The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-09-15
First PRESBYTERIAN,


DR.. McLeods topic was Behave as
Citizens" and he took for hrs text the
words found in Phil. i:27, as follows:
"Behave as citizens worthily." His
remarks were as follows:
This exhortation Is appropriate on this
memorial occasion. 1t Is just one year
ago today that our nation was called to
mourn over the death of our beloved
president William Mckinley. AS a cit-
zen. he behaved himself worthily. He
practiced this apostolic precept during
his public life, as well as on his bed of
DEATH
This exhortation of st. Paul embodies
both patriotism and piety. He believed
that Christians occupy position that
invests them with the responsibility and
the privileges of a dual citizenship. Our
citizenship is in heaven, as we'll rs on
earth. William Mckinley was profoundly
convinced of the truth of this doctrine.
and he acted accordingly. He believed
that he owed a duty to the state as we'll
as to the church. and to the church as
well as to the state.
He did not plead his heavenly citizen-
ship as a reason for negecting his earth
ly duties. He was a true patriot. as we'll
as true Christian. He did not believe
that the time which Christian citizens
u.
lieved in the elective franchise, and he
did not neglect the "primar!es." He be-
lieved that the best way to prevent bad
elections Is to prevent bad nominations.
He believed that If we have 1t in our
power to prevent bad nomina tions We
have no right to complain if bad nomi-
nees are elected He believed. with one
of England's greatest statesmen. that
I'VE ought to cultivate our minds and
bring the dispositions that are lovely in
private life into the service and conduct
of the commonwealth. and that we should
SO be patriots as not to forget that we
are Christian gentlemen He believed
that high public office is a place of power
and responsibility. and that he who
sleeps upon his watch deserves to be CEN
sured, as truly as the traitor who goes
over to the enemy Believing these things,
he behaved himself worthily as citizen,
and he took a deep interest in politics,
and in craftsmanship, and in education,
and In commerce. and in everything that
bore upon our country's happiness and
prosperity.
William Mckinley was law-abidng
citizen. He had no sympathy with law
lessness. He believed in giving to every
citizen the largest degree of liberty con-
sistent with righteous law. He would Use.
If necessary the whole power of the state
and nation to guard and defend the lib
erty of every American citizen. He would
not permit pack of idlers to insult, ana
browbeat. and terrorize band of will
ing workers 1t was his wish that all
classes should behave as citizens worth
lly, and no man is worthy OF the name
of an American citizen who will revle
his neighbor or interfere with him in the
discharge Of his duties.
This is a point that some persons in
this region would do we'll to consider, for
they are not behaving as American citi-
Zens ought to behave. Like William T..
Gladstone. our William Mckinley was a
man of tireless energy and of lofty pur-
pose. Like Mr.. Gladstone. also, he knew
how to adapt himself to times and sea-
sons and circumstances. If he changed
his mind in repeal of some political ques-
tions. 1t was because of changed crcum-
stances Such changes did not affect his
character in the least degree. nor did
they lay him open to the charge of being
either tickle minded or unpatriotic.
William Mciinleys last political will
and testament was made in the city of
and published to the world few
days before his death, and Theodore
Roosevelt is it's executor Thus far the
has given a good account of
himself. He has kept his pledge, and it
Is to be hoped that no vaulting ambition
or political chicanerv will swerve him a
from the path in which he
promised to walk on the day he took his
oath of office. He then pledged himself
to carry out the policy of his great prede-
cessor. and all his countrymen expect
him to do it.
William McKinley's last speech con-
tains a rich legacy for his countlymen.
In 1t he made powerful plea for ''sen-
sible trade arrangements" with other ma
tions He said: '"rhe period of exclus-
veness is past. The expansion of our
trade and commerce is the pressing prob
lem. Commercial wars are improbable.
A policy of good will and friendly trade
will prevent reprisals. Reciproc-
ty treaties are in harmony with the
spirit of the times; measures of retail
alton are not
These are wise and patriotic words. to
which all our people, and especially our
lawmakers, should give heed.
Again. he said LET lis ever remem-
Der that our interest is in concord, not in
conflict; and that our real emnence rests
n the victories of peace. and not in those
If war. Our earnest prayer is that GOD
VIII graciously vouchsafe prosperity,
happiness and peace to all our neighbors.
and like blessings to all the peoples and
powers of EARTH
These words breathe out piety as well
is patriotism. William Mckinley was a |
rue Christian as we'll as n true patriot, |
md he was all the truer patriot because |
le was a true Christian. He placed a |
high value upon his earthly citizenship, |
nut he placed an infinitely higher value |
ipon his heavenly citizenship. In both |
his public and his private life, in times |
If prosperity as well as in times of ad- |
'ersity. living and dying. he behaved in |
way worthy of one whose citizenship
5 both In earth and i'm heaven; for he
behaved himself In way worthy of the
gospel of Christ, This is his richest leg
cy to his countrymen. He was not
shamed of the gospel of Christ. and he
owed the Christ of the gospel. He served
lis generation well, He loved his coun-
ry, and he contributed his fun share
owards making 1t the purest. the freest
he richest. the kindliest, and the
niGhtiest nation on earth. We honor his
nemory, and we thank God for his pious,
and useful life.
st. Luke's Church
Special prayers We're read at ST.
.uke's church in memory of the late
resident Mckinley by Rev. Rogers
srael.
The exercises We're held at the close
the regular services and were opened
y the singing of the hymn, Lead
indy Light" by quartette composed
Miss Kann, Miss Browning, Mr..
unnell and Mr.. Jones. A portion of
ne Litany and special chants followed.
In Adams avenue Chapel.
The Rev. DR.. James Hughes, while
n.,1i ne,t |