The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-10-14

We mention but one more probable cause of the decline in interest in for egn missions--as related to the man agement of the work. It is question concerning which there is and always has been difference of opinion among the friends of missions. It Is the rela- tion and extent of educational to evan gelistic and medical work. It would not be wise, even If there were time, to discuss this matter in this report. one thing is certain, that q large number Of the constituency of the board among its liberal supporters believe that too large portion of the appropriation IS given to the educational work, But this difference of opinion should not lead to d lack of confidence or support. The supreme motive in all the work is the evangellzation of these nations. We are agreed that the educational work is means, not an end. If no other result has been accomplished than the wonderfully hopeful and successtui work in educating young women who have become Christian mothers ana leaders in communities where before they were ciphers and slaves, and have given their children Christian train ing, such a result has repaid all the outlay thus far. But how far this should be continued is a serious ques- tion involving radical changes. II the friends of the board think less attention should be given to the educational and more to the evangelistic and medical work, there is no better place to dis cuss the matter and advise the pru- dential committee than at our annual meeting.
 We recommend that more time be given at the annual meeting for frank discussion of the great problems touch ing the work of the board. NO pro- gramme should be presented by the business committee that precludes ths or restricts the freedom of inquiry
 The question is sometimes asked by the friends of the board whether a greater interest would not be aroused If a somewhat different method pre- vailed in this respect at the annual meeting.
 In closing, your committee suggest that the problems that perplex us are largely in the hands of the constituency of the board. We are their representa- | tives in carrying on this work. We hope that at the next annual meeting we shall understand better than now why so large 8 percentage Of our churches give nothing to foreign mls- sions In the meantime shall not all pastors and agents of home mission so- cieties in the various branches be ear nestly urged to cooperate with our i,, Iri,, n y,nfC CCjn these silent and non-contributing churches. not only for foreign but home missions?
 We believe that the time has now come for an advance in foreign mission work. The great rise in values of se- curities and the improved condition ill the business world, with favorable prospects for years to come, give req sonable ground to ask and expect that the work in foreign mission fields we have been forced to cut down be re- stored so far as seems wise, and we recommend that the churches and oth- CT friends of the board be asked to i1- crease their gifts for 1898 beyond any previous year. It can be done. But 1t will require systematic, prompt and un- ceasing effort on the part of the min isters and churches, and hearty co-op- eration by all friends of the board. We should not further retreat. We have cut down the work all it can bear. Abandonment or advance which? Be tween the two the churches must de- eide. And they will decide, we believe for God and for the world. Our de- nomination is enlisted in q work it must not and will not lay down until "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ v