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!"