The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-02-22
WASHINGTON WAS
TRUEST PATRIOT
UNSELFISH IN ALL THINGS
SAID DIR. ECKARD IN SERMON TO
SOCIETY OF CINCINNATI

.
Scorned offer of Continental Of
fcers 10 Make Him an Emperor.
Had Deep Religious Spirit and
Put His Religious Belief Into Ac-
tive Practice.
The special sermon on George Wash
ington before the Georgia Society of
the Cincinnati was delivered last
night in the Independent Presbyterian
Church by Rev. Leighton Wilson Eek
ard Of Easton, Pa, chaplain of the
Society.
A dozen handsome American Beauty
roses in a vase on the pulpit attract
ed the attention Of those who had as
sembled to hear the sermon. The roses
were sent by Lachan Mcintosh Chap
ter, Daughters of the American Revo-
luton, as a greeting to the great-great-
grandson of the Revolutionary general
after whom the chapter was named.
DR.. Eckard commented upon the pres
ence of the roses and the spirit in
which they were sent He said the
tribute was one that he appreciated
most highly.
The speaker paid a glowing tribute
TO Americas great patriot and closed
by drawing beautiful lessons from
his life and character. The sermon was
built upon the text Daniel vi:S: Then
this Daniel was perferred above presi-
dents and princes, because an excellent
spirit was in him"
There came into American history
one who deserves to be copied and
lived over again. age by age, said Mr..
Eckard. He looms above contem-
poraries and successors as Mont Blanc
overtops the lesser Alps. Where many
have faded in historys perspective, he
has become more conspicuous. He was
heaven sent. for purpose, this
Prophet of Freedom In the light of his
resplendent career he seems a special
creation, and altogether a wonderful
man with a wonderful mission.
His Personal Appearance.
''In personal appearance he was stall
wart, dignifed, impressive. And how
well poised the character! How con-
etructive his thought! How comprehen-
sive his work, and how pains stalking
his effort. 'deeming naught done If
aught remained to do There was
mental and moral distinctivness in
the man. and God was glorified and
succeeding generations blessed by the
principles he embodied, and the deeds
he wrought
1.-The story of Washington bears re-
telling. And surely an order like that
of the Cincinnati may well reaffirm its
teaching. We are not dealing with one
who like Alexander sought world
conquest. Nor have we an ambitious
Napoleon, INSCRIPTIONS in the use of
means and the attainment of ends. We
are not reminded of a Crusader pos
sessed of on idle dream nor knight
merely exhibiting at a tournament"
Leadership Not LOrdship.
The speaker then rapidly sketched
in bold strokes the life of Washing
ton. He pictured him travelling through
the lonely wilderness as a surveyor,
learning the lesson taught by toll and
peril and hardship. His longing for
peace was touched upon. the efforts
TO avoid war were great, and the
sword was only drawn when he was
compelled to choose between it and
chains.
In battle, Washington never tri-
umphed signally, yet the policy of
harassing the foe, his steadfastness of
purpose, combined, said the speaker
to inspire and keep alive the light of
hope in the breasts of others. He was
a true patriot and not one who used
self mere temporal glory.
Long before his DEATH" said DR..
Eckard, Fat Newburgh an unexpected
event had emphasized the susceptible
ity of his soul ito truest honor and
most unselfish patriotism. Certain
continental officers had offered to make
him King of America. Why not found
an empire? Why not be a sovereign
with throne and crown and sceptre?
Why not speak the word which would
cause the splendor of material pomp
10 be his?
Dashed Prize to Earth.
1.-THE prize was offered one moment
and the next he dashed 1t to the earth
with patriotic rage which paralyzed
the whole idea beyond resuscitation
The only coronation Washington
sought was that of popular confidence.
His was leadership, not lordship.
when the constitution had been
adopted and the rudiments of govern
ment were here, the people made plain
TO this man that he was preferred
by them above all presidents and
princes, because an excellent spirit was
in him. So he was summoned to be
their first chief magistrate. The vote
having been announced he showed no
citation, but, turning to his aged moth
err, asked her blessing. AS she gave
st, his emotion was unrestrained. Were
ever tears more honorable? And is
not moral strength, joined to tender
ness the most inflexible power the
world knows?"
Closing Thoughts of Sermon.
DR.. Eckard paid merited tribute to
Washingtons religious nature, and his
belief and trust in God Almighty
Quotation after quotation was cited to
show that the leader had perfect trust
in God and believed heartily in his
worship. His religion was one which
he lived, not merely a principle in
which he believed but declined to put
in practice.
In closing DR.. Eckard said: LAS
might have been expected the last hours
of the supreme American were calm
and peaceful. The sun set behind the
blue hills of Virginia, and the after
glow has henceforth transfused with
radiance the whole American sky
Beautiful is the suggestion of the
tabled song that fingers around Byron'a
grave. But really enduring are the
principles exemplifed in Washington's
career"
The sermon closed with an earnest
appeal to follow closely i'm the foot
steps of the Christ, the Goldman the
great example given to all mankind.
Annual Election To-day.
At noon to-day the Society of the
Cincinnati OF the State of Georgia will
hold its annual meeting In the Court
House RapoVfC will he ,,ada