The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-11-10

Der Is, regretting that the crowded con-
dition Of our paper did not permit of an
earlier insertion:
Looking back over this good mans
life we see nothing to regret, nothing
that we would have otherwise. unless to
wish that to him there might have come
this side the grave larger measure of
recompense for his we'll ordered life.
"We are gathered about bis bier to
perform the last office of love and re-
spect, to testify to his worth and ten
derly to place his body in the grave. In
performing this last sad duty we know
that that part of our venerable friend
and father that made us love him has
winged its way to it's eternal home and
is forever at rest. That which we SO
gently carry away today is only the
worn-out earthly tabernacle that for so
many years. contained the spirit that
gave it life and animation The hands
that performed so many acts of kindness
and so. cordially greeted friends and
neighbors,.are folded forever, and have
clasped the messenger of death, not re-
luctantly. not in fear nor in doubt. The
feet that have run ON go many errands
of mercy and love have performed their
last office. The intricate machinery that
made this manly form pulsate and throb
with life, and made it the earthly home
of him we loved, has worn out in kindly
service so that it's tenantry is no longer
possible.
Remembering the faith he held, and
30 beautifully illustrated and illumin-
ated by his life, we cannot think of him
as dead, nor even sleeping. This change
that we call death is but the transition
to higher condition. In glory he has
been welcomed by the Master with,
We'll done, good and faithful servant
| greeted by that innumerable host of
| friends that have preceded him, he waits
with them to help us up the farther
shore and warmly to welcome us when
the veil shall be lifted, and we, too, shall
stand on the other side Of the dark val
ley.
There was so much in his life to make
us glad he had lived; so thankful are we
that his life was so long continued. and
so certain are we that it is better with
him now, that we should dry our tears,
brush aside our doubts and fears, if any
we have, and go forward to the duties
and responsibilities that await us in our
several spheres of life.
His life began so near the beginning
OF the century that he caught up and
held firmly the spirit that pervaded the
body polite when our country was yet
new, and when it had but just passed
through the trying ordeal that gave it
birthrand promise of rich heritage of
freedom. The spirit of patriotism was
so early absorbed by him that it was
part of his nature, enabling him to incul-
cate in the young love of those princi-
| pies the defense of which saved our
country from destruction when later it
was threatened by internal dissension.
"On the broad prairies of the West,
where he lived and ministered to his
fellow men, ARE many that will affection
ately remember him, and will mingle
their tears with yours. 1t was my good
fortune to go with him on his last visit
to his old friends and neighbors in Illi-
nois. l shall never forget the kindly
| greeting with which he was welcomed
after many years of absence. l speak
advisedly when I say that many lives
have been made sweeter and many
homes happier because of his life and
teaching.
Strong in his convictions, forgiving
in his disposition. temperate in his hab-
it's, manly in all his intercourse with his
fellow-men, he leaves fragrance round
the evening of his life that will make
his memory ever dear. The real fruitage
of such life can never be known or
measured. AS a meandering meadow
brook nourishes the vegetation along it's
borders and answers the thirst of man
and beast, SO such life, in acts of kind.
ness. in deeds Of love, by words of cheer,
creates an atmosphere that charms and
ennobles all that come within it. Hav
ing long since passed that point in the
journey of life where the shadows fall to
the west, he still journeyed on. Weary
with the infrmities of age, he carried his
burden cheerfully until the night came
on and he could no longer distinguish
the road. Noble, generous, gentle, loved
and loving soul, FAREWELL"