ved
and become more and more efficient, which has led to make the foregoing
reference to it. The end of its praiseworthy projectors and supporters
should command the admiration of all; the piety and devotedness of its
missionaries have attained for them in the hearts of true Christians an
enduring place; and the success of its endeavours, by the blessing of
God, due not to its imperfections but to its excellencies, leads to the
hope that it and others may come to possess a character in all things
unobjectionable. It is not beyond the reach of hope that these societies
may, by changes occurring in the views of their members, come to possess
each a constitution becoming increasingly more perfect; and that their
improvement in all things, and their influence for good may greatly
increase, must be the cordial wish and prayer of all who are
right-hearted. Missionary Societies connected with given churches are
not exposed to the same kind of objection as that applicable to the
others. Though each Section of the Church may not acquiesce in the means
employed by any other, they may view those of every other as
conscientiously, though not unobjectionably, giving diffusion to the
views of the truth which those entertain. And what is wanting in such is
principally the rectification of their views: their endeavours are
harmonious and consistent. But to proceed. Were Missionary Societies,
contemplating the exalted end of evangelising the heathen, to employ
warranted means for accomplishing their purpose, they, as well as other
societies, ought by Covenanting to engage to the use of these. Such
societies would present each a decided community of Christians banded
together for a purpose worthy the most sacred devotedness of all the
noble energies of man. Will not the people of God yet come forward to
send the glad tidings of salvation to the ends of the earth, by not
merely promising to one another and praying to the Lord, but in
Covenanting with Him, swearing by his name? What prosperity might be
expected to accompany missions, were such a course to be followed? How
can the utmost success be expected to follow a partial use of the means
of Divine grace? God will not fully mark with his blessing a system of
means which is defective. All the institutions of religion ought to be
acknowledged. Covenanting with Him will draw down His blessing on
missionary institutions, because it is, not meritorious, but sanctioned
by his authority. And i