Christian missions and social progress; a sociological study of foreign missions . romising combinationwith other religious systems. With reference to the assaults of radical reformers it is sufficient to say that Christianity as God has given it, with its essential teachings and ordinances, represents the most facile and Are the criticisms of effective instrument for influencing the individual, social extremists . . , justified? and through the individual for renewing society, which has yet been devised in the history of re-ligion. If this is the divinely chosen system for bringing truth into
Christian missions and social progress; a sociological study of foreign missions . romising combinationwith other religious systems. With reference to the assaults of radical reformers it is sufficient to say that Christianity as God has given it, with its essential teachings and ordinances, represents the most facile and Are the criticisms of effective instrument for influencing the individual, social extremists . . , justified? and through the individual for renewing society, which has yet been devised in the history of re-ligion. If this is the divinely chosen system for bringing truth intocontact with men, then it is hardly to be expected that those who seeklight from God rather than from human wisdom will be prepared togive up their faith in the value of Scriptural agencies. That Christianmethods of work may be improved and readjusted is true, and few, ifany, would assert that Christianity is fully grasping its opportunity;but that the Church of Christ is the appointed instrument for develop-ing spiritual culture and impulse is equally clear. There is an ever. (• £ « SB 0 u> 2 ?a3 «J; O 3 > H £ CHRISTIANITY THE SOCIAL HOPE OF THE NATIONS 459 fresh opportunity for variety of method within certain limitations, andfor the wise adjustment of new devices for reaching and influencinghumanity, which are not out of harmony with the sacred character ofthe Gospel and its spiritual aim. The noble principles of the NewTestament religion are capable of a dignified and tactful adaptation tothe special conditions of a modern environment without such revolu-tionary changes in the historic institutions and methods of Christianityas have been advocated by social extremists. Outside the realm oforganized Church life there is scope also for educational and philan-thropic agencies independent of the distinctive functions of the Church,yet at the same time revealing the essence and power of the Christianteaching for which the Church stands. Christianity in this sense
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectmissions, bookyear189
