Memoir of Rev. Levi Parsons, first missionary to Palestine...

Front matter

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FIRST MISSIONARY TO PALESTINE

FROM THE

Preface

TO THE

FIRST EDITION.

If an apology be necessary for the delay that has attended the publication of this work, it will be proper to state that a great part of the materials of which it is composed were at Alexandria in Egypt, when Mr. Parsons died, and were not received till one year from that* - time. This circumstance, together with parochial cares and duties, ill health and other hindrances, has deferred the appearance of this work much beyond the time anticipated by the writer and many friends of Mr. Parsons.

When the idea first occurred that a memoir of the deceased might be both acceptable and useful to the christian public, the writer had not the remotest thought of undertaking the business of compilation. But being advised to it by a gentleman in whose judgment he placed great confidence, he consented ; not however without great fear and diffidence. Whatever opinions may be entertained respecting the labours of the compiler, it is hoped, as Mr. Parsons is in a great degree his own biographer, that a pretty full and fair view is given of his character.

If it should^appear that the compiler has been only a r hewer of wood and drawer of w T ater for the house of God," he Would count it an undeserved honor. If by

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PREFACE.

the perusal of this volume some christian should be comforted ; if some sinner should be roused from his fatal slumber ; if there should be excited in any bosom a truly apostolic zeal in the cause of missions, the writer will have lasting occasion to rejoice that he has had an agency, however feeble, in giving this work to the public.

The prayers of the pious reader are earnestly solicited that the beloved Parsons, being dead, may yet speak to the edification of many ; and that this work may extensively promote that glorious cause to which he was sacredly and supremely devoted.

DANIEL 0. MORTON.

Shoreham, July 1, 1824.

PREFACE

TO THE

SECOND EDITION.

In giving the Second Edition of this Memoir to the public, it may be proper to introduce it with a few remarks. The compiler has carefully revised the work, and corrected such verbal inaccuracies as he has been able to discover. This he believed to be of some consequence, as he had no opportunity of correcting the proof sheets of the first edition. The amount of monies received by Mr. Parsons, in different places, while employed as an Agent of the American Board, is here omitted, it being considered of no consequence at this late period. A letter or two is introduced into the body of the work, otherwise, with the exception of some slight alterations, it remains the same.

The addition of an Appendix or Fourth Part, will, it is believed, considerably enhance the value of the work. This comprises a Sermon on the subject of Missions, and extracts from a Farewell Address delivered at Andover, to " the Society of Enquiry on the subject of Missions." These, none of which have been published before, are thought to be equal to any thing from the pen of Mr. Parsons.

I would take this opportunity to tender my sincere thanks to those reverend and respected gentlemen, who

PREFACE.

kindly furnished me with their recommendations for the first edition, and thus aided in its circulation. But as the work has now for sometime been before the public, the insertion of them in this edition is thought to be unnecessary.

Interesting changes have affected the Mission to which the subject of this Memoir was devoted. The lamented Fisk, no longer a dweller in this vale of tears, has, we doubt not, joined his beloved companion in the Jerusalem, which is above. Perhaps both were taken away from evil to come. But whatever may be the future destiny of the American Mission to Western Asia, whether wars and rumors of wars and persecutions, may or may not be permitted, for a time, to suspend its operations, much good has already been effected. To some extent the light of heaven has expelled the darkness for a thousand years, and some just fruits to God and the Lamb have already appeared. In this day of trouble and rebuke of wais and fightings in the east, ought not all who love our Saviour to make the Missions that aie established, and the benevolent efforts that are made, on the shores and islands of the Mediterrenean, subjects of special and unceasing prayer ?

Once more, this Memoir is commended to God and to the Christian public. May it, through the Divine blessing, contribute an important influence towards the advancement of that kingdom which is destined to fill the world, and to be the joy and glory of heaven for ever.

DANIEL 0. MORTON.

Shoreham, February, 1830.

MEMOIR.