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The maxim , though like every other it is liable to abuse , is true , in all its applications , that charity begins at home . We condemn not the efforts that various Missionary Societies have made in foreign lands . We deem the efforts actually made good , while we think they might have been better . And better in our judgment they would have been if made first at home *
and then abroad . A drunkard is a bad preacher of sobriety , and a nation of which the majority is Christian only in profession , is a sorry herald of the gospel . However this may be , the duty of Unitarian Christians lies , we doubt not , in the immediate sphere in which they are placed . Their actual means are inadequate to the support of foreign missions , and the resources which they can command may , in our opinion , be employed to by far the
best effect under their own immediate superintendence . We would not , indeed , have this remark to be interpreted as if we disapproved of all missionary exertion in distant lands . On the contrary , as openings present themselves , it is doubtless the duty of Unitarian Christians to improve them . But , at present , the main effort of the Unitarian body must be made at home . Of the nature of the effort which seems desirable , and of some
inducements to its being undertaken , we shall now briefly speak . It is a home effort . The field is not the world , but our native land . We are convinced that competent preachers sent through the country to declare the unadulterated gospel of Christ , would be largely rewarded for their labours . What has been in this way effected , is only a tithe of the harvest that awaits the sickle , provided those who are sent go forth in the spirit of their work , with their souls kindled by gospel love , and intent on winning
souls to Christ ; provided they preach not the peculiarities of a theological system , but the gospel . Yet this mission is more comprehensive than what we chiefly wish to recommend . We have limited missionary labours to this country . We are not yet satisfied . We would limit them to each particular city , to every one ' s sphere , almost to every one's house . We see good , and are thankful for it , in efforts to convert the Heathen , in efforts to
Unitarianize these kingdoms . But we covet more . We want to see the gospel sending forth a light into every dark place . We want the sounds of its ministers' voice to pass beyond the confines of narrow walls , and to make themselves heard in the mass of the population , in the cottage and the hovel , beside the poor man ' s hearth , yea , in the ears of the houseless and the outcast . We want the influences of the gospel to go forth from ten
thousand channels into the bulk of society as the pure and life-supporting air breathes forth from every green thing on the earth's surface , ministering , silently but efficiently , slowly but incessantly , strength and vigour to every animated being . In a word , we want to see all Christians bestirring themselves to promote Christianity , each one labouring in his sphere to promote the gospel , each one labouring in his house , in his neighbourhood , to do the work of a missionary , and those who have ability , supplying the means of
sending out men mighty in the Scriptures , and full of the blessing of the gospel of Christ , not into distant parts , but into the dark places of our large towns ; yea , into every dark spot throughout the land . The effort we recommend , we repeat , is a home effort ; it is an effort to send Christian men and Christian women , to send Christian preachers and Christian teachers , to send Christian tracts and Christian influences , into every home , in every district , in every city and town , where they are not found . Let us see if there
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ON HOME MISSIONS .
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( 7 S )
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1831, page 78, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2594/page/6/
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