The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-05-25
ANOTHER GOOD BOOK.

ueuH6dGIOu VI OudIdCLoI' ~ 0nio w
not imply that it is to record mans worst
individual defects, or glorify his rarest VIZ
tues; but to give full expression of what
the man substantially is. The life of Napo
leon by Scott is defective throug gh its preJu'
diced medium. Memoirs written by sons,
brothers, fathers, or mothers, near relatives,
or admirers, are often too highly colored by
the medium of affection or pride, through
which the rays pass to the written page
The world has become wearied with such
works, because of their deficiency in truth,
1t is not agreeable to find that we have been
reading fiction, when We thought we had real
ity. Of late, however, biography is some
what rescued from false sentiment and the
influence of family pride, and by compe-
tent authors held up as light to US from
the experiences and examples of the de-,
parted. The memoir of the Rev. William
G. Burns, by his brother, noticed in our col
umns week before last, is true and whole
some exhibition of a noble and godly life.
1t rebukes and yet beckons US. The "Life
of James Hamilton, D. D., pastor of Re.
gent Square church, London, by his friend,
William Arnot, is one of the most elevating
and inspiring memoirs we have ever pc
rused The subject is clothed with splen-
dor, both in the light of genius and of piety,
and the materials are used with masters
hand 1t is blessed thing for the memory
of DR.. Hamilton that Dr. Arnot has en-
balmed it in the amber of his own clear and
loving thought. Many American clergymen
have had the happiness of genial hour with
each of these distinguished sons of Scotland;
and the author of "The Mount of Olives,
"Life in Earnest" Harp on the Willows" "
and The Royal Preacher, is too well known
in our reading circles to require lengthy
sketch of him from our pen. Brilliant by
nature, having all possible advantages of
religious teaching and example in his fathers
family, and all opportunities of mental cul-
ture in the schools of Scotland, stimulated
by contact with her best minds, fond Of
science even in early childhood, and taught
in his youth to regard secular scientific
truth as the handmade of Christianity, he
commenced and continued course of thought
and Christian culture that landed him at the
highest reach of mortal attainment. His
mental activity was amazing. In college it
resulted in winning some OF the highest
prizes; in the ranks of literature it subdued
to his analysis all themes in the pulpit it
gave bin power, Notwithstanding his feeble
voice; in the service of the Church and of
individuals it gathered under his eye all in
terests and embraced all duties. Having an
important and onerous charge in the worlds
metropolis, and being at the head, practi
cally, of the Scotch Free Church in Eng
land, DR.. Hamilton felt obliged to exercise
superintendent over its interests. Rath
er, we should say, recognized by common
consent and expectation as a leader, he
modestly accepted the position which all
gladly accorded to his piety and his talent.
If speech was to be made for Missions, or
Church extension, DIR. Hamilton must make
it. If report was to be written, he must
take up the pen. If sermon was demanded
for an important anniversary, it must be
from his heart and tongue.
All these, together with the stated ser
vices of his own charge, were more than
enough for any other man whose keen, rest
less mind occupied nervous and frail body.
But they did not satisfy his aspirations, nor
furnish ample employment to his energies
He loved to write. His mind was bubbling
spring, perpetually giving out thoughts and
themes which he purpoSed to work into trea-
tises and volumes. There had been scores
of holy men, about whom he desired more
exact and extended knowledge among men.
There were classes in society for which others
had not efficiently labored, whose wants he
understood and longed to supply. And he
wrote for all. His table was ever covered
with coils of proof, and the printer ever ur-
gent at the door of his study. So he worked
on, like burning star, wasting himself by
his own ardors. From his glowing soul, like
successive flames, flashed up to kindle the
worlds mind, "The Mount of Olives, "Life
in Earnest" The Royal Preacher, ''Harp
on the Willows" " Emblems from Eden,
"Happy Home" "The Light in the Path,
Excelsior, "Thanktulness," "Our Chris
tian Classics" GA Whip for the Indolent,"
'The Prodigal Son." memoir upon memoir
of good and great men, together with "Psalm
and Hymn Book" and his monthly crucifx
the Presbyterian Messenger Nor did all
this labor interfere with his pastoral vista
tions or his private devotions. And although
his growing fame drew multitudes from both
hemispheres to his house, that they might
see the man whose warm thoughts had so
pleased and moved them, he always had
time to converse with them, in a manner
that made them feel perfectly at ease. His
door. bell has been known to have rung forty
FIVE times in single morning thus breaking
the thread of his thought, or arresting his
Investigations, while he felt that every mo-
ment was more to him than gold and dia-
monds.
II