prophecy. We have seen the
well instructed and professed Imperialist display much the same
infirmities and proclivities as other men. We have heard of him
speaking of the British flag, that most sacred symbol of his faith and
hope, which it is his high mission to plant on every shore, as an
"asset"; and we have found that questions relating to dividends were
not altogether alien to his proud determination to "fling the red line
further yet." But there is an imperialism in religion which has a
happier history. That man possesses it who thinks of every blow struck
for God as a blow struck in an age-long and world-wide warfare. This
imperialism _does_ redeem the days, and _has_ a royal and quickening
effect upon the labours of all who are in bondage to its spell. Such
an imperialist is no longer the servant of this denomination or that, a
mere agent hunting recruits for his own little connexional "interest."
He may seek to attach men to his Church, but only because that Church
is part of the great confederacy of states-divine. He goes to his
appointment in yonder tiny hamlet, where but few are assembling to hear
him, as went out Alexander to subdue the nations to his will. It is
often said, and it is a saying too often received with small approval,
that the Church which does most for the support and advocacy of
missions to the heathen invariably does most for the spread of the
Gospel within its own district as well. The saying, we repeat, is not
always received with enthusiastic approval, but it is true
nevertheless, and it is capable of easy explanation. This superior
devotion to the spreading of the Gospel at home follows as a direct
result of a realisation of that Gospel's all-embracing, all-conquering
purpose. That purpose _must_ be realised by the Church if she would
get unto herself the victory. With no meaner proposals must she go
into battle, or else the chariot wheels will run heavily and the young
men will faint and be weary. What is true for the Church is, if
possible, still more true for the preacher, for the tasks of leadership
and inspiration are in his hands. He must hold firmly to the ideal of
a new world wherein dwelleth righteousness. To labour for this, and no
meaner dream, must be his constant and unfailing resolve.

And how are we to keep this sublime purpose of God ever in
recollection, making it our own? Ah! here is a question! We have all
heard and assented to this grand design of