The Portland daily press., 1883-05-21
ISRAEL WAsHBURN.
Memorial Service at Congress Square
Church.

The services at Congress Square church yes-
terdag morning were commemorative of the
life and character OF the late ex-Gov. Wash
burn. An elegant floral pillow, on table be-
side the pulpit, was tho only decoration iu the
church. large audience attended the SER
vices, and listened with deep attention and in
terest to the words of the pastor, Rev. Mr..
blanchard, who, after the conclusion OF the
opening exercises, spoke in substance as fol-
lows;-My text, found in II Timothy, fourth
chapter and seventh verse, reads, 81 have fought
good fight, have finished my course, have
kept the faith.'
We have intended this as a service in honor
of Israel Washburn, leader and helper in our
denomination, The words of the text we'll de-
scribe our brother, for 1t was his splendid faith
which enabled him to measurably complete his
course. His religion was belief in one God,
whose nature is love, in Jesus Christ, the Sa.
viour of men, and in one spirit of faith, by
which men win be finally exalted. First OF all
he was Christian, but we would not do worthy
tribute to the dead did we not mention the
great belief so often emphasized by him, that
all men are the children of God, and that they
are punished for reproof so that the final result
must be happiness. The thorough analysis of
the question led him as it leads us to the result
that "God is the infinite love-
This faith made him feel the presence of
God in nature and among men, while il
brought to him courage and cheer He saw
God in the river, in the lofty mountains of our
loved State, in the beautiful lakes that lie
within its borders, in the wondrous sea as IL
lashes our recky coast. He called no man
common or unelean, in every man he recog-
nized a child of God and heir OF immortality;
thus came his respect for human nature, a re-
spect which in depth and tenderness couldlonly
be found in such a man. With such faith he
had no doubt or dismay. he saw 9hat in the end
liberty must triumph over slavery, good over
evil. Moro in detail, we win speak first of his
politics,
His religion made him the noble politician
that he was, and made him think that in
America God meant TO carry out large part
of his providenual drama, while IL gave him
power in work. Que OF his friends has said
"he was the only man he knew who made his
religion superior 10 his politics." Honest
politics are part of religion" Gov. Washburn
often said; let us initiate bis belief in this re-
gard, and learn that politics are part of the
providence of God, an institution OF Divine
ordinance, that men who enter them enter
them as children OF God TO advance His gov
ernment by their votes and deeds SO Israel
Washburn speaks TO all men of this city and
State and country,
After coming out of the office OF Governor
he entered into business life, and again we sec
the religious man. He may then stand as an
example in business life. He reioiced 10 make
business for the prosperity OF his fellows, for
the good of citizens everywhere. No man has
right TO live Tor himself zone, to keep apart
from the interests of the community where he
lives; ali have some part IN Gods work, v beth.
er he be high or low, whether he be great or
small. Our friend lIegarded the interests of
others, be had plans for tho poor the ignorant.
the sinful; his religion gave him power TO
work for the good OF his feilow-citizens.
And when in later years he withdrew from
business, he busted himself in study. He de-
sired To study so long as he lived, TO slowly add
TO his knowledge, TO learn more and more of
theology, sciencs, art, political economy. Many
think, and perhaps with justice, that they have
not time for study; may God speed the day
when all shall have an opportunity to wander
Ia the splendid fields of knowledge! His faith
made him helper in the church and CO.
worker in the denomination; for his work we
give him hearty thanks. be stood by this
church from the beginning. ever ready TO do
his manly part, TO aid by word and deed and
generous gift. In denominational work, at
conventions and meetings, understanding the
needs OF the churches and schools, he was ever
ready 10 advance any interest with word, pen
and means.
His was no narrow spirit he did not think
that the body of which he was a member had
all the truth, but he possessed broad. catholic
spir {, able and willing TO rejoice in the honor
and prosperity OF all.
OF such soul we cannot think think that il
Is dead. Once when standing in Westminster
Abbey before the bast of Charles Dickens aud
between thcss Of Addison and Campbell, our
friend said the words of campbell's poem on
"The Last Man" came into his mind, and as be
then uttered them bsiore the wonderful nov ell
ist. So we, with but the change of single
word, may say OF him now,
'sThis spirit has returned to Him
Who gave its heavenly spark;
Yet thinks not, SUM- it shall be dim
When thou thyself art darkp'
Farewell, statesman, patriot, Christian, be-
lever in God and loyal disciple OF Jesus Christ,
lover Of the church aud co-worker In the de-
nomination. We believe that we shall meet
with thee again, aud greet thee among heaven
ly scenes where larger discourse aad ampleF
love shall fill the endless years.