United Effort in Missionary Work.
By Maria L. Huntley
The strength of every organized body lies in unity of action and purpose, and unless this exists, a large membership becomes an element of weakness rather than of strength. This principle is recognized in the political and numerous other powerful organizations throughout the country; and stringent measures are taken to secure harmonious action in all their several parts. Under no circumstances, perhaps, is this more fully illustrated than in an army. It matters not of how many men or how many subdivisions it is composed, when the time for action arrives, all, as one man, move forward to secure the desired object. In each division every man recognizes the fact that orders from head-quarters to that division are intended for him as really as if sent to him directly. The great controversy between Christ and Satan draws near to its close, and the truths of the Bible are arrayed against the wickedness, unbelief, and errors of the present day. The followers of Christ are represented as his soldiers, and as contending against the powers of darkness,—foes more powerful and wily than were ever human foes. The objects to be secured in this warfare far exceed in importance any for which patriots and soldiers ever fought. Here, then, if anywhere, is needed that which gives strength and efficiency. Well-founded and encouraging testimony has been borne respecting the power exerted by the tract and missionary societies, but as yet only a small part of the strength of these societies has been developed. The remark has been made, and that truthfully, that our system of missionary labor places a gun in every man's hands; but if only one or two out of every ten make use of it, they might as well not have a weapon, and are like soldiers who in battle lay down their arms, or run panic-stricken from the field. Should this course be pursued by any considerable number, the defeat of the army would be certain.