THE
FOREIGN MISSION JOURNAL
Vol. XXIII— February, 1892— No. 7.
- 4 p»— -
LET GOD’S PEOPLE BESTIR THEMSELVES.
It seems that just the time when the cause of missions is being
brought most fully before our people, and when most diligent efforts
are being put forth by the leaders of the denomination to interest the
churches and incite them to larger and better doing in this great work,
is to be the time when the most earnest and persistent attacks are to
be made on the work and methods of the Boards. And these attacks
have been coming not only from this country, but from one of our
mission fields as well. The cry is for “primitive methods,” “ apostolic
methods,” &c., &c. A cry that seems to us to be utterly unreasonable,
unless the criers shall be able to restore “primitive” and “apostolic”
conditions, under which primitive, apostolic methods can be used.
We do not for a moment suppose that our methods of work are per-
feet, but we do claim that they are the best which earnest, consecrated
men and women on the fields, and earnest, consecrated men composing
our mission Boards at home, have been able to devise after long, earn¬
est, prayerful consideration. Nor do either missionaries or Boards
object to kindly, fraternal discussion of their methods. The}’ welcome
such. But the}’ do feel that criticisms which take the form of attack
and denunciation ; which appear designed to weaken the confidence of
the people in the wisdom of the Boards and of all the missionaries
who do not agree with the critics, and which seek ever to convey the
idea that the people’s money is being wasted and only sham converts
being Avon, are unjust, unkind, and injurious to the cause of the
Master.
From a lady, an eaniest, active, self-sacrificing Avorker for missions,
Ave have just received a letter which illustrates this feeling. She says :
“But Avith the present methods of Avasting energies in criticising
Boards, I do not think the people will be allowed to trust either men
or methods sufficiently to OA'ercome the natural propensity to keep all
they have, hugging to themselves the excuses for keeping, which these
objectors are so diligently providing. I think your reply to **** article
very convincing and forcible ; but the doubt of the wisdom of present
