As the words of the last verse died away, the soul took its flight to rejoice forever in the presence of the King.

“O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory?  Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

[Illustration]

VIII.

Dust to Dust.

The events of Sunday morning had occasioned much comment upon the part of Dr. Fairfax’s parishioners.

The majority, after taking time for consideration, approved, and became intensely interested to know the outcome of the strange proceeding.  During the few hours of grandpa’s illness many messengers called to learn the latest news, and it cheered the pastor’s heart to find that after all he was far from being alone in his love for God’s neglected poor.

He had planned a quiet funeral, and was arranging to that effect when requests from all sides began pouring in that it might be held in the church.

“It is a signal opportunity, father,” Esther had said when consulted, so a public funeral was soon announced together with another innovation.  Instead of the customary floral offerings, it was suggested that the people bring gifts of money to place upon the casket, to be used in the forwarding of city mission work.

At the hour appointed, the small procession wended its way to the church.

Dr. Dale had found it advisable for himself and wife to join the funeral party.  It was natural that Esther should look after Mrs. Gray, who never before had been in so fine a building, and it would be awkward for her to have charge of Rosa as well.  Then really the child was very nervous and might suddenly need professional attention.  All things considered, there was no alternative:  he must keep her with him.

Both curiosity and genuine interest attracted a great crowd, causing the pastor once more to feel his need of hiding behind the cross, that the people might behold Jesus only.

In all his wide and varied experience, this funeral pre-eminently was the most unique.  Conventionality was laid aside.  There was no sermon, but the story of the last few days of the victor’s life was told so graphically that the audience was held in almost breathless silence.

“Brethren,” said the speaker in closing, “how must we appear in the sight of God, who loved us to the extent of giving His only Son to die for our sins, when it is possible for one to live long, weary years in our midst with none to tell him of Jesus?  Can we expect ever to hear from His lips the welcome plaudit, ‘Well done!’ when we are no more zealous than this for the souls whom He came to save?

“I fear that many who profess to love Him will fall far short of the ‘abundant entrance,’ and will stand ashamed before Him at His appearing.

“Can it be true that we are selfish to the extent of being satisfied simply with our own salvation, when His heart of infinite love and compassion is yearning with unfathomable tenderness over the lost?