We often lose friends in the competitions and strifes of earthly
life, whom we would have kept forever had death taken them away in the
earlier days when love was strong. Often is it true, as Cardinal
Newman writes:--
"He lives to us who dies; he is but lost who lives."
Thus even death doth not quench the influence of a good life. It
continues to bless others long after the life has passed from earth.
It is true, as Mrs. Sangster writes:--
"They never quite leave us, our friends who have passed
Through the shadows of death to the sunlight above;
A thousand sweet memories are holding them fast
To the places they blessed with their presence and love.
"The work which they left and the books which they read
Speak mutely, though still with an eloquence rare,
And the songs that they sung, and the dear words that they said
Yet linger and sigh on the desolate air.
"And oft when alone, and oft in the throng,
Or when evil allures us, or sin draweth nigh,
A whisper comes gently, 'Nay, do not the wrong,'
And we feel that our weakness is pitied on high."
It must be remembered that not all influence is good. Evil deeds also
have influence. Bad men live, too, after they are gone. Cried a dying
man whose life had been full of harm to others: "Gather up my
influence, and bury it with me in my grave." But the frantic,
remorseful wish was in vain.
Pages:
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146