The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1903-10-30
EPWORTH LEAGUE.
Topic For the Week Beginning Nov.
4, ''The Study of Mis-
sioDs."

4 And Sir Launfal said; II behold in thee
/ An image of Him who died on the tree.
Behold, through Him / give to thee"
The history of the Christian church
Is the story of missions.
The result definitely aimed at from
4 the very first has been the conquest Of
the whole world-not politically or
I commercially, not doctrinal uniformi-
ty or organic unity in government, but
spiritual fellowship and universal
| brotherhood are aimed at.
| No other religion the world has ever
known has had such purpose. The
religion of Jesus Christ alone is adapt
ed to meet the needs of man universal
ly and is essential to his highest at
tainments. 1t alone furnishes motives
sufficiently powerful for the accom-
| plishment of the task. The hope of
gain, the love of adventure and many
other considerations will lead men to
endure hardships and make strenuous
exertions, but to evangelize the world
needs stronger impulse and higher
motive than these
The love of Christ constraineth me-"
This is the force which moves the
world. In the study of missions the
consideration of this motive power
should hold first place.
Increased attention is being given by
the church at large to the duty of
world evangelization. The subject is
being considered from many points Of
view. knowledge of conditions and
no dr Of 411 I,;e Ito
of the earth, the resources available
and wisest methods of work are en-
gaging attention and discussion as new
er before. Workers and funds are
more abundant, and efforts are becom-
Ing more systematized and effective.
Yet it remains true that the larger
part of the membership of the Chris
tan church has never realized any
thing of personal responsibility in this
service or come to an intelligent con-
ception of the work itself Great as is
the task and pressing as is the duty
of presenting the gospel commands
and hope to all men, not less urgent is
the necessity of arousing the rank and
file of the church to its part in this
evangelizing Of the nations.
The League is taking its place in this
every chapter should plan to present
In series of meetings the most impor
tant phases of missionary work. No
chapter lacks talent, and literature IL
abundant. In every village of tbs
land books can be found by a little
search which will furnish material fol
papers and talks of deep interest Con,
secrated determination is the prime
need.
Where possible attention should be
directed to a. the motives for mis-
sionary work; ~ the methods of mis-.
sionary work, such as preaching, the
press, schools, hospitals, industry
work, etc.; 81 the fields of our ow.
church, their extent, peculiarities, his
tory, forces at work, present needs ana
prospects; az the work of other
churches and review of various mis-
sions of the world; o. the missions of
the early church and conversion of the
northern nations of Europe are of fas-
cinating interest; (6) the Roman Cath
ollie missions since the reformation
should be studied carefully; "a the
Cleveland convention, the Philadelphia
convention and the annual meeting of
the missionary committee of the Meth
odist Episcopal church should all be
reviewed and their results summed up.
A request sent to the mission rooms,
$50 Fifth avenue, New York, to Mr..
s. Earl Taylor will bring lists of books
and other literature available.
Homemade maps or the large mis-
sionary map from the mission rooms
will be a great aid.
If possible an evening with views of
the various lands by stereopticon
should be arranged.
We need to be better informed that
we may become more aroused and give
more freely money, prayer and per-
sonal effort in this work of bringing
the world to God through Jesus Christ.