The Mission of the Church.
"It is the mission of the church to preach to all nations, to convert the world, and not confine its efforts to its own vicinage or community." We have a very high regard for Dr. John Hall, and rejoice that so clear-toned and able a preacher of the gospel occupies the high place now filled by him. But surely Dr. Hall did not ponder these words. Surely they must be an inadvertent utterance. Doubtless the church has for its mission "to preach to all nations"—but not for the conversion of the world. The Master says, it is "for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Does that teach the conversion of the world by the preaching of the gospel? Does the parable of the sower? Does the parable of the wheat and the tares? Does his description of the state of the world before and at his coming teach it? Did "the apostles and elders, with the whole church," believe it, when they affirmed Peter's declaration that "God did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name"? Acts 15:14. Will the church in glory believe it when they sing the new song to him that redeemed them unto God by his blood, "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation"? No; the church's mission is, to go "everywhere preaching the word;" and then leave all results with him who sent it forth.—Sel.