English fiction -- 19th century; Walker, Robert, 1710-1802
It might have been concluded that no one could thus, as it were, have
converted his body into a machine of industry for the humblest uses, and
kept his thoughts so frequently bent upon secular concerns, without
grievous injury to the more precious parts of his nature. How could the
powers of intellect thrive, or its graces be displayed, in the midst of
circumstances apparently so unfavourable, and where to the direct
cultivation of the mind, so small a portion of time was allotted? But,
in this extraordinary man, things in their nature adverse were
reconciled; his conversation was remarkable, not only for being chaste
and pure, but for the degree in which it was fervent and eloquent; his
written style was correct, simple, and animated. Nor did his
_affections_ suffer more than his intellect; he was tenderly alive to all
the duties of his pastoral office: the poor and needy “he never sent
empty away,”—the stranger was fed and refreshed in passing that
unfrequented vale—the sick were visited; and the feelings of humanity
found further exercise among the distresses and embarrassments in the
worldly estate of his neighbours, with which his talents for business
made him acquainted; and the disinterestedness, impartiality, and
uprightness which he maintained in the management of all affairs confided
to him, were virtues seldom separated in his own conscience from
religious obligations. Nor could such conduct fail to remind those who
witnessed it of a spirit nobler than law or custom: they felt convictions
which, but for such intercourse, could not have been afforded, that, as
in the practice of their pastor, there was no guile, so in his faith
there was nothing hollow; and we are warranted in believing, that upon
these occasions, selfishness, obstinacy, and discord would often give way
before the breathings of his good-will and saintly integrity. It may be
presumed also, while his humble congregation were listening to the moral
precepts which he delivered from the pulpit, and to the Christian
exhortations that they should love their neighbour as themselves, and do
as they would be done unto, that peculiar efficacy was given to the
preacher’s labours by recollections in the minds of his congregation,
that they were called upon to do no more than his own actions were daily
setting before their eyes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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