---
title: 'Go Ye Into All the World: Archibald Alexander’s Missionary Sermon'
type: video
hasMedia: true
requiresPurchase: false
authors:
- 'Jonathan Master'
date: 2026-09-15
collection: 'Dead Presbyterians Society'
subcollection: 'Season 3'
topics:
- 'Missions'
- 'Foreign Missions'
scriptures:
- 'Mark 16'
- 'Isaiah 6'
- 'Matthew 9'
- '2 Timothy 3'
- '1 Corinthians 16'
- '2 Corinthians 9'
url: https://confessional.org/dead-presbyterians-society/season-3/go-ye-into-all-the-world-archibald-alexanders-missionary-sermon
---

# Go Ye Into All the World: Archibald Alexander’s Missionary Sermon

In this episode of the Dead Presbyterians Society Podcast, we take up Archibald Alexander’s Missionary Sermon, preached in 1814 from Mark 16:15. Alexander presses the church’s duty to feed the flocks already gathered and still carry the gospel to the nations. A searching word for any congregation tempted to grow comfortable while the world remains in darkness.

[Watch](https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1223125933)

## Transcript

Whether we find ourselves in times of ease or in times of great difficulty, the great commission that Christ gives to his church still stands. Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to the nations. Greetings from the past.

Welcome to Dead Presbyterian Society. My name is Jonathan Master. I serve as president of Greenville Seminary.

What kind of sermon would you expect to hear in the midst of a war? Well, the United States was in the midst of the War of 1812, and this was a time marked by great uncertainty and economic strain and national instability. And while much of the country was preoccupied with this conflict, Alexander, Archibald Alexander, preached a sermon on missions, on global missions. In 1814, Archibald Alexander stood before the Presbyterian Church and preached about those lost souls around the world, dying without having ever heard the name of Christ.

He described entire peoples sitting in quote, darkness and in the region and shadow of death while Christians, even Christians who were facing duress of their own possessed the message that could bring eternal life. And what Archibald Alexander did was he called the church to lift her eyes beyond comfort, wealth, and narrow concerns. He spoke of the apostles leaving behind everything familiar to carry the gospel into lands that were unknown.

He spoke of missionaries crossing oceans, armed only with the promises of God and the truths of scripture. And he pleaded with Christians in the midst of national turmoil to pray, to give, to send, and to labor so that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth. Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

That was the text, which Archibald Alexander used from Mark 16, 15. Now this sermon came not only at a pivotal point in the history of that young nation, the United States of America during the war of 1812, but it was also a pivotal moment in the history of the church. Perhaps you'll remember that it was in 1812 that Princeton Seminary was founded.

He's preaching this in 1814. He has significant things on his mind because he was the first professor at Princeton Seminary. But not only that, the modern missionary movement was beginning to awaken across the Atlantic world.

And many Christians believed that they were witnessing the opening of new doors for the spread of the gospel among the nations. It was easier to travel. There was more openness of other nations to visitors from abroad.

And in the midst of this rising missionary zeal, but against the backdrop of an ongoing war, Archibald Alexander stood before the church and he urged believers not to grow passive or complacent, but to recognize the responsibility that Christ laid on his people to proclaim the gospel throughout the world. Now, we've looked at Archibald Alexander in the past, but it's worth just reminding ourselves a little bit about his biography. He was born in 1772 in Rockbridge County, Virginia, into a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian family, studied under William Graham at Liberty Hall Academy.

And he had an experience of conversion, a great experience of conversion. Around that time, he was licensed to preach in 1791. At age 19, he was ordained in 1794.

He was an itinerant Presbyterian minister in Virginia for several years. When he was 24 years old, 1797, he became the president of Hamden-Sydney College in Virginia. And he gained a reputation there as a very gifted preacher, but not only a preacher, but an educator.

And we might say a kind of administrator as well. He had leadership gifts the Lord had given him, and he used those well. In 1807, he became the pastor of Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

In 1812, he was chosen as the first professor of the newly founded Princeton Theological Seminary. And we might almost say that he was a kind of president of Princeton Seminary. He didn't have that exact title, but he was really the one who administered that place for nearly 40 years and influenced a generation of Presbyterian students.

He was known for combining deep theological scholarship with a commitment to personal piety, to practical and experiential Christianity. His best known books include Thoughts on Religious Experience, Outlines of the Evidences of Christianity, and The History of the College. He died in 1851 and is buried today in the cemetery there in Princeton, New Jersey, and really is one of the founding theologians, one of the most formative theologians in 19th century American Presbyterianism.

Now, he delivered this missionary sermon in the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, May 23rd, 1814, during the meeting of the Presbyterian Church's General Assembly. And in America at this time, again a young nation, organized foreign missions was still relatively new. Many churches, understandably, were focused almost entirely on local ministry.

The frontier was expanding, they were thinking about that, and they were thinking about the spiritual needs of this growing nation. In fact, if you read some of the early documents of Princeton Seminary, you'll find that they talk about the seminary's role in America in those terms. Look, the country is growing, there are greater needs for pastors to be sent.

And he speaks in this sermon about the great needs in the American communities, the neglected people who require a pastor. What he also insisted upon was, while those needs are great and they are as yet unmet, the church can never become so inward focused that it ignored millions overseas who had never heard the name of Christ. And so he preached this missionary sermon.

As I've already said, the text was Mark 16, 15, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. And he says this command marks a new and important era in the history of the church and of the world. He remarks that in the Old Testament, we don't see many cases of Old Testament Israelites being commanded to go out into all the world, carrying the message of salvation to every nation.

We do see what we think of as proto-missionary efforts. Perhaps we could think of the example of the prophet Jonah. But Israel as a whole was never commanded to go out into all the world.

But with the coming of Christ, Archibald Alexander argues, a new era had dawned. Christ had accomplished redemption, fulfilled the ceremonial law, and established his kingdom through his death and resurrection. And then the risen Savior sends his disciples into the world with the command to proclaim the gospel to every creature.

And he notes at the beginning, one of the striking features of this great command, this great commission that Christ gives, is the kind of men that Christ chose for this task. The great commission was entrusted to fishermen, to ordinary laborers, to men who by and large had very little worldly status or eloquence. Humanly speaking, they appeared entirely insufficient for such a calling.

Alexander reminds his hearers that Christ does not send men in his own strength. For whom he calls, he qualifies. And then what he argues is that after this great commission, we see all kinds of men leaving their homeland, traveling to foreign nations for the express purpose of bringing saving truth to others.

He remarks that in earlier eras, you see men going on great journeys and visiting foreign lands, but they do so for wisdom or for wealth or to bring something back. But the apostles went out to give. They left behind early comforts, security, and familiar relationships so that sinners might hear the message of salvation in Christ.

He captures the spirit of these first missionaries in this passage, quote, they turned their back upon all their earthly friends and prospects and went forth to meet sufferings and death in their most frightful forms. But they were supported by the conviction that they forsook nothing but what was perishable. And by the confidence that heaven was before them, whichever way they turned their faces and near wherever they might breathe out their souls.

Christ has commanded his church to make disciples of all nations. This October 14th through 16th, Greenville Seminary is pleased to co-host the missionary conference with Radius International in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. The theme is, The Lord Who Sends.

I'll be speaking along with other good men deeply engaged in missionary work and training. This gathering is designed to encourage pastors, church leaders, and those considering missions with clear teaching, wise counsel, and meaningful fellowship. If you long to see the gospel advance to the ends of the earth, we invite you to join us.

More information and registration details are available at gpts.edu slash events. So after that introduction, he aims in the sermon to show us really three things. First, the obligation to spread the gospel.

Secondly, the particular duty of American churches. And then third, the considerations and motivations that ought to encourage us. So we'll start with the obligation to spread the gospel.

He states at the beginning that his purpose is, quote, to show that this commandment imposes an obligation on the ministry and on the church now existing to propagate the gospel among the nations who are not yet blessed with its light. The command of Christ is plain. It's unavoidable.

Go ye into all the world. Preach the gospel to every creature. The church can't narrow or redefine the scope of Christ's commission, and therefore ministers of the gospel in particular are bound to labor according to their calling and for the spread of the gospel throughout the world.

Now, of course, this doesn't mean that everyone will go. Every minister will go, but we are bound to labor according to wherever it is that God has called us and stationed us for the spread of the gospel throughout the world. And he he's careful here.

He's careful to show that this doesn't mean we abandon our ordinary ministry of the church at home. The spread of the gospel doesn't come at the expense of preserving and strengthening the church where Christ has already established it. Some are called, though, to carry the gospel to unreached people, to unreached nations, while others are called to labor faithfully in shepherding congregations, instructing believers, and raising up the next generation in the truth of God's word.

Alexander writes it this way, quote, The ground which has been gained must not be abandoned for the hope of gaining more. The knowledge of evangelical truth must be preserved, and those who have heard and believed must be further instructed and their children, as they become capable, must also be taught. So, in other words, teaching is necessary, instruction is necessary.

We know that Alexander himself was laboring in a seminary context. Seminary education and training for ministers is absolutely necessary. Nonetheless, we can't neglect the call to go to the nations.

And he says that this isn't just a work of ministers, but it's really the responsibility of ordinary Christians within the church. The work of missions doesn't just belong to missionaries. Believers are called to strengthen and to support those who are sent out in Christ's name, not to place obstacles in their path, but rather to encourage, sustain, and assist them in whatever ways they can.

He compares missionaries to heralds sent forth by a king, carrying news of salvation to the nations. And if Christ is truly king, his people should gladly support those engaged in the king's business. So, then he moves particularly to apply this to the American context in which he was preaching.

His aim is to, quote, answer the question, what is the present duty of the American churches, and particularly of our own, in relation to this command? And he's really going to give three answers to this question. What are the duties of the American churches at this time? First, our duty is to feed the flocks already gathered. Zeal for foreign missions must never lead the church to neglect the regular preaching of the word, the sacraments, the pastoral care of Christ's people.

The church needs to continue to strengthen and preserve congregations that are already established, even while still seeking to spread the gospel abroad. He reminds his hearers, quote, the souls of our neighbors and countrymen are as precious as those of the heathen, and they are more within our reach. To these, therefore, we should first devote our attention and exertion.

In other words, these are not competing priorities. These need to be done in conjunction with one another. Local ministry and foreign missions should be joined hand in hand.

Both belong to the calling of the church under the authority of Christ. Both belong among the duties of ministers. The second thing he mentions is this.

In the American context, the unreached in our own country have particular claim on our efforts. Now, remember the moment in which he was preaching? He's preaching at a moment where America is expanding, where the borders of America are growing. And there are many, many people within those new borders who have been displaced from where they used to live.

We can think about the Native Americans, the American Indians, and their history. And he argues that if Americans took the land of some of these people, they ought to at least give them the greatest treasure they possess, the gospel of Jesus Christ. He asks, what in fact has been the greatest means of civilizing Europe? But Christianity, the gospel itself is the great instrument that God uses to transform individuals and to transform nations.

So he really addresses here the responsibility that the churches have to the Native American peoples in his own day. And he said, this has to be a high priority for the church. Then thirdly, he says this.

Americans in his day need to send missionaries to the east. He believed that God in his providence at that moment had opened a remarkable door for the spread of the gospel among the nations, particularly in Asia. And he knew that there were objections to this.

Some objected that the church lacked sufficient resources for such an undertaking. I mean, this is a big job. This is a big task to spread the gospel from these areas in America to Asia itself.

But he was convinced that Christians would gladly give if the need was placed before them. He writes this, quote, let the people know that you mean to send missionaries to the east and many will be forward to contribute. He believed that there was a growing missionary spirit in the church and many believers were eager to see the gospel carried to lands that had never heard the name of Christ.

And to encourage this kind of sacrificial giving, Alexander points to the example of Israel in the tabernacle. Quote, when the expensive work of the Levitical tabernacle was on hand, the fair daughters of Israel not only performed much by the labor of their hands, but with a willing heart brought their most valuable jewels of gold and precious stones and dedicated them to the service of the Lord. And Alexander argued that when the hearts of God's people are stirred by a love for the Lord and a zeal for his kingdom, generosity follows from this.

Christians begin to see their possessions as resources to be devoted to the service of Christ and the salvation of souls. And there's another objection that he addresses head on. It's not just a resource objection, but also the objection that no one would be willing to leave home and carry the gospel to distant nations.

But he in fact argues there are a growing number of Christians who felt just this burden and were willing to sacrifice everything for the cause of Christ. And most strikingly, he highlights the courage and devotion of Christian women who had willingly left every family security behind for the work of missions. Quote, even delicate females influenced by the love of Christ and the ardent desire of promoting the salvation of the heathen have broken asunder the tenderest bonds of human nature and have deliberately forsaken affectionate parents and beloved brothers and sisters to go into the remotest lands never, never to return.

And he sees this as evidence that the Lord is answering the prayers of his people, the prayer that Jesus commanded his people to pray, that he would raise up laborers for the harvest. And therefore the church should not shrink back in fear or hesitate. Instead, believers should be ready to place themselves entirely at the disposal of Christ and to pray along with the prophet Isaiah, here am I send me.

And he reminds the church that even a small number of faithful laborers can have an enormous gospel influence. He writes quote, whilst the labors of less than half a dozen persons would scarcely be missed at home, they might perform the most important services as missionaries in the East. The advancement of Christ's kingdom has never depended upon large numbers or worldly strength, but upon the blessing of God working through faithful servants who are willing to go wherever he calls.

And that then leads to his third major point, which is the considerations and the motives that might be behind this. He calls it quote, considerations and motives to stimulate and encourage us to exert ourselves in carrying our Lord's will into effect. He wants the church to feel the weight, the urgency of the great commission.

Alexander points especially to the dishonor that is done to God and his name. When millions continue worshiping false gods and dumb idols, the name of Christ remains unknown among them. And he reminds his hearers that Christ did not offer himself merely for one people or one nation, but that the gospel is to be proclaimed to every tribe and tongue under heaven.

The thought that countless souls perish every year without hearing the message of salvation, without worshiping the living and true God, giving him the honor that he deserves. It deeply burdens Alexander throughout this sermon. It's a thread running through the whole sermon.

If the church possesses the only message that can make sinners wise unto salvation, then how can Christians remain indifferent while so many live and die without this knowledge? He writes this quote, I appeal to your good sense. I appeal to the benevolent feelings of your hearts. I appeal to your conscience to decide whether it be more charitable to neglect the conversion of the heathen or the supposition that they may possibly be saved without the gospel or to carry them to the word of God, which we know is able to make them wise unto salvation.

If Christians really believe that Christ is the only savior for sinners, the church cannot remain passive concerning the nations. And then he gives a solemn exhortation to pastors, to ministers of the gospel. Here's what he writes.

Oh ye ministers of the gospel, the successors of the apostles imitate their praiseworthy example to you now are the treasures and the keys of the kingdom of heaven committed. Have compassion. I beseech you on your fellow creatures and brethren in whose veins, the same common blood circulates and who are destined to the same immortal existence.

Oh, pity their wretched condition and endeavor to rescue them from impending ruin. Now, Alexander knew that understanding and following the great commission requires great sacrifice and generosity and prayer and a willingness to be poured out for the kingdom of Christ, even in the midst of great domestic turmoil. And yet he says the apostles turned their backs on these things as well.

He wanted the church of his own day to recover that same spirit, a church, willing to give, willing to send, willing to go, willing to place the glory of Christ above personal ease and worldly ambition. He asks this. Can you therefore remain at ease? Can you cease from exertion? Can you restrain your prayers? Will you suffer your silver and gold to canker your coffers? Or will you any longer lavish your treasures on inferior and unnecessary objects when you enjoy such an opportunity of applying a portion of your wealth to the most excellent of all objects? What a challenge.

It's a challenge that confronts the church today as well. Do you pray for the nations? Do you long to see Christ worshipped among every tribe and tongue? Do you use the resources that God has entrusted to you for the spread of the gospel? Are you consumed with lesser things? Archibald Alexander, in the midst of a difficult time in the nation's history, closes by reminding believers that everything we possess has been entrusted to us by God for his service. Let everyone then, according as the Lord hath prospered him, and according as he hath purposed in his heart, bring his obligation to the treasury of the Lord.

Now this sermon was preached over 200 years ago. But we are still left with an unchanging command from Christ. Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

The risen Christ still reigns. The nations still need the gospel. And the church, the church of Jesus Christ, is still called to carry that message of salvation in Christ to the ends of the earth.