At the World’s Fair at St. Louis, Mo., the heroic statue of
Joliet was so fine a work of art that a movement was set on
foot to preserve it after the close of the fair. Many admirers
of it subscribed for the expense, and it was removed to the
entrance of O’Fallon Park. The figure was twenty-five feet high
and fifteen feet long. The work of removal was difficult and
cost nearly $2,000, but it was safely accomplished and it made
an imposing addition to the beauties of the park. But it was
made only of staff, and tho it was believed it would last for
ten years, it was not supposed that it was permanent. Not long
after, however, while hundreds of people stood admiring it in
its new position, there was a sudden break in the image. A cloud
of white dust arose, and when it cleared away the big statue
had disappeared. A heap of white dust was all there was to show
where it had been. It had absolutely crumbled to powder. All
the work that had been expended on its formation and removal
was lost in a moment. So it is with all human work, however
beautiful and imposing. In God and His work alone is permanence.
(Text.)
(2331)
=Permanence of the Spirit=--See RECORD, LIVING.