SKILLED MISSIONARY WORKMEN.
In these days of extensive missionary enterprise, the following comments of the Baptist Record are worthy of consideration:— “One of the greatest needs in the kingdom of God to-day is skilled missionary workmen in the home church. The efficiency of foreign missionaries has often been called in question, and the character of their work has been freely discussed. So far as our missionaries in the foreign field are concerned, their scholarship, devotion, and wisdom are unquestioned by any one who is familiar with their standing as a class. From the days of St. Paul down to the time of Adoniram Judson, our missionaries have been men of the highest character. We honor them for what they are, and for the work which they are doing. Many of the best-educated men and women are now going to the foreign fields, and their qualifications are of the highest type.” The magnitude and success of the foreign missionary enterprise give emphasis to the need of more skilled missionary workmen in the church at home. If the Gentiles are coming into the church at Antioch, Athens, Corinth, and Rome, the church at Jerusalem must put forth increased effort to care for a growing church. Even apostolic gifts and skill are needed at home to give direction in grave and important matters pertaining to the kingdom of God. If William Carey offers to go down into the gold mine of India, Dr. Andrew Fuller “must hold the ropes.” We need, and must have, increased efficiency and skill touching missionary work in the home church. There are too many Christians in the home land who repress the missionary spirit, as did Dr. Ryland when he said to Carey, “Young man, sit down.” Instead of such advice, we substitute Paul's advice to Timothy: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.”