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the Saviour and the first missionaries, not only for the peculiar proof it gave of their claims upon the public mind, but as the most vivid illustration of benevolence within their reach, may not the same course now be pursued with great propriety? Because we have to do by natural means what they did by super-human, is no reason why we should not follow their example; if it be first proved that the act is a desirable one.

CHAPTER VI.

Our plan compared with that generally pursued by missionaries. Objections to scientific lectures as a means of evangelizing the heathen.

By the preceding train of thought no invidious or disparaging comparison is intended between different classes or orders of missionaries. Neither is it designed to intimate that the highest degree of benevolence does not, intrinsically considered, characterize those who do not heal the sick in conjunction with preaching and teaching. Lest a misunderstanding should arise-guarded as we have endeavored to be-and for the purpose of illustrating the point more fully, let the following case be supposed.

A ship from America casts anchor in the harbor of Singapore, having on board two missionaries; the one designing to pursue his labors on the general missionary plan; the other purposing to follow, as nearly as may be, the course indicated in the gospel commission; looking to the example of Gutzlaff as a more modern pattern of the general design. After landing, proper dwellings are procured for their residence. They soon proceed to their first duty, that of learning the language of those to whom they design to preach. In due time they acquire a sufficient knowledge of this, to be able to proclaim in an intelligent manner, the simple gospel of Jesus Christ. During the period that has intervened between their landing, and that of their ability to preach, the medical mis

sionary, by "redeeming the time," and by untiring industry, has been instrumental in healing gratuitously many diseased natives, men, women, and children. Not a cottage of poverty and wretchedness within the limits or suburbs of Singapore, but has been cheered by his presence. All the poor know him as their friend in the hour of sickness and sorrow. He has won the hearts of many, by acts of kindness which they could well understand.

Hitherto he has conversed with them, mainly through the intervention of an interpreter ; but now he has in a great degree mastered their strange speech, and he begins to preach, more publicly and systematically, the truths of the gospel. What effect, it is earnestly asked, will his previous course have, in commending his message to his hearers?

In the first place, he will be sure of having numerous auditors. And, in the second place, he will be listened to with a firm persuasion on the part of the hearers, that the preacher is a man of a higher order of benevolence than has ever before fallen under their notice.

Taking advantage of this state of sentiment, he distinctly advertises them that the course he has pursued is among the legitimate fruits of the religion he would commend to them. That, to bless all, far and near, rich and poor, bond and free, without money and without price, is its grand purpose.

Who does not see that this is a train of argument, as it stands connected with his previous philanthropic labors, which the most dark-minded heathen can clearly perceive and understand? No power of logic, simply, nor

captivating eloquence, nor profound classical attainments, even if they were accompanied by a warm christian spirit, could for a moment compare for effect with it. And no devices of their priests and teachers could neutralize the power of such a procedure. They would be led instinctively to institute a comparison between his religion and their own. Whether or not to the advantage of the

former need not be said.

It is just, now to turn our attention for a moment to the other missionary, the preacher, simply. For the purpose of making a fair case, it may be supposed that for varied learning, ardent piety, and beauty of christian character, no man can claim a preeminence over him. His heart is tenderly and sleeplessly alive to the woes and wretchedness of the population around him.

He too has reached the period in which he can publicly proclaim the message of salvation. During the time since he landed he has adorned the doctrines of the Saviour by a life of exemplary, exalted piety. Tenderness of heart, simplicity and ingenuousness of manner, a humble mode of living, and an evident desire to do good to all around, have won him many personal friends. But he has had few means of evidencing, beyond the domestic circle, the benevolence of his heart, and the influence of his religion upon himself. He now essays to preach in public; but, being comparatively a stranger, his auditors are few. Few are the hearts that are moved with pleasure when he mingles with them as their teacher and guide. And, although his closet has been deluged with tears, so to speak, for their salvation, they heed him not. As a general fact, they have but little confidence that his

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life is better than that of their own priests; and the idea that he possesses a pure and disinterested benevolence towards them, not so much as crosses their mind. Thus he toils on, amid neglect and discouragement, cheered only by contemplating the sure word of promise that points to a day, how distant he knows not, in which the heathen shall turn to the Lord.

Let us mark well the points of difference in the illustrations just given. The medical missionary owes his superiority of success not to his more ardent piety or to his purer benevolence; but to the means of more plainly and palpably embodying the spirit of the true faith.

Another feature of the intrinsic adaptation of our plan, consists, in the fact that man is ever more ready to listen to the spiritual advice of those from whom he has received temporal favors than from others. Especially is this true if the kindness be extended to its object in the hour of nature's darkness and extremity. "The sternest man will be softened," says a celebrated writer, " if you approach him with relief, or even with sympathy, when he is in sickness or pain." If we would win an obdurate heart to the gospel, an act of positive, appreciable kindness, is one of the best preparations for success. Every day's history of the life and labors of the Redeemer, when he tabernacled among men, is studded all over with proofs that he practised upon this principle. Judging from the inspired record, the greater part of his time must have been spent, in acts of mercy that related, strictly speaking, to the temporal woes, and corporeal ills of man. Why was this? There is no satisfactory reason for it, unless it be found in the principle under discussion. To say

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