Missionary Work in the South
By Amos E. Everett
SPRING has come in all her glorious beauty, and it would do you good to be here. Flowers in profusion, green trees, sweet, balmy air, and gentle sunshine,—all appeal to man's higher nature. The South is a grand place in which to live,—warm the year round; invariably healthy, if one is careful to preserve health; and the people are kind and hospitable. Everything is pleasant, but the heat of summer. This, however, is in no sense unpleasant indoors, or when one is not taking brisk exercise out in the sun. I do not think the heat is so intense here as in the North during the hottest days. The almost unendurable heat comes just after the heavy thundershowers of June. Then when the vertical rays of the sun strike the water-soaked earth, the moisture is at once converted into steam, and this, rising18constantly from the ground, gives one the feeling of being in a hot vapor bath. The late summer months, though hotter than June, are dryer, and not so uncomfortable. Those who are inclined to perspire freely will suffer some discomfort while canvassing during the hottest weather. Walking, or rather trudging, along the soft, sandy roads, carrying a heavy load of books, is rather severe exercise, and on a hot day soon excites one into profuse perspiration. It isn't the most soothing sensation to sit down in a strange house with every fiber of one's clothing soaked with perspiration. Yet we can endure this, and much more, for our work's sake. The most trying experiences often prove the dearest, and not infrequently the most profitable. It is a sweet privilege to tell the people of the saving power of the gospel. Too many who profess Christianity know little of the power of Christ. How delightful it is to tell them of a risen Saviour, full of life, love, compassion, an ever-present help in time of trouble. Lovers of truth always recognize its flavor. Sincerity invariably has its reward. The power of Christ in an individual will give him a love for fallen, suffering humanity, and those whom he meets will recognize that love to be from above. Any one engaged in missionary work in the South will have sweet experiences if his whole soul and body are surrendered fully to Jesus. Nothing should take the place of that wonderful love. It is our very work that shapes our character. And so the worth of our character depends wholly upon the character of our work,—the way in which it is done. The love of Christ in you, in me, or in any one can see afar, can even penetrate the shadowy future; and day by day we shall be building steadfast characters, and shall be prepared to meet the future without fear; for we shall thus become “partakers of the divine nature.” There is a great work to be done throughout the South. Maybe God is speaking to many who read these words. Will you come and have a share in the glorious harvest?