are a few facts showing the missionary
developments of a single century:
"In 1800 the foreign missionary societies numbered seven. In
1900 they numbered over 500.
"In 1800 the income of seven societies amounted to about
$50,000. In 1900 the income was over $15,000,000.
"In 1800 the number of native communicants enrolled in
Protestant mission churches was 7,000. In 1900 there were
1,500,000 native communicants.
"In 1800 the adherents of Protestant churches in heathen lands
were estimated at 15,000. In 1900 they numbered 3,500,000.
"In 1800 only one fifth of the human family had the Bible in
languages they could read. In 1900 nine tenths of the people of
the world had the Word of God in languages and dialects known
to them."
Since 1900 the missionary movement has remarkably increased in extent
and activity. It is estimated that now there are about 22,000 foreign
missionaries in the fields, with many thousands of trained native
evangelists and helpers.
The prophecy is fulfilling before our eyes. It is not the conversion of
the world that Christ's words foretold, but the evangelization of the
world; and when all the world has heard the gospel of the kingdom, "then
shall the end come."
Another prophecy--that of Rev. 14: 6-14--shows that the closing phase of
this world-wide missionary movement is to be the proclamation of the
special gospel message of preparation for the coming of the Lord,
calling all men to worship God and keep His commandments, and warning
them against following the traditions of men that make void the Word of
God.
[Illustration: THE SUNSET HOUR
"The work that centuries might have done Must crowd the hour of setting
sun."]
With the coming of this generation there has come just such a message,
in the rise and progress of the advent movement, the burden of the
message being expressed in the very language of the prophecy--"Fear God,
and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come." Rev. 14:
7. And the movement is spreading rapidly "to every nation, and kindred,
and tongue, and people." Thus in vision the prophet on Patmes heard the
message given; and when its warning cry had reached all nations, he saw
Christ coming in the clouds of heaven to reap the harvest of the earth.
"Even at the Doors"
Of the beginning of the special signs of the last days, Christ said:
"When these things begin to come to pas
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