The Washington times., 1913-08-30

In these days of emphasis upon mis-
siorary extension, when we hear people
talking about the great need for men
and money In the mission fields. we
sometimes get the idea that these are
practically the only crying needs Of the
hour, TO insure the worlds redemption
Nor would We wish to be understood
as lessening the emphasis that has
been placed upon the matter Of neces-
sary workers and finances In the mis-
sion fields. But we do want to make
the point strongly. and underscore and
emphasize II. that money and msn are
not the only needs of mission today;
these two great requisites are not the
most vital nor most important factors
in the work Of missions. There IL
greater thing. a more important factor,
a much more potent missionary es-
sential," to use the words OF our topic,
and that 10 prayer" Too often the
missionary services of today. not only
In Christian Endeayor but in other
religious societies. emphasize strongly.
and properly so. the educational fea-
lures of mission work. but though
called missionary prayer meetings.
supplication TO the throne Of God that
His kingdom may go forward until 1t
has covered all the earth Too fire.
Quently In our missionary meetings we
emphasize the needs or the MISSION
fields. or rejoice In the things accom-
plished, or attempt, through education,
to familiarize our Christian member
chip with the opportunities Of mission
ary service without clinching the whole
matter by taking on retoicings and
our dfscouragements and our hopes
and our feasr to Him who must guide
Ill srrfNer q
Is 90 bear fruit and prosper to the
maximum. Not fewer men nor less
money. not less emphasize on the inn
porfant matter Of education, not less
rejoicing In the victories won nor hon.
est fears and lonsings and hopes for
prayers; that is the all-important and
too little EMPHASIZED factor In our mis-
sionary meetings end missionary ac-
tivities Of today.
Our Missionary Topics.
The Christian Endeavor topics for 1913
have been fraught with interest a.
teaching the essentials for missionary
extension work. First In January. we
took up the question Of evangelism. In
subsequent months we have discussed
the topics medical missions, education,
Bible work. Industrial missions. mis-
sionary tours. information. and now
comes the most important discussion
Of all-prayer-and we reiterate the
that without prayer all these other inn
portant factors mentioned VIII be un-
availing.
A Quickened Interest. 4
The Christian who prays for the ex-t
tension of Gods kingdom, In earnest,
will desire to know more about mis-
sionary needs and the opportunities in
mission fields He viii want to read
the splendid books In use by mission
study classes. and possibly join or even
conduct such class. He will feel
called upon to lend himself In some
way in service looking toward the ex--
tension Of the lines Of Gods kingdom,
and he will consider II q privilege TO be
able to contribute his share OF money
toward missionary activity. Indeed.
prayer will be the means through Gods
grace and certain answer. for opening
a mans eyes to the needs and oppor-
tunities of missions, and to his own
duties and responsibilities looking to-
ward the furtherance Of mission work
Missionaries have reported that they
can actually feel and know when the
folks at home are praying earnestly for
them and their work. Shall We then
neglect so important a function as the
offering up Of petitions for the send-
ing OF Gods grace upon our mission
ary friends in their vast work?
An Argument Answered
But. someone says, God knows the
requirements Of the mission fields and
of the mission workers They have
doubtless themselves told Him Of their
perils and needs Why should we. who
are not exactly in touch with condi-
tions, add our words of supplication?
II the thing is right and ought {. be
done, will not God take care Of His
own work in His own way, without any
of our put in? In the first place, that
is the argument of lazy, selfish fellow,