The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-07-05
How to Read Missionary Publications.

Missionary publications ought not to be read as
other papers are. They are the records of the
woes and wants of fallen world, aud OF the oper.
atoms of the Holy Ghost among the heather,
where Satan s seat is. The tell US how the SER
wants of Christ and the messengers of the church
es are preaching his gospel and declaring his sal
walton in all the earth. They set befo'e us the
brethren whom We have sent out on this blessed
mission, aud the condition of the churches which
it is their high privilege to gather out.
Let us read these publications, therefore with
the devout feeling that there is one Lord" that
the work Of the missionary ia our work also, be-
cause it is our Lord s work Those converts from
heathensm are our brethren in Christ. The blood
which has washed us also " cleanseth' Them
We have happy interest in them, living. loving
sympathy with them, and holy responsibility re-
garding them. The record OF the joys and sor-
rows of our brethren there should stir our. hearts
here. "Ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
So let US read these publications before the
throne of grace. Our Lord Jesus has hidden us
pray, Thy kingdom come, and these records of
missionary effort may be used as guide to US in
our prayers. They tell US what is needed, where
a new field is opened or some toilipg brother is
discouraged by surrounding difficulties, They tell
us who are working, and where; and what are
their peculiar trials. They tell us who are advo
Then let US mark these records of missionary
wants, and trials, and speak Of them in the car of
God Take, for example, the January Record
1t speaks (page 81 Of sad losses in the West
Africa Mission. On page ~, it asks for prayers
and sympathy" on page II, it tells of mission
airy brother shut up on page 49, an African
native pastor asks for prayers" and help
The Proceedings of the Committee" too, are
given They need wisdom in these "perilous
times" The Association Secretaries" also re.
quire much grace to advocate wisely and efectually
the great cause of Christian Missions.
Now, have we not been accustomed to read these
things, true, it may be, with passing sigh of
sympathy, but with nothing more? Have we
spoken of them on our knees? Let us take the
book into our closets Let us open its marked
pages, month after month, before the Lord. Let
us plead with him touching all the need that is
recorded. Let US pray for our brethren at home
and abroad. In this way, the entire mission field
will be brought before God in the course of the
year, and our own interest in the gospel will be
greatly increased.
And let us not forget to give thanks. Mark in
the magazine what God hath wrought-the sue
cess Of this mission the extension of that; CONVEX
sion in Africa (page IA J an ordination in Tin
nevelly (page 30; the contrast shown on page
2; the gracious blessing vouchsafed in Madagascar
(page 81 y the favorable testimony of the late
Viceroy Of India (psge % Nor should the
Contribution List" be overlooked 1t is the Lord
who moves the heart to give When, therefore,
we see the gift acknowledge it as from God. Let
us thank him for all his merciful blessings on all
our missionary work Now thanks be to God,
who always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and
maketh manifest the SAVIOR of his knowledge by us
in every place.
Thus to use our missionary publications will be
largely to help onward the missionary work. 1t
will give intelligence to our prayers and thanksgy.
ings. 1t will bring us down from vague general
it will make us feel our oneness in the glorious
work and by informing our minds about that
work, it will stir our zeal for it. " Pray without
ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is
the will Of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Missionary Record.