The American Missionary — Volume 41, No. 12, December, 1887Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 41, No. 12, December, 1887
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
It was in this way that our friend secured his best development.
The great secret of it was his piety. He was taught of God. He was
trained in the school of Christ. He was devoted to the Saviour’s
cause. In his own estimation he was not his own, but belonged to
Him who had redeemed him at such cost. All that he was, and all
that he possessed and all that he was capable of becoming, were the
Lord’s. His talents were his trust, to be improved for his Master,
like his property. His intelligence, his sound judgment, his
capacity for business, were cultivated for Christian use. When they
brought him honor and position, he was not elated by them. Position
was only another name for opportunity and influence, which brought
with them increased responsibilities. Honors only sobered him and
made him pray to God that he might prove worthy of them.
In the spirit also of his Master, who came to “seek and to save
that which was lost,” he would bless and benefit all for whom
Christ died. He was not only desirous of dealing justly with his
fellow men, but he must do them good as he had opportunity, and
to all men, Negroes, Indians, Chinese, as well as to his own
countrymen. He sought to secure wise legislation for them, and a
faithful administration of the Government. He would educate the
ignorant, reform the vicious and remove the disabilities under
which so many labor. He would improve their worldly condition
and make his business profitable to those in his employ as well
as to himself. But above all, he would bless men spiritually and
eternally with the blessings which only the gospel of Christ
can bestow. This was the secret of his interest in your work
and in all kindred works, and in everything that could improve
the character and condition of men. This is the reason that he
devoted time and thought and assistance to so many Christian and
philanthropic enterprises which are accomplishing these objects.
This is why he gave to this Association so much of his attention
and best counsel, his generous contributions and fervent prayers,
and why he left such large bequests to this and kindred societies.
As an Association we owe too much to our late President and devoted
friend not to make mention of his many and invaluable services, and
always hold in loving and grateful remembrance the name of William
Barrett Washburn. Few causes have such helpers, and not often are
better men raised up for their time and work. We shall miss him in
our deliberations, while we need more than ever, as our fields for
Christian enterprise are enlarging, his sound judgment, untiring
energy and steadfast Christian faith.
When such men as Governor Washburn, Alpheus Hardy and President
Hopkins are taken from us, we can only pray that He who has the
whole work in charge will inspire others with similar devotion and
bestow upon us all more of his grace and blessing.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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