Year: 1877

In his life and all his tempcrs the true spirit Of
Christianity was manifested. There arc some
misbelievers, who claim that the spirit Of the
Christian religion is never carried out by its pro-
fessors. To such we would appeal to-day, and
would ask them to point ont the fault in our broth
er which spoiled his character OF falsded his pro
fessiOu. We assert with confidence that it csnnot
be done. We claim that the life of our brother
was bright and inustrious example of the truth
and power aud beauty and excellency Of the
Christian faith. He fought a good fight, he kept
the faith, he finished his course he was ready to be
offered.


What one Of the Christian virtues did he lack {?
Were not faith, and fOrtitude, and knowledge, and
temperance, aud patience, and godliness, and
Observation-Disclosures, and charity, ike a string
Of heavenly pearls, oil conspicuous adornments
Of his soul9 What one Of the graces enumer-
ated by the spostle did not enter into the coust-
tuition of his noble character? He abouuded in
love, his face beamed with holy joy, his heart
rested in peace he was lOng-sUffering Christian,
gcDtleness beamed in his eye and trembled in his
tones Of voice, goodness characterized all his
utterances and actions, fidelity was one Of his
peculiar virtues, meekness of spirit, and temper
ance in all things, showed maRifestly that he who
possessed such nature was indeed a temple Of
the Holy Ghost. SO marvelously did his life cor
respond with the gospel, that no better or more
faithful deineation Of his character could be Civ
en-, than to take these very graces which are the
fruits of the spirit, and apply them to him.


He has lived among you for many years, and we
do not have to guess at the character of the man





public, life has placed before the world in bold
relief all that that there was Of bad or good in
him. It is not our business to pronounce eulOgy
on the deceased, bat we cannot forbear to point
gainsaying world to the long life and spotless
record of onr brother, and declare INTO all that he
has left us an example Of manhood and religion
in which we have a right to boast.


Nor can we forbear to point young men 20 this
example Of cOnstancy and integrity, and exhOrt
them to follow him as ne followed Christ. If God,
in his providence, should spare you until you are
four score, shall it not be said that your life was
long and pure and useful? Nor can let this op-
portunity pass, without once more holding mp be-
fore those who are advanced in years. the prospect
Immediately before them. Fathers and mothers,
your associates are rapidly passing away. Your
ranks are growing thinner. Do not the memories
OF other years awaken feelings of sadness to-day
Where are the companions of those years? A
feA stiH linger on the shores of Time, but alas
the most Of them are not here. But thank God,
many of them, as Father Richards. died in hope
aud rest in Heaven.


What is your hope to-day? Some of you are
ready and waiting for the change. But others
have postponed the great work Of life until this
hour And death is now so near that you can al
most feel the cold breath Of his coming on your
brow. And is # not a startling thought, that the
nearer he comes the less you feel like getting
ready for him2 o, my friends, there is but a step
between YOU and DEATH "Set thine house in
ORDER"


Father Richards had set his house in order. He
said in his last sickness, "If had my preparation
/ to make now, should be wretched indeed His
health and strength were spared until near the
close Of life so that he could walk about town and
enjoy toIerable comfort. So anxious was he TO en-
joy the privileges of the sanctuary, that year OF
two ago he made arrangements and removed to
town, so as to have the church convenient. And
many Of you are witnesses how constantly he at
tended church to the very last. The refreshing
shower of grace with which the church was visited
WINTER ana spring. llltQ his soul Win JOY anu
comfort. lie delighted to be present, even in the
young peoples meetings, and hear young disciples
witness for Christ.


About two weeks ago he was taken sick. From
the first attack he anticipated a fatal termination
But he spoke of it with as much calmness as
though it had been an ordinary event. l said tC
him, 'I hope you will be better in a day two
His reply was, 81 think there is not much hope Of
that. I have wondered that my life has beer
spared so long, and have been looking out for the
messenger Of death for some time, and when this
attack came it was so severe that thought it my
| final call" "WeT," said I, Gift is your last, yOr
have better home in Heaven" With that firm
ness, deliberation and thOughtfuness, so charac
teristic of him, he replied, 81 have no sort of dOubh
about that have been thinking the matter over
and find that my mind is perfectly at rest in view
Of the future am ready and waiting"


The same confidence characterized all his mt
tcrances with regard to the future. Not doubt
not shadow, ever crossed his mind. He asked
I thought there was any danger that he should d
wrong in longing to be off, and free from pain
Said be, 81 should not shrink from duty if ther
were anything left for me 10 do. But can be O
no more use. My work is done, and desire T.
depart"


On sabbath morning I asked him vbsf uessaF