The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-01-07

its greater convenience and larger audito-
rum. AT the hour first named, notwith-
standing the inclemency of the weather,
"Wednesday was one of the coolest days
OF the season-many friends assembled
at the home Of the deceased TO take their
farewell Of the honored dead. The choir
OF the Universalist church sang an ap-
propriate anthem and prayer was offered
by Rev. 7. III. Tabor of Chicago.
At 2 the First Baptist church was the
scene of the last impressive services. The
church was we'll filled, "a multitude of
friends and admirers OF the deceased vet
eran" being present. Revs. T. Fl. Tabor
and @. s. Nickerson of Chicago; d. M.
Reed Of Rockford; Ell. Slade of McHenry
and the pastor, A. N. Alcott, were in the
pulpit.
The exercises were begun by respon-
sive service from the "Gloria Patri"-a
favorite service book Of DR.. ch-Rev
MIR. Alcott leading, and the choir respond
ing. The Scripture lesson followed-the
grand chapter Of Paul in Corinthians
closing, so death, where is thy sting! o
grave, where is thy victoryp A touching
hymn by the choir followed-'It is well
with thy SOUL" Rev. Holmes Slade, of
McHenry. was then introduced and pro-
nounced brief but very fitting eulogy.
He said, II stand here, friends, to-day, as
one to preach the funeral sermon of ia.
Their, not to rehearse the goodness, not
to review the glory of the life of the de-
ceased, but to speak of him as I knew
him, as we all knew him, a good, holy,
an upright, an eminently honest man;
honest to his God, to the world and to
himself" The eulogy was kindly and
touching one, aud from the heart of a
friend of half century.
The choir then sang the pleading and
pathetic hymn, Abide With Me-"
An address followed from Rev. d. NJ
Reed, of Rockford. 1t was in substance
very cogent inferential argument for
Immortality, and filled with the spirit of
abiding faith and trust. Opening his re-
marks, Mr.. Reed said: "Brethren and
friends, we gather in this Gods temple
to-day for ceremony. But it is not to
carry out any stringent form of etiquette
that we meet, but to bestow a tribute of
respect and love to the honored dead; to
man who had lived over four-fifths of a
century in this most remarkable epoch.
We are not here for any purpose of sad
ness, to chant dreary hymns, to weep;
this is an occasion to look upward and
onward in the light of this almost divine
life into the realm Of peace and JOY" In
this spirit the address proceeded.
Mrs. J. FL. Wilcox sang the familiar
solo, "One Sweetly Solemn Thought"
Rev. Mr.. Nickerson offered prayer. The
choir sang "Nearer, My God, to Thee
while the congregation was dispensing.
1t was an impressive scene as the last
lingering fsrewells were taken.
Appropriate and impressive services
followed at the grave. The bearers were
the sons and sons-in-law of the deceased.
The absence of several of the Chicago
ministers who were expected to attend
was deeply regretted. Rev. Messrs. Brig
ham and Adams were at the depot, ready
to take the train, but owing to recent
change in the time card, the Elgin train
moved out before they were aware. The
editor OF this paper, after having made ar
engagements to attend the services, was
unexpectedly detained by imperative office
duties. Rev. Amos Orum, OF Dubuque,
failed to reach Elgin until after the hour
of burial, his train being several hours
late. 1t is the intention of the family
and the Elgin parish to hold special
memorial service for DIR. Balch some
time in the early future. Due announce
ment OF time and place and services will
be made hereafter.