The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1914-07-09
THE VIRTUES OF JOHN SMITH.

THE VIRTUES OF JOHN SMITH.
When John Smith died the preacher
arose at the funeral and pronounced
this encomium, according to the Ober-
lin Herald
John Smith was a man. That is
why we are gathered here to do him
honor. For a while the earth is full
Of men. a man is still a rare thing.
"He was a man firstly because he
earned his living. / should put that
as the prime test. The most important
thing for any human being is to do
something for which the world is will.
ing to give him food and clothes.
"He never inherited any money
Nobody eyer gave him any. What he
got was paid him for honest work. He
was a man because he wanted no other
kind of money.
'He married and came to this town
thirty years ago. He took his wife be-
cause he loved her, and she loved him
They had no worldly goods then. He
was a man because love was enough
for him when it came to marrying.
"He liked to work, and when his
days work was done he liked to play
He liked the folks that liked him.
Those that did not like him he kept
away from us much as possible. He
got along with everybody because he
never tried to get along with people he
couldn't get along with. He was not
a saint. He was human, which is bet
ter.
He was not a liar, not in any per
cent. His word was never doubted.
"He vas not sorry for himself. He
never achieved fame or position, but
he was cheerful, and was "A fountain OF
contcntment to all who knew him.
"He gave his children a good educa-
ton, for that. he said, he owed them.
He kept up his life insurance and his
widow is decently provided for. He
was a mar because he discharged his
responsibilities to those dependent up
on him.
"He did his own thinking. Nobody
ever stampeded him into any move
ment, cause or cult in which thereafter
he was to think as others voted. He
worked with various organizations, ESQ
long as they served his purpose; he
vas no tool.
"He was never known to whip his
horse nor to kick his dog. He was
friendly with the birds. Bees would
not sting him, Squirrels ate from his
hand.
"He was disciplind. He could hold
his tongue, govern his temper and con-
troll his passions. But he never tried
TO discipline others.
"He was an expert at minding his
own affairs also at letting his neigh
bors mind theirs.
His children loved him and did as
he wished, because they knew him,
never because they were afraid OF him.
lie was more than their father he was
their friend
~ nun every women was an appeal
for protection and for respect. He
never looked upon a woman with an
eye Of contest lie wa more than a
male he was a man.
His muscles were strong. His
health was good His brain was clear.
His heart was big and tender. His
conscience was keen, His love was
loyal,
"He had a vivid sense OF humor. lie
laughed a great deal. lie u~ntangled
many a knot among his friends by
finding the funny end of the string.
lie helped smile many a humbug out
of business.
He was not a leading citizen, not
the high worshipful OF the lodge, not
postmaster, nor mayor, Judge, sheriff
nor president Of anything, Somehow
it never occurred to the people to elect
him to any prominence. He was one
of them. He remained a man.
"The worlds a stage and we play
many parts. Let us thank God, breth-
rem, that here and there someone, like
John Smith, finds il to his taste TO
PLAY THE MANI