The American Missionary - Volume 52, No. 3, September, 1898

Excerpt

We look forward to the fifty-second anniversary of the American Missionary Association to be held at Concord, N. H., October 25-27, with exceptional interest. The sermon will be preached by Rev. Doctor George A. Gordon. Distinguished speakers add to the interest of the meetings. Missionaries from the field will present the varied features of their work among the Indians, mountain people and the colored people of the South.

The woman's meeting on Thursday afternoon will be particularly favored with an address by Mrs. Kate Upson Clark, and by interesting speakers from the missionary field.

We give a cordial invitation to pastors and friends of the Association to come to this beautiful and historic town of Concord at this anniversary. On the last page of the cover will be found full information for delegates and friends who anticipate attending the meetings. Fuller details as to the reception of delegates, entertainment, hotel rates and railroad reductions will be given in various religious papers.

Now, when the war drums have ceased, we can think again of the problems which were before us when Spain added those which are to ask our attention. The greater problem before the American people is not any new one. The Christianization of nearly three millions of colored people yet in illiteracy and moral darkness is a call to Christian love and service as loud as any call can possibly be. The messages of the gospel of Peace, have the only promise of salvation to these millions in darkness at our own doors. To give this to these needy ones, who are not only near to our doors but who are ready to receive the grace of Christ at our hands is the call of Christ for our patience and fidelity. As we thank God that the smile of Heaven rests upon our country once more in peace, we may well turn our thoughts anew to our endeavor for the victories of Peace, and think as fairly of our duty to lift these poor, ignorant millions above the perils of increasing ignorance, as we have been thinking of the deliverance of Cubans from their oppressions and wrongs. What these new possessions now under our care may require of us, is another question which comes with peace.

The millions of ignorant colored people in our own country not yet reached need to be saved. They cannot save themselves. We owe them the Christianity which we have. We owe them a chance for intelligent faith. More than forty per cent. of nearly eight millions are yet in density of ignorance and mentally and morally weak. They can be saved. What has been done is the pledge of what may be done. Let us then consecrate ourselves anew to the victories of peace and make our thank offerings free and large for the glory which comes not of sieges and battles, but the glory of Christian love and faith, of Christian thinking and Christian working, for God's poor people who wait for their day of redemption.

The Alumni Association of Oberlin Theological Seminary recently passed the following vote:

"Voted: That the Alumni of Oberlin Theological Seminary suggest to the American Missionary Association the importance of organizing at once for an extension of its educational and evangelizing work into Cuba as soon as the deliverance of that island from the dominion of Spain will permit."

At the recent Triennial National Council of Congregational Churches held in Portland, Oregon, reference to the pressing of Christian educational work into Cuba was greeted with enthusiastic applause....