Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1892-04-09

Union-"What does Vermont produce,
do you ask? Rocks and menn-men of
courage men of perseverance, men of
brain, able to undertake, and also able
to accomplish their purposes.
We are often told that eminence
comes by chance-by good fortune; by
taking advantage of ones surround
ings, and those who fail to excel as
they desire, or look with envy upon
those who have attained places of in
tiuence and power, are known to
grumble at the fates which have been
against them. Not 50 in this land
America knows no such distinctions.
Eminence comes by labor. If there be
true merit, if there be real ability, in
cessant toll and patient effort bring
the rewards. Especially is that true in
this new land. Those who have had
the courage to hew paths through
these well nigh impenetrable forests,
and have conquered natural obstacles
for developments sake, and have had
the foresight to open avenues Of trade
and commerce, are well-known men
among us-far better known and
more truly honored than are
those who seek i'm easier ways
to enter upon and enjoy the labOrs of
the pioneer. | think you will bear
willing evidence that what | say has
its fitting application i'm the career of
the late Senator Garfield, whose mortal
remains we are today to commit to
their native dust.
And | must not forget that ! stand
here as a plain minister, an exponent
Of plain truth, a leader in plain work,
seeking to plant the cross wherever
men make a community, and striving
to make the influence of that cross
powerful in each human heart, and /
give testimony to the generosity of the
departed in charitable and religious
works. In childhood the sign of the
cross was impressed on his forehead
and the faith il represents was taught
him. He was cOnversant with the
church's affairs and principles, and in
many ways showed his interest in her
progress. But like many Others he
became absorbed in matters Of state
and commerce, and was thrown amid
surroundings that gave no prominent
place to Christian labOrS. ] stand here
to do honor TO the noble characteristics
of heart and mind Of the one now in
deaths embrace-tO his integrity his
sense Of honor; to his generous DISPOSE
ton. But | cannot stand here in this
solemn hour without expressing to you
who are living how greatly we, who
lead the armies Of God, prize the strong
arm of strong men; what power for
good their strength of character is in
/ Christian ways among their fellows;
what tower Of strength their Christian
| principles are in the hour Of tempta-
/ ton. And if | were to stand here and
| plead with you, my fellow laborers in
| life, to give TO the church of God your
active influence your powers Of intel
| lect and brain, your devotion, ! am
sure | would be but vOicing the lam
guage that would speak to you from
/ this casket today if his lips could
mOve-a voice from eternity's shOre-a
voice that speaks from beyond Jordan s
/ turbulent blllOws.
And this sudden death reminds us
! how near is the eternal world. We
think Of it as far Off We calculate
how long we have to live; but now,
near it seems. 1t is all about us; close
to US; almost within US. The passage
is very short, few pangs, "a brief strug-
! gle, "a moment and our hold on life is
gone. We are oily tenants, at will,
liable in the day aud hour when we
! Jlllk not 10 DG summoned 10 leave
familiar scenes and familiar places and
familiar duties, to gaze for the first
time upon the realities beyond the vale
to look into the face Of God; to behold
the majesty Of the Redeemer upon His
throne; to understand the eternal des
times Of man.
Yes, brethren, w are travellers along
an unknown road; we see only the
nearest horizon, and we hardly know
what shall befal us 'ere we reach it
We are i'm the thickest Of life's battle
in the capacity Of private soldiers, moi
!, knowing the plans Of the battle no
how soon we may fall. Ere that nigh
comes to US, with this instance Of NOR
tality in mind, while we gather her
to honor the illustrious dead and I,
speak words of cheer to hearts tina
, bleed over affections severed, let Us <,
forth from the solemn stiffness Of th'
death chamber TO make the most o
the examples Of the dead, to do some
thing for our fellow man, and to d,
something for our God.