IN MEMORIAM, ANNUAL MEETING, I906. 437 



from in dismay. Which, then, displays the nobler, the sublimer 

 heroism ? 



Those whose names are before you now were participants in one 

 of the conquests of peace which are fruitful of heroes and heroism, 

 and each acted the part assigned to him by fate or circumstance 

 like the best of all soldiers, those in whom duty, fidelity and con- 

 science are united. They helped to subjugate a wilderness, were 

 pioneers to civilization's advance ; they planted the seed from which 

 were developed the institutions we are enjoying now. They were 

 home makers and state builders. They were Johns "crying- in the 

 wilderness" the coming- of future glories, the peace, plenty and 

 luxury in which we now participate. They planted in travail that 

 others might reap in joy. They were examples of true patriotism — 

 forgetful of self they wrought for the future. They planted trees 

 the more cheerfully, because conscious that others would enjoy their 

 shade and fruit more abundantly than themselves. If they enriched 

 the flavor of a fruit or the perfume of a flower, they were rewarded 

 by the thought than unborn hosts would enjoy the fruits of their en- 

 deavor and success. 



Such men, so inspired and actuated, could not be other than good 

 husbands, good fathers, good neighbors, good friends and good citi- 

 zens ; and these last are man's crowning virtues. But when to them 

 we add courage, fidelity, patriotism, unselfishness and an earnest en- 

 deavor to make the world better by having lived in it, then we have 

 exhausted commendation and bankrupted eulogy ; for when one of 

 God's children possesses all of these qualities he is a man after 

 God's own heart, and we need not concern ourselves about his church 

 affiliations, his faith or belief. "By their works" we know them, 

 and that is sufficient. 



When we pay this tribute of respect and love to the memory of 

 those who have passed on during the year, and the preceding years 

 as well, we honor ourselves. And what consolation can we bring to 

 the surviving members of the families of such men that will contain 

 more of solace to bleeding hearts than the assurance this hour con- 

 veys to them that we now clearly understand and can appreciate the 

 qualities of head and heart that made their taking ofif such a cruel 

 affliction to their loved ones? 



I cannot conclude the part assigned to me in this occasion with- 

 out expressing the belief that no other one thing would do more 

 to make this world better worth living in than would the granting 

 to us a power of perception capable of making us see, understand 

 and appreciate our associates while they live, as we do the moment 

 their earthly pilgrimage is ended. If that could be so then there 

 would be an all pervading- peace, gentleness and love in the world 

 that passeth understanding. And it would make occasions of this 

 kind more inspiring, because every participant in them would be ex- 

 alted by the gratifying recollection that he clearly understood and 

 appreciated, while in this life, those who have "gone before." 



