The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1890-12-03
CHURCH NOTES.
4. oMIssIoN-ARY CHRISTIANS.

| don't believe In Missions. They can hard
ly be called missionary Christians. !"
Would they like another name-only one
letter longer-which the Baptist E.rd0ai-
'aer has proposed for certain class of re-
ligious folks, that are not quite square
with the Bible rule
Read what it has to say of them
Somebody has lately pointed out the
contrast between Missionary aud onaiS-
sion arg Christians. Unhapplly there are
too many of the latter kind. 1t isn't so
much what they do as the lack of what
they don't do that makes plenty of reput-
able church members clog upon the wheels
of every good work
''They can be counted on not to teach in
the Sunday School, not to visit the sick,
not to be at Church on rainy Sundays,
not to come regularly to prayer meetings,
not to give Systematically or generously
either for the work at home or for outside
objects. To be an omission-ary Christian
is more than mere oversight. 1t is a
radical defect. Indeed we have Scripture
warrant for saying that it is total failure. !"
is the title of most remarkable book.
One sees at the first glance that the name
has been suggested by that of Stanley's
latest publication, the wonderful story of
darkest Africa" Before reading many
more suitable than could be wished true.
Its author, General Booth, draws a
striking parallel between SANKEY'S picture
of the gloomy forest, through which his
men ''for 100 days marched, tore, plough
ed, and cut their way" and the dreadful
slough of despond, in which are sub
merged nearly one tenth of the inhabi-
tants of Christian England, at this very
moment. With these, the dreadful gloom
is not what comes from the dense shade,
ceaseless damp and death-like decay of
the forest jungle, with its consequent
fevers, fatal to so many of those who at
tempt to pass through it.
A darker shadow, as of the Valley Of
Death, more consuming fevers, more utter
hopelessness, are dragging down the mil
lions, about whom, and their rescue, this
book is written. The vastness of the
Indebtedness that we catch glimpses of in
its pages is almost beyond belief, yet must
be believed for the statistics have been
carefully gathered. 'sro thousands and
thousands of its inhabitants no alternative
but this is offered-Starve, or Live by sin
Women are victimized; men are sweated
to death. %
Mr.. notwithstanding a still higher
estimate than General Booth, says that a
population equal to that of the Metropolis,
that is, over 1000, 900, sis constantly in
state of crime and misery
The book deals with all classes of these,
in detail, and illustrates every point by
graphic accounts, reported by his devoted
lieutenants. 1t is the saddest work we
have ever read, and one of most absorbing
interest.
The brave, courageous writer assures
us that there is way out of this Darkest
England. He writes not only hopefully
but confidently believing that the same
methods that have been so successful in
rescuing thousands already, are capable
of larger application; and if aided as he
asks-as he deserves TO be aided-he looks
for immediate relief and permanent re-
medy In this book he has blazed the
way through the darkest districts of this
Darkest England, out to the clear light Of
better day.
There is not space in this column to
give more than the barest outline of his
plan. He says: 1.-THE scheme / have to
| offer consists in the formation of these
people into self-belping and self-sustaining
| communities, each being kind OF CO.
| operative society, or patriarchal family,
governed and disciplined on the principles
which have already proved so effective in
the Salvation Army.
'sThese communities we will call, for
want of better term, Colonies. There
will be
l. The City Colony.
Q. The Farm Colony.
8. The Over Sea Colony.
''By the City Colony is meant the es-
adjustment in the very centre of the ocean
of misery, of number of institutions 10
act as Harbors Of refuge for all and any
who have been shipwrecked in life, char
acter, or circumstances. These Harbors
will gather up the poor destitute creatures,
supply their immediate pressing necessi-
ties, furnish temporary employment, in
spire them with hope for the future, and
commence at once course of regenera-
ton by moral and religious influences"
Does this sound chimerical9 But it is
only what is now being done, for several
years past, with most satisfying results.
I
and tender Christian spirit. The disci-
plne in the refugees is complete. All but
the sick and helpless pay, in coin or by
labour, for that which is bestowed upon
them, at prices that will just cover cost.
In the new scheme, Colonists that give
reasonable promise of doing well, are re-
moved to the Farm Colony, for longer
residence. Paying work is provided.
UsefulIindustries are taught. Moral char
acter is strengthened. Ultimately, those
most capable are transferred to the Over
Sea Colony, where they can establish
themselves permanently, with every pros
pect of comfortable and reputable liveli-
hood. tWe propose to secure tract Of
land" in one of the foreign British Colo.
MES, ''prepare it for settlement, establish
in it authority, govern it by equitable