| Making the Most of Life |
Chapter 18 |
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Influence is something, too, which even death does not end. When earthly life closes, a good man’s active work ceases. He is missed in the places where his familiar presence has brought benedictions. No more are his words heard by those who ofttimes have been cheered or comforted by them. O more do his benefactions find their way to homes of need where so many times they have brought relief. No more does his gentle friendship minister strength and hope and courage to hearts that have learned to love him. The death of a good man, in the midst of his usefulness, cuts off a blessed ministry of helpfulness in the circle in which he has dwelt. But his influence continues. Longfellow writes:–
“Alike are life and death
When life in death survives,
And the uninterrupted breath
Inspires a thousand lives.
‘Were a star quenched on high,
For ages would its light,
Still traveling downward from the sky,
Shine on our mortal sight.
“So when a great man dies,
For years beyond our ken
The light he leaves behind him lies
Upon the paths of men.”
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