Two Notable Resolutions

     Minute of the Board of Managers of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church:
     “We share with the American nation and the civilized world inexpressible grief at the death of William McKinley, President of the United States, and shudder with horror at the cruel, cowardly, and wanton act of the assassin. We have lost one of the noblest men that ever held the reins of power. He led the nation triumphantly through the trying days of war, and through the scarcely less hazardous days of peace which followed. He loved the people, and gladly gave heart and mind and soul, all unstained, to their service. We remember, with gratitude to Almighty God, that his life was early consecrated to his divine Master, and that in the scenes attending his mortal illness and death he illustrated the steadfastness and fortitude of an heroic Christian. We recall with gladness his devotion to the Church of his choice and his interest in the missionary cause, in which he believed and to which he contributed. It gave him pleasure to extend the highest courtesies of his official home to the members of the General Missionary Committee of his beloved denomination during its session in Washington in November, 1899; and in his address at the opening of the Ecumenical Missionary Conference, in this city, in April, 1900, he eloquently described the heroic labors and sacrifices of those who gave their lives unselfishly to the elevation of the races of men, and said they had proved that ‘if we are not our brothers’ keepers, we can be our brothers’ helpers.’ We pray that to her whom he so tenderly cherished the comfort of God may come in satisfying measure; and we are glad that all her remembrances of her noble husband,

“‘Whose strength was as the strength of ten
  Because his heart was pure,’

and who

“‘Wore the white flower of a blameless life,
Before a thousand peering littlenesses
In the fierce light which beats upon a throne,’

will be sweet and strengthening. For nation and Church, equally bereaved, we could ask no choicer blessing than that the fragrant influence of his exalted character and example should evermore be potent.”
     Prepared by Dr. H. K. Carroll by request of the board.

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     The official board of Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C., of which President McKinley was a member, has sent the following resolutions to Mrs. McKinley:
     “Resolved, by the official board of Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church, of the city of Washington, District of Columbia, that the following be entered upon our records this 15th day of September, A. D. 1901:
     “Enshrouded in darkness of shadows of the awful tragedy which has removed from us our beloved President, William McKinley, and altogether unable to penetrate the mystery of the dire event, we nevertheless bow in submission to the divine will, and pray for our stricken and afflicted church and country.
     “It has been our privilege to enjoy a church fellowship with this first citizen of the republic during the memorable period wherein he has so acceptably and successfully guided the ship of state, and we have noted the regularity and constancy of his devotion to the sanctuary on the Lord’s Day, and the humble and unaffected demeanor with which he joyfully united with us in the services, publicly acknowledging and honoring his Lord and Master.
     “Early in life becoming a member of our communion, he served at his home as office-bearer in the Sabbath school and church, and after coming to the capital city, in the midst of his public labors, he had inclination and found time to perform his duties as a member of the Church of his youthful choice.
     “The natural gifts which made him conspicuous and popular were evidently mellowed and sanctified by the graces of the Spirit, and thus he easily won and retained the favor of all with whom he came in contact. Strong in faith, rich in hope, and full of charity, he has ‘fought a good fight.’ We are not surprised to learn that he gloriously finished his course, declaring in the very valley of the shadow of death that it was ‘God’s way; let His will be done,’ and then breathed out his magnanimous soul prayerfully chanting a hymn of the Church, ‘Nearer, my God, to Thee.’
     “His example as a humble and consistent Christian will ever be among our most cherished recollections. We have also been doubly touched with his exhibition of tender affection for his devoted wife, and in this hour of her deep distress we commend her to our prayers to the God of all grace, who is too wise to err and too good to be unkind.
     “Resolved further, that a copy of the foregoing be forwarded to Mrs. McKinley.”