Some who have long professed to be Christians, and
yet have felt no responsibility for souls perishing within the shadow of
their own homes, may think they have a work to do in foreign lands; but
where is the evidence of their fitness for such a work? Wherein have they
manifested a burden for souls? These persons need first to be taught and
disciplined at home. True faith and love for
Christ would create in them a most earnest desire to save souls right at
home. They would exert every spiritual energy to draw with Christ, learning
His meekness and lowliness. Then if God should desire them to go to foreign
countries, they would be prepared.
Let those who desire to work for God begin at home,
in their own household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends.
Here they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary
work is a test, revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider
field.