It may be remembered that we said, at the beginning of the year, that we should be glad to make the enlargement of the Southern church work the characteristic work of 1878. We have not done very much as yet in this direction, though the subject has constantly and increasingly received attention and earnest thought. And yet it is a matter which, for practical results, must be considered in detail, rather than at large; in the concrete, rather than in the abstract; and in the field, rather than in the office. This consideration, in part, as well as the frequent need of speedy communication with the various departments of our Southern work, have led us to be on the lookout for a man peculiarly qualified for the position of Field-Superintendent of the Southern work. Providentially, in the changes going on in the Home Missionary Society, the Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D., of Chicago, was at liberty to consider the claims of this position, which was tendered to him. And we are glad to announce, as the weekly press has already done, that Dr. Roy has accepted the position, and will enter speedily upon its duties, making his home at Atlanta, Ga., during the larger part of the year.
It must not be expected by our friends that there will follow this new appointment a rapid and spasmodic enlargement of the Church work, or that the first few months will add largely to the small list of Congregational churches in the South. The Doctor is too wise and experienced a field-marshal to design or desire any such sudden and apparent gain. Nor shall we estimate his efficiency by any such shallow measure. But we can assure the friends of the A. M. A. that the whole subject will receive a consideration careful, patient, and detailed, the results of which will appear in a policy which, we trust, may be consistent and approved. For fifteen years we have been laying foundations with care, in the education of the freedmen and their preparation for citizenship in the State. We believe that this same education is fitting them for a church in which all are most fully citizens. But, after these years of toil, efficient, as we think, and full of promise, we wish to build on these foundations—not wood, hay, stubble, transient and perishable things, deservedly short-lived and weak;—but the gold, the silver, and the precious stones of Christian character and Christian churches, which shall be able to stand all the tests of time and of temptation.
PERMANENT, INTEREST-BEARING INVESTMENTS.
Many persons, affected by financial disasters, have at least one consolation—what they have given for Jesus’ sake is saved. More than this, it is bearing interest, and no human power can lessen or destroy it. It is not like a bond, payable in full at the option of the one who issues it. It draws interest throughout eternity. The grain sown will multiply, some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold, and the sheaves will aggregate a much larger amount than the seed. Those who have sown bountifully, will reap also bountifully.
The only bags that wax not old are those woven by gifts. These are stored away in the heavenly garners, and will add to the exceeding weight of glory. Gifts do give relief to the recipients; they further the work for man’s redemption. This fact is the objective reason for them; it lies upon the surface, and is soonest comprehended. There are times, however, when it is proper to consider how our charities may abound to our own account—how we may secure for ourselves enduring mansions, spotless robes, and imperishable crowns.
If we have been tempted to trust unduly to uncertain riches, which have made for themselves wings and used them, it is time to ask, what investments are safe—what are the treasures that never fail? Bountiful givers cannot be absolutely poor. They may be called to wait a little for their inheritance, but only for a little, for their Master’s word is sure: “Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be.”