working. The world, we find, is quite big enough without our doing that.”
In conclusion, Mr Fox explained that the increase of the work of the C.M.S. had led to a great increase of expenditure. “The rapidity with which the work has gone forward,” he observed, “is such that the income does not keep pace. We shall undoubtedly be face to face with a very serious crisis next year. We shall want, we estimate, an increased income of £80,000. But there is one method which we have developed, and found to be very helpful during the last ten years. Different parishes, associations, or country unions adopt a missionary, for whose support they pledge themselves to provide. These are familiarly called the ‘O.O.M's.’—Our Own Missionaries—and this system has added no less than £40,000 a year to our funds. But everywhere, you may say, the work is most encouraging.”
Within the compass of one chapter it is, of course, impossible to deal exhaustively with the work of the C.M.S.; but Mr Fox adduces emphatic proof that its operations abroad are as successful as they are extensive. Meanwhile, the Society is also busy at home, seeking to stimulate among men a greater interest in the cause of Christian missions, so that still greater efforts may be exerted in the future. In the words of the Bishop of Calcutta (Dr Welldon): “The
