Chapter 9—Counsel to a Missionary in Africa
Letter A
Maitland, N.S.W.
Nov. 9, 1899
Dear Brother_____,
...Every institution we establish, every sanatorium and publishing
house and church, should bear the inscription, “To Him who hath loved
us, and died for us, we dedicate this building, whose foundation and
top stones were laid in His precious name.” Everything that is done
in the furnishing of these buildings should be done with reference to
economy. Tasteful, appropriate structures should be erected to give
character to the work, but there should be no unnecessary outlay of
means. God designs that the work of the ministry shall be regarded as
sacred. It is not to be in any way demerited.
It is God’s plan to work through His instrumentalities, His chosen
earthen vessels, and men are honoured when He places them as His
appointed messengers. The work of preaching the Word, presenting
Christ crucified as the world’s Redeemer, bears the divine credentials,
and proof of its sacred character is given in the conversion of souls. It
is not the large buildings erected for show that give character to the
work, but the winning of souls to Christ. This seals the teacher as a
living oracle, as Christ’s apostle. This will demonstrate that the work
we are doing is of God. “By their fruits,” Christ said, “ye shall know
them.”
I will say to my brethren in _____, there has not been that wisdom
and keen foresight used in dealing with the _____ family that there
should have beenTrue, they have not been free from mistakes and
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errors, but others, who have had much greater light, have revealed that
they also erred. Have you given these brethren encouragement and
wise, judicious help, or have you closed every avenue whereby they
might be helped to be labourers together with God? Have you left
them to drift whichever way they would?... Have you not crowded out
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