The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-09

to show of affection. 1t was deeper
seated. He seemed to go about with a
magnifying glass to discover the virtues
of his fellows, to find good in every one
ties that are found in every man born of
woman. He was not blind to the blem-
ishes. the vices, the Weaknesses. Upon
proper occasions, he could and did say:
seThou art the man." but he never made
the pulpit the place for his anathemas.
He declared 1.-The whole counsel of God"
but did not give any denunciation or
scolding of his own from the sacred desk.
I have heard him preach something over
five hundred times. and l never heard
him say an unwise thing, give express
sion to a sentiment that was not upl'ft-
ing, or use harsh criticism of any man.
In his private conversation, he was
equally as wise, as helpful, as free from
even the harmless sort of gossip in which
many good men indulge. He never used
a word in private that might not have
been uttered in the pulpit.
While "all things to all men" in the
Bible sense, Mr. Norman was always the
same. If a man was interested and en-
crossed in something that absorbed his
thought, Mr. Norman became Interested
in the same thing, both because Of his
genuine interest in what concerned his
fellows, and also because he wished to
find a way to that mans heart. He did
not cheaper the gospel. He had no cant
in his made-up. He preached every day,
but he looked for the opportunity ito
speak the word in season" He did not
persist in talking about holy subjects
when his companion could not be reach
ed. He knew that the world would not
be won unless men heard him gladly.
He gained their confidence, he gained
their ear, he pressed upon them their
need of a strength outside themselves
and he did this Systematically, wisely,
unostentatiously successfully.
In his tribute to Mr. Norman. the elo-
ouent DR.. Tyre, Baptist pastor, said he
was a refined Christian gentleman in
the best sense Of that much abused term.
The best description that could be given
of Mr.. Norman was that given by John
Gillies, D. D., of Rev. George Whitefield,
many years ago. Here it is:
"Whitefield was pre- eminently a gen
tleman-a gentleman by nature as we'll
as by culture. There was a native re-
fnement and polish to his person and
manners, which had been cherished and
increased by his education and inter
course with good society. He had the
feeling and the tact and the real benovo
lence and regard for the feelings of
others, which form the true basis for q
gentlemanIy character and department,
and such a character and department
were in him not fictitious and forced, but
natural and easy. He was a pleasant
companion, a desirable guest in polished
society, even where his doctrines wero
disbelieved. No gentleman or lady ever
think the better of him for the acquaint-
ance; and his address and manners gave
him access to many influential circles
from which, had he not been the gen
tleman he was, his influence as a Chris
tan and minister would have been en-
tirely excluded. Without this quality Of
gentlemanliness he never could have ac-
complished the work which God gave him
to do, and which he actually did and
finished before he died.
AS citizen. he was always on the
right side. He had his convictions and
he lived UP to them. He respected the
opinion and convictions of others. He
did not question the motives of men who
did not agree with him. He was catholic,
tolerant broad minded.
In his home life was found happiness
and beauty that was an object lesson
to all his parishioners. Only few weeks
ago there was celebrated in a quiet way
the twenty-fifth university of the mar
riage OF Mr.. Norman and his wife They
had no children. She was an help-meet
indeed Wherever there was sickness or
death, they went together. His devotion
to his wife was truly beautiful, and
the sympathy of host of friends will go
out to the heart-broken widow who feels
the hourly need of her earthly staff, and
stay and strength.
n
These are some Of the characteristics
of this man of God whose life has been
a benediction to all who came within the
sphere of his influence He was devoted
to the service of his church, but his love
of mankind knew no creed, no sect, no
race. His death is mourned as a loss
to the State.
OF him, as he moved among men, it
may be truly said:
There stands the messenger of truth;
there stands
The legate of the skies!-his theme d.
vine,
His office sacred, his credentials clear.
By him the violated law speaks out
It's thunders; and by him, in strains as