Another accusation which has often been brought against Brethren is their want of zeal for the conversion of sinners. This charge may be brought against any community of Christians if we estimate their zeal by the Savior's love and the value of immortal souls. But we cannot admit that they are at all behind other Christians in this blessed work. They have been spoken of from an early period as open-air preachers, when that practice was more rare than now. We have heard of their preaching on the race-course, and near the grand stand, and in fairs, and markets, in streets, lanes, and courtyards, or wherever they could reach the people. But the charge has generally been made by those who know nothing of the operations of Brethren, except that some of their members had left and united with them. It might be well for Brethren, however, to accept the reproof, and seek to be still more zealous for the salvation of precious souls.
For several years after the division, the Brethren seem to have been more occupied with practical truth for Christians than with the gospel for lost souls outside. This, we believe, was of God. Like the apostle who " went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, strengthening all the disciples," they believed it was their bounden duty to strengthen the souls of the disciples after the shaking and unsettling through which they had passed. Still the gospel was preached, and souls were blessed, and the open-air work went on as well.
Mr. Darby still speaks with pleasure of his preaching in the open air, in barns, and in any available space, until he was pressed with the care and instruction of the saints. Mr. Kelly, whom we know chiefly as a teacher, used to preach in the open air in Guernsey, where a large meeting was gathered; and Mr. Stanley in the north and west of England.
About the year 1854-5, a very blessed work of God's Spirit began in the conversion of the children of His saints in London. There had been prayer for this special work for some time, and the Lord answered it in manifested blessing. In some cases the household was converted, both children and servants; and many young people in many families were brought to know the Lord. The reality of the work at that time is most happily proved by not a few of those who were then converted being now earnest preachers of the gospel and much owned of God in their work. The number of conversions seems even more now than it did then, so many have turned out hearty workers, sisters as well as brothers, and have thereby brought others into the field.
With the Brethren, as with all others, the work of the gospel was greatly revived in 1859, and from that day to this, the number of evangelists has steadily and greatly increased. We pity the heart that does not rejoice with great joy in seeing the number of young evangelists who now occupy town-halls and public rooms of every description throughout this country, as in Canada, the States, and other places. Many from the age of twenty-two to thirty-five have of late years joined this gospel band, and are carrying the glad tidings of a full and free salvation to every class of lost souls. Indeed, one of the pleasing features of the Lord's work in the present day is the care and labor bestowed on children, and on the neglected children of the poor; and we thank God with a full and an overflowing heart, many both young and old, are brought to Jesus.
In no denomination that we know, or have ever known, is there anything like the proportion of preachers to be found as among the Brethren; and this is to be expected, seeing others do not give the same opportunity or encouragement to lay preaching.
We must now leave the reader to judge, whether a want of zeal for the conversion of sinners is a true or a false accusation which some have brought against the Brethren.