period, has remarked concerning him, that he loved the cause of Jesus in heathen lands. "And I believe," says he, "nothing of a worldly nature could tempt him to give up the heathen. He indeed has told me that he had large offers made him, as a pecuniary compensation, if he would accept a settlement in this country. But,' said he, 'brother B., it must be a settled principle, that, if a man has devoted himself to the service of Christ among the heathen, and is accepted in this service, no church, no college, no body of men, ought to ask him to stay in this country.' When he thought that there were any movements to detain one in America, whose heart felt as his did for the heathen, his soul at times would almost take fire. I have seen his countenance kindle with vivid expression, while speaking on this subject. But when devoted and well qualified individuals have not considered it their duty to engage in a foreign mission, he used to say; 'These brethren may have more love to the Lord Jesus while staying here, than we in going to the heathen.”

Ever jealous of his own heart, and feeling that his determination to become a foreign missionary, might possibly result from unhallowed motives, he reviewed the whole subject during the second year of his theological course, that he might determine more satisfactorily the question of duty. The following are some of his reflections, while engaged in the examination of this important question.

"WHAT IS MY DUTY RESPECTING MISSIONS?"

February 3, 1817. Desirous of ascertaining my duty on this subject I set apart this day for fasting and prayer, and inquiry. After imploring the divine assistance in the important work of the day, I propose to meditate, read and pray, and write down my views.

"In answer to the question, I am convinced that it is my duty to pray much. I ought to pray for Pagans, Mahommedans, Jews, Papists, and Protestants. Their souls are all precious, they are all sinners, and can be saved only by Christ; they are all my fellowbeings, and objects of Christian benevolence.

"I ought to pray for missionary societies, missionaries, native preachers and converts, and those who contribute, or pray for the spread of the Gospel. For they are all imperfect, liable to mistakes, and wrong feelings, dependent, short-sighted, exposed to temptations; and on their spirit, prayers, plans and exertions, the conversion of the heathen very much depends. I ought to pray that God would raise up missionaries, societies, and benefactors for the work. I feel it to be my duty to pray much for all these objects, to remember them often in my prayers, to set apart seasons for special prayer for them; to be particular, and fervent, in my petitions; to cry mightily to God on their behalf. My conscience condemns me for not having discharged this duty as I ought, I wish to be humble, and I pray that a spirit of fervent supplication for the heathen may be given me.

"It is my duty to acquire and communicate information respecting missions. For this purpose I feel bound to improve leisure hours, and to seek leisure, that I may have it to improve for this purpose. For this I would read attentively the biography of missionaries, the history of missions, missionary reports and journals, descriptions of different countries, geography and history; I would correspond and converse with intelligent men, as I have opportunity, and devise every method, and improve every facility for obtaining information relative to the number, character, religion, condition, and prospects, of the heathen; the number, situation, exertions, and success of missionaries; the character of native converts, and the best fields for missions; the societies that are making exertions to spread the Gospel, the con

tributions that are given, and the state of missionary feeling among the churches. And, as I acquire information on any of these subjects, I feel it my duty to communicate it by conversation, by letters to individuals and societies, by lending, selling, and giving away books, by public addresses, containing statements of facts; and, if I ever preach again, by preaching missionary sermons.

"It is my duty to do what I can to excite others to suitable views, feelings, and efforts on this subject. For this purpose I should labor to remove all objections that are brought against missions; to correct all erroneous impressions respecting the state of the heathen world, and respecting the designs and exertions of missionaries, and missionary societies; to point out to the rich and the poor, the various ways, in which property may be earned or saved for this purpose. I should endeavor to direct the attention of those who are preparing, or who ought, perhaps, to prepare for the ministry, to the examination of their duty, and to the claims of the perishing pagans. In short, I should make it my object wherever I go, whenever I write or speak, read or preach, or whatever I do, to bring into view in every suitable manner the wants of the heathen, and our duty towards them; to urge on ministers to preach, Christians to pray, young men to enlist, and people of every age and class to do all they can to extend the borders of Zion.

"It is my duty to inquire carefully in what part of the vineyard I ought to labor. It is the duty of some young men to go to the heathen, of some to labor in the destitute parts of our own country, and of some to supply the vacancies occasioned by the death and removal of clergymen. Lord Jesus, whither wilt thou send me? I have often given myself away to thee to be employed any where, and in any manner that shall conduce to thy glory, and the salvation of souls.

"For many years past I have felt much anxiety on this subject. In the summer of 1810, about two years and a half after I became, as I hope, a friend to Christ, after several months of careful inquiry, I felt convinced that, if my life and health should be spared, and I should succeed in acquiring an education, it would probably be my duty to be a missionary to the heathen;-at least I was convinced that I ought to keep myself free from all engagements which might interfere with my duty in this respect; to direct my attention particularly to missionary subjects; to hold myself in readiness to go wherever duty should call; and to make my calculations with a view to spending my days among the heathen. During a period of more than six years I have had my attention directed to this object, and have had earnest desires, and fond expectations, that I might sooner or later 'preach Christ, where he had not been named.' My desires for the work have sometimes been strong, at other times weak. times my attachment to relatives, and to Christian society, my love for social enjoyments, ease, and convenience, have almost induced me to say, 'I pray thee have me excused.' But when I have thought again of the heathen going down to woe with no one to point them to Jesus; when I have read the command of my ascending Saviour, I have readily cried out,-Here am I, Lord, send me.' This has been my language when flattering prospects have opened before me, when my attachment to friends has been in mind, when I have lain down and risen up, when I have been in company and when alone. I have often said, 'It is my earnest desire to go among the heathen.' I have prayed that God would not hedge up my way, but grant me the desired privilege.

Some

"But I was young, only eighteen, when I first resolved on being a missionary. Much that is unholy has been mixed with my feelings on this sub

ject. Many unholy motives may induce a man to desire this work. I wish, therefore, to re-examine all my past resolutions and plans, and inquire anew what I ought to do. I take it for granted that some young men, who are now entering the ministry, ought to be missionaries. Am I one of the number? In pursuing the inquiry, I desire to have no regard to private interest, personal convenience or suffering, reputation, natural attachments, advice or wishes of friends, any farther than it may conduce to the good of souls. I desire that my own improvement in holiness, my obligations to relatives, the preservation of my life and health, the acquisition of property and influence, the conversion of sinners and the glory of Christ, may all be viewed in their proper light, as I proceed.

"An inquiry on this subject may properly respect one's age, health, talents, habits, feelings, connexions in life, reputation, the leadings of Providence, and the teachings of the Holy Spirit.

"Age. Though men considerably advanced in life have engaged in missions with great success, as was the fact with Dr. Vanderkemp, yet, when new languages are to be acquired, new habits formed, and new modes of living adopted, the work should evidently be undertaken in early life. My present age, (twenty-four years, and a half,) I think may be considered very suitable. Should I be a missionary, I shall probably be able to engage in the work in my twenty-seventh year, if not sooner. No objection, therefore, can be raised from this source against my being a missionary.

"Health. The privations, the sufferings and the labors, connected with a missionary life, render it important that the man, who engages in it, possess good health. In this respect Providence has been to me peculiarly propitious. My constitution has never been impaired by sickness; my limbs and my faculties have never been injured by accident; my