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No Human Substitute

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 17, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 46.

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No Human Substitute

By F. M. W.

The Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions faces a great crisis in its missionary operations. In an appeal recently addressed to the Presbyterian Church by James D. Rankin, D. D., Moderator, the following rallying cry is sounded:— The United Presbyterian Church faces an almost incredible condition. The opportunities and demands of her mission fields at home and abroad are without parallel in her history, and yet she is embarrassed in every field through lack of funds. We face a crisis that is startling. Unless we measure up to this condition, a reaction is inevitable. The need is a revival and an enduement with spiritual power. For this power there is no substitute. Human instrumentalities are but machinery, and await the inflowing power ere they can become effective. However perfect our preparation, however zealous our effort, the desired result will await this prime necessity. The crisis is too great for man; we must fix our eyes on God. Prayer is the hand that grasps the gift. The promises of God are definite and unlimited, and so sure as we take our stand thereon, will we prevail. The power of prayer is the abiding miracle of the ages. Upon no other agency do the Scriptures lay so much emphasis, and to no other are results so marvelously promised and attributed. In this hour, we must transfer our appeal from men to God; from trust in organization to struggle in supplication. Behind all lack of enthusiasm, behind all poverty of spiritual power, behind all inactivity, behind all dearth of missionary interest, behind all lack of funds, is one lack more essential, more far-reaching—lack of believing prayer.
No plans or devisings can take the place of the Holy Spirit in the church of God. Only by the guidance of that Spirit can wise plans be devised, and only by the power he imparts can plans of Christian work become effective. The need of the church and of every believer is for more of the Spirit’s power. There is no substitute. F. M. W.