The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-04-26
President Mckinley on Missionaries.

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At the great Missionary Conference in
New York. the address Of welcome TO
all nations was delivered by President
NJ Kinley. In the course Of his re-
marks he paid the following tribute to
missionaries:
Il am glad Of the opportunity to offer
without stint my tribute Of respect 10
the missionary effort which has wrought
such wonderful triumpNs for ciyiliza-
tion.
The story Of the Christian missions
is one Of thrilling interest and mar
velous results The sacrifices Of the
missionaries for their fellow men con-
stitute one Of the most glorious pages
Of the worlds history. The missionary.
Of whatever church or ecclesiastical
body, who devOtes his life TO the serv
ice Of the Master and Of man, carry.
ing the torch Of truth and enlightenment
deserves the gratitude and homage Of
mankind. The noble, self-eifaclng,
willing ministers Of peace and good Will
should be classed with the worlds he
roes. 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 snpersti'
tion with the light Of intelligent truth.
They have been messengers Of righteous
ness and love They have braved
disease and danger and 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 10
such a view and with such view and
with such a thought. says David Liv'
ingston, tits empatically no sacrifice,
say rather it is privilege.
They furnish Us examples OF foroear'
ance and fortunate, Of patience and un'
yielding purpose and Of spirit which
triumphs 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 en-
terprise and in some form must pre-
cede all successful work.
1.-The labors Of missionaries always
difficult and trying, are no longer so
perilous as in former times. In some
aaarters indifference and opposition
have given place TO aid and co'opera-
ton. A hundred years ago many OF
the fields were closed to missionary ef-
fort. 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 pro-
Qress Of the nations? Their contribu'
ton 20 the onward and upward march
Of humanity is beyond all calculation
They have inculcated industry and
taught the various trades. They have
promoted concord and amity and brought
nations closer together They have
increased. They have made men oet'
ter. They have increased the regard
for home, have strengthened the sacred
ties Of family, have made the commu.
nifty well ordered, and their work mas
been potent influence in the develop
ment of law and the establishment OF
government
MAY this great meeting re'kindle the
spirit of missionary ardor and enthusi'
asm to go teach all nations may the
field never lack "a succession Of heraids
who shall carry on the task-the con-
tipuous proclamation Of His gospel 10
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