as unbelief, were not unknown to him. But when he took
up the mighty task to which he consecrated his life, and was left to
grapple with illiteracy, superstition and the needs of a benighted
and down-trodden people, knotty questions in theology no longer vexed
him, for he recognized that there was but one all-sufficient solvent
for the dark problems which thrust themselves into the foreground,
and that was the redemptive power of the Gospel of Christ. Men may be
puzzled and perplexed concerning the theory of sunshine, but there
are no questionings on the subject that can override the practical
effect of the sun. The sun shines in spite of our metaphysics! Our
brother advanced into the practical aspects of faith, and had the
assurance that Christ was the light of the world, in spite of our
theories of inspiration.
He had an unbounded faith in applied Christianity. There was nothing
it could not do in the way of recasting and uplifting the despised
peoples of the land. We had but to go forward in the name and power
of our great Leader to effect the national redemption. But I must not
detain you longer. He has gone out from us. His mission is ended
here. Those eloquent lips must remain forever sealed on earth. He
simply ceases to be seen of us. We follow his path of translation
with mingled tears and joy. The future life, whose place is beyond
the skies, was a matter of great concern to him. I recall the hour
when he returned to his room from a lecture on the immortality of the
soul. He was almost overcome by the discussion which was being
carried on in the class-room. He wanted the subject taken out of the
realm of probability, and brought to the test of certainty and
demonstration. "O, chum!" he exclaimed, "I wish I might die now; I
can hardly wait for the demonstration!" He did not wait long. The
bending heavens caught up his spirit, and he has gone into the holy
city through the beautiful gate which opens over all graves.
"Thus saints, that seem to die in earth's rude strife, only win
double life; they have but left our weary ways to live in memory
here, in Heaven by love and praise."
EULOGY BY DR. STRIEBY.
After what has been so eloquently and fittingly said I have very
great reluctance to appear before you to speak of Brother Powell. I
have on several occasions spoken of him, and it is only because I am
unwilling that the office and the office workers should not in some
way be recognized that I consent to
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