Matthew 24:14

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM

‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached.’

Matthew 24:14

Christianity was left with Christians to be transmitted. God has appointed that men should be instructed by their fellows, and Revelation lays us under the obligation of communicating its message to others. Christianity is a trust for our own good, but also for that of others. No one has a right to be called a Christian who does not do something towards the discharge of this obligation.

I. This is our duty.—

(a) Towards non-Christians in our colonies and possessions. As fellow-subjects with us; as having intercourse with us by commerce and other relations.

(b) Towards other races. As of one family with ourselves. That, however low and debased their condition, they may be helped to rise.

II. For this reason navigation and commerce should be consecrated to the service of religion; by helping in its propagation; as a discharge of our trust. Remembering that—even the bare establishment of Christianity in a place has its value; as a witness before and call to men. We can see but a little way ahead, and must be content to sow in faith, leaving the increase with God.

III. Societies are needed to bring men together, that their united efforts may do what they could not singly perform. Such work for foreign missions has a reflex benefit to us at home: strengthening faith here; making the Gospel a witness here also. If all this were seen, how little more persuasion would be needed! If the Gospel had its proper influence on Christians, then it would speedily settle Christianity in every land.

—Bishop Butler.

Illustration

‘Into the charter of the East India Company, when renewed in 1813, Wilberforce and other friends of missions succeeded in introducing the following resolution amongst others: “That it is the duty of this country to promote the interest and happiness of the native inhabitants of the British dominions in India, and that such measures ought to be adopted as may tend to the introduction among them of useful knowledge and of religious and moral truth; and further, that in furtherance of the same objects sufficient facilities should be afforded by law to persons desirous of going to and remaining in India, for the purpose of accomplishing these beneficent designs.” ’