[ CXLIII] Conversion of Heathens to be endeavoured.
THere lies a great guilt upon Christian states, and this amongst the rest, that they have not been carefull to bring them that sit in darknesse,* 1.1 and in the shadow of death, to the knowledge of Iesus Christ. Much travailing there is to the Indias, East, and West; but wherefore? Some go to possesse themselves of the lands of the Infidells, but most for commerce; and by commerce, to grow richer by their goods. But where is the Prince or State, that pittieth their souls, and without any worldly respect, endeavours the gaining of them unto God? Some shew there is that way, but a very poor one; it is but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an accessory to our worldly desire, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 it is not;* 1.2 it is not our primary intention: whereas Christ's method is, primùm quaerite, &c. If the Apostles and Apostolick men had affected our salvation no more, we might have continued till this day, such as sometimes we were, barbarous subjects to the Prince of darknesse.