Prospects of the Mission. 37 
The establishment of church authority would deliver the mis- 
sion from an element of weakness to which it is exposed while 
there is no government, or seven governments divided from 
each other by the whole diameter of the earth; and instead of 
endangering, I believe that it would preserve the harmony 
which, in an eminent degree, has characterised the past history 
of the mission. And that desideratum of self-government being 
supplied, there isan obviousadvantage in the mixed nature of the 
missionary staff. Coming from so many different churches, 
they draw after them a vast amount of prayerful interest 
and affection. It would be a serious loss if any of the seven 
pillars were to be withdrawn. 
There seems no reason, however, to fear that they will grow 
weary in this work of well-doing, or that the supply of men 
will be inadequate. It will be seen from the previous notice of 
the progress of this work that half of the present staff have been 
settled within the last three years. This indicates a growing 
strength, and zeal in the missionary spirit. 
And it may be encouraging to our friends elsewhere to know 
that although we in Victoria have as yet contributed only one 
Recruit, there are two or three other young men with us who 
have expressed their wish to be employed in that service. Our 
proximity to the islands, the visits of the Dayspring with the 
missionaries, Mr. Paton’s tour, and Dr. Geddie’s residence 
among us, have attracted our young men to the work. Then 
the evangelistic duty of the church has been made a prominent 
part of the student’s training in our Theological Hall, and the 
principle laid down, that ministers are not to choose their own work, 
but, like good soldiers of Jesus Christ, are to go where He leads 
them. The other Australian churches will gradually come into 
the position of being able to send their quota of men; so that 
there is good ground for believing that, as new doors open, men 
and means will be adequately provided. 
I have spoken of the singular construction of this mission. 
ay 
