The Gist of Japan: The Islands, Their People, and MissionsPeery, R. B. (Rufus Benton)
Religion
The Gist of Japan: The Islands, Their People, and Missions
Peery, R. B. (Rufus Benton)
Japan -- Social life and customs; Missions -- Japan
As soon as the work grows and a small company of believers has been
gathered the duties of the missionary increase. There now rests upon
{242} him that burden which so oppressed Paul--the care of the
churches. He must look after the regular worship of the church, must
develop in his people a church-going sentiment, and must instruct them
in the observance of all Christian duties. In this work he will need
much patience, wisdom, and zeal. The native converts, not having
generations of Christian ancestors as we have, will need oft to be
exhorted, oft rebuked, and loved much. Christian duties that are with
us almost habitual must be urged upon these people time and again. The
church must be organized and developed into an harmonious working body.
In all of this the missionary is fortunate if he has the assistance of
a wise, godly native helper.
Perhaps the most attractive and interesting feature of all mission work
is this forming and molding, under one's own hand, of the theology, the
life, and the activities of a young church. The one who is privileged
to do this occupies a position of responsibility than which none could
be greater. May God give us grace to do it aright.
ITINERATING EVANGELISM.--No true missionary living in a non-Christian
land will confine his labors to the town in which he resides. His
heart will be constantly yearning over the people in the surrounding
towns and country, and he will gladly take advantage of every
opportunity {243} to make them occasional visits, telling to them also
the old, old story.
But there are other workers whose sole business it is to visit these
outlying points and carry a knowledge of the gospel to those who cannot
have regular gospel ministrations. Perhaps this feature of missionary
work is the one most prominent in the minds of the people at home, who
are fond of picturing their missionary as a man who goes about from
town to town and from village to village, proclaiming the gospel to all
who will hear.
Christianity is by nature diffusive. It spreads itself as naturally as
the leaven spreads in the meal. Confucius taught: "The philosopher
need not go about to proclaim his doctrines; if he has the truth the
people will come to him." In striking contrast to this Christ taught:
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
We are not only to teach those who come to us, but we are also to go
out in search of hearers, to carry our message to the people.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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