10 CONTENTS 



CHAPTER V. 



Page 

 The Function of the Chubch 151 



Theology and sociology alike requisite. The establish- 

 ing of the Kingdom of God affords the requisite stand- 

 point. The course of the Providence of God and the 

 Spirit of God in the trend of the age bestows the 

 requisite insight wrhereby to discern her function. 

 Two factors in the founding of the Kingdom — the sal- 

 vation of souls and the redemption of society. Two 

 factors found in the trend of the age — social service 

 and preventive work. The church, how far institu- 

 tional? 



CHAPTER VI. 

 The Country Church Programme 167 



Executive oversight. The rural survey. Church union 

 or federation. Special preparation for the ministry. 

 Direct ministry of teaching. Utilization of established 

 agencies. Of new agencies. 



CHAPTER Vn. 

 Students fob the Ministry and the Rural Problem - 203 



Students to-day possessed of the spirit of social ser- 

 vice. Social science not sufSciently taught. An im- 

 perative call for such teaching. Equality in status in 

 rural ministry and urban. The country ministry a 

 call to strong men. The permanent rural pastorate. 

 Training for the country ministry. 



CHAPTER VHI. 

 Rural Uplift Elsewhere 227 



The labors of John Frederick Oberlin. Rural recon- 

 struction in Denmark. Advance in Ireland through 

 co-operation. The rural life movement in the United 

 States. The challenge to the Christian Church. 



