From pole to pole : a handbook of Christian missions, for the use of ministers, teachers, and others

Front matter

RO/VL

A HANDBOOK OF

CHRISTIAN

Preface

Some years ago, the writer deteriiiined to interest the children then under his care, in the subject of Christian Missions, and at once set about collecting the necessary materials for lessons. This, however, proved a difficult task. It soon became evident that, to gain a comprehensive view of the question, a very large number of books would be required, and a considerable expense incurred. This led the Author to resolve, if God should spare his life, to compile a volume, which, while complete enough to supply the necessary details, should yet be sold at a moderate price.

In. pursuance of that object, the writer has, for several years, spent most of his leisure time in the compilation of the following pages. Having now completed his work, he commends it to the kind consideration of the Christian Ministers and Teachers of England, trusting that it may prove useful to them in their noble calling, and, be the means of promoting the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom.

The aim of the writer has not been to compile a denominational history of missions, but simply to relate how the Gospel at first reached the different countries where it is now established. Hence the work is unsectarian. In some cases the Church of England missions are of necessity the most prominent; in others, the Wesleyan missions claim the

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FBEFACE.

greatest attention ; in others, again, the London or Baptist Missionary Societies stand out the most conspicuous. In many instances the Moravian Brethren claim the honour of being the pioneers of the Christian army.

One plan has been pursued throughout, viz., to commence with the people, their customs, and religion ; then to show how the Gospel reached them, what difficulties had to be overcome, and what success has been achieved. The facts have been gathered from the most reliable sources, and the statistics taken from the last Annual Reports of the various Missionary Societies.

There are several ways in which the book may be used. First, it may serve as a text-book for reference ; the teacher drawing from it matter for lessons, the minister materials for missionary lectures or addresses. Then, again, parts of it might be read to the elder children in a school at special seasons, and, it may be, the general reader find it an interesting " Story of the Cross."

If in any of these ways the book should be found useful, the writer will be well rewarded for his labour, and he will ascribe the praise to that gracious God whose kind providence has enabled him to complete the self-imposed task.

Contents

CHAPTEE I.— The Cheistian's DtTTi.— Pp. 1—23.

The Divine Command to " preach the Gospel to every creature." — The present state of the World as regards Christianity — The means at present employed to evangelize the heathen — Reply to Objections — The direct and indirect success of Missions — A. true missionary spirit the great want of the day — The School the place to infuse that spirit — Benefits which would result from the existence of such a spirit — Plans for infusing and sustaining a missionary spirit — Objections of Teachers met — An Appeal to all Christian Teachers.