CHAPTER XX.

A

THE LAST YEAR.

FTER the return from the West, there were the usual preparations to be made for the opening of the school year. The strength imparted by change and travel

was severely taxed. All departments of the University were crowded. For some years the seniors had been trained on the academic plan. The president gave out the subjects to the classes, stated the line of investigation, told them what books to consult, or gave them a "finding list." The themes being written out, the papers were brought into the class for discussion, he going to the library and pointing out sources of information to them that had been neglected. Extra time was allowed this class for practice in different styles of writing and in elocution.

During the year carpenters had been kept at work making new cases for Steinheim. Many of the winter evenings were spent in classifying new specimens and rearranging the old ones. The study floor was many times covered with trays containing these, while one was always on the table, to be attended to at odd moments.

He especially enjoyed the work of that spring term, the "last class" always being, for the time, his best one. When the seniors came in one day to greet him, he said that he often felt, as Plato expressed himself, that in future years he would be glad to see how well they were carrying out their early training, as he had watched with interest the after progress of senior classes for fifty years.

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At anniversary time a large number of old students were with us, and it seemed that we had never better enjoyed commencement week. Dr. Robert Collyer was there to give the annual address. Dr. Allen told the friends who were anxious about his health that he felt he was doing the best work of his life. But when all were gone, we knew that he was very weary, but still hoped that the vacation would restore him.

CONCLUSION.

Our daughter, Mrs. Champlin, and family were with us during the season, Mr. Champlin being of great assistance in many ways. As the vacation was not giving the needed rest, the family urged Mr. Allen to go away, where the sight of what needed-to-be-done would not tempt him to overwork. In reply he would quote from John Quincy Adams, “An old man has no time for rest." Seeing him at work on the campus one day, Rev. L. E. Livermore said, "This is too hard for you," but he smilingly replied, "I do not want to look down upon imperfect work here when I get up there."

Preparations were made for the new term as usual, but, after consultation with his physician, he decided to put his classes into Mr. Champlin's hands for a few days, he appointing the lessons and indicating how he would have them treated, and receiving a full report from the class room every day. But he grew rapidly worse.

A few days before he left us, he asked for the manuscript of his last sermon. He thought it would refresh him to give it a few last touches. Over this he occupied himself for two days, and then laid down his pen forever. Every day the very sunshine was brightened by the fruit, flowers, and other things that the love of friends provided. Letters that came overflowing with tenderness gladdened his heart. Not being able to lie down at all, he spent much of the time at the open windows, looking out upon the grounds and watching the students, or, as he always called them, his "children," as they came and

went from the class rooms.

A smile of recognition from him

always greeted them as they passed by.

On the morning of the 21st of September, 1892, those who stood near him showed upon their faces their deep sympathy with his suffering. "I am happy," he said; "why cannot you be so?" These were his last words. In a few moments he had passed beyond mortal ken, and when those who stood by looked at the dear face for the sign of "peace," they saw, instead, a glorious joy. The "last enemy" had been 'conquered.

CHAPTER XXI.

J

MEMORIAL SERVICES.

ONATHAN ALLEN, Ph. D., D. D., LL.D., president of Alfred University, died at his home in Alfred, N. Y., of disease of the heart, September 21, 1892, in the seventieth year of his

age.

Brief but touching funeral services were held on Friday, September 23, in the home where President Allen had spent the greater part of his life. The house, veranda, hall, and campus in front were completely packed with friends who had come to pay the last tribute of respect to him whose name had been a household word in all parts of the country for nearly half a century, one who was loved by all, the rich and poor alike.

The solemn hush that fell upon that great assembly told better than any words could of the deep feeling that touched every heart. The profusion of flowers, autumn leaves, and vines, that loving hands had draped and twined about the rooms and casket, betokened the love and esteem in which the deceased was held by the community where he had lived and moved, but which neither words nor fragrant emblems could fittingly express.

The services were simple and conducted in a very quiet manner. The trustees and members of the Faculty were seated as mourners. Prayer was offered by Dr. D. E. Maxson, and Rev. L. C. Rogers read selections from the Scriptures. Introductory remarks, by Dr. L. A. Platts, were followed by befitting words from Dr. D. R. Ford, of Elmira, and President W. C. Whitford, of Milton, Wis. The services were interspersed by

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well-selected music, and were closed with prayer by Rev. L. E. Livermore.

It has been thought best to insert Dr. Maxson's prayer in this place:

"O thou great and glorious, holy and heavenly Father, Father of us all, Father of our spirits, thou art the Maker of our bodies, and therefore rightfully takest them away in thine own good time! We thank thee for the glorious doctrines, evidences, and triumphs over death in the resurrection of life. Our heavenly Father, with bowed heads and sad hearts we mourn the occasion which brings us here this morning; and yet we are glad for this plan of redemption, glad that thy servant came. into that plan which made his life grand, beautiful, and glorious so long among us. May the inspiration from his life gather force with gathering years. O God, bless the thousands on whom his benedictions of word and deed have fallen all over the land! Bless the Faculty with whom he has toiled so lovingly, and who have looked to him with so much tenderness and affection. Strengthen for the work, now that this one. has fallen, that will fall on those who remain. O God, give additional strength, that the work may go on with the students, teachers, and trustees! Father, may our hearts never faint, may our zeal never diminish. Thou only canst heal the hearts that are broken. Strengthen her who needs thy support; give the dear children grace to bear affliction and deprivation, and help them to cultivate in their lives the Spirit that guided him. Be with us in this hour, and grant that we may leave this house with nobler purposes and inspirations. We ask it in Jesus'

name. Amen."

After the services the senior class, as pallbearers, accompanied the casket to the train, as it was conveyed to Buffalo for cremation. This was in accordance with an oft-expressed wish of President Allen that his body be incinerated. The cremation took place at 10:30 o'clock on Saturday morning, the 24th inst., in the presence of a number of old students living in that vicinity. Rev. Dr. A. J. Purdy conducted short and impressive services in the chapel connected with the crematory. The next day Mr. George G. Champlin, Professor A. B. Kenyon, and Mr. Place returned from Buffalo, bearing the precious ashes, which were deposited in a beautiful Greek vase of alabaster.