The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-09
OBITUARY.
Dr.. RObertL Dabnev.

TIC Times has announced the death
az Knoxville. Tenn. on Tuesday last. OF
DIR Robert l.. Dabney. His remains
were brought 20 liampdcn-Sidney, and on
Friday afternoon. inferred in the ceme-
terry Of rhe Union Theological Seminary.
This was the appropriate spo. in which
his earthly frame should take its last
and long repose. for II was during the
thirty years OF his connection with the
Seminary that his great intellect put
forth the most vigorous and varied dis
plays OF its mighty powers In 1883,
chiefly on account Of failing health. he
accepted the chair ot Moral Philosophy
u the University OF Texas. it being
thought that the warmer climate OF that
region would prove beneficial. And now
after more than fourteen years Of re-
luc:ant eaile. sNee,iy as a child upon its
mothers breast. h sleeps in the bosom
OF the Old Commonwealth that he loved
nnd served. in peace and In war. with a
fond and hlial devotion.
DR. Dahnev possessed mind Of the
very highest order. and OF the most far
reaching powers. II is the opinion or
many sejate and competent judges that
Tie present century has not produced
more vigorous and penetrating intellect.
certainly on this side of the Atlantic.
In letter written 20 Dr. Walter Jones.
on January ID, isl4. Mr. Jefferson gives
an exceedingly interesting delineation OF
General Washington, I'm tho course OF
which he says: His mind was great and
powerful without being OF the very first
order: his penetration strong. though not
80 acute as that OF a Newton. Bacon or
Locke" II may be, and doubtless is.
that At intervals in the slow centuries you
discern an intellect, here and there. an
Aristotle, a Bacon, a Newton more acute
more penetrating, more powerful than
that possessed by the subject OF this no.
tice. but they are rare. very rare.
In conversation with an accomplished
minister who. two or three years since
was called from q Virginia pulpit 20
chair in the Columbia. IS. O. Theologi-
cal Seminary the writer asked that gem
tlcman how he would compare the three
men generally recognized as the most
eminent in the Southern Presbyterian
Church Two OF them are still living
and il is not necessary TO call their
names. Replying slowly and medita-
lively he said. DE-. --- is perhaps
the best furnished OF the three DIR. --
is the most eloquent and attractive in
the pulpit: but for blasting rocks. l
would take Or. Dabney." one can see
the picture of the old Titan splitting
asunder he theological problems with
giant powder, each grain the size OF
mans .humb. or a minnie ball.
But II was not alone FOR his great pow
ers Of mind that his memory will be
cherished. In elevation OF character. and
IN attributes OF heart. he was equally
10 he admired and more tenderly TO be
loved His was stalwart strength blended
with inenable sweetness. His fit symbol
was the mighty monarch OF tho forest
that towers high above its Fellows, COM
pauionless IN the azure cOncave. IT'S I'M
perlal crown famed and caressed by the
sweet breath and soft kisses OF that pure
atmosphere. And as the fall OF such
forest monarch shakes the solid earth. and
sends for countless leagues resounding
tumult In the troubled air, so will the
death Of this great and good man excite
an ali-pervading sense Of distress and be-
reavement throughout the bounds Of the
Southern Assembly OF the Presbyterian
Church: nay. throughout the bounds OF
the South. without distinction of sect for
much Of his lifelong labor and service Of
heart and head was devoted 10 the defence
and yindication OF his beloved South. But
il IS. of course. in the ecclesiastical de-
nomination in which he was the fore
most figure and ACKNOWLEDGED leader that
his death viii be most keenly felt and
deeply deplored These his peculiar
friends IN the ties OF ecclesiastical asso-
citation feel in the extinguishment OF this
great light. as we may imagine the sea-
faring dwellers on the coast OF Cornwall
felt when the mighty Eddystone light
house was swept away by the angry sea,
and when that steady. far-reaching bea-
con went out In darkness and dismay
II Is pleasant 10 know that Dr. Dabney's
mental powers remained 10 the last un-
impaired. There was no touch OF deca-
dence 10 be seen or felt in the working of
the glorious machinery. Although he had
for four years been totally blind. there
was no abatement Of his intellectual la
bors. Within the past six months he has
delivered most delightful and instructive
series Of lectures at Davidson College
and AZ the Columbia Theological Semi
nary. II I NAV borrow the fine phrase OF
Milton. he babe adieu 10 the scenes OF
earth while yet soaring In the high rea-
son OF his fancies. with his garland and
his singing robes about him."
When a man like this Is stricken down.
~ seems that In the eclipse and extinction
OF such powers and such srudision IN IT.