Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1888-08-30
WHITMAN,


The rise and progress of the Christian
Church forms one Of the most important
chapters in the history Of the world.
From small beginnings it has advanced
steadily, through the ages, and now
occupies a position of unquestioned
power and influence. In the successes
achieved, in the chastepings admins
tered, the divine element is apparent,
and, the promise of His continued pres
ence, is the assurance Of ultimate and
complete victory.
But the heavenly treasure is COM
mittcd to earthen vessels. To the
children Of men is given the honor and
dignity OF scattering abroad the leaves
Of the tree Of life which are for the
healing Of the nation. Hence the his.
tory Of the church iucludas the history
of her individual members, whose lives
we're devoted to the dissemination of her
doctrines. And the lives Of individuals,
in 20 far as they reflect that of the
Master, the sincerity Of bis love and the
purity Of his motions, how grandly they
shine!
We are met to-day to honor the name
Of one whose life was a reflection Of that
Of the Master, and the fragrance of
whose memory is, to Us, an inspiration
and encouragement. The mound Of
earth around which We are assembled is
hallowed ground, followed by the
memory Of one who sealed his love to
the cause of the Master to his lifes
blood. And as We stand at this sacred
spot we would not suppress the holy
emotions springing up in the soul. We
would not be unniadful Of the spiritual
lessons here suggested-less Of cour-
age, Of patriotism and Of devotion.
| To the students Of history there are
presented many examples Of manly
courage and heroic achievement. He
reads with somewhat Of pleasure, 1t may
be, of Caesar subduing the rude tribes
Of Gaul, or Of a Napoleon marching
triumphantly through the states Of
Europe. But with how much greater
satisfaction does he contemplate the
courage Of the defenders Of the Christian
religion who, midst danger and death
nobly indicated those principles which
are for the present the eternal good Of
! the human race.
, Marcus Whitman was such Christian
hero. The danger and privation of .
journey across the continent, did moi
deter him from sense Of duty. HI
had experienced in his own soul, {
, Savior's love and he was DESTROYS Of
communicating the heavenly influence t
his fellow man. In obedience to tn
divine command" Go ye into all tn
world and preach my gospel to ever.
creature"-he left the ease and refine
n ment of an Eastern home, to bring t
II the untutored savage, tie glad tidings Q
salvation.
y During this centennial year of Presby
terianism, We have heard and read muc
4 of the heroism of our forefathers il
!. planting the church on the Atlanti
coast. But it remained for Docto
> Marcus Whitman first to unfnrl the blu
banner on this .lope towards the settinI
!. sun. In the annals of our beloved zion
there is not more illustrious exampl
= Of noble Christian courage than tina
Of the man whose memory We rever
i to-day.
. And what an illustration Of a pur
missionary spirit The motive whic
= prompted the heroic sacrifice was nc
II sel6shness, but sincere love for tn
Master. When the call for mo,
It laborers in the Masters vineyard vi
y heard, his reply was Here am I-seu
!, me-" The truly consecrated disciple
!. ready fer any service for the Master,
or any cline and among any people. As
faithful soldier he is prepared for Il
rs performance of any divine commau
he Such was Whitman. He recognized Il
% fact that the Gospel knows no distiuctic
~ -, of race or nationality or color; that "Ti
:. Lord is nigh unto all them that call upe
~ him, to all that call upon him in truth
u And he was not disobedient to the ca
10 which directed him to bring the goo
OF news to an uncivilized race in an une'
plored region.
!" Continued ne1f peek.