A Class in Missionary Geography

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 30, 1915

A Class in Missionary Geography

IN an address delivered years ago at a Christian Endeavor convention, Mr. S. L. Mershon illustrated the world-wide extent of God's missionary purpose, by a class in missionary geography, somewhat as follows:—

Teacher: “John, bound the plan of salvation.”

John: “The plan of salvation is bounded on the north by Forest Avenue; on the south by our back fence; on the east by Dr. Johnson’s yard; on the west by St. Paul’s church.”

Teacher: “No, John, that’s not right. You have merely bounded your own home. That would mean that religion is only for you and yours. Many people believe that, but God’s plan of salvation is broader. Robert, you try it.”

Robert: “The plan of salvation is bounded on the north by the Scotia River; on the south by the corporation line; on the east by the Big Four Railroad; on the west by the Indian Hills.”

Teacher: “No, Robert, you’re not right either. You have bounded your own city. That would include only what we call city missions. God did not mean his work to stop there. Samuel, it is your turn.”

Samuel: “The plan of salvation is bounded on the north by Lake Erie and the State of Michigan; on the south by Kentucky and West Virginia; on the east by Pennsylvania and West Virginia; on the west by Indiana and Kentucky.”

Teacher: “No, no, Samuel. You have bounded your own State. That would mean that no missionary work must be done outside your State, and that is not God’s plan. George, let’s see what you think about it.”

George: “The plan of salvation is bounded on the north by the Dominion of Canada and the Great Lakes; on the south by Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico; on the east by the Atlantic Ocean; on the west by the Pacific Ocean.”

Teacher: “No, my boy, no. You have bounded your own country. That would mean nothing but home missionary work. Many people agree with you, but God did not mean us to stop with our own countrymen. Adoniram, what have you to say?”

Adoniram: “God’s plan of salvation is bounded on the north by the north pole; on the south by the south pole; on the east by the uttermost parts of the earth; on the west by the uttermost parts of the earth.”

Teacher: “Right you are, my boy. The plan of salvation includes the whole world and every person in it—white, black, brown, yellow, red. God says, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’”

“What matters if the flesh be white Or black or brown? The dying Saviour wore for all The thorny crown.” —Selected.