The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-05-16
AS A PREACHER.

light to expatiate upon such themes to any
one who could appreciate them.
AS A PREACHER.
1t has been said by the highest authority
that emo man can serve two masters"
The ministry is a work which demands the
closest application of human ability. Such
parishes as can support pastor in liberal
manner have right to demand bis entire
service. Mr.. Sprague made himself an ex-
ception to this rule. He maintained tina.
his literary work, however extensive ii
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 msy be
called good judges, and who maintained
that SpraRue's sermons showed that his
mental energy was turned in another DE-
rection. very large portion OF his lite
was devoted to the annals of the pulpit
the most laborious task ever full led BY
any American author-but a sad illusira-
ton of misapplied 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-sll the work
OF an enthusiast, on which wears of time as
well as money by the thousands were
equally sunk. The publishers and the au-
thor were each losers, and much of the is
sue was sold for the price of the paper.
1t was great disappointment, and yet such
a result was inevitable We are not a ma
ton of aptiquaries. Had the time thus mis-
spilled 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
were written hurriedy, and with that fatal
facility which some men mistake for talent.
His rapii verbiage was read in gentle
and me!litcous tone, which his noble per-
son and County manners commended to the
people in very successful manner. His
engagements as q writer prevented the cul-
ture OF oratory, aud he was always a slave
to the manuscript. His rare courtesy, how
ever, 80 endeared him to his flock as TO cast
mantle of charity over these defects, nor
would make this reference to them were
1t not demanded by the nature of the cler-
lcal profession. 1t was pastor Sprague's
great error that he thought be 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 ad-
ed its endearments. What he might have
been it is idle now to recall.
AN ALBANY TRIO.
Al one time Albany contained contained
trio Of Presbyterian preachers, each
worthy OF more extended notice than can
now be afforded. refer to John N. Camp
bell, William B. Sprague and Ebenezer
HALEY, pastors severally of the First, Sec
ond Third Presbyterian churches. They
we're distinct in origin, in habits and in style
being representatives of different social ell
ements. Sprague was Yankee, while
Campbell was 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
SJ lIeees fya@sso tral Pass9 Ia4 ag5 h iI "
him best. He was a student, faithful in sp-
plicatlon. and an able thinker, who made
a mark upon his congregation rarely equal
I'd by a lifelong invalid. As a thenlogisn
he was pre-eminent, but i'll heal b detained
him from that general intercourse v it'll suce-
y NhtNH 10 uceudulC ClcIlCht me. Ills
pulpit was made vacant by his death, which
occurred IL years ago.
This excellent and gifted man has closed
long career by resigning post which
he has filed with great ability. He was
remarkable as preacher for poetic thought
and for majestic uttersnce, which to be
appreciated required a highly cultivated
congregation. Educated with all the fioish
of Scottish university, his range was
above the common mind, but those who
could follow the fight of his eloquence
found it instructive and inspiring. But,
however much admired as preacher, his
discourses were deficient in the rare merit
f brevity, and eloquence, however ad-
mirable, should be tempered by the time
piece We are told by Dr.. johnson that
tediousness is the worst OF faults, and Gold
smith thus censures Burke tor his pro-
lixity;
who, too deep for his hearers, still went on
And thought of convincing while they thought
OF dining"
1t is rare attainment for public speak
ers 20 learn 10 stop before they have ex-
hsusted patience, and also TO rem, mber
that congregations. like individuals, may
be talked to death" DR.. Campbell, to
whom reference has been made, attributed
much of his popularity (Which remained in
fall power till his death) 10 The fact that
his sermons never exceeded 80 minutes.
CLOSING WORD.
Many thanks for the kind notice OF the
writer in connection with those rare books.
whUse names are enough to make a bib
lomanac envious. Could pass even
brief space Of time in such company 1t
would be highly sratif, ing, and l shall on
he first opportunity avail myself of Mr..
Brownies invitation. The illustrated
"Croakcr & Co" touches upon lime such
rs New York will never see again. when
one accomplished editor bore sway in j .ur-
nalism, while arm of brilliant poets graced
his columns with their effu.ions. The ed
iror was William Coleman of The Epening
Post, and the poets were Joseph Rodmsn
Drake and Fiiz Green Halleck. Drake
died at 20. but not before he had reached
fame. Halleck reached four-score. but he
lost much Of his inspiration after the days
OF "Croaker & Co." were past. Ii was the
most popular signature ever known in this
city, and the only one which represented
combined genius. Strange to think that
"the American flag" when 1t first appeared
was thus signed Coleman was succeeded by
Bryant, but though editorial talent was sus-
tanned, the genius of Croaker & Co, never
reappeared. 1t is more than Two years
since have been in your city, and press
ing engagements may continue TO detain
me from visit thilher, but the illustrated
Croaker will be contemplated as an in
creased attraction to
THE HERMIT IN NEW YoRK.
-f,>Ssa ONLY FOR