must partially take the place of pithy, electric utterances thrown off under the inspiration of the hour of delivery, yet we hope that these brief sentences which suggested the living utterance, or often constituted it, will go far toward renewing and preserving valuable impressions of by - gone Sabbath hours. We have also, in the same chapter, given numerous extracts from his editorials in the Morning Star. The peculiar value of his characteristic letters from abroad, specially emphasize many expressed wishes for their insertion. All his lectures, excepting "Across the Desert," and "Europe," the chief features of which are given in his foreign letters, are found in these pages. The difficulties arising in our task from the absence of usual materials for a memoir among Dr. Day's papers, have been greatly relieved by the cheerful and valuable help rendered by many who, more or less intimately, were associated with his life. We have aimed to exhibit his character and work to the fullest extent possible within the limits of a single volume. We have endeavored to do this in such a way that, in accordance with the meaning of his whole life, they should be full of helpful ministries to mind and heart, that his "works" may “follow him." Not the least welcome and durable of those "works" will be that which he will continue to perform by his words recorded for hearts bowed in affliction. As we have trodden the old familiar ways anew with our father in Israel, another presence hath accompanied us; for, in the same month in which he ascended, one who, in the fullness of his loving, sunny boyhood, used to call him "Papa Day," entered one of the " many mansions.” If this memoir shall create in the hearts of readers who had not the rare privilege of his personal acquaintance, a sense of loss because they did not know him; - if, especially, it shall suggest to his friends, or enable them to supply, those nameless, inexpressible graces which each holds peculiar and dearest, the most ardent wish of the author will be satisfied. Lewiston, Me., Dec. 20, 1875. |