The manner of their introduction to each other
is a curious bit of literary history worth preserving. Gesenius was
returning to Goettingen from his native place, Nordhausen, which was then
in flames, having been set fire to by the French. The soldiers of the
broken Prussian army were hurrying to their homes. In the general flight
and confusion, Gesenius saw two young men on their way from Halle to
Goettingen, one of whom had broken down, unable to go any further, and was
entirely out of money. He procured a carriage for the unknown young
student and conveyed him to Goettingen. That young student was Neander; and
this little adventure led to a friendship which lasted for life, the gulf
which subsequently yawned between them, in respect to matters of faith,
abating nothing of their mutual respect and kindliness. "At first it was
painful to me," said Neander, writing from Goettingen, "to be thrown into
this place of icy coldness for the heart. But now I find it was well, and
thank God for it. In no other way could I have made such progress. From
every human mediator, and even every agreeable association, must one be
torn away, in order that he may place his sole reliance on the only
Mediator.
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