s into able preachers of the Gospel.

And it is expected, by not a few, of the wife of the missionary--though
living under a burning sun, in a house of poor accommodations, with
unfaithful domestics, or none at all; that notwithstanding, she will
not only attend to the arduous duties of the household and educate her
own children, but teach a school among the people, and superintend the
female portion of the congregation--a task which a minister's wife in a
Christian land, and under a bracing air, does not often attempt.

Now, would it be really a benefit to the church thus to flatter her
indolence and her avarice, and convert the heathen with a fraction of
wealth and a handful of men? Be assured, God loves the church too well
thus to pamper a luxurious and self-indulgent spirit: he will allow no
cheap and easy way of accomplishing the work. The object is worth more:
worthy not only of the combined wealth of Christendom, but worthy also
of the energies, the toil, and the blood if necessary, of the greatest
and holiest men. It will not be in consistence with God's usual
providence that a victory so noble should be achieved, till the
treasures of the church shall be literally emptied in the contest, and
the precious blood of thousands and tens of thousands of her ablest and
best men poured out on the field. The work has already cost the blood
of God's only Son; and the prosecution and finishing of it shall be
through toil, self-denial, entire devotement, and obedience even unto
death.

_Some rules that may be of use in agitating the question of becoming
missionaries._

1. Guard against an _excuse-making_ spirit. This is an age of excuses.
There is no need of seeking for them; they are already at hand, and of
every variety, size and shape. They are kept ready for every occasion.
If one will not suit, another may be tried. Be admonished then, that a
disposition to be excused is not much different from a disposition to
disobey.

2. Guard against _antinomianism_ on the subject of missions. There is a
great tendency in these days to _say and do not_. The thrill of the
missionary theme, like an exhilarating gas, is pleasant to many; but the
sober and humble business of engaging in the work is not so welcome. A
disposition to say much and do little is a feature of the most alarming
kind. It shows an obtuseness of conscience.

3. Remember that Divine direction is better than human wisdom. We are
very much inclined to argue