The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-04-22

tion which all of us feel that the repre-
sentatives of more than two hundred So
cieties engaged in the work of foreign
missions, in every part o. the globe, are
guests within our gates. To them are
extended the hospitality of our homes
and the devotion of our hearts acl<nowl
edgment of encouragement of TIE faith
funess and unselfshness in great move
ment for uplifting the races of men,
teaching them the truth of common fatn-
erhood of good and the brotherhood of
men, and showing that we are not orr
brothers Keepers we can he our broth
er's helpers,
Il am glad of the opportunity to ober
without stint my tribute OF respec~ 10
the missionary effort which has wrought
such wonderful triumphs for clVlizatlon.
1.-THE story of the Christian missions
is one of thrilling interest and marvellous
results. The sacrifices OF he MISSION
aries for their fellow men constitute one
of the most glorious pages of the world S
history. The missionary, of whatever
church or ecclesiastical body, who devotes
his life to the service of the Master and
of man, carrying the torch of truth and
enlightenment, deserves the gratitude
and homage of mankind The noble, self
effacing willing ministers 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 haf re IL
lumined the darkness of idolatry and
superstition with the light of intclli-
gence and truth. They have been mes
sengers of righteousness and love. They
have braved diseases and danger ana
death, and in their exile have suffered
unspeakable hardships, but their noble
spirits have never wavered. They count
their labor no sacrifice. Away with the
word in such view and in such a
thought says David Livingstone, 1t is
emphatically no sacrifice, say rather 1t
is a privilege They furnish US examples
of forbearance and fortitude, of patience
and unyielding purpose and of spirit
which triumphs not by the force of might,
but by the majesty of right They ar"
placing in the hands of their brothecs,
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 luulSpcLSdUic olSpo VI ihi1oioh Va
terprise, and in some form must precede
all successful work.
THE labOrs of missionaries always dlf-
ficult and trying are no longer so peril
Gus as in former times. In some quart
ers Indifference and opposition have given
place to aid and cooperation. A hundred
years ago many of the fields were closed
to missionary effort now almost every
where 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 prog
ress of the nations? Their contribution
to the onward and upward march of hu-
mainly is beyond all calculation. They
have inculcated industry and taught the
various trades They have promoted con-
cord and amity and brought nations closer
together They have made men better.
They have increased the regard for home,
have strengthened the sacred ties OF
family, have made the community well
ordered, and their work has been a po-
tent influence in the department of law
and the establishment of government
MAY this great meeting re-kindle the
spirit of missionary ardor and enthu-
siasm TO go teach all nations may the
field never lack "a succession of heralds
who will carry on the task-the continu-
Gus proclamation of His Gospel to the end
of time"