After the usual examination, he was most cheerfully accepted by the Missionary Society; and, having been affectionately commended to the special grace of God, by his fellow-students, he left the Academy at Hoxton for that at Gosport, to enjoy the missionary training of the venerable Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Bogue. Few students ever left the house more irreproachable in their conduct, or more generally respected, by all, for their real worth, and unfeigned piety; or more beloved by those who enjoyed the felicity of their faithful friendship. Though it was little apprehended that he would so soon be called to fill one of the most arduous and important spheres which could be conceived; or, that he would ultimately rise to such an eminence in it, as to command the admiration of all classes of the christian church, and of the community in general; yet, it is impossible to reflect on his diligent and devoted course at Hoxton, without clearly recognizing the incipient elements of all his future success. Others, indeed, possessed more brilliant talents,—a richer imagination, a more attractive delivery, or more graceful manners,—but, I trust I may be permitted to say, that there was no one who more happily concentrated in himself the three elements of moral greatness already enumerated—the most ardent piety, indefatigable diligence, and devoted zeal in the best of all causes.
Thus devoted to the glory of God and the salvation of the heathen, he reached Gosport. To show his feelings and sentiments at that important crisis, I shall quote his own words, from the first letter I ever received from him, dated Gosport, June 9, 1804:
"Dear ——, I expect that my brother would inform you of my safe arrival at Gosport, on the evening of the day I left you. Through the good hand of God upon me, in answer to the prayers of my relatives and Christian friends, I am yet in comfortable circumstances, and enjoy something of the presence of God, and of the hope of glory."
"My dear brother, I hope the conversation we had when we travelled together to Leatherhead, will not soon be forgotten by you or me. Let the sentiment dwell upon our hearts, that it is the great business of our lives, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Whether or not you and I have the happiness to labour together, as it respects place, we shall, I trust, have the happiness of pursuing the same end, seeking to promote the glory of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in the salvation of men. O that this may be in truth our constant pursuit; so shall we have the happiness of God's approbation through life—at the hour of death—in the day of judgment—and be perfectly happy in his immediate presence through eternity."
And again, July 31st, he thus writes:
"My situation at Gosport is agreeable, and the persons with whom I am connected are kind to me. The Lord, who gives me favour in their eyes, continues me in health. My mind is comfortable, and resigned to the Lord's pleasure concerning me. I, as formerly, have to 'fight with sins, and doubts, and fears.' Such, I expect, will be my experience while I continue in this world."
"My future destination is altogether unknown to me. It is in agitation to send a Mission to China. Mr. Bogue seems quite fond of it. I have had some thoughts about going into the interior of Africa, to Tombuctoo. I give up my concerns to the Lord. I hope he will open a door of useful missionary labour, in some part of the world, and give me souls for my hire."
With such feelings, he said "he would have gone to any quarter of the globe, where the people were as yet without a Divine Revelation." But China,
most happily, was the sphere allotted to him by the Directors of the Missionary Society. To that immense empire their attention had been directed by their first devoted Treasurer, Mr. Hardcastle, who judged it highly important to attempt the acquisition of its difficult language, and the translation of the Scriptures by some competent Missionary. This, be it remarked, was at a time when it was quite uncertain, whether any Briton would be allowed to go thither from England, or permitted to reside even on the borders of China, if he should be able to reach its shores. So strong then were the prejudices, in certain quarters, against attempting to evangelize the East, that the Directors for a time avoided the use of the term Chinese Mission; and actually were obliged to send Dr. Morrison and others round by way of America. For this station, China, he was eminently adapted: as it was well remarked by the lamented Dr. Milne, that "talents rather of the solid than the showy kind, rather I adapted to accomplish important objects by a course of persevering labour, than to astonish by any sudden burst of genius, were the most proper for the first Missionary to China: and such exactly were the talents which the Giver of every good and perfect gift had conferred on him." But it was thought highly desirable that he should have a fellow-labourer, though subsequent events proved that this would then have been quite impracticable in China. But every effort was made, especially by himself, to prevail on some kindred soul to accompany him. And here I must be excused slightly touching on one who was more than half-disposed to respond to the call; but who was ultimately prevented, by what appeared to him imperative duty at home. But he trusts his heart was ever with him: and whatever sympathy and encouragement might be, at any time, in his power to command, were most cheerfully rendered, and the act considered as his highest honour.
What views Dr. M. entertained both of the missionary and ministerial character, will best appear from what he desired for himself and his friend. In a letter dated March 24, 1805, he thus writes:—