MORE MISSIONARIES—THE GOSPEL WAY.
There never before was a time when the openings for missionary endeavors were so abundant. Barriers which formerly opposed, have been broken down almost everywhere. In many places there is some condition of things that invites the Gospel directly or indirectly.
This is notable on the Pacific coast, where the Chinese are so eager to learn English that they are more than ready to use the Bible as a textbook. Nor are the Chinese peculiar in this. Knowledge of the English language is equal to a competency in other lands, and the Bible can be freely used in teaching it.
Commerce has also removed many barriers; and what is of equal importance, it has necessitated the building of ships, the construction of railroads, the laying out of highways in the desert, and a telegraph for every quarter of the globe. The press has done its share of work as well. Through it, intelligence has penetrated almost to the remotest bounds of heathendom. All these things have made way for more missionaries. To this it must be added that the increase of missionary organizations and the natural development of their operations, all multiply the demand for more men to run to and fro throughout the world, heralding the tidings of joy unto all people.
Still another barrier has been virtually removed. Once money was lacking, but now the church of Christ has the means needful to send forth all the men that the new condition of things demands. Not that the wealth is yet consecrated, but it is in possession, and by the simplest gift of grace from the Lord of the harvest, it will be forthcoming when required. The men have also been raised up. They have not enlisted, but they have been trained. The records of our colleges show now, and have shown, an increased number of students as the years go by. New colleges have been springing up over the country, until the list can be reckoned by scores and hundreds. From these classic halls armies of men march forth, brave, sacrificing, full of life and hope, fitted for missionary endeavors, and able—God helping them—to capture the world for Christ.
There is neither lack of opportunity, money or men for the domain of missions. The trouble is that the men and the means have not as yet been transferred. There is some one thing lacking which no human power can supply.
It is a question of disposition on the part of those who hold the wealth, and of the men fitted for the service. God only is able to deal with this question of disposition successfully. He can do it, and we can help.
This brings us directly to our part in the work. How we are to do it is no mystery. Our Saviour has pointed to us the way—“Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” Our call is a call to prayer. That is the one thing lacking. Not that no prayers are offered, but that, as yet, the prayers of God’s people for this object are not sufficiently abundant. The church has not qualified itself to pray as it ought, by right living. More Godly sincerity, more humility, more faith, more charity, are needful to elevate the tone of piety in the Church, until its prayers shall lay hold on the promises, with a power that God himself has already rendered irresistible. Then He will send forth the laborers into His harvest. Then the money and the men for the grandest and most complete missionary enterprises will be lifted from their moorings amidst worldliness, and transported, freely, graciously, from sea to sea, and up the rivers to the ends of the earth. In these days, when we are especially reminded of the advent of Him who came to bring good tidings of great joy for all people; when we solemnly and joyfully set apart a week for prayer; in these days when the great heart-beatings of those who manage our missionary organizations find vent only in unceasing calls for more missionaries, it is a great relief—indeed, a rest and assurance—to follow right on in the Gospel way.
Already the day has dawned, and as we pray, joining with the angels and the heavenly host, deep calling unto deep, over against the prayer we are taught to utter will follow the certain interrogation from the Captain of our salvation, which answers itself, lovingly, royally and sufficiently: “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?”