Missionary Work by J. N. L.

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 17, 1874

Missionary Work.

By J. N. L.

THE Christian Union in the following statements shows some of the difficulties connected with endeavors to christianize heathen lands.

“Rev. E. C. Johnson, an ex-officer of the British army in India, and now an Independent Missionary, has recently accomplished the dangerous feat of visiting some of the tribes in Central Asia to explore the ground. He narrowly escaped death from the fiercer Mussulmans, and wherever he went he was obliged to disguise himself as a native. The result of his observations he gives as follows: ‘I do not think the country is so firmly closed to the Christian in particular as it is to the European as such, the principal danger being the political position of every Englishman. Were protection demanded by the British Government for their missionaries only, thus trusting to subdue by the Cross alone, I have but little doubt but that it would be granted. Great harm is done by the haughty and overbearing manner of the British in their own territory, and also by unprincipled men who become Mussulmans when they journey in those countries. Were the people of the frontier to see our religion exemplified more, I firmly believe that in many parts the lowly messenger of Christ would find a ready door open.’”

“It would seem to be about as difficult to introduce the pure Gospel into Austria as in to any heathen country. For instance, an apparently careful correspondent of the English Independent states that in the city of Vienna colportage is practically impossible. Books cannot be sold from door to door. Copies may be carried around as specimens and orders taken, and even this can only be done by a person who has obtained a special license that has to be renewed every six months. The distribution of the Scriptures and tracts is out of the question, except at the risk of fine and imprisonment. Only recently an evangelist was fined five guilders for giving away a tract. As the Protestant Rationalistic pastors and the Ultramontane priests rule matters there, all efforts to spread a purer religion have little show. This correspondent commends the experiment now being made by the three or four missionaries of the American Board stationed in Austria, who are carefully examining the ground and feeling their way among the people. ‘Their position,’ he writes ‘is one demanding great faith and patience on their part, as well as the prayerful sympathy of all who feel an interest in an undertaking so eminently heroic.’”

If men will work with such earnestness under persecution what crosses are we bearing? May we be stirred to activity.

J. N. L.