Page 68 - Neglected Arabia 1902-1905

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their numbers, but even this is only possible if we receive reinforce-
merits from home.
“5. Finally, your missionaries on the field make bold to sug­
gest to the Board that the only business policy for the Arabian
Mission is reinforcement, and reinforcement immediately. We
must hold what we have lest we lose our crown. The political
affairs of the Gulf al! point to greater opportunities in the near
future and equal religious liberty for Eastern Arabia as is en-
joyed in Egypt or India. Shall we be prepared to preach and
gather in converts when the Persian Gulf has become an English
lake and the railway from Kuweit opens all of Mesopotamia ? Or
will it be a lame mission with a weak staff of workers that repre­
sent Christ’s Kingdom here ? \Vre believe that if the Board will
select and appoint the men, that the money will be forthcoming
for their support. A live man is more precious to the Church than
the gold of Ophir, and she needs only to see and hear the man to
make the exchange. Some of the men who are volunteering for
Arabia are known to us personally, and we have every reason to
believe that their support would be guaranteed within one month
after their acceptance and appointment by the Board. .We are
making this matter of reinforcement an object of special prayer.
It is not a small request nor a light-hearted appeal. We do not
desire to conceal the fact that we appeal for picked men and
women—the King's own.”
The Trustees have already withdrawn all objections to the
sending out of unmarried women, and the Woman's Board has
generously assumed the cost of sending and supporting one and
possibly more.
The Board is also seeking for men to answer this call. It
should be understood, however, that neither men nor women can
be sent out unless funds are specially contributed for this purpose
and pledges made for their support. Aside from the fact that the
Board has no means of borrowing money, it is a principle adopted
in the beginning that it will not run into debt. To all who are
interested in this Mission and desire to see the great opening in
Arabia promptly embraced this call is urgently commended.
Henry N. Cobb, Cor. Sec、