b'xmiiiAmnmm^ \n\n\n\n-!\xe2\x96\xba \n\n\n\n^^^H \n\n\n\n\n\xe2\x96\xa01\' \n\n\n^^^^^^^H \n\n\n\n\n^Hi \n\n\n^H \n\n\n\n\n\xe2\x96\xa0 \n\n\n^^^1 \n\n\n\n\nH \n\n\n^^^^^^BBfe8g888S8fe-^888S^gg388g8fe^^tS$?\xc2\xbbS$^g \n\n\nHi \n\n\n\n\n\n\n^H \n\n\nBBBBBOBB^\' i.\'^^^^^^^H^^H^ \n\n\n\nI LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I \n\n5|[h:i3.vP.y ^opurialit :\\o ^ \n\n} ^ ^A.// Mi I \n\n# ^ \n\nf UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, f \n\n\n\nAGGRESSIVE AVORK \n\nIN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, \n\n\n\nDIRECTIONS FOR CONDUCTING MISSIONS AND ORGANIZING \n\nBROTHERHOODS AND GUILDS. ALSO, A PAPER ON \n\n"PAROCHIAL MISSIONS," BY THE REV. CANON \n\nFREMANTLE, (ENG.) \n\nJVith an Introduction by the Rt. Rev. F. D. Huntington^ D.D., \n\nBishop of Central New York. \n\n\n\n**^Conquering and to conquer."\xe2\x80\x94 Rev. v., 2, \n*Mn season and out of season."\xe2\x80\x94 2 Tim. iv., 2. \n\n\n\nP. B. MORGAN, \n\nRector., St. John^ s Church., Ithaca>^\'^\'^( ^\'J" C \' \n\n\n\n3 . \n\n\n\nithaca, n. y. \n\nAndrus, McChain & Lyons, \n\ne. p. button & co., new york. \n\n\n\n\'& \n\n\n\n,.<* \n\n\n\nEntered according to Act of Congress in the year 1873. by P. B MOE- \nGAX, in the office of the Lib;-arian ot Congress.\'^at Washington. \n\n\n\nThe Library \not Congress \n\n\n\nWASHINGTON \n\n\n\nO LoED Jesus Cheist, wlio at thj first coming didst send \nthy messenger to prepare thy way"^ before thee ; grant that the \nMinisters and Stewards of thy mysteries may likewise\'so prepare \nand make ready thy way, b}^ turning the hearts of the disobedi- \nent to the wisdom of tbe just, that, at thy second coming to \njudge the world, we may be found an acceptable people in thy \nsight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy \nSpirit, ever one God, world without end. \xe2\x80\x94 Amen. \n\n\n\nPREFACE. \n\n\n\nThis volume is a humble attempt to again call attention to \nthe aggressive work of the Church, and the abiding law of re- \nligious progress : to a princii)le indispensable to the Church\'s \nsuccess, and as primitive as is Ajjostolical Christianity. Im- \nbedded in the Church\'s history from first to last, and the prime \nfactor in every movement legitimate to the Church of Christ, \nthis law stands forth itself the great coiiimission to Go, and \ndisciple the nations. \n\nIt is surprising that an element of such importance should \nbe suffered to fail into abeyance. It is a sorry fact when un- \nprejudiced umpires say of the religious atmosphere, "Cold- \nness " is the verdict, and representatives themselves confess, \n" We are dying of dignity ! " For "Like priest, like people !" \n\nBut if we are not mistaken, we have reached a brighter \ndawning. Long have the faithful ]3leaded for the w^ork wrought \nin the days of our fathers, "and in the old time before them !" \nMeanw^hile God has waited to be gracious. To-day, the \nChurch rejoices in the renewal of her faith. A great religious \nimpulse is now pervading the Church, and the tide of a true \nrehgious fervor \xe2\x80\x94 a new zeal \xe2\x80\x94 seems fairly to have set in upon \nus. \n\nThis on the one hand must not be ignored. It is command- \ned that we "Quench not the Spirit." \xe2\x80\x94 Nor, on the other hand, \nshould we willingly see it diverted from its legitimate course \n\xe2\x80\x94a blessing for the whole Church as it is\xe2\x80\x94 into narrow and \nerratic channels. And yet is it not true now as of old, that \n" The Spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets !" \n\nTherefore for the Church to consider, and especiallj^ at the \npresent moment, by what Apostolical instrumentality she can \npermanently secure to herself this ever augmenting force, and \nby what methods she can utilize and develop this aggressive \npower, having an eye to a just precedent, is clearly a work of \nthe gravest importance. \n\nJudging from the facts coming to our knowledge, the Church \n\n\n\niv Preface, \n\nof England, with all her shoit-comings and her Church-and- \nState trammels, is in this direction, lar in advance of the Pro- \ntestant Episcoj)al Church, in America. And yet we trust the \nday is not far away when the Church here as there, and \nthroughout Christendom, shall go forth, mighty as an army \nwith banners ; ahve to the aggressive work of Him who said \nto His Church \xe2\x80\x94 what she is so prone to forget \xe2\x80\x94 -\'Thirik not \nthat I am come to send peace on earth : I came not to send \npeace, but a sword ! *\' \n\nBut in comparison with a zeal that projects and carries for- \nward sixty missions in the city of London, simultaneously, \nhaving for their support the heaiiy concurrence and personal \ncooperation of Bishops and Archbishops, we have certainly \nveiy little in America. " The impoetance or these Missions \nCANXOT BE ovekestimated," is the testimony borne to us from \nthose regions where this kind of work has been fairly tested. \nAnd may we not trust that the grace vouchsafed our brethren \nacross the waters, will yet be poured upon this land ! that ours \nshall be the blessing which comes in the divinely appointed \ngift so soon as that gift is recognized and devoutly employed; \nthat here Missions may be multiphed, the ening be converted, \nthe Gospel be preached to the poor, the "masses" be reached, \nand the Church made to rejoice in the recoveiy of a priceless \ngift. \n\nConscious of numerous defects, our object has, however, \nbeen only to say in a plain way what we have said, meanwhile \ncollating such facts and authorities as we conveniently could \nin support of our position. \n\nOur most grateful acknowledgements are due the Eight Rev- \nerend, the Bishop of Central York, to several clerical brethren, \nand to one dear friend of the laity especially, by whom we have \nbeen encouraged in the pubhcation of this volume. But such \nas it is, and humbly praying it may be attended by the Divine \nblessing, it is now committed to the hands of our brethren of \nthe Church of the Living God. \n\nAdvent, 1873. \n\n\n\ni \n\n\n\nINTRODUCTION. \n\n\n\nBy the Rt. Rev. K D. Enntinrjfoiu D, />., Bhliop \n\nof Central New York. \n\nA thoroiigli faith in the thing he pleads for, a personal knowl- \nedge of it, and a hearty desire to make it serve the Gospel and \nKingdom of our Lord in extending taith and righteousness \namong men, are among the qualifications that seem to me to \nentitle the writer of this book to send it forth among men. I \nhave known him as a friend many years ; he is now a Presby- \nter in my Diocese ; and I regard him with confidence, es- \nteem and affection. \n\nIf the religious condition of this country is so satisfactory \nthat no farther agency is needed to arouse and support its \nspiritual life, to make spiritual interests real and supreme in \nthe consciousness of the people, and to bring all classes of \nthem to be spiritually nourished and trained in the Church of \nGod, then he is wrong, and I am wrong with him. \n\nThe circumstance that two or more minds would not think \nor utter their thoughts, on a great subject like this, in all its \ndetails, precisely and altogether alike does not seem to me to \nbe a reason why they should not unite in an honest endeavor \nto get it fairly before the public for consideration. The prin- \ncipal points in which I suppose myself to agree with the au- \nthor are these : \xe2\x80\x94 \n\n\n\nvi Introduction. \n\n1. That there is a place within the Church Catholic and Apos- \ntolical in America for added instrumentalities. 2. That while \nthree orders of Ministers and three only appertain to the Con- \nstitution of the Church, and while by far the greater part of \nministerial usefulness is found in the Pastorship of settled \nflocks, yet the Pastoral office needs often to be supplemented \nand supported by special services of Missionaries, Itinerants \nand Evangelists. 3. That all such services must be so ordered \nas to violate in no instance or degree our canons or rubrics, or \nthe rights of any Rector, and that they should be strictly sub- \nject, as to appointment, method and regulation, to the author- \nity ol the Bishop. 4. That they should conform in all respects \nto the genius and spirit as well as the laws of the Church, pro- \nmoting reverence as well as earnestness, peace no less than \nprogress, order along with activity, and permanent strength as \nthe result of any immediate or special effort. \n\nAs I have looked over the proof-sheets of the work, it has \nstruck me more and more that it must interest and quicken \nmany readers ; and it will certainly furnish important infor- \nmation to not a few among us, in various parts of the land, who \nare inquiring the best way of promoting and carrying on mis- \nsion-work. "Stir up, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful peo- \nple." \n\nSyracuse, Nov. 4. 1873. F. D. H. \n\n\n\nCONTENTS. \n\n\n\nPreface, Page iii \n\nIntroduction by Bishop Huntington, v \n\nCHAPTER I\xe2\x80\x94 Tntrodcctoey. \n\nAggrecftive Work, 9 \n\nEusebius and otber athoritles 9 \n\nAddresses by Bps. Whipple, Huntington, Neely, Cummins, East- \nburn, and Remarts by Dr. Washburn, 11 \n\nChurch Congress, Leeds, Eug 16 \n\nEvangplj\xc2\xabts Appointed, 18 \n\nTrained Men Needed, 19 \n\nCHAPTER II.\xe2\x80\x94 A Plea for Evangelists. \n\nThe Two-fold Work of the Church, 24 \n\nTwo-foid Form of the Ministry, 27 \n\nThe Work Defined, 27 \n\nAn Age of Indifference following the Absence of Evangelists, 36 \n\nEuropean and English Reformers Evangelists, 38 \n\nThe " Masses "\xe2\x80\x94How Reached, 41 \n\nHouse of Bishop.^ \xe2\x80\x94 Testimony of in 1856, 42 \n\nSchool of the Evangelists\xe2\x80\x94 Importance of. 46 \n\nCHAPTER HI.\xe2\x80\x94 Practical Difficulties. \n\nWant of Guaranteed Maintenance, 52 \n\nFear for the Existing Order of Things, 56 \n\nChurch Congress (Eng.) Reports from 57 \n\n" Revivalism," 61 \n\nPerverse Men using the Gift, 65 \n\nThe Great Difficulty\xe2\x80\x94 a Secularized Cluirc]i, 67 \n\nCHAPTER lY.\xe2\x80\x94 A Mission Contemplated. \n\nPreparation,\xe2\x80\x94 Notices, 69 \n\nSixty Missions in London, Simultaneously, 77 \n\nPrayer with the Divine Promises, 79 \n\nA Novena , 80 \n\nEnglisli Bishops recommend a Ten Days Mission, 81 \n\nCHAPTER v.\xe2\x80\x94 A Mission with its Methods. \n\nTwo by Two, 83 \n\nA Public Receplioa, S4 \n\nBeginning a Mission, 84 \n\nMission Service, 85 \n\n\n\nviii Contents. \n\nBishop of Ripon, (Eng.) 85 \n\nSinging, 86 \n\nSermon\xe2\x80\x94 Its Cliaracter and Importance, 88 \n\nThe Instrnction ana Meditation, 01 \n\nCHAPTER YI\xe2\x80\x94 A Mission avithout An Evangelist. \n\nThe Case Sta ted, 94 \n\nReasons for Holding Sucli Missions, 96 \n\nThe Preacher to be desired, 97 \n\nPere Nampon 98 \n\nTopics of Sermons, 100 \n\nLength of Services\xe2\x80\x94 Example in Iowa, 103 \n\nExtemporary and Mannscript Sermons 104 \n\nCHAPTER VII.\xe2\x80\x94 Other Important Constderations. \n\n1. Personal Contact, not the Confessional\xe2\x80\x94 " From House to \n\nHouse, " 106 \n\n2. A " Orasade," 112 \n\n3. Class Instruction, 113 \n\n4. Lay -help, 114 \n\n6. Sacraments, 115 \n\n6. Physical Conditions, 115 \n\n7. A Missionary Meeting, 117 \n\nLength of a Mission, 118 \n\nCHAPTER VIII.\xe2\x80\x94 Results Organized\xe2\x80\x94 The Guild. \n\nSuccessful Results, 119 \n\nLive Men, 121 \n\n* \' Imbecile Pulpit, " 122 \n\nAn Adamantine Obstacle, 122 \n\nOur Lord\'s Example, , 122 \n\n5. Francis de Sales, 122 \n\nA Handful of Corn on the Mountains, 123 \n\nUnpromising Communities, 123 \n\nBrotherhoods and Guilds, 124 \n\n" Imperiuin in ImpeiHo,^^ 124 \n\nA Vital Want of the Church Met, 124 \n\n"Young Men will join us," 125 \n\nSuggestions and Plans 125 \n\nOrganization, 126 \n\nThe Final \' \' Well Done. " 129 \n\nAPPENDIX. \n\nA.\xe2\x80\x94 "Parochial Missions," by the Very Rev. Canon Fremantle, 130 \n\nB.\xe2\x80\x94 John Wesley, Bp. Wilberforce, and Dr. Hugh Miller Thompson, 142 \nC\xe2\x80\x94 Forms of Organization 149 \n\n\n\nCHAPTER I. \n\n\n\nINTRODUCTORY. \n\nAggressive toorh in the Episcopal Church \xe2\x80\x94 Eusehi- \nus \xe2\x80\x94 Alford \xe2\x80\x94 Addresses in Neiv Yorh \xe2\x80\x94 Bp, \nWhipple\xe2\x80\x94 Bp. Huntington\xe2\x80\x94 Bp, Neely\xe2\x80\x94Bp, Cum- \nmins \xe2\x80\x94 Bp, Eastburn- \xe2\x80\x94 Dr. Washburn \xe2\x80\x94 Churcli \nCongress {Eng,) \xe2\x80\x94 Evangelists Appointed \xe2\x80\x94 Train- \ned Men needed. \n\nIt is now seventeen years since the attention of \nthe Protestant Episcopal Church was called to the \nimportance of such Apostolic instrumentalities as \nhave for their especial end^ the aggressive work of \nthe Church. Nine years later^ the subject was \nagain agitated^ and a limited work was accom- \nplished pursuant to this idea. In 1867; at the re- \nquest of a large number of the clergy of Boston and \nvicinity, we published our Plea for Evangelists, \nThis we now reproduce, still believing it to be a \nmeasure of unequaled importance to the Church, \nat the present time. \n\nEusebius says of the early disciples, that: \xe2\x80\x94 "Af- \nterwards leaving their country, they performed the \noffice oi evangelists to those who had not yet heard \n1 \n\n\n\n10 Aggressive Worlc. \n\nthe faith, whilst with a noble ambition to proclaim \nChrist, they also delivered to them the books of the \nHoly Gospels. After laying the foundation of the \nfaith in foreign parts as the particular object of \ntheir mission, and after appointing others as shep- \nherds of the flocks, and committing to these the care \nof those that had been recently introduced, they \nwent again to other regions and nations, with the \ngrace and cooperation of God;\'^ \n\nAlfordsays: Evangelists are "itinerant preach- \ners, usually sent on some special mission.\'\' In \nHook\'s Church Dictionary W\' e read : \xe2\x80\x94 " Evangelists. \nPersons chosen of the Apostles to preach the Gos- \npel. It being impracticable for the twelve only, to \npreach the Gospel to all the w^orld. Philip, among \nothers, was engaged in this function. As for their \nrank in the Church, St. Paul places them after the \nApostles and prophets, but before the pastors and \nteachers, which makes Theodoret call them Apos- \ntles of the second rank : they had no particular \nflock assigned; as Bishops or ordinary pastors, but \ntraveled from one place to another, according to \n\ntheir instructions received from the Apostles *\' \n\nIt is for this primitive work w^e still plead. \n\nIn confirmation of the view^s w^e have here set \nforth, ^NQ have received such witness from the living \nChurch as, in the main, leaves no doubt of the cor- \nrectness of our conclusions, or that we have already \nentered upon a period which, though fraught with \nalmost unparalleled peril, is nevertheless a period \n\n\n\nIntroductory. 11 \n\nof glorious revival. And it is to encourage such as \nhave been longing and praying that they might see \nthis work within this Church of their hearts, that \nwe have put together and now present the facts and \nsuggestions of these pages, which may also in some \nsort, serve as a manual of directions for the prose- \ncution of the work. \n\nIn illustration of what we have here intimated, \nand as introductory to this little volume, we may \nhere very properly refer to the fact that the employ- \nment of evangelists has already been warmly in- \ndorsed by not a few of the most earnest and influ- \nential Bishops and Clergy of the United States.* \n\nPerhaps, however, nothing will better illustrate \nthe spirit of this movement than the follow^ing, \nwhich we extract from a printed report of a meeting \nin Calvary Church, New York, Oct. 19th, 1868 : \n\n" Tlie E2oiscopal Evangelization Society. This is \na society having for its object the evangelization of \nour waste places. The mode by which it purposes \nto. effect this is first and chiefly by sending out a \n\n*To the Memorials carried up to the General Convention have \nbeen attached the names of such men as the Rev. Chas. Fay, \nD. D., Eoger S. Howard, D. D., C. H. Seymour, C. F. Knight, \nJ. T. Burrill, A. H. Washburn, D. D., F. D. Huntington, D. \nD., now Bishop of Central Nev/ York, Jas. A. Bolles, D. D., \nT. W. Snow, J. I. T. CooHdge, D. D., T. R. Lambert, S. T. \nD., Jas. Cameron, J. A. Wilson, N. H. Schenck, D. D., Geo. \nD. Cummins, D. D., now Assistant Bishop of Kentuckv, E. \nA. Washburn, D. D., Eichard Newton, D. D., J. W. Bonham, \nJohn Cotton Smith, D. D., Wm. F. Morgan, D. D., Thos. \nGalladet, D. D., Frederick Ogilby, D. D., A. Wiswal, E. N. \nOliver, D. D., O. W. Whittaker, D. D., now Bishop of Nevada, \nF. Whartou, D. D., A. H. Vinton, D. D., John F. Spaulding, \nT). J)., and others. \n\n\n\n12 Aggressive WorJc. \n\nclass of eflBcient preachers \xe2\x80\x94 men in orders \xe2\x80\x94 whose \nduty it shall be, to hold mission services for a series \nof days or nights, in halls and elsewhere, in a given \nregion or district, and after committing the newly \nformed interest to the care of the Bishop or neigh- \nboring rector, then proceed to a similar work else- \nwhere. \n\n"A meeting was held in the interests of this So- \nciety during the session of the late General Con- \nvention, Monday evening, Oct. 19th, in Calvary \nChurch, New York, (the Rev. E. A. Washburn, D. \nD., rector,) at which, after an opening service by \nthe Rt. Rev. Bishop Neely, of Maine, an address \nwas made by the Rt. Rev. H. B. Whipple, D. D., \nBishop of Minnesota, who expressed in a very feel- \ning manner, his deep and hearty interest in the \nwork of this Society. He believed the Church \nneeded everywhere, and more than everything else, \nthe very work proposed by this Society. He was \nsure this was the case in the Diocese of Minnesota. \nMillions of souls were ^oing down to hell, and we \nmust do what we can to save them. He wished the \nSociety were now prepared to send Evangelists to \nMinnesota. \n\n" The Rev. F. D. Huntington, D. D., of Boston, \nPresident of the Society, [now Bishop of Central \nNew York,] next explained at some length, the \ncharacter and plans of the Society, urging the \nApostolic character of the work proposed, and the \ngreat and crying need of this instrumentality at \nthe present time. The facts were, this Church can- \nnot put her finger upon a period of great prosperity \nwhere this instrumentality had not been employed. \nIt was said, our present mission force is utterly un-_ \nequal to the needs of our home field, not to say \nanything of foreign lands, and in this view we must \n\n\n\nIntrodtLctory, 13 \n\nuse this most Apostolic and time-honored gift of \nthe Evangelist, or leave these wide-spread fields to \nthe enemy or to desolation. We have left them \nheretofore, simply because we were obliged to; but \nwith the well-directed efi\'orts of efficient evangel- \nists, it is certain we can bring the knowledge of \nthe Gospel, and the reverent ways and worship of \nthe Church to peoples and communities that we \ncannot otherwise reach. It w^as suggested whether \nour present mode of raising and expending the last \ndollar we can, to sustain a missionary in a field, to \nyear after year minister to a few families Avhere \nthere was hardly the possibility of anything like \nChurch-extension, was not quite unlike the way \nthat would be dictated by the wisdom of the world ? \nWould it not be wise to use this instrumentality, \nconsidering the work of the Church in an econom- \nical point of view ? Would not business men adopt \njust the plan proposed by this society, had they \nthe work of the Church to do ? Is it not upon a \nsimilar plan that politicians act when they under- \ntake a great movement? And why should we hesi- \ntate about giving our sympathies and support to \nthe work of this Society ? It was also said, we were \nnot alone in our judgment with reference to this \nmatter. The subject had been under discussion in \nthe Church for some time past and it has now come \nto be known that the living men of our Church, \nNorth, South, East and West, are unanimous in \ntheir convictions that something of this kind is \nneeded to supplement or pioneer our present mis- \nsionary work in this country. \n\n"The Kt: Eev. II. A. Neely, D. D., Bishop of \nMaine, presented in a very vivid manner, the pres- \nent and pressing needs of his Diocese. There are \nvast regions, populated by a sturdy, industrious \n\n\n\nn \n\n\n\n14 \xe2\x96\xa0 Aggressive Worh, \n\nand thinking people who have hardly heard of the \nProtestant Episcopal Church. To think of reach- \ning these vast regions according to our present \nmodes of Church-extension, he regarded as utterly \nimpossible; but give us Evangelists, true and ear- \nnest men, men able to go forth and hold protracted \nmission services and preach the Gospel in the pow- \ner of the Holy Ghost, and he believed we would \nsee a glorious Church interest spreading all over \nthe Diocese. He felt this was precisely the kind \nof labor that Y/as needed in Maine. Evangelists \nhe regarded as the proper and Apostolic pioneers \nof the Church in her organized form. His hearty \ndesire was that we might be speedily furnished \nwith a strong force of able Evangelists. \n\n"The Et. Eev. Geo. D. Cummins, D. D., Assistant \nBishop of Kentucky, next followed witTi a most \nhappy and effective address in favor of the work \ninaugurated by this Society. It was, in his view, a \ngrand move in the right direction. This meeting \nwas to him the best part of the Convention. He \nhad long felt we needed to have a work carried on \nin the Church, like that proposed by this Society, \nand he hailed with gratitude to God, the fact that \nthis work is now taken in hand. He said it was \nthe very work which was so blessed in the hands of \nthe Wesleys, more than a century ago, but the same \nwork needs as much to be done now, and he doubt- \ned not would be abundantly owned and blessed by \nthe Head of the Church. The Episcopal Church, \nhe said, was the most learned and refined Church \nin the land, and carried with it an historical pres- \ntige unknown by any Protestant body in America, \nstill it was not the Church of the masses ; far from \nit. In its relation to the surrounding bodies, he \nhad often thought of the saying of good Bishop \n\n\n\nIntroductory, 15 \n\nChase, that the Episcopal Cliurch was much like a \nsprig of mignonette nnder a pumpkin vine. Evan- \ngelists were just what the Church most needs at \nthe present time to make her ways known to all \npeople. He would be most happy to welcome a \nband of Evangelists in the Diocese of Kentucky. \n\n"The Kt. Eev. Manton Eastburn, D. D., Bishop \nof Massachusetts (since deceased), said he vfas most \nhappy to add his testimony to the importance of \nthe work taken in hand by the Evangelization So- \nciety. It had been his privilege to know something \npersonally of the origin and progress of this work, \nand he believed the fruit had been to the glory of \nGod. He regarded it as an efficient method of \nreaching the masses ; and to reach the masses by \nthe faithful preaching of the Gospel of the Lord \nJesus Christ, was the one grand object of this So- \nciety. While traveling through the Diocese of \nMassachusetts, he had often yearned over the mul- \ntitudes of men that it seemed impossible to reach, \nbut from his knowledge of the plans of this Society, \nand the work already accomplished, he believed we \nwere furnished by it with an instrumentality which \nAvould be found efficient to a degree hitherto un- \nknown in our Church, and would be abundantly \nblessed of God. He could commend the work to \nthe sympathies and prayers of all who truly cared \nfor the work of evangelizing and saving the souls \nof men. \n\n" Brief remarks were also made by others, the \nEev. Dr. Washburn adding a concluding word. But \nit would have been difficult for him to add weight \nto what he had said to his own congregation the \nSunday before, namely, \'that he regarded this as the \nmost important movement in the Church since the \ndays of Wesley." \n\n\n\n16 Aggressive Work. \n\nBut singularly eiioiigh^, while the hearts of God\'s \npeople were being thus moved to the consideration \nof this subject in this country^ the hearts of faith- \nful and earnest men were, without any conference \nwith Churchmen in America, being simultaneously \nmoved with the same inspiring thought in Great \nBritain. \n\nIn the Church Congress held in Leeds, (Eng.) \n1872, the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of Ripon, being called \nto the Chair, the first topic discussed was that of \n" Mission Services.\'^ An able paper was read upon \nthe subject, by the Rev. Canon Fremantle,* and \nseveral addresses were made, in which it appears \nthat these Missions began in England, about fif- \nteen years before, in St. Martinis Church, Birming- \nham, *\xe2\x80\xa2 under the care of Dr. Miller, and were car- \nried on by two honored friends, the Rev. John \nRyle, and the very Rev. Dr. McNeil. The move- \nment gradually spread out into the Westminster \nAbbey and St.* Paul\'s services, and latterly it has be- \ncome embodied in these weekly Parochial Mis- \nsions." We quote the w^ords of the Rev. Canon \nHoare, who adds: ^-I believe there cannot be a \ndoubt that these missions have been blessed by \nGod ;" asking withal, \xe2\x80\x94 ** Do we not want an order of \nEvangelists, as well as an order of Pastors ?" The \n\nSev. W. D. Maclagan said : ^^ It is an agency \n\nthat has been mightily blessed by God." \n\n\n\n* See Appendix A. \n\n\n\nIntroductory, 17 \n\nKichard W. Gamble, Q. C, Dublin, said:\xe2\x80\x94 ^^t \nwas the strictness of this rule which drove John \nWesley away from the Church, and the Church has \nthereby lost thousands upon thousands who might \nhave now been within her fold. The Wesleyan \nsystem of itinerancy is the opposite extreme of the \nparochial system ; they have now been each on trial \nfor some ninety years, and while one beginning from \nnothing, and without endowments, has won over \nto its side some four millions of the people of Eng- \nland alone ; the other with all its endowments and \nits social position, has sustained a loss of a like \nnumber. The time* of this sad experiment should \nnow suffice, and a remedy at last be sought for. \nTherefore, in conclusion, I would humbly suggest \nthat the Church would now do wisely to consider \nwhether some immediate step might not be taken, \nwhether itinerancy might not be imported in some \ndegree into the parochial system, so that all classes \nof people might be effectively reached by the minis- \ntrations of the Church, and this hemorrhage which \nis draining her life blood at last be staunched.\'^ * \n\nWe confess to the possibility of being too san- \nguine in our anticipations with reference to this \nwork. It must be remembered we are recovering \nfrom a long continued torpor ; a condition in which \nwe have long grieved and quenched the Spirit \n\n*By the last census, it was shown that the Methodists in \nthe United States had sittings for between five and six millions, \nand the Protestant Episcopal Church for about eight hundred \nthousand. \n\n1* \n\n\n\n18 Aggressive Worh, \n\nwhich, while seeking to work in channels of Divine \nappointment, has perhaps more often been manifest- \ned among the prophets of Samaria than among the \nprophets of Jernsalem. A fact that may be continu- \ned to the end. And so too, although God will at \nthe last " cut short His work in righteousness" \xe2\x80\x94 a \nwork that may be speedily accomplished \xe2\x80\x94 still He \nwill never make haste according to the caprice of \nman. A^id yet we do believe there are already pre- \nmonitions of tlie grace ready to fall upon the Lord\'s \nheritage in this land, although the cloud discovered \nbe "no larger than a man\'s hand." Is not the sound \nof " a going in the top of the mulberry trees," a \ntoken to Israel that the Lord has gone forth to the \nbattle? \n\nAt a meeting of the General Convention, in \nPhiladelphia, 1865, a clerical deputy from Texas, \nsaid: "I have been longing and hoping to see this \nwork for twenty years." The day following, a dis- \ntinguished presbyter from New Jersey, said: "I \nhave been longing and praying that I might see \nthis work in the Episcopal Church, for twenty \nyears, and will do all I can to help it on.\'\' \n\nAlready Evangelists have been commissioned in \nthe Dioceses of Massachusetts, Central N"ew York, \nIowa, and in Virginia, while in other Dioceses the \nsubject is being discussed. It is not impossible \nthat in this v/ork may yet be found a key to the \nundefined but felt wants of our much talked of \nAmerican Cathedral System. Could the American \n\n\n\nIntroductory, 19 \n\nChurch adopt soiiiething like the See system, and \nhjjve for Bishops men thoroughly alive to the ag- \ngressive work of the Church, and v/ho for Chap- \nters should have severally a staff composed chiefly \nof trained Evangelists, instead of men who with \nforeign titles would yet be little more than figure- \nheads for an imposing and beautiful service, who \nwould not say, that, instead of mediaevalism, we \nwould have a system which, while eminently suited \nto American ideas, would be as eminently Apostol- \nic ! \xe2\x80\x94 Apostles with their bands of helpers, who \nshould be to them what St. Timothy and St. Titus \nwere to the apostle St. Paul I Cathedrals which \nshould be indeed centers of Church life. And v/ho \ncould calculate the grand results which such a sys- \ntem thoroughly worked would inevitably secure to \nthe American Church ! \n\nStill it must be remembered that men educated \nand long accustomed to the quiet of pastoral life, \nare not likely to be the men best qualified to lead \nan army. And it is very much to be feared that \nwhere there may be even a very deej) sense of the \nimportance of this work, there may be the most \nunhappy failures for want of men having the special \ntraining which we conceive to be important to suc- \ncessful efforts in this direction. Knowing as we \ndo, the course of things in the Church of Eome, \nand also among the various denominations of the \nProtestant world, we are of the settled conviction \nthat for the immediate and successful accomplish- \n\n\n\n20 Aggressive IVorl: \n\nir.i\'iit of this work in the Protestant Episcopal \n(\xe2\x96\xa0hiii-ch, it will, by all means, be found the bettor \nway to organize and train a band of men who shall \nbe wholly devoted to this department of Church \nAvork.* Tliis band may find its work typified in \nthe work of St. John in the wilderness, in the cry \nof Repentance, and, Behold the Lamb of God! so \nmaking ready the way for the coming of the Lord, \nin His Second Advent. \n\nOut of this deep and abiding conviction, we \nhave said what we have. But for this conviction, \nwe could well afi\'ord to rest in the certainly very \ncomfortable pursuit of pastoral duty. But, so long \nas the great out-lying masses are perishing at our \nvery doors without God, and without hope \xe2\x80\x94 as yet \nunreached by the Gospel; so long as we know that \npride, ambition and lust, Avith the scramble after \nwealth, are sapping the very foundations of practi- \ncal godliness ; so long as we know that the increase \nof crime is greater than is the increase of our pop- \nulation ; and so long as we know that a specious \nand yet subtle skepticism is becoming wide-spread \nand popular; and, most of all, knowing as we do, \nthat God\'s owii appointed instrumentality for the \naggressive work of the Church, is being left^ \xe2\x80\x94 if \nnot condemned \xe2\x80\x94 yet for the most part is suffered \n\n\n\n*Oa,ll tliis an Associate Mission at Large, or, if preferable, \na ^\'Wesleyan Band"\xe2\x80\x94 since it is really the work which Wes- \nle}\' proposed, and really as he proposed it, that is to say, a \nwork having for its object the glory of God within the Church. \nSee Appendix B. \n\n\n\nIntroductory, 21 \n\nto remain in cold neglect \xe2\x80\x94 how can we, how dare \nwe rest short of anything and everything which \nlies in our power to do for the furtherance of this \nwork ! How can the Church rest as she does ! \nNay, how dare she rest in her cushioned pews, all \nunmindful of neighbors already in the hands of \nunbelieving robbers ! \n\nHow can our young men contemplating the min- \nistry think of coming from their seminary to shut \nthemselves up to minister, it may be, for a lifetime \nto only a "select few," Sunday after Sunday mount- \ning their beautiful pulpits and benevolently, per- \nhaps we should say religiously wondering why the \nworld doesn\'t come in and be converted \xe2\x80\x94 forgetful \nof the fact that these pews are let; \xe2\x80\x94 that the mul- \ntitudes outside know nothing and care nothing for \nthis beautiful service of worship, and have, it may \nbe, no faith in the God who is worshipped here ; \xe2\x80\x94 \nforgetful of the fact that these men must be con- \nverted and made to believe in God, if they would \nproperly worship Him ; \xe2\x80\x94 forgetful of the example \nof Him who gave them commission, but himself \npreached not only in the beautiful Temple, and in \nthe Synagogue, biit also on the mountain and by \nthe seashore ! \n\nHow can those having command of wealth, \xe2\x80\x94 by \nwhose exertions we might in a brief time, place at \nleast a small band of men whose hearts are a-fire \nwith the evangelic flame, in every Diocese where \nour bishops are to-day asking for them, \xe2\x80\x94 how, we \n\n\n\n22 Aggressive WorL \n\nask, can such men rest on tlieir pillows a-niglits, \nwhile withholding their offerings and nsing their \nAvealth for self-aggrandizement or for pleasures \nwhich they do not need ! \n\nHow can all this be, with but one life here to \nlive, and that so brief, the grave gaping, the Judg- \nment of the Great Day so near, and an eternal life \nto gain or to lose ! 0, Church of God, how can \nthese thiugs be ! \n\nBut be this our labor and toil till we have finish- \ned our course, or until the Gospel shall be every- \nwhere effectually preached to the breaking down \nthe kingdom of sin, Satan and death \xe2\x80\x94 and until it \nshall appear that this branch of the Church is in- \ndeed marshaled beneath the banner of Him who \nhath gone forth "conquering and to conquer/\' \n\nAnd let those who have this work at heart pray \nand labor for it. Pray for the establishment and \nrecognition of the Apostolic work of evangelists. \nLabor for the institution of missions \xe2\x80\x94 ask for them, \nseek them ; if possible find such as will join in \nprocuring and sustaining them. For Zion\'s sake \nhold not thy peace, and for Jerusalem\'s sake rest \nnot "until the righteousness thereof go forth as \nbrightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that \nburnetii." Until then we say with the Rt. Eev. the \nBishop of Central New York : * \n\n\n\n*Oonvention Address, 1873. \n\n\n\nIntroditctory, 23 \n\n\'\'But most of us, I belieye will never be sat- \nisfied, and never rest, until by any instruments \nthat God^s Word, and Providence, and Spirit have \noffered to our hands, the fires and winds of new \nPentecosts burn and blow along these frigid and \nstagnate waters around us." \n\n\n\nCHAPTER 11. \n\n\n\nA PLEA FOR EVANGELISTS. \n\nThe tioO\'fold worh of the Cliurch \xe2\x80\x94 two-fold form of \nthe Appostolic mmistry \xe2\x80\x94 Evangelisf s ivorh de- \nfined \xe2\x80\x94 The name not important \xe2\x80\x94 An age of indif- \nference folloioed the absence of Evangelists \xe2\x80\x94 St. \nPatrich, Gallns, Winifred., Ansgar, Otto., and \nthe Great English Reformers Evangelists \xe2\x80\x94 Reach- \ning the masses \xe2\x80\x94 The Parochial system intact \xe2\x80\x94 \nPulpit Oratory \xe2\x80\x94 The School of the Evangelists. \n\nThe work of the Church is two-fold in character, \nhaving, like its divine Author and Head, its two \nphases \xe2\x80\x94 its divine and its human. And these, so \nfar from being either accidental or unnecessary, \nmust be constantly recognized in order to a right \nconception of the nature of the Church or of \nChurch-work. Regarded in its human aspect only, \nthe Church becomes humanitarian and Pharisaic ; \nand, regarded in its divine nature alone, we are lost \nin the contemplation of God and cease to feel the \nsympathy of our divine Master for our perishing \nrace, for whom He was content to be betrayed and \ncrucified. But studying the Church in her two- \n\n\n\nA Pica for Evangelists. 25 \n\nfold character we have her, on the one hand^ min- \nistering unto the Lord, as a holy priesthood, (Acts \nxiii., 2, XeirovpyovvrGDv. Heb. x., 11,) and on the \nother, ministering unto men, as the light of the \nworld. In the first she is fulfilling that priestly \nwork in which she is one with her ascended Lord. \nIn this she offers to God acceptable worship, the \nsacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, pleading con- \nstantly before Him the one sacrifice and oblation \nmake by Christ for the sins of the Avhole world. \n(Eom. XV. 16, \'lepovpyovvra, 1 Cor. xii. 27, Heb. \nvii. 12.) And so also, we offer unto God our bod- \nies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto \nHim through Jesus Christ. (Rom. xii. 1, Heb. xiii. \n15-16.) This is the contemplation of the Church \nin her divine aspect, as constituting the mystical \nbody of Christ, "the fullness of Him that filleth all \nin all." And hence "Is it not written, My house \nshall be called of all nations the house of prayer?" \nDrawing near to God, He draws near to us. This \nis the light in which the Church continually stands \nbefore God. (Eph. i. 23, St. Mark xi. 17, St. Jas. iv. \n\n8.) \n\nBut considered in the relation which the Church \nsustains to the world, we find her work to consist \nin making known the knowledge of God as reveal- \ned in Jesus Christ. "This is life eternal that they \nmight know Thee the only true God, and Jesus \nChrist whom thou hast sent.\'\' (Eph. iii. 10, 6ia \nTrj^ eHJiXrjcna^, 1 Tim. iii. 15, St. John xvii. 3.) \n\n\n\n26 Aggressive Work, \n\nFor this reason the one great commission which \nour Lord gave to the Church is contained in the \nwords : " Go ye into all the world and preach the \nGospel to every creature." And again : \'^ Go ye \ntherefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in \nthe name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the \nHoly Ghost : teaching them to observe all things \nwhatsoever I have commanded you." (St. Mark xvi. \n15, St. Matt, xxviii. 19-20.) Hence the ; Church \nis " The light of the world." ^^ As the Father hath \nsent me," said our Lord to his Apostles, \'^so send I \nyou into the world." (St. Matt. v. 14,5 St. John \nXX. 21.) And in tracing the progress of this thought \nwe find that, in the beginning of our Lord\'s per- \nsonal work on earth. He gathered and commission- \ned the Apostles, and then proceeded in like man- \nner to gather and send out His Evangelists. (St. \nMatt. X. 2, 5. St. Luke x. 1.) Yet, inasmuch as \nGod would employ all hearts and all hands as work- \ners together with him in the great moral vineyard, \nwe read not only of multiplied forms of ministry \nand spiritual gifts immediately upon the Ascension \nof our Lord, but more than this. Of the Church \n\nat Corinth we read: \'\'Ye are our Epistles \n\nknown and read of all men.\'\' (2 Cor. iii. 2, 3.) Of \nthe Church at large, St. Peter says : ^\' Ye are a cho- \nsen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, \na peculiar people, that ye should show forth the \npraises of Him who hath called you out of dark- \nness into His marvellous light." (1 Pet. ii. 5, 9.) \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evajigelists. 27 \n\nAnd although, without the recognized unity, the \nmutual interdependence and cooperation of the \nbody of Christ (1 Cor. xii. 21), this work can never \nbe accomplished as it ought, yet even then it would \nbe difficult to determine how it could be accom- \nplished without the divinely-appointed and recog- \nnized ministries of the Church. It is written : \n"He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and \nsome Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, \nfor the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the \nbody of Christ.^^ (Eph. iv. 11. rov<^ era evayyeX \nKjta^, rov^ 6a noifxava^.) Our present formula, \nand it is that which comes to us in the historic \nChurch, compasses the several ministries in Bish- \nops, Priests and Deacons. But, be these ministries \ndesignated by whatever terms they may, the work \nremains the same, two-fold, \xe2\x80\x94 that Avhich is with- \nout, \xe2\x80\x94 manward, \xe2\x80\x94 and that which is within, \xe2\x80\x94 or \nheavenward. We have very nearly the same line \nof thought suggested by saying that the work is in \none direction centripetal, and in the other centrifu- \ngal. In one direction it is God working within, in \nthe other we work out. \n\nAnd for this two-fold work, we need two distinct \nforms of ministry, the Evangelistic and the Pastor- \nal : the one to carry the Gospel to those that are \nwithout; and the other to care for, guide, govern, \nand minister to those that are within. (Acts xx. \n28.) The one class are they that plow and sow; \nthe other are they who in due time husband and \n\n\n\n28 Aggressive Work. \n\ngather in the precious fruit. These are they who \nquarry rocks and hew cedar-beams in distant moun- \ntains; while the others are like the artificers that, \nwith skillful hands and patient industry, carry on \nthe erection and completion of the temple within \nthe city. One class may be compared to the King\'s \nbody-guard, and the intrepid men who garrison the \nfortresses and strongholds of Zion ; while the oth- \ners are the skirmishers and vanguard of the field. \nThe one is aggressive, the other is conservative. So \nlong as the Church contemplates aggressive work, \nso long she needs the gift of the Evangelist ; and \nso long as she would conserve the interests of \nChrist\'s Church, so long she needs the Pastoral of- \nfice. But give her the Pastoral only, and you have \nthe Church of the Middle Ages, feeling she is \nrich and increased in goods and has need of noth- \ning (Kev. iii. 17), assuming that all the land is \nhers, although unwittingly she is like a Samson, \nalready in the hands of the Philistines. Give her \nthe work of the Evangelist only, and you have a \ngrasping, vehement and tintempered Methodism, \nwhich knows and cares little if at all about paro- \nchial work. And when did the Church ever make \nrapid and healthy progress, effectually vindicating \nher claims, and maintaining her position as she \nought, without both the work of the Evangelist \nand the work of the Pastor ? Let us hope she will \nnot long be indifferent to this question. \n\nIt may, hoAvever, be asked, does not this distinc- \n\n\n\nd \n\n\n\nA Flea for Eva7igelists, 29 \n\ntion, giving to the Avork of the ministry this two- \nfold character, disparage, if it does not make null, \nthe three orders of the ministry which have been \nfound in the Church without interruption since \nthe days of the Apostles? We think not. This \nwe fail to discover, since what we speak of is not \nnecessarily an oflBce, but a work : is rather function- \nal than organic or structural. The work of the \nEvangelist and the work of tlie Pastor have each \nbeen fulfilled by bishops, by priests, and by dea- \ncons. And it is but just to assume that these sev- \nerally are now in a measure, fulfilling this two-fold \nwork. True, a Bishop is a Pastor-in-chief in his \nhis own Diocese. The Shepherd Crook is the sym- \nbol of his office. But if you assume that within \nthe episcopate is to be found the Apostolate, then, \nwe ask, ought the Bishop always to abide within \nhis Episcopal Chair \xe2\x80\x94 his Cathedra? Is not an \nApostle one sent of God ? And is it not as much \nhis duty to preach to the "regions beyond" (2 Cor. x. \n16), as it is to administer rule within the limits of \nhis flock? Did not St. Paul, the great Apostle to \nthe Gentiles say : " Christ sent me not to baptize, \nbut to preach the Gospel ?\'\' (1 Cor. i. 17). The \nfacts, then, are these: After the Ascension of our \nLord, all the ministries of the visible Church were \nincluded and involved in the Apostolate; this was \nthe comprehensive and only ministry recognized \nin the Church upon the day of Pentecost. But \nsince, in the nature of things, the number of the \n\n\n\n30 Aggressive Work. \n\nApostles must remain limited, it was obviously \nnecessary that there should be an increase of in- \nstrumentalities to carry on the Church\'s work. \nHence we are soon informed that they appointed \nDeacons (Acts vi. 3, 6.), and shortly atter are told \nthat they ordained Elders or Presbyters in every \nChurch (Acts xiv. 23. ). But these, so far from \nbeing independent in their positions, had their \nroot in the Apostolic office which Christ had com- \nmissioned in person, and which the Holy Ghost, \nnow dwelling in the Church, would not contravene. \nTherefore these several ministries sprang into ex- \nistence only by the appointment and sanction of \nthe Holy Ghost dwelling in the Apostles; not to \nsupersede nor to emulate the work of the Apostles, \nbut rather as dependencies and helpers to them. \nAnd although authoritatively ordained by Apostles, \nthrough whom Christ w^ould administer rule and \nguidance to His Church, tliey were to be regarded \nas gifts from Christ, the great chief Shepherd, the \nthe*Bishop and Head of the Church. Some were \nEvangelists, and some were Pastors, because, while \nthese Churches and the destitute fields surrounding \nthem, w^ere all within the jurisdiction of the Apos- \ntles, yet the Apostles could not fulfill in person all \nthe duties necessary either for the gathering or \nguidance of the flocks. So that this two-fold divi- \nsion of work, far from being either accidental or \nnovel, has its origin in the very beginning of Apos- \ntolic times, and has for its basis wants that cannot \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists, 31 \n\notherwise be met. Therefore while St. Paul did the \nwork of the Evangelist, we find that Timothy was \nrequired to do the same (2 Tim. iv. 5) ; and also \nthat Philip the Deacon, npon going to Samaria, \ndid also the same work (^Acts xxi. 8.) Hence the \nassumption that in pleading for the recognition of \nthe gift and work of the Evangelist, we are seeking \nto foist a novelty upon the Church is not only gra- \ntuitous but untrue. Let those who talk of Bishops, \nPriests, Deacons, and Evangelists, talk also of \nBishops, Priests, Deacons, and Missionaries, and \nwe have an exact parallel of consistency. \n\nBut let us say, some Bishops,. (more especially \nMissionary Bishops,) some Priests, and some Dea- \ncons are by special gifts, and by eccl \'siastical ap- \npointment, Evangelists, and some are Pastors, and, \nwe ask : Have we not an Apostolic idea crystalized \ninto a fact within our own Apostolical Church? \n\nWe then plead for the recognition and acceptance \nof that great Apostolic idea which can never be re- \nalized without the vigorous fulfillment of what is \ntermed by St. Paul, "The work of the Evangelist." \n2 Tim. iv. 5). Yea, more : we plead for it as a \npriceless gift from the hand of our ascended Lord, \nAvithout which the Church can never fulfill to com- \npletion the work appointed her by her divine Head, \nand a work too, which He, longing to do, is, per- \nhaps, hindered from, only because His Church \nfails to discern and use as she ought. His own or- \ndained instrumentalitv. \n\n\n\n32 Aggressive Work. \n\nLet us observe that in speaking of these spiritual \ngifts or ministries, the Apostle does not say, He \ngave some Pastors, and then, as helpers or as a \ncomplement to the Pastorate, He also gave some \nEvangelists ; but, He gave some Evangelists, and \nthen, as if it were necessary to the completion of \ntheir work, as if to supplement this gift, it is add- \ned. He gave some Pastors and Teachers. \n\nBut let it be observed that we do not assume \nthat there is no fulfillment of the Evangelist\'s work \nwithin our branch of the Church Catholic. We \nsay distinctly that the spirit of this work is seen \neverywhere ; is wrought into the very soul of the \nChurch ; that it is that which, more than anything \nelse, fills her with an expansive vitality and gives \nto the Church lier peculiarly Missionary character. \nYea, more than this : we assume that every man, \nclerical or lay, is doing this work whenever he tru- \nly "shows forth to men the praises of Him who \nhath called him from darkness into his marvelous \nlight." But to say, therefore, that we do not need \nEvangelists, as such, in contradistinction to Pas- \ntors, would, as it seems to us, be much like saying, \nbecause we, as a Parish, have a Eector, we have, \ntherefore, no need of a Bishop; or, vice versa. \nBoth administer rule, to be sure, but in different \nmeasures. So also, while the Pastor preaches and \nmakes known Christ, it does not follow that we \ncan say to the Evangelist: "We have no need of \nthee," for if the Pastor makes known Christ, much \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evcmgelists, 33 \xe2\x80\xa2 \n\nmore does the Evangelist. It is his to go to those \n^Hhat are without/\' to whom the Gospel of the Son \nof God, properly expounded, shall be as news in- \ndeed. The Evangelist\'s should be preeminently \nthe ofHce of preacher ; and that in special fulfill- \nment of the command: "Go ye into all the world, \nand preach the Gospel to every creature.\'^ This \nthe Bishop cannot do alone; and this the Pastor \nshould not do ; for, instead of "going/\' it is the \nPastor\'s duty to abide as a faithful shepherd witli \nhis flock. \n\nIn order to the most rapid and effectual accom- \nplishment of this work give us Apostolical Evan- \ngelists. Men who are true and loyal to Christ and \nthe Church : who, by their intellectual and spiritu- \nal furnishing shall be as polished shafts from the \nquiver of God ; and who, relieved of all parochial \ncare and pecuniary want, shall simply have for \ntheir work the going everywhere and preaching, \nout of fall souls, "Jesus and the Resurrection. " \n\nLet us picture to ourselves a man in the fulfill- \nment of such a work. He enters a town a stranger. \nHe feels keenly the utter absence of sympathy, but, \nmaking a virtue of necessity, he accepts the condi- \ntion as helpful to personal self-denial. His services \nhave been duly advertised and the people come, \nmany, perhaps the chief part of them, simply with \na view to hear a stranger; and finding nothing pe- \nculiarly suited to their morbid taste, they shortly \nsee and hear all they desire and make room for otli- \n2 \n\n\n\n34 Aggressive Worh, \n\ners the next niglit. A congregation gathers^ liow- \neyer, and now comes the test : \xe2\x80\x94 Can this stranger, \nAvithout catering to the perverted taste of our com- \nmunities, can he by a candid and faithful procla- \nmation of Christ\'s Gospel so far secure their atten- \ntion as to bring them out despite their many excuses, \nnight after night ? If he fail in this, he fails utterly \nas an Evangelist for our times; and if, for vrant of \neither talents or grace, he consents to prostitute the \nChurch of God, and degrade his high and holy \ncalling by pandering to the depraved appetite of a \ncommunity whose chief desire is "to hear or to tell \nsome new thing,*\' he forfeits his standing in the \nChurch of God. But let us suppose him equal to \nthe work. Night after night he preaches, and as fre- \nquently offers ghostly counsel to such as may feel \nthat with a burthened conscience they long for rest \nin Christ. But night after night the people listen, \nand leave. Not discouraged, he bovrs himself in his \nchamber and pleads the promises of God. He \nstrengthens himself with the immutable assurance : \n\'\' My word shall not return unto me void ; it shall \naccomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper \nin the thing whereto I sent if (Isa.lv. 11). He be- \nlieves it, and staying himself upon the promises of \nhis God, and fully conscious of the dignity and power \nof the message he bears, he gives himself to the \nwork before him with the moral might of a Samson. \nThere is no levity, and no vociferous rant. All is \nserious, solemn, and earnest. And now his con- \n\n\n\n1 \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists. 35 \n\ngregation sits spell-bound, chained and charmed by \nthe words of his lips. And among those of his \ncongregation some feel, for the first time in their \nlives, the truth of the saying : " The words that I \nspeak unto you, they are Spirit and they are life," \n(St. John yi. 63), and that the Gospel "is the pow- \ner of God unto salvation to every one that believ- \neth." (Rom. i. 16). He now feels in his own soul \nthe earnest of a moral victory. From this point of \ntime his congregation steadily increases in numbers \nand in interest. His own soul is now constantly \ngirded not only by faith and prayer, but by a pecu- \nliar inspiration in the upturned faces and tearful \neyes of a dense congregation that he feels are hang- \ning, it may be, their eternal interests upon the \nteachings he now imparts. The people cluster \naround him before and after public services begging \nfor his counsel and his prayers. Having instructed \nthem in the faith, he begins to teach them the im- \nportance of prayer and worship. (St. John iv. 23.) \nTo the joy of his soul, and, we believe, to the joy \nof angels too, (St. Luke xv. 7, 10), he now, night \nafter night, hears the accents of new voices joining \nin the humble Confession of Sin, and in the pray- \ners and praises of the Church of the Redeemer. \nTlie congregation is in his hands like wax, and he \nmoulds and shapes it to his will. The doctrines, \nsacraments, and worship of the Church are not only \nlaid before them, but wrought into their hearts. \nAnd being baptized, they are committed to the \n\n\n\n36 Aggressive JVorJc. \n\nBishop for the Apostolic rite of laying on of hands. \n(Acts xix. 6 ; Heb. vi. 2). A Rector is procured. A \nChurch is built, and henceforth there is found a \nliving witness for the truth, and a spiritual temple \nbuilt unto the Lord. This is the kind of work for \nwhich we plead. This we call \'^ The work of an \nEvangelist.\'^ \n\nThe same gift may perhaps in these times be as \nprofitably used among parishes falling into decay, \nbut the nature of the work remains the same ; it is \nthe divinely instituted instrumentality for reaching \nthose that are without, and making known to them \nthe knowledge of God in Christ. It is a work \nwhich in its fulness the Pastor cannot do; and \ntherefore, in the absence of Evangelists, must re- \nmain without being done to any considerable ex- \ntent. Hence, whenever and wheresoever the Church \nhas prospered most, then and there it will be found \nshe has used most faithfully the gift of the Evan- \ngelist. When Evangelists, or those fulfilling this \nwork \xe2\x80\x94 for about the title we do not so much care \n\xe2\x80\x94 when they have fallen into disrepute, then there \nhas supervened an elegant and refined age, it may \nbe, but an age of cold and stupid indifference to \nChurch worki It was thus whenever and wherever \nthe Papacy flourished best before the Eeformation. \nIt was doubtless a state of things inseparable from \nthe Papal system. The Pope, though lawfully only \na Bishop, became the Pontifex Maximus, a king \npriest. Thereupon the Bishops were made Lord \n\n\n\n1 \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists, 37 \n\nBishops. Thence we have the spirit that made the \ncommon clergy surround themselves with that rec- \ntorial authority which, within the precincts of their \nown parishes, made them as independent as were \nthe barons of their own times in their castles or the \nLord Bishops in their Dioceses or cathedrals. \nThere was something grand in this arrangement, \nsomething which comported well with men\'s con- \nceptions of the dignity of the Church. For it was \nan easy matter for men to yield the highest honors \nwhich they could confer on that which among men \nthey honored most, and that was the Church. And \nto make this legitimate, it was quite as easy to \ntransfer all the honors belonging to the kingdom \nof David, with its cities, bulwarks and palaces, by \na figure of speech, to the kingdom of grace. But \nthe mischief in such a transfer consisted in the \nfact that it entailed upon the Church a temporal \npower which does not belong to her during the \npresent dispensation. Or, if only morally consid- \nered, then it amounts to no less than a perversion, \nsince all ex parte exhibitions of Christianity are, \nwhen disintegrated from the body to which they \nbelong, no less than monstrosities, whether found \nwithin or without the Church. To this system \nbelonged most consistently that Anti-Christian \nand selfish spirit which seeks its own and not the \nthings which are Christ\'s. (1 Cor. x. 24; Phil. ii. \n21). This made the Bishops and Rectors practical- \nly indifferent to almost all interests lying outside \n\n\n\n38 Aggressive Work, \n\ntheir own limited jurisdictions. Then there was \nlittle known of a Missionary spirit in the Church. \n\nBut it was not so with the Apostles and Martyrs. \nWith them their highest earthly ambition was to \nmake known to men the knowledge of Christ Je- \nsus our Lord ; for vv^hich knowledge, they counted \nall else as but loss and dross. (Phil. iii. 7, 8). \nHence, wherever Apostles went, they went not only \nas centres of churchly authority, but they were to \nthe communities to which they went, first of all, as \ncentres of grand Evangelistic movements having \nfor their end the promotion of the divine glory by \nthe faithful proclamation of the Gospel of Christ. \nAnd who needs that we should tell the story of \ntheir success, how everywhere the Word of God \nwas effectually preached and the Church of the \nEedeemer extended with a rapidity unparalleled in \nthe annals of time ? What student of history needs \nto be told that, despite the perversions of Rome, it \nwas by this overflowing and yearning Christian \nzeal of individuals that the Church was planted at \nthe first in England, as also in Ireland by St. Pat- \nrick, by Gallus in Switzerland, by Winifred or \nBoniface, still known as the father of the German \nChurch in Germany, by ^Ansgar in Scandinavia, \nand by Otto in Pomorania ? And who does not \nknow that this was the gift so helpful to the Church \nduring the English Eeformation ? \n\nAnd now we say, give to the Church again the \ngift of the Evangelist : this precious and priceless \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists. 39 \n\ngift wliicli Christ liath bequeathed to His spouse, \nthe Church, and how manifest and great the bless- \nings that must follow ! (Eph. iv. 8). \n\nWe fail, it may be, to appreciate this form of \nministry. Let us break down and cast away from \nus the Pastoral Office, and how fearful the conse- \nquences that would follow I but are we not in the \nexact line of Apostolic teaching when we say that \nEvangelists are placed before Pastors? Let them \nbe placed again in the Church. Let every Bishop \nhave a staff of Evangelists ; let him take them with \nhim in his journeyings; let him send them where \nhe cannot often go himself. Let them go out on \nevery great thoroughfare ; let them compass every \nout-lying region, and penetrate every centre of civ- \nilization hitherto unreached by the Church. Let \nthem rally to the defence of the Church at every \npoint threatened by die enemy. In fine, let every \ncommunity, every neighborhood, and, were it pos- \nsible, every family within the Diocese, be made to \nknow and feel the Church\'s love of souls and pow- \ner in Christ\'s name to bless and save, and who can \nmeasure the good that would result to men and the \n\xe2\x80\xa2 glory that would be given to God ! Christ has \npersonally ascended to the right hand of the \nFather, and from thence we look for Him to come \nto judge the quick and the dead. But spiritually \nHe is ever presei>t with His Church. (St. Matt, \nxxviii. 20 ; Rev. i. 13). He is still the one like un- \nto tlie Son of Man seen walking amidst the seven \n\n\n\n40 Aggressive ]Yorl:, \n\ngolden candle-sticks. But of this spiritual presence \nthe world is wholly unconscious, and in this un- \nconsciousness of spiritual death it must remain un- \ntil the Church, filled with the Spirit of Christ, shall \nl^lace her own beating heart by the hearts of the \nspiritually dead. How shall she do this in a com- \nmunity estranged from the Church, but by the \npreaching of the "Word, by the ministry of the \nEvangelist? Is it not written: \'-\'It hath pleased \nGod by the foolishness of preaching to save them \nthat believe ?\'\' (1 Cor. i. 21). AVe say then, let ev- \nery Diocese have its Evangelists. In a large Dio- \ncese, if large Dioceses we must have, let those in \nremote regions be placed under a Dean, or, if that \nterm be intrinsically objectionable, let them be un- \nder a discreet man having a measure of delegated \npower from the Bishop, whose business it shall be \nto oversee this work. Then, with such an organiz- \ned and centralized system, thoroughly worked, who \nc:ui calculate the glow of spiritual life that would \ninevitably result to the Church of God I Was it \nnot so of old? Have we not heard vrith our ears, \nand have not our fathers declared unto us the no- \nble works which the Lord accomplished in their \nday and in the old time before them ? Do we in- \nquire wisely, in that we ask why were the former \ndays better than these days? (Eccl. vii. 10 j. Is \nthe Lord less willing to raise up His power and \ncome amongst us and with great might succor us ? \nAnd are not our needs as 2:reat as were theirs ? Are \n\n\n\nA Flea for Evangelists. 41 \n\nnot these times of fearful moment to the world, \ntimes when great questions are struggling to the \nbirth, when infidelity is rampant and prophetical \ntokens are seen everywhere admonishing the Church \nthat the "perilous times" of the last days are upon \nher ? (St. Luke xxi. 25-8 ; 2. Tim. iii.) Shall she \nnot watch, and pray, and work with increasing \nvigilance now ? \n\nWe talk of reaching the masses, but is not the \nway, the one and only direct way, already indicated? \nIs it not by reaching the popular ear first ? And \nhow can this be done by the Church, except by \nsending to. these hard-headed but often honest- \nhearted men preachers, who, suiting their address \nto their congregations, can command the attention, \nand wrestling with their unbelief, can, in God\'s \nname, discomfit and rout the foe ? For this work, \nwe say, Give us Evangelists. Or again. If we \nAvould determine how we can reach and move the \nmasses, then let us observe how others reach and \nsuccessfully move them. How do politicians move \nwhole communities ? How do the Romanists, with \ntheir Redemptorists and Paulists, reach and move \ncommunities ? How do Methodists reach them ? \nAnd when we have answered these questions, then, \nand not until then, let us despair of success in this \nwork. We say it can be done. Lo, the field is \nalready white unto the harvest ! And what shall \nhinder us ? True, we have not in any very satis- \nfactory degree done this, but it does not follow \n3* \n\n\n\n42 Aggressive Work, \n\nthat we cannot do it. Here, at our doors, in every \ncommunity, are multitudes of perishing men. \nWith our Parochial System we do not reach them \nin the manner they need to be reached. \n\nThe solemn question for us now to determine is, \nShall we leave them a prey to every ranting and \njabbering spirit that. Evangelist-like, goes up and \ndown the land, v/ithstanding the truth by ingenious \ncounterfeits, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Mo- \nses? (2 Tim. iii. 8). Or shall we, with the love \nand pity of Christ, who dv/ells in the Church, and \nwhose Spirit we trust v^e have, preach as He, our \nblessed Exemplar did to the multitudes on the \nMounter by the sea-shore (St. Matt. xv. 29-38) ; \nor, like a Paul at Mars Hill (Acts xvii. 22) ; or, \nlike a Philip to tlie Eunuch by the way? (Acts \nviii. 35). Judge, Vv^e pray you, Does the Protestant \nEpiscopal Church need Evangelists, or does she \nnot ? You are not unmindful of the fact that in \nthe General Convention of 1856, commissioners \nfrom the House of Bishops consisting of Bishops \nJas. H, Otey, G. W. Doane, Alonzo Potter, George \nBurgess and Jno. Williams reported concerning \nthis subject; and, amongst other things said of \nEvangelists, \xe2\x80\x94 ^\'Such a corps of active laborers \nseems almost indispensable to the complete organ- \nization of the Church, according to the primitive \nmodel and unquestionably necessary to its exten- \nsion in our land." I^eed we repeat, in this place, \nthe fact that not a few of our large-hearted and \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists, 43 \n\nmost earnest Bishops, and many of the leading \nClergy of our land are earnestly desiring to see this \nApostolic form of ministry recognized and estab- \nlished in our beloved, our Catholic and Apostolic \nChurch, not as a novelty, nor as an instrumen- \ntality that necessarily involves any thing erratic \nor irregular, but as permanently filling up and \nfully representing our Apostolic order \xe2\x80\x94 Bishops, \nPriests, and Deacons, and, within this ministry, \nas at the beginning: ^\'*Some Evangelists, and some \nPastors and Teachers?" (Eph. iv. 11).* \n\nBut admitting the desirableness of this form of \nministry, the question then arises : How are v/e to \nprocure willing and competent men for this work ? \nThat such laborers are desired, not merely in fancy \nbut in fact, we have the most positive assurance. \nIn our Diocese there are at this present moment \nmore doors open and more requests for this kind of \nlabor already made than could be filled by four \nmen were they wholly given up to this work. We \nrefer to Massachusetts. There ought to be half a \n\n\n\n* * \' In almost every body of Christians, except our own and \nthe somewhat \'\'crystallized" Greek Church, the fact is recog- \nnized that preaching is an art, which like other arts requires \nfor its perfect mastery a like devotion. We have already a few \ninstances among ourselves of priests who are able to give up, \nin spite of our rules, their lives to this work : why can there \nnot be some organization, authorized by authority, whereby \nothers should, if proved to be capable, be encouraged to "go \nand do likewise, \' \' and the work of an evangelist might thus \nbecome an accepted office in our branch of the Church of \nGod." \xe2\x80\x94London Church Beview, in The C/mrch Eclectic for Oc- \ntober, 1873. \n\n\n\n\xe2\x96\xa0\xc2\xb14: Aggressive Woi\'Jc, \n\ndozen men of this sort^ having their headquarters \nin Boston to-day. Of other Dioceses, not a few, we \nhave personal knowledge, that are waiting and \nlonging to employ this form of ministry. The \nquestion, How can we procure the men ? is a ques- \ntion of no small importance. It is now more than \nten years since the Rt. Eev. Commissioners appoint- \ned by the House of Bishops formally pronounced \nupon this subject declaring the Evangelist\'s work \na sine qua non to the progress of our Church in \nthis land, and still we have to ask for the men. \nHow can we procure the men for which the Church \nso earnestly longs and prays ? A distinguished \nPresbyter said in a letter Avritten during his absence \nfrom the city on vacation last summer: "We have \nnow evidently come upon a most extraordinary state \nof things. God is answering the prayers we have \nbeen putting up to Him, some of us, all of us per- \nhaps \xe2\x80\x94 by throw^ing doors wide open in all parts of \nthe Diocese, before the old Churchmen \xe2\x80\x94 measuring \ntheir ideas of duty by the old standards \xe2\x80\x94 are at all \nprepared for the new blessing. During the sum- \nmer I have been finding out stations where there \nwas a remarkable and serious readiness to welcome \n\nour services I have received information which \n\nplainly shows that eight or ten preachers of the \nGospel in the Church are wanted for the Mission- \nary field in this Diocese, this week I "What shall \nwe do ? Day and night I ache under that question. \nI wonder if we who have Parishes ought not to \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists, 45 \n\nleave tliem and go off half the time to preach Christ \nin these destitute places. May God guide us I" \n\nThis suggestion^ realized in a practical way, \nmight help very much towards determining the \nquestion before us. But will those of us who have \nparishes "leave them and go off half the time to \npreach Christ in these destitute places ?\'^ Indeed \nwe may ask, can we go thus, and ought we to leave \nour flocks even half the time for this work? It \nmay be that, if we had with a true faith, also a suf- \nficiently lively faith, this question might appear \nin a different light. \n\nIt is also very easy to say : If our Bishops desire \nsuch laborers they can undoubtedly procure them. \nBut this is not saying how they can procure them. \nFurthermore, is it reasonable for us to expect of a \nman, because he is a Bishop in the Church of God, \nthat therefore he can do everything ? \n\nBut realizing in some measure the magnitude \nand importance of this question \xe2\x80\x94 which we regard \nas second to no other question before the Church \nat the present time \xe2\x80\x94 we venture to suggest that, if \nthe clergy will take this matter home to their \nhearts, and give it the consideration, and sympathy, \nand support it deserves, there will not long be lack- \ning either men or means with which to meet this \nurgent demand of the Church. No work is more \narduous, more self-denying, nor more worthy of \nsympathy; and we believe we may add, where \nrightly fulfilled, no work of the Church is more \n\n\n\n46 Aggressive Worh, \n\n\xe2\x80\xa2 \n\nprecious to the heart of the Divine Master ; and \nnone can be more to His glory in the present dis- \npensation. And v^hy the law of demand and sup- \nply should fail in this more than in other matters \nwe cannot perceive. \n\nIf, then, we would not leave this great and wide- \nspread field to the already marshaled hosts of Eome, \nor to the Infidel; and if we feel that the Parochial \nsystem, though a glorious ministry in itself, has \nyet failed, and in its nature must fail to compass \nthe ends we have sought in this direction, then let \nus pray to God for succor, and in Christ\'s name \ncall for Evangelists, \n\nWhen the Church desires Missionaries for hea- \nthen lands she seeks them, and finds them ; and, \nfinding them, she educates and trains them for the \nMissionary work. And now, why should not the \nChurch in like manner, seek,^ educate, and train \nmen for this special work ? We have our schools \nfor educating young men for the ministry, for train- \ning Missionaries and Deaconesses. Let us now have \none within our own borders for training Evangelists. \nWe are aware of the proverbially eclectic character \nof the American nation, and that to a certain ex- \ntent we must be omniverous. But it is to-day a \nconceded fact, that " the amount of knowledge ap- \npropriate to civilization which now exists in the \nworld is more than double, and in many cases more \nthan ten-fold what it was about half a century ago, \nand that therefore no individual can expect to \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists, 47 \n\ngrasp in the limits of a life-time even an elementa- \nry knowledge of the many provinces of old learn- \ning, augmented as they now are, by the vast an- \nnexations of modern discovery/\' * With such con- \nsiderations our Universities and States are erecting, \nand in some instances are richly endowing here \nand there Institutes of Technology. On the same \nprinciple we advocate a training school for Evan- \ngelists. In such a school, there should be no lack \nof anything helpful to sacred learning. But in a \nschool having in view the training of Evangelists, \nwe would have Avith the lore legitimate to the most \napproved Theological Seminary, special attention \ngiven to the Bible, to that department of system- \natic Divinity known as Polemic Theology, to Hom- \niletics, to Logic, to Elocution, to Extemporary \nAddress, to Physical Culture, and to the study of \nHuman Nature. And all this should be subordi- \nnated to the one purpose of aiding the student in \nthe acquisition of that most difficult but grandest \nof arts, the Art of Pulpit Eloquence. To be a good \nTheologian is not enough. To take the position \nrequired by an Evangelist in the Protestant Epis- \ncopal Church, a man must be both a Theologian \nand an Orator. And the province of the Pulpit \norator is at once the highest and the most difficult \nknown to art. It is that sacred Art by which the \nMinister of Christ wins souls; and winning them \n\n\n\n* Dr. J. Bigelow, before the Boston Institute of Technology. \n\n\n\n48 Aggressive Worh, \n\nbegets witliiu them the quickenings of a new and \nsiDiritual life, \xe2\x80\x94 God working here, as in the proY- \nince of nature, intermediately. (1 Cor. iv. 15). And \nthe more purely spiritual the life imparted, the \nmore profound and exquisite the emotions realized \nby both orator and auditory. For in this sweet \ninterlinking of mind with mind and heart with \nheart, there is in such a case the assurance that it \nis according to the mind of the Spirit that these \npreviously lifeless souls are now wrought into bless- \ned unity. (Eom. viii. 13; 1 Cor. xii. 13). \n\nAnd this transmission of spiritual life is not ef- \nfected by a merely sensible impression, by a mere \nout-pouring of words, or by a burst of passion hav- \ning for its end, like art in other spheres, simply a \na temporary satisfaction. But while Pulpit Ora- \ntory has its really artistic or aesthetical phase, it is, \nat last; and more than all else, dependent upon the \nidea it projects \xe2\x80\x94 the truth it bears, because it can \npenetrate the soul only through the intelligence. \nIt therefore differs from all other arts in that, while \nit contemplates and employs the ideal and the emo- \ntional in man, it also requires for its highest at- \ntainment, the loftiest intelligence, the most vivid \nconception, and the most dexterous and skillful ex- \nhibition of divine truth. It is the idea bound in \nthe familiar aphorism, \'\'From heart to heart/\'* \xe2\x80\x94 \nspecially since its passage is by the way of the head. \nIt has been well put, again, by a late divine who \ninstructed his students to make their sermons \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists. 49 \n\n"Hot and heavy." For heavy, but lacking in \nwarmth, they must fall lifeless and dead; while \nhaving heat without weight they must simply con- \nsume in their own combustion. \n\nAnd it should be the aim of such a school to \nproduce, as far as human aid can help to produce \nsuch a class of preachers, men bearing upon their \nlips the grace of eloquence. \n\nIt may be said of this sublime art, that many \nseek while few attain it. But it must be remem- \nbered that, be the aim of our Theological Semina- \nries what they may, \xe2\x80\x94 and that their aim is high \nand holy none can doubt, \xe2\x80\x94 yet none will dispute \nthat their graduates usually bear with them the \nhonors of Theologians rather than of Orators. How \ncould it be otherwise ? And it is furthermore, but \nftiir to notice that the work of the Parish Priest is \ntoo multiform and his pulpit sphere too limited for \nhim to easily excel in Pulpit Oratory. Whereas, \nthe one and only work of the Evangelist is the \nwork of the Preacher; and to excel in this work, \nshould be the high ambition of every man apply- \ning for admission to this school of Evangelists. \nBefore him will be spread the fairest fields ever \ngazed upon by man ; and without the ambition and \ndetermination to be an orator in the truest and \nhighest sense, there should be no admission. \n\nThen from this school let the BislfDps furnish \nthemselves with a corps of laborers. Let every \nRector recognize in them, next to his Bishop, \n\n\n\n50 Aggressive Work, \n\nhis own choicest and truest fellow-helpers. Be- \nsides the duties already indicated, in illuminating \nand acquiring for the Church the out-lying and \nneglected regions of our great cities, and our Dio- \nceses, and helping to resuscitate old and decaying \nParishes, let any special work be committed to \nthem which the Bishop may have in his heart to \nappoint them. Such would be the work of seeking \nout candidates for Holy Orders ; the placing the \nDiaconate in its right position by keeping the idea \nbefore the people ; the gathering of sisterhoods for \ncharitable and Church-work ; and the stirring up \nthe Laity everywhere to an increased missionary \nzeal. \n\nTrue such a work ought to have the best talent \nthe Church can command ; and it would have it. \nAnd it would, too, be a work involving no small \nexpense; but let it be sliovv^n to these calculating \nspirits of our times, as it can be shown, that no \nwork ever undertaken by the Church had half so \nmuch to insure the rich returns of thirty, sixty, \nand a hundred fold, as this, and we are sure means \nwill not be lacking. \n\nAnd now let us hope, and hoping, let us pray \nthat the time may speedily come when He who, as- \ncending into Heaven, "poured down His gifts \nabundantly upon men, making some Apostles and \nsome Prophets and some Evangelists, some Pastors \nand Doctors; to the edifying and making perfect \nHis Church," will permit us not only to rejoice in \n\n\n\nA Plea for Evangelists. 51 \n\nour Pastors, but that beneath our Episcopal ban- \nners we may see in this Gospel field " Some Evan- \ngelists, and some Pastors ;" that so, the comforta- \nble Gospel of Christ may be truly preached, truly \nreceived, and truly followed, in all places, to the \nbreaking down the kingdom of sin, Satan and \ndeath ; till at length the whole of the dispersed \nsheep being gathered into one fold shall become \npartakers of everlasting life through the merits of \nJesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. \n1867. \n\n\n\nCHAPTER III. \n\n\n\nPRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES. \n\nWant of guaranteed maintenance \xe2\x80\x94 Fear for the ex- \nisting order of things \xe2\x80\x94 Reports of the English \nChurch Congress \xe2\x80\x94 Revivalism \xe2\x80\x94 Liaile to aluse \nly erratic men \xe2\x80\x94 Tlie great difficidty a Secularized \nChurch, \n\nFinally resolving upon the work, we then coiiie \nto the hard, practical difficulties which at once rise \nup before us. \n\nThe first is the want of a guaranteed mainte- \nnance. After a ten years discussion of this subject \nand no small experience in the work, we have no \nhesitation in saying we believe a score of clergy- \nmen already qualified for this work might be placed \nin the field at once but for this want of anything \nlike a suitable or decent provision for the support \nof themselves and families. \n\nThis may seem extraordinary, but upon a \nsecond thought it is by no means remarkable. It \nis only according to the modes of life common to \nus all. Using the means placed in our hands first, \nwe then find ample room for the exercise of faith \n\n\n\nI \n\n\n\nPractical DifficiiUics. 53 \n\nand Biicli an opportunity as a disregard of tlie \nmeans placed within our reach would not allow. \nNo Christian farmer prays for his daily bread with- \nout at the same timxe using the required means \nto obtain it. And because he plows and sows it \ndoes not follow that he therefore cannot exercise \nthe faith and trust in God becoming a Christian. \nAnd the same rule applies to the workers in the \nfield of the Heavenly Husbandman. The work \nproposed is His: the gold and silver are His, and \nwhy shotild it be regarded as in any sense extra- \nordinary that those having this work at heart \nshould wait until, in Divine Providence, the work \ncan be brought to the attention of the Lord\'s Stew- \nards and the necessary means be provided ? \n\nFurthermore, consider that clergymen having \nthe gifts peculiar to this kind of work have the \nspecial qualifications most desirable in the estima- \ntion of our larger and wealthier congregations. So \nthat until means can be provided for their support \nit would seem most extraordinary that they should \ncontemplate the work even for a moment. \n\nThen also, it is only fair to consider that usu- \nally they have resting upon them the duties and \nresponsibilities belonging to the domestic relation, \nto disregard which would be no less than disloyalty \nto Christ; a sufficient cause for regarding them as \ndisqualified for this work were they never so well \nfurnished otherwise. \n\nBut this difficulty can be and will be removed \n\n\n\n54 Aggressive Work. \n\nso soon as the importance of the work is brought \nhome to the heart of the Church. Then with a \nCentral home provided and such an endowment as \nis necessary to the school of the Evangelists, Avith \nthe understanding that the offerings of congrega- \ntions may be received for current and contingent \nexpenses, this obstacle will disappear. With one \ncentral house, each Diocese desiring to avail itself \nof the permanent abode of one or more of the \nbrethren, might provide a home for such within its \nown jurisdiction. Or possibly some person of \nample means might make such provision, while the \nDiocese might take the current expenses incident \nto the work into the account of its legitimate mis- \nsionary work.\'^ \n\nThe amount necessary for each man should be \nequal to the amount which the same man would \nordinarily receive were he engaged in parocliial \nwork. Eationally considered anything less would \nbe to take from him and his not only the time and \ncomforts which othervvase he like other men might \nrealize in the family and home circle, but also the \nmaterial support which he and they of his house \nhave a right to demand. \n\nBut this matter has already been so far dis- \ncussed and the public sentiment of the Church in \nthis country is already so far matured that we are \npersuaded the necessary means for this work can- \n\n\n\n* See Bp. Wilberforce and Dr. Kugli Miller Thompson. Ai^- \npendix B. \n\n\n\nPractical DiffictiUies. 55 \n\nnot long be wanting. N"ot only is there coming to \nbe a large demand for faithful and well furnished \nmen for this work, men who with God\'s help are \ncapable of successfully conducting mission services \nboth w^ithin and without our established parishes, \nbut there is a prospect that the Church will not \nlong consent to accept young men as qualified for \nthe ministry, however rich their intellectual fur- \nnishing, if it so be that they cannot read and speak \ntheir native language acceptably. And a school \nparticularly necessary to the preparation of young \nmen (Deacons and candidates for Orders) for this \nwork \xe2\x80\x94 a School of Oratory \xe2\x80\x94 will be of the first \ndemand in the Church in this country. And we \ndo not hesitate to say that, in this age of lavish \nwealth, where millions of money can be produced \nfor great expeditions some of which have not the \nremotest relation to commerce or the practical \nwants of life \xe2\x80\x94 as we once heard Dr. Hayes confess \nwith reference to our Polar expeditions, \xe2\x80\x94 and when \ninstead of our old University systems with colleges \nfor classical learning and the leading professions of \nlife we have special fiiculties for almost everything, \xe2\x80\x94 \nas for example in Cornell University where there are \nnot less than nine or ten distinct schools from either \none of which a student may graduate as he may \nhimself elect, \xe2\x80\x94 where such is the appreciation of \nthe special needs of community, we cannot believe \nthat any well defined scheme looking to tlie pro- \nmotion of the most vital needs of the Cliurch and \n\n\n\n56 Aggressive WorJt, \n\nfelt wants of a great community can long remain \nuncared for : neglected by the Lord\'s Stewards to \nwhom nothing is so sacred as are the interests of \nChrist and His Church. \n\n" He is dead whose hand is not opened wide \n\nTo help the need of a human bi\'other ; \nHe doubles the life of his hfe-long ride, \n\nWho gives his fortunate place to another ; \nAnd a thousand million lives are his, \n\nWho carries the world in his sympathies. \nTo deny \nIs to die." \n\nAnother objection is that such a work will inter- \nfere with the existing order^ of things and produce \nmore harm than good. \n\nAdmitting that this objection might sometimes \ntake on the semblance of truth, still with the exist- \ning state of things it is difficult to see how it can \nbe urged with the least effect. The Church is en- \nyironed with Canon law and guarded at every \npoint. The distinction made between the regular \nand secular clergy of mediaeval times cannot be \nrecognized by a Constitutional Church like our \nown. And then again, it is to be remembered that \nthe sole object of such a work is to produce spir- \nitual quickening, so making ready the way of the \nLord by the preaching of the Gospel; this, and this \nonly. And when it can be shown that the Protest- \nant Episcopal Church of America, is, in all her de- \npartments. Missionary and Parochial, so thoroughly \nalive as to preclude the necessity of such agencies \n\n\n\nPractical Difficulties. 57 \n\nand forms of ministry as are of Apostolic origin, \nthen and not till then will this objection find \nweight with the people. \n\nBut it w^onld perhaps be difficult for us to make \nmore effectual reply to these objections than is \nmade by the following reports of this kind of work \nin England as found in Eeports of the Church \nCongress of 1868, and again in 1870. Only it \nshould be remembered that in England, these mis- \nsions are of necessity almost always held in \nChurches. In one of these reports it is said: \n" First of all, they teach the meaning and power of \nprayer. By gathering our people together in little \ngroups for wrecks before the time of the Mission, \nand teaching them to pray earnestly that God \nwould send forth His Holy Spirit to work in the \nparish, and through those who shall be sent there \nto preach the Gospel, men and women who have \nlong lived in outward conformity with the Church \nhave learned to find a power in prayer which they \nhad little expected, and to believe truly that God \nis the hearer and answerer of prayers. There is no \npower so mighty for gathering in the outcasts of \n\nour population as the abundance and \n\nstrengtli of the spiritual life of our own people ; \nand the priest will find his best efforts compara- \ntively fruitless, if he is left without that upholding \nwhich he has a right to expect from his people by \nthe power of their prayers. Again, there is for the \nmost part a dreadful barrier of reserve that sepa- \n3 \n\n\n\n5 8 Aggressive Work, \n\nrates our people from their pastors; and it hai \nbeen the almost unfailing fruit of these Missiom \n\nthat that barrier has been broken down \n\nLastly, I would speak of one \xe2\x80\x94 perhaps the mosi \nimportant of all results that follow upon such mis* \nsions \xe2\x80\x94 and that is, the drawing together of mei1 \nAvho are looking at God\'s truth from different side.; \nand points of view, and uniting them together in \nwork in which it is impossible that their difference: \ncan be remembered. The teaching them (and it \nis surely a blessed experience when Ave have \nlearned it), that there is a higher atmosphere of \nspiritual life in Avhich their diflFerences all vanish \nin the light and love of God, is surely a blessed \nwork of inestimable value/\' * \n\nAgain. From a report of the Church Congress \nheld in Southampton (Eng), it was said of a mis- \nsion in AYhitney : ^^Our first difficulty was this: \nMany respectable people, for reasons which I need \nnot specify, said, \'We are perfectly content with \nour parochial clergy, and we think it an insult to \nthem to request any extraneous aid.\' If we replied \nthat we were utterly unconscious of the supposed \ninsult; that we needed the aid of the Mission Priests, \n\nand that we had the approval of our Bishop \n\nthey stuck to the same argument, and said they \nw^ere content with what they had. Well, my lord, \nthey may have been content, but we were not, and \n\n\n\n* Report Ch. Congress, 1870, p. 82. \n\n\n\nPractical DiffictcUies, 59 \n\nthere lay the difference ; and I may mention a strik- \ning comment on this objection to our Mission from \nthe lips of one of its opponents. A gentleman, a \nfriend of mine, though no friend to the Mission, \nwas remarking in regard to our Easter services, on \nthe large number of communicants, and also on \nthe effect which seemed to be produced upon the \nclergy themselves, when the lady to whom he was \nspeaking, said, \'You have given the greatest testi- \nmony to the value of the Mission/ And, my lord, \nhe could not have given greater testimony. In this \nparish, six years ago, we had only forty-five com- \nmunicants on Easter-day ; last year we had about \none hundred, and this year we had two hundred \nand fifty, and I say unhesitatingly that this result \nwas mainly due to the mission.^^ \n\nOf the dangers to which this work is possibly ex- \nposed, it was replied by another; "Allowing there \nare hazards and difficulties attendant upon this, as \nupon every good endeavor, yet the evils of the pres- \nent time are urgent; the indifference, the infidelity, \nthe ignorance, the practical ungodliness, are crying \naloud for some fresh out-come of Christian enerav \nand zeal to contend with them. Here is an experi- \nment which has been well tried, and, as it seems, \nsignally blessed. Why should we be faint-hearted ? \nLet us only commit ourselves to the work with \nfaith and prayer, and we shall be carried well \nthrough it, and we may be sure that God will make \n\n\n\n60 Aggressive Work. \n\nthe good wliicli results from it greatly to outweigh \nthe evil/\' * \n\nAnd from another paper at the same Congress, \nit was said, \xe2\x80\x94 \'^ A mission is a regular exercise of \npastoral jurisdiction, invoking the assistance of an \nextraneous power for a temporary effort. We must \nalways act, in any parish to w^hich we may go, sim- \nply as the representatives of the permanent local \npastors. To weaken the hands of the pastor is to \nweaken the cause of Christ Our one object is to \ncall forth tokens of vitality, which in their perma- \nnent operation may have their permanent pastor \nfor their center and guide. And so if missions are \ncharged w^ith eccentricities, this is their safeguard. \nThe pastor is responsible. Eccentricities may be \neither good or they may be bad. The progress of \nastronomical learning would not be improved by \nour determining that the planets should revolve in \nperfect circles. Eccentricities are bad when they \nare indications of a principle of self-will at variance \nwith outw^ard circumstances and Divine Rule. But \nthere is no harm in doing an unusual thing, merely \nbecause it is not done every day. The Mission \nPriest will ahvays see that he does nothing but \nwhat is in harmony with the ordinary working of \nthe parish. It is more likely that he, coming w4th \nthe large-hearted experience of many parishes and \nmanv clero-v, will remove the eccentricities of Di- \n\n\n\n* Ch. Congress, p. 65. \n\n\n\nPractical Difficulties. \n\n\n\n61 \n\n\n\nvine Worship, in a bad sense of the word, which \nare apt to proceed from the isolated independence \nof the parochial clergy, than that he should impart \nany crochet of his own, which must come to grief \nif the parochial clergy do not back it up ; and on \nthe other hand, whatever be the specialty wiiich dis- \ntinguishes any parish, if it be for good, the Mission \nPriest will strive to infuse into this specialty some \nhigh spiritual aim, which may make it to be really \nfor good and not for evil. The Mission Priest \nmust thus become all things to all men in the \nsense of not courting popularity as against author- \nity, but of cooperating with the local ministrations, \nso as to give them fresh dignity, life, and purpose. \nA Mission cannot violate unity, unless unity con- \nsists in the isolated existence of monads. Eather \nit is the exemplification of unity, for the parish \npriest who invites a missioner, sets before his peo- \nple the fact that there are othersj widely difier- \ning from himself in the circumstances of life, who \nyet are one with him in its Divine realities; \nthat he is not afraid of their cooperation, nor \nashamed to seek help, because the fire with which \nhe burns is the very same which enkindles them, \nso that the flame of his own ministry, flickering, it \nmay be, in its loneliness, will not be lost, but \nstrengthened by combining with that of others." * \nThe cry of \'\'Revivalism,\'\' is another objection \n\n\n\n* lb. pp. 67, G8. \n\n\n\n62 Aggressive Work. \n\nvery convenient for those who, it may be, do not \nthink very deeply upon the matter, but choose to \nplace themselves in opposition to this work. Bnt \nwe have charity to believe that this objection has \nfor its foundation the eccentricities, the irreverence, \nand the undue excitement bringing its nauseous \nrecoil and "backslidings,\'^ which are popularly as- \nsociated with the word revival, rather than w^hat is \njustly to be gathered from the import of the word \nitself. Spiritual reviving comes from God. And \nwho are they who do not pray with the prophet Ha- \nbakuk,^ \xe2\x80\x94 "0 Lord, revive thy luork in the midst of \nthe years, in the midst of the years make known ; \nin wrath remember mercy r \n\nBishop Renkins says in his first pastoral to the \nOld Catholics, of Germany, \xe2\x80\x94 After referring to the \n\nlukewarm (Eev. ii. passim) " from time to \n\ntime the quickening breath of the Lord goes forth \nrenewing through His Kingdom, and then the na- \ntions rise up in religious revival, and seek the im- \nage of the Chief Shepherd and a pastor in the Spirit \nof Jesus Christ.\'^ \n\nThe late Bishop Mcllvaine, very justly observed \nof the constituents of a genuine revival, that they \nare to be witnessed in the ^^ conversion of sinners, \nand the quickening of the people of God to a spirit \nand walk becoming the Gospel." He says, " Great \nscandal has been raised by indiscretion, and what \nI cannot call by a better name than fraud on the \npart of some seekers of a revival. The agency of \n\n\n\nPractical Difficulties G3 \n\ntlie Holy Spirifc, as the begiiiniDg and ending, has \nbeen, almost entirely set aside. A revival has been \nrepresented and songht for, as an article of manu- \nfacture, for which you have only to set the ma- \nchinery and raise the steam of excitement, caring \nlittle with what fuel, and converts will be made to \nhand. Artifices to catch the attention, devices to \nentrap the careless, representations to create im- \npressions, an exaggerated style of preaching to pro- \nduce alarm, to shake suspicious hopes and raise a \nstate of genera] excitement, no matter of what kind \nso that it brings people to hear, have in some cases \nbeen put into requisition, over which truth and \nreverence, and humility, and faith must weep, and \nwhich have done more to injure revivals in certain \nplaces, than all the direct opposition of coldness \nand unbelief. When the world and slumbering \nChristians see these things, it is not strange they \nspeak against revivals. Blessed be God, these \nthings are not characteristic of revivals of religion, \nbut only of some minds associated Avith thai \nname." \n\n\'^ The dangers and cautions I liavc suggested,\'\' \nhe further says, "arise out of the power and emi- \nnent value of the spirit of revivals. I owe too \nmuch of what I hope for, as a Christian, and what \nI have been blessed with as a minister of the Gos- \npel, not to think most highly of the eminent im- \nportance of promoting this spirit, and consequently \nof guarding it against all abuses. Whatever I pos- \n\n\n\nG4: Aggressive Work. \n\nsess of religion began in a revival. The most pre- \ncious, steadfast and vigorous fruits of my ministry, \nhave been the fruits of revivals. I believe the spir- \nit of revivals in the true sense, was the simple spirit \nof the religion of Apostolic times, and will be more \nand more the characteristic of these times as the \nday of the Lord draws near.\'^ * \n\nUpon the same subject, the Eev. John A. Clark, \nD. D., late Eector of St. Andrew\'s Church, Phila- \ndelphia, said, \xe2\x80\x94 "You see by these extracts, what I \nmean by a revival \xe2\x80\x94 an increased interest in and \nattention to the subject of religion through a con- \ngregation or community, produced by the power of \nthe Holy Spirit operating through instrumentali- \nties ordained or sanctioned by the Gospel, which \nGod sees fit to employ and bless. \n\n"After this explanation, I feel bound to affirm \nthat in reference to a revival of religion, whatever \nany particular individual within the pale of the \nEpiscopal communion may say to the contrary, the \ngreat design of the Episcopal Church, in all her ser- \nvices, as may be readily seen by examining the Pray- \ner Book and Homilies, is to promote a continual \nrevival of religion. In illustration of this remark, \njust glance your eye over the exhortation addressed \nby the Bishop to those who present themselves be- \nfore him as candidates for priest\'s orders. " Where- \nfore consider with yourselves the end of the minis- \n\n* A Walk about Zion, p. 56. \n\n\n\nPractical DifficitUies, 65 \n\ntry toward the Children of God \xe2\x80\x94 toward the spouse \nand body of Christ, and see that yon never cease \nyour labor, your care and diligence, until you have \ndone all that lieth in you according to your bound- \nen duty, to bring out all such as are or shall be \ncommitted to your charge, unto that agreement in \nthe faith, and knowledge of God, and to that ripe- \nness and perfectness of age in Christ, that there be \nno place left among you, either for error in religion, \nor for viciousness in life." \xe2\x80\x94 This is the solemn \ncharge which every minister receives previous to \nbeing invested with the priestly office. And you \ncan well see that if in every instance this exhorta- \ntion w^ere adhered to, there would be a systematic \ncourse of efforts unceasingly put forth to promote \na continual revival of religion in all our Churches. \nAnd I have great pleasure in saying, and would \nhere record it " to the praise of the glory of God\'s \ngrace,\'\' that within the last three years, in a circle \nof sixteen Episcopal Churches, in which my parish \nis situated, there have been, with two or three ex- \nceptions, revivals of religion in each one of these \nChurches ; and one of them has added, within that \ntime, nearly three hundred members." * \n\nAnd yet another objection may be urged against \nthis work, namely, that so potent an instrumental- \nity has been and will most surely continue to be \nused by men of perverted views; by men whose ex- \n\n* lb. p. 57. \n3 \n\n\n\n66 Aggressive Work. \n\npositions are known to be contrary to the standards \nof the Protestant Episcopal Chnrch, and an offence \nto conservative and sound-minded Churchmen. \n\nWe know that every new-born sect finds its bul- \nwark in this form of propagandism, whether like \nthe ancient " Sect of the Saducees \'\' it retain its \nplace within the fold of Israel, or belong to the de- \nnominational world without. But to say this \neminently Apostolic and invaluable instrumentality \nmust therefore be rejected by the Church, w^ould \nbe a reductio ad absurdam that by no means follows. \nThis principle carried to its logical results would \ntake from the Church every ministry and every or- \ndinance she has. \n\nSince that great reunion of the Church in the \ncity of Baltimore, 1871, \xe2\x80\x94 which we may regard as \nin some sense forming a new era in the history of \nthe Church in this country \xe2\x80\x94 such a form of ecclesi- \nasticism can hardly be expected to make any con- \nsiderable progress in America. The Bishop of New \nYork inhibits "St. Sacramemt,^^ and, contrary to \nboth the spirit of the Church and the genius of \nthe age, it certainly should not alarm men of sober \nthought. We are persuaded that the Protestant \nEpiscopal Church, whose steady aim is to maintain \nintact the standards that are at once Apostolic \nand Catholic, will not as a body essentially err in \nthis matter. \n\nBut, were we to admit that the pure love of the \ntruth had died out, that suddenly the great mass \n\n\n\nPractical Difficulties. 67 \n\nof men had become clamorous for the verbiage and \nparaphernalia of an effete Medisevalism^ that possi- \nbly the Church might yield to the rising flood \nwhile "St. Sacrament\'^ should be foisted in place of \nthat Gospel which by divine decree was and still is \n"the power of God unto Salvation to every one \nthat believeth/\'\' what then should they who honest- \nly have at heart the interests of the Church so \nsurely do, as to immediately enter upon this work \nof an earnest, determined and persistent evangel- \nism ? We submit that nothing so divorces from \nher the idolatry of mammon, nothing so fuses her \nreligious sympathies and helps to a right judgment, \nas does this aggressive spirit of the Gospel which \nincites to a united efl*ort against the Church\'s foe. \n"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the \nSpirit of tlie Lord shall lift up a standard against \nhim." (Isa. lix. 19.) And so far from being a rea- \nson why this work should not be encouraged, it \nshould be a most substantial reason for challenging \nthe immediate action of any and all such as may \nbe apprehensive of the safety of the Church. \n\n" But of all the foes we meet, \n\nNone so oft mislead our feet, \n\nNone betray us into sin, \n\nLike the foes that dwell within." \nIt is after all true that nothing so much threat- \nens to confront this work at the outset, and to \nwithstand it at every step, as does the worldly, \nfashionable, easy-going and self-satisfied Christian- \nity with which we are surrounded: the Christian- \n\n\n\n68 Aggressive Worh. \n\nity that makts much of the beautiful fold, and cares \nnothing for the torn and bleeding sheep scattered \nin the wilderness : which hears (rod\'s yoice com- \nmanding to ^\'Go\'^ and seek that which is lost, but \nneyergoes; that dares to ask if it will comport \nwith the ^\'dignity of the Church \'^ of to-day to \npreach to men on the mountain-side, by the sea- \nshore and to the Avoman at the well, as did the Son \nof God anciently! A poor, supine, politic Chris- \ntianity, which, deluded by gaudy tinselry, cares \nlittle for the wealth of an inward and living \nfaith and a heart-communion with God ; that talks \nmuch of Schism, but never makes any advances \nwith a view to heal the wounds and bridge the \nchasms that vex and grieve the children of God ; \nthat makes merchandise of God\'s house, and does \nnot preacli the Gospel to tlie poor I "Woe unto you \nhypocrites !"\' " How can ye escape the damnation \nof hell P And yet is it not written, \'\'When the \nSon of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the \nearth T \n\n\n\nCHAPTER IV. \n\n\n\nA MISSION CONTEMPLATED. \n\nPreparation \xe2\x80\x94 Notices \xe2\x80\x94 Parishes should unite in \nMissions \xe2\x80\x94 Missions m Sixty Churches in Lon- \ndon held simultaneously \xe2\x80\x94 Importance of Prayer \n\xe2\x80\x94 The divine Promises \xe2\x80\x94 Fasting \xe2\x80\x94 A Novena \xe2\x80\x94 \nThe Bishops of London^ Winchester and Roches- \nter jointly request a Ten-days Mission for 1874. \n\nPreparation for a mission must differ according \nto time and place. But results so much depend \nupon the preparation made, it is desirable Ave no- \ntice some things relating to this matter. * If the \nmission is to be held in a new field where there are \nno communicants, then the preparation relates to \nlittle outside of what would naturally suggest it- \nself in a business Avay. A place for services must \nbe provided, of course the best that can be pro- \ncured, having due respect to the convenience and \ncomfort of such as may attend. \n\nOf notices, it Avill be particularly desirable that \nthey be as extensive as possible. In character they \nmust depend entirely upon the moral complexion \n\n\n\n\'- See Appendix A. \n\n\n\n70 Aggressive Work. \n\nof the community and the topics which it is pro- \nposed to discuss. This, however, will be best de- \ntermined by the common-sense of such as have the \nmatter in hand at the time. In one place verbal \nnotice may be suflBcient; in another, printed, and \npossibly in some instances posted notices may be \nrequisite. A determination to reach the people by \nsuch means as are legitimate in the place w^ill de- \ncide the matter. \n\nThe following has been useful in England \xe2\x80\x94 * \n\'^ COME TO THE MISSION ! \'" \n\n(From the Sixtieth Thousand, English Edition.) \n\nWhy not ? It can do you no harm. It may do \nyou good. \n\nAVhat sort of good ? Good that vnll last forever. \nGood for your soul. \n\nThat\'s all very well, perhaps you say, but a man \nmust live. He has got to w^ork hard for his bread ; \nhe has no time to think of this sort of thing. \n\nI know that, my friend ; at least I know it is not \neasy for you to find time to think. And that is \njust w^hy we have this \'\xe2\x80\xa2 Mission." We want to \nmeet you half-way. When one week is just like \nthe last, the right time never seems to come, to \nlook after your soul. Not just now ! Not just now ! \nseems the cry day by day. \n\nAnd yet, if Death were to come, and find you \njust what fyou are, what would you do? How \n\n\n\nE. P. Button k Co., New York. \n\n\n\nA Mission Contemplated. 71 \n\nwould you feel ? Are you fit to die ? Look at \nyour heart; look at your life. Has it been made \nnew and clean ? Have you ever prayed this prayer: \n" Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow \'\' ? \nAnd have you got what you asked for ? \n\nIf not, what shall we say ? What shall we think? \nShall we let you alone ? Would it be kind ? Shall \nwe let you alone till you fall ill some day, and so \nget time to think of that poor soul of yours ? \nWould this be safe ? What if no such time ever \ncomes ? What if your call to die comes at such an \nhour as you do not look for ? \n\nWe cannot let you alone. We want to do as we \nwould be done by. And if we had gone to sleep \nin a house on fire, we should not think it kind of \nyou to let us alone. If you said, you let us alone \nbecause we seemed so tired, what should we feel, \nwhen we woke up at last, too late ? Should we \nthank you ? \n\nNow, I said, we want to meet you half-way. Let \nme tell you what I mean. \n\nIf it were just for a feav days, do you not think \nyou could come, each night, and find it not so hard \nas to make up your mind to come to Church on a \nSunday for the first time ? \n\nJust for a few days, then, we say, Come as you \nARE, WHE]tNr YOUR WORK IS DONE ; comc ALL of you; \nno man need mind his clothes; it will not be a \nplace for fine clothes, so who need keep away for \nwant of that ? Fine clothes would look quite out \nof place. \n\n\n\n73 Aggressive Work. \n\nDo you still feel shy? Think of one thing \nmore. " He was rich ; yet for your sakes He be- \ncame poor. " You know Who this is Who ^\' became \npoor " ? Did He wear fine clothes ? Only once ; and \nthat was when they were put on him to mock Him ! \n(St. Luke, xxiii. 11.) And when " they put his \nown clothes upon Him^\' again, and "led Him out \nto crucify Him, \'\' what sort of clothes were those ? \nAnd even those poor clothes were torn off from \nHim before they nailed him to the Cross ! Think \nof this I . . . . Can you stay away now, for fear your \nclothes are too bad to come ? \n\nOr do you say, " Why should I come ? I am no \nworse than the rest ! \'" What then ? AVhat if you \nare not so bad as the rest? What if you are quite \nthe best man there ? You do not think that this \nwould save you ? Each man has a soul of his own. \nIs YOUR ow:^^ SOUL SAYED ? If you were out at sea, \nand your ship were to sink, would it do you any \ngood to know you were not such a heavy man as \nthe rest ? Would this save you ? \n\nYou say, \'\' But I go to church.\'\' A good thing, \ntoo, if you meet God there. It is the House of \nPrayer. It is God\'s own House. His saints hon- \nor Him there. But " God is a Spirit, and they that \nworship Him must worship Him in spirit and in \ntruth." If they do not worship Him thus, they do \nnot really " worship \'\' Him at all. They might as * \nwell stay at home. ^\'The Lord is far from the \nAvicked ; but He heareth the prayer of the right- \n\n\n\nA Mission Contemplated, 73 \n\neous/^ What is the use of joining with God\'s \npeople, if you are not one of them ? Would it \nmake you rich, to sit near rich men ? Would it help \nyou to see (if you were blind) to have light all \nround you? Light is not sight. You say, "lam \nrich; ^^ But God says, "Thou art poor/^ (Eev. iii. \n17.) \n\nTake care, lest you get harm instead of good, \neach time you go to Church ; for God\'s best gifts \nwill bring a curse if used the wrong way. A man \nmight be blinded with gold dust ! I have read of \none who was really drowned in a cask of wine ! \nOh, think of this, you that go to God\'s House, but \ndo not yet know God. And think of it, most of \nall, any of you that come to the Holt CoMMU]srio:N\', \nand yet have never turned from sin, and found \nPeace through the Blood of His Cross. "Eepent \nyou of your sins, or else come not to that Holy \nTable !" \n\nI do not ask, then, Do you go to Church ? But I \nask : Are you one of those who can say : " We \nhave Peace with God through our Lord Jesus \nChrist " ? (Rom. v. 1. ) Can you say : \n\n\'\' I do believe, I can believe, \nThat Jesus died for ine " ? \n\nWhat is your answer ? " Yes " ? \n\nThen I do not want you to ^\'come to the Mis- \nsion." Try to get others to come; try hard, and \npray hard; be bold, and brave, and loving ; do all \nyou can to get them to go, and then pray for them. \n\n\n\n74 Aggressive Wor^k. \n\nBut is your answer, No! I have 2\xc2\xbbs^ot got Peace; \nI do :ts^OT know God ? \n\nThen, Come to the Mission ! Come just as you \nare, in soul and body. Never mind your clothes, \neven if you have nothing but rags ! Why, your \nsoul is much worse off, as to that ! Do you know, \nthat all your best deeds are, in God\'s sight, "as \nFILTHY rags\'\' ? And what must your worst be? \nWhat must your sins be, in His sight? Can you \nstand before God, if you have nothing better than \nthis to put on ? \n\nCome to the Missioi^ ! After that, we shall \nsay. Come to other means of grace; but just now^, \nall we say is : \n\nCome to the Mission ! \n\nYou are not safe. You are not happy. And you \nnever will be, till you learn to know \xe2\x80\x94 "Jesus ! " \n\n"None but Jesus \nCan do helpless sinners good." \n\n" Helpless sinners ! " You cannot save yourselves. \nI cannot save you. \n\nCome to the Mission, that you may learn how \nto come to JESUS HIMSELF! \n\nHe has said \xe2\x80\x94 \n\n" Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are \n\nHEAVY laden, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST." (St \n\nMatt. xi. 28.) \n\n\n\nUpon this point however we would lay special \nstress, \xe2\x80\x94 in every instance, when possible, use the \n\n\n\nA Mission Conteniplated. 75 \n\ndaily or weekly press. This be it remembered is \nthe great engine of the Nineteenth Century, the \nsme qua noii to the world\'s enterprise. No move- \nment is supposed legitimate to the age that is not \nwilling to be linked to the press. And since we \nhave nothing to disguise, but to the contrary pro- \npose to take our place and wield our quota of in- \nfluence in the steady march of civilization, there- \nfore let us not fail of this powerful and Pvoviden- \ntial auxiliary where it can be had. It is more com- \nmonly the case that the conductors of the press, if \nnot Churchmen, are yet so pledged to the religious \npublic, and so capable of viewing things in a com- \nprehensive light, that they will be found quite \nready and glad to give whatever editorial notices \nmay seem desirable. And a few notices of this sort \nsome time before the mission begins, will be found \neminently helpful. Only minding that such no- \ntices are secured as will place the mission in a \nfavorable light, and, at the same time avoid the im- \npression of clap-trap or a willingness to truckle to \npublic opinion and gain favor by unworthy means. \nWe would be more particular to urge this i^oint \nsince through perverted views or a false modesty, \nsome would avoid the agency of the press in bring- \ning the subject to the attention of the public. But \nif this be neglected, it is altogether possible that \njust as the mission is brought to a close people only \nthen begin to hear of it who otherwise might have \nbeen greatly benefited. \n\n\n\n76 Aggi^essive Work. \n\nIn a town where the Church is established and \nespecially where there is more than a single parish, \npreliminary matters will require much more atten- \ntion if we will reap the largest benefits from a mis- \nsion. In every parish may be expected those who \nalthough they should be the first to volunteer their \nservices and help in the mission will yet be the last, \nand possibly will hold themselves at a distance to \nthe very end. But the rector planning the mis- \nsion, if there be a rector, will not be discouraged. \n"We walk by faith not by sight.\'\' Still it will be \ndesirable on every account to enlist the hearty co- \noperation of all that can be enlisted in the move- \nment. \n\nIt is said that the results of a Twelve Days mis- \nsion held simultaneously in sixty Churches, in \nLondon, 1869, were vastly greater than could pos- \nsibly have been expected from any other method. \nIn keeping with this view, the Bishops of London, \nWinchester and Eochester have recommended a \nTen days simultaneous mission preceding the \nLenten Season of 1874. And for\' many reasons it \nis obvious that this is too important a point to be \nneglected. Still, if there be but one rector among \na multitude of parishes, who feels the importance \nof this work and has substantial reasons for believ- \ning that such a movement would uuseal living \nfountains and bring refreshing and salvation to \nsouls that would not and may be cannot be reached \notherwise, it becomes a very serious question whether \n\n\n\nJ \n\n\n\nA Mission Contemplated. 77 \n\nlie should or should not refrain from planning a \nmission within his own parish. Counsel with oth- \ners, particularly with his Bishop, may then be found \nspecially helpful in reaching a right conclusion; \nalthough it should not be forgotten that the re- \nsults to be effected would be far less than where all \nthe parishes of a given town were united in the \nmovement. \n\nThe time of the mission, is also a point deserv- \ning consideration. If the place proposed be in a \nrural district it will be of little use to hold the \nmission during the farmer\'s harvest time, unless it \nbe a brief mission of not more than three or four \ndays in a seated grove or under a tabernacle. Then \nletting the mission close on Sunday, it will often \nbe found great numbers will attend who with hon- \nest hearts will receive the good seed of life. Long \nevenings are always desii^able. And it will be found \nas a rule, that large congregations can be more \nreadily secured during the latter part of winter, and \nearly spring-time, than during any other part of the \nyear. Yet other considerations may make almost \nany other portion of the year preferable to this. \nIn a town or village not lighted with gas, reference \nshould be liad to the state of the moon, so as to se- \ncure a mission if possible, when the people can \ngo and return without the inconvenience of utter \ndarkness. In regions exposed to extreme heat or \ncold, these facts should be considered. It is ex- \npected of every rector that he will observe the sea- \n\n\n\n78 Aggressive Work, \n\nson of Lent with multiplied services. This his par- \nish expects of him. And yet, for local or special \nreasons, it may be particularly desirable that he \nhave a mission in his parish if he can secure the \nnecessary help from the Brotherhood, during the \nLenten Season. \n\nHaving determined upon the time and place, let \nthe proposed mission be the subject of anticipation, \nof conversation, and, we must add, by all means let \nit be the suijed of unceasing, importunate and in- \ntercessory prayer. Without such prayer, do not let \nany one anticipate any very extensive or marked \nresults. And for this, we know of nothing outside \nthe Bible, more inspiring or more helpful than are \nthe words placed upon our lips by the Book of \nCommon Prayer, although, there can be no infrac- \ntion of law by distinguishing between Common \nand Special Prayer. Such breathings out of the \nheart to God, are seldom heard elsewhere on earth \nas are sometimes and ought always to be heard when \nwe use the Litany and office of the Holy Commun- \nion. So also in many collects and prayers we have \nthe exact language we need for these occasions. In \nthe- prayer for Conventions, we lift up the heart to \nGod beseeching that of His great mercy. He will \n" so direct, sanctify and govern \'\' His servants in \ntheir work ^-\'by the mighty power of the Holy \nGhost, that the comfortable Gospel of Christ may \nbe truly preached, truly received, and truly followed \n. . to the breaking down the kingdom of Sin, Sa- \n\n\n\nA Mission Contemplated, 79\' \n\ntan and Death.\'\' So also in the Fourth^ and par- \nticularly in the Third Sunday of Advent, as in many \nother collects, we find such words as should be \npleaded daily before God in behalf of the antici- \npated mission. \n\nIt is so ordered in the Divine economy, that our \nreception of spiritual blessings shall depend very \nlargely upon prayer, \xe2\x80\x94 the prayer of faith. " Ask \nand ye shall receive. Seek and ye shall find," are \nthe gracious promises. And again, " Whatsoever \nye shall ask the Father in my name. He Avill give \nit you.\'\' (John xvi. 23 ; xiv. 13). " The effectual \nfervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." \n(Jas. V.) And so it has been and must continue to \nbe, that they only are largely blessed with the pres- \nence of the Divine Spirit\'s influences who know in \ntheir hearts the sweetness of communion with God \nin prayer. If St. Paul, the great Apostle of God \nto the Gentiles, needed to ask of his brethren that \nthey pray for him, (1 Thess. v. 25. 2 Thess. iii. 1. \nHeb. xiii. 18), that he might open his mouth boldly \nto make known the mystery of the Gospel, (Eph. \nvi. 18-20), how much more should prayer be made \nfor such as amid the infirmities and difficulties pe- \nculiar to this age, go forth to preach the same Gos- \npel. Due always for all who are embassadors of \nGod, yet special prayer should be offered for a spe- \ncial mission. \n\nIn the closet, at the family altar, and especially \nin the great congregation when pleading with \n\n\n\n80 Aggressive Worh. \n\nunited heart tlie merits of that precious blood- \nshedding poured forth in the one great sacrifice of \nthe Lamb of God, let the contemplated mission be \nremembered. In England, it is said, there have \nsometimes been special gatherings for prayer, for \nmany days prior to entering upon a mission. These \nare sometimes held in private houses and cottages \nin diflGerent parts of the town, with possibly one or \ntwo special gatherings in the Church or lecture- \nroom during the week (when a Litany Service \nwould be specially proper), for the same purpose. \nIt has sometimes been recommended, and it may \nbe questioned whether it would not be well to al- \nways recommend a day of fasting with prayer, for \nthe mission when it is to be held in a town where \nthere is one or more parishes already established : a \nmeasure believed to have been very often and very \nsignally owned of God. Sometimes these seasons \nof special prayer in anticipation of a mission, \nhave been continued daring nine successive days ; \nthe length of time, it will be remembered, that the \nApostles and brethren continued with one accord \nin one place in ^\'prayer and supplication, with the \nwomen" after our Lord\'s ascension, while they \nwaited for the out-pouring of the Holy Ghost. (Acts \ni. 14, ii. 1). Having reference to the time observed \nfor such supplications \xe2\x80\x94nine days \xe2\x80\x94 this period is \nsometimes called a Novena. \n\nMoreover, the benefits accruing from such a sea- \nson of heart-searching and prayer, must evidently \n\n\n\nui MUsion Contemplated, 81 \n\nbe of incalculable benefit to such as engage in it, \nwhile also the mission is infinitely richer in spirit- \nnal influences, and fruit to the glory of God. It is \nwritten of our Lord that in " His own country/\' \n" He did not many mighty works there because of \ntheir unbelief." How much less may we expect \nfruit to result from the labors of those whom He \nhas sent, if there be no faith on the part of those \nto whom the Word is ministered, and no prepara- \ntion of heart \xe2\x80\x94 no sympathy or soul \xe2\x80\x94 on the part of \nthose who call themselves by His name while an- \nticipating the coming of His ambassadors ! \n\nIn the letter issued to their clergy by the Bishops \nof London, Winchester and Rochester (Eng.), \nrecommending a ten days\' mission prior to tlie \nLenten Season of 1874, they say : \xe2\x80\x94 " The main ob- \nject of the mission is to bring the ungodly and \nunconverted into the fold of Christ, but we aie \nconvinced that nothing is better fitted to quicken \nthe spiritual life of all members of the Church than \nthat they should give their hearty cooperation to \nsuch a work. We do not think it necessary that \nthe direct work of the mission should be carried on \nin every parish. But parishes into which it is not \njudged expedient to introduce its active working \nmay yet take their part in it, and do much to se- \ncure its success, by joining earnestly and continu- \nously in prayers for the out-pouring of the Holy \nSpirit of God, without which all its labors will be \nin vain. We beg you affectionately to lead your \n4 \n\n\n\n82 Aggressive Work, \n\nflocks to give that miglity aid to our efforts; to \npray that God for Christ\'s sake would, by the opera- \ntion of the Holy Ghost, prepare the hearts of those \nwhom He would have to receive the message of His \ngreat love. Entreat Him also, we beseech you, to \nlit the messengers who bear the tidiugs of His love, \nto speak from souls full of His grace to the very \nsouls of their brethren; from hearts warm with \nthe love of Christ, of Christ crucified for sinners. \nWe do not think it necessary to lay down special \nrules for the conduct of the mission. There must \nbe much elasticity in such an attempt to make it \nsuit the different characters and needs of various \nparishes, and we do not desire to restrahi this nec- \nessary liberty, only reminding you that the services \nconducted in churches and licensed chapels are \nconfined by law, except as to hymns and anthems, \nto the words of Holy Scripture, and the Book of \nCommon Praver.\'^ \n\n\n\nCHAPTER V. \n\n\n\nA MISSION- WITH ITS METHODS. \n\n\n\nTwo hy huo \xe2\x80\x94 A PitUic Reception sometimes achnis- \n7nissible \xe2\x80\x94 The Holy Comimtnion \xe2\x80\x94 Address to the \nChildren \xe2\x80\x94 Mission Services and Singing \xe2\x80\x94 Bishcp \nof Ripon \xe2\x80\x94 The Sermon, its character and impor- \ntance \xe2\x80\x94 An Instruction \xe2\x80\x94 The Meditation \xe2\x80\x94 The \nFormation of Classes, \n\nIt is very desirable that, as far as possible, the \nprimitive idea of going two by two, be realized in \nthis work, so mightily is the heart of the Evangel- \nist strengthened by having with him a helper like- \nminded, to assist in the Service of prayer and song, \nand in exhortation. Where, however, this is not \nexpedient, let him take with him, if he can, a few \nlay-people from the place of his last mission, capa- \nble of assisting as occasion may offer. So it was \n*"\' Six brethren" accompanied St. Peter to Cesarea. \n(Acts xi. 12.) And their presence will be found to \nadd very much to the character and spirit of the \nservices. This has been found \\)y experience, to \nbe a matter of much more importance than is \ngenerally supposed. Let it be the rule, whenever \n\n\n\n84 Aggressive Worh. \n\npossible, to find those of like mind with himself^, \nand capable of setting forward his work. \n\nIt has been recommended, and may in some in- \nstances be well, to give to the Evangelist and his \nhelpers, a public reception. For this, there should \nbe as large a gathering as can well be secured, at \nthe Church or place where the mission is to be held, \nsay at three or four o\'clock in the afternoon of the \nday when the mission is to begin. If in a Parish \nChurch, let the rector meet the newly arrived breth- \nren just within the Church doors, when proceeding \ntogether down the aisle until they have entered \nwithin the choir, (upon the platform fronting the \nchancel) let them then proceed yrith an informal \nservice of song and prayer, followed by an address \nof welcome, to which reply would be made by one or \nmore of the Evangelists. It would be very proper \nto state upon this occasion, what God had lately \nwrought by the hand of His embassadors, and re- \nmark of what was to be sought and prayed for up- \non the present occasion. This service concluded, \nlet the brethren be introduced individually to all \nthose welcoming them to their midst. And the \nsame evening let there be service and preaching. \n\nThe day following the reception of the Evangel- \nists, let the Holy Communion be celebrated by the \nrector, at the usual hour of morning service, at \nwhich also, a homily from the Evangelist conduct- \ning the mission, or from his assistant, will be in \nplace. Sliould this be on Sunday, it might be well \n\n\n\nA Mission tvith its Methods 80 \n\nto precede this service with Morning Prayer, at six \nor nine o\'clock. On the afternoon of the first Sun- \nday, let tliere be a Children\'s Service, with a ser- \nmon or address from one of the Evangelists. Also \nlet there be Evening Prayer and Sermon, Sunday \nevening. Thereafter the evenings should be whol- \nly devoted to the work of the mission \xe2\x80\x94 informal \nservices with preaching. Should the mission be \nheld in a Church where it is customary to have \ndaily services, let Morning Prayer be said at five or \nnine o\'clock, and Evening Prayer at three or five \nin the afternoon. Mission services ought as a rule \nto be informal, since the object of Mie mission is to \ndo what the offices of worship are not so much to \nproduce as to result from ; \xe2\x80\x94 the mission is mainly \nfor preaching and instruction. \n\n77ie Mission Service cannot properly be prescrib- \ned. In this, as in many other matters, it will be \nfound the part of wisdom to let the peculiar cir- \ncumstances of the time and place dictate what kind \nand measure of service is most desirable. But it \nmay be questioned whether the full service of Eve- \nning Prayer ought ever to be used as a rule, \nand probably the ^^ Third Service," or abbreviated \nEven Song had better be used but seldom. The \nBishop of Ripon (Eng.) said upon taking the chair \nas President of the Church Congress, held in Leeds, \n1872, \'\'We are learning by degrees the need of \ngreater elasticity and freedom in our Church sys- \ntem. I suppose that most men now recognize the \n\n\n\n86 Aggressive Work, \n\nnecessity \xe2\x80\x94 if the national Chnrcli is to retain, or, \nspeaking more correctly, if she is to recover her in- \nfluence over large masses of our fellow-countrymen \n\xe2\x80\x94 that she should be emancipated to some extent, \nfrom those rigid and unyielding bands of uniform- \nity which have too often tended rather to impede \nthan to further the Church\'s progress." The Lita- \nny will hardly be used too frequently during the \nprogress of the mission, and may be found special- \nly proper Wednesdays and Fridays. Simply prayer \nwith possibly a hymn, would be all that we would \nregard as indispensable. It may, however, be prop- \ner to state that^fter some experience in this work, \nwe have found the following most satisfactory when \nthe mission has been held in a parish Church : be- \ngin the service with a lesson from Holy Scripture \n\xe2\x80\x94 letting God\'s Word be heard first of all, as in the \noflSce for Morning and Evening Prayer : \xe2\x80\x94 let the \nlesson be followed by a canticle, read or sung, and \nthe Apostle\'s Creed, after which the Lord\'s Prayer \nmay be offered, together with such other prayers \nand collects from the Book of Common Prayer, as \nthe occasion may seem to require*; a hymn should \nthen be sung and a sermon preached \xe2\x80\x94 reserving \nthe Confession and Absolution of Evening Prayer \nto be said further on in the evening, if desired. \n\nOf the Singing, ^^Q would say that whether led \nby a choir or precentor, it should by all means be \ncongregationaL Should the Anthems be sung, \nthey should be set to Gregorian tunes, or some \n\n\n\nA Mission ivith its Methods. 87 \n\ncompositions so easily acquired that all can take \npart in their use. The hymns and tunes should be \nsuch as are known to be familiar to the whole con- \ngregation, though always selected with reference to \nthe subject of the sermon. And these hymns \nshould be sung again and again, during the course \nof the mission, until they shall of themselves bring \nforth from the hearts of the peojile the blessed re- \nsponses of a pure praise to God. It is written, \n"The people which shall be created shall praise the \nLord.\'\' And again \xe2\x80\x94 "Whosofever oifereth praise, \nglorifieth Me.^^ Only let the singing be ^Mvith tliQ \nspirit,\'^and "with the understanding also.^\'--^\'Teach\' \ning and admonishing one another in psalms and \nhymns and spiritual songs, singing ^vith grace in \nyour hearts to the Lord.^^ \n\nOf but one thing further would we remark con- \ncerning the service \xe2\x80\x94 let whatever of service may be \nsaid, be uttered with a uniform voice, the congre- \ngation following whoever may lead, in tone and \ntime, as nearly as possible. It is more than proba- \nble that those leading in these services will lift up \ntheir voice from full and burtliened hearts, and \nwith a tone suited to the fervency of vehement de- \nsire ; when, for some to lag behind, or to go trip- \nping carelessly on, or to purposely use an intonation \nforeign to the vernacular of the congregation, or, \nwhat is worse than all, to mumble the service of \nDivine Worship, is not only distracting, but may \nbe said to bo little less than fatal to the immediate \n\n\n\nSS Aggressive Worlc. \n\neffects of the service. It would almost be better to \nhave no service except by a single voice, than to \nhave a service where it should be manifest to those \nin attendance that there was no sympathy of heart \nor unity of purpose. If such flagrant faults must \nbe tolerated in the common services, they still \nought by all means to be avoided, if possible, in \nconducting a mission service. \n\nThe Sermon comes next. And, although this is \nnot the place to produce a volume on Homiletics, \nand notwithstanding we have already given some \nhints touching the preaching of Evangelists, it is \nimportant to observe that ftiilure in the preaching, \nis a feilure of the mission. \n\nIt is not to be supposed that all sermons deliver- \ned in course of a mission will be uniformly Vciluable. \nIt will perhaps be but seldom that the Evangelist \nwill be at all satisfied w^ith his attempt in this di- \nrection. But this is manifestly the culmiuating \npoint. Here, while the Word of God is being pro- \nclaimed, He who dwells in the brightness of the \nFather\'s glory, must be revealed to men as a \'-quick\' \neniiig spirit^\' and the (xospel be found the power \nof God unto salvation through the kindlings and \nquickening of faith, or else the whole movement \nmust terminate in disappointment and a sickening \nrecoil. If, liowever, the ^ \'truth as it is in Jesus/\' \nbe proclaimed clearl}^, practically \xe2\x80\x94 in a way suited \nto the needs of the hearers \xe2\x80\x94 and in the demonstra- \ntion of Divine power, there cannot be a failure. \n\n\n\nA Mission with its Methods. 89 \n\nGod\'s word will not return unto Him void. And \nour "labor is not in vain in the Lord." Our ut- \nmost faith may be challenged, hope may for a time \nseem to be deferred, but, *\'Is not my word like as a \nfire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that \nbreaketh the rock in pieces ?\'\' He who hath sent \nHis servants, bidding them Go, nothing doubting, \nwill have them strike again and again, and will \ncertainly not deceive them nor disappoint their \nfaith. For "Faith cometh by hearing." \n\nBut it is rightly judged, that this is the critical \npoint. To know how to bring out the truth most \neffectually, what kind of sermons to preach \xe2\x80\x94 how \nfar they should be expositorial and how far horta- \ntive, whether they should at any time touch polem- \nics and to what extent, how much time should be \ndevoted to the Evidences of Christianity, and how \nmuch to dogmas, how to bring out the truth touch- \ning moral obligation and the simplicity of faith \nthat justifies while also it conducts to the obedience \nof holiness; \xe2\x80\x94 and having determined what kind of \nsermons are best suited to a given community, then \nto know how to so bring out the truth that the \nhearers instead of being repelled, shall be drawn to \nthe preacher, and being drawn shall remain steadi- \nly before him, until, with the understanding en- \nlightened, the judgment convinced, the imagination \nkindled, the heart and will shall yield in obedience \nto God \xe2\x80\x94 to know how to do this, and knowino- \nhow, then to acquire power to do it, may well task \n4* \n\n\n\n90 Aggressive Work, \n\nthe soul of an Apostle, and cause him to cry out, \n\'\xe2\x80\xa2\'Who is sufficient for these things!" If any man \nthink otherwise, let him try it if he wilh and he \nshall find it the severest test of his life. Light does \nnot come of darkness,; and a stream cannot rise \nhigher than its fountain. "He that winneth sonls \nis wise;^\' and if any man have this wisdom, for the \nlove of Christ, let him make demonstration of the \nfact. Let him do the work, and enter upon this \nlabour and travail of Christ, and seeing sons and \ndaughters born to the Lord our God, he shall rea- \nlize with this agony of faith, the highest felicity of \nwhich the human soul is capable this side the \nWorld to come; while also, there shall be joy \n\' among the angels of heaven. But though of the \nmost brilliant intellect, of the most comprehensive \nmind, and of the keenest sensibilities, though a \npolished shaft from the quiver of the Almighty, \nstill, to man it must always be very much the \ndrawing the bow at a venture. \n\nAnd yet he should study to show himself ap- \nproved. The preparation of his sermons and heart \nshould be his unceasing labor: to make his sermons \ncompact, brief, logical, and touching; and at the \nsame time to hold himself in entire sympathy with \nthe people, meanwhile bringing forth things ne\\y \nand old from the treasury of God. And it is safe \nto affirm of sermons that are too diffuse, too lengthy, \ntoo labored, too h^arned, too subtle, that are want- \ning in the out-gushings of the soul, and do not at \n\n\n\nA Mission ivith its Metliods. 91 \n\nevery service meet the special, personal and felt \nspiritual needs of those present, that they Avill be \nfound to miss of the point aimed at. Of course ev- \nerything pointing toward the ludicrous, everything \ngrotesque or eccentric should be studiously avoid- \ned. He must not seem to be smart or sarcastic, \nand by no means harsh in his rebukes. But let \nhim abide in the Spirit. Let the truths he preach- \nes be the fundamental truths. Do not let him be \nafraid to repeat these truths again and again, law- \nyer-like, until they are clear to the humblest capac- \nity; let him do this in every sermon; though he \nseem to digress, let it be only to unexpectedly bring \nhis congregation face to face with the same truth \nagain. Although it should be observed that he \nmust by no means seem to ride a hobby. Anecdote- \ntruth in the concrete, may be used moderately and \nso will be used well if germain to the subject in \nhand. As a scholar and thinker he cannot rant, \nbut he should certainly be most solemnly in ear- \nnest. Above all he should speak the truth in \nlove. \n\nThe place for the delivery of an Evangelist\'s ser- \nmon in a Church, should be in front of the Chancel \nand as near the people as convenience will permit. \nIn conclusion he will offer the Ascription, and the \ncongregation will join in an appropriate hymn. \n\nThe Instruction or Meditation, or both, may then \nfollow. The first is intended to be a practical ex- \nplanation of personal duty, and may occupy from \n\n\n\n92 Aggressive VVork^ \n\nfiye to twenty minutes^ this being determined \nlargely by the time occupied in delivering the ser- \nmon. Of course this should be taken by a helper. \nThe Meditation is no more nor less tiian a solilo- \nquy, the person u^ing it attempting to make an ap- \nplication of the truth to his own heart, meanwhile \ngiving vocal utterance to his thoughts. We have \noccasionally used this for many years, and with \nsensible profit, and always standing before the con- \ngregation. But in England, it is recommended to \nbe sometimes used Avliile kneeling. \n\nThis exercise being concluded, any announce- \nments may be made or repeated that may seem to \nbe expedient. Of these it may be well to ask all \ncommunicants present to remain the first night, af- \nter the congregation is dismissed, at which time \nthose remaining may be spoken with personally, \nand requested thereafter to remain every night, to \njoin in congregational singing, to report any cases \nthey may desire to bring to the attention of the \nclergy, and also by their remaining, to encourage \nany who may afterward desire to speak then and \nthere with the clergy, with reference to confirma- \ntion or readmission to Communion. After this has \nbeen explained to the communicants, announce- \nments may be made upon subsequent evenings to \nthe eflfect that the Evangelists and clergy present \nwill take pleasure in seeing any persons who may \ndesire to speak with them with reference to person- \nal faith, or with a view to join either the Class for \n\n\n\nA Mission with its Methods, 93 \n\nConfirmation, or the Class for readmission to Com- \nmunion. \n\nOf the formation of Classes, and of the impor- \ntance of personal contact with those desiring in- \nstruction, we propose to speak further on. \n\nAnother hymn being sung, the Confession may \nthen be used if desired, if not used before, and the \ncongregation allowed to depart with the benedic- \ntion. \n\n\n\nCHAPTER VI. \n\n\n\nA MISSION WITHO UT AN E VA NGELIST. \n\nThe case Stated \xe2\x80\x94 Reasons for such Missions \xe2\x80\x94 The \nPreachers desired : Pere Nampon \xe2\x80\x94 Topics of Ser- \nmons \xe2\x80\x94 Lengfli of Services : an Example in Iowa \n\xe2\x80\x94 Extempora.ry and Manuscript Serinons \xe2\x80\x94 Other \nMeasures. \n\nIs it possible to conduct a mission snccessfully in \nabsence of an Evangelist? This is certainly a very \nimportant question. \n\nWe have all along maintained, that, since God \nhas placed \'^diversities of gifts\'\' in the Church, \n(1 Cor. xii.) Himself making and designating them \nas embracing among others, \'"\' \xe2\x80\x94 some Evangelists \nand some pastors and teachers," (Eph. iv.) there \nwould still be found a special blessing for the \nChurch by maintaining this important distinction \nmaintained in the Canon of Scripture, and so \nclearly noted in the Church\'s early history. We \nhave also desired to correct the false notion preva- \nlent in the American mind, that an Evangelist if \nnot of very inferior gifts and intellectual furnish- \ning, as is commonly supposed to be the case, is ne- \n\n\n\nA Mission ivitlioat an Evangelisl. 95 \n\ncessarily an erratic and eccentric person for whom \nthe disciplined and sober-minded portion of the \ncommunity cannot entertain special regard. \n\nStill, if men Avill ignore our testimony, if they \nwill forget the work of Wesley and Whitefield, \xe2\x80\x94 \nmen for whose departure the Church of England \nwill never cease to mourn, for their labor was \nchiefly outside the pale of that Churcli, \xe2\x80\x94 if they \nwill forget the course of the Eoman Catholic \nChurch in this matter, and though they shut their \neyes to the destitution of our great communities \nand their ears to the wail that comes, a Macedonian \ncry, from the North, South, East and West, we \nsubmit that, we have nevertheless produced indu- \nbitable evidence that the Protestant Episcopal \nChurch needs, and should by all and every means \nencourage the attempt to place in the field, a class \nof able, devout and accomplished preachers, speci- \nally prepared for this work. Because failing of \nthis, she fails of a golden opportunity and of the \ngrandest results it was ever possible for a Church \nto reach at any time this side the days of the Ee- \nformation. \n\nIf however an efficient Evangelist cannot be pro- \ncured, and if, as was lately affirmed of mission ser- \nvices by the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of Central New \nYork, \'\' Life is born of such action as surely as \nman and the kingdom keep their constitution, and \nGod keeps his promises,"* Then we should most \n\n*Ad(lress before the Diocesan Convention, 1873. \n\n\n\n96 Aggressive Work. \n\nsurely encourage those who, under favorable au- \nspices, have it in their hearts to institute a mission. \nIt is very likely God has wrought this desire, and \nmay design to manifest special mercy toward this \nportion of His heritage : such mercy as would be \nmanifest should some parent\'s prayers be answered \nand some wanderer rescued and plucked as a brand \nfrom the burning, and especially should the Church \nreceive a new impetus in her work for Christ ; al- \nthough, it may be God\'s purpose to put to the test \nthe faith of his people in that locality, and elicit an \ninterest in the work of saving lost men at home \nand abroad, preparatory to a future mercy for the \npresent hidden from their view. \nThere are these reasons for making the attempt : \n\n1. The very desirable results likely to follow if con- \nducted to a successful issue \xe2\x80\x94 the conversion of sin- \nners, and the building up the Church of (xod. \n\n2. The fact that the spirit ruling the body is one, \nso that aggressive work is legitimate to the Church \neverywhere, while in all directions may be expected \nmen who, having a readiness to enter upon this \nwork in a limited way, will be found successful to \nan extent much beyond any one\'s expectation. Such \nare men who if they had early been devoted to this \nwork would have been Wesleys and Whitefields, \n" Second Apostles \'\' indeed. 5. The fact that souls \nare perishing all around us whom the usual pas- \ntoral methods do not and probably will not reach. \n4. The fact that using, were it possible, a very large \n\n\n\nA Mission ivithout an Evangelist, 97 \n\nEvangelist force, there would then remain vast re- \ngions and important fields iincared for by the Church. \n5. The fact that such efforts properly conducted in- \nure A^ery largely to the benefit of the Protestant \nEpiscopal Church in this country, where there are, \nprobably, scores of thousands that are now kept \nout of her Communion only because they want \nsuch a demonstration of life and the presence of \nthe indwelling Spirit, as this would serve to give \nthem. 6. The fact that such missions are often \nvery successfully carried on in England, by the aid \nof neighboring rectors and the Bishop, whom it \nwould be well always to engage if possible for all or \na portion of the time. 7. And, above all, the \nglory of God: who seeks by his manifold gifts to \nrescue and save men : who seeks for men who shall \nworship Him. \n\nIn contemplating such a mission, whatever has \nbeen said of preliminary matters would apply \nequally in the present case. \n\nThe next thing to be determined is, as to Avho \nshall have the responsibility of conducting the mis- \nsion. This would in such case most properly de- \nvolve upon the rector projecJ^ing the mission. Of \ncourse he would from time to time advise with his \nbrethren with reference to any prudential matters \nabout which there might be a question, and in \nneglect of which he might find himself sorely em- \nbarrassed. \n\nBut providing suitable help for the preaching, \n\n\n\n98 Aggressive Work. \n\nwill be likely to prove the great bnrtlien in his \npreparation. In procuring this, let him take to \nmind what he desires in the way of preaching, and \nthen engage if he can such clerical aid as will most \nnearly answer to this desire. The following from \nPere Nampon * will be found saggesbive. \n\n" The lime of a Mission is distinguished as a \nseason of altogether special religious privileges and \ngraces. The Missioner differs from the Parish \nPriest, in that his ministry is an extraordinary one, \nintended to produce great fruits in a short space of \ntime, and therefore using greater force, richer in \nappliances, more urgent in its call. The Mission \nsermon, accordingly, should be distinguished by \nbeing more vigorous in its attack, v/armer in its \nlanguage, more pressing in its invitations, more \nviv:d in its narrative, more incisive in its applica- \ntion, as well as more profoundly searching. The \nMissioner should be like some powerful athlete, of \ntaller stature, freer play of limb, more sinewy arm, \nmore vigorous heart than his fellows, who always \ngoes straight to the mark, pursues, presses on, seizes \nhis enemy, \xe2\x80\x94 but only to embrace him, raise him up, \nsave him, bring him to heaven. \n\n"While the Missioner should be more vehement \nand more pathetic than the ordinary preacher, he \nought also more than others to take care that he is \nalways natural and straight-forward. As one speak- \n\n\n\n*Manuel du Missionnaire, iii. \xc2\xa7 10. \n\n\n\nA Mission ivitJiout an Evangelist, 99 \n\niiig in the name of God, he must be grave, rever- \nent, exact, authoritative, and even invested with a \ndegree of majesty. His word must have that som^e- \nthing sacramental which commands religious at- \ntention and calls forth submissive respect; but at \nthe same time he must beware lest, thus surround- \ning himself with the halo of a teacher, he fall into \nan exaggeration of emphasis, into pretentiousness^ \nor an inflated style, or appear either extravagant, \nhard, domineering or fanatical. He is a man speak- \ning to his fellow-men, and should speak their lan- \nguage and reason and think like them. He must \never be clear, kindly, penetrated with the truth of \nhis message, and never trivial, vulgar, affected or \nfulsome. In short, the true Missioner should unite \nin himself dignity and simplicity, authority and be- \nnevolence, much that is acquired, with much of \nwhat is implanted in him by nature, the supernat- \nural and divine "character of the messenger of God, \nwith the humility and sympathy of a man dealing \nwith his brethren.\'\' \n\nLet him engage if he can a rector most nearly \nanswering to this description. And if so be that \nhe find one with anything like the requisite gifts \nand graces, let him secure him for the entire mis- \nsion if he can, and if not for the whole time for \nwhich the mission is arranged, then for as much of \nthe time as he can ; since one man so endowed, and \nonce arresting the attention and drawing to him- \nself the sympathies of a congregation, will usually \n\n\n\n100 Aggressive Work. \n\ndo more in his sermons, and make more consecu- \ntive and pertinent and effective the line of thought \nproperly pursued from evening to evening, than \ncan possibly be done by the constant introduction \nof a new man with a new voice and manner, a dif- \nferent temper of mind, and possibly bringing w^ith \nhim a sermon which for many reasons may be found \nwholly irrelevant to the wants of the congregation. \nFailing, however, of obtaining sucli a helper \nfrom the rectorial staff of the region, another and \nvery good method will be to engage if possible, \nas many clergymen as there are evenings in the pro- \nposed mission, naming to each the topic you desire \nhim to discuss. Supposing you have planned for a \nmission of ten evenings, the following or similar \ntopics may be arranged for : \xe2\x80\x94 \n\n1. The Authenticity of Holy Scripture. \n\n2. The Evidences of Christianity. \n\n3. The Unreasonableness, Obliquity, and Logical \nFruits of Infidelity. \n\n4. Faith, its Character, Foundation and Fruits. \n\n5. Repentance, What it is not, and what it is. \n\n6. Conversion, Distinguished from Regeneration. \n\n7. The Spiritual Life. \n\n8. Sacraments and Eeligious Ordinances. ^ \n\n9. The Work of the Church as one with its Di- \nvine Head. \n\n10. Confirmation, its Character and Immediate \nImportance. \n\nA somewhat different train of thought would be \n\n\n\nA Mission witliout an Evangelist, 101 \n\nsuggested by the following order of topics : 1. The \nExistence and Attributes of God; 2. Moral Obli- \ngation ; 3. The fall of Man or Human Depravity ; \n4. The Atonement; 5. Holiness, or Practical \nChristianity; 6. Historic Christianity; 7. Christi- \nanity in its Relation to Science; 8. The Charac- \nter and Importance of Religious Worship ; 9. Con- \nfirmation ; IC. Missionary Work at Home and \nAbroad. \n\nAnd again. In some communities the following- \ntopics would be more likely to secure attention, \nparticularly in such communities as are very nearly \ndevoid of interest in religious things, \xe2\x80\x94 1. God; 2. \nDiabolos \xe2\x80\x94 opening up the whole subject of spirit- \nual existence \xe2\x80\x94 3. Heaven; 4. Hell ; 5. Creeds; \n6. Manhood; 7. Womanhood; 8. Crime; 9. Man \nin Death; 10. The Hereafter. These and similar \ntopics the hard-headed and thinking men of the \nage are constantly speculating upon and it is no \nmore than right and proper that such as can should \nanswer their queries, and bring them to God\'s mar- \nvelous light. \n\nDuring the Advent Season the following might \nserve to better effect if in a Church : 1. The First \nAdvent of our Lord as marked on the page of \nprophecy. 2. The First Advent considered as a \nFact. 3. Truths taught and implied in the Incarna- \ntion. 4. Tlie Second Advent considered as a great \nPractical Doctrine. 5. Prophecy showing the near \n^ipproach of the Second Advent. G. The Interme- \n\n\n\n102 Aggressive Work, \n\ndiate state. 7. The Kesurrection. 8. The Saints\' \nInheritance. 9. Day of Judgment. 10. Prepara- \ntion. \n\nDuring Lent a course should be pursued having \nmore special reference to the Lenten Season, par- \nticularly if in a Church, only let the subjects be so \narrauged as not to anticipate the rector in the course \nof thought he would naturally pursue during Pas- \nsion Week, unless this week be included in tlie mis- \nsion. \n\nDetermining beforehand the topics to be discussed \nin such a mission, will have this special advantage, \nit will enable the rector conducting the mission to \nso plan his instructions and meditations, with \nwhich he should follow every discourse, that he \ncan lead on the minds of the people in that contin- \nuous way which will alone be likely to secure the \nimmediate and perceptiblefruit, he is laboring for. \n\nIn conference with his clerical brethren, let the \nclergyman planning the mission, say frankly to \nthem severally, that though the topics to be dis- \ncussed are of themselves so vast, he must request of \nthem that they so prune and compress their dis- \ncourses as to bring them within the space of thirty \nor forty minutes if such a thing be possible. This \nwill not only make the discourses less ethical, less \nlike labored disquisitions and more practical, but \nwill also serve to shorten the services. And this \nw^ill be an important consideration particularly un- \ntil the congregation becomes thoroughly interested. \n\n\n\nA Mission ivitliout an Evangelist, 103 \n\nIf tlie sermon is lengthy, and specially if both \nlengthy and dry, the clergyman will be very much \ninclined to cnt short or possibly omit the exercise \nfor instruction, which in such a mission ought but \nfor very special considerations to follow every ser- \nmon; only marking that it will be important to \nhave a spirited hymn sung after the sermon. This \nserves to relieve the congregation from the weari- \nness of sitting, while at the same time carrying on \nthe process of thought and feeling proper to the \noccasion. \n\nWhen the interest becomes well developed, the \npeople w^ill not so much care to notice the passage \nof time. And sometimes, possibly in part for the \nnovelty of the occasion, they will sit hours to- \ngether without any apparent weariness. We once \nsaw a large congregation gathered in a seated grove \n\xe2\x80\x94 at a mission in Iowa \xe2\x80\x94 wherC; on rough seats the \npeople continued to sit with the utmost quietness \nand attention to the services, for several hours, hav- \ning in the time, without intermission, full Morning \nPrayer, (being Sunday,) Baptism, the ordering of \na Deacon, Confirmation, and the Holy Communion, \ntogether with a sermon. So deeply were the peo- \nple impressed that after a repast they were ready \nto resume their places for another service and ser- \nmon. But rectors who have found it almost im- \npossible to gather their congregations during the \nweek, will readily feel the importance of such a \ncourse as will not repel the people when once they \n\n\n\n104 Aggressive Work. \n\nare drawn together. Indeed, it is only real reli- \ngious fervor that will so gather the people, or suc- \nceed in holding them for any considerable time \xe2\x80\x94 a \nfervor, we should say, kindled by the Divine Spirit. \nThere can no longer be any question as to the \ncomparative value of a written or an extemporized \nsermon, although equally suggestive, compact and \nreadily delivered. If exactly equal in these respects, \ntlie sermon without a manuscript \\\\\'\\\\\\ as a rule, be \nworth infinitely more for the occasion than will be \na sermon read to the hearers. And it is now \nknown that a sermon without a manuscript may \nbe as rich in thought as wiien fully Avritten out. \nAnd it is greatly to be regretted that this Apostolic \nmode of preaching the Gospel is not more common \nwithin this branch of the Church. But in making \nready a wa\'itten sermon for a mission, we would \nsuggest that after being written, the sermon then \nbe studied, as they who successfully preach without \nnotes study their sermons \xe2\x80\x94 until ever}- point and \nthought is thoroughly impressed upon the memory: \nuntil the mind is thoroughlj\' surcharged with one \nsubject and becomes impatient for the time of deliv- \nery. And it may also be vrell to leave so large spaces \nin the manuscript, that the preacher can easily im- \nprovise a sentence or a paragraph now and then, if so \nbe that he find himself led to this, and can then \nreadily return to the exact place of his departure. \nPreachers entering fully into the spirit of a mission, \nwill very often, and sometimes very unexpectedly \n\n\n\nA Missmi without an Evangelist, 105 \n\nfind themselves so moved by a present inspiration, \nby a thought flashing npon their minds, that it \nwill be the greatest relief to step one side and let \nthe divine spark passing through their own minds \nleap out upon the minds of their congregation. \n\nAlso let those who write sermons for missions, \nconstantly remember their object is to call sinners \nto immediate repentance ; and for this end let them \nplan their sermons from beginning to end. It is to \ncarry the citadel of sin, and achieve a victory for \nChrist and the Church. \n\nOf course, whatever applies to the importance of \nunceasing, fervent, intercessory prayer, to the Ser- \nvice of Song, and to personal contact, (of which \nwe remark presently,) will apply alike to a mission \nwith or without an Evangelist. For it will be \nfound in the sequel that these matters, though sec- \nond in the plan for preaching, are yet indispensa- \nble to a successful mission. \n\n\n\nCHAPTER VII. \n\n\n\nOTHER CONSIDERATION\'S IMPORTANT \nTO A MISSION \n\nPersonal Contact \xe2\x80\x94 Auricular Confession \xe2\x80\x94 Worlc \nfor all \xe2\x80\x94 Joy wiili ilie A^ngels \xe2\x80\x94 \'\'From liouse to \nliouse\'^ \xe2\x80\x94 Tlte Crusade \xe2\x80\x94 Class instruction \xe2\x80\x94 Lay- \nlielp \xe2\x80\x94 Sacraments \xe2\x80\x94 Pliysiccd conditions \xe2\x80\x94 A Mis- \nsionary meeting \xe2\x80\x94 Length of a Mission. \n\n1. Personal Contact, \xe2\x80\x94 The "work of Prayer., \npreaching and public instruction having been con- \nsidered, we next come to a work scarcely less im- \nportant to the success of a mission. It is what can \nbe realized only by leaving the vrork of the pulpit, \nwhich in any wise has about it both the elements \nof attraction and of repulsion \xe2\x80\x94 and unfortunately, \nsometimes more repulsion than attraction \xe2\x80\x94 and \ncoming down to the work of dealing with individ- \nuals. This is often the hand-to-hand fight where \nalone the rebellious heart Vv\'ill finally yield. It is, \nhowever, the place where the giant often falls at the \nhand of the young shepherd. A work contempla- \nted not more by the ^\' right hand of fellowship,^\' \nand ultimately the "laying on of hands,\'\' introduc- \n\n\n\nConsiderations importcmt to a Mission. 107 \n\ntory to open communion, than in the germ-idea of \nthe Christian brotherhood. It is personal contact, \nbringing soul to soul, mind to mind, heart to heart. \nIt has for its basis that intermediate work through \nwhich God\'s miracle of life is realized. It is analo- \ngous to the case of the Shunamite\'s son (2 Kings \niy.) that did not revive by having the staff of God\'s \nprophet laid upon him ; not until with prayer, the \npropliet ^^put his mouth upon his mouth, and his \neyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands,\'^ \nthat ^^the soul of the child came into him again and \nhe revived.^\' (1 Kings xvii.) It is that element \nwhich, sanctified by prayer, is no more important \nto a successful pastorate, than it is to the work of \nthe Evangelist. Indeed, w^e are free to say that \njudging from observation, from what we know of \nhuman nature and of God\'s ways, we do not be- \nli(^-ve there is any immediate substantial success to \nbe expected from a mission where this important \nfactor is left out. It would be like taking away the \nConfessional from the Church of Eome, and the \n"mourner\'s bencli\'^ or "inquiry meeting\'^ from the \nso-called revivalist\xe2\x80\x94 the very pillars and props of \ntheir temples. The most able, pungent and per- \nsuasive sermons may be preached, and were it pos- \nsible, with the greatest religious fervor attending \nthem, yet very little fruit will be reaped where this \ninstrumentality is neglected. The preaching is the \ndrag-net, which, though drawn to the shore, still, \nif then the haul of fishes be not taken in hand, of \n\n\n\n108 Aggressive Work, \n\ncourse they are left to perish on the strand or be- \ncome the prey of wolves and ynltures. And we \nmight perhaps better spare ourselves the toil of \nthese fishers of men, than when having gathered \nmen to hear the Gospel, we then do nothing further \nto eflfect the spiritual cure of their souls. \n\nThat "we are justified by faith only, is a most \nwholesome docfcrine, and very full of comfort." And \nit is equally true that "faith cometh by hearing." \nBut, when so hearing and believing, there is then \na movement in every soul, a desire more or less in- \ntense according to the measure of faith entering \ninto it, which reaches out and has for its object \nthat religious life, the full complement of which \ncan be realized only in the Communion of Saints. \n\nThis that we recommend may be regarded as the \nswaddling bands, with the nursing and nourishing \nof this new-born faith. It is the soothing and \ncheer which come from gentle and kindly voices, \nand the warmth and comfort ministered by loving \nhands, which the new believer has a right to ex- \npect within that household where the Father of all \nis truly adored and worshipped, and where, too, the \nFather and the Son abide by the indwelling of the \nDivine Spirit. \n\nIs it not true that for this very work of which \nwe now speak, this tender individual care for one \nanother, and especially for the lambs of the fold \xe2\x80\x94 \nthis which, we insist upon it, must supplement the \nefforts of the pulpit in the mission \xe2\x80\x94 is it not true \n\n\n\nConsiderations irnportant to a Mission. 109 \n\nthat without this, the Spirit of God will be quench- \ned, and the budding of a new life dying out, the \nlabors of the pulpit will be abortive ? Is it not of \nthe yery essence of Christianity, to care ^ \' one for \nanother,\'^ while it is the spirit of a murderer which \nasks ^\'Am I my brother\'s keeper?\'\' \n\nAnd this, so far from being the mysterious work \neffected by the incantations or exorcism of some \nspiritual magician, or " Confessor \'\' in secret, is to \nthe contrary, so simple, so common-sense-like that \nany and all knowing in their own hearts the bless- \ned fellowship of Christ\'s religion, may and should \ntake part in it. Auricular Confession in the Eo- \nman Catholic Church, has for its foundation the \n^SSacrament of Penance," so-called, adjudged by \nthat Church to be a prerequisite to the reception of \nthe mass. And this pretended Sacrament is of \nnothing worth unless followed by "I absolve you \xe2\x80\x94 \nBgo te absolvo^^ \xe2\x80\x94 by the priest. For such a con- \nfession and absolution there are no provisions what- \never in the Protestant Episcopal Church. That, in \nthe Communion office, sometimes referred to in \nthis connection, contemplates neither private con- \nfession nor private absolution. It is only "godly \ncounsel and advice," which the "minister of God\'s \nWord" ought certainly to be able to impart, if fit \nfor his calling. \n\nAnd so far from there being any mysterious \nthing accomplished by those having in charge a \nmission \xe2\x80\x94 by which some would make it appear that \n\n\n\n110 Aggressive Work, \n\nif not Jesuits, we are akin to " Mystery Babylon" \xe2\x80\x94 \nwe affirm to the contrary^ that there is no mystery \nappertaining to this work Avhateyer, save the mys- \ntery of the invisible Spirit of God working in the \ndeep recesses of the human heart. ^"The wind \nbloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound \nthereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh^ and \nwhither it goeth. So is eyery one that is born of \nthe Spirit." \n\nThe Spirit pervading the congregation ought to \nprompt all to enter upon this work with the great- \nest animation. For this, however, we would re- \ncommend, first, that such as desire to speak with a \n"minister of God\'s Word," with reference to the \nmatter of personal faith, be requested to remain for \na brief time after the congregation is dismissed \xe2\x80\x94 \nwhen, also, let as many of the faithful of the congre- \ngation as will, remain and take part in carrying out \nthe spirit of these instructions. But here let it be \nobserved, that to stay and sit in mute silence, while \nthe Evangelist or pastor or both go about seekiug \nto find out and know the lambs of the fold, would \nprobably prove no less than instantly fatal to the \ninterest of the occasion. To avoid this, let all un- \nderstand the work now is like that of a hand-to- \nhand fight, for which anything like maneuvering ac- \ncording to military tactics, is out of the question. \nLet then all w^ho remain for this brief space, rise to \ntheir feet and proceed to speak V\\^itli those remain- \ning, seeking out and reporting the good cheer gra- \n\n\n\nConsiderations important to a Mission, 111 \n\nciously vouchsafed them, and for which, with the \nangels in Heaven, it is now presumed they may \nrejoice. Should there be one soul present who, \nturning from darkness desires to know the fellow- \nship of Christ \xe2\x80\x94 rich or poor, black or white \xe2\x80\x94 let as \nmany as can cheer such a one. Should the interest \ndemand some further time than was anticipated, \nlet whoever may be conducting the exercises pause \nand report whatever cheering facts he can \xe2\x80\x94 with- \nholding names, of course \xe2\x80\x94 and ask of those present \nthat they will give thanks or praise to God ; or let \nthis conclude the exercise. \n\nSometimes those remaining will realize more \nsatisfaction if they can be assured that those whose \nsympathies now encircle them, will remember them \nand plead for them in their prayers. Only let not \nany special exercise of prayer be once thought of as \nnecessary before believing on the Lord Jesus Christ \nwith full purpose of heart. "\'^For with the heart \nman believeth unto righteousness, and Avith the \nmouth confession is made unto salvation.^\' (Eom. \nX. 10.) \n\nSometimes these exercises may take on^ the \ncharacter of a common "Missionary meeting/\' or \nbe such in reality ; and one or two such, ought as \na rule, to be held during the course of the mission. \nBut in any case they may by a little right direction, \nbe made occasions of great profit. And we know \nof but one reason why this may not be the case, \nand tliat is where the Novena and every exercise of \n\n\n\n112 Aggressive Work, \n\nreal fervent prayer has been neglected so that spir- \nitual torpor and death reign in the hearts of the \nnominal comnmnicants present. For what moye- \nments, and especially may we ask what moyements \nhaving for their object the promotion of life^ can \nbe expected of souls wrapt in the unfeeling em- \nbrace of death! From such souls, or where there \nhas been no becoming preparation for a mission, \nlet there be but little or nothing anticipated from \nsuch exercises as these. \n\nBut a second method for carrying out the spirit \nof these instructions, and one that can hardly be \ntoo strongly recommended is, the going "from \nItoicse to liouse:^ This is a strikingly Apostolic \nmethod (Acts xx, 20 ; Gal-, ii. 2, ) which energetic- \nally and faithfully carried out, will be found sur- \nprisingly fruitful. Let as much time, and as many \nas can, be occupied in this work, minding of course \nthat they do not trench upon the hours sacred to \nprayer and the preparation of sermons. Although \nit may be premised that in many instances this \ncourse will not be pursued very long before the in- \nterest Avill be such that those carrying on the mis- \nsion will have all they can reasonably do to meet \nthose who will voluntarily find their way to the \nChurch for instruction and encouragement. \n\n2. A Crusade is the rather formidable name giv- \nen by somebody in England, to indicate a special \nservice for the male portion of the congregation \nonly, at which a discourse, or several addresses, may \n\n\n\nConsideratio7is important to a Mission, 1 13 \n\nbe given against either the sin of uncleanness or \ndrunkenness^ or both. The hour suggested is ten \no\'clock at night. \n\nIt is suggested that ^^The Litany of the Holy \nName (in prose), is a good prayer with which to \nbegin such a service, after a few introductory w^ords. \nThe address which follows, should not in general, \nlast longer than fifteen or twenty minutes. The \nservice is concluded with extempore prayer.\'^ A \npledge is also recommended. \n\nBut this language, if intelligible, is certainly not \nrecognized as legitimate to the ecclesiastical nomen- \nclature of American Churchmen. We suspect it \nhas in it more of novelty than utility ; and yet it \nmay afi*ord a valuable hint. The sins aimed at are \ncertainly of alarming prevalence in this country, \nthough how they may be most effectually treated, \nremains an open question. \n\n3. Class Instruction. \xe2\x80\x94 It has been our habit to \norganize classes for instruction as soon as circum- \nstances will permit. These are classes for Confirm- \nation, or for Bible reading. They should meet in \nthe afternoon, and must be conducted according to \ncircumstances or methods which the occasion will \nmost readily suggest, varying of course, with the \ncharacter of the community in which we are placed. \nBut they afford a grand opportunity for the youn \ndisciple to become well grounded in the faith, and \nalso give opportunity to so furnish them- \nselves that they may be ready always to give an \n5* \n\n\n\nto \n\n\n\n114: Aggressive Work, \n\nanswer to every man that asketli them, a reason of \nthe hope that is within them. (1 Pet. iii. 15.) They \nare also invaluable as opportunities for giving spe- \ncial instruction in many things appertaining to the \nSacraments and Services of the Church, which \nwould not so readily fall within the compass of a \npopular discourse. \n\nThe names of such as join the classes should be \nkept and added to, if possible, at every sitting. \n\n4. Lay lielp^ as has been suggested, will be found \nparticularly useful in carrying out the instructions \nof this chapter. Men and women whose hearts \nhave been prepared after the manner suggested, \ncannot fail to render valuable aid in this work. \nTheir sturdy faith will hardly fail to so stir up the \ncommunity, to make such true and hearty respon- \nses, to so inspire the spirit of joy and song, while \nwith prayer they shall so stay up the hands of the \nheavenly embassador declaring God\'s message, that \nthey shall truly be like Aaron and Hur in staying \nthe hands of Moses in the day of battle. \n\nThe Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven hidden \nin three measures of meal; (St.^Matt. xiii.) mix- \ning leaven with meal is suggestive of an agitation \ncertainly quite proper to the sanctified lives \nand consecrated lips of the devout laity. Prob- \nably few realize how much they can contribute \nto the interest of a mission by their ^4ioly con- \nversation and godliness.\'^ (2 Pet. iii. 11.) And \nalas for the Protestant Episcopal Church, should \n\n\n\n3 \n\n\n\nConsiderations important to a Mission, 115 \n\nthe day ever come .that she would need go forth to \nbattle without the united and obedient march of \nher laity, marshaled as in a solid and imposing \nphalanx I \n\n5. 21ie Sacraments of Baptism, and the Holy \nCommunion; should be placed before those who \nmay have until now neglected one or both of these \nordinances of Divine appointment. And for the \nmore successful and happy termination of the mis- \nsion, it would be well, were it possible always to en- \ngage the presence and assistance of the Bishop for \nthe conclusion, when such as were prepared might \nbe admitted to Confirmation. \n\nIn new fields, it might also be particularly desir- \nable to instruct those newly interested, in the use \nof Liturgical services and the anthems and plain \nsong of the Church. Such stations will be special- \nly benefited should the Evangelists, one or both of \nthem, visit the place again after a few weeks, to \nstrengthen the newly converted, and advise with \nthe missionary or rector having the place in charge. \n\n6. The pliysical conditions are also of too great \nimportance to be passed by in this connection. \n\nConditions dependent upon the state of the \nweather, althougli favorable or possibly fatal to a \nmission, are of course beyond our control. But \nsuch as relate to the convenience, comfort and \nhealth of the congregation, and especially of those \ndirecting the mission \xe2\x80\x94 upon whom so much de- \npends \xe2\x80\x94 certainly deserve attention. \n\n\n\nUG Aggressive Worh \n\nIf the congregation is small and scattered, they \nshould by all means be requested to come forward \nand sit together. Ventilation should be scrupu- \nlously cared for, but a draught of air on a person \nis always perilous, and may prove fatal to the health \nand possibly the lives of all concerned; and so \nbring the mission to a speedy and sad termination. \nSo also the health of those conducting the mission \nshould be carefully guarded. We were once at- \ntending a mission, and lodged in a small bed-room \nwhich we afterward learned had not long before \nbeen plastered. This was in Avinter; and it is \nquestionable whether the attendant discomfort or \nperil occasioned by the dampness can well be im- \nagined. Upon another occasion we were lodged in \nthe North West chamber of a house where the wind \nwas blowing a gale, the mercury far below zero, \nand had for a bed a pallet of straw, a single sheet, \nand insufficient covering. A man who leaves his \nown cozy fireside and family, for a Avork of love \namong strangers, ought not to be subjected to such \nan experience anywhere, hoAvever great his desire \nto cultivate the habit of self-denial. For while \nwith his family he might be the center of a refined \nsocial circle in a goodly city, it would seem to be \nenough that he leaves all this for a work among \nstrangers, Avithout being also denied the comfort of \nan Indian\'s dogs that may at least recline on their \nfurs and sleep by the Avigwam fire. \n\nToo generous hospitality is, hoAVCA^er, the too \n\n\n\nConsiderations important to a Mission, 117 \n\ncommon evil likely to be met. Inattention to eat- \ning, sleeping and exercise will produce a torpor of \nbody and mental indisposition most certainly fatal \nto the mission, however exact and favorable the \nother conditions may be. Those having the mis- \nsion in charge will hardly take too much pains to \nkeep bright and lively every faculty of body and \nmind. A late and abundant dinner, or a hearty \nsupper, v/ill in nine cases out of ten, make the ser- \nmon of the eveniug less effective than it otherwise \nY/ould have been, and will probably make the at- \ntempt a failure. These and similar points must \nnot be foro\'otten. \n\no \n\n7. A Missionary Meeting, as already suggested, \nwill be found valuable. It may take the place of \nthe usual sermon, or it may follow in place of the \nusual instruction and meditation. \n\nBy all means let there be fall preparation. There \nshould be several addresses interspersed with spirit- \ned hymns. In these addresses there may be a gen- \neral discussion of the progress of Missionary work, \nwith a collation of whatever facts may have a bear- \ning upon the question in hand. If possible, secure \nthe help of several laymen for this occasion, who \nshould be previously pledged so that tliere may be \nno disappointment at the time. The addresses \nought ahvays to be brief. \n\nThis may also prove a very fitting exercise for \nthe last evening of the mission, and afford a partic- \nularly proper occasion for receiving the pecuniary \naid proposed for the work of evangelization. \n\n\n\n118 Aggressive Work. \n\nTJie length of a missio?i sometimes becomes a \nquestion of considerable importance. \n\nWe have never witnessed sucli entreaties for help \nas when at the expiration of a fortnight\'s hibor, \nprior engagements compelled ns to bring a mission \nto a close. \xe2\x80\x94 It was said. The fallow ground is just \nnow broken up, and the way is prepared to accom- \nplish more in one week than has been accomplished \nduring the fortnight past, which was most undoubt- \nly the case. And if ever there has been a regret \nwhich seemed likely to give us pain when remem- \nbered, all the way through life, it has been because \nwe were obliged to leave a mission-field under such \ncircumstances. We have seen the face of a whole \ncommunity changed by such labors, so that where \nbefore was abounding sin, there is now holiness ; \nand where before there was loathsome blasphemy, \nthere is now the hearty praise and worship of Al- \nmighty God. But such extensive results can hard- \nly be expected without protracting the mission. \n\nIn such case it will be well on every account, if a \nhelper can be sent forward to the place of the next \nmission, and a work of so great interest be contin- \nued. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCHAPTER VIIL \n\n\n\nRESULTS ORGANIZED\xe2\x80\x94 THE GUILD, \n\nSuccess \xe2\x80\x94 Live men^\' Liibecile PiilpiV^ \xe2\x80\x94 An ada- \nwantine obstacle \xe2\x80\x94 Small gatlifrings \xe2\x80\x94 Francis de \nSales \xe2\x80\x94 A liandful of corn on the mountains \xe2\x80\x94 Im- \nportance of character \xe2\x80\x94 The Brotherhood or Guild \n\xe2\x80\x94 A. vital ivant met \xe2\x80\x94 Suggestions and plans for \neffecting an organization \xe2\x80\x94 The Final " Well done,^^ \n\nK few words about results. \xe2\x80\x94 What constitutes \nsuccess, and how are the results to be secured ? \nThese are considerations of importance in conclud- \ning the treatment of this subject. \n\nThough well to remember that God\'s ways of es- \ntimating results may be yery unlike ours \xe2\x80\x94 and, \nalthough it is always safe in the performance of \nduty to leave results with Him, who may make \nwhat at the time shall seem to us a defeat most \nconducive to His glory \xe2\x80\x94 yet we count it proper to \nmeet those who are more than willing to criticise \nthis work, with the most candid consideration. \nThese men ask. What will it all amount to ? Will \nit not prove like every other \'\' sporadic thing,\'^ or \npossibly leave a community in a worse state than it \n\n\n\n120 Aggressive Worh, \n\nfound it? This is certainly possible. But we \nwould like to point to a thousand rectors who with \nabundant livings and the richest opportunities, \nyet at the end of their journey possibly could not, \nfor the life of them, prove that they had ever been \ninstrumental in bringing into the fold of the Church, \na single soul that might not have come in other- \nwise, or in the course of events, with which they \nhad nothing to do directly. Or we would point to \nfive hundred missionaries in our home field, costing \nthe Church at large many thousands of dollars an- \nnuall}^, but placed in fields where with domestic \nburthens, embarrassments, misgivings and unutter- \nable griefs, they might labor to their lives\' end \nwithout placing the Church on a self-sustaining \nbasis, \xe2\x80\x94 and submit the question. Would it be fair \nto ask : " What will all this amount to ? \'\' If they \nhave preached God\'s Word, if they have rightly and \nduly administered the Sacraments of the Lord\'s or- \ndaining, if they have comforted such as mourn, if \nthey have fed the sheep of Christ\'s fold \xe2\x80\x94 if, under \nthe circumstances under which they were placed, \nthey have done their duty to God and man, who \nwill say it is not well, and will not be well with \nsuch at the last day ? \n\nAnd because a thing occurs only occasionally \xe2\x80\x94 \nlike the work proposed for Evangelists \xe2\x80\x94 it by no\\ \nmeans follows that it is not of intrinsic value. A \nshower on the parched earth, the victory won by a \nbattle, a visitation by one of the Apostles \xe2\x80\x94 every \n\n\n\nResults Organized \xe2\x80\x94 Tlie Guild, 121 \n\none of wlioin was an Evangelist \xe2\x80\x94 are of none the \nless wortli because they do not recur at regular in- \ntervals. Men who^ it may be^ have all their life- \ntime been idlers in the Lord\'s vineyard, and hoard- \ning wealth, have cried meanwhile, "The temple of \nthe Lord are we/^ ought to be very slow to call \nthat a ^-waste" of talents or money which has every \nassurance of the Divine favor: which has only for \nits object the preaching the pure Gospel, the pluck- \ning of souls as brands from the burnings, and the \ncarrying forward the banner of the Church of the \nLiving God. \n\nNo. With true men engaged in this work, there \nis no failure. And if ever such a thing as success \nought to be expected in Church work, then this \nought to be the glory of such as have entered upon \nthis work. And why not, if attempted under fa- \nvorable auspices ? \n\nThose who engage in this work should be thor- \noughly live men \xe2\x80\x94 men whose lips have been touch- \ned with a live coal from oflf the Altar of God. Thus \nthe first great demand of the Church will be met. \nThese men are then expected to preach seven times \na week, and possibly make as many addresses \xe2\x80\x94 \ndoing seven times the work of a common rector. \nTheir work is also for those without the Church \xe2\x80\x94 \nwhether the mission be held within a Church edi- \nfice or elsewhere ; so that really they work in new \nsoil. Now such a work, having for its support the \ngood will and liearty cooperation of the entire \n\n\n\n122 Aggressive Worlc, \n\nChurch, ought certainly to be so fruitful as to be \nan acknowledo^ed success. \n\nThis, however, will prove one of the most dis- \ncouraging features \xe2\x80\x94 the difficulty with which the \npeople will be persuaded to come out to a mission. \nThis, not because they will ask, as of old, if any \ngood thing can come out of Nazareth, but because \nthose whom we seek being differently educated and \nhaving heard the cry of "Imbecile Pulpit," will \nnot believe there is anything that can interest them \nwhere a Liturgy is used, and where, the most of \nthem affirm, there is nothing to be expected in the \nway of a sermon better than a twenty minutes\' es- \nsay. This stupid prejudice has proved the most \nadamantine obstacle we have ever met. And some- \ntimes it seemed nearly impossible to get past this \nGibralter. Indeed, such has been our experience, \nthat we are of the settled belief that a mission re- \npeated as often as once every year, if within the \nlimits of an established parish, w^ill increase in in- \nterest with a two-fold ratio at every repetition. \n\nBut when all has been done that can be done, \nthere should be no apprehensions of failure, al- \nthough at the beginning, there are but very few \nwilling to attend. The example of our Lord at the \nWell of Samaria, and the experience of the most \nsuccessful preachers, will be remembered to our \ncomfort. Says Francis de Sales : \xe2\x80\x94 ^\' Eejoice greatly \nwhen on ascending the pulpit you find but a small \nnumber in Church. I have alwavs found more ef- \n\n\n\nResults Organized \xe2\x80\x94 The Guild. 123 \n\nfected for the Service of God, when I have preached \nto small congregations, than when I have preached \nto large.\'^ He affirms that he had sometimes preach- \ned to no more than seven persons. It is God who \nasks \xe2\x80\x94 " Who hath despised the day of small things?^\' \' \nAnd again it is written : "There shall be an hand- \nfnl of corn in the earth npon the top of the moun- \ntains ; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon/\' \nAnd this work of humility and obscurity may \nprove to be God\'s work of planting what to-day \nmay seem no more than a handful of corn, but of \nwhich it may be said afterward, "\'the fruit thereof \nshall shake like Lebanon/\' Patient, persevering \nfaith will insure success if such a thing be possible. \nThe localities where we have labored with the \nleast satisfaction have been where there was either \na want of character \xe2\x80\x94 where, figuratively, there was \nno depth of ^earth \xe2\x80\x94 or wliQre from the nomadic \ncharacter of the community there would be little \nprobability of finding fruit in the season of fruit. \nThis is particularly true of towns on the frontier, \nwhere people have not gone so much to make homes \nas they have to make money, and Vfhere for a con- \nsideration, very many, if not by far the larger num- \nber, will be most sure to move on in a brief time. \nLi such communities it is very questionable wheth- \ner it is wise to spend much time so long as there are \nother fields ripe to the harvest, vv^herc what is gain- \ned will be likely to abide. It must be remembered \nthat the work r)roi">osed for new fields is foundation \n\n\n\n124 Aggressive Work. \n\n"work, for vvhicli there must be found people of sub- \nstantial character. We do not say they must be \nrich^ or refined, nor beyond the accusation of sin; \nbut somewhere there must be found substantial \ncharacter if the mission is to be a success. \n\nFinding such character, which, by the appliances \nof the Gospel will yield to the rule and plummet of \nthe Master Builder, it is then of the first importance \nthat such material be organized into the Spiritual \nTemple. Such is the design of the great Commis- \nsion, which requires not only that we preach, but \nalso Baptise into the fellowship of the Triune Xame, \nteaching to obserye all things whatsoeyer the Lord \nhas commanded. For this the usual Parochial \nforms are of course to be desired where they can be \nhad. But whether there be the usual Parish or- \nganization or not, the organization of a Brother- \nhood or Guild, may be found of great yalue in de- \nyeloping and carrying into detail w^hat is commonly \ntermed Church Work. The cry of " Imperium in \nimjjerio/^ no more applies in such a case, than it \nwould to a parish school or Church College, and \nesjiecially so long as the Guild remains under the \npersonal direction of the rector. A yital want, of \nthe Protestant Episcopal Church, is some method \nthat yrill bring out and keep in healthful exercise \nthe undeyeloped spiritual energies of its laity; and \nsuch a method, called by vdiat name it may be, is a \nGod-send to the Church. \n\nImmediately upon men\'s being conyerted, their \n\n\n\nI \n\n\n\nesiilts Organized \xe2\x80\x94 The Guild. 125 \n\ncry ^s like that of the converted Saul, of Tarsus: \n^\xe2\x80\xa2Lord what wilt thou have me to do V^ To both \nwork and pray, becomes at once the instinctiye desire \nof the heart, \'^ Young men will join us/\'\' said a dis- \ntinguished rector, "if we w^ill only give them some- \nthing to do." To find lawful place vvith the royal \npriesthood, the peculiar people, in offering to God \nthe sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, (1 Pet. ii.) \nis of course, the highest w^ork attainable. And for \nthis we are persuaded notliing can so help the truly \ndevout mind as the regular drill provided in the \nservices of the Church. But heart, and hands, and \nfeet are all consecrated, and all need to be employed \nif we v/ould maintain a normal condition, and rea- \nlize all that ought to result from adding to the \nliving members of the Christian household. \n\nThis will be most effectually realized by regular \nand fixed methods : by an organized plan. And \nthis should be attempted, however small the num- \nbers, providing there are enough persons of charac- \nter to effect an organization. The organization \nmay be very simple \xe2\x80\x94 and the less complex the bet- \nter, providing it compass the desired ends \xe2\x80\x94 and \nmay be known by any name those interested may \nprefer. But a plan for doing what is to be done, \nshould be drawn out and agreed to. \n\nThis is most natural to men desiring to coope- \nrate with each other, wdiile most thoroughly in \nharmony with the spirit of that Church which is \nitself a living organism. \n\n\n\n1 \n\n\n\n12G Aggressive Work, \n\nIn this ^ay some of the most stupendous or- \nganizations of the world had their beginnings. \nThe most remarkable brotherhood of the Church \nof Home, had its origin in Ignatius Loyola, who \nbegan with a very small band of men like-minded \nwith himself. The most remarkable illustration \nwe have ever had of this in the Protestant world, \nmay be found in the organized work of John Wes- \nley. Beginning with the organization of a " Class\'*\' \nof four members, in Xovember, 1729, at Oxford, * \nhe\' continued to go from place to place, organizing \nclasses as he went, which after his departure were \nstill able to go on with Wesley\'s work. \n\nSo also, wherever there may be a mission con- \nducted to a successful issue, there will be the re- \nTiving and quickening of spiritual energies ; where- \nupon let such as desire it, be placed immediately in \nposition where they may find at least something in \nthe way of work for Christ and the Church. \n\nThe organization formed may be called a Broth- \nerhood, a Sisterhood, or a Guild, or by any term de- \nsired. Guilds are believed to have had their origin \nin the latter part of the Twelfth Century, but then \nhad reference only to the corporations or associations \nof various craftsmen desiring to cooperate for com- \nmon ends. \n\nThe object aimed at in the formation of such a \n\n\n\n* John TVeslej, Felloe\' of Lincoln College, Charles Wesley, \nstudent of Christ Church, Mr. Morgan, commoner of Christ \nChurch, and Mr. Kirham, of Merton College. \n\n\n\nKesults Organized\xe2\x80\x94 Tlte Guild 137 \n\nsociety within the Cliurcli, will comprehend at least \nthe following among other points: \xe2\x80\x94 (1.) It will \nbring the members of the Society together in a so- \ncial way that will of itself prove yery conducive in \npromoting a common end, particularly wiien such \nChristian gatherings take place at regular periods. \n(2.) It w^ill be necessary to consider and define the \ncharacter of the w^ork wdiich it is proposed to take \nin hand \xe2\x80\x94 which may be the services and general \ninterests of the local Parish or Missionary Station \nto which the members of the society belono\' \xe2\x80\x94 the \nspiritual welfare of the members \xe2\x80\x94 propagating \nChristian evidences \xe2\x80\x94 the promotion of w^orks of \ncharity^ or the moral and social interests of tlie So- \nciety^ or more properly, all of these combined. And \nto these, evangelization and missionary work ought \nby all means to be added. (3.) It w^ill necessitate \nthe agreement of those interested, according to a \nfixed plan \xe2\x80\x94 wiiicli of itself wall effect ail organiza- \ntion. And when so agreed upon, the organization \nwill certainly be much more likely to insure the \npromotion of Church v/ork than otherwise. \n\nWith these considerations w^e would urge the or- \nganization of such societies, wdierever they are not \norganized, as a part of the work that may vfell fol- \nlow a successful mission. \n\nWith a view to helping such as desire to avail \nthemselves of suggestions calculated to aid in effect- \ning an organization, w^e have appended the Consti- \ntutions of several organizations, Avhich we are sure \n\n\n\n128 Aggi^essive Work. \n\nwill be examined with interest by those desiring to \nestablish a similar society, and to whom the sub- \nject IS yet comparatively new. * Of these we may \nremark, that while certainly comprehensive enough \nseverally, they have, however, found specialties in \nwork somewhat peculiar to their several localities ; \nas for example: One^ if we are rightly informed, is \ndoing very much with a Dispensary ; another is \nparticularly useful in rendering aid to indigent \nwomen; while yet another, St. John\'s, Ithaca, locat- \ned in a town where there is alarp\'e University with \nseveral hundred students^ has for its special object \nthe interests of young men. With these we have \nalso added the Constitution of another Society, but \nhaving for its object substantially the same general \nwork. \n\nThis much, however, must be remembered, that, \nhowever well organized, little or nothing will be \naccomplished unless the object of the organization \nbe kept steadily in view, and its interests be vigor- \norously and well administered. If it be truly for \nthe glory of God, if it have for its object the true \ninterests of a living faith, if it be to lift burthens \nfrom the shoulders of the oppressed, and to sweeten \nthe otherwise bitter experiences of life \xe2\x80\x94 works of \nfaith and love \xe2\x80\x94 the world will be the better for \nevery such organization, if its spirit and purposes \nbe carried out and made a practical reality in life. \n\n\n\n\' See Appendix C. \n\n\n\nKesuUs Orgmiked \xe2\x80\x94 The Guild. 129 \n\nBut if only a nominal affair, if it be neglected, or \nits object be perverted as for example the objects of \nthe Church are, when under the banner of Christ, \nmen essay to serve the interests of the Church by \ngames of chance, public gambling, licentious dan- \nces and public minstrelsy \xe2\x80\x94 then who will not saj^, \nIt would have been infinitely better to have no such \nrepresentations or pretended friends of the Church. \nBut let all be done in faith and with an eye sin- \ngle to the glory of God; let faith be ardent and \nearnest; let the spiritual life within be nourished \nand braced by daily prayer and a blameless walk, \nand a settled resolution to toorh for Christ and the \nChurch, and while our most ardent desires shall be \nrealized here, wdio shall estimate the hallov/ed satis- \nfaction of feeling at the last. We have done what \nwe could! or of hearing at the last the gladsome \n"Well done good and faithful servant: thou hast \nbeen faithful over a fev/ things * * enter thou \ninto the joy of thy Lord ! \'^ \n\n\n\nAPPENDIX A. \n\n\n\n[It was after completing the last Chapter of this little vol- \nume, that, by the politeness of the Kev. J. W. Bonham, Evan- \ngelist of Central New York, we received the Report of the \nChurch Congress, at Leeds, (Eng.) Canon Fremantle\'s paper, \nthe first read at this Congress, we regard as of too much im- \nportance to be omitted in such a volume as this.] \n\nMission Seryices, ly the Very ReiK Canon Fre- \nmantle. \n\n"The wind bloAvetli where it listeth/^ is a truth \nwhich the History of the Church has illustrated \nfroni the day of Pentecost to the .present moment. \nThere have been alternations of calm and storm, in \nwhich it has pleased God to impart and revive spir- \nitual life. \n\nThe records of religious movements which have \ntaken place in America, Scotland, Ireland, Wales \nand England during the last one hundred and fifty \nyears, will abundantly confirm this statement. \nThere can be no question as to the fact that extra- \nordinary manifestations of the Holy Ghost have \nbeen given, vast numbers of souls have been con- \nverted and added to the Chnrch, and that for the \nmost part there has been a remarkable uniformity \nin the means which have been employed, and as \n\n\n\nAppendix, \n\nremarkable an agreement in the results which have \nbeen produced. Making every allowance for much \nthat evaporates in excitement and sensation, and \nfor the disappointment which is occasioned by the \nhypocrisy and heartlessness of time-serving pro- \nfessorS;, nevertheless there has been the same un- \nmistakable evidence of the work of the Holy Ghost \nin the general character of the persons brought un- \nder the influence of a revival, aad in tlie permanen- \ncy of its effects. \n\nThese remarks apply to all the Churches and \ndenominations of Christians in which such revivals \nhave taken place. \n\nWith a deep conviction of its truth, I proceed \nto that part of the subject which has been allotted \nto me, viz: the parochial system of the Church of \nEngland as a sphere for Mission Services, and other \nspecial means of spiritual influence in town and \ncountry population. \n\nWith all its excellence and adaptation to the \nsocial habits of Englishmen, with all the love and \nveneration Ave bear to the quiet, orderly, uniform \norganization of our beloved Church, and I give \nplace to no man in my hearty attachment to it ; \nyet if its standard of spiritual life be tested by the \nhistory of the past, it will not be found to have \nmaintained an equable level of power and progi\'ess \nat all times. It has its alternations of lukewarm- \nness and zeal, of apathy and revival. From its very \nconstitution, and strict conformity to ecclesiastical \n\n\n\n132 Aggressive Work. \n\nrule, its tendencyj and I may say its clanger, is to \nsettle down into a dignified groove of formal rou- \ntine, and unless some stimulus had been given to it \nfrom time to time, it would have become like other \nChurches which have a name to live and are dead. \nBut in no Church has the revival element been \nmore marked than in the Church of England. Its \nexistence as a Eeformed Church, originated in the \ngenuine spirit of life which animated the Reform- \ners, and its periodical awakenings must be traced \nto the same cause. Life has sprung up in the mo- \nments of greatest apathy; and it is to be noted that \njust in proportion as the Church has cherished or \nrejected such manifestations of the Holy Ghost, she \nhas gained or lost spiritual strength. If, for exam- \nple, we compare the state of the Church before and \nafter the exclusion of the non-conforming minis- \nters, or at the time of the persecution of White- \nfield, Wesley, Berridge, and Eov^lands, there can be \nno doubt but that the blessing of God was to a \ngreat extent withdrawn from the Church of Eng- \nland, and a very large ingathering of souls was \nvouchsafed to tliose v/ho had ceased to be of her \ncommunion. And it was not until iliQ Church en- \ncouraged the preaching and labors of men who \nwere looked upon with contempt, and spoken of \nas Dissenters, that the spirit of life entered with \npower into her bosom. It was w^hen the ministry \nof Venn and Scott and Simeon, and Bickersteth, \nand Wilson, became popular, that the revival re- \n\n\n\nAp2)endix. 133 \n\nturned into the channel of the Established Church, \nand this has continued steadily to make prog- \nress unto the present time. This was emphat- \nically the era of Missions, of Bible, Tract and \nEvangelical Societies, for propagating the Gospel \namong Jews and Gentiles at home and abroad. \nAmong the agencies which have contributed to \nbring about this result, none have been more ef- \nfectual than the pulpit. What Mr. Eyle says of the \nrevival of the last century, may be said of what has \ntaken place of late, and is going on among us now. \nMr. Kyle says ^^they preached everywhere. If the \npulpit of a Parish Church was open to them, they \ngladly availed themselves of it. If it could not be \nobtained they w^ere equally ready to preach in a \nbarn. No place came amiss to them. In, the field \nor by the road side, on the village green or in the \nmarket-place, in lanes or in alleys, in cellars or in \ngarrets, on a tub or on a table, on a bench or on a \nhorse-block, wherever hearers could be gathered \nthe spiritual reformers of the last century were \nready to speak to them about their souls." Can \nwe wonder that it produced a great effect? And \nthis is the agency which has been so signally owned \nof God in the Mission Services, which are becoming \nvery general throughout the country. We have \nhad for many years, various movements of this \nkind. We have had Advent Missions, Diocesan \nConferences, Home Missions, ten days Missions, Oc- \ntaves and courses of Lectures and gatherings of the \n\n\n\n134 Aggressive Work. \n\nmost gifted and holy men^ botli of clergy and laity, \nfor addressing large congregations on special occa- \nsions. And now the snbject has assnmed a more \ndefinite and regular form. We have Missions or- \nganized and sanctioned by the Archbishops and \nBishops of onr Churchy in which the revival ele- \nment, by which I mean the power of Evangelical \npreaching is bronght to bear upon the masses of our \npopulation in strict harmony with our parochial \nsystem. The importance of these Missions cannot be \nover-estimated, for either they must become a \nmost fruitful means of blessing or a very serious \nhindrance to the advancement of the Gospel. \n\nTime will not allow of rny doing more than \nstating wherein the success of a Mission, under \nGod\'s blessing, consists, and this under the three \nfollowing heads : \xe2\x80\x94 \n\nI. The Preparatives. \n\nII. The Agencies. \n\nIII. The Results. \n\n1. The object of a Mission is to call upon God \nthe Holy Ghost to revive His work ; to convert the \nungodly and formal ; to convince of sin and unbe- \nlief; and to turn sinners from dead works to the \nservice of the living God. \n\nIts one aim is to bring souls one by one to the \npoint of accepting the gift of everlasting life. \n\nThis, it may be said, is]the work of every paro- \nchial minister; but where is the clergyman who \ndoes not mourn over the indifference, the unbelief, \n\n\n\nI \n\n\n\nAppendix, 135 \n\nand ungodliness of many who live in the habitual \nrejection of the Word of Life ? And where is the \nclergyman who would not welcome with thankful- \nness any agency which would^ by God\'s blessing, \nkindle afresh the light of truth and love in the \nhearts of his people ? But every parish is not pre- \npared for a Mission at a moment\'s notice. There \nmust be time and labor given to prepare the minds \nof the people for the particular agency which is \nto be employed. From the correspondence I have \nhad with several beloved brethren, in whose parish- \nes Missions have been held, and from some experi- \nence in the work myself, I will venture to say that \nthe success of the Mission depends mainly upon the \nwork of preparation being thoroughly done some \ntime beforehand. There should be no half-meas- \nures; no fear of man; no hesitation when once it \nhas been decided to hold a Mission. It must be \nplainly understood that the Mission is intended to \nembrace every individual \xe2\x80\x94 high and low, rich and \npoor. Advertisements with large placards, should \nbe circulated, and short, pointed, pithy handbills \nshould be sent to every house. Notices should be \nsent to the local papers ; committees of district vis- \nitors, parish workers, and Sunday School teachers \nand communicants should be formed. Prayer \nmeetings and gatherings of persons of kindred sym- \npathies and occupations \xe2\x80\x94 such as mothers, young \nmen, and mechanics, should be held ; they must be \nurged to make a special effort to attend the Mis- \n\n\n\nfe \n\n\n\n136 Aggressive Work, \n\nsion services. Visits to employers of labor to ask \ntlieir assistance by affording facilities to their work- \npeople : and personal appeals to those who are dis- \nposed to stand aloof and sneer at the Mission shonld \nbe made ; and, above all, the prayers of all shonld \nbe invited, both in public and in private, that the \ngift of the Holy <Thost may be abundantly given. \nAnd all this should be in operation some weeks be- \nfore the Mission commences. I extract the follow- \ning from a letter received from the Rev. Mr, Pigou, \nof Doncaster : \xe2\x80\x94 \'^ Thorough and elaborate organiza- \ntion is essential to the success of a Mission. The \nground should be prepared some time before the seed \nof the Word is sovv^i. To our organization I largely \nattribute our success,, because we were all one, and \ndid not by local disunion or rivalries grieve the \nSpirit of God.\'\' \n\n2. As to the Ao\'encv : \n\nLet great care be taken in the choice of a preach- \ner, who has not only a gift but some experience in \nthis special work, and in whom you can place en- \ntire confidence, and associate with himx and under \nhim those, both of clergy and laity, who will assist \nin the addresses, prayer meetings, and after meet- \nings. Short handbills, containing texts of Scrip- \nture and appeals to the conscience, and hymns se- \nlected for the different services, shonld be distrib- \nuted at the door where services are held. Lay \nhelpers should be selected to speak and invite tlie \npeople in the streets to come to the Mission, and \n\n\n\nAppendix, 137 \n\nafter the sermons to attend the prayer meeting. \nThey should assist at the singing of the hymns^ \nand should every one of them be urged to lift up \ntheir hearts in prayer while the sermons are being \npreached; and to lose no opportunity of entering \ninto conversation with any to whom they may speak \na word in season ; and take down the names of \nthose who may desire instruction from the Mission \npreacher. The order in which the services should \nbe conducted is of course dependent on local cir- \ncumstances; but the following arrangement is \nsuggested by a clergyman of one of our great towns \nin which a Mission was most successfally carried \non last year: \xe2\x80\x94 \n\n(1.) Morning meetings for prayer of the clergy \nand religious laity, with some earnest address on \nMission work/ with the Holy Communion. \n\n(2.) Afternoon addresses by some competent \nspeakers, in workshops, warehouses, railway sta- \ntions, etc. \n\n(3.) Evening sermons in Church or in School- \nrooms, as awakening and rousing as possible. \n\n(4.) After-meetings in school-rooms, as quiet as \npossible. \n\nI Avill add one remark upon this last point, for \nAvithout the dealing with individual souls the spe- \ncial object of the mission will not be attained. \nThose who have had any experience of such meet- \nings will know how difficult, and in some cases \nhow impossible, it is to restrain the expression of \n6* \n\n\n\n138 Aggressive Work, \n\nfeeliug. Excitement there is and must be, bnt the \nobject of the after-meenng, if I apprehend it aright, \nis to confine the excitement to the indiyidnah and \nas soon as there is any expression of anxiety to hare \ninsti\'nction, help, sympathy^ arrangements shonhi \nbe made for briDging the person so affected into \npersonal connection with the Mission preacher, or \nthe clergyman of the parish, or some one specially \nappoioied for the purpose, in ao other room, or on \nthe following day. I for one do not approve of \nclergy aad laity going abonr the room while the \nworshippers are oq their knees engaged in prayer, \nasking questions and snggesting texts of Scripture. \nTTe may be qnite sure the Holy Ghost will do his \nown wo]k; this moyiDg aboni at the most solemn \nmoment of the service, distnrbs the order of the \nproceedings, and provokes exclamations and exhi- \nbitions of feeliag which might be far better re- \nstrained. Notwithstanding, I am convinced that \nmnch good may be done by the wise and sympa- \nthizing management of the after meeting. It is the \ntime for explanadon and answering of qnestions. \nIt is the moment when, perhaps, for the first time \nthe Bonl has been convinced of sin, and bronght \nface to J^tce with Jesns. The arrow has j^ierced the \nconscience, the wound is open and bleeding and \nvery sore. Who shall ponr in the healing balm ? \nIt is when the sinner is crying out \xe2\x80\x94 \'-What mnst \nI do to be saved ? " that snch help can be, and, \nthank God, has been, again and again afforded. \n\n\n\nAppendix, 139 \n\nSuch then is the agency; and if this is continued \nfor a wliole week, or rather beginning Avith a Sun- \nday and ending with a Sunday, so much the bet- \nter. \n\n3. But I must hasten to speak of results. These \nwill indicate the after-work of the Mission ; for the \nMission week must not be regarded as the only \ntime of gathering in the lost, and making converts, \nit is rather the beginning of the work to be carried \non when the Mission preacher is gone aw^ay. The \nexperience of missions has shown up to the present \ntime that the attendance, especially of the poor, at \nthe public services of the Church has increased ; \nthat a large accession has been made to the number \nof communicants; and that there is more desire on \nthe part of the people to come to their minister for \nspiritual counsel and prayer. In the report of the \nSt. Pancras Mission, held last Xovember, the rector \nsays \xe2\x80\x94 "The Mission has acted like a gulf stream of \nsympathy, thawing the ice of shyness and reserve, \nw^hicli to our mutual loss so often in England, and \nso especially among Church people, keep pastor and \npeople in a w^retched isolation.\'^ God grant that \nthe ice now thawed may never be permitted to \nfreeze again; and that all may use their ministers \nas their counsellors, guides, and friends on the road \nto Heaven. If then, effort and organization be re- \nquired to prepare for the Mission, the same or even \ngreater diligence should be given to secure its re- \nsults. "The slothful man roasteth not that which \n\n\n\n-MO Aggressive Work. \n\nhe took in liuiiting; but the substance of the dili- \ngent man is precious." (Prov. xii. 27.) And to \nthis end the pastor must be prepared to gather \naround him earnest workers who will give their \ntimCj their prayers^ and their zeal, to definite spheres \nof labor. There are few\'^ if any, parishes which do \nnot admit of a more effective and lively classifica- \ntion than that v/hich exists among us. Let there \nbe som.ething beside the meeting of the Sunday- \nSchool teachers and the district visitors. When \nthe hearts of a people are yearning for spiritual \nlife, there will be room for a great variety of ar- \nrangement for instruction and mutual edification. \nMen\'s Bible Classes and Prayer Meetings; boys \nwho have left school ; girls and mothers, in sepa- \nrate gatherings, as candidates for Baptism, Confir- \nmation and the Holy Communion ; a Saturday \nSight Prayer Meeting; Monthly Missionary Lec- \ntures; these and other arrangements by which par- \nticular classes of the people may be brought togeth- \ner under the immediate supervision of the pastor, \nwill, by God\'s blessing, keep alive the coal which \nhas been lighted upon the altar, and carry on the \ngood work which has been commenced by God\'s \nblessing in the Mission. ISo doubt his labors will \nbe greatly increased, but he will have the satisfac- \ntion and joy of knowing that it is easy and light \nand full of blessing. He will have a willing people \naround him thirsting for the water of life; holding \nup his hands with their prayers ; and approving his \n\n\n\nAppendix. 141 \n\nefforts for tlieix good, with tlieir hearty sympathy. \nThose only who have seen the effect of a movement \nlike this upon a congregation can appreciate dif- \nference between preaching to a praying and an nn- \npraying audience; and those vfliose hearts have \nbeen quickened by tiie renevv^ing presence of the \nHoly Ghost will be quick to discern the grace, and \npower, and liberty which has been granted to their \nminister. The revival draws together the pastor \nand the people in a holy fellowship of freshened \nzeal and love, and gives a new impetus to all parish \nwork. Where this is the result, it is the best evi- \ndence that can be given that the Church of Eng- \nland is worthy of the love and confidence of the \nnation. \n\n\n\nAPPENDIX B. \n\n\n\nFrom a sermon preached in Cork^ by the Rev. \nJohn Wesley. Published in the Arminian Maga- \nzine, 1790. * \n\nOn Hebeews v. 4. \n\nNo man tafceth tJiis lionor unto himself j J)ut he that is called of God^ \n\nas was Aaron. \n\n1. There are exceeding few texts of Holy Scripture which \nhave been more frequently urged than this against Laymen, \nthat are neither Priests nor Deacons, and yet take upon them \nto preach. Many have asked, How dare any take this honor \nto himself, unless he be called of God, as was Aaron ? \n\n2. But there is one grievous flaw in this argument, as often \nas it has been urged. Called of God as was Aaron ! But \nAaron did not preach at all : he was not called to it either by \nGod or man. Aaron was called to minister in holy things : to \noffer up prayers and sacrifices : to execute the office of a Priest \nBut he was never called to he a P readier, \n\n3. In ancient times the office of a Priest and that of a Preach \ner were known to he entirely d\'stlnct ; and so every one will \nbe convinced that impartially traces the matter from the \nbeginning. \n\n******* \n\n5. Indeed in the time of Moses, a veiy considerable change \nwas made, with regard to the Priesthood. God then appoint- \ned, that instead of the first-born in every house, a whole tribe \n\n* Mr. "Wesley died 1791. \n\n\n\nAppendix. 143 \n\nshould de dedicated to Him : and that all that afterwards min- \nistered unto Him as Priests, should be of that tribe. Thus \nAaron was of the tribe of Levi ; and so likewise was Moses. \nBut he was not a Priest, though he was the greatest Prophet \nthat ever lived, before God brought His first-begotten into the \nworld. Meantime not many of the Levites were Prophets. \nAnd if any were, it was a mere accidental thing . * * * \n\n6. But we have reason to believe there were, in every age, \ntwo sorts of Prophets. The extraordinary, such as Nathan, \nIsaiah, Jeremiah, and many others, on whom the Holy Ghost \ncame in an extraordinary manner. Such was Amos in parti- \ncular, who saith of himself (ch. vii. 14) "I was no prophet, \nneither a prophet\'s son. But I VN^as an herdman, and the Lord \nsaid unto me. Go, prophesy unto My people Israel. \' \' The ordi- \nnary were those who were educated in the schools of the proph- \nets, one of which was at Ramah, over which Samuel presided. \n\xe2\x80\x94 1 Sam. xix. 18. These were trained up to instruct the peo- \nple, and were the ordinary Preachers in their Synagogues. In \nthe New Testament they are usually termed Scribes, or \nvopLiKoi expounders of the law. But few, if any of them, \nwere Priests. These were all along a different order. \n\n7. Many learned men have shown at large, that our Lord \nhimself, and all His Apostles, built the Christian Church, as \nnearly as possible, on the plan of tho Jewish. So, the great \nHigh Priest of our profession sent Apostles and Evangelists to \nproclaim glad tidings to al the loorld, and then Pastors, Preach- \ners and Teachers, to build up in the faith, the congregations that \nshould be found. But I do not find that ever the office of an Exan- \ngelist was the same toitJi that of a Pastor, frequently called a \nBishop. He presided over the flock, and administered the \nsacraments : the former assisted him and preached the Word, \neither in one or more congregations. I cannot prove from \nany part of the New Testament, or from any author of the \nthree first centuries, that the office of an Evangelist gave any \nman a right to act as a Pastor or Bishop. I believe these offices \nwere considered as quite distinct from each other, till the time of \nOonstantine. \n\n\n\n144 Aggressive Work. \n\n8. Indeed in that evil hour, when Constantine the Great \ncalled himself a Christian, and jDOured in honor and wealth \nupon the Christians, the case was widely altered. It soon \ngrew common for one man to take the v/hole charge of a con- \ngregation, in order to engross the whole pay. Hence the same \nperson acted as Priest and Prophet, as Pastor and Evangelist. \nAnd this gradually spread more and more, throughout the \nwhole Christian Church. Yet even at this day, although the \nsame person usually discharges both those offices, yet ilte office \nof an Evangelist or Teacher does not im/plij iliat of a Fosior, \nto whom pecuharly belongs the administration of the Sacra- \nments : neither among the Presbyteiians, nor in the Church \nof England, nor even among the Roman Catholics. All Pres- \nbyterian Churches, it is well known, that of Scotland in par- \nticular, license men to preach before they are ordained, \nthroughout that whole kingdom. And it is never understood \nthat this apiDointment to preach, gives them any right to ad- \nminister the sacraments. Likevdse in our own Church, per- \nsons may be authorized to preach, yea may be Doctors of Di- \nvinity, (as was Dr. Alwood at Oxford, when I resided there,) \nwho are not ordained at all : and consequently have no right \nto administer the Lord\'s Sux3per. Yea, even in the Church of \nEome itself, if a Lay-brother believes he is called io go a mis- \nsion, as it is termed, he is sent out, though neither Priest nor \nDeacon, to execute that office, and not the other. \n\n-}! * 4: * * * * \n\nIn 1744, all the Methodist preachers had their first Confer- \nence. But none of them dreamed that the being called to preach, \ngave them any right to administer sacraments. * * * * \n\nDid we ever cqypoint you to administer sacraments, to exercise \nthe Priestly Office ? Such a design never entered into our mind : \n. it was tJie farthest from our thoughts. And if any Preacher had \ntaken such a step, ice should have looked upon it as a palpable \nbreach of this rule, and consequently a recantation of our con- \nnexion. * *** + ** \n\nNow as long as the Methodists keep to this plan, they can- \n\n\n\ni \n\n\n\nAppendix, 145 \n\nnot separate from the Church. And this is onr peculiar glory. \nIt is new upon the earth. Revolve all the histories of the \nChurch, from the earliest ages, and you will find, whenever \nthere was a great work of God in any particular city or \nnation, the subjects of that v\\\'orlv soon said to their neighbors, \n" Stand by yourselves, for vre are holier than you ! " As soon \nas ever they separated themselves, either they retired into des- \nerts, or they built religious houses ; or at least formed parties, \ninto which none Y\xc2\xbb\'as admitted but such as subscribed both to \ntheir judgment and practice. But with the Methodists, it is \nquite otherwise. * * * And I believe one reason why God \nis pleased to continue my life so long, is to confinn them in \ntheir present purpose, Not to sqyaratefrom the Chujxh. * * \nI wish all of you who are vulgarly termed Methodists, would \nseriously consider what has been said. And particularly you, \nv/hom God hath commissioned to call sinners to repentance. \nIt does by no means folloio from hence, that ye are coramiss\'ioned \nto baptise, or to adminuter the Lords Supper. Ye never dream- \ned of this, for ten or twenty years after ye began to preach. \nYe did not then, like Korah, Dathan and Abiram, seek the \npriesthood also. Ye knew, N @ a>i takdh this honor unto him- \nself , hut he that is called of (t\xe2\x84\xa2 , as icas Aaron. O contain \n3^ourselves within your own bounds. Be content with preach- \ning the Gospel. Do the work of Evangelists. Proclaim \nto all the world the loving kindness of God our Saviour ; de- \nclare to all, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand : repent ye \nand believe the Gosj)el. J r^iirnestly advise you, abide ^$ \nyour place : keep your own siu -~ i . Ye were fxfty years ago, \nthose of you that were then Methodist Preachers, Extraordi- \nnaiy Messengers of God, not going in your own will, but thrust \nout, not to supersede, but to provoke to jealousy the ordinarj^ \nmessengers. In God\'s name stop there ! \n\n\n\nIn "Wesley\'s AVorks," we find him writing to the Rev. Mr. \nG., April 2, 1761, Vol, XIL, p. 21() : " I quite agree, wo * nei- \ntlirr ran he hf\'iifv WOK nor hrftcr ris/f\'ans. /!,(rii hy ranliiminrf \n\n\n\n146 Aggressive Work. \n\nmembers of the Church of EnglancV And not only her doc- \ntrines, but many parts of her discipline, I have adhered to at \nthe hazard of my Hfe." \n\nThis was his judgment at the beginning of his work. Later \non we have his mind on this matter in his sermon at Cork, as \nalso in the following : \n\n1789. \xe2\x80\x94 " Unless I see more reasons for it than I ever yet saw, \nI will never leave the Church of England, as by law establish- \ned, while the breath of God is in my nostrils." Vol. XIII. p. \n238. \n\nIn this year (two before his death) Mr. Wesley wrote seven \nmore reasons against separating from the Church. \n\n1790. \xe2\x80\x94 \'\'I have been uniform, both in doctrine and disci- \npline, for above these fifty years, and it is a little too late for \nme to turn into a new path now that I am gray-headed. \' \' Vol. \nXII., p. 439. \n\n\n\nIn the Church Journal of Aug. 21st, 1873, we find the follow- \ning from the London Graphic, of July 30th, over the signature \nof K. W. Bandall : \n\n* \'Of the lamented Wilberforce, late Bishop of Winchester, it \nis affirmed, that, on the morning before he went up to attend \nthe first committee for considering the form the Keble memo- \nrial should take, he said that he should like to see two colleges \nfounded. * * * The second college he wished to see found- \ned in some manufacturing town for a body of clergy who \nmight give their assistance to the clergy of that town, but \nwhose special work it should be to hold missions and preach \ncourses of sermons in Lent and Advent, or on other occasions \nwhen they might be useful ; and for this , too, there is a more \npressing need year by year, as such missions and courses of \nsermons become more frequent, while the ordinary parochial \nclergy have not leisure for tha preparation of such sermons as \nare required for this particular purpose, and cannot undertake \nto conduct missions without neglecting the work of their own \nparishes." \n\n\n\nAppendix. 147 \n\nIn the same connection it was said Bishop Wilberforce was \ntofhave made an address on \' \' The means of bringing the influ- \nence of the Church to bear on the * masses,\' " at the following \nChurch Congress. Would th^^t his spirit of care for the spir- \nitual welfare of the masses of perishing men, might rest upon \nus all ! \n\n\n\nDe. Hugh Miller Thompson lately said in the American \nClmrchman, of reaching the masses, and also of training men \nfor this purpose : \xe2\x80\x94 \n\n\' \' There are masses outside our congregations to be instruct- \ned and persuaded. There are masses outside the limits of any \nChristian organization w^hatever, and increasing masses. \nThese the regular pastor never reaches. With these his pecu- \nliar and special power is no power at all. These we do not \n\nsee that he can reach in any appreciable degree. \n\n******* \n\n*\'To gather these masses together in all our cities and towns, \nto address them on their highest interests, to bring Christian- \nity and its claims home to them, is the problem presented. \n\n"Now, to solve this, it is clear we want something more \nthan our regular parochial preaching. \n\n* * * * \xc2\xab< It is a puerile blunder to suppose they can, \nto any extent, be touched by ceremonial or ritualistic pomp. \nOn the other hand, it rather disgusts them. They are not to \nbe caught by the eyes with scenery, nor by the nose with in- \ncense, but by the ears, with talk. Probably no people were \never so prone to be led by silvery speech. \n\n*\' We have certainly not provided for this. We have so ar- \nranged matters that we cannot use this tendency. This ordi- \nnary, respectable preaching of the parish pastor to his flock, is \nall we have, in any degree, provided for. The preaching ad- \ndressed to men as men, not as Churchmen, not even as Church- \ngoers, but simply as men with souls, we have not provided \nfor. \n\n*\' Others have been wiser. We labor under a degree of \n\n\n\n148 Aggressive Work. \n\nsdifaess and dignity in our motions Yv^liicli leaves ns often be- \nhind. We tiave been left behind in this. Both Romanists \nand Protestants have in some measure occupied this innting \nfield. Men trained to preach, men Ydth the gift of preaching \ndeveloped in the most effective vray ; men who are not pastors, \nbut preachers, as the main thing, are a recognized agency in \nEomanism, and in all forms of common Protestantism, and \nthey are to day at work all over the country. \n\n" We have provided for the pastoral work \xe2\x80\x94 iDriestly work. \nWe have not provided for this preaching work, which, in a \nChurch situated as we are, must be really, if it is to grov/, one \nof the largest and most needful of works." \n\n\n\nAPPENDIX C. \n\n\n\nConstitution of the Pittsburyli ChurcJi Guild. \n\nAeticle 1. Tliis corporation shall be known by the name \nof "Pittsburgh Church Guild." \n\nAet. 2. Its objects are : \xe2\x80\x94 \n\nFirst. To establish and maintain a free reading room and \nlibrary. \n\nSecond. To furnish rooms and instructions for free evening \nclasses in mathematics, drawing, and other studies for young- \nmen who have not the time or means for other instructions. \n\nThird. To cooperate with the Bishop, in such works as he \nmay suggest ; to assist in maintaining and diffusing the \nChurch of Christ, by encouraging the regular attendance on \ndivine worship ; hj the practice of piety, virtue and charity ; \nby teaching the ignorant, assisting the weak, and in general \nby doing works which Christian laymen can and should do. \n\nFourth. To establish and promote such institutions and as- \nsociations under the auspices of the Church, as may conduce, \nby the divine blessing, to extend the cause of Christ. \n\nFifth. To encourage the establishment of societies on this \nIDlan of organization, wherever it is possible throughout this \nDiocese, and to seek their cooperation in all things proper and \nneedful. \n\nAet. 3. All Clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church, \nresident in the Diocese, shall be e \xe2\x96\xa0 oj\'cio advising members, \nand in the absence of the Bishop, may conduct the devotions. \n\nAet. 4. All baptized persons above the age of eighteen years, \nwho are regular attendants upon the services of the Church, \nand who pledge themselves to participate earnestly in the work \nherein set forth, may become members, upon signing ihe Con- \n\n\n\n150 Aggressive Work. \n\nstitution and paying three dollars into the treasury. Remov- \nals from membership to be made as may be prescribed in the \nby-laws. \n\nAet. 5. The officers of the Guild shall consist of the Visitor, \nthe President, the Vice President, the Corresponding Secreta- \nry, the Recording Secretary and the Treasurer ; all of whom, \nwith the exception of the Visitor, shall be elected by ballot, \nfrom among the communicants of the Church, at the annual \nmeeting. \n\nArt. 6. The Bisho of the Diocese, who shall be ex officio \nVisitor, shall have ful power, consistently with these articles, \nto supervise the Guild in its operations, and may preside at \nany meeting, and conduct the devotions. \n\nAet. 7. That this Guild shall not have the power to change \nor encumber any real estate to which it may at any time ac- \nquire title, except with the written consent of a majority of the \nStanding Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Church of \nthe Diocese of Pittsburgh. And in case of the dissolution of \nthis Guild, all the propertyjthereof, real, personal and mixed, \nshall vest in said committee, as trustees, to be appropriated to \nsome charitable fund in the Diocese, which shall be designat- \ned by the Convention of the Diocese at a regular meeting \nthereof, and agreed to by a majority of those who shall be act- \ning members of the Guild at the time of dissolution. \n\nArt. 8. With this Constitution for its guide, the Guild shall \nconduct its business by such rules and regulations as may \nfrom time to time be framed and adopted. \n\n\n\nConstitution of the Brotlierliood of St. Peter\'s \nChurch, Baltimore. \n\nAeticle 1. \xe2\x80\x94 Name, This organization shall be known and \ndesignated by the name of the Brotherhood of St. Peter\'s Pro- \ntestant Episcopal Church of Baltimore. \n\n\n\nAppendix. 151 \n\n* \n\nAet. 2. \xe2\x80\x94Objects. The objects of this Brotherhood shall be, \nto assist the Eector in the parochial work of the Church ; to \nincrease and promote a spirit of missionary zeal and brotherly \nlove among its members, to bring others, especially yonng \nmen, under religious influences, and to work and pray for the \nextension of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. \n\nArt. Z.~ Member ship. ]^t\xc2\xa3.c. 1. Any person of good moral \ncharacter, can become a member of this Brotherhood, upon \nhis name being presented by a member, and receiving a three- \nfourths vote of those present ; signing the constitution, and \npajdng the usual fees. \n\n\xc2\xa7 2. Honorary members may be elected by the Brotherhood, \nand entitled to all the privileges of the same, upon the pay- \nment of an annual fee of five dollars. \n\n\xc2\xa7 3. Any person may become a life member, upon the paj^- \nment of a fee of twenty-five dollars. \n\nAet. 4. \xe2\x80\x94 Officers. There shall be a President, Vice Presi- \ndent, Secretary, Treasurer, and Librarian. The Rector shall \nbe ex-officio President. All the other officers shall be elect- \ned by a majority of those present, at the annual meeting, to \nbe held the first Monday of November in each year. \n\nAet. 5 . \xe2\x80\x94 Duties of Officers. Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the \nPresident to preside at all meetings of the Brotherhood ; and \nin his absence, the Vice President ; and in the absence of both, \na President pro-tem. may be chosen. \n\n\xc2\xa7 2. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of \nall meetings ; notify all committees of their appointment ; have \ncharge of records and documents of the Brotherhood, and sign \nall orders on the Trea? rer for money. \n\n\xc2\xa7 3. The Treasurer shall keep a full account of the funds, \nand disburse the same ander the direction of the Brotherhood. \n\n\xc2\xa7 4. It shall be the duty of the Librarian to keep a catalogue \nof, and have charge of all books and reading matter belonging \nto the Brotherhood, to enforce the rules of the Library, and \nmake a quarterly report in writing to the Brotherhood. \n\nXrt. Q,~- Committees. The following standing committees, \n\n\n\n152 Aggressive Worlc, \n\nto consist of not lesS than three members each, shall be ap- \npointed b}^ the President, to serve for three months : \n\n1. Missionary Committee. \n\n2. Committee on the Sick and Poor. \n\n3. Committee on Strangers and Young Men. \n\n4. Committee on the Brotherhood Rooms and Library. \nAet. 7. \xe2\x80\x94 Duties of Coimn- tees. Sec. 1. It shall be the duty \n\nof the Missionar}^ Committee to establish Sunday Schools and \nmissionary stations, hold services, visit the jail, and diffuse \ngeneral missionary intelligence. \n\n\xc2\xa7 2. It shall be the duty of the Committee on the Sick and \nPoor, to relieve them ; to provide for the burial of their dead, \nand to perform such other kindred duties, as shall be directed \nby the Brotherhood. \n\n\xc2\xa7 3. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Strangers and \nYoung Men, to search out strangers and young men, and in- \nduce them to attend church ; to assist in showing seats to \nstrangers attending the services of the church ; to assist in fur- \nnishing employment for those out of work, and induce persons \nto avail themselves of the Librarj^ \n\n\xc2\xa7 4. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Brotherhood \nKooms and Library, to have charge of the rooms, and with \nthe approbation of the Rector, and by vote of the Brotherhood, \nto purchase all books, periodicals, new^sjDapers, and furniture \nfor the Library. \n\n\xc2\xa7 5. All standing committees shall be required to rej)Grt in \nv/riting, at each monthly meeting. \n\nAet. 8. \xe2\x80\x94 Amendments. Any proposed alteration or amend- \nment to this Constitution, must be presented in writing at a \nregular meeting of the Brotherhood, and at the next regular \nmeeting it shall be acted on. A three-fourths vote of the \nmembers present, shall be necessary for its adoption. \n\n\n\nAppendix. 153 \n\nConstiiution of the Guild of St. John^s Church, \nIthaca. \n\nArt. 1. \xe2\x80\x94 Name and Object. This Society shall be known as \nthe Guild of St John\'s Church, Ithaca, and shall have for its \nobject, Church work according to the standards of the Protest- \nant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. \n\nArt. 2. \xe2\x80\x94 Membership. Any person regularly attending di- \nvine service in St. John\'s Church, Ithaca, may become a mem- \nber of this Guild by vote of three-fourths of the members pres- \nent at any regular meeting of the Guild, the person so apply- \ning making payment of the sum of fifty cents, and certifying \nto a desire to cooperate with the members of the Guild accord- \ning to this Constitution. \n\nArt. 3 \xe2\x80\x94 Officers. The rector of St. John\'s Church shall be \nPresident, ex officio, of St. John\'s Guild, beside which there \nshall be a Vice President, Secretary and a Treasurer, who sball \nseverally fulfill the duties common to their respective offices, \nand sh ill be appointed by ballot at an annual meeting held \nduring the second week of September. \n\nArt. 4. \xe2\x80\x94 Methods of Work. \xe2\x80\x94Sec. 1. From and after the an- \nnual meeting, there shall be a meeting of the Guild on the \nevening of the first Tuesday of every month. \n\n\xc2\xa7 2. The work of this Guild shall be efi\'ected by the follow- \ning or other Committees, to-wit : \n\nOn Missions. \n\nOn Sick and Poor. \n\nOn Strangers. \n\nOn Social Improvement. \n\nOn the Sanctuary and Services. \n\n\xc2\xa7 3. The chairman of the aforesaid committees shall be ap- \npointed at the annual meeting, and thereafter quarterly, by \nvote of the Guild. So appointed, said chairmen shall consti- \ntute a Rectorial Council, and shall severally take orders from \nthe rector as to their course of action, except in so far as the \nsame may be determined by the Constitution or By-Laws of \nthe Guild. \n\n\n\n154 Aggressive Work, \n\n\xc2\xa7 4. Each member of the Guild shall signify to the rector \nwhich of the said committees will be preferred by such mem- \nber, and so signifying his or her desire, said member shall be \nregarded as an elected member of such committee, providing, \nthere shall at no time be a majority of all the members of the \nGuild, members of one committee, and providing also, that \nno committee shall at anj- time be left without three members . \n\nAnd furthermore, it shall be understood and agreed that \neverj\' member of this Guild shall pay such tax as may by vote \nof the Guild be levied upon its members for the furthemnce of \nits work, and shall also hold himself or herself ready for the \npeifoi*mance of such duties as may be assigned to such member \nby the rector or chairman of one of the aforesaid committees, \nunless, for sufficient reasons, such member choose to provide \na substitute \xe2\x80\x94 in neglect of which, such member shall be hable \nto expulsion, or such other penalty as the Guild may see fi \nto impose. \n\n\xc2\xa7 5. The President and Council shall hold in trust all prop- \nerty belonging to the Guild, control all disbursements except \nsuch as are made by vote of the Guild, call extra sessions or \nmeetings of the Guild, and advise and direct in whatever ap- \npertains to the work proper to the Guild when not otherwise \nprovided for. \n\nAet. 5. \xe2\x80\x94 Amendments. This Constitution may be revised or \namended by vote of three-fourths of all the members present \nat a regular meeting of the Guild, providing, written notice of \nthe same shall have been given at a regular meeting of the \nGuild, one month previously. \n\n\n\nc3^^5;^-^^;:^i \n\n\n\nAppendix. 155 \n\nCojistitution of the Clmrch Union Auxiliary of \nChrist Cliurch, Cambridge, Mass, \n\nWe, whose names are heieunto subscribed, do hereby asso- \nciate ourselves as an auxiliary of the Church Union of the Di- \nocese of Massachusetts, in the Parish of Christ Church, Cam- \nbridge, and hereby adoj)t the following Constitution : \n\nAet. 1. This Society shall be styled the Church Union \nAuxihary of Christ Church, Cambridge. \n\nAet. 2. The Constitution of the Church Union of the Dio- \ncese of Massachusetts is hereby declared to be a part of the \norganic law of this Auxihary. \n\nAet. 3. All persons connected with this Parish may becojne \nmembers of this Auxiliary by signing this Constitution, and \nby the payment of such sum or sums of money as may be fixed \nby the Church Union. \n\nAet. 4. The officers of this Auxiliary shall be a Chairman, \nVice-Chairman, Secretary, and an Executive Committee of \nseven persons, ot which the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and \nSecretary shall be members ex qfficus. The Rector of the Par- \nish shall be the Chairman. The Vice-Chairman shall preside \nin his absence. The Secretary shall also act as Treasurer. \nAll elective officers shall be chosen by ballot at the regular \nmeeting next following Easter in every year. \n\nAet. 5. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings \nof the Auxiliary at all its meetings, which shall be open to the \ninspection of all its members ; shall take charge of its finan- \nces (which shall be held subject to the order of the Executive \nCommittee of this Auxiliary, ) and render an account of the \nsame whenever requested so to do by any member of the said \nCommittee, and shall notify all meetings of this Auxiliary. \n\nAet. 6. The Executive Committee shall appoint such stand- \ning committees as may be deemed expedient for the care and \nmanagement of the several departments of work undertaken by \nthe Auxiliary, all of whom shall be under the direction of the \nRector of the Parish, and accountable to him, and shall report \n\n\n\n156 Aggressive Work, \n\ntheir proceedings to the Auxihary at each meeting. Vacancies \noccurring in a.ny of the offices of this AuxiHary may be filled \nby the Executive Committee until the next annual election. \nFour members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a \nquorum. \n\nArt. 7. Regular meetings of this Auxihary shall be held on \nthe Friday before the first Sunday, and on the third Sunday \nof every month, at such hour and place as the Executive Com- \nmittee may designate. \xe2\x80\xa2 Special meetings may be called at the \noption of the Executive Committee. At all meetings five \nmembers shall constitute a quonim. \n\nAet. 8. The order of proceedings at all meetings of this \nAuxihary shall be as follows : \xe2\x80\x94 \n\n1. The Liturgy of the Church Union, as adopted by a vote \nof the Executive Committee thereof. \n\n2. Reading the records of the last meeting. \n.3. Reports from the Standing Committees. \n4. Reports from Special Committees. \n\n6. Miscellaneous Business. \n\nAet. 9. No alteration or amendment shall be made to this \nConstitution, except by a vote of two-thirds of the members of \nthis Auxihary at a meeting called specially for this purpose ; \nnotice of the intended amendment having been given at a \nprevious meeting. \n\n\n\n'