“That the World May Believe.”
By W. N. Glenn
THIS is the object of all missionary work. This was the mission of the Lord himself when he left the glory that he had with the Father and humbled himself so far as to be found in the fashion of man, and became obedient unto the death of the cross. The Creator of the universe “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life.” And the Son willingly gave himself, that the world through him might believe. He lived a holy life, leaving the world a perfect example, that there might be no mistake as to the duty and legitimate purpose of those who desire to be like him, and to engage in his work. The present is pre-eminently a time of missionary enterprise, and much effort is being put forth, and much thought exercised upon the problem of how best to further the missionary cause. And it is to be hoped that all effort in this direction will really be actuated by the one unselfish purpose—“that the world may believe,” to the glory of God. In this connection we deem it well to note one point in the Saviour's prayer for his disciples on the night of his betrayal. It is recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John. We must certainly believe that whatever the Lord earnestly prayed for is of vast importance. In this particular instance, he was careful to specify that he did not pray for those only who were present with him, but for them also who should believe on him through their word. The prayer was, “that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” Verse 21. Evidently, then, the Lord saw the good effect that the unity of his disciples would have upon the world, and from this we may learn that a divided state would have the opposite effect. The latter effect is especially manifested in the world to-day; there is nothing upon which the infidel and the skeptic harp so persistently, or with which Satan works so successfully, as the many divisions and antagonisms in the church. The Master's doctrine was that “a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.” And the great “apostle to the Gentiles” set before them, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” All these things considered, it is safe to hold up union as a missionary lever. If it was in those days an important point in the work, it is more so now. The last missionary message is going to the church and to the world. If its votaries would have it heeded, they must show a united purpose and harmonious effort. Whatever prominence and success our work has attained hitherto is due, under the blessing of God, to the determined unity of those who have had faith in the message. There have been many obstacles to overcome; Satan has devised many schemes to introduce discord, and has at times succeeded in overthrowing the faith of some; but not one who has yielded to diversion from the united plans of the body has ever achieved anything for the cause—the onward progress has ever been through the labors of those who have stood side by side in the work. It has been through the efforts of this class that any measure of confidence has been gained from the world. As it has been, so it must be. The carefully matured plans of the body should be adopted by all. There is no room for selfish ambition in the work of the Lord. The plan of salvation was conceived in love and executed in self-sacrifice. It is this principle that must win the approbation of those we would bring into the fold; and only the united action of loving hearts and ready hands can keep such a light constantly shining before the world. W. N. GLENN.