If it were, we would move heaven and
earth to save even one of them from that fate. Is it then from
extinction? Such a claim is never definitely put forward. Then is it
from the suffering incident to reformation? No one speaks of that.
There is no definite incentive urged to impel men to sustained and
eager missionary enterprise.
Hence we fear that missionary enterprise will wane. There is a general
idea of saving the heathen; but from what? There is no definite idea; at
least none is put forward. I think there ought to be a brotherly
conference, composed of men holding diverse views on this subject, that
if possible some unanimity might be arrived at--some definite issue that
would be fearlessly outspoken, that would be a real and compelling
incentive.
It may be said that certainty cannot be arrived at, and that therefore
silence is better. That may well be doubted. Certainty in general is not
likely to be attained all at once. There will first be a period of
inquiry. What saith the Scripture? What saith reason? And what saith our
own instinct? Then there will be a period of probability. After that
there may come a time of certainty. The fact that unanimity of view may
not be attainable at present is no good reason for treating such a
momentous topic with silence. I reckon that he does a service to mankind
if he contributes anything to the solution of this great question, even
if by so doing he stirs up opposition.
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