The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1899-07-14

.terian church bell rang on commences
ment night. How, when silence alone
issued from the High school tower he
had perceived that the plans OF the
graduating boys had been foiled. How
he had hurried down from the assembly
hall with a companion, secured the
keys to the church, and rang the bell
for the High school boys, and inciden-
tally added much to the occasion In the
opinion Of all. May 1t ring every com.
mencement night in the future. tt
was only one Of his many thoughtful
deeds and kind acts for others, but that
scene 10 indelibly engraved upon the
writer's memory, and little did
we think that e'er Just one
short month had passed away
one OF our number would
be no more to us.
And he has gone to his last rest.
His eyes are closed in the eternal
sleep. His personality is so vividly
impressed upon my mind that can see
him standing before me complete In
every detail, perfect, as nearly as NOR
tai man In his creators image can be
perfect, and can hear him speak, In
choicest words the purest thought
pouring forth In rich profusion from
his lips.
Tonight the wind means, the arc
light sways In it's creaking course, the
waving shadows are portrayed upon
the walk in fanciful oddity, the two are
standing upon the same steps convers-
Ing In awed whispers, and to the many
uncanny noises OF the almost deserted
streets, Is added the mournful toot-toot
OF locomotive far In the distance
Nature is repeating herself tor them,
but how hollow the repetition is. The
essence of the whole picture is lacking
the commanding presence of a MASTER
ful man. Attempted consolation Is
empty, and brooding in mournful soli-
tude, 1t Is hard for us to realize that
what we have lost we have not lost in
vain, Easy 1t is to say that
1t Is all for the best, and way
down in the bottom OF our hearts we
feel that it Is true, but it Is contrary to
human nature to fully realize it, even
while acknowledging it. The Divine
Spirit called to him and he obeyed the
and who can say that he did
not obey 1t gladly? For he was we'll
prepared to enter his Masters palace,
and all that could have detracted from
his Joy at the entrance was the ever
present and thoughtful consideration
OF the loved ones at home. Aud far be
1t from us to hamper his pleasure or to
desire to interfere with the Divine
plan.
Let US rather rejoice than weep. Let
our song be paean of triumph, rather
than mournful dirge OF solemnity and
sorrow.
And when we part company with
this earth's tickle ways and mount as
he has mounted to the celestial glory
OF Gods realms. he will be there to
welcome us, and the Joy of uniting for
an eternal companionshlp shall engulf
and outbalance the pangs of present
parting. Let US be happy to be able to
say,
Ah! providence inscrutablc
Whose ways no man canst know,
With wisdom iudisputable,
No reason needest thou show.
Why in the bloom of early life
This man of promise rare,
Thou chose, removed from earthly strife,
Thy Kingdoms joys to share.
For, when our greatest grief is spent,
And humbly we resign,
Our hearts, not broken, only bent
To Gods great will divine.
Then acquiescient we shall nod
To this fact every head 5' ..
The good are gamered young by God,
Alas too true is said.
W.B.K.