ng out of mind this
command, which still applies in all its force, I enter into an
obligation with a particular church to take upon me its pastoral care:
which obligation is binding? The last, do you say? Can I then thus
easily thrust aside the Saviour's last and most impressive command? Can
I, by such a course, shield myself effectually from its further
application? I have yet to learn, that by any change of place or
circumstances we can free ourselves from the weight of the Saviour's
injunction. I mean not to assert, that all who ought to have become
missionaries before they were settled, ought to become so now. Some have
entirely hedged up their way; and though they may have been disobedient
in doing so, yet deep regret and sincere repentance is all the
reparation they can now make. But those who ought to have gone to the
heathen, and before whom the door is still open for going, _such_ should
still become missionaries, and on the obvious principle, that it is
better to do our duty late than not to do it all. The mere plea of being
a pastor is not a sufficient excuse; and it is losing too, continually,
more and more of its force. It is a wonder that it should be relied upon
so much as a _quietus_, since, in the present age, the residence of a
pastor is very transient and uncertain.

Again let me say, it is a great thing, a good thing, and a rare thing,
to be entirely honest in the sight of God. Let us endeavor to be so. It
is to be feared, that there may be some who exempt themselves from
becoming missionaries on the ground of being pastors, who are not
altogether honest in their excuse. Are there not some individuals, who
make it, who would manifest but little hesitation in leaving the
pastoral office to take the oversight of a college, to become a
professor in a theological seminary, or to take charge of some prominent
religious periodical? When urged to become a missionary, the pastor
pleads his attachment to his people; their affection for him, which
gives him great influence; and his acquaintance with their prejudices,
opinions, habits, and whole character, so as to adapt his instructions
to their particular case. He mentions these, and the like
considerations, and concludes very readily that he can be more useful in
his present situation than in any other. But when a presidency, a
professorship, or a more influential church is offered, the reasons
before urged seem to lose something of their force; and through