The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1866-12-20

and moral qualifications which impress
I themselves upon the minds Of our youth, Is
an eminent blessing 20 society, public
, benetactor TO the cause of education both.
secular and religious In the sight Of God
we believe the faithful and we'll qualified
teacher stands upon higher elevation than
the statesman, or the warrior and he would
SO stand also in the estimation Of society,
were II not that in our human intirmities,
we are apt to be moro captivated by that
which Is ostentati0us, than that which Is
truly meritorious.
Were we wiser we would hasten 20 learn
a due appreciation Of the labors of those
/ who instruct our youth who labor 20 DUAL.
/ ify our children for the business OF life and
more especially those Of them, who make
this noble calling their primary pursuit
For, without doubt IL is to this latter class
that the cause of education owes IL advance.
ment They are the force who propel il on.
ward TO the goal Of efficiency in practical
life
Such an instructor was our deceased broth.
err Teaching was his primary and only
business, and therefore he understood how
to impart knowledge, 10 fix the attention,
and TO develop the mind of the learner. With
a mind naturally quick aud skillful in analy.
| zing, he possessed another eminent qualil-
cation of the good teacher, via, an amiable
disposition, which, while II did not prevent
him nom the exercise of a salutary disci.
pline, caused him ever TO lean to the side of
leniency with his pupils, for whom he al.
ways cherished lively sympathy in their
struggles after knowledge
As already partially intmatcd, seven
years ago his earnest labors won tor him
the well merited honor of q call 10 become
| the Principal of the "Institution for the
Blind" Of our State. Accepting this high
| and responsible trust, and entering upon its
arduous duties, he was inspired with q
| lofty ambition to develop clear
and comprehensive mental vision IN
| those placed under his care, who in the mys-
terious providence of God, were deprived of
their natural sight that they might see with
| that nohlcr part, the intellect Nor, in his
endeavors TO do So, did he confine himself to
the usual curriculum of such institutions,
but every branch of learning within his own
varied requirements, which he judged,
would enable him to obtain his object, he
brought into use. Those who knew him
| best, knew also how intensely interested he
was in this noble enterprise of our State;
and il was always the object of his ambition
TO raise it TO be one among the first of the
the kind in our whole country nor have we
the least reason TO doubt that he would have
succeeded very far in his high aim had he
had fair opportunity, But the war came,
! and with 1t every disadvantage calculated 10
operate against the success of such benevo-
lent enterprises There were neither suiii-
cient funds, nor books, with other hindranoes,
which we all can appreciate, and yet he man
aged TO keep the institution alive through
those terrible years of privation, But few
knew how this man toiled for its good, for
he was not given to sound his own praises
The tact and integrity which he displayed
in the management of its affairs challenge
our strictest scrutiny and admiration. Had
he owned the institution from beginning 10
end, had he expected it to descend TO his
posterity for generations, he could not have
displayed more zeal for its welfare. He was
ever inquiring about institutions of SINH
lar character, and was well informed in
regard to their various equipments, his OBJ
ject being TO profit by the example of those
he deemed in advance. Meet him where
you would, and if at all intimate with him.
he had something TO say to you, which
showed his interest in his public trust Nor
did this interest ever seeml abated until
few days previous to his death, when 1t APP
peared 10 retire, wlo.. Anoonsoiouely 90 him
self he was virtually dAyested Of the badge
of his office, for his worlyon earth was done.
Doubtless. like other men, he had his faults;
yet altogether lie was admirably adapted for
the station he held and which he undoubt-
eddy filed with great efficiency We speak
what we have some right to know, when
we say Prof Merrill was no mercenary,
money-loving man, for he mover had "A farth-
ing which he could spare from supplying
his own immediate necessities, which was
not at the service Of the institution when II
needed il, and that too, without interest or
remuneration. And while his management
did not altogether escape censure from GER
tain sources, (and no man can occupy bis
position and satisfy alb yet his fidelity TO
his trust and his efficiency as teacher, have
won from most of us q warm affection for
his memory.
lie possessed character most remarkable
for tireless energy aud indomtable peTse-
verance He was ever hopeful and cheerful
at his toll. No cloud of dependency ever
his brow and he was all these in
a state of health which would have laid
most orus upon the couch of the invalid, ~
idleness and gloom. For years he has been
gradually wasting away. until at last his
iron will and tireless energy were overpow-
pared to meet his fate. For long years he |
has been consistent member Of the church |
Of Jesus Christ. Every virtue and excellcn- |
cy he possessed, could you have convinced |
him Of its existence in his nature, he would /
have brought and laid at the feet of his
Savior, as the source whence he obtained it
and It was this feeling Of obligation 10 his
Lord, which made him 50 strOng and W viii
ling in the arduous labors of his life. We
know he died as a christian, because he lived
as one, which is the best testimony we can
have.
His race is rum His labors on earth age
ended. He has assembled TO his happy and
giorions reward in the skies. In his decease
we have lost kind friend, a genial com
panion, a useful citizen and an excellent
christian brother. The tate has lost an
efficient and faithful servant, the blind an
earnest and affectiODate instructor, and the
,ause Of education and religion an ardent
promoter. The tender husband and affection
ste father sleeps his last sleep. But who Is
he who can speak Of him in these endearing
relations for the purpose Of giving consola-
ion to the sorrowing, without marring the
works which none but God can perform
May lie who is Father to the fatherless
md a Husband TO the widow, console the
hearts Of the bereaved, aud wipe away all
cans from their eyes.
The TUNSEL AID THE BRDGE.-The
West, says an exchange paper, Is at present
n great excitement about the completion Of
Il. hi