The Apologetic of Modern Missions; Eight Outline Studies (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.1909 Excerpt: ... STUDY IV CRITICISMS OF THE LIFE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE MISSIONARY Whatever may be said as to the inviolability of the missionary cause, no immunity from criticism may be claimed for the actual operations of missions. Certainly the missionary himself is not exempt from criticism. Both as to his qualifications and life, he is justly regarded as being subject to the examination of critics. "It is the missionary and not the mission who has failed," says Dr. Oldfield. The critic would not argue triumphantly against missions by demonstrating, nor would the advocate help his (case by disputing, that the ranks of missionaries have included failures--failures intellectual, social and even moral. But is the typical missionary a failure? Is he to be scrutinized as a mysterious but essential hero, living a romantic life, or as a normal man attempting a natural but difficult task, and as such liable to error? Mr. Henry Norman, a traveler, says he poses with a halo. Dr. Cust, a veteran AngloIndian official, does not regard him as so posing and offers him friendly criticisms on twenty-five distinct counts. Dr. Arthur J. Brown, an experienced Mission Board Secretary, declares that the missionary unhesitatingly accepts the exhortation of Kipling: "Go to your work and be strong, halting not in your ways, Balking the end half-won for an instant dole of praise. Stand to your work and be wise--certain of sword and pen, Who are neither children nor gods, but men in the world of men." Missionaries are lacking in culture 1. Is culture an indispensable requisite for successful missionary work? 2. Are uncultured men among those who, along other lines, have achieved some of the greatest things in the world? 3. Do the lists of missionaries include some highly cultured men and women...