Work to Be Done — J. C. Ryle
“There remains yet much land to be possessed.” Joshua 13:1
These were God’s words to Joshua, sometime after he had led Israel into the land of Canaan. I know none more applicable to the subject I want to bring before you this day. That subject is “Missions to the Heathen, and the Church Missionary Society.”
When Joshua spoke these words, something had been done by Israel, but much was left undone. Some tribes had received their inheritance — the greater part were yet without it. Some land was possessed, but much still remained to be possessed. They had everything to encourage them. The Lord Almighty had done great things for them, and was with them still. Thirty-one kings had fallen before them in battle. And yet they seemed to hesitate and draw back.
Reader, this is just the position of the Church Missionary Society, which I desire to set before you this day.
I. Something the church missionary society has done: there you have matter for thankfulness.
II. Much is still left undone: there you have matter for humiliation.
III. Something is required at our hands: there you have our present and immediate duty.
These three things, by God’s help, I shall try to bring before your mind. Give me your attention. Forget the common prejudices which abound on the subject of Missions. Try to look at Missions to the heathen like a Christian and an honest man.
I. First then I say, the Church Missionary Society has done something — there is matter for thankfulness.
I trust I need hardly remind you that a true Christian ought always to see causes for thankfulness, and if his heart is in tune — then he will never fail to find them. I say that thankfulness is the first and foremost feeling which the state of the Church Missionary Society calls for at our hands. I think no man can consider that state for a moment, and not see that we have cause for thankfulness. We are now in the sixty-eighth year of the Society’s existence. Come with me and review what God has done for us. Place side by side the Society of this day, and her beginning, sixty-seven years ago, and then see what abundant reason we have to praise the Lord.
Sixty-seven years ago there was literally nothing done for the heathen by the Church of England. Something, perhaps, was attempted, around our Indian settlements; but aggressive measures on the mass of heathenism there were none at all. Now we have a strong and powerful Society, well-organized, well-established, and well-worked. Sixty-seven years ago, twenty-five laymen and clergymen were all who met together to launch the Society into the world. They stood almost alone in their desire to do good to heathen souls. Now thousands upon thousands throughout the land count it a privilege to give the Society a helping hand.
Sixty-seven years ago not a single bishop supported the Society. Some opposed it. Others looked coldly at it. Fourteen years passed before two bishops became subscribers. Now the four Archbishops and nearly all the episcopal bench give it active aid. Support is the rule, and not the exception. Sixty-seven years ago the Society started with an income of less than £500. At the end of ten years its income was under £2,500. It now receives more than £140,000 a year. Sixty-seven years ago the Society dared not think of anything more than “Africa and the East.” Now all the world is dotted over with missionary stations. Every quarter of the globe is visited by messengers of the Gospel. It can number one hundred and forty-eight stations, two hundred and one European ordained missionaries, seventy-one native-ordained, two thousand one hundred and twelve native teachers, eight hundred schools, twenty-five thousand communicants, and at least half a million of hearers.
Truly we have reason to bless God. Truly it is good sometimes to look back and compare “past and present.” It is good to consider what we were, and then to say, “The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad!”
The first beginning of the Church Missionary Society was indeed a day of small things. Here, at this distance of time, we can form little idea of the immense difficulties its founders had to contend with. The whole enterprise was new. The work was strange. Machinery had to be put in place. Men had to be found. It was five years before any missionaries at all could be obtained, and then they were two Germans. Sixteen years passed away before any Englishman was sent forth. It sounds incredible now. Truly other men labored — and we have entered into their labors. Truly we should remember all the way by which the Lord has led us, and be thankful.
Nothing can account for the growth and progress of the last sixty-seven years but the hand of God. His arm has been around the Society. His power sustained her founders. His Spirit has guided her counsels. His blessing has been upon her work. Truly we must be more unbelieving than Egyptian magicians, if we do not say, “This is the finger of God!” and give Him all the praise.