George Nixon Briggs (1796-1861), was a governor of Massachusetts, a Congressman for six successive terms and a philanthropist.  In May of 1850, while President of the American Baptist Missionary Union, he addressed the missionaries in Buffalo:

“You go to an embassy compared with which all the embassies of men dwindle into insignificance.  You go forth as ambassadors of Christ.  You go to crumble idols - to convey light to benighted minds - to kindle love to God in the souls of ungodly men.

“Who can overestimate the qualifications necessary for such work?  The fervent, effectual prayer shall ascend to the mercy seat for you.

“You shall never see the day when your brethren who sent you out shall turn their backs on you; but look higher, the Saviour has told you, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’  The Almighty Friend will always be at your side to sustain you.” ¹

¹ May, 1850, in Buffalo, addressing the missionaries of the American Baptist Missionary Union.  Stephen Abbott Northrop, D.D., A Cloud of Witnesses (Portland, Oregon: American Heritage Ministries, 1987), p. 48. ¹