CONCLUSION.
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
of _example_. 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 to
_you_ as 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:
"Be watchful, be ready, for shipwreck prepare,
Keep an eye on the life-boat, but never despair!"
All along our coast the Government has built massive and strong
light-houses to guide and warn the tempest-tossed mariner. The passage
may have been hazardous to many a staunch ship and brave crew,
occasioned by constant exposure to a multiplicity of dangers seen and
unseen. Who can tell of the deep anxiety of the gloomy days and nights
they spent waiting and watching, while many a keen blast has mournfully
whistled through the shrouds, and many a billow has threatened to
engulf their bark; but how cheering is yonder light streaming forth
amid the densest darkness. It speaks with trumpet-tongue to the
bewildered navigator, and says, "This is the course, steer ye by it."
How refreshing the sight. How assuring those bright beams that quiver
over the perilous sea. Clouds and wind must not affright, for the
gladsome welcome light of example interposes between us and
disappointment and despair. "Ye are the light of the world," said
Jesus. It is by beholding the lights that once shone on earth, that are
now shining as the stars for ever and ever in heaven, that we, seeing
their good works do glorify our Father in Heaven.
How many, alas! are utterly unconscious of the power of a godly example;
it is only prayerful reflection upon it that rivets the connecting link
between earth and heaven. Endearing attachments are formed and
gradually, eternally perpetuated, strengthened by constant companionship.
It is then we become truer-hearted, more gentle, more generous, and more
affectionate. Exquisitely rounded Christian character is only thus
obtained. Our hearts, and glad, willing service ought to be laid on the
same altar as our humble offering, in proof of the profit and pleasure
that we have experienced in reviewing the career of those great examples
worthy of study and imitation. This is the only explanation we can give
for penning this memorial. Our hearts were deeply stirred by the words
uttered with the dying breath of Mrs. Knowles, when she said to me,
"PREACH THE GOSPEL UNCOLORED;" I want to recognize their importance as
synonymous with Paul's exhortation to Timothy, "Preach the Word." Yes,
dear reader, this is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,
and it is quick and powerful. We must wield it earnestly and bravely in
the great conflict of life, constantly reiterating the Bible woman's
dying words:
"MY DAY IS SHORT, I MUST FINISH MY WORK!"
In perusing these memoirs, we ask, Who can read the foregoing
correspondence and record of God's goodness to His saints, and through
them to perishing souls, promiscuously scattered among all classes, and
creeds, and colors, Jews and Gentiles alike, without feelings of
unfeigned gratitude to God for raising up two such worthy persons to
adorn "the doctrine of God, our Saviour?"
Our earnest prayer is, that the Holy Spirit will not allow to pass
unobserved such lives of usefulness and self-sacrifice, without
awakening a deeper interest in the lapsed masses of the lower part of
this city.
We sincerely trust, also, that the publication and perusal of this
humble effort to glorify God by perpetuating the memory of the loved
ones so fondly cherished shall not be all in vain, and fall on the
heart as a dead letter, "like the wind that passes over the rock,
leaving it harder than before." Mr. D. L. Moody once said, "I never saw
a man who was aiming to do the best work, but there could be some
improvement; I never did anything in my life that I didn't think I
could have done better, and I have often upbraided myself that I had
not done better. But to sit down and find fault with other people when
we are doing nothing ourselves is all wrong, and is the opposite of
holy, patient, divine love." May we rather be of that number concerning
whom it is said, "Blessed are those servants, who, when their Lord
shall come, He will find watching."
The sunset of life will come sooner or later, "Let us, then, give
earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we
should let them slip." Especially let us consider the importance of
Mrs. Knowles's final farewell exhortation: "_Be kind, gentle, and
patient. Be faithful, humble, meek, and constantly keep at the Master's
feet until He calls you up higher._" If we take heed to these dying
words, we will be able easily to appropriate as our own the sweet
solacing words in the Song of Songs, "I sat under His shadow with great
delight, and His fruit was sweet unto my taste. He brought me into His
banqueting house, and His banner over me was love."
In bidding our readers adieu, I would, in conclusion, urge that they
seriously reflect upon the significance of the Bible woman's last
triumphant utterances: "Once I was young, now I am old, and have never
been forsaken."
Who to their reward will say them nay,
In Heaven or on Earth:
Brave Pilgrims of Israel, pass'd away--
We till now ne'er knew your worth!
Go! write out their lives on leaves of gold,
With characters of love,
Let the future know, when we are cold,
Of our loved ones gone above.