Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

I am called to speak of the memory of a Christian Philosopher. It is a noble title, nobly won, though so few in our fallen world have deserved it. I do not feel that I am called to eulogize, but to set before you some among many virtues of a man, whom it seemed to us as if we could ill spare, out of a class from which, in this country, the loss of such a one must be long and painfully felt, because, as yet our institutions have produced, and God's mercy has granted, so few; and he especially seemed to have just ripened for effort and usefulness. We do not, to-day, think of him as a spirit in heaven, though he is there; still less do we think of him in the grave, where "the shell of the flown bird has mouldered;" but, we think of him as here; we seem to feel his presence in the spot where so many have listened to his instructions, and still are ruled by his spirit from its urn; these scenes, so familiar to him living, bring him into the midst of us this day, just as he was on earth, while absorbed in those profound meditations in which he delighted. I have said that I do not feel that I am called to eulogize, for this is needless, and the occasion demands much more; so does the memory of our departed instructor and friend. You will bear with me then, if now, not confining myself to the review of Dr. Marsh's personal and mental excellencies, I dwell, for a little space, upon some of the requisites essential to the character of a Christian philosopher. A Christian Philosopher! The highest qualities that can adorn humanity, must go to make up such a character; and yet, such a being, we say it without hesitation, and not in the spirit of eulogy, but of justice, was Dr. Marsh. And in dwelling upon these qualities, qualities of mind and opinion as well as of the heart, while I shall speak with particular reference to Dr. Marsh, I shall also speak as I should have been glad to do in his own presence, without any such reference suggested; although, as I passed along in my enumeration of particulars, every mind might say within itself, of this excellence Dr. Marsh was an example. I begin, then, this enumeration, with the very obvious and general truth, that no man can be a Christian philosopher, without being himself, by personal union with Christ, through the regenerating influences of the Holy Spirit, individually, in the New Testament sense, and not by nominal courtesy, a Christian. A second fundamental requisite in the character of a Christian philosopher is the habit of self-discipline, including especially that of self-examination. Perhaps it is of sufficient importance to mention, as a third characteristic of a Christian Philosopher, that he will take his whole being with him. He must neither leave his Christianity behind, when he goes into his philosophy, nor his philosophy behind, when he goes into his Christianity. A fourth requisite, which may be mentioned as characteristic of a Christian Philosopher, is a candid and charitable appreciation of other men's points of view, not views simply, but points of view. A Christian Philosopher has much to do with Christian Theology; but it is as a learner rather than a critic; for without doubt philosophy should always stand and serve, as a modest handmaid to Theology, and not as a superior judge.

Christianity. --- Christianity --- Biography. --- Philosophy.

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

Pilgrims (New Plymouth Colony) --- Massachusetts -- History -- New Plymouth, 1620-1691 --- Winslow --- Cheever