Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1885-03-07
Charles Rcodcs Chri-,innf ~.


Ever since We read the "Cioister and
the Hearth" that fascinating story OF
the middle ages, we have followed its
brilliant author with special delight.
We doubt not that there are many this
side the sea who know but one side oil
Charles Rcade, and that as the writer
Of dramas and novels they fail tC
recognize him, as in later years, a de
vout, sweet souled Christian. The
beauty OF his life was seen in his gen
tleness under the sharp attacks Of critics
who failed to recognize the genuineness
ofthe man. But now we only propose
to speak Of him as a Christian, and fol
the facts which follow we are indebted
to his old pastor, Rev. Chas. Graham
He had like Wendell Phillips the
courage to stand by his convictions
He not only in his writings sought to
arouse in others sympathy for the sor
rowing but in his private life he even
before his conversion was nobly gener
Gus. Some six years ago fortune fell
into his hands, but it quickly was dis
persed, going entirely to the poor and
destitute and to Christian institutions.
He wrote the popular drama "Drink,
in which he tried to rouse his people tc
the gigantic evil which has so cursed
England as well as America. SOME
six years ago he came to his pastor fol
religious conversation, and frankly re-
vealed to him his spiritual state Tn,
result was conviction of sin, repentance
conversion. He at once took bolt
and decided step, and by letter anc
personal intercourse became a gospc
preacher The poor were visited anc
relieved He met not only their spirit
ual needs, but supplied their physica
necessities. The branch of Christian
work was never discontinued so long as
he had the strength to visit personally
the needy, and then an open purse car
ried gladness to many weary sufferer
Tina, he might appear before the
world not as a novelist alone, though
his aims were ever lofty, and his desir,
ever to make men better, he planned
and executed in part series of studies
of Bible characters. A deep know
ledge of men fitted himself especially
for this work. He greatly admired
Nehemiah and prepared careful sketcl
of his character, which will doubtless b,
published soon. The character Of Jonal
engaged his study while an invalid a
Cannes.
In the recent persecution Of the Jew
he was most painfully stirred, and
letter to the London Telegraph, wei
known TO many of our readers, show
with wha, shame and sorrow he vieweC
those outrages. He died with tn,
strong conviction based on prophets
Scripture, that in not far distant hour
this unique race will be restored t.
Palestine On his return from Came
with the shadow of the unseen worl,
resting upon him, his short stay Of
earth was spent almost entirely il
prayer. He suffered intensely, but wa
comtorted and sustained by the prom
ses. When the crisis of his disease
congestion of the lungs, was reached
was thought he would recover and
new hope was impaired to him, Wher
however, fatal symptoms became mani
fest, and the doctor announced tina
fact to him he exclaimed "No nee
for sorrow, only cause for rejoicing
Let us be glad and rejoice" Just b,
fore entering into the realm beyond,
sudden revelation of the divine glor
seemed to break ii upon him and h
amazing glory l am having Paul
understanding" referring to Co
Iai-4, which had previously been
subject of conversation with relativ,
--Nrc York Observer