Christian Nation Vol. 18 1893 - Rparchives.org

T h e Ghristian flationA Journal of Christian Civilization.WEDNESDAY, MAECH 8, 1893.New York,Terms: 5 cents a copy ; $ 1 50 a year, in advanceEditor and Manager,John W. Pritchard.Associate Editors :Eev, W, J. Coleman,Eev, 0. D. Trumbull, D. D.,Prof. J. M. Coleman,Department Editors :Department of Missions, Hev. F. M. Foster.Sabbath School Lesson, Eev. T. P. Eobb.Primrary S. S. Lesson, Grace Hamilton George.Prayermeeting Topic, Eev. T. H. Acheson.The Week in Review, Prof. J. M. Littlejohn.Literary, Educational, Harriet S. Pritchard.Helpful Corner, Eev. Wm. Littlejohn.Children's Corner,Mrs. Eev, E. J, George, Mrs. M. S. Gibson,Beaver Falls, Pa.New Castle, Pa.JAMES R. McKEE.We owe to our readers an explanation for thetardy appearance of an account of James E.McKee's funeral. Oar explanation is, that wedesired, in connection therewith, to adorn ourpages with a reproduction of the image of thatface into which so many of us have oftenlooked, only to see with joy, again and again,the reflected loving kindness of the Christ inthe light of whose countenance he lived. Aweek at most is all the time required to producea photo-engraving; but there was an unusualkindliness about the mouth and a peculiarmellowed brightnees about the eyes of Mr.McKee, mingling with an expression of granitefirmness,which repeatedly baffled the expertartist wbo had been engaged by us tomake the portrait; and not until he had redrawnthe face for the fourth time did hereach the almost perfect likeness printed uponour firstpage. Dr. Sloane's portrait and that ofMr. McKee's father, both of which have beenfrequently referred to by our readers as exceptionallysatisfactory pictures, were made,the former from the firstand the latter fromthe second drawing. Nothing short of a speakinglikeness of James E, McKee would beacceptable to the church, or satisfactory to ourselves,and such, we are quite sure, our readerswill agree with us in pronouncing that uponour firstpage to be.James E. McKee was a man with a naturethat was unique. Good meu there are inplenty who are comparable to other men, bothin their nature and their face's expression ;but he, though an eminently pious man, waa notone of these. It is very trying on one to beso different from his associates, but he stoodthe teet and won the love and esteem of achurch that will ever hold him in grateful remembrance.Judged by the world's standard.CHEISIIAN NATION. Volume 18.his life was a success, for he accumulated amplemeans. Judged by the standard of the Word,his life was a success, for by showing himselfto be friendly he won hosts of friends, andthiough faith iu "the only Name" kid up forhimself treasure in Heaven.But the Bible standard of success imposesstill another test. It is the test of works, forwe shall all be judged according to the deedsdone in the body. What did James E Mc­Kee do, in the world, the record of whichproves his fitnessfor the Kingdom ? By whatworks did he show his faifh ? These have alreadybeen hinted at by others, and it is notour purpose to dwell more at length upon them,save in a suggestive way. It is said of Dorcasthat, as she lay dead, from among the numberof those to whom she had ministered, therecame many showing the garments which shehad made. If a tithe of those to whom ourdeparted brother has ministered, in one wayand another, throughout the church, and outof the church, would gather to rehearse hiskindly deeds, what a company there would be.And of deeds of a more public character thereis no lack. In the far West, and at one pointat least nearer home, there are those who couldrise and say, as was said of the patriotic andGodly centurion, " He hath built us a synagogue."Of his great work as Synod's treasurer,of his labors on the church's boards, andof "his helping hand" lent cheerfully in theIndian and Foreign aud every other Mission,we need not speak : for these " his praise is inall the churches."But there is one particular of his nature towhich v/e must refer: we allude to his wisdomin counsel. Pew men are so gifted as was he inthis respect. It is written that the counsel ofAhithophel was as if a man enquired at tbeoracle of God. We would not say less thanthis of the counsel of our brother, for he always" walked with God," and drank deeply at Wisdom'swell.Farewell, brother; and may thy God be withus who mourn till we sball meet again.Theee has been formed by the Christians in Victoriawhat is called, "The 30uncil of the churches inVictoria." It embraces representatives from theEpiscopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and Lutherandenominations. Its object is— "to give opportunityfor consultation and cooperation on mattersaffecting the religious, moral and social interests ofthe community." The chnrches are to be representedby an equal number of clerical and lay representatives.The Victojian churclies are evidently in ad:vance of the Mother churches in those higher elementsof jhurchmanship which are the most beautifujand useful. We doubt not, thisis an evidence, that thegreatest of the graces is love ; and the most desirablepossession is '' the unity of the Spirit in the bond ofpeace." There is too much in our religious life andamong the churches of the spirit ot the Border Warrior,expressed in the lines of the poet:—" He leaped doon.His sword did dra'.He hacked him in pieces sma'.For the sake of unity."This treatment may secure uniformity by the sacrificeof denominational peculiarities, but it will onlylast for a little. Unity in diversity, at present, is thelaw of nature, as it is the law of grace. Tbe churcheimust be moved to mutual and respectful recognition,to Christian aud brotherly co-operation, in all matteriaffecting their religious, moral and social interests.The Episcopal churches make a stupid effort to exaltthe historic episcopate as if it were apostolic. BishopLightfoot's contributions to exegetical theology havedone much to explode that idea. There is much reason,in face of a common foe, why all the friends of truthshould gather together in loving unity cf spirit, todefend a comKon Christianity built on a pure Bible,nnd the liberties of freeborn souls.DEATH OF MRS. DR. H. H. GEORGE.Mrs, Dr, H, H, George died of pneumonia, at herhome, College Hill, Beaver Falls, Pa,, onthe morniDgof February 28th. We have not learned auy furtherparticulars than are contained in the following brieftelegram to the Pittsburgh Commercial Gazette ofthat date :Bb4VE3 Falls, Pa , Feb. 28.—This morning 'Mrs.George, wifeofE.sv. H. H. George, D, O., ex-presidentof Geneva college, died of pneumonia at her home onCollege Hill. Eev. George, who has been lecturingin the Interest ot the Society for the Christian observanceof the Sabbath, was not at home at the time othis wife's death, and was not even aware of her illness.His wh(.'reabouts is not known, and although telegramshave been sent to Baltimore, Washington and Harrisburg,no response has been received up to tonight.Mrs George was about 55 years old, and was a prominentchurch worker, a model womau, and was widelyknown in Western Pennsylvania.Mrs. H. H. George was Miss Sarah Brown, and shewas married to Dr. George at her home in Cincinnati,December 27, 1864. In his severe affliction, the griefof which will have added poignancy by reason of itssudden and unexpected nature. Dr. George will havewidespread and sincere sympathy, uot alone in ourdenomination, but among Sabbath-defenders generally,and reform-workers everwhere, who have learnedto love and honor him by reason of his warm-heartedjself-forgetful, and splendid labors for evangelicalChristianity and a pure nation.The Vyeek.—The New York and New Jersey Bridge Bill acrossthe Hudson was passed by the House practically withoutopposition.— The government of Britain has decided that noplan yet proposed showed how it was possible tochange the standard of value in Great Britain. Theyrefuse to take steps to reassemble the Conference, asthe initiative belongs to America. The "BritishParliament has sustained the government in thisview.—Ihe cotton spinners of Lancashire,England,are onstrike, the workers, their wives and children, manyofthem being on the point of starvation. Thousands ofoperators have been without work and wages for manymonths. Neither governmental aid nor private charityhas been able to assuage the condition of poverty,—There are 10,000 persons in Paris who make aliving by nothing but begging; 6,000 beggars live in410 lodging houses over the city; 4,000 sleep at wineshops or in open air, and about 300 of the aristocracyof the beggars live iu flneprivate houses.—Williamsburg witnessed a "stag-racket" amongth© members of the Hanover Club last week. Itismade up largely of church members. The fun consistedof a sparring match between two colored yontoand skirt dancing and high kicking by two yonnggirls. The kicking and sparring evoked the applauseof church members and of at least one clergjman|Suoh masquerades are surely a breach of social pnr*ity.—The HouBP of Bepresentatives refused to suspend