are sent here? I fear not. And allow me here to remark, that
at the first preaching of Christianity it was not talented and educated
men who were selected by our Saviour; out of the twelve, the Apostle
Paul was the only one who had such claims.

"If we had beheld the Galilean fishermen mending their nets, should we
have ever imagined that those humble labourers were to be the people who
should afterwards regenerate the world?--should overthrow the idolatries
and crumble the superstitions of ancient empires and kingdoms?--and that
what they--uneducated, but, we admit, divinely inspired and supported--
had taught should be joyfully received, as it is now, we may say, from
the rising to the setting of the sun, to the utmost boundaries of the
earth?"

"Most truly and most admirably argued, Swinton," replied Alexander.
"The Almighty, as if to prove how insignificant in his sight is all
human power, has often made use of the meanest instruments to accomplish
the greatest ends. Who knows but that even our keeping holy the
Sabbath-day in the desert may be productive of some good, and be the
humble means of advancing the Divine cause? We must ever bear in mind
the counsel, `In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold
not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or
that, or whether they both shall be alike good.'"

"Surely so," replied Swinton; "the natives consider us as a superior
race; they see our worship, and they are led to think that must be right
which they perceive is done by those to whom they look up as their
superiors. It may induce them to inquire and to receive information--
eventually to be enrolled among the followers of our Saviour. It is,
however, not to be denied that in some few instances persons have been
chosen for the office of missionaries who have proved themselves
unworthy; but that must and will ever be the case where human agents are
employed. But it argues no more against the general respectability and
utility of the missionaries as a body, than the admission of the traitor
Judas amongst the apostles. To the efficacy of their works, and their
zeal in the cause, I myself, having visited the stations, have no
hesitation in bearing testimony. Indeed I cannot but admire the
exemplary fortitude, the wonderful patience and perseverance, which the
missionaries have displayed.

"These devoted men are to be found in the remotest deserts, accompanying
the wild