Russell Sage, it is said, directed by his will that his body
should be placed in a steel casket, weighing three tons, made
burglar-proof, locked and sealed. He made this bequest to
himself through fear that his physical remains might be stolen
for the sake of getting a ransom. During his long life he
accumulated a vast fortune and kept it. He probably spent no
more, fared no better, did no more service to his fellow men
than many a business man or employee of modest income.
The late Governor Hogg, of Texas, left no fortune to relatives
or to charity. He directed that a pecan-tree should be planted
at the head of his grave and a walnut-tree at its foot. His
purpose was to teach thrift to the people of his State. These
fruit-bearing trees suggest comfort and prosperity. There is no
fear that any one will steal his body, but a message of wisdom
and affection will continue to go out from it after the remains
have returned to dust. (Text.)
(776)
=Directness=--See SINGLENESS OF PURPOSE.
=Dirtiness, Removing=--See DISCIPLINE FROM CHANGE.