vi 
Preface, 
they were endued with miraculous power wherewith to attest their 
ministry. But making due allowance for this difference, we 
must acknowledge that our practice bears very little resemblance 
to that which our Lord enjoins. The wise man's heart "dis- 
cerneth both time and judgment," and what we need is to carry 
out the spirit of our Master's instructions, even though the sphere 
of service and the qualifications for the work be altered. ' 
Christianity must be consistent with Christ, or it ceases to be 
divine ; and a Christian must be a follower of Christ. In Isaiah 
liii. He was prophetically described as "a root out of a dry 
ground." His resources came from above, and not from beneath; 
from God, and not from man; from the Spirit of God, and not 
from means and money. In true keeping with this, the apostle 
Paul shows in i Corinthians i. that the gospel he preached set 
aside the wisdom of the flesh ; the power of the flesh, by means 
of its wealth and influence ; and the religious zeal of the flesh. 
Now, it is painfully evident that all these have crept into the 
Church, perhaps in some measure unawares, but not unwelcome. 
As a consequence the flesh, and not the Spirit, has been at work ; 
man, and not God, has been prominent. Results have been 
small, while labour has been great. It is not so when God is 
reckoned upon, and when His power takes the place of that 
of the creature. Of obedient, trusting Israel it is written, " One 
man of you shall chase a thousand." It was so in apostolic 
days ; means were few and men were mighty. 
Nothing could be more simple than the instructions and 
equipment of the pioneer gospel labourers. Their Master was 
poor, and they were poor, while yet enriching others — "having 
nothing, and yet possessing all things." What was enough for 
the Lord was enough for the servants, and they went forth, taking 
nothing of the Gentiles, but "poor saints" out of their joy and 
deep poverty, abounded towards them in the riches of their 
liberality. The whole garment was of one texture. The Master 
had begun the piece, and His servants wrought at His loom and 
imitated His work. There was no complicated machinery, but 
there was power. There were no elaborate plans, but they took 
their directions from their Lord. They went forward or stood still, 
guided according to the wisdom of Him who said to His disciples, 
" Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find." 
