The Heathen at Home by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Sep 19, 1912

The Heathen at Home

By Editor

THE Christian church can never escape its responsibility at home by efforts in behalf of the heathen in other lands. Sometimes the needs of the far-away fields appeal to us more vitally than do the needs of near-by territory which may be quite as great. This is suggested in a grand jury report handed to Judge Dike, borough of Brooklyn, by the grand jury of Kings County. The jury declares:—

We have noted with deep regret the number of young men and boys who have just commenced a life of crime brought about by idleness and improper associates.

Especially brought to our attention has been the number of minor girls who have gone astray from a virtuous life by apparent laxity or inability of parents or guardians to give their coming and going from their homes proper watchfulness.

The remedy for these conditions is a subject that should receive the attention of the authorities and the various religious denominations of this borough.

This grand jury would suggest that if the head representatives of the various denominations were invited to attend a session of the county court on arraignment days, they would see for themselves what is actually going on, and then instead of paying so much attention to foreign missions, they would better understand the maxim that "charity begins at home."

This does not argue by any means that the Christian church should do less for the cause of missions. God has made his church debtors to all men. But it does emphasize the necessity of the church's recognizing the needs of the home field; and while it seeks to labor for heathen abroad, it should labor as well and as earnestly for the heathen at home. Outside of Christ all men are lost, and in need of the saving gospel.