GREETINGS TO PORTO RICANS.
At a meeting of the representatives of the different benevolent societies of our Protestant denominations who are entering upon mission work in Porto Rico a committee was appointed to draw up a paper containing a greeting to these people. The paper was to be published in Spanish and English. The copies in English were to go especially to the missionaries to be scattered among English-speaking people. The Spanish translation was intended for the native Porto Ricans. This paper was signed by representatives of different denominations as will be seen. This broad, comprehensive and loving message from the Christians of America to the people of Porto Rico, who are now a part of our own country, must meet the approval of all those interested in the progress of the Kingdom of God rather than some narrow denominational victory. This greeting to the Porto Ricans is as follows:
"We rejoice that your beautiful island has become part of the United States. We take you by the hand as fellow-citizens of this Republic. We pray that you may share fully with us in all the blessings it has to give. We have come among you to show our interest in and our sympathy with you, and to do what we can to help you and your children toward the larger life that is possible to us all.
"We come to you as we have gone to all other parts of our beloved land—as messengers of the gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour. We have come as brethren in Christ, as joint-members of that spiritual body of which He is the head, to preach and teach among you, and thus in mutual helpfulness to build up the Kingdom of our common Lord and to answer His prayer 'that they all may be one,' and that His will may 'be done in earth as it is in heaven.'
"We are agreed in the great truths of our holy religion, and we will work together that they may produce in this historic island all the choicest fruits of Christian life and culture. We would teach the children the way of eternal life, and bring to the men and women—full of cares and burdens—the rest and comfort and hope that come through faith in the Saviour. And so shall they and we all be brethren and sisters in Christ.
"These are the common purposes that bring us hither. In the name of our common Master we pray you give us and our preachers welcome, and join your labors with ours that this island, so charming in its natural features, may more and more have the beauty of a pure and purifying religion. Then happy will be your homes and happy your people—as Holy Scriptures declare, 'Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.' Education will brighten the lives of the children; Christian morality will stand guard in every community against sin, and the peace which Christ promised to His people will rest upon us and ours.
"Praying for God's richest blessings upon you, beloved people of Porto Rico, and asking your co-operation with us, we are
Yours in Gospel of Jesus Christ,
(Signed) C. L. Thompson,
T. J. Morgan,
W. H. Ward."