREN:-One year has passed away since we addressed you on the subject of educating poor and pious yourg men for the Gospel Ministry. The experience of the year has fully satisfied us of the importance and propriety of this part of our plan of benevolent operations, We trust the part you have taken with us thus far has served to arouse your kind sympathy for the destitute and suffering among us; and that you now inquire with increased earnestness, what can we do to further the Gospel among our friends and neighbours? How shall we supply with the bread of life, those that are perishing for lack of vision? You are aware that our inquiries into the condition of our neighbours has resulted in the discovery of very great want of Gospel ordinances. Some of our churches are entirely without preaching-almost without any assemblies for God's worshipthe people like sheep without a shepherd wandering into paths of sin and errorand your brethren in such circumstances sitting in darkness and mourn the loss of blessings richly enjoyed, and yet lightly valued by some of us. If you have look

All faithful ministers of the Gospel act under the commission before us; and a persuasion that it is in full force, and will continue so, till the end of the world, has given rise to Education and Missionary exertions. It is, or ought to be, the common aim of all christians to publish the Gospel throughout the whole world; that every human being may hear it preach-ed closely into the state of such churches ed, and have an opportunity of sharing in its inestimable benefits. Christendom is not yet, however, more than half awake on this interesting subject. Great things have been done, whereof we are glad,

and their immediate neighbourhood, you have seen most deplorable evils resulting from this want of a stated ministry. You have seen ignorance, superstition, vice in its naked deformity, and soul ruining

error, prevailing to an alarming degree. You have seen children following their parents in the road of sin that leads to death; and old and young alike regardless of God and his terrible wrath.

2nd. We can apply to our eastern and southern schools for qualified men. We have applied; but the demand made on them from the west is so great, so urgent, that our claims can be but feebly urged.

As we have said, a very few missionaries have been sent to us from the south; as many as we ought, perhaps, to expect. We may possibly obtain more missionaries from the south, and our efforts to this end will not be relinquished. Yet we fear to rely much on this source-we need more than they can send, and we ought not to deprive other churches, asdestitute as ourselves.

Brethren, Knowing the terror of the Lord, we would persuade such to turn, and hear, and repent, and live. But "how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent?" And how shall we send ministers when we have not got them, and cannot obtain them? We have indeed a few missionaries employed in this field; we have, in answer to our earnest entreaties, and by the blessing of God, 3d. We can take measures to raise up obtained a very few from abroad to come ministers among ourselves. We have and labour with us. But still the cry found the difficulties that seemed to opcomes up to us from our destitute church- pose this part of our plan disappearing es, "send us a minister-give us the as we ventured onward. The Lord of bread of life-come over and help us." the harvest has directed us to pray that And truly our hearts are grieved to see he would send forth labourers into his and hear such things; and more than all, || harvest-doubtless also we must use the to think that we are so unable to relieve such pressing wants. But can we not do something? Would you have us turn coldly away, telling these brethren and fellow sinners, we cannot help you? Or shall we endeavour to relieve them? And how may this be done? Three ways may be suggested as wor-work. God has also blessed and prosthy of notice.

necessary means to further this most desirable object, and we can say, in our own case, that the Lord has actually helped us. He has raised up for us, young men of hopeful piety, and good natural abilities, who are willing and anxious to devote themselves to this great and good

pered them in their studies, and is giving 1st. To take such men as we can find, us great encouragement to persevere. piously disposed, and willing to preach, We have also thus far been enabled, and clothe them with authority to go into through your assistance, brethren, to furthese destitute places and minister in the nish to these young men the necessary name of God. Perhaps we could find support and means of instruction; and we some such-they might be ardent, zeal believe that we might have more men in ous, active, and willing, both to labour a course of preparation for the ministry and suffer. But they are not yet quali-if we had the means of aiding them. fied for the work which they would have to do:-to preach the Gospel; to teach men the will of God; to explain, enforce, and apply, the message of the Great King to His rebellious and unwilling subjects: to defend the truth against artful, able, and persevering enemies, who, aided by Satan, seek to turn men away from the truth, and to pervert the right ways of the Lord. These form part of the christian minister's duty; and full enough to occupy his whole life, and call forth his best energies. But more than this is required of such: He must visit the sick and administer the consolations of God's word; but not lull into security those that have no well grounded hope in Christ. He must counsel with inquiring souls. He must be foremost in every good work-taking the lead in every enterprise calculated to promote the welfare of men and the honour of God; and he must have influence, such influence as honest well meaning piety alone is not sufficient to give. We cannot venture to send any not thus qualified, in some good measure, to places where such qualifications are needed.

Our expectation is, that in a few years we shall have our destitute churches supplied with these and other young minísters educated by your assistance; deeply interested in your spiritual welfare, and devoted to the promotion of religion in our own immediate neighbourhood. We do expect, with the blessing of God on our efforts, to have in every church within our bounds, now destitute and suffering, a man of God, humble, prayerful, self-denying, and active, in the cause of God and benevolence. And can you estimate the amount of good that we may then expect? The rapid and healthful dissemination of sound knowledge and bible piety? The increased and expanding benevolence of the Gospel, scattering light, life, and joy, abroad, even to the dark and wretched abodes of the heathen world.

Brethren-Why should we not expect great things, when we have the precious promises of the great and faithful God? Why should we not aspire to great, and extended, and permanent usefulness? Blessed shall he be that can say at last, here Lord am I, and the children which

The foregoing pledges were given at a meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, April 19-23, 1831. Seven other individuals, resident in Philadelphia, contribute each, $100, per annum, to the funds of the Board; viz. Robt. Ralston, Alex'r. Henry, John Stille, Solomon Al

thou hast given me! And why should not this blessedness be yours and ours? But, dear friends, let us speak plainly, we need much more of the Spirit of Christ; the self-denying, faithful, unreserved devotion of soul and body, property, and influence, to the cause of Ged. Suffer us to ask the question. How ma-len, George Ralston, Wm. Brown, and ny members in your particular church E. S. Ely; so that, 24 temporary schohave the very spirit of Christ? Know you larships are now secured, within the linot that if any man have not the spirit of mits of this Presbytery. Let the other Christ he is none of His? And if you Presbyteries go and do likewise, accordhave that spirit, you know and feel that ing to their ability, and the Board will it is indeed more blessed to give than to soon have it in their power to assist every receive. If you truly love him who, al-deserving young man, in our connexion though rich, for your sakes became poor, you will count it an honour and a privilege to spend and be spent for Him. And now, the time is short-if you would do good you have no time to lose-years are rolling on-you are drawing nearer to the grave, and in that land of forgetfulness you cannot labour, nor give, nor pray for the salvation of perishing sinners. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. We entreat you to be faithful as you hope to find mercy of the Lord in that day.

To the officers of the churches is committed the duty of soliciting of every member of their congregations, a contribution for the interesting object already mentioned. That they be prompt and faithful is of the greatest importance.

who desires to devote himseif, when properly qualified to the work of the sacred ministry. In addition to the above named contributors of a hundred dollars, per annum, it is proper to mention here, Daniel Montgomery, Esq. of Danville, Pa. Rev. Dr. Janeway of N. J., and Rev. S. H. Pratt of St. Mary's Georgia. Several gentlemen, of the first church in Baltimore, contributed liberally, last year, from $25, to $75 each.

RECEIPTS.

By Springfield cong'n. Ohio, by
Rev. John D. Hughes,
By the following from Dr. Neill, Gen-
eral Agent:

Dr. J. J. Janeway for support of
Agent,

Wm. Wallace, Washingtor co.
Tenn. 5; a Friend, 0.75,

No.

Dr. Blythe's family,

2d African Church, Philad.
Church at Fredericksburg, con-

50.00

5.75

6.25

6.25

trib. of pastor S. B. Wilson, 40.00

Church at Trenton, N. J.

do at Greenwich, N.J.

Wm. Nassau of Third Church,

Philadelphia,

35.00

2.50

5.00

-150.75

$609.87

JOHN STILLE, Treasurer.

THE

CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.

JUNE, 1831.

Religious Communications.