The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-11
THE LESSON OF A LIFE.

The Memorial Service at Mayfl0wer Church
Yesterday Morning by Rev. N. A. Hyde.
The recent death of Miss Josephine Mildred
Hcugh, young lady of most exemplary quail
ties, well-known by her work in the Sunday
school, was the occasion for memorial service
at Mayfower Church yesterday morning. There
was an unusually large attendance, and the
services We're quite impressive. As the text of
his remarks, which have general interest, Rev.
N. A. Hyde, the pastor took: MANY daughters
have done virtuously, but thou excellest them
all Proverbs, XXI, 90
I'VE have appointed" DR.. Hyde said 'this
service to be memorial of one of the young
members Of this church, and one specially known
and beloved in our Sunday-school. Josephine
Hough, who was so recently with u.s. In whom
all saw the promise of a life of more than ordi-
binary beauty and usefulness, has been sudden
career here on earth had scarcely begun when
it was abruptly ended. Our first thought in
view of such a Providence is: How great the dis
appointment; how sad the loss! What blast
ing Of hope; indeed, what failure If she could
have lived to complete her education--to grow
up to womanhood-what a blessing she would
have been to her family-to the world. What
shining virtues she would have developed; what
a useful life she would have lived among u.s.
what love, what admiration, what honor she
thoughts, and they inger with us because we
cannot see another side to this Providence.
But, otter all, are these just thoughts9 Do they
not imply reflection upon the wisdom and
the goodness of the great Governor of the worlds
Is it not mistake to measure the success of life
by the number of years one lives! Ii it be not
SO, where shall the line be drawnl Is it true
that time is the principal element of success in
our lvesg II it be, then so long as there are any
possibilities in the future we must fear the dan
ger of comparative failure. / think we err in
these judgments when our friends die
young. We are ever leaving out OF con-
sideration the most important fact
that they live on life is not ended AS devel-
opment has not ceased it has only begun.
Youth is preparatory to age, whether here or be-
yond. What difference does it make whether
we are living, growing, doing our work In this
place or in that. The main thing is that we do
live. God sets the bounds of our habitation,
and determines the number of our months, be-
cause he sees all these things we cannot He never
teaches US that the success of life is dependent
on our years 1t success just as we are true
and faithful. The question in heaven con-
corning our young friend is, was her
life beautiful and true while she was with us
here below Did she display to us the sweet
graces and facilities of childhood and youths
| Did she act well her part in the homeY Was she
| loving, dutiful daughter2 Was she kind and
gentle sister, Was she exemplary in conduct,
| sef-forgetting and kindly among her companions
| above all, did she prove in her young life that
she loved her Savior, and was daily trying to
please Hima These are the questions asked in
heaven, and by these the success of her
| life has been tested. And who that
| knew her has any doubt as to the
answers that have been recorded in the Book of
Life. Your hearts have pronounced the verdict
on these years we have seen, of triumphant sue
cess. Have we found any better utterances fol-
our feelings than the words selected for our
| text: MANY daughters have done virtuously,
| but thou excellest them ALL" Yes that brave,
faithful young life, as we have seen it, shining
| amid trials and duties that belonged to older
years, was a victory. The fruits of it only
eternity can reveal. ] am sure, my friends,
that was no ordinary character that we so lately
| had among us, and that we commemorate to-
| day. 1t is taking understandable liberty to
change the name and adopt that tribute tc
| another.
when maidens such as Josie die
Their place We may not well supply,
Though We among athousandtry
With vain endeavor."