from the realms of glory, to suffer and die for perishing sinners. His
last command to his disciples, before ascending up again into heaven,
was, that they should follow his example, in the exercise of this
spirit, until the whole world should be brought to a knowledge of his
salvation. But more than eighteen hundred years have passed away, and
yet at least two thirds of the inhabitants of this fallen world have
never heard the gospel; and probably not more than one seventieth part
of them have really embraced it. This is a mournful picture, and
calculated to call forth every feeling of Christian sympathy, and awaken
a burning zeal for the honor and glory of God. O, think how Jesus is
dishonored by his own people, who thus disregard his last parting
request! But here again you may inquire, "What can _I_ do?" You can do
much more than most people think they can do. Although you may not be
permitted to go to the heathen yourself, yet you can help those that do
go. I know that your means are limited; yet there are many ways in which
you can do much for this cause with little means. By regulating all your
expenses by Christian principle, you may save much, even of a small
income, for benevolent purposes. But you may also exert an influence
upon others. In all your intercourse with other Christians, especially
ladies, you may stir up a missionary spirit. To aid you in this, become
acquainted with what has been done, and what is now doing, for the
conversion of the heathen. Make yourself familiar with the arguments in
favor of this holy cause. By this means, you may become a zealous and
successful advocate of the claims of five hundred millions of perishing
heathen. As an opportunity occurs once a month for all to contribute to
this cause, you know not what effect such efforts may have upon the
purses of those whom God has blessed with an abundance of the good
things of this life. Again; you may do much for the heathen, by forming
a missionary association among the ladies where you reside. Let such an
association employ their needless half a day in every week, and apply
the avails of their labor to the missionary cause. This would enable
every one to contribute something for sending the gospel to the heathen.
But this is not all the benefit that would flow from it. Some member of
the association should be appointed to read missionary intelligence,
while the rest labor with their hands. This will be the means of
exciting a mis