M'Cheyne on Mission

More from R.M.M … even though he was a pastor in scotland, he was ready to go and serve God anywhere. Eventually he went on a trip to Palestine and Lebanon to scout out potential mission opportunities, (although I haven't got to that chapter yet)… but all of his writing is sprinkled with references to his desire to be a missionary.

"June 4 - … If I am to go to the heathen to speak of the unsearchable riches of Christ, this one thing must be given me, to be out of the reach of the baneful influence of esteem or contempt. If worldly motives go with me, I shall never convert a soul, and shall lose my own in the labour."

"June 30 - Self examination. Why is missionary life so often an object of my thoughts. Is it simply for the love I bear to souls? Then why do I not show it more where I am? Souls are as precious here as in Burmah. Does the romance of the business not weight anything with me? - the interest and esteem I would carry with me - the nice journals and letters I should write and receive? Why would I so much rather go to the East than to the West Indies? Am I wholly deceiving my own heart? And have I not a spark of true missionary zeal? Lord, give me to understand and imitate the spirit of those unearthly words of thy dear Son, 'It is enough for the disciple that he be as his Master, and the servant as his Lord.' 'He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me.' Gloria in excelsis Deo!"