The name of William Aberhart is inextricably interwoven into the pages of Alberta's history.  Indeed, few men in the annals of Canadian history have shown themselves to be possessed of such vigorous and dynamic personality.  He was a man of overflowing vitality, and his apparently illimitable capacity for work was constantly an inspiration and source of wonder to his associates.  For this reason it seemed almost incredible when in the early morning of May 23rd radio listeners heard the announcement, "The Premier of Alberta is dead".  A universal expression of regret was voiced as his Fellow citizens realized that he had literally given his life in his effort to bring ab6ut the materialization of the ideal which he had envisaged.  From those who looked upon him as a leader beloved, and who gave to him their unswerving allegiance, came expressions of deepest grief; of irreparable loss.  From those who opposed him in his political purposes and attempted reforms, came equally sincere expressions of high esteem.  William Aberhart was a man who worked hard for the reforms which he advocated, who fought hard against the existing evils that necessi­tated those reforms-and who at all times so conducted himself that his personal character and sincerity of purpose were above reproach.  To thousands of Canadian citizens, Mr. Aberhart's passing was an occasion of genuine sorrow.  When news of his death was carried on the B.B.C. News Broadcast from London, England, messages of condolence poured in to his Government and family from many parts of the world. His fearless vindication of what he knew to be right, and his courageous denunciation of what he believed to be wrong, had gained for him world recognition as a leader of men. 

William Aberhart was a student, a teacher and a statesman.  Those who knew him intimately through long years of close association, together with those who observed him only in his latter years, in the political field, cannot but concur that he always displayed the qualities and attitude of an alert and assiduous student.  No doubt it was his own complete understanding of the student mind which contributed in a major degree to the signal success which attended his work as a teacher.  But it was as Bible student and Bible teacher that Mr. Aberhart first gained more than local distinction.  He won the confidence of thousands of his fellow citizens who listened with interest to his Radio Bible lectures.  Mr. Aberhart was a man with a great love For God and for his fellow-men.  When his desire to help alleviate the suffering of the people compelled him to leave the classroom for parliamentary halls his zeal for teaching God's Word did not flag, and to the end of his life he faithfully proclaimed the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind.

One cannot observe the work of William Aberhart in these varied roles without detecting the spirit of a man, who, when he had caught a vision of a work to be done, never faltered, never turned back.  From the beginning of his life until the end, the same indomitable spirit is traceable throughout, that spirit which was destined to bring achievement and renown to its possessor.

To appraise the work of William Aberhart immediately is impossible.  The accomplishments of no man can be adjudged fairly by his contemporaries.  Only history can measure accurately the contribution of a life.  This treatise, then, makes no pretence of presenting any relative estimate of Mr. Aberhart's work.  It is merely an intimate recounting of the outstanding characteristics of the man, the diversified interests which engaged him throughout his varied career, and the consistency of purpose which motivated his many activities.

William Aberhart was born on December 30th, 1878, the son of William Aberhart, a man of German origin, who came to Canada at the early age of seven years, and Louisa Pepper, an Englishwoman.  In later years he frequently spoke with gratitude of his parents' influence, and was proud to say that he was a farmer's son.  In that unpretentious farm home, where he lived with three brothers and one sister, he received training which played no small part in his subsequent success.  He often mentioned lessons that he had learned on the farm.  His radio audience will recall many references to his boyhood days.  In his last lecture from the Calgary Prophetic Bible Institute, delivered on April 4th, 1943, he repeated a favorite illustration which is quoted here verbatim because it so obviously 'made an indelible impression on his later life.

"My father used to tell us boys on the farm, in our younger days, that we could never plow a straight furrow if we did not focus our attention on a particular post or tree or other landmark away at the end of the field.  He warned us again and again not to allow a big stick or clump of brush or a tree to distract us as we passed along."

That father could not have been aware how well he had taught his lesson, for when William Aberhart in his later career focused his attention on an objective to be gained, he ploughed his furrow straight and allowed no distraction to deter him from the gaining of his objective.  To his mother, too, he did not fail to pay tribute, and it may be inferred that her influence counted much in making him the prodigious worker that he was.

He attended school in Seaforth, and then proceeded to the Chatham Business College and to the Hamilton Normal School.  Later he graduated from Queen's University, Kingston, with a degree of Bachelor of Arts.

Mr. Aberhart first taught school at Wingham, Ontario.  He then moved to Brantford, where he was principal of a public school until he decided to travel west­ward in 1910.  Thus it was in his native province of Ontario that he gained his early experience in the profession of teaching-a profession in which, in the province of Alberta, he was to win for himself front-rank recognition, a 'profession to which, later, his legislation was to give unprecedented recognition.

Those who have known Mr. Aberhart over a long period of years are aware how great was his affection for his home and family.  On July 30th, 1902, he was married to Miss Jessie Flatt, of Galt, Ontario. They had two children, Khona Louise, now Mrs. James M. Cooper, and Ola Janette, now Mrs. Chas. MacNutt.  Mrs. Aberhart is well known as a capable woman, a charming and gracious hostess, devoted to her home, her children and her four granddaughters.  To her inspiration and help, Mr. Aberhart did not fail to express his great indebtedness.

It was in 1910 that Mr. Aberhart arrived in Alberta.  The hard-working school teacher who chose "to go West" could not have had, in his most optimistic dreams, any conception of the influence which he was destined to wield in the province of his adoption.  From 1910 to 1915, he served as public school principal in Calgary, and in 1915 he was appointed principal of the newly organized Crescent Heights High School.

The name of Crescent Heights High School will always be associated with the name of William Aberhart.  There he served for twenty years as principal in a manner which won high praise alike from his students, his associates and his fellow citizens.

His exceptional organizing ability contributed greatly to the efficiency of the Crescent Heights High School, which soon gained provincial recognition for scholarship. In the City Inter-School Athletic Meets, Crescent Heights students showed that they had not been encouraged to stress scholarship to the exclusion of athletic prowess. The fine school spirit at "Crescent" became well-known, for no one knew better than Mr. Aberhart how to bind together students and staff.

Crescent Heights Collegiate Institute

To the thousands of graduates of Crescent Heights High School in Calgary, his name will always bring memories of a genial principal, who, while he was a hard worker himself, and expected everybody, else to be a hard worker, was, nevertheless, a very human sort of person, with a sense of humor which could be relied upon to enliven every interview.  He was held in the very highest esteem by his fellow teachers, who early recognized him as a leader among them.  Students, too, respected and admired their principal.  He was always eminently fair in his dealing with young people, and former pupils recall that he was never too busy to listen patiently to both sides of a story.  It is given to few principals to enjoy the respect, loyalty and genuine affection of staff and student body, which was accorded Mr. Aberhart in the Crescent Heights High School.

He won, too, the highest approbation of the parents of his students.  His genius for organization made the Crescent Heights Parent-Teachers' Association the largest and most active association of its kind in the Province.  Much of the success of the' later Home and School Association in Alberta can be traced to the influence of that group.

In short, Mr. Aberhart was one of the most talented and distinguished teachers that Canada has ever produced.  This teaching ability of his was destined to prove a highly contributory factor in the achievements of his later life.  For, as has been intimated, it was as a Radio Bible teacher that he made the acquaintance of thousands of people who later prevailed upon him to forsake his work as school principal and undertake the more arduous duties of the premiership.

Mr. Aberhart addressing his vast radio audience.

  Not even the briefest account of William Aberhart's life would present a true picture if it did not call a maximum of attention to his work as a Bible teacher.  Many years of diligent Bible study, a natural gift of teaching, backed by professional training and experience, all played their part in equipping Mr. Aberhart in an exceptional way, to serve as a teacher of God's Word.  He recognized the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, and he was a faithful champion of the verbal inspiration of the Scriptures.  He consistently advocated uniform use of the authorized version of the Bible, and deplored the present-day tendency to substitute a variety of modern translations, many of which are frequently inferior, not only in beauty and simplicity of language but also in the accuracy of translation.  His hearers will not soon forget that familiar voice quoting II Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God  . .", and Matt: 24:35, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away".  Nor will they forget how he loved to hear the people sing:  

                                       "The Bible stands like a rock undaunted,
                                       'Mid the raging storms of time;
                                        Its pages burn with the truth eternal,
                                        And they glow with a light sublime."

It is not surprising, then, that no sooner had Mr. Aberhart arrived in Calgary than he became active as a Bible teacher.  His ability in this respect soon won recognition, and it was not long until he had attracted to himself a considerable following.  He always emphasized the need of studying the Bible "from cover to cover , but he was especially a deep student of prophecy; and it was his prophetic lectures that first brought him into special prominence in the City of Calgary.  By 1925, it was a weekly occurrence for hundreds of people to gather on Sunday after­noons in one of Calgary's largest theatres to listen to Mr. Aberhart expound the prophecies of Scripture.  It was in November of that year that his first broadcast was made.  He was quick to sense how the radio could be used to spread the truths of God's Word.  It can be said emphatically that for one purpose only did he, as a pioneer, enter upon this Radio' ministry-and that was solely to teach the Bible, to proclaim to his fellow citizens the love of the Lord Jesus Christ and salvation by the blood of Christ.  His old friends, today, will recall his burning desire, in those early days, to see men and women, boys and girls, turn to Christ.  The burden o~ his message then was identical with that which he steadfastly preached to the end, "This truth of the gospel is a wonderful thing.  It is, without doubt, the greatest news that has ever been proclaimed. When Christ died, once for all, and made atonement for all our sins, past, present, and future, He did a complete work and made our salvation an assured fact".  (Quotation from a lecture delivered June 28th, 1942.)

The Bible Institute at Calgary

He faithfully kept before his listeners the importance of taking time to consider their eternal destiny, and he did not hesitate to warn them, that they must choose between an eternity in heaven, with Christ, or an eternity in hell, without Christ.

God abundantly blessed his ministry.  He had the joy of knowing that throughout the years, thousands of men and women, old and young, boys and girls, turned to the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour of their lives because of his faithful proclaiming of the gospel message.

Because he was distressed to see young people growing up, without adequate provision being made for their instruction in the great Bible truths he felt led of God, in 1924, to organize Bible Institute Study Classes.

As he saw the evident hunger of young and old for the deeper truths of the Word, his desire grew to erect a suitable building to serve as a Bible School.  He had no money for such an undertaking, but he had faith in' God.  In a wonderful way God answered his prayer, and within a few months, twenty-five thousand dollars had been subscribed.  In the spring of 1927 the work was begun, and in September of that year a sixty-five thousand dollar building was completed, and dedicated as the Calgary Prophetic Bible Institute.  That building remains today as a visible reminder that William Aberhart was a God-honoring and a God-fearing man.  His voice is silent now, but the Bible Institute, which he founded, stands, dedicated to the training of young men and young women, for the spreading of the gospel story. With the Apostle Paul he could say, "As a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon.  For other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid which is Jesus Christ."

The three-year Bible course, offered at the Calgary Prophetic Bible Institute, provides a thorough training for any young people who wish to equip themselves for Christian service.

From the foregoing account, it is obvious that Mr. Aberhart lived out in word and act, his endorsation of the testimony of that great Jewish scholar of old, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek". ( Rom. 1:16.)

As Dean of the newly constructed Bible Institute, and beloved apostle of the Bible Institute Baptist Church, for the organization of which he had been responsible, he threw himself with unremitting zeal into his work for the Lord Jesus Christ.  The many thousands of people who have listened to Mr. Aberhart's radio lectures are witnesses that to the end of his course he was a loyal ambassador of the Saviour, and faithfully presented to his hearers the great truths of God's Word. Thus he proved conclusively that well-organized leisure time can magnify immeasurably human use­fulness and can be used of God to accomplish great things for Him.

Although Mr. Aberhart later felt constrained to undertake the duties of Premiership, and was compelled, therefore, to move to Edmonton, he continued to take an active part in directing the Calgary Prophetic Bible Institute.  Every alternate Sunday he returned to the City to address his vast radio audience in a service broadcast from the Institute. His steadfast purpose may be expressed in his own words, "We of the Calgary Prophetic Bible Institute are convinced that what this old world needs today is the truth of God's Holy Word, and it is our determination, backed so faithfully by so many of our friends who are like-minded, to spread the Word far and wide, as much as we can, not only by radio, and by Radio Sunday School lessons, but by the testimony and ministry of our young men and young women, who have been trained to serve with efficiency and faith". (Lecture delivered May 1st, 1942.)

His great love for children and young people, and his longing to see them taught the Word of God; prompted Mr. Aberhart eighteen years ago to another avenue of service, and he founded the Radio Sunday School.  Always he had a firm conviction that children should be encouraged to study the Bible.

Today there are almost six thousand young people enrolled in the Radio Sunday School.  Printed questionnaires are sent out to the students in conjunction with the Bible lessons, and these are all marked by a band of voluntary workers, who give their leisure time to this service for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Throughout the years, thousands of boys and girls, many of them now adults, have come to know the Christ of Calvary as their Saviour through the influence of the Radio Sunday School.  Since national leaders today do not hesitate to say that the youth of the nations must not be allowed to grow up without a knowledge of God's Word, then surely Mr. Aberhart proved himself to be, not only one of the foremost in molding public opinion in this respect, but also one of the most active in actually introducing boys and girls to the teaching of the Bible. As Minister of Education, he was responsible for the passing of legislation making it compulsory for the Bible to be read daily in every classroom.

But the years had brought in their train conditions that were heart-breaking to young and old, and on all sides there was evident a growing discontent. Mr. Aberhart saw young people going out from his school, no employment awaiting them, no future prospects, too many of them forced to go on relief-and a government that seemed to display no sense of responsibility toward them.  He was distressed by the economic aspect of the situation.  It was at this time, and under these circumstances, that Mr. Aberhart first became acquainted with the Social Credit principles of Major C. H. Douglas.

From the outset his interest was captivated.  He studied with characteristic thoroughness, Social Credit and all relative material upon which he could lay his hand. The conviction grew upon him that here was a practicable solution to the unemploy­ment problem, that here was an answer to the temporal problems of disillusioned youth.  He believed that no man who loved his fellow-men should be unmoved while he saw everywhere multitudes of people unnecessarily suffering want and privation. Hence it was that he applied himself with great intensity of purpose to the mastery of the principles of Social Credit.

No one who knew Mr. Aberhart intimately would suggest, for one moment, that when he decided to proclaim the principles of Social Credit, he expected to win for himself world renown, or even political power in his own Province. He had positively no such expectation.  He merely felt that he had found something which would be of inestimable help to those who were being discouraged by prevailing conditions. Consequently he introduced to his vast radio audience the subject of Social Credit.

It must be admitted frankly that among Mr. Aberhart's closest adherents there was a difference of opinion concerning the wisdom of introducing the subject of Social Credit into his broadcasts.  In the first place, there was a majority of those who urged him on in this new crusade on behalf of the thousands who had become discouraged by conditions during the depression years. On the other hand, a minority felt that, since he was being so abundantly used of God, as a Bible teacher, he should not, therefore, divert his attention to any economic problem.  Mr. Aberhart himself had always maintained that love for God, and for one's fellow-men, could never be divorced. To him, the desire to better the economic conditions was but the expression of love for his fellow-men.  He was greatly encouraged to pursue his purpose, as many letters poured in, telling of people who had listened in just to hear about Social Credit, but who had also heard the Gospel, and had given their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ.  The magnitude of the task before him challenged him to throw himself, heart and soul, into this new endeavor which he had undertaken.

He was determined that the Government of the day should be informed on the subject of Social Credit.  His followers signed a petition, and presented it to Parliament.  This petition was the largest petition ever signed in the Province ₀r Alberta.  In April, 1934, Mr. Aberhart gave evidence in person before the Agricultural Committee of the Provincial Legislative Assembly.  The Government gave no indica­tion that they considered his proposals seriously, showed no signs of any sense of responsibility to alleviate the sufferings of the people.  He had been hopeful that one of the existing political parties might espouse the cause of Social Credit.  When he realized that such was not to be the case, he forthwith resolved that men and women who did care about their less fortunate fellow-men should represent the people in the next Legislative Assembly.

He set to work.  In a dexterous manner he organized the Province in an un­precedented way.  His opponents under-estimated the potentiality of this newcomer into the field of politics.  They deemed him a mere school teacher, with classroom technique, and little understanding of the field of politics.  Among all his detractors there was a universal miscalculation and under-estimation of his ability and influence. He had one great handicap.  He had no money with which to wage a political campaign, but he had something more vital.  He had the backing of thousands of sincere men and women.

Legislative Building, Edmonton

When the Province went to the polls on August 22nd, 1935, an avalanche of votes swept the Social Credit party into power with a tremendous majority.  Fifty-six out of sixty-three seats in the Provincial House went to Social Credit candidates.   On the night of his election, Mr. Aberhart, in a memorable broadcast, expressed his gratitude to his thousands of supporters, and acknowledged his dependence upon and trust in God.  On September 3rd of that year he and his Cabinet, in a colorful ceremony, were sworn into office.  Mr. Aberhart had never been ambitious for political power, but when the turn of events made him Premier, he entered upon his new task with all the ardour of his vigorous manhood.  To the unfamiliar duties of the Premier­ship he brought a brain trained to analyze situations, a natural sense of discernment, and undeniable political sagacity.

His early years in Parliament were characterized by aggressive action and strenuous conflict in which, as never before, the powers of finance were starkly revealed as the bitter opponents of those monetary reforms designed for the benefit and amelioration of the lot of the common people. Time after time Legislative enactments providing for the establishment of a Social Credit economy, duly passed by the Provincial Legislature, were either disallowed by the Federal Government or declared ultra vires by the Courts. While these actions prevented the Alberta Government from implementing the principles of Social Credit by direct Legislative action, Mr. Aberhart refused to be discouraged, or to deviate even for a moment from his fixed determination to free the people of Alberta from the deplorable consequences of economic insecurity.  Today it is a recognized fact, supported by irrefutable evidence, that under his outstanding leader­ship greater progress was made toward that worthy objective than during any other period in the Province's history.

In 1938 an indirect, but significant advance was made against the financial powers.  Branches of the Provincial Treasury were established throughout the Province to provide the people with facilities through which they could conduct their business independent of the financial institutions.  The Treasury Branch system was combined with a Province-wide program designed to stimulate the purchase and consumption of Alberta-Made products.

Mr. Aberhart was equally determined to provide assistance to people who, through causes beyond their control, found themselves overburdened with debts which they were unable to pay.  Through Provincial Debt Legislation he strove to protect the rights of those who found themselves in this unfortunate position.  He persevered to this end despite the fact that much of his Debt Legislation was likewise subject to a barrage of disallowances.

It is a recognized fact that his Government made further progress than any other Government in Canada in the field of Social Legislation.  Free hospitalization for tuberculosis patients, free clinics for cancer diagnosis, free treatment for those suffering from poliomyelitis, and improvement in Mothers' Allowances and Old Age Pension’s are but some of the commendable features of his administration in this field, of which one and all must approve.  He always showed himself to be a consistent protagonist of interest reduction, economic democracy and social security for a1l. citizens.

For six years of his administration Mr. Aberhart acted as Attorney-General, and throughout his period of office he served as Minister of Education.  His work as Minister of Education is an invaluable contribution to the cause of education in Canada,  He himself said, "When an opportunity for public service in the Govern­ment presented itself, I chose the field of education and determined that the first blow was to be struck on behalf of the children in the country."  Consistent with this purpose was his reorganization of the Province into larger school units.  This pro­gressive step not only made possible greater economy of administration, but it afforded greater educational opportunities to children in rural areas. This legislation concerning larger school units is regarded throughout Canada as a definite step forward in the realm of education.

His legislation concerning the teaching profession has been mentioned previously. He introduced legislation, known as the Teaching Profession Act, which gave the teaching profession status on a par with other professions.  His was the first Govern­ment in Canada to grant this recognition to the teaching profession.  He introduced, also, legislation providing for a retirement fund for teachers.

Mr. Aberhart's influence was felt, too, in higher educational circles. The University of Alberta has expressed deep appreciation of his attitude to the cause of higher education.  He was always most anxious that all deserving students in the Province should have access to the advantages of a university education.

Another feature of Mr. Aberhart's regime deserving of comment is the con­struction of hundreds of miles of hard-surfaced roads-concurrent with a reduction in the public debt.

It is doubtful if any Canadian premier ever met the bitter opposition which Mr. Aberhart encountered. A man of less courage would have grown discouraged, but he had an amazing tenacity of purpose.  His opponents found that he was not an enemy who was easy to vanquish.  His obvious sincerity and his unceasing perseverance won for him respect even when it failed to win endorsation.

When he went to the polls again in 1940, all his political opponents combined in an attempt to dislodge him from power.  They loudly proclaimed his failure to implement Social Credit legislation, and called attention to the barrage of disallowances which had attended his law-making, but against the vociferous cries of his critics there stood out two facts of which they had not taken due cognizance-firstly, the fact that for five years he had given his Province an honest, efficient, and economical Government, and, secondly, the fact that many thousands of men and women recog­nized in Mr. Aberhart a capacity for leadership which far surpassed that displayed by any of his opponents.

His fellow citizens rallied around him.  When he contested a seat in his home City of Calgary, the large vote which he polled showed that the people had abundant confidence in his capable leadership.  His Government was returned to power.  True, his majority was less than in 1935, but in view of the tremendous odds against which he had to fight, his victory over all his combined opponents was a genuine tribute from the people on whose behalf he had worked so indefatigably.

As Premier of Alberta, Mr. Aberhart co-operated in every way possible with the Dominion Government in the national war effort.  He was loyal through and through, and he was determined that his Government should leave nothing undone to help achieve victory. He consistently showed himself to be an ardent supporter of the ideals of true democracy and of the British Commonwealth.  As he himself said, "I am for an all-out war effort to maintain our democratic freedom and economic security. Every true Britisher must take to heart the need of doing everything in his power to main­tain the British ideals of life."

Throughout his eight years of Premiership, Mr. Aberhart consistently displayed that unconquerable zeal, that never-varying persistence, which had characterized him in all the outstanding efforts of his varied career.  Although failing in health during his last term of office, he carried on his governmental duties, and led his legislature through its regular session which ended early in April, 1943.  Not even his closest associates realized that he was battling with a physical weakness which was rapidly sapping his strength.  Not until very shortly before his death was alarm felt concern­ing his condition.  His death, therefore, came as a great shock to his friends and sup­porters, many of whom had not even known that he was seriously ill.

William Aberhart was a man who made staunch friends though it is undeniable that the very characteristics which won for him those staunch friends, won; at the same time, bitter enemies.  But, when news of his death was broadcast, even those who had so vigorously assailed his economic reforms, were not hesitant to express their deep appreciation of the sterling qualities shown throughout his Premiership.

How can we epitomize the life of such a man as this?  It is yet too early to measure his influence.  The three great spheres of his endeavour will yield much fruit in the days yet ahead.  Thousands of former High School students, now men and women, will find their lives enriched and  inspired  by his forthright and yet kindly philosophy.  Those who were fortunate enough to know him as their Bible teacher, especially in the intimacy of the Prophetic Bible Institute classes, will never cease to thank God for the gift of such an instructor in spiritual matters, and will ever feel their obligation to lift high the torch of faith which he put into their hands. Among his associates in the political realm, Mr. Aberhart's influence will live on, for he left an inspiring example of what it is to be willing to fight for one's convictions, to give one's very life in behalf of a great ideal.

It does not seem fitting that this account should be closed without calling attention to the last lecture delivered by Mr. Aberhart from the platform of the Cal­gary Prophetic Bible Institute on April 4th, 1943.

On that occasion he read from God's Word, "Lay not up for yourselves treas­ures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal:

 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  (Matt. 6:19-21.)

 In his exposition he declared, " . . . The decision we must make, in no uncertain way, is simply this, Shall we make life here on this earth, this temporal stay on this beautiful orb of God's creation, the be-all and end-all of life, or shall we realize that, after all, the poet was right when he said,

                 "This life of mortal breath Is but a suburb of the life Elysian Whose portal we call Death."

 Let me ask you a question.  Do you think, for example, that fame in this world, the acclaim of your fellows, can be compared with the commendation of the divine Heavenly Father, when He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord"?

This was his closing message to his fellow-men.  Does it not give us a glimpse of his great heart, and show us the burning desire of his life?  May these last words find quick and full response in the heart of each one of us, urging us to press on in the service of the King of Kings, the Lord of Calvary, Whose he was, and Whom he served!