THE FIRST DEPARTURE OF BIBLE WORKERS TO REGIONS BEYOND.
By Stephen N. Haskell
It is now nine months since the house in Tufnell Park was opened for the reception of those who wished to fit themselves for Bible work. It is one year since the work commenced in London, and nine years since it commenced in England. We would not convey the idea that the London Training School is not a part of the English Mission, but it is a branch of the work that did not develop until a year ago. And while there has been much valuable missionary instruction given in England, as well as elsewhere, there never has been a specialty made of educating Bible workers, as is done in the United States, until the establishment of the work in London. At first we hoped to be able to gather in individuals from the various churches, as in America, who would engage in the work. We have reason to believe there are quite a number who would be successful could they have a proper training for this phase of the work. But for various reasons we did not succeed in this. Our only hope, therefore, for immediate help, seemed to be to secure workers among those who embraced the truth as the result of the labors put forth in this city. Our work therefore has been of a twofold nature: first, to lead individuals to embrace the truth; and second, from them to develop laborers to go forth to other places, and carry the truth they here received. Our friends will at once perceive a vast difference, therefore, between our labor in this direction, in London and in America, where they have thousands of experienced believers to select from. There is a general impression with some that if we have the truth we are at once prepared to give it to others. There are many who sincerely love God and the truth and are willing to sacrifice for the same that do not perceive the difference in "the word of wisdom" and "the word of knowledge." These are two distinct gifts from the same Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:8. Solomon clearly indicates the difference when he says, "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright." Prov. 15:2. Indiscretion in the manner of presenting the truth, and what portion of the truth is proper under the circumstances, and the amount of truth which should be presented, has often closed the door which the providence of God had opened before us. We are instructed by our divine Lord and Saviour to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves." Among the last words our Saviour spoke to the disciples before his crucifixion were, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." John 16:12. There is nothing strange in this when we consider that, after repeatedly telling them he must be crucified and rise the third day, they had questioned "one with another what the rising from the dead should mean." Mark 9:10. The same principle is taught in almost every page of inspiration. In the epistle to the Hebrews the apostle says, "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing." See Heb. 5:11-14. He writes to the Corinthians, "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." 1 Cor. 3:2. If after the apostle had preached one year and a half at Corinth and the same church had had five years experience in the gospel; if the Hebrews at Jerusalem, after thirty years' instruction from those who had been with Christ; and if even the disciples of Christ, after being with him three and a half years, could not bear certain truths, it is no marvel that much instruction and experience are needed to become a successful worker; but it is the greatest marvel that more importance is not attached to properly educating others by experienced laborers, as to the best method of presenting the truth to others. It was in view of these things that the training school has been opened in London, where daily instruction is given in the Bible truths and the Bible work. There are also opportunities for canvassing and holding Bible-readings. For over three months there has been a class exercise each day at "Chaloners," with a regular attendance of four who have embraced the truth here, and some others also. For some time past these have been successfully holding readings. Two ladies who have thus been engaged sailed, July 25, on ship Medway, from Southampton for the island Antigua, to their home, with a burden of labor for their friends. The island contains 4,000 inhabitants, more than one-half of which are English and Americans. The love of these ladies for the truth, and their devotion to it, so precious to us, has endeared them to the hearts of all connected with the training school. They will be followed with the prayers of their former associates, that the planting of the truth in those islands of the West Indies where as yet no knowledge of it has gone, may be successful. These are the first-fruits of what we confidently believe will be a bountiful harvest, in due time. I need not add that tears of joy for this token of God's goodness in giving them a love for the truth and a burden for their friends, and tears of sadness at their separation from the school, were freely shed. Three others take their places in the class and a number more are expected to do so shortly. Those who have freely contributed to this work, have the privilege of believing "the administration of this service not only suppleth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; while by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for this unspeakable gift." The prayers of God's people for the work in this kingdom have been heard, and these are the first-fruits, who, at their own expense, carry the truth into "regions beyond."