The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-04-22

profound pleasure and satisfaction which
all OF us feel that the representatives of
more than 200 societies engaged in the
work of foreign missions, In 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
in acknowledg ment and encouragement of
their faithfulness and unselhshness in
great movement for uplifting the races
of men, teaching them the truth of the
common fatherhood of God and the broth
erhood of man, and showing that If we
are not our brothers keepers, we can be
our brothers helpers.
II 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
results. The sacrifices of the missionaries
for heir fellow men constitute one of the
most glorious pages of tne worlds his
tory. 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 en-
liehtenment deserves the gratitude and
homage of mankind. The noble, self-ef-
facing. willing ministers of peace and
good will should be classed with the
worlds heroes. WELDING the sword of the
Spirit, they have conquered ignorance
anu III SJuNlCSs Ih0y &c AetVh lAAO PAO-
neers of civilization. They have illum-
ined the darkness of idolatry and
superstition with the light of intelligence
and truth. They have been messengers
of righteousness 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 in
such a view and with such thought.
says David Livingston. Tt is emphau-
Cally no sacrifice, say rather it is a priv
Aege.' They furnish us examples of for
bearance and fortitude, of patience and
unyielding purpose, and of a spirit which
triumphs not by the force of might, but
by the majesty OF right. They are plac-
ing 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 bet
ter conditions. Education is one of the
Indispensable steps of mission enterprise
and in some form must precede all sue
cessful work.
Their Work Is Trying.
1.-The labors of missionaries, always diff
ficult and trying, are no longer so peril
Gus as in former times. In some quar-
ters indifference and opposition have
given place 60 aid and cooperation A
hundred years ago many of the fields were
everywhere is the open door, and only
the map of the world now marks the ex-
tent of their thought and action.
who can estimate their value to the
progress of the nations? Their contr-
button to 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 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
potent influence in the development of
law and the establishment of govern
ment.
May this great meeting rekinde the
spirit or missionary ardor and enthus-
iasm, to go teach all nations;' may the
field never lack a succession of heralds
who shall carry on the task-the contin-
uous proclamation of His Gospel to the
end of time"