Part 2
Now here we might, if it were necessary, advert to many and weighty reasons, for seeking to promote and increase this spirit in the church of CHRIST. I shall only however, fix upon the two more immediately connected with the text; the one _implied_, and the other _expressed_ by it. The first is derived from _its being the great prevailing desire of our divine Redeemer_. It rested much upon His heart, or he would not have prayed so earnestly for it. He was then going forth to gird himself for His arduous undertaking. He was about to engage in fierce conflict with the powers of darkness. He had before him the accomplishment of a glorious work—the vindication of the divine honor—the illustration of the divine perfections!—the recovery of a ruined and apostate race—the establishment of a kingdom, which eventually should be co-extensive with the world. In doing all this, he would have to pass through scenes of humiliation, suffering, and death. He would have to assert his victory over death and the grave, by raising himself, and “spoiling principalities and powers, make a shew of them openly, triumphing over them.” He would finally have to ascend up on high, “leading captivity captive,” to receive his reward, and claim his kingdom; to mark the success of his cause, and the triumphs of his cross. But he plainly foresaw how intimately that success, and these triumphs, were connected with the unity of his disciples—how preeminently their one-ness constituted their strength—of what vast importance to his ultimate conquest of the world, was the mutual agreement and brotherly love, which His people should evince. And so he interceded, with a spirit yearning for the fulfilment, and deeply interested in the result, “FATHER I pray that they all may be one.”
And if this desire be so strong on the part of the Redeemer; if this unity be dear to him, should we not, His professing followers, esteem it as worthy of our regard? Yea! as of the first moment? Can we feel indifferent, when the honor of GOD, and the glory of JESUS are involved? Can we be _unconcerned_ spectators of the present divided and discordant spirit which prevails among us?
Nay, surely christians, your master longs for unity. Lay aside every other consideration, and let his will be paramount, and your desire and prayer be “that they all may be one.”
The other reason I would adduce for the cultivation of this spirit, arises from the direct _influence such unity is to have upon the conversion of the world_, (as stated in my text,) “I pray that they may all be one, (in order,) that (as a means to an end,) the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
The conclusion then, at which I would desire to arrive, is, that such unity is essential to the final triumph of the Gospel; that if we desire the latter we must seek to promote the former; and in fact, that unless we are willing to strive for—sacrifice for—pray for the spirit of unity; our efforts, zeal, and devotedness will be virtually defeated.
And now look, beloved brethren, what is the state of the world in this the nineteenth century? Eighteen hundred years have rolled away, since the command was given by the Great head of the church, the risen and ascending SAVIOUR, “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” And still the Prince of darkness maintains his sway among the nations. Idolatry and superstition, the chief pillars of his throne, are resting in almost every land. Darkness still covers the earth, and gross darkness, the people. Out of 900 millions of immortal souls, scarcely 300 millions are even nominally Christians. To multitudes the name of JESUS is a sound unknown; and the glad tidings of His grace and salvation strange things.
My brethren, ought these things so to be? Or would these things have so been, if the church of CHRIST had risen to her duty; in a word, had greater union prevailed among her members? She has had strength, resources, opportunities; she has not lacked zeal, intelligence, nor encouragement; but she has expended her strength, in that which profiteth nothing; her resources, in fostering intestine warfare; and perverted her opportunities, to promote sectarian dogmas, and anti-christian strife. We are called bitterly to mourn these departures from the Spirit of CHRIST; and thus with shame, to confess that we are verily guilty concerning our heathen brethren. Upon the christian church, has been laid the obligation to preach to them the Gospel; but alas! we have fearfully neglected our duty, or at least very inadequately performed it.
But see, my beloved brethren, what influence this christian unity would exert, and what consequences would follow from it in the conversion of the world. _For the church would then be a witness for the truths and excellence of the glorious gospel_—and how important is that! It is in _the church_ that the men of the world study the gospel. They care not to investigate its real nature, as revealed in the bible—they care not to study its features, in the character of CHRIST—they care not to attend to its delineation in the ordinance of preaching. But they _can_ see it in professors—and they will scrutinize their character, and keen sighted and vigilant are they in detecting evil, and discerning imperfections. And how invariably have the division, discord, and strifes of the church, laid a stumbling block in the way of the enquirer—strengthened the worldly in their prejudices against the truth, and confirmed the unbeliever in his incredulity and contempt.
But on the other hand; a church, _spiritual_, _zealous_, _devoted_, _one in love to each other_, in love to CHRIST and love to souls, would bear upon itself its own credentials. The world convinced by such evidence, and impressed by such scenes, would acknowledge “that GOD was with us of a truth,” our religion would be honoured, and “the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST glorified.”
And again—_if such unity existed and prevailed_, _the whole undivided energies and resources of the church_, _would be at liberty_, _and ready to be devoted to the extension of the gospel_, _and the salvation of the world_.
Much strength is now lost in our conflicts with each other—much squandered upon vain and profitless discussion. Let these hitherto mis-employed energies be called forth—these perverted resources gathered into the proper channels; and then may we not hope that the church of CHRIST would present an unbroken front to the powers of evil, and move on one compact and irresistible host to secure the happy subjection of all things to our Redeemer.
_The cultivation of this spirit moreover_, _would place us in a state of eminent preparedness for our glorious work_. Our minds would no longer be engaged in minor objects, but would constantly recognize the one great end—the conversion of the world to CHRIST. All occasions of envying, strife, and division being removed; what agents would Christians be in this holy enterprize? Men baptized with pity for souls and love to JESUS—burning with ardent zeal to make him known—counting not their lives dear unto themselves, so that they may set forth the unsearchable riches of CHRIST. And in answer to the united prayers of such an united people, CHRIST would send forth his Holy Spirit as it never yet has come.
Yes! beloved brethren! only let there be unity in the church, and scenes, of which Pentecost was but a type, an imperfect emblem, will presently appear. Much has been done in preparing for the approaching harvest. The seed is thickly sown, and is being sown still more thickly. The preached word—millions of bibles—the hundreds of millions of tracts—the labors of Sunday schools, and the efforts of missionaries; all these have scattered wide the sacred gospel.
And now what wait we for? Oh! beloved! for the shower which these united prayers of the united church shall bring down; then, and not till then, nations will be converted to JESUS; the world will be brought to his feet believing; earth shall raise its triumphant song—“Hallelujah for the LORD GOD omnipotent reigneth. The kingdoms of this world, &c. Hallelujah.”—The church _is one_.—The world is CHRIST’S.
Having already detained you so long, I feel reluctant to trespass upon your patience further. I must however not forget that my duty would be still more imperfectly performed than it has been already, were I not to make honourable mention of that great and noble society; the claims of which I would in conclusion urge upon you.
I say _great and noble society_, for such verily it is; whether you regard the broad and catholic principle upon which it was originally founded—the eminent and pious who have adorned its ranks—the devoted, self-denying, and exemplary men who have been its missionaries—or the signal success and peculiar blessing with which the “GOD of all grace” has crowned its operations.
These are days in which missionary societies proceed with rapid strides; and it is interesting to a devout and enlightened mind, to review the history of such institutions; to trace them in the infancy of their existence, the feebleness of their first efforts, the perils and danger attendant upon their course; and then to rejoice in every year of their advancing strength and prosperity.
In the case before us, whether we consider the signs of the times when the foundation of this society was laid, amidst the fall of thrones and the convulsion of the civilized world; or the limited means and feeble agency, with which it commenced its efforts for the redemption of the nations; or the gigantic obstacles, both at home and abroad, which were then presented to its progress; or whether we glance at the superhuman and glorious results, which in every sphere of its labours have rewarded its toils; reason, no less than piety, will give utterance to humility and praise in the poetic strains of inspiration, “not unto us O LORD, not unto us; but to thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”
We rejoice in the happy contrast presented to our view, between the state of things _now_, and that of _former days_.
When this society commenced its benevolent career, there were many formidable obstacles with which the originators of such institutions had to contend. Great ignorance and gross mis-conception prevailed as to the real condition, social and moral, of Pagan nations. The visitors of heathen countries had contented themselves with merely glancing at the surface of society, even often purposely refraining from a detail of evils and enormities they could not have failed to have observed, whilst others denied the vices they had no care to suppress, and the existence of miseries which their own interest or influence had served but to aggravate.
It was indeed maintained that the negro race in general, the Hottentot in particular, was the connecting link between the animal and human species, though partaking far more largely of the attributes of the brute, than the similitude of the man.
But on the other hand, the inhabitants of the east were glowingly described as blest with civilization, and enlightened by science; and although the objects and forms of their worship were diversified, yet as their eulogists affirmed, their veneration for their gods was sincere and unbounded; while in social life, they were patterns of excellence—kind in their tempers, and lovely in their manners—living to make each other happy, and dying in the assurance of paradise hereafter. Such were the popular falsehoods to be combated and refuted, at the very outset of the missionary enterprize.
But where are now the advocates of Paganism, and the apologists for Idolatry? The moral condition of the heathen is better understood to-day, by the children in our schools, than it was by the enlightened classes of society fifty years ago; and the necessity of the gospel to meet the wants, and heal the sufferings of mankind, has become a familiar and undisputed truth. And by whom have these idle tales and gross fabrications been exposed? By the men of GOD, sent forth from our midst, who have lived _with_ the heathen, and _for_ the heathen; from whose concurrent testimony the church has learned, and the world has been constrained to admit, that idolatry in all its varied forms, is an abominable thing; that its principles are founded on falsehood and absurdity, and that its requirements are cruel and obscene.
In the early days of missionary efforts, the fields of labour were necessarily few and contracted. The wide and effectual doors opened to us were then closed, and for admission our revered forerunners entreated and pleaded in vain.
Their ardent zeal panted for access to the teeming and degraded multitudes of India. But by the merchant, the soldier, and the statesman, the christian missionary was alike denounced and resisted. The robber and the spoiler were found in the train of the British conqueror; but the minister of heavenly mercy might not set his foot upon those distant shores.
Now, thanks be to GOD, how altered is the scene; the legislature of our country has awarded religious freedom to India; and now the missionary may go through the length and breadth of that mighty empire, testifying to the Mussulman and idolator “repentance towards GOD, and faith towards our LORD JESUS CHRIST,” unmolested by the natives, and befriended by his countrymen. If the early friends of missions excluded from the millions of India, turned their attention to the colonies of the west; there the curse of slavery rested with all its unmitigated horrors. And whilst christian compassion wept over the lacerated body, or the more tortured spirit of the deeply injured negro; the stern voice of the oppressor forbade the application of the balm that might have soothed and healed his bleeding heart. In the judgment of the slave-holder to instruct the negro in the mild principles of Christianity, was an offence not to be forgiven, an evil pregnant with every conceivable danger; and of all men, the missionary was the man most to be dreaded and detested. But the spirit of justice, philanthropy, and religion, maintained the hard fought contest, till the spirit of oppression though unchanged, was compelled to yield; and amidst the scenes where Smith was martyred as the friend of the slave—where the sanctuaries of GOD were pillaged and destroyed—where faithful brethren were seized, imprisoned, and threatened with death, _there_ liberty has been proclaimed to the captive, and _there_ the glorious gospel of the blessed GOD has gladdened and governed the hearts of thousands. In Southern Africa also where the arms of our country had triumphed, British power was exerted for the support of slavery, and the discouragement of christian missions. The feelings of the colonists in general, were well expressed by the Dutch farmer, who in reply to the proposal of Robert Moffat to preach the gospel to his servants, exclaimed with a voice of thunder!—“preach to the Hottentots—preach to the dogs.” But _now_, thanks be to the GOD of missions, the Hottentot is free; the Caffre is protected, and the wandering and hostile tribes of the desert enjoy the advantages of liberty, order, and peace; sanctified and enhanced by the blessings of religion.
But surpassing all other wonders of a gracious providence on behalf of missions—China, which from time immemorial barred her gates against the stranger; which ten years ago appeared equally impregnable for ages to come. _China itself is open_! Opened to an extent far beyond our power of occupation. Already the faithful evangelist proclaims the gospel of salvation in her crowded cities, none making him afraid, and many giving welcome to his message.
Of the christian missionary then, so lately proscribed in the east and west, excluded from the deserts of Africa and the cities of China, it may now be said “the world is all before him where to choose, and providence his guide.” Can we not trace the hand of GOD in all this, and say “what hath GOD wrought.”
To form a just estimate of the benefits that have directly resulted from the missionary labors of this and other kindred societies, during the brief period of their varied efforts, it is necessary that we should attentively consider the magnitude of our design—the conversion of 600 millions of idolators to christianity—a multitude diversified in habits, language, and character—the limited amount of agency that has yet been employed—the antiquity of the various systems of idolatry which prevail, in contrast with the novelty and strangeness of the gospel claims; and above all, the perfect congeniality of heathenism, to the depraved principles and passions of the human nature, in opposition to the humbling and sanctifying influence of Christianity. These considerations are suggested, not for the purpose of alleviating disappointment and bespeaking forbearance to a narrative of failures; but rather to heighten our pleasure and enlarge our gratitude, that amidst obstacles so gigantic and with means so limited, we have in the short space of fifty years been favored through the divine blessing, with success so varied and abundant—success, both in character and amount, it may be confidently affirmed, greatly exceeding the largest expectations of the fathers of the cause.
This society has laboured to bless suffering man amidst the different forms of his guilt and misery, in Asia, Africa, Polynesia, and the West Indies. And in which of these wide fields of its mercy has it failed? It has laboured for his happiness in relation to the life that now is, as well as that which is to come, and in which of its designs of mercy has it not succeeded? Behold the triumphs of christian missions in the peaceful villages and cultivated plains of Africa—in the contentment and prosperity of the West Indian freed-man—in the Polynesian savage, transformed into the kind husband, the tender parent, and the happy man!
What numerous evils have not been terminated, and what daring crimes have not been prevented by the influence of missions? How many a widow, otherwise doomed to perish amidst the horrors of the burning pile, now lives! How many an infant, destined to die by the hands of its mother, is now pressed to her bosom! How many a victim, marked as a sacrifice to the gods of his country, now trusts and adores the GOD of salvation! Yes! we do rejoice in these supplementary advantages of christian missions; but had our success been limited to these, we should have deemed success itself a failure. Our first, our noblest aim, is not to civilize but to _evangelize_ the heathen; not only to raise the savage to the dignity of man, but to raise man to fellowship with GOD.
And in every scene of conflict with error and sin, the champions of the truth have maintained a good fight, and have been heard exulting, “now thanks be to GOD who always causeth us to triumph in CHRIST, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” Theirs is no empty boast, as they indulge these joyous strains. They point in _Africa_ to the wandering marauder, once more ferocious than the lion which prowls amidst her sandy deserts, now harmless and gentle as the lamb! In _India_ to the Brahmin, once the object of idolatry, now of scorn; once caressed by friends and loved by kindred, now a solitary outcast; “but what things were gain to him, he has counted loss for CHRIST.”
In the _Isles of the Pacific_ to the man, once both the destroyer and consumer of his fellow man; but now the cannibal delights in peace, and breathes the amenities of love.
In the _West Indies_ to redeemed multitudes, once in harder and viler bondage than their crudest oppressors could impose on their emaciated frame; but the SON OF GOD has made them free, and “they are free indeed.”
But on the other hand this society has had to mingle her tears with her praises, and exhibits the trials as well as the triumphs of faith.
From Madagascar the shepherds have indeed been driven, and their flocks scattered; they wander amid the wilderness as lambs among wolves, and many have been offered as a sacrifice upon the altar of their faith.
From the deserts of Siberia also, where for more than twenty years our faithful brethren laboured with untiring zeal, to plant amid those snowy solitudes the garden of the LORD—they have been driven from their much loved toil.
In Tahiti also, where our fathers gathered their plenteous, yet long delayed first-fruits, we have been called to reap the bitterest sorrow. The envious eye and malignant spirit of popery could not tolerate that fair field of protestant faith and apostolic piety; and in the Government of France she found a mind sufficiently ungenerous, and a hand sufficiently oppressive, to effect the desolation of that lonely island. Alas! freedom bleeds, and injustice triumphs in Tahiti. The people have fled from their homes to breathe the air of freedom in the fastnesses of the mountains, and the christian queen is now a fugitive from her native isle.
Nor these things only. Our success has provoked the zeal of our adversaries. Idolatry, which once regarded our efforts with silent scorn, now feels our power, and arms itself for resistance. Popery tracks the footsteps of the christian mission; not in Tahiti only, but in China, India, Africa, the West Indies—on every soil they tread.
Yes! beloved brethren, we must not dream of repose, or allow our past success to lull us into security or indifference.
The hosts of earth and hell are opposed to us; they unite in strong phalanx against the LORD, and against His Anointed. _Unity_ is their watch-word, for _unity_ is their strength—combination and co-operation are their principles. Let us be taught by the enemy; let us put on the whole armour of GOD, that we may be able to stand in the evil day; and _over all_, “put on charity which is the very bond of perfection.”
Remember, beloved brethren, that in an united advance against the enemy, the victory is sure. The Captain of our Salvation is now gone forth conquering and to conquer. To Him are given “the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession.” And “He must reign until he shall have put all enemies under his feet.” The cause, the glorious cause is advancing! Christians will you not help it? The conflict has begun! Christians will you not join it? The final triumph of Messiah is at hand; even now the angelic hosts are preparing their golden harps to celebrate with the rejoicing heaven and redeemed earth, the consummation so ardently anticipated by the Redeemer—so long desired by the church—so cordially hailed in promise—so fervently supplicated in prayer; even the complete unity of the church, and by consequence
THE UNIVERSAL CONQUEST OF THE WORLD!
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Geo. M. Smith, Printer, Ironbridge.