MISSIONS. 



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good things of this world, as the ministers of 

 the gospel. They are refined in their ideas, 

 and often in their persons not more robust 

 than ourselves. But when their country calls 

 for their swords, they come forth with a com- 

 mendable gallantry; and without the hardy 

 habits of the private, go through the same fa- 

 tigues, and confront the same perils. Not 

 content with meeting dangers they cannot 

 shun, the principle of honour, and the hope 

 of preferment, push them on to seek occasions 

 of distinction by achievements of heroism. 

 Nevertheless, they have parents, wives, and 

 children, as we have, who depend for a main- 

 tenance on the lives of which they are so 

 prodigal. 



" But how do the officers of the armies of 

 Christ conduct themselves ? Little better, we 

 regret to say, than an undisciplined militia, 

 who have covenanted to fight only pro aris et 

 focis. To see us exercise at home might give 

 a high idea of our courage and prowess, if it 

 were not too well understood that we had an 

 invincible dislike to hard blows and long 

 marches : what flowing eloquence, what strength 

 of reasoning, what animated declamation do 

 we hear from our pulpits ! What potent de- 

 monstrations of the truths of Christianity, what 



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