IV.  Lastly.  By means of this systematic spending you keep step with the grand onward movement of God’s providence in the marvelous openings of this great missionary field.  How wonderfully this work develops!  The primary schools of the early period have grown into normal and preparatory institutes and colleges and theological seminaries, although the primary work is still being done and well done!  New schools are being planted.  “Enter the mountains with your mission host,” came the command, and it was done.  Industrial training became necessary to the best furnishing of these young people for their life-work and their largest intellectual development, and now thorough training in these departments is furnished by the schools of the American Missionary Association.  The grand work has kept step with the developing needs.

I asked one of the most experienced teachers and missionaries in the South what feature of the A.M.A. especially impressed him.  He replied at once, “The wonderful and consummate statesmanship displayed in its management.  The wisdom manifested in planting schools and churches, and in keeping pace with the new and constantly changing conditions of this great and perplexing field, absolutely astounds me.”  This is no tribute to those of us who have recently entered this service.

To sum up this argument, then:  By the systematic method of spending through the A.M.A., you avoid—­

I. Waste, (1.) In administration. (2.) In field work.

II.  You secure the wisest apportionment of the work, (1.) Appeals are systematic. (2.) The work is developed proportionately. (3.) And each department is systematically conducted.

III.  You can secure permanency in the work, (b.) And perpetuate the principles you believe to be of fundamental importance in uplifting these races.

IV.  You keep step with God’s providence in the development of these fields.

It is told us that during the days that immediately preceded the capture of Richmond, Sheridan was in hot pursuit of Lee’s retreating troops.  He telegraphed to Grant, “I think if the thing is pushed Lee will surrender.”  There came flashing back this laconic message from that silent soldier, “Push things.”  They were pushed, and within a few weeks Lee’s army was annihilated, and the sword of the haughty rebel was in the hands of the loyal Grant.  The Union army had pushed through the broken fortifications around Richmond and planted the grand old stars and stripes, battle-stained and bullet-torn, above the dome of the rebel capitol, never, never, never to be pulled down again by disloyal hands.

My brethren, there comes flashing to us to-day from this army of Christ-like men and women away out yonder in front of us, from out the heat of battle against ignorance, and prejudice, and misery, and sin, these stirring words:  “We can take these lowlands and mountains and prairies and ocean coasts for our Lord, and for his Christ, now if the thing be pushed.”