The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-08

without feeling the influence Of one who lived
very near his Master In the few years in which
he did no teaching, often he received letters
from students, who, when leaving college, were
troubled about religious matters, and who.
though not knowing Professor Balantine per
sonaly, felt that he could direct surer than any
one else. And then such prayers as were poured
forth for these young inquirers at the family
Atari
Professor Ballantine was q remarkable lin
gust. Ii sometimes seemed as II to enjoy a
good thing thoroughly he must have it in Greek
or Latin. He at any rate spent many winter
evening in putting hymns or bit of choice
English into the Greek he loved. The Greek
Testament was a constant companion. He not
only transposed many English poems into other
languages, but The knew himself to sing and
build the lofty rhyme"
Professor Ballantine's refined courteous man
ner made him a welcome guest in any drawing
room in the land. He was a fine converser
though preferring always to be listener, and.
to the very last, he kept up lively interest in
the events of the day. No subject gave him
greater pleasure than the work of missions. He
had lived to see that work almost from its very
start, and had followed the wonderful progress
with all his heart. noble act was appreciated
by no one more than by Professor Baantine.
He - true humility. Eye must become as
little >hildren." That state long AGO he had
reached. His Bible class will always
be a pleasant remembrance for those
who attended it, and his sermons
and Sunday lectures will follow many a student
all his days God bless the memory of the man
who loved the young and did SO much for them
No one will soon forget the two venerable forms
in the prayer-meeting room of the Presby terian
Church, as they for years and years occupied the
same seats-Doctors Ballantine and Kirkwood,
nor the prayers and talks Of the one and the
prayers of the other
In cases of distress Professor Ballantine was
always present, and his strong sympathy caused
sent for from all directions in time of extremity;
his very presence was benedction, and to
many q dying soul has he brought final comfort
and hope. He was once sent for to visit a man
whose life had been far from being what it
should De, and who was at last MORALLY stricken
with paralysis. Our friend entered the sick
chamber, but the dying man was unable to artic-
ulate his words. At last, with q mighty strug
gle, he gasped out: Professor allant ine-I
-love-you," and ceased to breathe. He had
Like the Master, he went about doing good, and
no greater legacy did he leave his beloved
daughter thar the memory that will ever live in
the sorrow-stricken families of Bloomington,
where he has brought such comfort.
Professor Ballantine was very severe at times,
but he was also very tender. 1t was within the
sacred walls of home that he shone brightest and
best, and believe there was never more beau
tiful home life than that of the old father and
the faithful daughter. Such family prayers the
the aged saints very heart was poured out with
his petitions He was very active man. Rarely
rested after 4 in the morning He took great
pleasure and pride in his garden, the fruits of
which have gladdened many poor home The
lilies and the roses, the acacia and the vines
throve under his watchful and loving care. 1t
was not only his own yard that always appeared
in such perfect order, but the small lot west of
town, which he so frequently visited, where
sleep the mother and the two young sisters.
This was fitting time of year for him to be
called-April, the month he loved most, SO full
of significance TO him and to those who loved
him, when the apple trees that have grown old
apace with him u. are filling the earth with their
DRY, 10 covered with its graceful punches of
bloom-this glorious resurrection time
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord
from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that
they may rest from their labors, and their works
do follow them"
APRIL g.