Missionary Work at Home and Abroad
61
as the waters cover the sea.” And this is life eternal, that they might
know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.”
Habakkuk 2:14
;
John 17:3
.
The salvation of the heathen has long been deemed a matter that
should engage the interest of Christians, and it is not more than justice
to bring light to their dark borders. But home missionary work is just
as much needed. The heathen are brought to our very doors. Idolatrous
ignorance is within the very shadow of our homes. Something is being
done for the colored people, but next to nothing compared with what
others receive who already have a knowledge of the truth, who have
had opportunities innumerable, but who have not half appreciated their
advantages. To those who know not the truth, let the love of Jesus
be presented, and it will work like leaven for the transformation of
character.
What are we doing for the Southern field? I have looked most
anxiously to see if some plan would not be set in operation to redeem
the sinful neglect of that field, but I see not a proposition or a resolution
to do anything. Perhaps something has been planned that I have not
seen. I hope so, and praise the Lord if it is so. But though for years our
duty has been laid out in a most decided manner, yet the Southern field
has been touched only with the tips of our fingers. I now feel deeply
in earnest in again bringing before you this neglected portion of the
[61]
Lord’s vineyard. This matter is brought before me again and again. I
have been awakened in the night season, and the command has come:
Write the things that I have opened before you, whether men will hear
or whether they will forbear.