National Republican., 1883-08-24
THE LATE SAMUEL KIRBY.
Remarks by Rev. &. Il. Patch Mt ITS
Funeral.


Tho following are Rev. G. B. Patchs re-
marks at the funeral of Samuel Kirby, esq,
Aug. 81:
Mr.. Samuel Kirby has gone to his rest
We gather to-day around his clayey taber-
nacle to do IL honor, but his soul he himself
Is no longer here. He departed, full in years,
ripe in experience, and rich and strong in
faith. 1t is given to but few to live rs long as
he in this world. He was born about the
middle of the last year of the last century,
while the great George Washington was yet
living in the full enjoyment Of his physical
and intellectual powers.
For nearly three score years he was n bus-
man in this community, and no one of the
older inhabitants was more generally known
or more highly respected by tho people Of our
city.
Mr. Kirby was an honest man, and this is
saying much, my friends, in such times as
these. Every one who knew him must be
constrained TO say 'lIe was an honest man."
He kept his word. His dealing with his
fellow men was square. His integrity was of
the sterling sort. He was also u benevolent
man. All it seems as though while / am
speaking his cold, mute lips would rebuke
the least word of eulogy, for he practced no
virtue to be seen of meu, and he did no deed
for the praise of man. If any man gave heed
to those words of our Saviour "When thou
doest aims, let not thy loft hand know what
thy right hand doeth," surely he was such a
man. Surely hc has received his reward from
Him who seeth in secret"
In his very demcanor and life he seemed to
say, Il have u right to be industrious and
frugal and temperate and honest and benevo-
lent" And all this should every man be.
Mr. Kirby was n Christian. He believed in
Christ rs the Son Of God and the Saviour OF
sinners He honored God. Regularly he at.
tended the sanctuary of worship. Quiet, un-
demonstrativc, thoughtful, he was ever in his
| place. His religion unlike that of too many
of our day, was more life than u profession.
| All cant and pretense he despised. He lived
as though conscious of the presence of God to
whom no felt himself accountable.
A few weeks ago l met him returning
homo from a short walk, whom, in reply Ia
my inquiry after his health, he said: Il find
that | am growing weaker; l shall not stay
much longer" And, pointing upward, he
continued, MY faith goes before, | am ready
to CO." Ever since tho death of his wife
which occurred nearly a year ago, he has
seemed like the patriarch Of old to be seeking
another country. 1t was interesting to see
the aged pilgrim leaning on his beloved
daughter as his staff, q staff faithful and true
to whom he fondly looked as he pursued his
way. But, now, his pilgrimage is over; his
work is done. His life was success his
death triumph. "Well done, good and
faithful servant" take thy rest. .
| And should we not be reminded to day, my
friends that VIC too must 90 hence? The
| longest life will soon come to an end. Truth
did the psalmst speak when he said: I'VE
spend our years as tale that is told. The
days of our years are three score and ten, and
| if by reason of strength they be four score
| years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow,
| for it is soon cut off and we fly away"
Yes, the end must come, and are we pre-
pairing for it? Standing by the righteous
dead the instructive prayer of each must be
Let me die the death of the righteous, and
my last end be like his" We would all go
| hence in peace, and the way of peace is the
way of eternal life. Thank God this way is
open to us all, while voice is sounding
way, the truth, and the life. / am the resur-
though he were dead, yet shall he live"
| On the tombstOnes of many of, the early
| Christians were enchascd ,nn anchor, a Tyre
hope, and joy, and victory. Fitting emblem
tan. And that life is not a success, that
death is not victory, which is not in Christ
Hope, and joy, and victory arc in him:
| Then let us wait,
| Though soon or late
| We hear his call;
Or late or soon,
| it matters not,
| so we be ready all.
| What though our way,
| What though our day,
| Be dfear or dim?
| At evening time
| It shall be light"
| If we be found in Him.