Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1853-09-29

DEATH OF PROFESSOR ANDREWS NoR-
TON. Intelligence was received in this
city yesterday morning, from Newport,
ol the death Of Professor Norton Of Cam
blldge. Mr.. Norton has not enjoyed
good health for the past few years, and
has usually passed the snmmo" months
at Newport with great benefit. This
season, however, his system did not
seem 10 be benefited by ii change OF
residence, and 'or several weeks it has
been evident that his strength was fail
ing. We learn from Newport that his
last illness WAS free from pain and suffer
ing, and he gradually tailed al last from
extreme debility.
Mr.. Norton was one Of theripcst schol-
ars and most learned theoIogians in this
country. His controversial writings
show great intellectual ability, combin-
ed with the most laborous research. In
the ranks OF the champions Of Unitarian
theology, Professor Norton will always
retain very prominent position, on ac.
count ol his vast argumeHtative abilities
and his rare scholarship. He wrote far
the educated and the cultivated, and
commanded. to an eminent degree, The
respect Of his theological opponents, who
acknowledged his depth and great
learning. The productions OF his pen
are not numerous, but they all bear
marks OF immense study and the most
thoughtful consideration.
Mr.. Norton was born at bingham in
1856 He entered Harvard College in
1900, and was graduated in 1904, when
only eighteen years OF age. lie studied
divinity, but was never settled. He was
for a ilme tutor at Bowdoin College,
He afterwards ,held the same Office at
Cambridge, and also filled the station
OF librarian. In 1919, he was elected
Dexter Professor of Sacred Literature
in Harvard University, and continued
in office till 1880, when he resigned his
Prolessorship. He has since resided at
Cambridge as a private gentleman
His opulence enablcd him to devote his
time 10 intellectual pursuits, and his
magnificent residence has been for
years the resort Of Il large circle oi dis
tingushed scholars and literary men.
who were attracted thilher by the fame
OF The learned Professor.
In 1888, Mr.. Norton published his
Statement of Reasons for not Believing
the Doctrines of the Trinitarans.' This
work was followed, in 1887, 10y an octa-
vo volume on The Evidences of the
Genuincncss Of the Gospels" In 1880,
he published his famous treatise on
"The Latest Form Of InlideIity,' whicd
was replied to by champion OF Trans-
ccndenlalism, to which Mr. Norton re-
piled in II work Of great power.
Mr.. Norton had quite IA reputation as
poet. His roc;cal writings are not
numerous, but they all rank very high.
lie has written some of the best hymns
IN the English language. What school
boy is not familiar with his lines upon
"a Summer Shower beginning with
"rhe rain is DER. How dense and bright
Yon pearly clouds reposing lac
Cloud above cloud, a glorious sight,
Contrasting with the deep blue sky"
In closing this brief and very mper
feet sketch Of the life and character OF
Mr.. Norton, we copy the following
hymn from his pen. 1t brcathes
the true spirit OF trust and submis-
sion:
My God, thank thee may no though,
Fer deem thy chastiscmcnts severe;
But may this heart, 10y sorrow taught,
Calm each wild wish, each idle fear.
Thy mercy bids all nature bloom
The sun shines bright, aud man is gay
Thine equal mercy spreads the gloom
That darkens DER his little day.
Full many a throb of grief and pain
Thy irail and errng child must know;
But not one prayer is hreathcd in vain,
Nor does one tear unhceded flow.
Thy various messengers employ;
Thy purposes Of love fulfil;
And mid the wreck of human Joy,
May knccling iaith adore thy will
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