The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-01-12
Evangelistic Work.

which the work of Mr.. Culliss in Eng
land Is described, is very enthusiastic in
it's commentators of the class known as
Evangehsts, and very pronounced in it's
assertions Of the necessity for such work,
and for an order of men in the church to
whom evangelistic services should be as
signed as their special duty. We notice
that Baptist clergyman in New Eng
land, very highly spoken of as success
full pastor, has just resigned large pas
toral charge because of growing convic-
ton that he is called to the work of an
Evangelist. He intends, however, not
to labor with churches strong already
in numbers and an able ministry, where
visible results are large and remunera-
ton is generous. He proposes to toll in
destitute fields, where churches are dis
couraged and going to decay, and work
is urgently needed to save that which is
ready to die" He maintains THAT New
England is suffering from neglect of
the apostolic order of church organiza-
ton, in which Evangelists hold their
place by the side of the pastors and teach
ers."
The Rev DR.. J. R. Wilson, of Will
mington, N. c., in well-digested paper
read before the Presbyterian Council,
advocated a systematized intineracy,
contending that the ordinary ministry
is like fixed battery, while flying ar
tillery is also needed.
This statement, however, does not give
by any means a just or adequate idea of
the position taken by DIR. Wilson, and
1oac not rive opytbipo, &c H.
which was outlined in the paper.
These varied references to one subject,
and the discussion of the merits and
claims of this peculiar kind of work,
shows that the attention of the churches
is drawn to it, and indicates that there
must be further discussion until it is
either finally cast aside or some provis-
ion for Evangelists and their work, fitted
into the order Of the Church's working
force, and their place adjusted to the
position assigned to others and the labor
expected of them. This is not by any
means an easy thing to do. One of the
difficulties which has constantly emerged
in the past history of the evangelistic
work has been its perpetual tendency to
overshadow the passionate and reduce its
influence. This disastrous effect has been
wrought chiefly by the rapid, energetic
work of the evangelist, conducted with
an eye to- Immediate results, and the
comparison made almost unconsciouslv
in the minds of the people between this
direct, concentrated, and successful move
ment o. the stranger who has come sud
denly into the field, and the quiet, steady,
unmarked labor of the pastor-a com
parison in which injustice is almost
always done to the pastor, and undue
glory given to the Evangelist. We do
not wonder that wise and faithful pas
tors, and the most observing of members
OF the churches have come to dread the
irruption of an Evangelist, as the open
ing scene in series Of troublous changes.
perhaps discussions, to be followed by a
long period of spiritual GOODNESS and
fruitlessness. Nothing will command
continued attention. or win the lasting
confidence of the church that will not
leave the pastoral office unefnbarrassed
In its place of dignity and Importance.
and in the affections and hearty esteem
of the churches.
To avoid this peril, and to make the
pastor and the Evangelist helpers Of
each other, and not rivals, we think that
not only should the duties Of these Of
ficials be clearly defined, but also that
the provinces Of the two, their spheres
of work, should be as far as possible
separated. The Baptist brother whom
we quoted seems to have had an inspira-
ton Of good sense on this subject. His
suggestion that Evangelists should ope-
rate chiefly in destitute fields and in the
midst Of decaying churches is very much
to our mind. Service of this kind would
restore the Office Of the Evangelist to its
original New Testament position. Scat
tered abroad, these Evangelists would
Ego everywhere preaching the word. "
Meanwhile the work Of the pastors would
60 on. The flying artillery and fixed
batteries would both be playing on the
frowning work Of the enemy, and the
whole force Of the army of the Lord of
Hosts be felt in the enemy's ranks
OF course, this would involve an adj
ditional feature in the church's financial
system, for the EvaDgelists who are
called to this special work by the church
must be supported by the church An
Evangelistic Fund, such as has been
instituted by our brethren Of the South
ern Presbyterian Church, would have to