A Discourse on the Life, Character and Writings of Gulian Crommelin Verplanck Part 2

It may be said that in almost every instance the place of those who pa.s.s from the stage of life is readily supplied from among the mult.i.tude of those who are entering upon it; the well-graced actor who makes his exit is succeeded by another, who soon shows that he is as fully competent to perform the part as his predecessor. But when I look for one to supply the place of our friend who has departed, I confess I look in vain. I ask, but vainly, where we shall find one with such capacities for earning a great name, such large endowments of mind and acquisitions of study united with such modesty, disinterestedness and sincerity, and such steady and various labors for the good of our race conjoined with so little desire for the rewards which the world has to bestow on those who render it the highest services. But though we sorrow for his departure and see not how his honored place is to be filled, let us congratulate ourselves, and the community in which we live, that he was spared to us so many years. His day was like one of the finest days in the season of the summer solstice, bright, unclouded, and long.

Farewell--thou who hast already entered upon thy reward! happy in this, that thou wert not called from thy beneficent labors before the night.

Thou hadst already garnered an ample harvest; the sickle was yet in thy hand; the newly reaped sheaves lay on the field at thy side, when, as the beams of the setting sun trembled on the horizon, the voice of the Master summoned thee to thine appointed rest. May all those who are as n.o.bly endowed as thou, and who as willingly devote themselves to the service of G.o.d and mankind be spared to the world as long as thou hast been.

EVENING POST, 41 Na.s.sau St., corner Liberty.