Now that we virtually draw near the resting-place of this good man, let it
not be to furnish material for bullets of lead or paper to hurl against
theological antagonists. Appreciating the beauty of his spirit, let us
learn and apply the rebuke and encouragement it affords. A genius so rare
we may not hope to approach or imitate. Graces still more precious and
imitable are associated with that genius and create its highest charm. Our
time has been worse than thrown away, and our study of his works and his
biographies has been in vain, if we are not better, more wise, and
earnest, and gentle for the page of history, the illustration of divine
providence that has now come before us. Placed in the most perplexing
relations, he never lost hold of the calm wisdom that was his chosen
guide. Exposed to the most irritating provocations, he never gave up the
gentle peacefulness of his spirit.
Our age is not peculiarly ecclesiastical, yet we have not done with the
church and its teachers. Many a time of late we have had cause to think
with regret of the persuasive eloquence of the Archbishop of Cambray, of
the sacred Art that could make truth lovely to wayward youth, and religion
beautiful to hard and skeptical manhood.
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