“How then can we avoid the conclusion, that the religious views and feelings even, of these miserable men, do, in the very nature of things, exclude them from the approbation of God, and incapacitate them for the enjoyments of the heavenly state? It is impossible that a sinner, going out of this world, in expectation of any thing corresponding with earthly honours, amusements or enjoyments, should not be met by disappointment and shame. It is impossible, that a soul utterly ignorant of holy, spiritual, and intellectual enjoyments, should find any place among ‘the general assembly and church of the first-born; the innumerable company of angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect.’ Here, therefore, the christian takes his firm stand against all who oppose missionary efforts. The heathen, not only according to the unerring word of God, but by the evidence of facts, are in a perishing condition. Without Christ, they cannot be saved. ‘He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life.’ And myriads of these immortal spirits are passing into eternity, whose state and dispositions prove them to be utterly alienated from the favour of God, destitute of spiritual life, and fatally incapacitated for the enjoyments of a better world. For without dispositions suited to the enjoyments of the heavenly state, they could no more comprehend the happiness arising from them, even if admitted to a participation of heaven, than a brute can enjoy the pleasures of reason. And unless this be kept in mind, it can scarcely be hoped, that a due measure of zeal for the salvation of the heathen will be maintained among us.” Mr. Corrie then went on to give his reasons for regarding (1st.) The distribution of the Scriptures in different heathen languages; (2nd.) The establishing of Missions; and (3rd.) The education of youth; as being among the most likely means, under the Divine favour, to further the rescue of the heathen from their perilous condition; and he concluded by earnestly exhorting his hearers to do all in their power to aid in a work so pressing, and involving such fearful responsibilities.