The Portland daily press., 1899-01-19

me, even more Abunonntly than i TO
him. In him was conspiouously apparent
the compatibility OF high attainments In
the realm of politics with the most urim-
peachable character. As public man
MIR Dingley accomplished u ureat work
/ He was man Of remarkably clear vision:
possessed the highest quality OF states.
manship, and exhibited great wisdom 10
plan and action. But IL will not be for
this work and for Theses superior qualities
that he will he held in grateful remem'
| brance by his intimate friends and nation
at large, but for the integrity and nobili-
| ty of his haranter. Few men, who Tor 80
many years have been in public life and
actively engaged In national affairs, have
made such n notable record as be.
We contemplate his remarkable career
beginning here In the city where he has
inhdo his demonstrating throughout
the country, covering the state which he
so ably and honorably served as governor,
over a nation TO seventy millions of
people. Nor was his influence limited by
the confines OF the republic. 1t swept be-
yond, even these, commanding the re-
spectful attention of the worlds leading
statesmen, and enecting, directly or In
directly the legislation OF all nations.
While he was thus pressing his way up.
ward to the high position which he filled,
his Influence was deepening and broaden
ing In the community where he began his
eventful career. This commanding influ-
enc was not the result of fortune or ad.
vantageous circumstances, but as the
legitimate outcome of life laid In deep
and solid foundations, and reared In bar
monious and enduring proportions.
Such results have been achieved by
fidelity to duty, and an unfaltering faith
in the recitude of his purpose From the
beginning Of his active life he must have
been dominated by the loftiest and
noblest of moral ideals. 1t could not have
been otherwise for while 1t Is possible to
80 order ones con duct as to deceive. here
and there an individual. 1t Is impossible
| for public servant to deceive millions of
people for a generation.
| How Is this constantly increasing and
enduring strength with tho vast majority
of our people to be accounted fors What
enabled our distinguished citizen to pass,
without u single stain upon his fair fame,
through the varied experience OF long
and peculiarly trying public lief
Ii WAS not great intellectual ability, Tor
his was not pre-eminent endowment-it
was not eloquence. for he had no special
gifts as an orator 1t was not the charm
of a polished manner. for while he was
ever affable and courteous, he had not
cultivated the ''arts Of grace as q means
to an end. -
| What then, was 1t that enabled him to
attain unto and hold 20 long the position
he occupied In the thought, esteem and
affection of his countrymeng The answer
to these queries is found In his loyalty to
principle, his devotion to truth, his
thorough preparation and conscientious
work. Thus he was every ready for, and
equal to, the demands OF the hour and
| the occasion.
| Wherein lay the secret OF his character,
the strength and beauty of which all
recoQnizeS Does not the secret lie in his
implicit faith in Christ and his atone
| IN entg
From early manhood TO the day of his
death 1t was his cherished and avowed
purpose, no. only to know, but to do. the
will of his Divine Master. What a testi-
| mony his consecrated life has been all
these years to the influence and power of
| the Lord Jesus Christ How forcibly we
are reminded this morning of the earnest
words he used to speak with us concern
| ing the renewing, sustaining and sancti-
flying power of the gospel.
Though his lips are sealed in death he
still speaks to US in the biuing infiu,nce
Of his ife-a life purified and sauctified-
a life made rich in resources and potent
for good through his love for and, faith
in he orueified Redee mer.
He will he greatly missed in this com
munity where he was universally esteemed
as friend and u citizen. How he Will
be missed in religious circles, in our local
and state couferences-and especially in
our church home where he loved so much
to be and which he served SO loyalty
How you, who have been accustomed TO
confer with him concerning questions OF
state and international problems, will
miss him
He will be missed in the home where,
as husband and father, he was greatly be.
loved The sorrow of his bereaved family
Ii too poignant and sacred for us to in
trude upon 1t. We can only humbly pray
that the sweet comfort of faith may fail
with healing grace upon each OF these
sorrowing hearts. The revolving years
may bring to them some "surcease OF sor-
row." but 10 compensation for the be-
reavement which they have experienced.
Out OF this home TO which he contributed
so much of light and joy, our friend and
brother has passed to the urtried expert
ences Of the unseen world. there TO learn
the lesson of immortal being.
We leave him there in the presence of
the glorited Saviour whom he loved SO
devutedly, and served so faithfully. and
before whom we too shall stand at no dis
tant day. Farewell, brother beloved
The world is lonelier and poorer for thy
departure from it. but heaven is richer
The saviour dindem is made Iesplend-
emit with such jewels AS thou art We did
not realize that the harvest season WAS so
near. Thou hast gathered thy sheaves,
and grea were the rejoicings in heaven
at thy comingl THE song that thou
heardest was the seraphim's song" "a
song mingled with the glad greetings Of
the loved ones gone before. blessed are
the dead that die in the Lord" May il
be our portion to join in the Fathers
many Ioansioned house when the Master
shall call.