THE object of this book is not to give a complete account of the work of the Church in the villages of India or to discuss fully the many important problems which it involves, but to describe the wonderful manifestation of the presence and power of the Spirit of God in areas where the Church has followed the example of her Master and preached good tidings to the poor, and where the Christian flock has been, in accordance with Christ's command, taught and cared for. Unhappily in some areas this has not been done.

Thousands have been admitted into the Church without due preparation and then left as sheep without a shepherd. The results have been disastrous.

But we are not concerned with these failures. Our purpose is to make more fully known the great opportunity that lies before the Christian Church to-day in the village districts and to urge that a serious effort should be made to seize the opportunity before it passes away.

Hitherto the Church has been ten years behind its opportunities. In view of the new movements that are beginning at the present day, it is of supreme importance that the Church should be awake to the signs of the times and not wait to take action till the door is shut.

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