Chapter 10

Oh, land of rest for thee I sigh!

The important discovery of this land of rest will nerve our arm for the great conflict of life. It will inspire us to work more earnestly and more incessantly for Jesus. It will sweeten every bitter cup of trial and tribulation that we have to encounter here below. It will distil a desire and a loftiness of aim in life, that we may at last reach the rest that remains for the people of God. The struggle with inbred sin will be more easily overcome, and every lust and evil passion will be completely conquered by keeping the eye steadily fixed on those glittering mansions,

Where the wicked cease from troubling,And the weary are at rest.

Where the wicked cease from troubling,

And the weary are at rest.

Christ Himself will administer this rest to the believer in the Heavenly Kingdom. Just as He is the source of peace and quiet here on earth, so is He at this moment surrounded with the saints triumphant in glory, imparting perpetual peace in the paradise of God to all the bright spirits who loved Him on earth, and kept His commandments. Yonder they enjoy eternal Sabbathism.

Let us fear, therefore, lest haply a promise being left of entering into rest, any of you should seem to come short of it through unbelief. For indeed we have good tidings preached unto us, and we which believe do enter into that rest.

Alford, in speaking of the rest on earth that resembles the rest of Heaven, says: "Our Lord does not promise (here below) freedom from toil or burdens, but rest to the soul." The rest and joy of the Christian soul is to become like Christ. To the young men, who surrounded her dying couch, she said: "Avoid bad company, learn of Christ; seek to be like Him, little by little." It is no wonder King David said, "As for me I will behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with Thy likeness."

But we are to behold the royal dignity of the Redeemer, and be brought forth into a large place because He delighted in us. Yes! to die is gain. Oh! wondrous change: To behold His illimitable power and partake of His consummate wisdom and knowledge. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; "that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple, for in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion. The Christian is secure at death; he has a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens."

Here we have a continual conflict; but yonder we are made more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Here we are sinful and short-sighted; but yonder we shall partake of His perfect holiness and inexhaustible love and Divine penetration in the Heavenly Kingdom. Yes to die is infinite gain.

The spiritual enjoyment of the soul in the land of light is indescribable. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." Yonder you shall behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

You know this was a portion of the parting prayer of Jesus for His disciples. He said: "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory." There is but a step between us and it. There is but a thin veil that parts us from the beatic vision of the blest.

I once entered the beautiful harbor of Cronstadt, in Russia, and I distinctly remember that the entrance was so narrow and land-locked, that we could scarcely discern its precise location until we had suddenly entered it. The passage from earth to Heaven is not unlike the ending of the voyage of a ship, even although many of them reach the harbor in a dismantled condition. Many a storm has been encountered, and while sails have been torn to shreds, yet the gallant bark has outweathered the gale and has escaped rocks, and quicksands, and whirlpools of destruction. But now the gale is hushed forever, the sails are all furled, the anchor is cast out, and she rides securely in the harbor where storms cannot affright. Glorious port of peace! Oh, blessed and triumphant entry! To go no more out forever; where the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and lead them unto living fountains of water, and God Himself shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Beautiful valley of Eden,Sweet is thy noon-tide calm,Over the hearts of the weary,Breathing thy waves of balm.Home of the pure and blest;How often amid the wild billows,I dream of thy rest, sweet rest.

Beautiful valley of Eden,

Sweet is thy noon-tide calm,

Over the hearts of the weary,

Breathing thy waves of balm.

Home of the pure and blest;

How often amid the wild billows,

I dream of thy rest, sweet rest.

It was the glimpse of this rest beyond the river that lit up the pale cheek of our dear, dying sister, with seraphic brightness and beauty.

"All my fountains are in thee," said the Psalmist. God is the author of holiness. In John's vision of Heaven, he describes the four living creatures, having each of them six wings, round about and within, and they have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

The great object therefore of the Gospel of the blessed God is to transform us into the Divine image. Another of our sister's dying utterances was very forcible, "Now I have got to the edge of the river."

"Only just across the river,Over on the other side."

"Only just across the river,

Over on the other side."

We all with open face beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image.

It is thus God's people become meet for the holy inheritance. Here we have to cry out, "Oh, wretched man, who shall deliver me from the body of this death;" yonder the Spirit's work has gloriously triumphed. The believer's holiness is effectually accomplished in Heaven. Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life and may enter in by the pearly gates into the city.

Heaven is called the land of light. What is light? "Hail, holy light, offspring of Heaven's first-born." Light is pure. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. Darkness, in God's Word, is an emblem of sin. They love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil, and every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."—John iii. 19-20.

The more we increase in the likeness of God, the greater and stronger will our light shine in this dark world, and the more will we enjoy basking in the sunshine of the light of His countenance. We are partakersnowof the Divine nature, but in Heaven we shall continually walk before Him who is the enlightener and the light. Oh, the gain, the bliss of dying! For we shall see His face and His name shall be in our foreheads.

Paul's prayer for the church at Colosse was "that they might be filled with the knowledge of His will, increasing in the knowledge of God, giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."—Col. i. 12.

Oh, that a view of the pure, and the great, and the good ones around the throne may be as a golden chain to bind our hearts to that home beyond the skies, where there is no night, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign forever and ever.—Rev. xxii. 5.

Dearly beloved, this is the "Night of Weeping;" but oh, remember, that it is written in His Holy Word that God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.

As we stand by the bedside of our loved ones, and watch them wasting away with disease, and as we behold their love, their patience, and Christian fortitude, we think of earth's bitter trials and earthly relationship, and of the strong tie that binds heart to heart. How touching the parting words to her only son she so tenderly loved, "Be faithful, humble, meek, and constantly keep at the Master's feet, until He calls you up higher. Be kind and gentle to your sister Esther." To her Pastor she said: "Preach the Gospel uncolored!" We look upon the sinking form of a dear wife and mother, or brother, or sister, or husband, or friend, and as we sadly muse upon the fact that we held sweet counsel together and walked to the House of God in company; and we softly whisper to the physician is there no hope of recovery? Can you not save that young and precious life, so dear to us, so gentle, so loving, so kind, so sympathetic, so hopeful? And as in response to our inquiry, we receive the look of pity, and the sorrowful shake of the head, it is then, in our deepest agony, amid blinding tears, and hearts almost crushed to despair, we turn to our great Father above, and we ask, why must we part? Oh, God, can you not spare him? How can I live without him?

Providential bereavements are sad scenes in life, for the scythe of death stops not to ask if they be sweet and precious to some fond wife, or mother, or brother, who knows? whom their heart chose. On! on! he pursues his desolating work, amid their sighs, their cries, and tears.

But beloved, there is no tearing of heart from heart in Heaven. There is no death there; there is no sorrow there; there is no sin there. I often think of the words of the Apostle as peculiarly appropriate to us in the hour of sad bereavement: "These light afflictions are but for a moment, but they work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

I have had persons tell me when God has suddenly removed loved ones from their midst, that God had forsaken them, that He had forgotten to be gracious. But ah, to such let me say that the Lord loveth whom He chasteneth. God is love. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.

But what is the object God has in view in thus breaking the family circle by death? It is that our attention may be attracted to the saints above, and that we may by faith behold the beauties of the Celestial city.

You know, David says, "It was good for me that I was afflicted; before I was afflicted, I went astray." We not unfrequently forget that this is not our home. But that we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth. God has to put us in remembrance of it. Beautiful as this world is, there is a fairer and brighter, and infinitely more lovely world above our heads. Lovely as human friendships and fellowships are here below, what are they in comparison to the felicitous condition of society in heaven?

"I would not live alway, I ask not to stay,Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way."

"I would not live alway, I ask not to stay,

Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way."

There are no estranged feelings in heaven. There are no misunderstandings there. No sickness there. All, all is peace and joy and love!

Our faith in God, and in the existence of Heaven, and the possibilities of the future life, can enable us to triumph over the trials and bereavements in this vale of tears.

Dr. Guthrie asks: "Why should we not lie as calmly in the arms of God's Providence, as we lay in infancy on a mother's breast? Having an ever-living, an everlasting, an ever-loving Father in God, how may we welcomeallprovidences, sweetly submissive to the will of God. Shall it not fare with us as with the pliant reeds that love the hollows and fringe the margin of the lake, and bending to the blast,not resisting it, raise their heads anew, unharmed by the storm that has snapped the mountain's pine and rent the hearts of oaks asunder." "All things work together for good to them that love God; them who are the called according to His purpose."

When John was in the spirit on the Lord's Day, he heard a great voice saying, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it."

How can we best overcome the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, and the pride of life but by deep and continued meditation on the blessed change that takes place at the hour of death. The shadows of earth are instantly dispelled when we set our affections on things above.

"Who are these arrayed in white robes, and whence came they? These are they who have come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." I remember once standing at the grave of Richard Cameron, in Ayrs Moss, and as I read the names of other martyrs engraved on the tomb-stone, I thought of the general assembly of the Church of the first-born in Heaven, and as I read God's Word there and sang a sweet Psalm of praise to Jehovah, and offered a prayer to the Father of lights, the God of Israel, I thought of the prayer of Peden, the prophet, as he sat on Cameron's grave. Lifting up his eyes steadfastly to Heaven, he prayed: "Oh, to be wi' Ritchie!"

"Often at the shades of evening,When I sit me down to rest,One by one, I count them over,They who are in glory blest."

"Often at the shades of evening,

When I sit me down to rest,

One by one, I count them over,

They who are in glory blest."

Dearly beloved, I have aRitchie[7]in Heaven, for I have recently learned of the death of the spiritual guide of my youth, who, in years gone by, at the close of a cottage prayer-meeting, requested me, for the first time in my life, to speak a word for Jesus. Pulling a flower from the hill-side, he said as he held it up, "I can see God in that gowan." Taking me to his room, he said, "This is my study; these are my books, I am going to be a minister of the Gospel, and then go to China."

Handing me a neat, little, precious volume, he said, "Take this book and study it, and commence speaking for Jesus, and help me in my meetings." Surely to such to die is gain.

Who; who, would live alway away from his God—away from yonder Heaven, that blissful abode where the noontide of glory eternally reigns, and the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul?

Dearly beloved, we may well ask, "Who are these arrayed in white robes?" Oh, what celebrated personages are above! The prophets, the apostles, the reformers, and the martyrs of Scotland are there. For in a dream of the night I was wafted away to the moorland and moss, where the martyrs lay. When the minister's home was the mountain and flood. When they dared not worship God in daylight. Only at the dead of night, when the wintry winds raved fierce, and the thunder-peal compelled the men of blood to crouch within their den. Then the faithful few—true followers of the blessed Jesus—would venture forth to some deep dell by the rock o'er canopied; then, amid the glare of sheeted lightning, those men of God would open the sacred Book and words of comfort speak. Ah, it cost something to be a Christian in those days, when from the high foaming crest of Solway to the smoothly polished breast of Loch Katrine, not a river nor a lake but has swelled with the life's tide of religious freedom. From the bonnie highland heather of her lofty summits to the modest gowan on the lea, not a flower but has blushed with the martyr's blood. But, beloved, the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the Church. What holy, loving lessons does God teach us by the history of the true Church, and a thoroughly consecrated people—lessons of love, hope, fortitude, and long-suffering!

"Oh, Jesus, our Master, command to beat fasterThese weary life-pulses that bring us to Thee."

"Oh, Jesus, our Master, command to beat faster

These weary life-pulses that bring us to Thee."

Our dear departed sister had the true missionary spirit. She feared not the things she was called on to suffer for Christ in her great work in this city. Let us who are left behind catch her magnanimous and heroic disposition in working for the blessed Jesus. Oh, that the spirit of our noble ancestry might come upon us! Oh, that the Holy Spirit of God may enter into all our hearts to-day, that we may be more humble, more loving, more zealous, more sympathetic, and more sincere in our toil for Christ and His Church;then to die will be gain!and to Him shall be all the glory, world without end. Amen.

6 (Return)The substance of a sermon preached by the Rev. Duncan McNeill Young, in the Allen Street Presbyterian Church, New York, November 1, 1886, on the occasion of the death of Mrs. James Knowles, a city missionary who triumphantly departed this life on October 30, 1886, in the seventy fifth year of her age.

7 (Return)The late Rev. Hugh Ritchie, of Formosa, China.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

TESTIMONIALS AND LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE.

I've found a Friend; oh, such a Friend!So kind, and true, and tender,So wise a Counsellor and guide,So mighty a Defender!From him, who loves me now so well,What power my love can sever?Shall life, or death, or earth, or hell?No, I am his forever.

I've found a Friend; oh, such a Friend!

So kind, and true, and tender,

So wise a Counsellor and guide,

So mighty a Defender!

From him, who loves me now so well,

What power my love can sever?

Shall life, or death, or earth, or hell?

No, I am his forever.

The following resolutions and letters furnish, in a pre-eminent degree, conclusive evidence of the high estimation in which His servant and handmaiden were held by ministers, elders, and Sabbath-school workers generally:

New York, January 12, 1869.Mrs. James Knowles:My Dear Friend—At the Annual Meeting of the Teachers' Association of the Sabbath-school of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, held last evening, the following action was taken:"On motion, the cordial thanks of this Association are voted to Mrs. James Knowles for her faithful labors in behalf of our School during the past year."The following extract from the Annual Report was also ordered to be forwarded with the foregoing:"Mention must be made of one of our own church members, Mrs. Knowles, who has labored most devotedly for our School. In behalf of the School, the Superintendent would take this way of expressing our gratitude for her cheerful, earnest, and persevering labor. She has taken a deep interest in our School, and has shown it by hard work in its behalf."I am very glad that the pleasant duty of making you acquainted with this action has been imposed upon me. Without your help I would oftentimes during the past year have been very much discouraged. Your readiness for Christian work, and your thoroughness in it, have both cheered and satisfied me. May you fully realize the promise given to those who are always abounding in the work of the Lord. (1 Cor. xv. 58.) And may the present year show us a continuance of your willing labors and be marked by a stronger faith in expectation and more new-born souls, as your joy and crown in realization. (Psalm cxxvi. 5-6.)Respectfully yours in the Master,Samuel B. W. McKee,Superintendent.

New York, January 12, 1869.

Mrs. James Knowles:

My Dear Friend—At the Annual Meeting of the Teachers' Association of the Sabbath-school of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, held last evening, the following action was taken:

"On motion, the cordial thanks of this Association are voted to Mrs. James Knowles for her faithful labors in behalf of our School during the past year."

The following extract from the Annual Report was also ordered to be forwarded with the foregoing:

"Mention must be made of one of our own church members, Mrs. Knowles, who has labored most devotedly for our School. In behalf of the School, the Superintendent would take this way of expressing our gratitude for her cheerful, earnest, and persevering labor. She has taken a deep interest in our School, and has shown it by hard work in its behalf."

I am very glad that the pleasant duty of making you acquainted with this action has been imposed upon me. Without your help I would oftentimes during the past year have been very much discouraged. Your readiness for Christian work, and your thoroughness in it, have both cheered and satisfied me. May you fully realize the promise given to those who are always abounding in the work of the Lord. (1 Cor. xv. 58.) And may the present year show us a continuance of your willing labors and be marked by a stronger faith in expectation and more new-born souls, as your joy and crown in realization. (Psalm cxxvi. 5-6.)

Respectfully yours in the Master,

Samuel B. W. McKee,

Superintendent.

When we take into consideration the time that elapsed between the penning of the foregoing resolutions as no vain and unmeaning compliment, and the departure of her concerning whom they were voted upon, we are led to see the importance of those words in the Apocalypse: "He that is faithful unto death shall receive a crown of eternal life." How significant are the words employed to denote their hearty appreciation of her worth. "We express our gratitude for hercheerful,earnest, andpersevering labor. She has taken adeep interestin our School and has shown it byhard work," etc.

We trust that our Sunday-school workers may be greatly encouraged to go and do likewise through a careful and prayerful examination of the above communication.

The following additional affectionate and deeply instructive tribute to her worth to the church and Sabbath-school is from one who was her beloved pastor for seven years—years of pure and uninterrupted Christian fellowship and disinterested devotedness to the cause of Christ.

Utica, N.Y., November 8, 1886.Rev. Duncan M. Young:Dear Brother—In the removal of Mr. and Mrs. James Knowleswesustain a personal loss. The fact was unknown to us previous to your letter. To enjoy such friendship as they admitted us into from our first acquaintance, was not unlike a continuous salutation with the impressiveness of an unqualifiedgood-will. Heaven is indeed richer for their entrance, and by so much is increasingly endeared unto us.They were not time-servers, but, in no mere sentimental sense, God-servers. The feverish world, greedy and rushing, will know little of their value, nor miss their humble crafts so quickly trackless, and yet they really laid the world under obligation. If its life, and aim, and effort were not purer and higher, it was in spite of their actual godliness, at all times apparent.My first introduction to Mrs. Knowles was on the first Sabbath in February, 1874; also, my first acquaintance with the Allen Street Church. Mrs. Knowles was then teaching in the Ludlow Street Mission. As a teacher, she wassimple,fearless, andScriptural. Her ruling passion, perhaps, was a desire to be useful in some way, adjusting herself with good grace to the requirements of advancing years. If just a little disturbed at the thought that she must contract her labors, or "hold up" at some point, the spirit was ever the same, perhaps too exacting of a body not excessively vigorous.As a "Bible reader" she did some of her best work, and made her greatest sacrifices. Faithfulness characterized her covenant relation—seldom absent from the scenes of public worship; and the more remarkable in view of her untiring zeal and devotion in her specially God-given calling. Many will rise up and call her blessed, because, so true of her, "she went about doing good." My own indebtedness to her, as a pastor, was great. Her sympathy with the ministry seemed innate. Full of faith, and rich in peculiar experience, she was the one "to step in" at the minister's for a half-hour; and here, incidentally, I may say, that her practical views of life and knowledge of human ways turned to my advantage on repeated occasions, whenever she reported a case as worthy or unworthy. When an application for aid or comfort required investigation—that is, ultimate cases requiring delicate, careful treatment, often impossible for the pastor to do—her feminine instinct and sagacity of experience took it in hand with a readiness that was surprising, in view of her always full hands. A gentle, trustful soul, a frank, unwavering friend, a pious, useful woman, and a faithful wife and mother, her rest will be sweet.If the beginning of my acquaintance with her companion dates somewhat later, it ripened early, I suppose mutually so, into a strong attachment. Integrity of character was my first impression of the man; whether an instinct or a judgment, there never was a doubt as to its correctness. Strong in faith, also—the old-time faith, of apostolic color, for he took no pleasure in "new departures." Sound in doctrine, fervent in spirit, wise in council, stable in action, he was truly a strong "pillar in the house of the Lord." If he wrought obscurely, as the world moves, my impression is that he did some excellent work for eternity in the most quiet sort of way. I do not think Heaven could be a surprise to one of his habits and trend of life. He could assimilate the good easily. Though positive in his feelings, and sensitive of attachment, he was no mere man-worshipper, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, so long as it was theWord of Christ, faithfully, earnestly preached; he was a responsive hearer. The chief desire was that thewordshould be successful. Perhaps simplicity was as characteristic as any other distinct trait. If he did not choose the uppermost seats he occupied them becomingly when once bidden to take them.I remember him not so much by means of incidents—his life was not formed on that plan; but by the deep impression of genuine, unpretentious godliness.If I have written at too great length, my heart is full. In deep sympathy with those who will so surely mourn their loss, and grateful for the privilege of a tribute, I am,Sincerely yours,George O. Phelps,An Ex-Pastor.

Utica, N.Y., November 8, 1886.

Rev. Duncan M. Young:

Dear Brother—In the removal of Mr. and Mrs. James Knowleswesustain a personal loss. The fact was unknown to us previous to your letter. To enjoy such friendship as they admitted us into from our first acquaintance, was not unlike a continuous salutation with the impressiveness of an unqualifiedgood-will. Heaven is indeed richer for their entrance, and by so much is increasingly endeared unto us.

They were not time-servers, but, in no mere sentimental sense, God-servers. The feverish world, greedy and rushing, will know little of their value, nor miss their humble crafts so quickly trackless, and yet they really laid the world under obligation. If its life, and aim, and effort were not purer and higher, it was in spite of their actual godliness, at all times apparent.

My first introduction to Mrs. Knowles was on the first Sabbath in February, 1874; also, my first acquaintance with the Allen Street Church. Mrs. Knowles was then teaching in the Ludlow Street Mission. As a teacher, she wassimple,fearless, andScriptural. Her ruling passion, perhaps, was a desire to be useful in some way, adjusting herself with good grace to the requirements of advancing years. If just a little disturbed at the thought that she must contract her labors, or "hold up" at some point, the spirit was ever the same, perhaps too exacting of a body not excessively vigorous.

As a "Bible reader" she did some of her best work, and made her greatest sacrifices. Faithfulness characterized her covenant relation—seldom absent from the scenes of public worship; and the more remarkable in view of her untiring zeal and devotion in her specially God-given calling. Many will rise up and call her blessed, because, so true of her, "she went about doing good." My own indebtedness to her, as a pastor, was great. Her sympathy with the ministry seemed innate. Full of faith, and rich in peculiar experience, she was the one "to step in" at the minister's for a half-hour; and here, incidentally, I may say, that her practical views of life and knowledge of human ways turned to my advantage on repeated occasions, whenever she reported a case as worthy or unworthy. When an application for aid or comfort required investigation—that is, ultimate cases requiring delicate, careful treatment, often impossible for the pastor to do—her feminine instinct and sagacity of experience took it in hand with a readiness that was surprising, in view of her always full hands. A gentle, trustful soul, a frank, unwavering friend, a pious, useful woman, and a faithful wife and mother, her rest will be sweet.

If the beginning of my acquaintance with her companion dates somewhat later, it ripened early, I suppose mutually so, into a strong attachment. Integrity of character was my first impression of the man; whether an instinct or a judgment, there never was a doubt as to its correctness. Strong in faith, also—the old-time faith, of apostolic color, for he took no pleasure in "new departures." Sound in doctrine, fervent in spirit, wise in council, stable in action, he was truly a strong "pillar in the house of the Lord." If he wrought obscurely, as the world moves, my impression is that he did some excellent work for eternity in the most quiet sort of way. I do not think Heaven could be a surprise to one of his habits and trend of life. He could assimilate the good easily. Though positive in his feelings, and sensitive of attachment, he was no mere man-worshipper, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, so long as it was theWord of Christ, faithfully, earnestly preached; he was a responsive hearer. The chief desire was that thewordshould be successful. Perhaps simplicity was as characteristic as any other distinct trait. If he did not choose the uppermost seats he occupied them becomingly when once bidden to take them.

I remember him not so much by means of incidents—his life was not formed on that plan; but by the deep impression of genuine, unpretentious godliness.

If I have written at too great length, my heart is full. In deep sympathy with those who will so surely mourn their loss, and grateful for the privilege of a tribute, I am,

Sincerely yours,

George O. Phelps,

An Ex-Pastor.

The more I read and study the phraseology of this letter, welling up out of a full heart, the more I am convinced of its adaptedness to impart encouragement to others the same in kind and degree as was doubtless reciprocally experienced in days of yore, "for as iron sharpeneth iron, so does the countenance of man his friend."

Here is another tender and terse tribute from the same source to their only son—the request for particulars regarding their last illness, which produced the leaflet entitled "A Short Account of the Last Hours"—that has been already a rich spiritual blessing to many souls.

Utica, N.Y., November, 1886.Mr. Wm. Knowles:Dear Brother—We have just learned of the departure of your dear parents. Our attachment to them was exceptionally strong, even as our association in the Master's work was intimate.I have been looking over your father's letters, too few in numbers; how full of human kindness, how intensely godly.Be assured of our sincere regard for you and others in this great bereavement.May we not receive, at your convenience, particulars of their last illness and going? We have no knowledge of either case.Very sincerely yours,George O. Phelps.

Utica, N.Y., November, 1886.

Mr. Wm. Knowles:

Dear Brother—We have just learned of the departure of your dear parents. Our attachment to them was exceptionally strong, even as our association in the Master's work was intimate.

I have been looking over your father's letters, too few in numbers; how full of human kindness, how intensely godly.

Be assured of our sincere regard for you and others in this great bereavement.

May we not receive, at your convenience, particulars of their last illness and going? We have no knowledge of either case.

Very sincerely yours,

George O. Phelps.

The subjoined is the answer to the reception of the account of their last hours on earth.

Utica N.Y., November 30, 1886.Mr. Wm. Knowles:My Dear Sir and Brother—You have laid us under great obligation by your lengthy and painstaking statement respecting your lamented parents. Seldom have we been affected so deeply as in the reading of it, which came so appropriately as to time and feeling, just as we were closing one of the sweetest meetings of our little "Gospel Band." Yes, truly, those dear, true friends of ours were as "little children" in "the Kingdom of Heaven."Nothing would afford me greater satisfaction than to be able to add further by word or incident what you desire to gather up by way of a grateful memorial. As I stated in my letter to Mr. Young, my impressions were made by their uniform consistency of character, and not by any particular event or circumstance. Perhaps the enclosed letters will afford characteristic illustration of your father's habitual godliness or tenor of life. As to your mother, why, she was always "going about doing good," seemingly never tiring.What death-bed scenes! If those faithful words of hers are ever forgotten, somebody will have a hard witness against them at last. Their memory is indeed blessed. We will all try to profit by their examples of godly fidelity, and faithful admonitions. With the sincerest sympathy, I am,Gratefully yours,George O. Phelps.

Utica N.Y., November 30, 1886.

Mr. Wm. Knowles:

My Dear Sir and Brother—You have laid us under great obligation by your lengthy and painstaking statement respecting your lamented parents. Seldom have we been affected so deeply as in the reading of it, which came so appropriately as to time and feeling, just as we were closing one of the sweetest meetings of our little "Gospel Band." Yes, truly, those dear, true friends of ours were as "little children" in "the Kingdom of Heaven."

Nothing would afford me greater satisfaction than to be able to add further by word or incident what you desire to gather up by way of a grateful memorial. As I stated in my letter to Mr. Young, my impressions were made by their uniform consistency of character, and not by any particular event or circumstance. Perhaps the enclosed letters will afford characteristic illustration of your father's habitual godliness or tenor of life. As to your mother, why, she was always "going about doing good," seemingly never tiring.

What death-bed scenes! If those faithful words of hers are ever forgotten, somebody will have a hard witness against them at last. Their memory is indeed blessed. We will all try to profit by their examples of godly fidelity, and faithful admonitions. With the sincerest sympathy, I am,

Gratefully yours,

George O. Phelps.

Utica, N.Y., February 17, 1887.Mr. Wm. Knowles:Dear Brother—You have laid us under new obligations. On my study table is a picture of the pastor of my childhood—It has been there nearly my entire ministry. You can conceive the influence it is designed to exert over me. Now there will be, if not in my study exclusively, in our house itself, the constant stimulus of such reminders of devotion as these two most welcome pictures.We are indeed very grateful to you for them; your filial love was strong while they lived, and must be quickened by their death, but if anybodyoutsideof the circle of kindred exceeds our veneration for your parents,theydeserve it all. We certainly cannot fail to cherish what has been so well done by the artist, the expression in both pictures is so characteristic. It seems, when we dwell intently upon them and let thoughts come and go at liberty, that the lips must open and pleasant words come from them as in life; but they do speak, nevertheless, and as distinctly, and as affectionately. Oh! that we were more worthy to hear. And that blessing upon yourself, how valuable and hopeful, or encouraging it must be.I know you will share it with others, and so make a saintly life still reproductive. The world needs nothing so much aspositive Christian character.Permit me to say that we are greatly prospered in our work, and have hand and heart seemingly full; but, old Allen Street hasa warm placein our affection always. Our united regards.Affectionately yours,George O. Phelps.

Utica, N.Y., February 17, 1887.

Mr. Wm. Knowles:

Dear Brother—You have laid us under new obligations. On my study table is a picture of the pastor of my childhood—It has been there nearly my entire ministry. You can conceive the influence it is designed to exert over me. Now there will be, if not in my study exclusively, in our house itself, the constant stimulus of such reminders of devotion as these two most welcome pictures.

We are indeed very grateful to you for them; your filial love was strong while they lived, and must be quickened by their death, but if anybodyoutsideof the circle of kindred exceeds our veneration for your parents,theydeserve it all. We certainly cannot fail to cherish what has been so well done by the artist, the expression in both pictures is so characteristic. It seems, when we dwell intently upon them and let thoughts come and go at liberty, that the lips must open and pleasant words come from them as in life; but they do speak, nevertheless, and as distinctly, and as affectionately. Oh! that we were more worthy to hear. And that blessing upon yourself, how valuable and hopeful, or encouraging it must be.

I know you will share it with others, and so make a saintly life still reproductive. The world needs nothing so much aspositive Christian character.

Permit me to say that we are greatly prospered in our work, and have hand and heart seemingly full; but, old Allen Street hasa warm placein our affection always. Our united regards.

Affectionately yours,

George O. Phelps.

The reader will surely notice the true, touching, and graphic account of their work in the next letter.

Utica, N.Y., April 8, 1887.Rev. Mr. Young:Dear Sir and Brother—While my mind is full of impressions concerning the life and work of Mr. and Mrs. Knowles, it is not easy to withdraw the details, and give you any real satisfaction. The very simplicity and humility of their ways and deeds render it impossible to make any adequate illustration—not that incidents are lacking. Why, there are families in the vicinity of Allen Street who could relate incidents by the hour touching the gentle care of Mrs. Knowles for the needy and sick.Here her life can never be written in full. "Oh, Mr. Phelps, how sad it is about Mrs. K—— and her little family." "Poor L——, she is going just like her brother, and they don't want me to tell her of our fears." "I have just been to see poor Mr. H——, he cannot live—he doesn't seem to realize it; and then what will become of his family? I have tried so long to get them into the Sabbath-school." "I have just come from Mrs. F—— (a woman of means and Christian charity), who encouraged me greatly in the care of that family where the father is in the hospital." "Mr. Phelps, can you go to No. 12 —— Street, and see a young man who is sick, and will have to go to the hospital? No friends, and I have been trying to make him comfortable." "Mr. Phelps, can you attend the funeral of a child on —— Street? It did suffer so much—its mother is on the Island."These were common to her work, as I now recall them; not sentimental products of imagination, but facts, only lacking the details to make the tenor of her life stranger than fiction. To see her quietly enter some abode of the lowly, her soft and gentle greeting to the housewife engaged in her home duties, the aspect, perhaps, a forlorn one, and hear her words of heart-felt sympathy and encouragement, her solicitude for the little ones, that they might be "trained in the way of the Lord," and that simple, fervent, trustful prayer, which seems so befitting as to excite no repellant feeling; and that parting word which would go straight to the mother-heart. Here is a picture of Christian-following which even Munkacsy could not paint.The Master reserves some things for future inspection. We have no sufficient canvas for these in such humble, useful lives.Her faithfulness in dealing with the erring was remarkable; seemingly without fear of man, and yet always full of gentleness.We had a way of investigating cases appealing for charity. One day a girl, nine or ten years of age, came to the door with a basket asking for something; her mother was a widow and poor, baby sick, etc., etc.We asked Mrs. Knowles to look into the case. She went to the place given, and at first there was some mistake, or, perhaps, a purposed misdirection; but, nothing daunted by the difficulties encountered, she succeeded in gaining admittance to apartments on the second floor, where, instead of poverty and sickness, she found the mother in the midst of evident comfort, seated at her piano, who at first denied all knowledge of the little charity girl, and was only confronted successfully by the entrance unguardedly of the child herself.If confusion ever overtook a mortal fraud, in which an active apprehension and deep humiliation were successfully involved; it was then and there in the presence ofholy indignation on fire. Mrs. Knowles was simply irresistible in such cases.Now, dear brother, I hardly know what use you can possibly make of this, but my prayers shall go with your work of perpetuating their memory.Very sincerely yours,George O. Phelps

Utica, N.Y., April 8, 1887.

Rev. Mr. Young:

Dear Sir and Brother—While my mind is full of impressions concerning the life and work of Mr. and Mrs. Knowles, it is not easy to withdraw the details, and give you any real satisfaction. The very simplicity and humility of their ways and deeds render it impossible to make any adequate illustration—not that incidents are lacking. Why, there are families in the vicinity of Allen Street who could relate incidents by the hour touching the gentle care of Mrs. Knowles for the needy and sick.

Here her life can never be written in full. "Oh, Mr. Phelps, how sad it is about Mrs. K—— and her little family." "Poor L——, she is going just like her brother, and they don't want me to tell her of our fears." "I have just been to see poor Mr. H——, he cannot live—he doesn't seem to realize it; and then what will become of his family? I have tried so long to get them into the Sabbath-school." "I have just come from Mrs. F—— (a woman of means and Christian charity), who encouraged me greatly in the care of that family where the father is in the hospital." "Mr. Phelps, can you go to No. 12 —— Street, and see a young man who is sick, and will have to go to the hospital? No friends, and I have been trying to make him comfortable." "Mr. Phelps, can you attend the funeral of a child on —— Street? It did suffer so much—its mother is on the Island."

These were common to her work, as I now recall them; not sentimental products of imagination, but facts, only lacking the details to make the tenor of her life stranger than fiction. To see her quietly enter some abode of the lowly, her soft and gentle greeting to the housewife engaged in her home duties, the aspect, perhaps, a forlorn one, and hear her words of heart-felt sympathy and encouragement, her solicitude for the little ones, that they might be "trained in the way of the Lord," and that simple, fervent, trustful prayer, which seems so befitting as to excite no repellant feeling; and that parting word which would go straight to the mother-heart. Here is a picture of Christian-following which even Munkacsy could not paint.

The Master reserves some things for future inspection. We have no sufficient canvas for these in such humble, useful lives.

Her faithfulness in dealing with the erring was remarkable; seemingly without fear of man, and yet always full of gentleness.

We had a way of investigating cases appealing for charity. One day a girl, nine or ten years of age, came to the door with a basket asking for something; her mother was a widow and poor, baby sick, etc., etc.

We asked Mrs. Knowles to look into the case. She went to the place given, and at first there was some mistake, or, perhaps, a purposed misdirection; but, nothing daunted by the difficulties encountered, she succeeded in gaining admittance to apartments on the second floor, where, instead of poverty and sickness, she found the mother in the midst of evident comfort, seated at her piano, who at first denied all knowledge of the little charity girl, and was only confronted successfully by the entrance unguardedly of the child herself.

If confusion ever overtook a mortal fraud, in which an active apprehension and deep humiliation were successfully involved; it was then and there in the presence ofholy indignation on fire. Mrs. Knowles was simply irresistible in such cases.

Now, dear brother, I hardly know what use you can possibly make of this, but my prayers shall go with your work of perpetuating their memory.

Very sincerely yours,

George O. Phelps

The thought that the servants of Christ are praying for us is very cheering in the prosecution of our work.

The facts enumerated in the following letter from Pastor Chambers contain a thousand thoughts as descriptive of what every Christian ought to pray for and strive after, namely, to be, as he expresses it, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.

How expressive in this connection are the words of the apostle, "Take heedlest there be found in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God."

New York, November 9, 1886.Rev. D. McNeill Young:Dear Brother—Your letter informing me of the death of Mr. and Mrs. Knowles was forwarded to me from Harrisburg, to this city.I had seen a notice of Mr. Knowles' death in a New York paper, but had not known of the departure of his wife, whose death, under such circumstances, had a pathos peculiar to itself. Her presence at his funeral, it would seem, was more than her affectionate testimony to their past devotion to each other. It was her unconscious prophecy of their speedy reunion in the presence of Him whom they both loved and served.You ask me for some information in regard to them, during the time of my ministry in this city. They both illustrated the truth of the remark, that "to be useful, it is not necessary to be conspicuous." Mr. Knowles was "an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile." Gentle and peaceable in spirit, loving the house of God, rejoicing in the spiritual prosperity of the church,speaking evil of no man, a firm friend of his minister, relishing all conversation upon divine things, frequenting the place of prayer where he was often heard leading the devotions of the people in simple, earnest, Scriptural petition, and ever willing to help in Sabbath-school work, or any other form of Christian activity in which he might be of service—he was just such a man as any pastor is glad to have as a friend and helper. He was a ruling elder in the church from the time I first knew him, and in that capacity was one of the first to welcome me to New York. He was unobtrusive in all meetings of session, but never failed to give his suggestions on all matters that came before him, but was happiest when it was his privilege as an elder to welcome to the communion of the church those who confessed Christ.Mrs. Knowles I knew as a warm friend of the church, while at the same time a faithful member of that band of Bible readers whose blessed work is best known by the Divine Master. She enjoyed that service for Christ; she loved to talk about it. Her fidelity and consecration are known to those under whose superintendence she labored; but the results of her devotion are a matter of divine record. May it not be that she has now discovered the real dignity and the glorious consequences of a service which she humbly, yet lovingly followed here, and that in Heaven's high fellowship the faithful Bible reader has a place of peculiar honor?I can only say, in conclusion, that a church is bereaved indeed when two such Christians are taken from it. The Providence that calls them away should not only stimulate those who remain to a holier activity, but should also elevate our thoughts and affections, and make us the more glad that at the end of our journey, and the cessation of our earthly activities, we will discover the still grander meaning of Christ and Heaven.Yours fraternally,George S. Chambers.

New York, November 9, 1886.

Rev. D. McNeill Young:

Dear Brother—Your letter informing me of the death of Mr. and Mrs. Knowles was forwarded to me from Harrisburg, to this city.

I had seen a notice of Mr. Knowles' death in a New York paper, but had not known of the departure of his wife, whose death, under such circumstances, had a pathos peculiar to itself. Her presence at his funeral, it would seem, was more than her affectionate testimony to their past devotion to each other. It was her unconscious prophecy of their speedy reunion in the presence of Him whom they both loved and served.

You ask me for some information in regard to them, during the time of my ministry in this city. They both illustrated the truth of the remark, that "to be useful, it is not necessary to be conspicuous." Mr. Knowles was "an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile." Gentle and peaceable in spirit, loving the house of God, rejoicing in the spiritual prosperity of the church,speaking evil of no man, a firm friend of his minister, relishing all conversation upon divine things, frequenting the place of prayer where he was often heard leading the devotions of the people in simple, earnest, Scriptural petition, and ever willing to help in Sabbath-school work, or any other form of Christian activity in which he might be of service—he was just such a man as any pastor is glad to have as a friend and helper. He was a ruling elder in the church from the time I first knew him, and in that capacity was one of the first to welcome me to New York. He was unobtrusive in all meetings of session, but never failed to give his suggestions on all matters that came before him, but was happiest when it was his privilege as an elder to welcome to the communion of the church those who confessed Christ.

Mrs. Knowles I knew as a warm friend of the church, while at the same time a faithful member of that band of Bible readers whose blessed work is best known by the Divine Master. She enjoyed that service for Christ; she loved to talk about it. Her fidelity and consecration are known to those under whose superintendence she labored; but the results of her devotion are a matter of divine record. May it not be that she has now discovered the real dignity and the glorious consequences of a service which she humbly, yet lovingly followed here, and that in Heaven's high fellowship the faithful Bible reader has a place of peculiar honor?

I can only say, in conclusion, that a church is bereaved indeed when two such Christians are taken from it. The Providence that calls them away should not only stimulate those who remain to a holier activity, but should also elevate our thoughts and affections, and make us the more glad that at the end of our journey, and the cessation of our earthly activities, we will discover the still grander meaning of Christ and Heaven.

Yours fraternally,

George S. Chambers.

The next letter is from one who materially aided her in helping the necessitous.

November 21, 1886.Rev. Duncan McNeill Young:Dear Sir—Absence from the city has prevented my answering your kind note received only last evening.I have no statistical facts to give you, relative to our dear Mrs. Knowles, but I can testify to her interest in her work until the last, her lovely Christian spirit shown under all circumstances, and her love for her Heavenly Father.She seemed to me to be supremely happy and content with whatever lot was given her.I was not able to be with her when she was ill, but was at her funeral.She must be missed in her field of labor, and I am sure I shall miss her prayers for myself.Hoping this will be of some use to you, I am,Yours sincerely,M. T. Fiske.

November 21, 1886.

Rev. Duncan McNeill Young:

Dear Sir—Absence from the city has prevented my answering your kind note received only last evening.

I have no statistical facts to give you, relative to our dear Mrs. Knowles, but I can testify to her interest in her work until the last, her lovely Christian spirit shown under all circumstances, and her love for her Heavenly Father.

She seemed to me to be supremely happy and content with whatever lot was given her.

I was not able to be with her when she was ill, but was at her funeral.

She must be missed in her field of labor, and I am sure I shall miss her prayers for myself.

Hoping this will be of some use to you, I am,

Yours sincerely,

M. T. Fiske.

The annexed note of commendation from the Rev. Dr. Conkling, of this city, who formerly labored in word and doctrine with the deceased, in connection with the Allen Street Church, is concise yet comprehensive. How much is implied in these words—faithful, loving, earnest, prayerful and consistent Christians!

New York City, November, 1886.Dear Mr. Young—My acquaintance with Mr. and Mrs. Knowles was so limited that my knowledge of them could be only of the most general character. I knew them, as all who knew them could testify, as earnest, loving Christians, faithful in their church duties, prayerful and consistent; and evidently living always near to Christ. I prized their friendship much; I feel how deep the loss to the church must be in being deprived of their active influence and their believing prayers.With thanks for your kindly note, conveying the sacred request, I remain, dear sir,Sincerely yours,Nath'l W. Conkling.

New York City, November, 1886.

Dear Mr. Young—My acquaintance with Mr. and Mrs. Knowles was so limited that my knowledge of them could be only of the most general character. I knew them, as all who knew them could testify, as earnest, loving Christians, faithful in their church duties, prayerful and consistent; and evidently living always near to Christ. I prized their friendship much; I feel how deep the loss to the church must be in being deprived of their active influence and their believing prayers.

With thanks for your kindly note, conveying the sacred request, I remain, dear sir,

Sincerely yours,

Nath'l W. Conkling.

To show how greatly beloved they were by all denominations we insert this closing tribute from a dear servant of Christ, whose calm, clear eye of penetration recognized that, by prayerfully studying the character of Christ we became assimilated to His glorious image. He is a member of the Society of Friends.

Clintondale, N.Y., June 23, 1887.Duncan M. Young:Dear Brother—Yours received, bearing us news indeed. We had not heard before of the demise of our dear Brother and Sister Knowles.The effect of it at first, to me, was that I could scarcely speak for a fulness of feeling which it produced, and a home-sickness for the home where they have gone.My memory was immediately taken back to the visit I paid them a year ago last spring, which wasvery pleasantand soul-refreshing, and especially to the partingkissthat the dear Mother in Israel gave me on my parting from them; and also she gave me a supply of beautiful tracts, which I had the privilege of using to the comfort of two souls on the cars as I was returning home, and some of the tracts I have yet, and you can depend on it I place higher value on them than ever before.The little leaflet you sent us is very appropriate indeed, but none can do them justice in writing of them, for we do not know of all their heart-yearnings and achings over poor wanderers, and their personal private labors for their salvation, neither can we ever know until we see the record of it all up there.And may you, dear Brother, as the honored minister of God, carry out literally her exhortation to you, "Preach the Gospel Uncolored."Accept my sincere thanks for your kindness in writing us, and sending the leaflets. You asked if I could use any of them? I can, certainly, and there are a few around here yet living who remember our departed sister and brother when they boarded at our house.I unite in interest and prayer with you for your important Work in the abundant ripe fields of Harvest, and pray that you will receive many souls for your hire.I am, yours sincerely, and in the love of the pure Gospel of the Kingdom of our Christ,Erastus S. Andrews.

Clintondale, N.Y., June 23, 1887.

Duncan M. Young:

Dear Brother—Yours received, bearing us news indeed. We had not heard before of the demise of our dear Brother and Sister Knowles.

The effect of it at first, to me, was that I could scarcely speak for a fulness of feeling which it produced, and a home-sickness for the home where they have gone.

My memory was immediately taken back to the visit I paid them a year ago last spring, which wasvery pleasantand soul-refreshing, and especially to the partingkissthat the dear Mother in Israel gave me on my parting from them; and also she gave me a supply of beautiful tracts, which I had the privilege of using to the comfort of two souls on the cars as I was returning home, and some of the tracts I have yet, and you can depend on it I place higher value on them than ever before.

The little leaflet you sent us is very appropriate indeed, but none can do them justice in writing of them, for we do not know of all their heart-yearnings and achings over poor wanderers, and their personal private labors for their salvation, neither can we ever know until we see the record of it all up there.

And may you, dear Brother, as the honored minister of God, carry out literally her exhortation to you, "Preach the Gospel Uncolored."

Accept my sincere thanks for your kindness in writing us, and sending the leaflets. You asked if I could use any of them? I can, certainly, and there are a few around here yet living who remember our departed sister and brother when they boarded at our house.

I unite in interest and prayer with you for your important Work in the abundant ripe fields of Harvest, and pray that you will receive many souls for your hire.

I am, yours sincerely, and in the love of the pure Gospel of the Kingdom of our Christ,

Erastus S. Andrews.

"They lived, and they were useful; this we know.Oh, take who will the boon of fading fame!But give to meA place among the workers, though my nameForgotten be,And if within the book of life is foundMy lowly place,Honor and glory unto God redoundFor all His grace!"

"They lived, and they were useful; this we know.

Oh, take who will the boon of fading fame!

But give to me

A place among the workers, though my name

Forgotten be,

And if within the book of life is found

My lowly place,

Honor and glory unto God redound

For all His grace!"

CHAPTER XXXVII.

CONCLUSION.

Oh, could I flow like thee, and make thy streamMy great example, as it is my theme!Though deep, yet clear; though gentle, yet not dull;Strong without rage; without o'erflowing full.

Oh, could I flow like thee, and make thy stream

My great example, as it is my theme!

Though deep, yet clear; though gentle, yet not dull;

Strong without rage; without o'erflowing full.

In concluding these memoirs and looking back over the lives of our departed brother and sister, there is a great lesson to be learned—that ofexample. Such example as theirs possesses incalculable power of effecting good. It takes deep and tenacious root; it fructifies with amazing rapidity and profusion, and flourishes where precept would utterly perish. Its impression is so indelible, that the greatest difficulty is experienced when attempting to eradicate it. The salutary influence which good example propagates, we find stamped on every avocation in life. In some people a heinous negligence, and in others a culpable apathy is evinced with respect to the principles their conduct is implanting. Profuse illustrations abound in every profession, calling, and trade, of the effect of evil example, and also of the disregard paid to its consequences. Whether or not this regardlessness arises from negligence, or ignorance, it is difficult to determine. All classes of society possess, undoubtedly, though in varying degrees, the important power of exemplifying good or evil, and it behooves them to act with greater circumspection and discretion with respect to the injurious consequences which their examples may evoke, having due regard to the avidity which is shown by weak minds to follow example, however pernicious. It is natural for man to imitate a model or pattern, as it thereby affords him a much easier and more agreeable opportunity of forming his ideas on any particular subject. Nor is example confined to those holding high public positions. Its presence and power are experienced as much from the humblest Bible woman as from the greatest shining light in the pulpit. I admit that influence, good or evil, is propagated to a greater extent when the source from which it emanates is more prominently before the gaze of the world than if it were less public; but I am persuaded that the closer the relationship between the one who exerts the influence and the one upon whom it takes effect, the more deep and lasting will the impression prove, and any endeavors to eradicate it will involve more strenuous efforts and diligent application than where there is no sympathetic feeling evinced by the one toward the other.

The implicitness with which example is followed is subject to considerable variations, for I am inclined to think that the lower the moral position the greater the aptitude for imitation is displayed. This arises from the incapability of those who occupy such positions to tear asunder the forms which envelope them, and strike a path untrodden for themselves. They find it much more congenial to their tastes and pursuits to act as others around them usually do than to alienate themselves and endeavor to live more in accordance with the laws of morality. No one can deny, especially those who knew her well, that Mrs. Knowles's great success was as much derived from her example and humility as from any power of teaching and persuasion she possessed. And now, dear readers, those of you who have not the gift of leading others into the paths of virtue and morality by the gift of ready speech or the force of your conversation and address, can at least so regulate your conduct that the little world around you may look up toyouas an example, however humble your position in it may be.

There are lesser lights along the iron-bound coast of England than the Eddystone; still they serve the purpose for which they were erected. Yea, the widow's lamp, in the window of the cottage by the sea, saved her own son from shipwreck. The Talisman's motto ought to be ours:

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