MISSIONARY PRINCIPLES.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 1, 1 March 1845, Page 1

MISSIONARY PRINCIPLES.

In the month of May 1842, a convention was held in New York, of numerous influential ministers and laymen of several evangelical denominations, for the purpose of considering the duty and practicability of evangelizing the whole world within the period of twenty-five years. A paper was drawn up, on the subject, which proves, in our opinion, both the duty and practicability of the enterprize : The Rev. Hiram Bingham, one of the senior missionaries of the American Mission at the Sandwich Islands, who was then in the U. S. was the author. It appeared in the 2nd. No. of “ The Ambassador.” and we read it with no ordinary pleasure, but laid it dowm with the words of Douglass on our tongue —Yes, “ all things are ready but tlie hearts of Christians !” However, it was the object of that able article to stir up Christians to the discharge of their duty, and not having seen it, or any notice of it, in any British periodical, we subjoin a copy of “ the principles,” premising that each is sustained, and urged on the practical regard of Christians, by most accurate and able statistics and arguments, We have not heard of the progress made by the convention. FIRST PRINCIPLE. When God commands, we are to obey. 2. When divine commands are not specific, every one ought to pursue that course which promises eventually to accomplish the greatest amount of good to men, and bring the greatest revenue of glory to God. 3. The neglect of the Lord’s work by the many on whom it is enjoined, modifies and enhances the claims on the few. 4. The ambassador may abate nothing from the known will of him who sends him. 5. Means must be proportionate to the ends to be accomplished. 6. The greater our sacrifices and services for Christ and his cause from right motives, the better will it be for ourselves aud his kingdom. 7. No enterprise which God enjoins, or is known to approve, can be too great, or difficult, or costly, for his servants to undertake in reliance on his favour, and in compliance with his will. 8. Evidence that a desirable achievement is practicable in a given time, tends to give system and energy to the agents to be employed, and to ensure success.