The Field is the World.
By A. S. Hutchins
THE above words stand in connection with the explanation given to a parable spoken by the Saviour, and by him explained to the disciples. From this parable we learn several very important points of instruction; one of which is, that the gospel of the kingdom was not to be confined to a small section of the world, not to be shut up in some place where there reside a sufficient number of brethren, able to pay well the preacher; while other parts of the world were passed in silence, as though the Author of the gospel, the glad tidings, loved them not, nor regarded the welfare of their souls. Said he, "The field is the world." Matt. xiii, 38. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Again, said Jesus, "The poor have the gospel preached to them." Matt. xi, 5. See also Luke iv, 18. From these texts of scripture we learn that the "poor" are not forgotten in the dispensation of the good tidings of free salvation to all who will receive it. If then the above position be correct, is it wise for brethren and sisters, when means are solicited to carry forward, for instance, the tent enterprise, to begin to reason, Well, if we could have a meeting sufficiently near, so that I could attend it, I could afford to give more than I can now? We say, No. The field is the world; not the section near where you may live, nor where I may. "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." Rev. x, 11. I have not the least doubt that we are now living in the time of the fulfillment of this prophecy. And the truth is finding its way in among those of another tongue. Since our conference two of our French neighbors have taken a decided stand on the Sabbath. They mingle their voices with us in prayer in the French tongue. Again, suppose a poor messenger, a faithful servant of the Lord, living in a section where all, or nearly all, of the brethren, though rich in faith, are the poor of this world, and consequently not able to support him, and yet the Lord continues to crown his labors with success, shall those brethren in other places, withhold their aid because he does not live and preach near them? Says Paul to the Corinthians, "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service." 2 Cor. xi, 8. We find from the context, that brethren from Macedonia supplied his wants, while laboring in Corinth. Of Jesus our pattern, it is said, "Who went about doing good." Let us seek for more of this missionary spirit. "As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Gal. vi, 10. A. S. HUTCHINS.