Page 271 - Neglected Arabia (1911-1915) Vol II

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anism not only as a religious force but as a governmental power. It
is only a little more than twenty-five years since the era of modern
missions in Arabia had its first small beginning. It is just twenty-five
years since our own mission gained a foothold there. While not the
first mission founded in Arabia, as will be seen by articles in this
number, it is probably the mission that has the longest record of con­
tinuous work, and it is certainly the mission that has had the largest
force of workers and the most equipment. This fact creates for our
mission, and for us whom that mission represents, a special respon­
sibility, which we are bound to meet, even at the cost of sacrifice. In
an especial sense, a sense in which it is not true of any other country,
the spiritual destinies of Arabia lie, under God. in the hands of the

ARAB BOYS HALF AFRAID OF THE EVIL INFLUENCE OF THE CAMERA

Reformed Church in America, and those who have joined with them
in the support of the Arabian Mission.

IV’. The Outlook for Arabia. Arabia is not and in the nature of
the case could not be a country in which there was rapid missionary
progress. Islam has always been the antagonist whose strongholds
were the most difficult to take. The most effective means of approach
has been along the line of medical missions. These are now firmly
entrenched in Arabia. Some progress also has been made in educa­
tional work. But the preaching service as we know it and as ad­
dressed to non-Christians is still in Arabia an impossibility. Some
few converts have been won who have been faithful unto death. But
there is not an organized Christian Church in all Arabia, nor is there
a Mohammedan man or woman who is now living a Christian life.
Shall we then despair of Arabia? By no means. The prospect
is as bright as the promises of God. Our confidence and the confidence
of our Arabian missionaries is in no whit abated. The word of God