We are thankful to report a continued and, we trust, growing interest in the work. At present, attention is still largely centered upon the African field, to which our six brothers and sisters have devoted themselves; we speak therefore of that first.
We have been thankful that all of these but one have been able to come to New York for purposes of acquaintance and conference. It was striking that several exercises that had been expressed were answered without any direct questions being asked. One of these was that the workers should come with letters expressing fellowship from their local meetings. The two sisters who came East presented their letters of commendation with just such fellowship expressed. Our brother and sister Searle have also the fellowship of their gathering in Montreal. Another brother wrote of the importance of having a medical examination made as to the physical fitness of those going. This also has been done, and satisfactory reports have been given. So that we may say that without undue prominence being given to it, the saints are satisfied as to the physical, mental and spiritual qualifications of those who purpose, D. V., sailing on May 2nd.
The saints at large have shown much interest and fellowship in this undertaking. Already at the time of this writing about $6,000 has been received. This has enabled us to supply the workers with a good sum for securing their outfits. Their passage has been booked for Mombasa, the point on the East coast of Africa at which they debark, and much of the passage money has been paid in advance. Through the kindness of our brother, Captain Barlow of the Cunard Line, every arrangement for their comfort has been made. Our sister, Mrs. Searle of Montreal, is to be given release from her position of teaching in a Christian school there, and her husband, while in New York, on the advice of our beloved brother, Dr. Farel Jouard, had his tonsils successfully removed by him. The present month will be busily occupied with packing and other final preparations for the journey. It is a matter for thankfulness that two of the party are familiar with the work, its difficulties and needs, and all, we doubt not, are looking with soberness, rather than undue enthusiasm upon their path. Our hearts follow them, and our prayers are constantly laid before the Lord on their behalf.
In this connection it will not be out of place to suggest to the beloved saints the importance of having stated meetings for prayer for the Foreign work. This is, of course, done in various places. It may not be practicable always to add another meeting to the regular ones; but could not the first prayer meeting in each month, for instance, be specially devoted to this purpose, and announcement always be made beforehand? At such a meeting letters from the Foreign Field and other helpful literature could be read, and definite prayer be made for individuals and stations. It is purposed, if the Lord please, to write brief articles upon each field, and to suggest to the saints helpful literature for study, such as accounts of the work in other days, and at present, biographies of well-known laborers, etc. Let us, however, begin if we have not already done so, with special prayer, in private, in the household and in the assembly. Let us ever remember the words of the Psalmist, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."
The meeting in New York on Saturday, March 14th, was one of special interest. Four of the six prospective workers were present-also a number of traveling brethren. There was a good spirit of prayer and much brotherly conference. There was also a report of the means coming in, which was a cheer. The question was asked as to the scriptural authority for such a collection, and we turned to 2 Cor., chaps. 8, 9. Here we found the propriety of letting saints know of a proposed service (ch. 8:6,7); of putting the details in the hands of several to look after and to distribute the offerings (ch. 8:4,6,16-23) ; details of collecting and exhortation as to liberality are all included in these important chapters, while 1 Cor. 16 emphasizes the value of a weekly laying by, and Eph. 4 speaks of the unity of action, the unity of the Spirit, so necessary for all work. The spirit of love and of grateful praise is mingled with it all-"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." In the New Testament we are not held down to a rigid tithing, as they were under the law, but surely grace is a greater power. Similarly, we are not hedged about with hard and fast rules for giving or distributing; "He that giveth with simplicity" is our guide here.
We had with us also our beloved brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Inglis Fleming, of England. He gave some account of the foreign work there. It was especially a matter of thanksgiving to have these "Glanton" saints with us during the past six months, and to send our heartfelt love and greetings to our beloved brethren in England, from whom we had been so long separated.
In view of the isolation of our beloved brethren in Africa, it was suggested that we prepare a library for their common use, and this is being done through the generosity of saints.
We were also cheered to have a brief account of our brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Gross, formerly of Philadelphia, who have been laboring in Nigeria, Africa, in sole dependence upon the Lord for support. Their work has been known to comparatively few assemblies and saints. Let us remember these also in our prayers and fellowship.
As already stated, our brothers and sisters are booked to sail from New York on Saturday, May 2d, on the Cunarder "Carmania." In view of this it was suggested and heartily agreed to, that we defer our next meeting until Friday, May 1st, and have a farewell meeting at the Hall, 162 East 56th Street, New York. The saints there are gladly cooperating in this, and arrangements are made for two meetings at 3, with an intermission for tea together, and at 7:30. These meetings will be for prayer and fellowship and ministry of the Word, and indications are that they will be largely attended. Let us pray that this meeting may be one of great spiritual blessing to the travelers, and to those remaining at home.
We add a few extracts from the letters received with subscriptions to this work.
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS
New York State.-We are glad and thankful to God our Father who has put it in the hearts and brought forward those who have volunteered to take active part in the work. Our prayers will continue to rise up to the throne of grace for them.
Kansas.-We can rejoice in seeing this work go on, and that our Lord gives us a share in it.
Wisconsin.-We are very happy to have fellowship with them in this work, and trust the Lord will bless it greatly.
Penna.-We are glad to have our part in the responsibility of this work, and hope from time to time to further help in the Lord's work in foreign fields.
Minn.-We pray for rich blessings on them all, and that the Lord will keep them under the shadow of His wing.
Missouri.-We desire to express a full expression of our interest in this work and love for those engaged in it. We have decided to contribute a regular monthly amount to it.
British Columbia.-We are glad that a number of brethren have taken the responsibility in the homeland, to keep the different assemblies informed as to the progress of work in South Africa and elsewhere. We pray that many souls may be brought to the Lord Jesus through the labors of our brethren.
Mass.-It is a great satisfaction to me to know that the brethren are going out in faith depending upon the Lord. I hope and pray that this new step in the path of faith will be sustained, and that all the Lord's people in fellowship will show hearty fellowship in it.
Iowa.-May it please the Lord to bless the effort being put forth to let our light shine in the dark places of the earth; thus we are privileged to be co-workers with Him to the praise of His blessed Name.
New York State.-The children of our Sunday School send a large portion of our contribution, as they take a great interest in this work.
Penna.-From an aged sister in an Old People's Home, we received a contribution earned by dressing dolls, etc.
Ontario.-From a sister and four others in the family we received a most generous contribution. She adds, "Later I hope to be able to send more. Gladly would I go too, but the way does not seem open now; since I am denied the privilege I shall do all I can to help those who are able."
Minnesota.-We have been burdened in our prayer-meetings over foreign work, and had requested prayer for it, and nothing has cheered me more personally for a long time than to know we will now have these dear ones as our own special charge.
Minnesota.-We would like to say that you have our whole-hearted approval in this matter. May our God bless these dear brethren.
Ontario.-We entirely approve of the way the work is to be carried on.
New Jersey.-We count it a privilege to have fellowship in this work of the Lord, and appreciate the service of the brethren in taking the responsibility of applying the funds to the need.
Penna.-We have been neglecting to have regular collections for work in foreign lands. We now propose to have regular collections and a special missionary meeting to hear any special news as to the Lord's interests in the dark places of the earth. We believe we should try and awaken a deep interest in this good service for the Lord.
We have lately heard, without details, that upon learning of the death of our dear sister Mercy McCandless, a young sister in Edinburgh offered herself for the work. Thus we may be sure that the Lord still has the willing-hearted who offer themselves for His service.
While speaking of this, we may be permitted to call attention to the apparent disproportion of the sexes in the foreign work. So many more sisters seem to be ready than brothers. Is there a reason for this? If so, what is it? Surely there is great need for men in this work. Indeed, it is almost impossible for sisters to engage in it alone, great as their helpfulness is when in the company of brethren. Our young men, for business reasons, leave home and sometimes country when it is to their advantage. Are there not some who feel the urge to go forth with the unsearchable riches of Christ? S. R.