h
xiv. 26-27. He is answering that question which has challenged
thinkers in all ages, What is the vocation of the nations? Isaiah
concludes that all nations have a place in God's purpose and that all
peoples contribute to his plan.

"This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and this
is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For Jehovah of
hosts hath purposed, and who shall annul it? and his hand is stretched
out and who shall turn it back?"

No man who is willing to accept the facts which have been stated can
escape the conviction that Christ is possessing the world in an
unmistakable way. Although there are still great battles to be fought
out, and problems to be solved,--greater probably than men have ever
grappled with in the history of the world,--the final issue cannot be
in doubt. In the midst of all the disturbing forces, when many leaders
are bewildered by the swiftly moving scenes incident to the
transformation of great and ancient civilizations, at a time when the
cries of race and clan are deafening and when there is a struggle
between age-long forces on a gigantic scale never before witnessed,
serene and confident of the outcome moves our Christ.

As Mr. Robert E. Speer puts it, "Christianity is moving out over the
earth with ever-enlarging agencies, with ever-increasing success, and
with open and undiscouraged purpose to win the world."

With the change of a single phrase we may join in the song of Christ's
triumph which Longfellow left as an inspiring heritage to the world.

"And him evermore I behold
Walking in the midst of the world,
Through the cornfield's waving gold,
In hamlet, in wood, and in wold,
By the shores of the beautiful sea,
He toucheth the sightless eyes;
Before him the demons flee;
To the dead he saith: Arise!
To the living: Follow me!
And that voice still soundeth on,
From the centuries that are gone,
To the centuries that shall be."

FOR ADDITIONAL READING AND FOR REFERENCE

Edinburgh Conference Report (9 volumes). Missionary Education
Movement, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York. $5.00.

World Atlas of Christian Missions. Student Volunteer Movement,
600 Lexington Avenue, New York, $4.00.

The Statesmen's Year Book, 1913. Macmillan Company, 64 Fifth
Avenue, New York. $3.40.

Taylor, Alva W. The Social Work of Christian Missions. The
Foreign Christian Missio