The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-05-19
y GLOBE FRIDAY MORNING, MAY 10, 1876


flied. During his youth, as he has told me,
he has spent many an hour in the garrets OF
old manses rummaging over heaps of letters
and documents in search of autograph
treasures A rich harvest was thus saved
from the paper mill, and in this manner he
LAID the foundation for his collection before
he went to Albany. 1t was In this way al
so that he acquired that extraordinary &C
quaintance with the primitive clergy Of
America long before he began their biog-
raphy. There has died with this remarka-
BILE antiquary greater knowledge of an
clent New England, its preachers, states
men, customs and controversies than has
ever previously been in one mans posses
sion. In this point he was an enthusiast,
almost without bounds, and 1t was his de-
light to expatiate upon such themes to any
one who could appreciate them.
AS PREACHER.
1t has been said by the highest authority
that emo man can serve two masters"
The ministry is work which demands the
closest application of human ability. Such
parishes as can support pastor in liberal
manner have right to demand his entire
| service. Mr.. Sprague made himself an ex-
ception to this rule He maintained that
| his literary work, however extensive it
might be, did not interfere with pastoral
duty. To prove this he could point to the
brace of sermons on the Sabbath and the
regular tour Of calls. There was, however,
another opinion held by some who may be
called good judges, and who maintained
that Spragues sermons showed that his
mental energy was turned in another di-
rection. A very large portion Of his lite
| L., AL a. H. a.. III
the most laborious task ever fulfilled by
any American author-but a sad illustra-
| ton of misappled time. The work may
be useful for occasional reference, but it
never was read Gin the usual meaning of
the word) and never will be. There they
are, the nine huge volumes-all the work
of an enthusiast, on which years of time as
well as money by the thousands were
equally sunk. The publishers and the au-
thor we're each losers, and much of the is
sue was sold for the price of the paper.
1t was a great disappointment, and yet such
q result was inevitable We are not ma
ton of autiquaries. Had the time thus mis-
applied been devoted to the preparation of
sermons, pastor Sprague would have at
tanned that distinction in the pulpit which
was fairly within his reach. Such how
ever, was not the case. His discourses
|
facility which some men mistake for talent.
His rapid verbiage was read in gentle
and mellihuous tone, which his noble per-
son aud courty manners commended to the
people IN very successful manner. His
engagements as a writer prevented the cul-
ture of oratory, and he was always a slave
to the manuscript. His rare courtesy, how
ever, so endeared him to his flock as to cast
a mantle of charity over these defects, nor
would / make this reference to them were
it not demanded by the nature of the cler-
icsl profession. 1t was pastor Sprague's
great error that he thought he could serve
two masters-literature and the pulpit, and
the result was that he attained emnence in
neither of these professions. His chief
distinction is that of an antiquary, to whom
personal elegance and finished breeding sd-
ed its endearments. What he might have
been it is idle now to recall.
AN ALBANY TRIO.
At one time Albany contained contained
trio Of Presbyterian preachers, each
worthy of more extended notice than can
now be afforded. l refer to John N. Camp
bell, William B. Sprague and Ebenezel
HALEY, pastors severally of the First, Sec.
ond Third Presbyterian churches. They
were distinct in origin, in habits and in style
being representatives of different social ell
ements. Sprague was Yankee, while
Campbell was a Nfrginian. The latter
possessed an acute mind. His language
was trenchant, and his opinions boldly pro
nounced. He spoke without notes, and
was an effective orator. All that prevented
his attaining still greater prominence was
| fron nd tint I,ta l.,
sOrs were surprising to those VINO knew
HIM best. He was student, faithful in ap-
plication, and an able thinker, who made
mark upon his congregation rarely equal
ed by a lifelong invalid. AS a theolOgian
he was pre-eminent, but ill health detained
him from that general intercourse with soce.
ty which is desirable in clerical life. His
pulpit was made vacant by his death, which
occurred ~ years ago.
HALEY.
This excellent and gifted man has closed
long career by resigning a post which
he has filled with great ability. He was
remarkable as preacher for poetic though
and for majestic uttersnce, which to be
appreciated required highly cultivated
congregation. Educated with all the finish
of Scottish university, his range was
above the common mind, but those who
could follow the flight of his eloquenct
found it Instructive and inspiring. But
however much admired as a preacher, hi
discourses were deficient in the rare meri
of brevty, and eloquence, however ad
mirable, should be tempered by the time
piece We ale told by DR.. johnson tina
tediousness is the worst of faults, and Gold
smith thus censures Burke tor his pro
; lixity:
''who, too deep for his hearers, still went OIL
! And thought of convincing while they though
, OF dining
1t is rare attainment for public speak
ers to learn TO stop before they have ex
f hausted patience, and also to remembe
( that congregations, like individuals, ma,
be "talked to death" DIR. Campbell, t
whom reference has been made, attributes
much of his popularity (Which remained il
full power till his DEATH to the fact tina
his sermons never exceeded 80 minutes.
CLOSING WORD.
Many thanks for the kind notice of tn
:, writer in connection with those rare oks
, whose names are enough to make bit
lomaniac envious. Could / pass even
I, brief space Of time in such company
a would be highly gratifying, and shall Of
/. the first opportunity avail myself of Mr.
D | Brownies Invitation. The ILLUSTRATED
a "Croaker & Co." touches upon time sucl
as New York will never see again, whe
t one accomplished editor bore sway in jour
nalism, while firm of brilliant poets grace
: his columns with their illusions. The ed
e itor was William Coleman of the Egenin
& | Past and the nOeta were ,IOReDh ROdma
: Drake and Fitz Green Halleck. Drak
d died at 20, but not before he had reache
q fame. Halleck reached four-score, but h
!. lost much of his inspiration after the day
d of "Croaker & Co." were past. 1t was tn
h | I,nat nnnnlnr einnatnra nNer known In lhi