The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-03-20
VIM. B. DOUGALL.
FROM a FRIEND.

1t may not be out of order at this
time to say a few words on behalf of
those who were affiliated with Bishop
Morris in matters of religion. The shock
sustained by them by the news of his
untimely accident was great and with
much anxiety the conditions following
the same We're watched and every
change noted with care. When it was
announced that he had improved and
was able to converse with members of
his family, rejoicing was felt and the
hope INDUCED in that his splendid ply
steal condition would triumph and he
would recover. But when the change
came and the reluctant body surren-
dered the splendid spirit, in common
with the family, deep regret assumed
control
1t is impossible to attain perfection
in this life, but the efforts one makes in
that respect and those which glorify
him. During the years which have
passed this grand old man has lived a
life where the principal object was the
betterment of the condition of his
neighbor. In this he manifested a de-
gree of unselishness rarely exhibited.
Some men. strive to improve the condi-
tions of their fellow beings, at times.
But there are hours when duty relaxes
it's vigilance and the task is neglected.
In the instance of him who now re
poses in the eternal sleep there was
no apparent cessation, no abandonment
Of vigilance. AS 20 himself he was I'M
assuming, but works he performed did
not fail TO attract attention.
We arrogate to ourselves no right to
criticise divine justice. But there is a
feeling which pervades every breast
that it must be OF a quality far superior
to that possessed by the weak creatures
we are. If then the infinite is so far
removed from us in that respect, with
what tenderness will Bishop Morris be
received in the land beyond the gates
of pearl. When the record of his life
is made up and the errors of the mortal
head are found to be so greatly out
weighed by the acts prompted by the
heart, the abiding place of love. what
a peaceful reward awaits the good man
who has gone from us.
Some of US have views OF our own
concerning the future which awaits us
beyond the curtain which divides the
light from the day. But in the breasts
of all who exist in the body of human
kind there lives an imperishable idea
that when the toll of life is over there
is place for the weary; land of ever
lasting peace. If, then, we who do not
accept certain theories ana beliefs as
being absolute truth, can find a con-
ISOLATION in the good works of our fell
low creatures, can say to ourselves at
the passing of a life that ''it is well
with the soul Of him who has gone, for
he was a good man" what a holy peace
must creep into the hearts of those who
believe in the absolute certainty of a
well defined and definite haven of rest,
where after the fitful fever of exist
ence is at an end, hearts sundered are
united and the reunited circles are
never again broken.
Today, as the clods fall upon the
coffin of this good old man, hearts will
be wrung with anguish at the harsh
sounds. But the grief stricken hear the
rustic of the wings and the clang of
the gates of gold above the dull, bitter
noises if they viii but listen. Because
the grave is but the portal through
which all must pass, and while those
left behind weep and mourn because
Of the sad separation, the enc gone from
earth smiles in a new land, knowing
the meeting will be soon.
An old hymn, quaint but sweet withal,
tells us that:
Oh could we make orr thoughts remove
Those gloomy doubts that rise;
And view the Canaan that we love
With unbeclouded eyes;
Could we but stand where Moses stood
And view the landscape Ger
Not Jordans stream, nor Deaths cold
food
Could fright US from the shore.