The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1902-07-15
Eioquently Discussed by
Rev. S. s. Hough.
GRIP OF THE CHURCH
10 sTiqhte ming In Heathen Lands
--Modern Methods OF Bring
ing Beniehted Minds
to Chr stia nifty.

Missions and the manner of carrying
On the missionary work were the prill-
cipal subjects discussed at the Friday
evening session or the general con-
vention of the Y. p. G. U. One of the
best addresses of the evening was by
the Rev. S S. Hough, OF Altoona, Pa,
who spoke on "The Young People and
the Twentieth Century Missionary
Rev. Hough said:
Without doubt God has been getting
a deepening grip on his church in re-
cent years for the work of missions.
In 1890 the young men in the theo-
logical seminaries of America were the
first to catch the vision of Gods pur-
pose for a united missionary advance.
From all parts Of this country these
men. in preparation for the work Of
the gospel ministry. assembled annu-
ally, In large numbers to discuss the
claims Of both home and foreign mis-
sions on the lives and work of those
who were to be the ministers of this
generation.
GAINING GROUND.
In all these years since that time.
the claim of missions has been gaining
a place of increasing prominence and
power in all of the theological seminar
les of the land
Six years later-1sS6-th colleges OF
this country saw the same Vision and
crystallized it in the stundent volunteer
movement for foreign missions, through
which agency God has prepared and
sent out over two thousand young peo-
pie. during the last fifteen years, to
do foreign missionary service. Today
the missionary impulse is felt in all
the leading educational institutions Of
the world.
Large numbers are in mission study
classes and at least seventy thousand
students are brought face to face. every
year. with the movement. which stands,
not only for making Jesus Christ king
in all the centuries of education. but
that these institutions shall be propa-
eating centers from which shall go
forth an ever increasing number of
consecrated. trained youth to make
known the name and saving grace of
Jesus Christ to every nation. tribe and
creature of earth.
A most important change of emphasis
is coming to our theological schools
and colleges as a result Of theSe stu
dent movements.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY.
The emphasis is now being placed on
the fact that burden of responsibility
for missions should be as keenly felt
by all who remain in the home land as
ministers. as is reccgnzsd by those
who 60 forth as m m.ssioRaries.
We are seeing more and more clearly
that the whole world Is but one field
ami to serve our Lord acceI tably al
home We must have the sane degree
of that self-sa ,rifi ing, compassionate
spirit of Christ which actuates those
who penetrate the regions beyond with
the life giving word.
it Is of vast significance to the well
fare not only of missions but of our
local churches in the home lind. as
we'll. to know that it is more and more
looked upon as a calamity for stu
dent to pass through the years of pre-.
paration for the ministry without be-
coming informed about the great move
ments of God for the evangelization ol
the world. and conquered by the spirit
of missions.
PRESENT TENDENCY.
But what is the present tendency in
the work of missions?
What is the Goth century movement,
An increasingly large number in al
denominations would answer. unhesi
tatingly, that God is striving now a.
never before to awaken. instruct, de
velop and enlist the entire membership
of tho local churches at home in the
carrying out Of the great purpose fol
which Christ came as Savior. Practi
cally the entire world is thrown open Il
the message of the cross. Seventeenth.
of earths inhabitants, in four hundred
different tongues can now read that 9
Savior has come.
The century just closed was large.y
but preparation for the century ppoI
which we now enter, and its splendit
achievements cannot be tabulated 81
as TO be adequately appreciated
! Tho colleges and theological semi
naries have sent out this challenge tt
the churches. saying. 1--WE have tn,
men and women who are willing Il
go and fill up all gaps. and occup.
overy open door. will you send them?'
THE CHURCH'S WORK.
With the whole world outlined fol
God and the vast preparation of tn,
past century before us. together witt
the unparalleled conservation OF mes
sengers for this work. in tho recen