It would perhaps be more simple to provide statistical returns for one society of which the ecclesiastical organisation is known and the ecclesiastical terms used consequently fixed.

But survey of the work of a society, invaluable and necessary as that is for a society, is not sufficient by itself.

It is essential to-day that we should be able to place our work in the world in relation to all the missionary work done.

We can no longer afford to ignore the work of others and to plan our missions as though other missions did not exist.

As we try to point out from time to time no society can act rightly in ignorance of another's work.