The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-26
in MEMORIUM.
Tribute TO The Mem Try Of the Late Rev.
Thomas Laurie, b. d.

DIR. Laurie was man OF taient, an inuei"
tiguable student. eminent scholar and
lnguist and able theologian. n sincere Chris
tian, faithful pastor and good citizen. His
permanent residence from 1855 to October ~,
1897, was in this city. Our hearts 60 out in
sympathy in behalf of his family, the church
and all who realize the great loss his depar-
lure has occasioned. May every one receive
comfort from the source so often recommend
ed by the absent one:
IL cam OF say, and will not say,
That he is dead: he is just away,
with CHEEKY smile; and p
Wave of the hand
He has wandered into an
Unknown land,
And left us dreaming.
How very fair
1t needs must be since
He fingers there"
He was the founder, and for many years the
beloved pastor, of the Pilgrim Congreg ational
church, which, by his good judgment and
almost unexampled industry, in connection
with a rich blessing from above, became one
of the most prosperous and efficient in this
city and throughout the denomination. IL Is
evident from his great success in the varied
efforts mentioned that here in this commun'
ity was manifestly the field In which he was
most happy and successful and whore many
still survive to testify their grateful remem-
brance of his life and character.
He was often called upon to attend and to
preside over numerous and important meet
ings held TO consider the best methods for
Christian service, in which capacity, as well
ms that of being counsellor and general ad-
vser he rendered his associates In the minis
try valuable and efficient service.
Missions, education, Sabbath schools, the
distribution OF the Bible, all proper modes of
benevolent enterprises, good civil govern
nent and necessary public improvements
held "A warm place in his heart and claimed
share in his efforts.
He was most happy in his domestic relations
with kind and watchful devotion to the
interests of those committed TO his care. He
was true and faithful friend He gave his
confidence cautiously, yet, when given, IL was
firm and constant. His moral courage was
such as would have done good service in the
martyr age. He would have stood with Luther
before the diet of worms. He would not have
auailed in the presence Of Ahab, nor fed from
the face of Jezabel His piety was deep,
ardent and consistent, not ftful and spas.
inodic manifesting itself Mt times in high
emotions and fiery zeal, and then subsiding
into great spiritual apathy and sloth. Ii was
n steady flame, which shone brighter and
brighter. and never went out; 1t was a
living spring which never failed in
time of drought, IL was fixed
principle in the heart, which had n steady
and commanding influence on the whole
course of his life. He was an able and faith.
full minister of Christ. His talents. sanctihed
by the grace of God, fitted him To take rank
with the most gifteu OF the denomination 10
which he belonged and to whose interests hs
was most intensely devoted, ready To sacri-
dee for 1T every private feeling and pleasure
that iuterfered In any degree with Its useful
ness. He was for this reason regarded by
some as being bigoted and intoerant, but
such persons neither understood his principles
nor could appreciate his magnanimous spirit.
Decided and uncompromising in his own
views. he was yet charitable to those who
differed from him, and neither respected nor
loved a man less for being as no himself was
true TO his own convictions and decided in
maintaining them.
Dr. Laurie had high notions OF the dignity
and sacrcdness of the ministerial Office, and
of the necessity OF ample preparations for en-.
tering upon It's duties, and he had but little
patience with those woRk and concested young
men who, with crude notions and supericiai
attainmouts In theology, sought To thrust
themselves In the sacred Office AS preacher
and public speaker Or. Laurie was OF a hope
ful nature. He knew that his work had the
divine sanction aud that 10 would be- made
effective as God wlled. lie was willing,
therefore. 60 leave the result with HIM,
assured tlis although success might often
be delayed, the promise was ye: re-"Ile
that yocth forth weeping, bearing precious
seed shalt doubtless return again with rcioic.
ing. bringing his sluavcs with him" Hts
manner was impressive, bui he used very little
action and was not impassionrd in delivery.
But he was ~ evidtntly sincere ana Earnest
n 90 receive the confidence and attention ~
his hearers. while the good sense and pracii
cal tone of his sermons. Lecture room talk