The City Mission Training-School
Of equal importance with public effort is house-to-house work in
the homes of the people. In large cities there are certain classes who
cannot be reached by public meetings. These must be searched out as
the shepherd searches for his lost sheep. Diligent personal effort must
be put forth in their behalf. When personal work is neglected, many
precious opportunities are lost, which, were they improved, would
advance the work decidedly.
Again, as the result of the presentation of truth in large congrega-
tions, a spirit of inquiry is awakened, and it is especially important
that this interest be followed by personal labor. Those who desire to
investigate the truth need to be taught to study diligently the word of
God. Some one must help them to build on a sure foundation. At
this critical time in their religious experience, how important it is that
wisely directed Bible-workers come to their help, and open to their
understanding the treasure-house of God’s word!
A well-balanced work can be carried on best in the cities when a
Bible school for the training of workers is in progress while public
meetings are being held. Connected with this training-school or city
mission should be experienced laborers of deep spiritual understanding,
who can give the Bible-workers daily instruction, and who can also
unite whole-heartedly in the general public effort. And as men and
women are converted to the truth, those standing at the head of the
mission should, with much prayer, show these new converts how to
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experience the power of the truth in their hearts. Such a mission, if
conducted by those who know how to manage wisely, will be a light
shining in a dark place.
Missions are essential as the foundation of missionary effort in
our cities; but let it never be forgotten that those standing at the head
of them are to guard every point, that all may be done to the honor
of God. In these missions young men and women are to receive a
training that will qualify them to work for the Master. But if they do
not possess solidity of character and a spirit of consecration, all effort
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