A PRACTICAL QUESTION by A. N. Hitchcock

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 3, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 22.

A PRACTICAL QUESTION.

By A. N. Hitchcock

MARK how each word of the great commission is weighted with meaning: "Go-ye-into-all-the-world-and-preach-the-gospel-to-every-creature." This commandment of our Lord is absolute and unqualified, and is the final answer to all excuses and objections. The very foundations of Christian character become involved when this obligation is disputed or trifled with. Moreover, the assurance of the Divine Presence in this vast undertaking is equally explicit.

What stands in the way of a speedy and victorious advance on heathenism? We believe this to be the answer: There must yet come a more honest and scriptural recognition of the claims of Christian stewardship. All that we possess is simply ours in trust. No Christian has a right to make any plan of gain or expenditure without having this fact distinctly in mind. The wealth of the church is increasing much faster than her gifts. It is time that the brains and hands that control the purse strings of the church were mightily moved. If we mistake not, the watchword of all Christian benevolence for the future must be—proportionate giving. It is marvelous how the space clears about one when he conscientiously devotes a definite proportion of his income, probably not less than one-tenth, to religious and benevolent work. Then the “vexed question” is settled. He knows whether he is giving too much or too little. He knows what answer to make to all appeals. His mind is at rest, his conscience approves, his zeal is quickened, and he has the surpassing joy of making his life a blessing to mankind.

The apostle calls attention to the fact that covetousness will be the supreme peril of the latter days. It is a timely warning. There is scarcely a luxury that can be named upon which Christians are not expending more than for the salvation of the world. The difference in the price of two rugs, or garments, or pieces of furniture; the cost of a single entertainment; nay, often the sum squandered in the indulgence of a harmful habit, is many times the entire amount given as a holy offering unto the Lord. In fact, American Christendom is giving less than one-half of one cent for each heathen soul!

An English soldier estimated that a proclamation from the queen, put in the hands of the army and navy of Britain, could be carried to every person on the globe within eighteen months.

The church of Christ has been intrusted with a proclamation from the King of kings. It is to be delivered to the whole world. Not for eighteen months, but for eighteen centuries, she has been about this most urgent business, and it is not done yet. Christians are not responsible for the conversion of the world, but they are responsible for "preaching the gospel to every creature." But it cannot be done without means. Missionaries, Christian schools, and all evangelizing agencies must be multiplied in all parts of heathenism. There is money enough in the keeping of the church, if she will only set a reasonable proportion of it at the Lord's disposal.

Surely the time has come for a revival along this line. Pastors and evangelists must press this question with telling power. Men, women, and children in all the churches ought to be deeply moved by it. Persons of large resources should feel themselves divinely called to make large and regular offerings, and those of smallest means should make it a matter of conscience to give something. It is a question of personal duty. In view of the marvelous opening of doors in all lands, it is without doubt the solemn and special call of God to this generation.—Rev. A. N. Hitchcock.