means by which Christ's coming kingdom is to be finally established.

Here, too, is a difference-a difference not in minute details, which may be allowed, and which exists indeed on both sides, but a difference in the grand outline, upon which the advocates on either side are as unanimously agreed among themselves as they differ from the opposite party.

Let us keep strictly to the real points at issue. The question between us is not whether the gospel is to be preached-nor whether a preached gospel will not be always attended with a measure of success-nor whether the church is to prosecute her work through all the world, with all the prudence, foresight, energy, and patience of which she is capable. Nor is it either (we are constrained to add, notwithstanding the frequent insinuations to the contrary), whether men are to be renewed by the exhibition of signs and miracles without the power of the Holy Ghost. We have yet to learn the name of the evangelical christian teacher, who maintains this doctrine.

We return, then, to the question, "How is the kingdom to be introduced ?"

One party insists that the simple preaching of the gospel is gradually and completely to expel the darkness and secure final and universal success. In some day when the gospel shall be proclaimed, it will not, as now, bring in only a part, but will convert every hearer. A new law of success is suddenly to arise, and the church is gradually, or towards the last perhaps, more rapidly, to be transfused into the millennial state.

Hence, on this side, the progress of science is hailed as, in its way, a pledge of success. The gentle rippling of the waters, and the fanning airs, prognosticate the approach of the "rushing mighty wind." The nineteenth century, with its astonishing improvements and its increased religious action, is greeted on every hand as the first streaks of the morning.

Missionary pleas are founded upon this persuasion. It is no uncommon announcement in the ears of the church,-" only exert yourself, only give sufficient means, and

the work is done." The simple fact that the gospel will thus be everywhere proclaimed, is to be the pledge of consequent universal triumph; not, indeed, as our Lord seems to intimate, Matt. xxiv. 14, as the harbinger of the "coming of the Son of man" to effect the work of salvation, but as the precursor of salvation to the ends of the earth without his personal presence.

The proof of this pervading sentiment meets us in almost every direction. Let us take a single example as an index of the church's feeling. Says one of our most stirring writers on missions," It is plain, not only that Christians come far short of doing what they can to save the heathen, but if they would come up to the measure of their duty, they might, under God, rescue the dying nations from their impending doom. * * * God would not leave a bolt or a bar in their way, except what might be necessary to test their perseverance. Let every minister and every Christian do his duty, and the radiance of heavenly truth would be poured around the dying bed of

every pagan; intelligence pour in to us from every quarter, not only of individuals, but of nations converted to God, and the shout of triumph would soon be heard, 'The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord.'"*

Such, then, on one side, is the very general expectation.

On the other hand, it is affirmed, that the present generation of Christians, like all that have preceded it, is simply "a witness-bearing generation." This is the proper attitude of the church in her missionary work. "This gospel shall be preached as a witness among all nations, and then shall the end come."

As to the obligation of the church, these men rest it on the plain command of Christ, "Go into all nations and preach the gospel." This is enough. The church needs no additional stimulus. The assurance of entire, or even large success, does not enter at all into the obligation. They maintain that the church, in this day, is neither to

*Dibble's "Thoughts on Missions," pp. 90, 91.

have nor to expect any other stimulative to do her manifest duty, than she has enjoyed in any previous century-none other than Paul had at Corinth, where God "had much people," but where many also perished;— none other, indeed, in her general missionary work, than any minister of the gospel has in his own parish, where to some he is a savor of life unto life, and to others a savor of death unto death."

Further it is maintained on this side, that, instead of gradually increasing light, until "the latter-day" glory, the Scriptures everywhere hold up the idea that "darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the peoples," Is. lx. 2. "God will hear his own elect that cry day and night unto him," "how long, O Lord, how long shall the wicked triumph ?"—and yet "when the Son of Man cometh, he shall hardly find faith on the earth." Luke xvii. 20-37, and xviii. 1-8; Ps. xciv. 3.

It is maintained, that, instead of increasing and complete success and comfort, "The