The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-10-13

address 10 the blushing bridal couple She
said she had asked DIR. and Mrs. Conger
to dine with her that she might inspect
the marriage tie. If it proved to be
fractured she could repair it. but she
found it had suffered no harm in all
these years. As pastor of the Universal.
ist church DIR. Conger had done noble
work, had labored hard over his sermons,
but his best sermon had been his life in
his own home. In this he had spoken
most strongly to the hearts of his people.
In his own life he had shown the beauty
of holiness. In behalf of his friends
gathered there she would wish them
both many happy returns of the day.
Might they see silver wedding,
brighter golden wedding, a wedding
flashing in diamonds, and when in old
age they fade away from our sorrowing
gaze may it be to step into their heav.
emily home.
Mr.. G. Fl. Reyes followed with felici-
tous congratulations and on behalf of
the friends presented some beautifully
decorated CHINA dozen plates, plat
ter, cream jug and a handsome lamp;
also handing to Mrs. Conger an envelope
containing gift in money. He then
called upon Mrs. Mitchell, who read the
following poem written by Mrs. Webb:
They tell us that life is shadow
shadow of which we are fond,
And that our real substance, immortal,
Can exist but in regions beyond.
But yet from the first of creation,
$50 all the old records have shown
These shades sought the marriage relation
For man is not happy alone.
And when Adam eats out of season
Some apple that causes dispute,
1t is well If he gives us reason,
"why Eve tempted me with the fruit
Sometimes, mid lfes shadows unreal,
In the state of true welded delight,
A man finds his highest ideal.
As witness, our friend has tonight,
So dear are the ties of affection.
So closely their two lives have run.
We find upon nearest inspection,
Both shadows reflected in one.
With the sweetest of all the home graces,
A love UNIVERSAL we find,
r. -. .,o ,;ohost I'D lowest embraces.
And unlteS them TO all Oh
With pure and high aspiration,
Each helps and encourages each,
And their life is the very best sermon.
That ever our doctor could preach
But no matter how lofty their wishes,
And how bright destiny waits,
These shades are obliged to have dishes,
And satisfy hunger from plates!
So our hearts have run down to our fingers,
And our love has burst into bloom.
And under our delicate blossoms,
Lies buried the rarest perfume;
The rarest perfume of affection,
That ever exhaled from heart,
Lies buried down deep in the colors,
So the sweetness can never depart.
No time can wither our flowers.
No changes Of heat nor of cold;
Born of love they viii blossom forever,
If you live to be ever so old.
May the years bring you all of lifes blessings,
And long in the future and late
May 1t be. when you pass DER the border.
And stop eating sweets from our platesl
May you have alright wedding of silver,
And wedding Still brighter of gold,
And wedding that spsfkfes with diamonds,
When you are hundred years old!
And when in the glory of sunset,
You fade from our sorrowing eyes,
You will live in the hearts of your people,
AS well as your home in the skies
DIR. Conger replied with much emotion,
expressing the delight of his wife and
himself at this hearty expression of affec-
ton by their friends. If he was CRATE
full and happy twenty years ago, how
much more SO was he now after time had
tested the tie that bound them. He
was glad to see in this house friends not
only Of seven years, standing, but of ear
lier years. His house was always the
home of his friends and they were to
consider themselves welcome to it every
day.
He had worked among them during
these years, but now he had found some
one else to do his preaching and hoped
to be allowed to do a little practicing
with the rest.
The serving of the refreshments pro-
vided and an hour of conversation con-
cluded the very happy evening.