The Chief Object of a Missionary


Excerpt from a letter of November 28, 1826, from John Nicolayson to the Committee of the London Jews Society
It is true also, that the chief object of a missionary to the Jews, and which ought ever to be kept in view, is to draw their attention to the Sacred Volume, which they acknowledge as the infallible Word of God, and especially to those of its prophecies which relate to the great question of the Messiahship of Jesus and the other great truths connected with it; and to render them acquainted with the history, and affected by the doctrines of the New Testament, that thus they may be led, on full conviction, to acknowledge and adore Jesus, as "The Lord their Righteousness:" but then this may evidently be effected in various ways, some of which may be more suited to such a place and such circumstances; others, to another place and other circumstances. That we should proceed at the present day in all particulars precisely in the same manner as the apostles and other primitive missionaries proceeded, will not be expected, since we are destitute of those supernatural powers and endowments, which they possessed. And hence it becomes the study of every missionary, if he have not received particular directions, seriously, and with prayer for divine direction, to consider the circumstances in which he is placed, and the state and character of the people to whom he is sent, and conscientiously to form his judgment from thence. He must then lay down his plans according to all the circumstances, and in proceeding to carry them into effect, must ever exercise his judgment upon their correctness from time to time, and amend whatever may appear amiss.