The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-22
Mr.. Mckinley's Address.

Mr.. Jessup then introduced President
Mckinley, who waited for some moments
until the applause died out The Presi-
dent said:
Mr.. Chairman, Members of the Ecumen-
ical Conference, Ladies and Gentlemen
Words of welcome are unnecessary here
This representative gathering, this earnest
and sympathetic assemblage, presided over
by one Of Americas most illustrious states
men, General Harrison, is your true and
hest welcome. 1t attestS the profound
pleasure and satisfaction which all OF US
feel that the representatives of more than
two hundred societies engaged in the work
OF foreign missions, i'm every part of the
globe, are guests within our gates. To them
are extended the hospitality of our homes
and the devotion of our hearts ia acknowl-
edgment and encouragement of their faith
fulness and unselfishness in a great move
ment for uplifting the races of men, teach
ing them the truth of the common father
hood OF God and the brotherhood of man.
and showing that if we are not our broth
ers Keepers, We can be our brothers
helpers.
Il am glad OF the opportunity to offer
without stint my tribute of respect to the
missionary effort which has wrought such
wonderful triumphs for civilization.
THE story of the Christian missions is
one Of thrilling interest and marvellous re-
suits. The sacrifices of the missionaries
for their fellowman constitute one of the
most glorious pages of the worlds history.
ecclesiastical body, who devotes his life TO
the service OF the Master and of man. car
rying the torch of truth and enlightenment
deserves the gratitude and homage OF man
kind The noble, self-effacing, willing min
listers of peace and good will should be
classed with the worlds heroes. WELDING
the sword of the spirit they have conquered
ignorance and prejudice. They have been
the pioneers of civilization. They have
illumined the darkness of idolatry and
superstition with the light of intelligence
and truth. They have been messengers of
disease and danger and death, and in their
exile have suffered unspeakabe hardships,
but their noble spirits have never wdyered.
They count their labor no sacrifice.
- Away with the word in such a view
and with such thought says David Liv-
ingston. 1t is emphatically sacrifice:
say rather IL is a privilege. They furnish
us samples of forbearance and fortitude.
of patience and unyielding purpose and of
a spirit which trfumphs not by the force
of might. but by the majesty OF right. They
are placing In the hands of their brothers
less fortunate than themselves the keys
which unlock the treasures of knowledge
and open the mind to noble aspirations for
better conditions. Education is one of the
indispensable steps of mission enterprise
and in some form must precede all success
fu work.
.sTbe labors OF missionaries always diff
cult and trying. no longer so perilous
as in former times. In some quarters IN
difference and opposition have given place
TO aid and cooperation A hundred years
ago many OF the fields were closed 10 mis-
sionary efforts. Now almost everywhere
is the open door. and only the map Of the
world now marks the extent OF their
thought and action.
who can estimate their value to the
progress Of nations? The contribution to