Life of Rev. Isaiah L. Kephart, D. D #271067

A mountainous man is the world's greatest possession. In him strength, elevation, and dignity are combined in striking proportions. His massive character rests upon the rock foundation of eternal truth, while its majestic brow towers into the infinite. Civilization's story of every age, both in church and state, is the charming record of mountain — minded men. The strength and influence of their leadership command the admiration Of those who study their battles, triumphs, and progress. Towering far above the lowlands, they have the passion Of achievement and the strength of influence, whole some and abiding. Goodness is a treasure of inestimable value. It clothes personality with a power that counts far more than all the prized accidents Of earth. This world possesses no abiding wealth but that of personal integrity. The fruitage of a good life is its joy and crown. A good man is the ripe fruit earth holds up to God. Life's great task is the making Of manhood. Its crowning issue is character, the only treasure that endures. The clayey tenement house fades, fails, and crumbles, but in the very crumbling the imprisoned tenant is liberated and unhin dered in its onward march to its eternal crowning. Personal character thus becomes more luminous and consciously real as the eternal ages flow on. The great and the good are therefore immortal. They belong to two worlds. Akin to God, heaven lays eternal claim upon them. Faithful to earth, their toils and achievements leave an imprint upon their age more enduring than the inscriptions upon painted canvas or marble statue. Human immortality Of this kind allows no contingency. Men live on forever, from choice and purpose. God has ordained that the moral and spiritual investments which men put into life shall not be lost out Of it. Great characters.