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The Second
Year of the
Record

MARCH 10, 1906.

With this issue the RECORD enters upon the second year of its publication and begins its. second volume. The passing of the year makes necessary a change in the Board of Editors. student editors lay down their work, and two others take it up, entering into their labor and building on the experience of the past.

Two of the

The desire was expressed a year ago in the first number that the RECORD might become a strong bond between the Seminary and her sons.

The many pleasant words that have been spoken by Auburn men, the kindly letters that have been received expressing appreciation of the RECORD as a whole or of particular numbers, the response of graduates to the invitations for subscriptions, and the generous criticisms of methods and purposes, lead us to hope that this desire is being in a measure achieved.

It has not been possible to publish all the material that has been placed at our disposal always, because limited space made close and careful discrimination necessary, and sometimes because writers have mistaken the purpose of the RECORD. And yet the number of pages set originally as the limit for each issue, has in each issue been increased. Most gratifying instances of the favor with which these pages have been received have come repeatedly to the notice of the editors. That in many homes it has been during its first year no "half-welcome guest" they have been assured. With large hopes and earnest purpose to serve well the interests of the Seminary, her alumni and friends it faces the second year.

Dr. Darling

Is gone. So suddenly and quickly did the end of his earnest, beautiful life come that, as yet, it seems almost incredible that we are not to see him again on earth. The crape upon the chapel desk and across the organ were, however, only too sure evidence of the fact that he will never come back to the empty seat upon the rostrum. The life of our Seminary is one of free and happy fellowship. A common interest in a common work brings us close together. Death is, therefore, a terrible intrusion. It is as though one were taken from a family circle and we mourn today not only the loss of a revered teacher, but of an older brother, whose wise counsel, unfailing kindness and noble life endeared him to every man in the Seminary and to many more who were with him here but who are now in active service. No teacher ever more thoroughly exemplified the faith he taught. With strength and acuteness of thought he combined the richest tenderness of feeling. He was conservative in his theology, but always readier to find points of agreement with those who differed with him rather than points of difference. His broad sympathies and clear conception of that which was essential in faith and life made him patient, tactful and very helpful. His genial spirit, cheerful face and unfailing sense of humor made him a joy in any social gathering. He brought to the Seminary a wide, full experience as a pastor and many a student could witness to Dr. Darling's concern for him when he was ill and to his deep interest in all his work in the ministry. Profound as he was as the student, he never lost his touch with life. He was keenly alive to all the great progressive movements of the world and was a true optimist, as everyone must be who has such a strong, abiding faith in God as he had. It was in the rather rare combination of such qualities of character and thought-strength and tenderness, conservatism and breadth, retirement and eager interest that our beloved friend was unique. We shall sadly miss him. During his last illness a colleague said to him in

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