Spiritual Power at Work; A Study of Spiritual Forces and Their Application (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1903 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II CHRISTIAN MISSIONS THE Gospel is nothing if not supremely missionary in spirit and in purpose. Every utterance of the Great Teacher, every act and incident of the Model Life is redolent with the aroma of missionary enthusiasm. Missions are the sole justification of Calvary, the true interpretation of Pentecost. In missions we see the highest result of dynamic spiritual force. The complete evangelization of the race is the inspiring ideal as it will be the ultimate product of spiritual effort. Other results are incidental: this is vital. Enlightenment and culture are good. Personal liberty and social progress are eminently desirable. We do not undervalue the development of the arts and sciences, or even commercial advancement. But though all these ends were perfectly accomplished, if the great spiritual task of winning mankind to God be undone, then is the work of Christ and the Spirit a failure. Gathering up the essence of all His teaching and life and sacrifice into one last commission to His disciples, Jesus said to them: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to the whole creation." To this commission He added the promise: "Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." What is the meaning of this command and promise but missions, --missions home and foreign? Do they not warrant the most hopeful and tireless effort for the conversion of men and the regeneration of the race? Do they not absolutely forbid any halting in such effort? To neglect the work of missions or to turn aside to any other work so long as this is incomplete, is to desert the standard of our divine Leader. Do command and promise need...