Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 43:172 (Oct 1886)
Article: The New Departure And Missions
Author: Cyrus Hamlin

BSac 43:172 (Oct 1886) p. 763

The New Departure And Missions

Rev. Cyrus Hamlin

A working theory of missions must be the result of long experience. The missionary comes into the field with new forces, and with a message strange and new to the people, and he has to meet difficulties, embarrassments, and oppositions entirely unforeseen. The people conceal from him their real thoughts and intentions. They sometimes feign beliefs in order to deceive and lead him astray. It is months, and sometimes years, before he can feel sure that he thoroughly understands his environment and has fathomed all the resources of deception.

One thing alone secures him. He comes with a divine message, clear and simple, and he is to deliver it with the authority given him in the word of God. “All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” This is the solid foundation of the missionary’s work, and it gives him calmness and assurance and direction in all his dangers and embarrassments. He knows that his work shall not be in vain in the Lord.

But then he is not alone in the work. It is a work of co-operation. He has associates whom he must consult. He must work in harmony with them. No appearance of dissension should ever be allowed among the brethren and co-workers. They have numerous, ever present, crafty, watchful enemies, who, however ignorant, know well how to make the most of the least disagreement of the teachers among themselves. The converts will also take sides, and with special eagerness will say, “I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ.”

The missions of the American Board are so organized that mutual consultation and comparing of notes come in as a regular part of their work. Members of the same station, when not away on tours, meet once a week and as often as special occasions may require.

An annual meeting brings all the different parts of the same mission field together for consultation and advice. All plans for enlargement are discussed and decided upon by vote, and the whole work is kept unified and harmonious to the utmost possible degree.

So essential is harmony in plan, organization, and teaching, that different evangelical sects have agreed not to enter each other’s fields. The Ameri-

BSac 43:172 (Oct 1886) p. 764

can Board does not send its missionaries into a field pre-occupied by Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Wesleyan, or Baptist missionaries....