the
intervention of some new light, which I shall not account for, the
conclusion is formed that another situation would be more _useful_. The
motive for a change is a good one; but it is to be remembered that this
same motive, that of being more useful, could not prevail upon them to
become missionaries.

Facts of this kind could be collected, I think to a considerable extent;
and they lead me, however unwilling, to suspect that, in some cases, the
honest reason why ministers do not become missionaries is not that they
are pastors, but something quite different.

Another fact, too, makes me suspicious that there is some lack of entire
honesty. A pastor says he cannot become a missionary, for he has the
care of a church. In a few months, for some cause or other, he is
dismissed from his church and people. What does he do? become a
missionary? I have one in my eye who was a pastor of a church in a large
city. He told me, that nothing but his relation as pastor in that city
could keep him a moment from the missionary work. Soon after, he was
dismissed from his church and people; and think you he became a
missionary? You would betray a very limited knowledge of human nature to
think so.

"But," says one, "I am opposed to fickleness and change." Ah! indeed;
does it betray fickleness to leave a church to become a missionary? Did
God favor fickleness and change when he prevented the permanent location
of the apostles in Palestine, by a voice from heaven, and by violent
persecutions? Did the Saviour favor fickleness in his last command? When
a presidency, a professorship, or a more prominent and influential
church is offered you, then speak of fickleness--the excuse may possibly
be in place; but never, never in place, while untold millions of our
race are dying for lack of vision, and our commission reads, "GO YE INTO
ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE."

* * * * *

One pastor excuses himself, by saying, "The attachment between me and my
people is very dear, and this attachment gives me great influence with
them." I reply, Was not the attachment very dear between the apostles
and the disciples at Jerusalem, and also between Paul and the converts
at Antioch, and at Ephesus? What language of affection and solicitude
can equal that of Paul for his converts? He calls them his "joy and
crown"--the "little children for whom he travails in birth, till Christ
be formed in them."