India's Problem, Krishna or Christ Part 24

Today that _boh_ tree stands alone, indicating, by its spiral form, where the unfortunate palm found its death; and it stretches forth its beautiful branches in rich verdure and in welcome shade to all who seek refuge from the heat of the tropical sun.

This is only a parable of the struggle which is witnessed in India today.

For many centuries the tree of Brahmanism has flourished. It covers that whole land. But at its very root has been sown the seed of G.o.d's Word and there is growing out of it, in its beauty and strength, the sacred tree of our Faith. Already it has the old tree in its almighty grip. The work of death is progressing and the final issue is sure.

But it will not transpire in a day. The victory will come, is now coming.

But the resources of Hinduism are legion, and its strange fascination, to some extent, continues. India, which is increasingly becoming Christ's in thought and ideals, will become his in wors.h.i.+p and ritual, when his name shall be heard in every home throughout the land. But we need patience; and the grand result to be achieved is worthy of the n.o.blest endurance and of the most patient waiting.

Christian workers in that great land are faithfully labouring and hopefully waiting until the fruitful branches of the sacred tree of Christianity shall have spread over the whole land, so that its shade may be the refuge of all souls in distress and its fruit shall abound for the healing of all the nations of India.

The resources and the agencies of our Faith, which are now utilized for the furtherance of the truth in that land, are already wonderfully varied and potent; but they are also increasing annually in prevailing power as in bewildering variety. Every Christian drawn from Hinduism and added to the fold of Christ becomes, in himself, a force to draw and to win others to Christ. This power has already become the main agency in the growth of the church, and its efficiency is to grow in geometric ratio as the years increase.

The great need of India today is the power of the Holy Spirit of G.o.d. His people must bring themselves much more into subjection to his Spirit, that they may, the more fully, be the vehicles of His grace to others and the channel of His power in the land. The dangers of G.o.d's Church are, and will preeminently be, dangers from within rather than from without. It is Hinduism, G.o.dlessness and sin within which must be fought with an eternal vigilance and an uncompromising hostility. And for this a larger baptism will mean a mighty fire of G.o.d kindled in the whole Church such as will burn all its dross and consume all opposition. And then shall we speedily witness the great desire of our heart-a happy, prosperous India, because it will be Emmanuel's land-a part of the great Fold of Christ.

This consummation is as sure as G.o.d's own promises, for, in all his work, the missionary is not only encouraged by results achieved and by a.s.surances given, but also by the double promise of G.o.d. First he has the promise of the Father to the Son:

"Ask of me and I will give to thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." The Son _has_ asked and is seeking the possession of the earth; and in the confidence of his a.s.surance he exclaims, "All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth." And, to his waiting disciples, he adds, "Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations." And with this all-embracing command he coupled the all-satisfying promise, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Amen.