When Wilberforce pleaded in the House of Commons for the admission of
missionaries to India, it was argued that the Gospel was not adapted to
the Indian mind, and that it was not in the nature of things that Hindoos
should be converted to God. So persons, laying claim to great
anthropological wisdom, appear to regard the Gospel as something never
meant for the African. But there is no limitation in Scripture.
African, Indian, American, New Zealander, are all alike included in the
message as found there. The Jew of old believed that it was only for the
Jews, and some English in modern times seem to regard it as intended only
for the European. But the Word of God says it is for _all_; experience
proves it to be for _all_; and the comparatively recent missionary
efforts of the Church of Christ have been sufficient to prove that
climate makes no difference as to faith; and, whether it be under a
tropical sun, or in an arctic frost, the knowledge of Christ is followed
up by the same results,—the same change of heart, the same love, the same
fruits of the Spirit, the same joy and peace in believing, and the same
blessed hope to fill the soul in the dying hour. Our missionary spirit
therefore should be wide as the world; and those who boast of the
superior broadness of their principles, ought to lead the way in a
large-hearted effort to follow up the directions of their Saviour:—“Go ye
into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.”