In Memory Of A. C. Richards

The following sketeh is written in loving ïnemory of A. C. Richards who died ia AnnArbor, April 7th, 1895. Looking back over this good man's life we see nothing to regret, nothiug that we would have otherwise, unless to wish that to him there inight have come this side the grave a larger share of recompense for his well ordered life. "We are gathered about his bier to perform the last office of love and respect, to testify to his worth and tenderly to place his body in the grava In performing this last sad dnty we know that that part of our friend that made us love him has winged its way to its eternal home and is forever at rest. That which we so gently curry away today is only the worn-out earthly tabernacle that for so many years contained the spirit that gave it life and animation. The hands that performed so many acts of kinduess and so cordially greeted friends and neighbors, are folded forever, and have clasped the ineasenger of death, not reluctantly, not in fear nor in doubt. The fcet that have run on so many errands of mercy and love have performed their last office. The intricate machiuei-y that made this manly f orra púlsate and throb with life, and made it the earthly home of him we lovéd, has worn out in kindly service so that its teuanfery is no longer possible. "Rememberingthe faith he held, and so beautifully illustrated and illuminated by his life, we cannot think of him as dead, nor even sleeping. This change which we cali death is but the transition to a higher condition. In glory he has been welcomed by the Master with, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' ; greeted by that host of friends who have preceded him, he waits with thein to help us up the farther shore and warmly to weleonie us when the veil shall be lifted, and we, too, shall stand on the other side of the dark valley. "There was so much in his life to make us glad he had lived ; so thankful are we that his life was so long continued, and so certain are we that it is better with him nOW, that we should dry our t ears, brush asido our doubts aud fears. if any we have, aud go forward to the duties and responsibilities that await us in our several spheres of life. "Strcmg in his convictions, forgiving in his disposition, températe in his babits, manly iu his intercour.se with his fellow men, he leaves a fragrance round the evening of his life that will make his memory dear for ever. The real fruitage of such a life can never be known or measured As a meandering meadowed brook nourishes the vegetation along its borders and answers the thirst of man and beast, so such a life, acts of kindness, in deeds of love, by words of cheer, creates an atmosphere that cliarms and ennobles all that come within it. Weary with his burdens of life, he car ried thein cheerfully, until the night caine on and he could no longer distinguish the road. Noblo generous, gentle, loyed and loving soul, farewell.