Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-10-05
a Tribute to Dr.. Felton,

Editor AIlauld JOul maj
1t was the political record of DR.. Fell
ton which gave him national prominence
That he was a conspicuous power in
politics or rather in public office. that he
served his country with signal ability
and was absolutely incorruptible, every
one knows. But l wish to speak of him
as a preacher, for herein l believe he was
greatest.
I was born and raised within few
miles of DR.. Felton's home. He and my
father were lifelong and most intimate
friends. Among the earliest and sweetet
recollections of my childhood were his
frequent and most welcome visits to our
home. He won my heart while yet a
child. and kept that heart entire until his
great heart ceased its beating. l grew
up naturally If not inevitably to deem
him one of Gods noblemen. Through all
his stormy political career, l knew he
would be always and everywhere, wheth-
er on the hastings, in the din or oattle'
or in the quiet walks of life, the same
incorruptible gentleman.
The difference between his political
speeches and his sermons was a con-
trast as striking as midnight and mid
noon. When he looked about him and
saw the corruption, the rottenness and
graft of the one he sometimes lost his
temper and said things seemingly harsh.
but when he entered the pulpit the very
gates of Heaven were opened.
I have heard Henry Ward Beecher, Tai
madge. Bishop Pierce, Bishop Marvin
DR.. Palmer, of New Orleans; DR.. Hall.
of New York and others of wide repu-
tation, but with the single exception OF
Mr.. Beecher, DR.. FELTON, was the great
est preacher I ever heard. Mr.. Beecher
was without a doubt the most marvellous
There are thousands yet living who
heard DR.. FELTON, preach 80 or 40 years
ago. and they know the beauty and gran
deur of his sermons. 1t must be borne
In mind that he was thoroughly educat-
ed. graduate of the University Of Geor-
Ria. and a lifelong student. l have seen
a light in his study at midnight. The
rule Of his life was never to quit thing
until he mastered it. His sermons were
prose poems, creations Of master nina.
His diction was grace itself; his voice OF
rare compass and power. Added to TINS
was an enthusiasm and a magnetism
have never seen eduaned. Hence MS dis
course was invested with charm abso-
lutelv inimitable. There was never a
dull sentence. No dry platitudes. No
stale rehash of Adam and Eve, Of Abra-
ham and Isaac. Everything was fresh
and JOYOUS as the morning
Images of immortal beauty clustered
about his arguments. All nature was
his storehouse. The rainbow, the sun
set the forest. the mountain, the magic
touch became messengers of beauty.
His every impulse was toward the beau
tifuI and good. The doom of the wick
ed or that there was such a thing OF
such a place as endless torment he never
mentioned. Under his matchless elo'
ouence the widow and orphan saw In
God a. husband and father-the drunkar6
I a friend. and the outcast and fallen One
who loved them. He lifted his hearers
into a diviner atmosphere. The effect
OF his words was akin to music, making
one forget ones cares and woes.
1t was strange how he stamped upon
you forever what he said. 1 remember
almost word for word sermons he preach
ed S5 years ago.
Back in the '70's he preached one night
at a Camp meeting from me words: Joint
Heirs with Christ" Many declared it the
, best sermon they ever heard. The audi
ence must have numbered at least 1900
vet every one seemed entranced. He
preached an hour, yet it seemed not hall
so long He told me that night that the
mistake and regret of his life were thai
he did not, when a young man, forsake
! all else and devote himself exclusively
to the ministry. If he had done this he
/ would have been a bishop long ago.
DR.. FELTON, was the most modest man
ever knew, yet, when aroused he never
| Jared the face of man.
/ Most of his sermons were to the plair
people, living in the country. At ole
/ Cassville stilesboro, Pine Log and Shi
] lob, for almost, if not quite so years, ht
preached sermons that would have dis
tinguished the worlds masters. He die
! this without reward or the hope there
of. In social intercourse he was mos
| pleasant always smiling, always cheer
) full He stood for a that is best in
American citizenship.
! This lxingly man, this friend and broth
/ err has gone. We shall not soon see his
| like again.
/ JAMES P. RAMSEUR-