THE MARTYR OF ERROMANGA, OR, THE PHILOSOPHY OF MISSIONS, ILLUSTRATED FROM THE Labours, Death, and Character OF THE LATE REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. BY JOHN CAMPBELL, D.D. HONORARY MEMBER OF THE LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF ST. ANDREWS, 93 66 PREFACE. 313672 W5C3 THE source of all evil in our world is ignorance of God, or enmity against him. While this enmity and that ignorance remain, and in proportion as they preponderate, sin and misery will continue to exist and to prevail. The only means, therefore, of curing the maladies of human nature, and of rectifying the disorders of society, is to substitute knowledge for ignorance, and love for enmity. This will effect a recovery, and restore tranquillity, complete, universal, and permanent. The result of this substitution will be true and perfect civilization, comprehending every thing necessary to elevate, adorn, and bless mankind--the resurrection of buried intellect the enthronement of enlightened reason-the subjugation of unhallowed passion-the infusion of real humanity -the extinction of war, with its calamities—the establishment of peace, with its blessings-the annihilation of all that is hurtful to man, and the introduction of all that is contributory to his A M313942 happiness, liberty,-literature,―arts,―science,commerce, just legislation, and international harmony. Hence arise the surpassing glory of the Missionary Enterprise, and the matchless excellence of the Missionary Character,-an enterprise which comprehends all lands, all times, and all men, with all their interests for both worlds; and a character which forms the highest and noblest manifestation of philanthropy, patriotism, piety, and moral greatness. The work of Missions is incomparably the best medium through which to contemplate the cross of Christ and the mercy of God. The true history of that work supplies a body of the most convincing evidence in support of Christianity, that can be produced. Williams's "Missionary Enterprises," alone, is of more real value than all the writings of a Clarke, a Butler, a Paley, a Chalmers, a Leland, and a Lardner, united. There Christianity appears arrayed in her Missionary costume. She presents her majestic form, and shows her beauteous face, on the battlements of a citadel reared by her own hands, with materials furnished by her own conquests. The fruit of Missions is her best defence; she asks, she needs, no other. Obedience to the Son of God wants no permission; deeds of the highest benevolence to a suffering world call for no apology. He who opposes the work of Missions, |