The Republican journal., 1899-12-07
In Memorlam-John ii. Ouimby

By very general request we publish the
tribute to the late John Fl. Quimby by Rev.
James NJ Leighton, at the funeral services
Not 29th
AS citizen of this, his native city he was
honorable, philosophical broad minded
as man of business he was able, upright,
trustworthy, wise in counsel, of honor above
reproach. In the social world, genial, most
companlonable to young and old alike, an
interested participator in all that promoted
the well-being and happiness of the COM
munity. AS a neghbor, the embodiment and
fultillment of the highest ideal of that rea-
tlon. AS friend, staunch, generous, hospit-
able, sympathetic, loyal. Ii his home affec-
tionate, true-hearted, free-handed, ever
cheerful and mindful OF the comfort and
happiness of his family and of those whose
great privilege it was TO enjoy his liberal
hospitality; courteous to all who came to
him in a right spirit; wise and Just to all
who vent to him for counsel, despising all
sanctmony, and narrowness and meanness
bnt fully in sympathy with genuine worth
under all guises; in touch with all ma
terial progress and all moral interests a
liberal supporter of whatever he to be
for the highest interests Of society. A true
lover of this world, yet he faced the I'm
known with courage and fearlessness such
as they alone manifest who cherish an un-
faltering faith in the life to come, and bear in
their souls an unwaveriug confidence that d
life of integrity here Is safe passport to
/ the peace and blessedness of the realm of
spirit. II is for those who believe in hell
and are conscious that they deserve to pass
| through it, to fear to die but not for such as
he
The memory of man like this is pre-
| c0us beyond all valuation. 1t must abide
| like the fragrance Of priceless perfume in
| this home or like potent spiritual tonic to
! strengthen you for every duty, every bur
den. every cross which you may be called
! upon to bear. Ii must consecrate your grief
and make it sacred, and 1weeten its bitter
waters with comfort and consolation. Moth.
| ing is 80 completely beyond the power OF
| death as worth and a love such as his. His
life in this community, where all his days
| have been spent is his enduring memorial
more significant than monumental bronze
or marble. An old familiar poem seems tc
| have had its inspiration in lives like his, and
| appropriate its sentiments not too high
or exalted to apply to this true man.
"Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase)
| Awoke one night from a deep dream Of
peace,
| And within the moonlight in his room,
| Making it rich and like lily in bloom,
| An angel writing in book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold
| And to the presence in the room he said,
"W hat writest thou?' The vision raised its
head
And. with look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, The names of those who love
the Lord''
And is mine one?' said Abou. Nay, not
so,'
Replied the angel, Abou spoke more low,
| But tcheerly still; and said, " [ pray thee then
| Write me one who loves his fellow men.
The angel wrote and vanished. The mex
| night
1t came again, with great Weakening light
And showed tue names whom love of Goo
had blessed,
And 10! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest
After prayer he read poem by John G
Whittier entitled, A Memorial.