I hope I do not err in my analysis of him when I say that it seems to me that the great immediate contribution to the community and the world made by Mr. Henley was that of kindliness. I do not know how carefully he had weighed and compared human values, but it does seem quite clear that in this he brought as his gift the one thing the world needs most and has least. We have beautiful temples, stately liturgies, comprehensive creeds, pretentious programs, strong organizations—but we have none too much of simple human kindness. Perhaps he saw that and resolved to leave the world a little richer in gentleness. If so, he has succeeded in his purpose. The Corner Stones of Life (1925) Ephesians 2:20–22 In _The Seven Lamps of Architecture_, Ruskin has likened the principles of that art to those of life. Longfellow declares that, “All are architects of fate, working in these walls of time.” Paul speaks of us as God’s building. This is a proper and significant figure. A great architect has named the four corner stones of a rightly constructed building. They are also the four corner stones of a rightly constructed life. I. The first is careful planning. Back of the actual building is always the blue print, carefully and laboriously made. Back of the blue print is the dream that has allowed a place for every part of the structure. Back of the dream is a soul that knows beauty and proportion. A life may be less beautiful than planned, for some plans fail, but it will never be more so. II. The second is careful construction. What will it cost? What aid shall be employed? What methods of building shall be followed? Much slipshod work may be done and successfully covered up, but it detracts just that much from the value of the finished product. Our fathers knew how to build. Houses they reared still stand while more modern ones have fallen. May it not be said that our fathers also knew better than we do how to build lives? III. The third is good materials. Here is where deception is especially easy. Poor materials can be worked in, [but] they cannot be made to stand the test of time. Any product that has in it only the very best of materials suggests just one thing—character. It is the same with a life. Incidentally, may it not be assumed that one will live in direct proportion to the endurance of the materials of which he builds his life? IV. The fourth corner stone is correct decoration. These are things that could be left off, but the omission of which would leave the product less beautiful and worthy. One is culture. One is knowledge. One is religious consecration and ideals. One might exist without them, but life could never mean so much. Eulogy for Sanford F. Teter [excerpt] (1928) ...when Sanford Teter was suddenly stricken with what seemed to be impending death, he went under the anaesthetic for the intricate and serious surgical operation which so marvelously prolonged his life....