The FBWWM

Some missionary you know may need what the writer of the following words put so eloquently.  May these words be "just what the Doctor ordered" and brighten the path for those who labor for the Master on any of the "Dark Continents" of this world

 "Missionaries ought to cultivate a taste for the beautiful.  We are necessarily compelled to contemplate much moral impurity and degradation.  We are so often doomed to disappointment; we are apt to become either callous or melancholy.  Or if preserved from these, the constant strain on the sensibilities is likely to injure the bodily health.

 "On this account it seems necessary to cultivate that faculty for the gratification of which God has made such universal provision.  See the green earth and the blue sky, the lofty mountain and verdant valley, the glorious orbs of day and night and the starry canopy with all their celestial splendour, the graceful flowers so chaste in form and perfect in colouring.  The various forms of animated life present, to him whose heart is at peace with God through the blood of His Son, an indescribable charm.  He sees in the calm beauties of nature such abundant provision for the welfare of humanity and animated existence, there appears on the quiet repose of earth’s scenery the benign smile of a Father’s love.  The sciences exhibit such wonderful intelligence and design in all their various ramifications; some time ought to be devoted to them before engaging in missionary work.

 "The heart may often be cheered by observing the operation of an ever-present intelligence, and we may feel that we are leaning on His bosom while living in a world clothed in beauty and robed with the glorious perfections of its Maker and Preserver.  We must feel that there is a Governor among the nations who will bring all His plans with respect to our human family to a glorious consummation.  He who stays his mind on his ever-present, ever-energetic God will not fret himself because of evil doers.  He that believeth shall not make haste."

 (Excerpt from Dr. David Livingstone’s journal, October 13, 1853)