210

Other thoughts about Missionaries' children, 218

Entire consecration of children, not a duty peculiar
to Missionaries, 222

INTRODUCTORY LETTER.

TO MY CLASSMATES IN THEOLOGY.

DEAR BRETHREN IN CHRIST:--Few periods of our lives can be called to mind
with so much ease and distinctness, as the years which we spent together
in theological studies. The events of that short season, and the
sentiments we then indulged, are clothed with a freshness and interest
which the lapse of time cannot efface.

Among the questions that occupied our thoughts, no one perhaps was so
absorbing, or attended with such deep and anxious feeling, as that which
respected the field of labor to which each should devote his life. And
many of us then, I remember, made a mutual engagement, that if spared
and permitted for years to labor in different portions of the vineyard
of the Lord, we would communicate to each other our _mature_ views in
regard to the claims of different fields.

Thirteen years have elapsed; and I propose to fulfil my engagement, by
expressing, in the form of the present little volume, the views which I
now entertain in regard to the claims of foreign lands. To you, my
beloved classmates, the book is specially addressed; and if I use a
frankness and freedom, which might possibly be construed into presumption,
if I were addressing strangers and elder brethren, I am sure that I
shall fall under no such imputation when communicating my thoughts to
you. I wish to express my thoughts familiarly, as we used to do to each
other, and at the same time with the earnestness and solemnity which one
ought always to feel when pleading for the perishing heathen.

A free, full, and earnest discussion of such sentiments as those
contained in this book, had no small influence, under God, in preparing
the way for that extensive work of grace at these islands, which has
been denominated the Great Revival. At the General meetings of the
mission in the month of May of 1836 and 1837, the main doctrines of this
volume were thoroughly canvassed, and with deep effect upon every member
present. Our feelings were enlisted, our hearts were warmed, and our
thoughts were absorbed by the great topic of the world's conversion. The
theme, in all its amazing import and solemn aspects, was allowed to take
possession of our souls. It gave importunity to prayer, earnestnes