RESULTS OF THE ECUMENICAL MISSIONARY CONFERENCE.
By L. A. P.
THE question of results naturally arises as one reviews this gathering, the largest of its kind thus far convened,—large enough and influential enough to absorb every other great attraction and topic of conversation in a great city for ten days, and to hold the attention of the world for the time being. Its 75 meetings showed an attendance of 163,000; the entertainment of delegates required an outlay of $42,000; while no figures are given of the cost of transportation of the hundreds of representatives from 48 countries of the globe. To the outside observer the general proceedings of the conference appear disappointing. Plans for future work were little discussed, and, indeed, it would be well-nigh impossible for a gathering composed of representatives from nearly all Protestant bodies to outline definite plans of operation. Of necessity these must be left to denominational boards to perfect. Much was said and hinted at concerning comity,—union of operation in fields occupied by different societies,—but while hopes of such a result were vigorously agitated, it was observable that a very determined spirit of loyalty and adherence to denominational methods lay near the surface. It is claimed that one of the results to be expected is “a great acceleration of the cause of missions,” due to the immense advertising given missions by the presence and words of such old and well-known missionaries as Paton and Chamberlain and Taylor. In fact, the advertising feature seems to stand out as one of the most prominent purposes of the conference. And in order to reap the most benefit possible from this feature, and add to the occasion a worldly dignity at least, the program included an ex-President of the United States as chairman of the conference, and the presence at its opening meetings of President McKinley and the governor of New York. It is doubtful if the country and the world would have heard so much through the daily press of the conference, had it not been for the association of prominent men of the nation with its proceedings. And money is needed by mission boards. Hence all the above and more, with all the enthusiasm that went with it, are expected to touch and loosen the purse strings of those who give and those who have not given to mission enterprises. It is doubtless true that money is needed, and that honest souls wait to be sent. Would that many more were fired with the true missionary zeal. But alas for the church when it courts worldly favor and the prestige to be gained by the co-operation of even the highest in official political positions. The idea of country behind the missionaries received its share of discussion and favorable comment. Mr. Deering, of Japan, is reported as declaring that the impression made upon the non-Christian world by this conference would be “most salutary,” and that the holding of such a meeting, graced by the President of the United States, would convince the statesmen of the East—for example, in Japan—that Christianity is not an effete religion. It is a sad day for Christianity when evidence of its living powers is in anywise dependent upon the means cited. Then it is hoped that missionaries now at the front will be much encouraged as they learn of the doings of the conference. No doubt they will be. There were of stirring words a plenty, and statistical information, and appeals,—for speeches were the all-in-all of the program parts. One feature much noticed was a large collection of curios of all descriptions, brought by missionaries from strange lands, and arranged for convenient examination. This collection will remain permanently in the museum in Central Park, to be continually added to. It is not for man to be final judge of this great gathering and of the results. There is One who has observed every act and every motive, and judged all with eternal calmness and precision. Wherein He can use men and methods for the advancement of His kingdom, He will do so. Wherein men and methods are contrary to the spirit of His divine work, He overrules and sets aside. But when the “Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; . . . then shall the end come.” That time hastens.