The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1885-01-28
VI 'H0 O0H VI o. i0eOS Vei 4an'
The Christian Educator.

1t is service to any one who can ap-
preciate such thing to make him &C.
quainted with good book. Such book
Is the Life of Professor Kemper of Mis-
souri, for many years the master of the
well-known "Kemper School," The
name of DR.. Quarles on the title-page
awakens expectations as to the literary
execution that are by no means violently
disappointed. On the contrary the vol
ume exhibits everywhere the impress of
mind at once philosophic and poetic,
and the task performed has been largely
that of the annalist, or historical critic,
rather than that of the mere biographer.
The work is doubtless not without GER
tain blemishes; albeit this might mean
no more than to say that it is the work
of man. Exceptions might be taken by
some both to the matter and the manner
The tone of eulogy may be Judged by
some to be trihe extravagant probably
not, however, by those who were best ac-
quainted with the admirable and, in some
respects, notable man who is the subject
Of this memoir. The style will be CEN
sured perhaps in some quarters as at
times too glowing Tin the rhetorical sense)
and as permitting too free use Of metri-
cal quotations taken from the familiar
shelves of English bellies lettre8. This
very characteristic of the style will be
apt to ensure to the book a wider popu-
lari5Y than it would have been likely to
enjoy had it been pitched in lower key
and In tone of dispassionate GOODNESS
The qualities of the diction, for better or
worse, are evidently what the author de-
iberately intended them to be; and
among them will usually be found per
spicuity, grace, variety and harmony, and
at no long intervals, dignity and force.
The skilful teacher and trainer of boys
and earnest Christian, whose career fur
nishes the theme OF this interesting mar
rative, was animated in his noble life
work by jealous purpose to glorify his
Saviour in the education of the young
for Christ. In this lofty aim he was sue
cessful, far beyond the majority of his
fellow Christians who busy themselves
with the instruction and discipline of
youth. The rare measure of success
achieved In this laudable endeavor was
due, under God in part, to Professor
Kemper's native and acquired traits OF
mind and character still more to the
tact that he was man of single-mlnded
devotion to q grand end, and to the fact
that whether In a college chair or at the
head Of a school, he "magn6ed his Office"
as guide to those who, though still in
the gristle of their early powers, are one
day to be the bone and sinew of society
On one occasion when asked, in court
what his profession was, he replied, suo
more, :" ] am maker of men. And in
the sense in which he used the words, so
he was. Some of his methods were sin
gularly original as well as highly efficient
Professor Kemper was of good German
blood, of Calvinistic stock, and brother
Of Ex-Governor James J.. Kemper, and of
Mrs Sarah NJ Bocock His memorial is
a precious one, and his name should be
held in everlasting honor. 90.
The Life Of Prof F. r. Kemper, A. NJ. the
Christian Educator. By j A. Qusrles. D. d
Published for Mrs. S H. Kemper Burr Print
ing il ouse, New York
The word of God ia not designed mere
q To no :, - - 1 .--