Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-09
BISHOP MERRILL.
An Appreciation Of the Methodist
Divine.

From the Northwestern Christian Advocate.
Bishop Stephen 3. Merrill has been for
so many years a familiar figure in
Methodism that we can scarcely realize
that he has gone never to return. We
knew he was great, but he was SO modest,
so kind, SO patient, so unassuming, that
his greatness not fully appreciated
even by those who knew him most init
mately He was a giant among men, yet
he was in manner and life as simple as
child. Physically and intellectually he was
formed in large mold, and in body and
mind he dispayed the ruggedness of the
giants of the forest. Such as he are not
hot-house plants, but, like great oaks, are
made strong by buffetings and storms.
Natural gifts account for some of their
power, but such gifts are only favorable
SOIL Culture and labor are the chief ele-
ments in the achievements.
Like Abraham Lincoln, whom he resem-
bled in simplicity of manner and speech, he
was largely self-educated. 1t Is true that
he attended an academy for short time,
and had the benefit for some months of
systematic instruction in certain higher
studies under the direction of his pastor,
Rev. DR.. James G. Blair. For the most
part, however. his education was secured
Independent of schools. In his younger
days he had access to library containing
scores of volumes of sermons of the great
preachers of the past. These he literally
devoured and to them. he once declared,
he was chiefly indebted for his familiarity
with theological questions and for his liter
airy style.
Like Lincoln, also, he possessed a rich ma
tive humor that was delightful. He sup
pressed this usually, except when In the
company of his intimate friends. 1t never
appeared IN his published works or in his
sermons or formal addresses. He gave vent
more frequently to this side of his nature
after his approximation, at his own re-
quest, which he playfully described as the
most popular act OF his episcopal career.
His humor was not limited to the repetition
of stories he had read or heard, but found
expression in witty remarks suggested by
the occasion.
Bishop Merrill was not what would be
called eloquent, but he was great
preacher, and his thoughts were expressed
In such simple language that the humblest
could understand him. He wrote as he
talked, and those who had the pleasure of
an intimate acquaintance with him could
easily imagine as they read his books or
articles that they were hearing his voice.
His language, whether in speaking or writ
ing was SO well chosen that he seldom
changed word. Most of his articles were
completed at a single sitting. Frequently
they were suggested by conversation, but
they were always thoroughly thought out
before being committed to paper Upon
some he had doubtless been thinking pro-
foundry for years. This was certainly true
of his paper About Higher Criticism"
of May 2S 1902, which made SO marked
an impression upon the entire church. He
was one day expressing his deep concern
over the question of higher criticism"
which was then receiving much attention,
and said that he sometimes felt like writ
ing upon it himself. We suggested that
he do so, assuring him that 1t would be
read with great interest. He made no re-
ply, but next morning handed us the arti-
Gle referred to- with the statement that
1t was longer than he expected to make
1t and that he had not then said all he
wished. Later he followed it with sec
ond article. In the original manuscript of
these two articles scarcely word was
changed. This was characteristic of all
his writing. The editor of the Northwest
ern began to learn his trade as a printer
while Bishop Merrill was editor OF the
Western. The first copy placed In his hands
as an apprentice was editorial by DR..
Merrill, and for many months he put In
| type most of the leading editorials. The
| penrnanship was clear and clean as steel
| engraving. and the simplicity and purity of
the language were liberal education. The
| friendship then formed continued for more
| than thirty-sx years, and has been one of
| the richest experiences of life.