We can think of no sublimer spectacle within the limits of flesh and blood than the furnished by a great and pure mind, strengthened and adorned by the accumulated knowledge of ages, thrilled with the inspiration of its task, eager for its work, exposing error, finding and defending truth, pleading the cause of justice and right, lifting human thought above its usual level, hastening forward the grand march of society, working by night and by day to illuminate and bless mankind, and then through the open gates of eternity ascending to the skies. Such men as Chalmers, Edwards, Butler, Wesley, Luther, Calvin, and a host of others, illustrate the dignity and glory of human nature, developed by culture, stimulated by high motives, and consecrated to the interests of eternal truth. The world has much occasion to thank God for their existence. In living one life they live forever in the results thereof. Posterity feels their moral presence when their personal presence is with archangels. They are incarnated in the world's history. What they did while living, lasts when they are singing in Heaven. The bare possibility of achieving such a life ought to stir every mind with the ardors of the most intense enthusiasm. To make a good impression upon the world - an impression that shall not only endure, but descend along the current of ages with expanding and increasing power, attaching to itself new and auxiliary cause of greatness- is an object which any being may well covet, whether man or angel. A life which attains this object is a grand success. The actor therein has, as he deserves, a place among the Historic Dead. -Rev. Samuel T. Spear, D.D.
