f natural affection?

Here, then, are trials; but however great, they are to be met, not
evaded--met by the churches, met by missionaries; and however severe and
agonizing such trials, they are nothing in the balance against the dying
condition of the heathen. The situation of our children, trying as it
is, is unspeakably better than that of three hundred millions of heathen
children and youth. The Saviour commands--the world is dying--and he
that loveth son or daughter more than Christ is not worthy of him.

* * * * *

The inquiry is worth notice, Whether the situation of missionaries
cannot be so altered as to change very materially the state of the
question, in regard to their children? Would not such a change be
effected by the going forth of laymen in great numbers, and of all the
useful professions, arts and employments, so as to form little circles
here and there over the earth?

A great part of the heathen world is open for such classes of men.
Appeals for such men have been sent from Africa, Asia Minor, Siam, the
Sandwich Islands, and in short from almost every mission. They would of
course labor under greater or less disadvantages; but these
disadvantages should only have the effect to call forth the more energy,
patience and perseverance.

But it will be asked, How would the going forth of such classes of men
better the condition of missionaries' children?

1. They would afford society, form a public sentiment, and thus serve in
a measure to keep children from the influence of a heathen population.
It is already found on heathen ground, that where there are several
families of missionaries, the children form a society among themselves;
but where there is but one family, the children are more inclined to
seek society among the degraded objects about them.

2. Again, if men of various useful employments should be located with
the missionary, there would be held up before the children examples of
Christian industry and enterprise; whereas, in their present isolated
condition, the children suffer from an atmosphere of indolence and
stagnation.

3. The going forth of such men to introduce the different arts and
occupations, would afford suitable employment for the children and youth
of missionaries, and furnish them to some extent with permanent
situations in mature life.

4. If there were such little circles of laymen as we suppose, they would
have at whatever sacrifice,