The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-01-24
FREDERICKSBURG, w.. SATURDAY. JANUARY "a. 1

of over 80 young men. He was the ideal
teacher-punctuai. well prepared TO ex-
pound the lesson. and gripping the hearts
OF his men by personal interest in each
one OF them. - that they were drawn TO
him as with hooks of steel Today they
gather with us aud pay tribute to the
beloved teacher whose life passps beforr
them for an example. Horace Crismond's
value ia Christian service was 8ppreci-
,ted and utilized outside OF his local
church. Since its first organization he
has been an honored member Of our Bap-
list OrphanRge at Salem, Va, and has
rendered valuable service as a member OF
the recently constituted Baptist Educa-
iional Commission of our General Asso-
citation. In this new work he felt keen
interest
He was always deeply concerned about
he spiritual growth Oi his church More
than once during the past few weeks has
he spoken earnest words to me of this
matter. To the special season of revival
now projected and just begun in our
church, he looked with pray erful heart
for personal blessing and n widespread
weakening OF true spiritual religion
Back OF all his life lay this well spring OF
religion. pure aud undetiled.
II from these relations Of public life we
v.
lift the veil and look into his home. we
would find him the Christian husband
and father. He was old fashioned enough
TO know how 10 combiue a wholesome
! iiecipline with aHectionate kindness, SO
| that in his household there was the we'll
balanced virtue OF that parent al reverence
/ and love. all too uncommon in this day
He loved his home and around il crystal.
Ized the wealth of his affection. There be
was happiest-it was the wellspring OF
his sweetest earthly Joy. But now he
hasgone. The places that knew him-the
merchant = deck at yonder corner OF Com
merce street, this old church with all its
sacred and blessed memories woven in
his life, the sweet home that he loved and
ever shielded with hi= strong right arm
these shail know him no more forever.
Alas when shall we look upon his like
again?
The messenger TO call him away ap-
peared without a warning; there was no
premonltion Of his coming Last Satur-
day he was in the full vigor of his stall
wart life, greeting his friends in CHEEKY
voice. At supper time he was in the
midst of his lovely family circle, lavish in
his affection, happy in his contentment
After supper. as his custom was, he re-
tired TO room apart to study his Sum
Jay schOol lesson. Here the chariot
found him aud its swift wheels tarried
not. lie answered the call and from
mind and heart immersed in the study of
the written word. Horace Crismond
rose to visions and revelations such
as Paul saw when caught up into the
third heaven and there passed before him
things not lawful for man to "a utter." Be
fore the quick step OF the nearest doctor
could reach him the noble heart Ind
ceased it's beating and the spirit was with
his God.
There Is rejoicing up yonder, but oh the
aching hearts that are sobbiDg here o
angels il ever We bend to human sorrow.
but the angels know not thssweet, sweet
human love. o Jesus thou dost know,
for thou didst weep with the sisters of
bethany; bow down to these broken
hearts that would be brave and strong
to rise again and face the sacred duties
OF this present life.