611. ISA 62:1, ISA 62:2. HINDERANCES TO THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
Isa_62:1, Isa_62:2. Hinderances to the Spread of the Gospel
By Rev. Leonard Woods, D. D.
"For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory."’97Isa_62:1, Isa_62:2.
Such was the love which the evangelical prophet felt for Jerusalem, and such his desire that its glory might be extended. It was a desire which gave him no rest; but prompted him to incessant labor and prayer for the accomplishment of its object. Desires similar to this have been felt, and similar efforts made, by the faithful servants of God, from age to age, for the propagation of the Christian religion. Since the commencement of the present century, the spread of Christianity has been a subject of growing interest to the friends of religion. Good men have been excited in an unusual degree, to unite their efforts and prayers for the enlargement of the church. The God of heaven has shown, by the promises of his word, and the dispensations of his providence, that he regards this object with the highest favor; and that it is his unalterable purpose, that "the earth shall be filled with his glory." It would certainly be reasonable to expect that the cause of Christianity, thus aided and supported, would soon prevail through the world; that the reign of righteousness and peace would speedily be extended "from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof." And it becomes a subject of serious inquiry, Why this is not the case? Why has not this blessed cause, which is eminently the cause of God, become universally triumphant?
Our particular inquiry is, What obstacles to the conversion of the world are found among those, who, in different ways, are enlisted in the cause of foreign missions?
I. The defect of our Christian character, or the want of a higher degree of holiness.
Before Him who searcheth the heart, "and knoweth all things," and in whose sight "the heavens are not clean;" we must, every one of us, be filled with shame and self-abhorrence, and penitently cry out, Behold! I am vile; what shall I answer?
That this imperfection of our Christian character must prove a great hinderance to the success of the cause we are endeavoring to promote, appears from the very nature of that cause. It is the cause of holiness. It is the inward, invisible machinery (if I may so call it), which gives efficiency to the external means. It is the spiritual, devout, fervent action of a purified heart, which exerts the most certain and powerful influence in promoting the salvation of men. Who can estimate the amount of good which twelve men, possessing the character of the twelve apostles, might accomplish at the present day?
II. This unhappy effect must result in a still higher degree, from the direct indulgence of affections which are selfish and earthly.
Selfish, earthly affections aim at a selfish, earthly interest. But the spread of the gospel through the world is a benevolent and spiritual interest. These two interests are directly opposite to each other; and the dispositions and efforts which are suited to the one are not suited to the other. If worldly and selfish passions prevail in any considerable degree, they will have a visible influence.
III. The advancement of Christ’s kingdom is essentially hindered by division and strife among his followers.
The cause of missions must be promoted by the united exertions of ministers and Christians. There is, on the contrary, too often displayed a clashing of influence. The efforts actually made for the cause of Christ by one part, will be more or less resisted, and their good effect prevented, by the counter efforts of another part.
IV. We may hinder the cause of mission by the unnecessary excitement of popular prejudice.
The missionary enterprise must fail of success, without the cordial affection and support of the Christian community. It essentially needs the aid of their efforts, contributions, and prayers. Now, if those who are instructed with the sacred interests of missions, are chargeable with any misconduct, or any manifest indiscretion; such misconduct or indiscretion proclaimed, as it will be, in the ears of the public, may cool the affections, excite prejudices, and prevent the contributions and prayers of thousands.
V. We hinder the spread of the gospel, so far as we fall short in our duty in regard to the benevolent use of property.
Just in proportion to the magnitude and excellence of the object, should be our liberality in contributing of our substance for its promotion.
Brethren, suffer me to speak freely. The Christian community has of late years been waking up, in a measure, to better views in regard to the proper value and use of money; and many examples have been exhibited of a very honorable liberality in contributing to benevolent objects. But is not the prevailing, practical sentiment still very far below the right standard? Can it be that men of wealth make the cause of Christ their great object, when they generally give it so small a proportion of their substance? The only remaining obstacle to the spread of the gospel which I shall mention, is,
VI. The want of a proper feeling and acknowledgment of our dependence on God for the success of our efforts.
There is nothing which stands in more direct opposition to the truth, than the spirit of pride and self-dependence. For whatever importance we may attach to our own efforts in the work of evangelizing the world, and whatever good we may expect from the faithful labors of missionaries; yet all success comes from God. In the most favorable circumstances, therefore, nothing can be effectually done to bring men into the kingdom of Christ, except by the special operation of God.
Application
1. We have now seen what are the obstacles to the accomplishment of the great and excellent work we have undertaken. Let us keep these obstacles out of the way, and the religion of Christ will soon make rapid progress.
Finally. Let us never forget that it is owing to the grace of God, that the cause of Christianity, with so many obstacles in its way, has made such progress in the world. Is it not rather a matter of wonder, that this light of the world has not been totally extinguished, than that it does not shine more brightly? Is it not a miracle of Divine power, that religion maintains a place in the world, and is making any progress, when there is so much to oppose it, even among its friends? Let, then, the pride of man be abased; let every high thought be brought low, and let God alone be exalted.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS