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.