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HALIFAX: Mkthodist Book-Room. 1881. INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. BY REV. D. D. CURUm 'HE story of a life that has been given to worthy enterprises, to noble endeavours, and that has been marked by many and varied successes, to the mind and to the heart is ever fresh and instructive. Such a life was that of Lemuel Allan Wilmot, which began in January, 1809, and reached its earthly ter- mination on the twentieth day of May, 1878. It has been deemed advisable, therefore, that a record of his busy and eventful life, and especially of his more pro- minent and important achievements, should be pre- served. Though scarcely a paragraph from the pen of the departed Judge was available to assist the author in the preparation of these pages, yet other materials Vi INTROmrCTORY SKETCH. have been within his reach.* These he has carefully and successfully utilized in the volume before us. From my earliest years, until the removal of Ju<lge Wilmot from the scenes of earth, it was my privilege to look upon him imder various circumstances and from different standpoints. When, in the town in which he lived, my boyhood years were gliding away, he was rapidly attaining prominence and popularity. He early acquired extensive fame as a barrister and as an eloquent pleader in the courts. He was then a cen- tral figure in the Legislature of New Brunswick. The memories of old electioneering campaigns, when the polls were open for sixteen days in succession, and at a later period for eight days, linger yet. Often, during these times, the wild fires of intense excitement burned fiercely enough. Though, on several occasions, violently and maliciously opposed, he was never de- feated in an election. In the militia trainings, which in the present day are almost unknown, he was a prominent actor. And in most of the moral and social enterprises of the town he was an enthusiastic leader. During the earlier part of Judge Wilmot's political * Probably no other person has liail facilities equal to ti<ose of Mr. Lathern for forming an accurate estimate of Judge Wihnot's inner-lifw and of his earnest purposes. For more than a score of years a very close intimacy existed between them. INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. Vll career these Provinces passed through an important crisis. For a half century tlie Province of New Brunswick had been under the sway of an intolerant and irresponsible family-compact Government. The statute-book was stained with enactments involving invidious distinctions, adverse to the rights and liber- ties of so-called " dissenters," and " dissenting " minis- ters. During the first fifty years of the history of New Brunswick no " dissenter " was honoured with a commission as a Justice of the Peace — except under very ordinary circumstances. In the earlier part of his political career a change was working in the public mind in these Provinces. He was the mouth-piece of his time in New Brunswick. His period furnished him with materials. There were social and political forces at work, and he was borne on by them. Behind him was a mighty impulse ; he was the man of the hour; and he was true to the call of right, and of duty, and of God. Bravely he battled for larger liberty and for "responsible government." Fiercely he was as- sailed by foul slanders of various kinds. But the principles for which he contended were triumphant ; and, for himself, he won a permanent place on the roll of his country's greatest men. Judge Wilmot possessed almost all the qualities which are indispensable to oratory of the highest merit. vin INTRODITC'TOKY SKET(1H. H His greatest defect, perhaps, was that he did not use his pen enough. Ho had a commanding presence. Ho had a rich, ringing, orotund voice, possessing great volume and strength. His memory enabled him to recall facts and incidents with great facility. His imagination was ecjual to any emergency. He was earnest, impulsive, enthusiastic. He was a master of fiery and brilliant invective ; and, when an extraordin- ary occasion demanded, could with trememlous vigour wield against an assailant the fiercest weapons of sar- casm or ridicule. He did not confine his reading and his studies to one profession or to one department of life. He rather preferred a wider range of investiga- tion and research. He had broad views of great questions. While, sometimes, there was an impulsive- ness and rashness in him, still mature deliberation led to his recognition and acknowledgement of the truth on all sides. He would listen to novel propositions, weigh them candidly, ilispassionately, and purely upon their merits. He would never contend for dogmas because they were old, nor for political parties because they were respectable. For the truth he sought. The truth he never would abandon. And, probably, if need had been at any time, he would for the truth have laid down his life. As a barrister he was accustomed to rest his argu- iNTiioinurroKY skktch. IX ments on a few Ica^linj^' jjfcneral principle.s of ri«,'lit,an«l truth, an<l juHtice, giving l)ut little attention to what he regarded as the .smaller points of his case. In political life he disliked niancriivres, side issues and flank movements ; and preferred direct asHaults, and an open battle, on a fair Held. Although these (juali- ties were sometimes not the most successful, and in- volved delay if not defeat, yet in the end with think- ing men they gave him popularity and power. And they brought victory to the cause for which he con- tended. To have been associated with Judge Wilmot as a meml)er of his Society class, as a teacher of his Sab- bath-school, and in later life as a pastor for three years of the Church in Fredericton, in which he held several important positions, is regarded by me as one of the highest privileges both of my early and mature days. During those three years he was the Lieut.- Governor of the Province. He was one of the most considerate, kindly, and sympathising church members with whom at any time it has been my privilege to be associated. No man could more easily recognize de- fects in pulpit efforts ; none could more quickly per- ceive the chief purpose of a preacher's heart ; and none would more generously make proper allowances for the difficulties with which an earnest leacher had to '! I } X INTIlODlCTiJUY SKKTCH. grapple than he. As the Superintendent of tlie Sab- bath-school, as a class-leader, as the leader of the choir, and in other positions as a church-nieinber, his fidelity, his consistency, and his gentleness, were a perpetual example and an inspiration. According to inspired Isaiah, the Lord, sometimes in judgment, gives to a wayward or a rebellious people weak men for rulers ; and, at other times, in his loving kindness, he gives " tl>e mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the elo- quent orator." Judge Wilmot was an agent raised up by the Supreme Ruler to perform an important work. The genius, the fair-mindedness, the fervour, the pathos, the Christian simplicity, and the splendour of his long and useful life, in the State and in the Church, are not memories merely, but influences, — permanent lights and forces which have helped to mould the life of many who have passed away, and which are still shaping the destinies of many now living. This book will, it is hoped, help to perpetuate not only the memory, but also the influence of that pure and noble life. ^ CONTENTS Chap. I. PERSONA I. .. *'^'"' 1 II. PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL in. JITD(}E AND CJOVERNOR.. 67 IV. CHRISTIAN LIFE AND W'OhK oo yy I "Only 1 think it well, in lives from which we wish to learn, to look out for the stroiig points ; being confident that weak ones will reveal themselves. "—^t'u. F. D. Maurice's Lecture on Edmund Burke, quoted from memory. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I. PEPtSONAL. " To such a name Preserve a broad approach of fame." — Tennyson. /^^s'HREE thousand years ago the tower of David was built for an armoury wherein were hung, in thousands, the shields of his mighty men. Like the battle-flags in Westminster Abbey, consecrated by proud historical recollections and associations, they were preserved as memorials of inspiring heroic deeds, Athenians and Spartans, after the battles of Marathon and Thermopylae, felt that they had a nobler character to sustain and a grander destiny to work out. Ancient Romans were accustomed, in their halls and homes, in statuary, to preserve the forms and features of illus- HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I: Ifi! trious ancestors ; and to them the sculptured marble was an eloquent incentive to patient endurance and reso- lute achievement. Mysterious and moulding ir.fluences, and the potent energy of example and sentim(;nt, were not limited to sacred and classic lands and races. They are common to every age, and run along the whole line of our being. " It is a homage due to departed worth, whenever it rises to such a height as to render its possessor an object of attention, to endeavour to rescue it from oblivion ; so that when it is removed from the obser- vation of men, it may still live in their memory, and transmit through the shades of the sepulchre, however faint, some reflection of its living lustre."* Amongst the most distinguished of our colonists, by common consent, was the Honourable Judge Wilmot — the subject of this sketch. " He possesses," accord- ing to contemporary and competent estimate, " brilliant powers ; and as a public speaker ranks with the most eloquent in British America." -f* There have been two groups of men — the Puritan settlers of New England and the United Empire Loy- alists — in whom we recognize the stamp of the very highest qualities of mind and manhood, and of unself- ish heroism ; and the best blood of both these classes was in his veins. By one line of lineage he was of direct descent from the men who first touched Ply- mouth Rork : " I traced my ancestry," he said, " to those who lanH'^'^ on the shores of New England in * Rt • iiall. fN. A. Review. PERSONAL. 3 the Mayfloiver." He was also a descendant of the United Empire Loyalists — those heroic men and women, exiles of the Revolution, who, feeling that they could not sever themselves from the traditions and flag of their own proud nationality, from the un- broken forests of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario, undauntedly hewed homes for themselves and their children ; and again, as with the Pilgrim Fathers, "The sounding iiislcs of the dim woods rang To the anthem of the free." " Our United Empire Loyalists ke})t their loyalty during seven long years of conflict and suffering ; and that loyalty, with courage and enterprise, and under toils and privations unsurpassed in human history, sought a refuge and a home in the wilderness of Canada, felled the forests of our country, and laid the foundations of its freedom and prosperity."* The vital principle of attachment to the laws and institutions of the land in which we live, veneration for a constitution and government that guarantee the fullest measure and perpetuity of civil and religious freedom, the healthy glow of race and nationality, and of proud ancestral achievement, with deeply cherished traditions and convictions, became the most potent moulding force in many a loyalist's colonial home. From the ardent patriotism by which L. A. W. was always distinguished, it might almost seem as if the Dr. E. Ryerson, vol. II., pp. 449. HON. JUDGE WILMOT. spirit of all the Loyalist race had come to him as a rich ancestral dower. Lemuel Allan Wilmot was born January 31st, 1809. His native place was Sunbury, on the St. John River, the first home of many Loyalist families in the Province of New Brunswick. He was a son of William Wilmot, Esq., member of the Legislative Assembly, and grandson of Major Lemuel Wilmot,* formerly of the Loyal American Regiment, who settled in the Forest Province. Colonel Murray, known to the older residents of St. John, grandfather of Hon. R. L. Hazen, of whom a fine oil painting, by Copley, is preserved in the Hazen branch of the family, was the great-grandfather of Hon. L. A. Wilmot. The gallant colonel was on the Royalist side in the revolutionary war, which by all Loyalists was regarded as rebellion. He had, on one occasion, a narrow escape from capture by Colonial troops. Foiled in their search, a bayonet was run through his portrait — the gash of which can still be seen. * The first instalment of Loyalists reached St. John — then Parr'a Town, chiefly covered with scraggy spruce and swamp — May, 1783. About five thousand, and amongst them Major Lemuel Wilmot, landed that summer at the same place. They mostly settled along the banks of the St. John River, as far up as the mouth of the Nashwaak. The opposite point, where Fredericton now stands, and which was scarcely reached by the first wave of immigration, was known as St. Ann's. There still stood the forest primeval. The whole country was known as Sunbury, county of Nova Scotia. In November, 1784, the Province of New Brunswick was proclaimed, and the first Government organized, by Colonel Thomas Carleton, brother of Sir Guy. PERSONAL. The mother of Mr. Wilmot, sister of the late Judge Bliss, died when he was only eighteen months old. She was a lady of very superior intelligence, cultured mind and taste, and of pure and noble worth of charac- ter. He often touchingly alluded to the fact that he had never known, in his own life, the tenderness and sweetness of a mother's love ; but, in her early depar- ture from earth, felt that there had come to him a rich legacy of affectionate and prayerful solicitude. There is good reason to believe that varied and brilliant quali- ties were in a measure hereditary. Through several of its gifted members the family with which maternally he was connected claimed considerable distinction. His f tether, of whom it has been said that from memory he could recite the whole of Dr. Watts' hymns, was a hymnodist before the days of hymnology ; and in this fact may be found an explanation of the poetic taste of his more gifted son. The earliest fact of L. A. Wilmot's boyhood which has come under notice was attendance at Gov- ernment House, for the purpose of receiving instruc- tion in music and singing, with a view to service in the choir of Christ Church. He was trained personally by Lieutenant-Governor Smythe. The early advan- tage thus afforded was doubtless an important contri- bution to the cultivation of gifts that were afterwards nobly '!-*nsecrated to the service of the Church. Before entering college, while habits of life were in their first formative process, Lemuel was sent to reiide for a time in a purely French community. 6 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. ! I The primitive simplicity, gentle and truthful manners of the habitants had for him a special charm ; and, from natural temperament, he was peculiarly suscep- tible to influences with which he was now in close and constant contact. To the last there were vivacity of speech and animation of gesture that may in part have been due to the mouldinor force of life at Madawaska. During that time he heard and spoke only one lan- guage; and, if not for purity of style, for the excellence attained in its use, and for ease and flow of expression, he may have been indebted to that early educational advantage. It has been mentioned by a gentleman of distinguished professional eminence, who accompanied him on a visit to Laval University, that priest and professor were charmed with their visitor ; and that, conversing in French, there was all the ease, fluency and vivacity of one " to the manner born." The University College at Fredericton aflforded valuable educational facilities. In his collegiate course he earned the reputation of a diligent and successful student. The Greek and Latin Epics, the Iliad of Homer and the ^neid of Virgil, which he is said to have read with exact and pure accent and quantity and smoothness of elocution, were a source of unmingled mental gratification. He also achieved the then scarcely less coveted and reputable distinction of being " the best swimmer, skater, runner, wrestler, boatman, drill-master, speaker and musician" of the time. From his Alma Mater, on which his eminent career reflected lustre, he subsequently received the honorary degree PERSONAL. 7 of D.C.L. In 1834, having but recently been admitted to the Bar, he was enthusiastically elected to the House of Assembly, and was for many years the leader of the Liberal party.* In 1844 he became a member of the Executive Council ; and for three years, from 1848, was Attorney-General and Premier of the Province. He "attended, with Sir Edmund Head, a meeting of the Canadian Government at Toronto on colonial ques- tions ; and again, at Halifax, of the Governments of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, on the subject of collegiate reform. In 1849 he consolidated the criminal laws of the Province ; and in 1850, the laws relating to towns, counties and parishes."*|* In 1851 he was appointed one of the Judges of the Supreme Court ; and under the Act for the Federation of the Colonies into the Dominion of Canada, 1868, in recognition of valuable public services, and of com- manding and conspicuous qualities of intellect and character, was made the first Lieutenant-Governor of his native Province. He was also, in association with Palmerston, Gladstone, and other eminent men, a Vice- * Through courtesy of J. W. Lawrence, Esq., of St. John, as these pages are passing through the press, several dates have been commu- nicated : L. A. Wilmot " was admitted attorney, 1830 ; banister, 1832; elected Tor York County, on death of Wm. Taylor, June 16, 1834 ; delegate to England shortly after ; Attorney -General, on death of Hon. C. J. Peters, May 24, 1848 ; delegate to Portland K. R. Convention, 1850 ; candidate for last time, 1850 ; aiipointed Judge, on resignation of Chief Justice Chipraan, and elevation of Judge Carter, January 8, 1851." t Vide "Parliamentary Companion." 8 HON. JUDOE WILMOT. President of one of the leading British institutions ; successor of the Rt. Hon. Mr. Childers, M.P., on the Prince Edward Island Land Commission ; a member of the University Senate, and gave much time and thought to the promotion of educational interests. Another department of public service, to which great importance was attached, and in which brilliant distinction was achieved, claims a fuller notice. He was Lieutenant-Colonel of Militia, and always found time for efficient drill. Considering the enthusiasm carried into all military exercises, it would not have been surprising had he adopted that profession. A very natural remark of a Governor-General, en a visit to Fredericton, received with military honours, was that " he must have missed his calling, and should have taken to the sword rather than the gown." With the bearing of a superb cavalry officer, and a voice which on parade ground rang out like the blast of a bugle, he had all the qualities needed for command. Militia training days, of which we hear nothing now, were then greatly in vogue in Fredericton. They were the gala days of the capital and surrounding country. The old spirit of the Loyalist was then fully awake. The national banner was proudly unfurled- A band of music poured forth martial and popular strains. The carriages of official and aristocratic fami- lies rolled grandly through the streets. For special celebration an ox was roasted on the open square or adjoining field, and it mended the cheer of the day. The rank and file of militia carried their old-fashioned and PERSONAL. 9 clumsy muskets. But the cavalry, in showy uniform and immense helmets, as they dashed from point to point,made a grand impression; and even their chargers, some of which had recently been released from dray or plough, showed to good advantage on that holiday parade. For the admiration of spectators, the rifles in green were rivals of the horsemen. But the artillery, stationed on the bank of the river, excited the keenest interest. Their operations looked like real war. The boom of cannon sounded as the roar of battle. The excitement culminated when, in mimic warfare, they had to defend their guns from a sudden onslaught of troopers. A sham fight on one occasion was arranged between the militia and regular soldiers of the garri- son. In memory of a great battle fought over again on that day, the place of conflict, a little below the Cathedral, has ever since been named " Salamanca."* In all militia movements L. A. Wilmot took a prominent part. He was, in later years. Colonel of the 1st York Battalion. He raised and commanded a troop of volunteer dragoons, that performed dispatch duty pending border difficulties, 1838-9. Communica- tion was thus ensured between the capital and the frontier; and, at the same time, precautions were taken for the rapid blockade of any forest path through which a hostile force might seek to advance. He also organized and commanded a troop of dragoons for escort duty to the Prince of Wales on his visit to this " Reminiscences of an Old Inhabitant," in Reporter, Dec. Ist, 1880. 10 HON. JUDfSE WILMOT. country in 18G0. The service was rendered in a style tliat challenged general admiration ; and the Lieu- tenant-Colonel received, in the most cordial and grati- fying form, the thanks of His Royal Highness. A cavalry corps trained by him was for a long time the pride of the city, and two men of that corps became afterwards colonels of cavalry in the arniy of th6 United States. " The ex-Governor may be said to have been a public man all his life, for he had scarcely left the student's desk in the law office of Mr. Putnam, before the County of York elected him to a seat in the House of Assembly, and he at once gave evidence of that brilliancy of talent which made him conspicuous throughout the course of a very eventful career. He will ever be regarded as a most prominent figure in the political history of his country, and posterity never can thank him enough for the part he took in securing civil rights and liberties. These days were days of struggle that the present generation knows little about, and the Judge was always in the front of the fight. The seclusion of the Bench did not remove him from the eyes of the public, as he continued prominent as a lecturer and orator, and some of the best and finest efforts of his life were made during the years he wore the judicial ermine. Take him all in all, our country, perhaps, has never produced his counterpart. Of wonderful versatility, eloquent and mighty in speech, scathing and withering in sarcasm, sparkling, humorous and magnetic in conversation, the lamented ex-Gov- PERSONAL. 11 ernor seemed to stand one by himself. Before and since his death Royal honours have been heaped upon Canadians not half as much entitled to them for what they did for their country as he, and no provincialistever more deserved a public monument at the hands of his countrymen. The illustrious part he took in the advo- cacy and accomplishment of Responsible Government alone entitles him to such a monumental recognition. If Judge Wilmot had been an American citizen, such a monument would long since have been erected to his memory, side by side with Daniel Webster and Henry Clay, either in Central Park, New York, or oa Boston Common."* It rarely falls to the lot of any distinguished colonist to act the varied part, or to discharge the mul- tifarious duties, which devolved upon Hon. L. A. Wilmot. Yet, such was the splendour and versatility of gifts and of genius, that in each appearance upon the stage of public action, and through successive scenes, the impression produced upon spectators was generally that of signal and special qualification. But the highest fame achieved, in which he can scarcely be said to have had any successor, is mainly due to an extraordinary gift and power of eloquence. He had the advantage of a commanding personal presence — un- failing resource of speech, adequate to the widest range of political discussion — the instincts and intuitions of genuine statesmanship — readiness in debate and apti- l I; i Frccleridon lieportcr. mi 12 HON. JUDGE VVILMOT. tude of reply — ability at will to wield a polished weapon of satire — a brilliant wit, which, like the harm- less summer lightning, for mere amusement, played around the subject, or, in moments of intensity, gleamed forth with sudden and scathing stroke — a magnificent voice, in lightest whisper audible to any assembly, and in impassioned declamation rolling into thunder-peal. These were amongst the important qualifications which, in any arena of statesmen and parliamentary orators, ordinarily conmiand proud distinction and ensure ac- knowledged success. By gentlemen who listened to his great speeches in the Provincial Assembly— in conten- tion for constitutional liberty and the overthrow of monopoly — familiar with debates in the English House of Commons, it has been asserted that never, accord- ing to their judgment, had his greater efibrts been sur- passed. Where upon the bright roll of fame shall the name of L. A. Wilmot find permanent record ? Can we challenge for him high and honourable rank amongst the great and most gifted men of his country and time ? The reply may be found in answer to other questions germane to the subject. By what acknowledged standard must the value of life and life- work be determined ? What is the correct criterion of greatness or of genius ? Is it mental power ? moral worth ? commanding influence ? In what fineness or purity of mold must the cast of such mind have been taken ? Is it essential to our ideal of greatness that elements of inventive and constructive genius should combine in given measure and equal proportion ? PERSONAL. 13 Ought affinities of mind and character to be of a nature sufficiently powerful to control and crystallize the active and moving forces and influences with which they may be brought into contact ? Is it an indis- pensable condition, that thrown to the front, when mediocrity sinks back to obscurity, he shall prove equal to the occasion ? Should not the mission of such a life be signalized in deepening the channels of human thought and broadening the boundaries of freedom ? Must not a prominent actor in a social and political revolution put the permanent stamp and impress of his mind upon the place and period in wh^ch he lives ? There have been few public men who, on the whole, had less reason to fear the application of searching, stringent test than had the leader of political reform in the Province of New Brunswick. In the old days of brilliant political debate, while the glamour of elo- quence was still over the vision of admirers, few would have doubted the validity of his claim to an enduring distinction. The great work of his public life, however, and that by which its special value and permanent status must be tested and determined, has yet to be indicated. Were chiselled column or niche in trophied temple needed for national commemoration, it might be appropriately inscribed : ExeciUive Responsibility. That great harmonizing principle of constitutional government, impressed upon the institutions of his country, carries with it an imperishable record : " A lite ill civic action warni ; A soul on highest mission sent ; A potent voi(;p in Parlinnient ; A pillar steadfast in the storm." . ' ' I I". 14 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I ill I 1^ In the course of this sketch, brief passages have been culled from available published reports. These specimens of eloquence have been reproduced, on this memorial page, under considerable sense of restraint. One cannot but feel, from the force of concurrent testimony, that they convey but a poor idea of the living orator, of the thunder that shook the Legislative Hall, and of powerful appeals that roused listening crowds to sympathetic action. Reports of political speeches, as they appeared in Provincial papers of that time, at the very best were meagre and unsatisfactory. In the case of L. A. Wilmot, copiousness of style and fluency of utterance constituted a special difficulty. Expansion and amplification are essential to the suc- cess of popular or parliamentary oratory. When these were mentioned as defects in the style of Pitt, the great Commoner claimed that " every person who addressed a public assembly, and w^as anxious to make an impression on particular points, must either be copious on some points, or repeat them, and copious- ness is to be preferred to repetition." Mr. Wilmot had the advantage of an opulent vocabulary. His oratory had qualities of expansion ; and in this fact, as well as in that spell of speech which few reporters could resist, may be found an explanation of printed meagre- ness. Fragments of speeches, such as have been pre- served, are quite likely to furnish as accurate an idea of an unknown writer's composition as of the affluent style and pure diction of the honourable member to whom they are assigned. PERSONAL. 15 My own acquaintance with the Honourable Judge Wihnot dates back to the closing part of the year 1855. By Dr. Beechaiii of London, who in a recent visit to the Eastern Pro\ nces had made his acquaint- ance, he was spoken of in the most appreciative manner ; and, in accordance with that competent and exalted estimate, a very high anticipation had been cherished. After a first cold sleigh-drive from the city of St. John — every incident of which has been inde- libly impressed upon the recollection of that period, then recently arrived from England — a cordial wel- come was received at Evelyn Grove. The Judge was then in the golden prime of life. Tall and straight in form, of light elastic step and graceful attitude — a rapid, searching glance — keen, restless, flashing eye — exquisitely chiselled features — a lofty forehead, firndy compressed lips, indicative of resolute purpose — a com- manding presence and beaming kindliness of manner, accompanied by a ceaseless flow of sparkling speech, made up a most impressive and fascinating ^^ev'soTiiJc/. In the adnurably executed likeness by which this volume is acconqianied, his personal appearance as delineated will be readily recognized. But it will also be apparent to all who were long acquainted with the subject, that the portrait belongs to a period of which it is said that "the almond tree shall flourish." There are the beauty and the blossoming of ripe and venerable years. Ad^•ancing age and excessive severity of nerve-pain wrought a marked change during the last decade of life. In any public efJbrt that might be m Ik T 16 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. i ^i- attempted, instead of former vigour and elasticity, there was rapid exhaustion of strength ; and, as the consequence, sometimes a good deal of subsequent suffering. The voice, once round, full, sonorous, be- came lighter and thinner in its range and volume. The eye, though not dim, scarcely sparkled with its old light and fire. There were some other signs, not to be mistaken, of growing physical feebleness. But still the likeness is an accurate and a speaking one ; and, vastly more than mere description, it is eloquent in expression. Beautiful glow and benignity of countenance, well brought out and retained in the work of the artist, are a true and faithful index to commanding qualities of mind and of character. As in the reflection of a glowing lamp, through a delicate and transparent vase, a pure light sufi'uses and softly rests upon the finely-moulded features. But in earlier years, and in the eager excitement of political or of professional contest, there was a mobility of face that marvellously corresponded with restless mental activity, and with changeful moods of the moment. The brow, which seems placid and serene as the summer morning, would then at times gather to a cloud. In denunciation of wrong, of injustice, or of falsehood, there was a well- remembered expression that darkened into the severity of strong indignation. Retirement from the arena of politics at the time of that visit referred to, release from professional business pressure, and easy competence secured by his elevation to the Bench, afforded opportunity for the PERSONAL. 17 nd elasticity, ; and, as the • subsequent sonorous, be- and volume, d with its old ^ns, not to be But still the ; and, vastly in expression, benance, well of the artist, iing qualities eflection of a transparent sts upon the jrears, and in professional marvellously ty, and with 3row, which rning, would lunciation of was a well- the severity itics at the professional jured bv his nity for the :i gratification of horticultural and literary tastes ; and, such was the activity of mental constitution, exuber- ance of temperament and fluency of utterance, that all the passionate purposes and governing impulses of life were at once revealed. Never, has it sometimes seemed, was tliere such lavish expenditure of intellectual re- source, and of wealth of conversation, as on those days of delightful and profitable intercourse. Then was mooted for the first time, as far as my acquaintance with the subject was concerned, the idea of a British American Federation to comprise all the Provinces from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and AcndiawsLS the name suggested for the new nationality. There was also the more magnificent conception of an Imperial union. He believed, with Lord Durham, that "the British Colonies were like foreign nations to each other with- out any of the benefits of diplomatic association." But with Canada, Australia, India, and all the other Colonies united to each other, bound firmly to the Mother Country, constituting an Empire to comprise all British dominions, through which should course the same pulsation of constitutional life, over which should wave the same time-honoured national banner, there would be guarantee of security — for no part could with impunity be attacked ; and there would be sub- stantial economical advantages, for Imperial policy would be shaped with a view to the conservation and promotion of all varied interests. One of those pro- jects, though at the time deemed a little visionary, has I ill ,1 I' : ! 1 J) i 18 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. 'iil; i u already become an accomplished fact. What of the possibilities of the Imperial idea ? From that time, in past'^ al relation, while sta- tioned in the city of Fredericton, in frequent visits, in closely confidential friendship, in unbroken correspon- dence through all the years between, there has been opportunity afforded for forming an estimate of his life and character. That there were impulses, by which at times he was borne along into imprudent courses, was only too plain and a matter of regret to his best friends ; but these defects, almost inseparable from the intensity and natural impetuosity of his character, were all upon the surface. Those who knew him best could most readily excuse an imprudence of impulse, and could best appreciate the genuine worth and the nobleness of soul by which he was always distinguished. In view of his representative character as a distin- guished colonist ; the rare and splendid gifts by which he was so richly endowed, the wide space which for a lifetime he filled in the eyes of the community ; the influential and responsible positions which long and honourably he occupied ; the forty years of continuous service in discharge of political, judicial, and govern- mental duties ; the high-toned principle uniformly exhibited through the whole of his public career ; the consistency of his course and character through a protr£i3tP:d and sometimes stormy life ; the extent to whicli many young men, now widely scattered, were influenced by his generous impulses, intense enthusi- PERSONAL. 19 What of the Q, while sta- aent visits, in en corrcspon- lere has been timate of his impulses, by ito imprudent : of regret to 5t inseparable uosity of his lose who knew mprudence of ;enuine worth le was always ber as a distin- rifts by which !e which for a nmunity ; the hich long and of continuous and govern- ple uniformly lie career ; the ter through a the extent to cattered, were \ tense enthusi asm, burning words, and deeds of noble, beautiful worth ; for the sake of still greater good, it has been much desired that there should be permanence and perpetuation of influence and of soul-stirring memories. " One of the noblest characters in colonial annals is that of the late Judge Wilmot. As a statesman, a patriot, and a Christian, he was a man of shining mark. He had a cultured literary taste, and was a ready and forcible speaker, rising at times into a commanding eloquence of style. He was a man of tall and noble presence, of mobile intellectual features lit up with keen bright eyes. Amid the political conflicts of great constitutional crises, in which he was the foremost leader, he held high his name and fame, unaspersed even by the rancour of party strife. He was at once a great liberal leader, who guided his country into an era of constitutional liberty, and a man of staunchest loyalty to the person and crown of his sovereign. More than any man we ever met, he realized our ideal of the gallant Bayard, ^^iweux chevalier — without fear and without reproach. He possessed in a remarkable degree the magic gift of successful leadership — the power of inspiring confldence, enthusiasm, and devo- tion in his followers and associates. No history of his native country can be complete which does not devote a large space to his work and influence. It is, there- fore, especially beseeming that on his removal from the busy stage on which he has played so grand a part, the story of his life should be recorded, and its lessons J* 20 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. gathered up as a permanent legacy for his Church and country. So many-sided was this life, through so many channels did it pour its influence, that it is only by looking at it from various aspects, and tracing these various channels, that one gets an adequate idea of its grand synmietry and multifarious activity."* * Editor Canadian Methodist Magazine. .V 11. PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. " That noble figure, every look of whose countenance is expressive, every motion of whose form is graceful, an eye that sparkles and pierces, and almost assures victoiy, while it speaks audience ere the tongue ! " —Brougham. •N 1832, L. A. Wilmot— the initial letters of whose name formed the word Law, and often in that style used for signature — having suc- cessfully and satisfactorily completed the requisite course of preliminary study, was admitted to the Bar of New Brunswick, and in 1838 was created Queen's Counsel. It must not be supposed that, with all his brilliant gifts and splendid endowments, he could with- out difficulty conquer success. Though afterwards one of the most fluent of speakers, endowed with all the natural attributes of a consummate orator, and every grace of style and attitude, yet as a student, singularly enough, for a time he had to contend with impediment of speech. "What! you," his father is reported to have said, in reference to an early expression of preference for the legal profession, " with a stammering tongue, aspire to the dignity of a pleader ! " But from the .1^ m 22 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. first there was the consciousness of power ; and, if he could not be a Demosthenes, undaunted by an obstacle overcome by the most renowned of all orators, he aimed at the very highest distinctions of his chosen profession. " There is no royal road to learning," he said, years afterwards, in one of his brief but brilliant Encenia addresses. " We speak not of the Empire, but of the Republic of letters. In this domain there are no here- ditary honours. Distinctions can only be achieved by individual effort. Each competitor must win and wear." On that and similar occasions, in the same strain, he no doubt spoke from remembrance of early obstacles overcome by assiduous application. " With whatever faculties," says an eminent writer, " we are born, and to whatever studies our genius may direct us, studies they must still be. I am persuaded that Milton did not write his Paradise Lost, nor Homer his Iliad, nor Newton his Principia, without intense labour : Some will lead to courts, and some to camps ; To Senates some : but, whatever the pathway of life may be, and what- ever profession may have the preference, only by patient and laborious pursuit can the summit of ex- cellence be attained." The popularity which L. A. Wilmot achieved as a pleader was of a most unique and exciting character. In that lordly arena, where justice presides, the gifted and brilliant men who have coveted and contended for professional pre-eminence and distinction have not been PROFESSIONAI, AND POMTICAL. 23 few ; but his influence with juries was more extraordi- nary, and his success in pleading more splendid, than that of any lawyer who up to that time had practised at the New Brunswick bar. The magnetism of noble and graceful personal presence ; the tire, force and un- rivalled felicity of forensic eloquence ; the versatility and daring of genius ; the faculty of cleaving a way straight to the core of the subject ; a pathos which thrilled, melted and subdued ; mastery of potent in- vective and power of terrific exposure, which, when concentrated into scornful and indignant denunciation of a mean and contemptible action, gleamed and scathed like forked lightning and rankled like a barbed arrow, were employed according to the exigencies of the case. They were all calculated to enforce legal argument, and to ensure a verdict in favour of his client. The fact has frequently been mentioned that during his practice at the bar he rarely lost a case. The very atmosphere of court, at other times serene and severely judicial, became charged with the electricity of his spirit and speeches ; and, for the most grave and dignified Judge, it was not always easy to prevent or suppress demon- stration of popular feeling, thrilled and moved by re- sistless eloquence, to sympathy or indignant scorn. " As an advocate at the Bar," says the writer of a brief sketch in a Boston paper, a valuable reminiscence, "few in any country could surpass him. The Court was full when it was known that Wilmot had a case. He scented a fraud or falsehood from afar. He heard its gentlest mo- tions. He pursued it like an Indian hunter. If it bur- 24 HON. JUDfJE \VILM(»T, rowed he dragged it forth, and lield it up wriggling to the gaze and scorn of the Court. When lie drew his tall form up before a jury, fixed his black, piercing eyes upon them, moved those rapid hands and pointed that pistol finger, and poured out his argument and made his appeal with glowing, burning eloquence, few jurors could resist him." There was nothing melodramatic in his style or mental constitution ; but not unf requently prompted by an impulse or intuition that the most consummate actor might have envied, but which with- out a measure of the same genius it would have been dangerous to attempt an imitation, by a shrug of the shoulder, facial expression, mimicry, or some tragic tone, he would dexterously and successfully enforce argument, cover retreat, or foil an opponent. The secret of Mr. Wilmot's superb success at the bar, and the influence which he wielded over almost any class of men that could be empanelled, marvellous as it seemed and almost magical to the crowds that thronged the trial-scenes, is not far to seek. It was mainly to be found in that quality of oratorical eflPort which, born of the immediate occasion, .somewhat ex- cessive in embellishment and with not a few defects, overmasters critical faculty, and achieves its purpose. In dialectic skill and deep legal lore, during years of practice, he doubtless encountered many a formidable rival. But, in overwhelming force of appeal, and that subtle sensibility of feeling which suffuses the speech, evokes deep human sympathy, to which every mind is strangely responsive, there wbs an indisputable su- PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. zn ling to liis tall ig eyes ed that i made r jurors ramatic quently 18 most h with- Id have ihrug of le tragic enforce at the almost Irvellous ds that It was \ effort Ihat ex- defects, >urpose. ^^ears of iiidable Ind that speech, mind ible su- premacy. Tliat oratory of tlu* Kar was ornato or cino- tioiuil as tin; suhjcct r('(|uir(.'d. Soiiictinics profcssioiiul ('\i<^^«'neii's call«'d foi- scvoiity of ('X})i'('ssi()n. Tlic weapon wliicli lie wielded was slmrp as well as pol- new when to strip away Oied and li'litter il< isned and i;liltenn;ji'. lie Knew wiien lo strip mere rhetorical decoration and to use the naked edge. There was then plain and pointed Saxon [)hi-ase A spade was a spade. Rolxrt Flail's pitd'eience for IHCi'cc, to "penetrate," was commended as an ideal and law of terse and incisive speech. Legal .siihtleties were not pei'iiiitted to per})lex the minds of juiynien. Only salient points were brought into prominent view. If hored hy bewildering cv^st^s•, from the opposite .side, there was forensic Ha.sh which shot athwart the' dreary maze : " A countless niymd of pieccHlent , That wiMeriu'.'is of single in.stances," known as Eiiii'lish common law. An incident of the Northei'n Ciicuit, without refer- ence to any name, may be mentioned as illusti-ative of ingenuity and ready tact in professional emergency. The case was one of very considerable impoi'tance and involving lai'ge values. It was not in his judgment a promisino- one for his clients. In reuard to the sub- stantial meiits of the mattei* in dispute he iia<] no doubt. In a Court of E(piity the righteousness of the claim C(mld have l)een fairlv established; but on tech- nical grounds, ov because the lettci' of the law was ad- N'erse, he scarcely hoped for a venlict. There aus a point upon which, as a pivot, the )>roceedings would 1: m ■ii 3 ;>!( 26 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. turn, and which would probably determine the result. Complication warranted resort to stratagem. The opposite counsel was a gentleman of great legal ability and acumen, but occasionally hampered by an unfor- tunate impediment of speech. The jury were assured that his learned friend on the other side was eminently upright an(' conscientious. Whenever this \'ital point was reached — made so palpable to the jury that none could mistake it — he would be sure to show signs of embarrassment. The prediction was soon fulfilled. In sight of the bird the fowler had set tlie snare. But how to avoid it was the perplexity. There was mani- fest trepidity, and consequently defective articulation. A titter of anmsement could not be suppressed. Con- fusion became worse confounded ; until, on that side, there was a complete break-down, and Mr. Wilmot gained the suit. At that time, in the .sister Province of Nova Scotia, there were such lawyers as Stewart, Archibald and Johnson. Their legal skill and eloc^uence were the pride of their country, and would probably have com- manded distinction at the British Bar. It was not an unusual thing in New Brunswick, when any case of great importance was pending, to obtain the advocacy and assistance of one or more of those distinguished barristers. Nothing succeeds liKe success. The simple prestige of their names was almost sufficient to ensure the result. When L. A. Wilmot began to make his way up to professional eminence, and his influence felt at the Bar, there awaited him the ordeal of rivalry with PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 27 these formidable competitors. It was only, however, in the keenest contest that the qualities that he pos- sessed blazed out in all their splendoui*. That was a proud day for the profession in New Brunswick when, at fair tournament, he snatched the laurel wreath of success. And never at knightly tilt or the pride of feudal magnificence, where, amidst Hash of gleaming steel and the glancing light of beauty, prizes were won and awarded, were there more eager spectators than on that occasion. When the forensic duel had been honour- ably fought, the case was connnitted to the jury. For a space, the Court adjourned. In the meantime, leading counsel on either side, on whom chiefiy centred the excitement of the fray, returned to the hotel and re- tired for the night. But their slun^ 'rs were effectu- ally disturbed by a loud legal hurrah. Junior members of the profession, cognizant of the decision, were dis- posed to make the most of their triumph. From that time the necessity for such importation has no longer existed. The mantle of the eloquent advocate has successively fallen upon many memVjers of the same honourable profession in that Province. Early in life Mr. Wilmot began to take part in the discussion of public questions. It has been told when, in response to an urgent call from the electors, he first took his stand upon the hustings, a gentleman of the I'uling class rode up to the crowd. Counting upon sympathy as a matter of course, in deference to estab- lished order and as evidence of loyalty, the haughty official demanded that they should pull Wilmot down. 1 ■Ml I hi i : ;!•) HON. JUDGE WILMOT. J; He would become Attorney-General of the Province ! The sneer was as a spark of gunpowder to a train already pi'epared, and the signal for an unexpected explosion. Lemuel Allan Wilmot, in person as com- manding as in mental (qualities, drawing himself up to his full height, throwing the glove fiom his liand, began a ventilation of ptiblic (|uestions in a manner to which the people had been little accustomed. The burst of indignant elocjuence, of denunciation, an<l of patiiotic appeal, was received by the crow<l with timndering ap- plause. " A champion of the rights of the people now appeared, who was destined to lead his country into the enjoyment of constitutional libei'ty."* From that day he was looked upon as the tribune of the people and the representative of popular rights. At an age when most men aspiring to prominent position would still be ranking as students, by " the irresistible voice " of York electors, he was sunniioned into political life. By acclamation, unprecedented in the annals of the county, on July 31st, 1884, he was chosen member for the House of Assembly. Parliament was soon after dissolved. But at the general election which followed, in December of that jear, by the same intluential con stituency he was leturned at the head of the poll. They were stirring times in which L. A. Wilmot made his entrance into public life. In Upper Canada, where for a time collision between established conser- vatism and the spirit of progress had threatened anarchy to the country, the cause of constitutional re- * History of Canada: Rev. W. H. Withrow. PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 29 form was steadily moving to victory. In Nova Scotia the Legislatui'c could boast a splendid galaxy of names, not pi'oportionately surpassed in the annals of any Colony. The struggle for responsil>le government was soon, in one of its phases, to connnence in the famous Howe libel case. Beneath the a^tris of the British Constitution there was no pidloch for lips elo([uent in advocacy of progress and liberal principles. In Great Britain a condition of almost chronic dissatisfaction and of threatened revolution, under the able leadership of Grey, Russell, Brougham, and others of scarcely less celebrity, had been signalized by the inauguiation of a new and nobler ei-a in liberal and progi-essive legisla- tion. The Reform Bill belongs to that period. What statesmen of the time were doing and daring in the cause of national and political progress and freedom, through other parts of the Empire, the pati'iotic mem- ber for York was euuilous to attempt and achieve for his native Province. " His political pi-inciples," he said, in a later speech. " were not of yesterday. He had (/lefined them from the hii^torij of Aj's count)'}/ — a country they were all i)roud to own. Would any honourable meudjer dare to tell liim that because they were three thousand miles away from the heart of the British Empire, the blood of freemen should not How thi'ough the v^eins of sons of New Brunswick ? " The entrance of L. A. Wilmot into the parliamentary arena, at that particular period, constituted an epoch in the annals of the New Brunswick Legislature. " As a debater he was for many years the chief attraction m ! -J IT" h 30 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. of the House of Assembly. With imposing person, large forehead, handsome features, and keen eagle eye ; with ready wit, cutting sarcasm, (juick intuitions, en- thusiastic declamation, a hearty sympathy with every- thing generous and good, and with scorn and hatred of every form of wrong, he wielded a potent influence."* In parliamentary discussion he was a generous and honourable opponent. He only asked from others that which in return he was always prepared to give — a fair field and no favour. He was accustomed, l>y a single fearless bound, to plunge into the thickest of the fray. No considei-ation or claim of conventional custom ever prevented him from striking to the very heart of the question. The success of sheer artifice would not satisfy ; and, in preference to flank move- ment, he generally faced the foe to the front of posi- tion. But he also wielded a keen-edged weapon of sarcasm ; aud, instead of elaborate speech, sometimes gained his point by a single dexterous stroke. Having occasion to expose groundless pretence, in mei'ciless burlesque, and mannei- that was simply inimitable, there was Esop's fly that sat upon the axle-wheel of the chariot and said, " What a dust do I rai.-^c 1 " The House of Assembly, in which for the first time Mr. Wilmot took his seat, met January 20th, 18.35. The next day notice was given that he would call the attention of honourable meml)ers to the subject, then of international magnitude and importance, of the Boundary Line between the Province of New Bruns- * Zion'a Herald, Boston. PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 81 wick and the State of Maine. The time for in extenso reports of parliamentary speeches, and the enterprise of journalism now so conspicuous, had not yet come. But the measure of influence which, from the com- mencement, lie wielded in that Assembly may be inferred from the boldness and vigour of tone in the discussion of constitutional questions — from extraordinary appoint- ment on successive delegations to represent the House, of which he was the most youthful member, and which comprised a nund)er of able and experienced politicians, in negotiation with the British Gf)vernment on weighty matte vs of Provincial policy and of executive admin- isti'ation— from the fact, apparent from the official records of those years, that his name finds prominent })lace on nearly every important parliamentary com- mittee. Renewed attempts on the part of the Crown to es- tablish a land-royalty, in tiie shape of Quit Rents, then a vexed a.id 1)urning question through the country, the agitation of which had engendered great bitterness in the constituency of York, necessarily occupied much of tlie attention and time of the House of Assembly. The leservation had l)een regarded, in the first place, as simply an acknowledgment of sovei'eignty in the lands n-raiited. The claim had long been sufiered to riMiiain dormant ; and, in transfers of lands between individuals, the original reserve was no longer deemed an encund»rance. The determinaticm to enforce pay- ment W(mld, it was believed, create widespread con- fusion, litigation, dissatisfaction, and distress. The . I '',■■ 32 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. fearless iitteraiu'es of L. A. Wilmot, and his eai'nest and cloijuent portiayal of tlie liai'dsliips wliicli, without any coricsponding advantage, enfort'enient of this claim wonl<l produce, especially upon the poorer settlers, and the "dismay" which woidd spread through the land, were ample fulhhiieni of p.evious pledges to his con- stitutents ; and tlic County of York was wannly congivatulated " on 1 iie choici; of a repi-esentative so able and willing to protect tlie interests of the people." J)uiing the parliamer L-ary session of 188(5, Mr. Wilmot moved an address to Uu (jro\'ernor for a de- tailed account of the Ci own Land fuiid. Sir Archibald Camp1»ell, who had great aversion to the principles and progress of popular reform, and rathci tiiKU submit ultimately resigned, sent down a mere general state- ment. The mover of the address was appointed on a nnssion to Englan<l.* The immediate object of the delegati(jn, then an extraoi'linary event in colonial history, was to obtain foi" the '-epresentative Assendily the control of Crown Land rights and revenues — the main spoke in the wheel of compact .administration — and to make the voice of the Reform ])artv heard at the foot of th(? throne. * Witli Mr. Wilmot, a vmy young politician, was associated au astute and experienced nieiuber of the House, soon after ap[iointed to the Executive Council as lionouralije Win. Crane, in any game of artful j)olicy he might be trusted to checkmate clever and wily oppo- nents. But such was the contrast, that in after days the appointment was compared to the yoking up in the same team of ii veteran charger, chafed with stilYness of age, ami a liery racer that spurned the bit and bounded for the course. On ]>otli delegations Mr. Crane rendered valuable service to the country. PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. as The interest of a visit to the Old Country, for one of his romantic taste, cultured mind, and loyal pride of race and nationality — a young man twenty-seven years of age — cannot easily be described. By men of the Loyalist stamp that land was reverently and ati'ection- ately spoken of as Home : -' '!li- " The distant sea-girt isle Our fathers loved, and taught their sons to love, As the dear home of freemen brave and true." It was the land of his ancestors and of a noble race whose blood flowed in his veins — the land of Shake- speare and Milton and Cowper, whose mother-tongue was his own, whose gems of beautiful thought and crystallized expression had enriched his ample an<l opulent diction — the land of Pitt and Burke and Erskine, whose burning thoughts and luminous elo- quence, evoked and intensified by the supi'eme interest of the hour and occasion, he had studied until saturated with their spirit and sentiment — the land of proud achievement in arts and arms, and the liome of that constitutional liberty for which, in a new colony, he and his coadjutors were resolutely contending* — the land of proud historic deed and of consecrated as- sociation — of stately and stoiied castle and pomi) of cathedral architecture and maiiniticence. It was also * " We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakespeare spake ; the faith and morals hold Which Milton held."— J Fordsworth. B* 34 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. !^ ! the seat and the scene of grand national pre-eminence, • ' The island home, Peerless amoug her peois ; " and of that flag, the synilx)l of freedom undei* every sky, which he had so often and so eloquently eulogized. It was one of Judge Wilmot's maxims, in a letter communicated in complaint and criticism of some petty act of colonial administration, that "little countries make little men." Unquestionably for him, while still at the entrance of public life, for new and nobler ideas and expansiveness of thought and senti- ment, it was an immense advantage and an educa- tional influence to breathe the air and mingle with national life in its older and grander forms, and to feel the stimulus of contact with the governing minds of the nation. From several distinguished membersof the Melbourne Cabinet the first New Brunswick delegation received marked tokens of respect. There was one amiable statesman. Lord Glenelg — better known as Sir Charles Grant, whose portrait, chiefly because of the success of that mission, and the introduction of a more liberal governmental system, hangs behind the Speaker's chair in the New Brunswick House of Assembly — who took special interest in the j^outhful representative. Lord (ilenelg, at that time Colonial Minister, an advocate of Liberal principles and a thoroughly upright statesman, from extensive acquaintance with colonial affairs and ample experience of official life, in relation PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 35 to the special object for which the delegation had been appointed, was competent to otter prudent counsel and in a position to afford valuable aid. In regard to per- sonal and professional preference and promotion, where Crown patronao^e was concerned, he would willingly have pledged the fullest consideration. Had there been, on the part of the New Brunswick deputation, a disposition to negotiate for private advantage, that mission to Downino: Street might have been turned to profitable account. It was apparent also to members of the British Cabinet that the colonial politician possessed some rare qualifications — quickness of apprehension and a high order of eloquence — that might be turned to account in parliamentary debate, and which might contribute to the strength of the Liberal party in the House of Commons. A proposal was made that if he would remain in England a constituency should at once be found for him. It is useless now to speculate on what the achievements of his life miffht have been had he at that period, when habits of thought were still in formative process, consented to enter the Imperial Parliament. It was a point wuth the delegation, remembering that the taunt of disloyalty had sometimes been the penalty of prominence in movement for popular right, to obtain presentation at Court; and, loyal to the core, the distinction was of a character to be thoroughly appreciated. Through the courtesy of Lord Glenelg, requisite permission was readily obtained and the de- m 36 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. ! tails of Court costume speedily arranged. It may be safely asserted, that however brilliant and distinguished may Lave been the array on that occasion, there was not any one of more courtly presence and bearing than the imtitled representative of an obscure Pro- vince. Ordinary regal etiquette was considerably dis- turbed when Mr. Wilmot was delayed and questioned by his Britannic Majesty concerning antecedents and family relationship. It was expected, of course, that with a brief answer he would gracefully retire. But, to the consternation of Lord Glcnelg, unaccu.stomed to the freedom of impromptu speeches and trembling for the temerity of the attempt, impressed with royal con- descension and determined to make the most of the opportunity, he burst the awful barriers of state ; and, in loyal phrase, thanked His Majesty for gene- rous consideration of Colonial interests. Probably the King (William IV.) was as much taken by surprise as the Colonial Minister. It was only, however, a passing incident ; and, with but brief interruption, the order of presentation and procession was resumed. There was not only delegation, but counter-delega- tion. Again, therefore, in 1887, with briefest notice, and a dreary winter drive by land from Fredericton to Bangor, the delegation was re-appointed to Eng- land. The result was all that, for the time, could be expected or desired. The Governor and Executive were compelled to yield the important matter in dis- pute. In consideration of a permament civil list, the control of valuable Crown land revenue was vested in PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. mg- 37 the House of Assembly. The Lieutenant-Governor resigned ; and Sir John Harvey, of conciliatory policy, the most popular of all the Governors sent out from home, was appointed as his successor. At the Session of 1888, in conseiiuence of the law- less invasion of Canada by an organized force from the American frontier, under pretence of sympathy with a company of colonial conspirators, an Act was passc<l by the New Brunswick House of Assembly, for which subsequently the special thanks of the Sovereign were received, authorizing the Lieutenant-Ciovernor to call out and embody twelve hundred volunteers for service in British North America. In strenuous advocacy of this mea.sure the patriotic spirit and enthusiastic loy- alty of Mr. Wilmot found vehement expression. " This," he said, " was not a matter to be calculated upon mere pounds, shillings, and pence. It was to be viewed in connection with the relations which existed between this and the other Provinces. Their cause was ours ! — the cause and battles of our brethren — of those very brethren who had fought side by side with them during the last war, who inhabited the same soil, who claimed connection with the same great and glorious empire, and who were now struggling against the efforts of wicked and seditious traitors and assail- ants. The Province, in aiding their fellow-subjects, would be lighting its own battles. Their cause was the same. The first shot fired in U2:)per Canada would reverberate to the utmost extent of the Lower ' i- i 88 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. Provinces, and every loyal heart would thrill in re- sponse."* Almost immediately following this expression of enthusiasm, in iKVJ, conse(|uent upon a threatened in- vasion of their own Pi'ovince, the spii'it of New Brunswick loyalty was still more fully aroused, and the chivalrous devotion of its people to the British flag nohly exhibited. There was a disputed territory, on the upper waters of the 8t. John river, that had been invaded by lawless parties in search of lumber. There had been resistance and armed collision. The nulitia was sent from the State of Maine, and Governor Fairfield made a call for ten thousand men. Two regi- ments from Fredericton were ordered to the scene of strife. Sir John Harvey was resolved to defend the right. New Bruiiswick volunteers flocked eagerly to tlie national standard. The whole country was in a blaze of excitement. That border warfare threatened for a time to plunge the two nations into war. The Legis- lature of Nova Scotia voted £100,000 towards defence ; placed twelve thousand volunteers at the disposal of the Commander-in-Chief ; and then united in " three times three cheers for the brave people of New Bruns- wick, and three times three cheers for the Queen of England." " What had taken place in that sister colony," said Mr. Wilmot, " w<,)uld not only have a grand moral effect in this Province; it would spread throughout Great Britain; it would be heard and re iterated in the House of Commons ; and they would * Courier, January, 1838, H! PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 39 there perceivo that in those colonics there were brave arms to defend tlie soil from the pollutin*:^ foot of the invader, and liearts that could feci and appreciate tlie value o'' "^''oir connection witli tlie Motlicr (yountry. It was .il known tliat there was a party in the English House of Conunons that would willingly bar- ter away the inhabitants of tliese Provinces. Tlie mouths of that party would be stopped. The people of England woidd not give up colonies where the inha- bitants, rather than pass under the dominion of a neighbouring nation, would die upon the soil where many of them drew their breath and where all lived happy and contented." Duties of military drill, at that time, in preparation for threr ed nnlitary struggle, alternated with scenes of politi . obate. " The stout hearts an<l nervous am i s of New Brunswick deserved that discipline and dirt> tion without which they might enc(junter a foe to dis- advantage." It was well known that L. A. Wilmot, (jualified for command, intensely patriotic, in whose veins the old Loyalist blood ran as liquid fire, while urging the necessity for yeomanry «h'ill, stood ready for active service on the frontier. Ultimately, however, for the weal of all parties, the matter in dis- pute was amicably adjusted and battle-flags were furled.* In a letter written by Hon. L. A. Wilmot, when Governor of New Brunswick, the old feeling had * Arbitration, in wliich Lord Asliljiirtoii ami Daniel Webster were the Commissioners, was substituted for cannon and tlie sword. The award of the Ashburton Treaty, made in 1842, yielded the most valu- $\ ',1 } h, I (,, 1 ■ ; i :J 40 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. all subsided ; and he eulogises " the immortal words of President Grant : Let un luive peaceT It soon became apparent that, in an eminent degree, this youthful politician possessed the requisite (jualities and etiuipment for successful leadership in another fight; and that upon parliamentary battle-ground, not in forest-struggle, would his most brilliant victories be achieved. Even before the contest for Responsible (government had commenced in thorough earnest, there was the presage of an approaching struggle. Like the nmttering of distant thunder, ominous of gathering :.„orm, arbitrary stion provoked sharp and passionate protest: " When the Council takes such high and commanding ground," said the then recently ; ii lied member for York, "it is worthy of the represen- tatives of the people to stand forth in bold relief; and, in the spirit of men determined to maintain their riglits and liberties, to put their hands upon it at one to arrest the career of wantonness of power, and to prove that we are indeed worthy of freedom and privilege and British rights." * The system of government, at that time existing in New Brunswick and other Colonies, was that usually known as " the Family (impact." Offices of honour and emolument wore monopolized by persons that had able part of tin; disputed territory to the United States. There was a very general impression on this side of the line that the British nobleman was overmatched by th(! astute Republican statesman — that eolonial claims were sacrificed to imperial interests. * St. John City Oazette. 1 ' ) I PROFESSIONAL AND POFJTICAL. 41 Tlio come out to the Provinces for tliat purpose. Legislative and Executive Councils bad in possession all governing' pow(!r. They were almost exclusively and uniforndy filled from classes claiming to consti- tute the aristocracy of the country. Members of the "Compact" were generally closely allied by family relationship or business association. Government was administered in virtue of what th(;y regartled as an essential and inherent rijjht of the ruling class. Thev only were supposed to possess requisite (|ualiti cations for official duty and legitimate claim to jjromotion. The patronage of t^ie Cro\yn, conse((uently, was dis- pensed and its power distributed within a narrow and favoured circle. Crown officials were not in any way amenable to the representatives of the people ; and, in any case of remonstrance, members of that body weie treated with but scant courtesy. For any gifted meud)er of the As- sembly to aspire to office, emolument, or governmental position, was deemed and stignuitized as evidence of restless, intriguing and even disloyal temper and spirit. Especially for any one who had evinced a dis- position to disturb the comfortably established system, and who hid the audacity to challenge the constitii- ti<jnal right and expedience of the dominant policy, there was not the slightest hope of prtsferment. In combination with relentless conservatism, as the direct conse(juence of monopoly and intoleranci', there was an attempt at ecclesiastical domination which by Dissenters, as then designated, was felt to be exceed- 1:1 If? I 42 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I I I] 1 1 1 For the offence of conducting oc- ingly oppressive casional religious service on the Sabbath day, in a spirit worthy of 8tar-Chamber and Stuart days and dynasty, Mr. Win. Wihnot, father of the judge, was expelled from, or refused admittance to, his place in the House of Assembly. There was no church estab- lished b}'- law. Recjuisite statutory enactment had not been secured. But as a fundamental principle of Colonial (Government, and one that was not likely to be called in question, the theory of a State Church was taken for granted. E([ual rights of denomina- tions were all but ignored. It was only about the latter part of 1884, the time of L. A. Wilmot's election to the House of Assembly, that the " Dissenter's Marriage Bill " became the law of the land. The object of that Dicasure, wrenched from ecclesiastical monopoly, mainly due to the diifusion of liberal ideas, and the march of Reform then signalizing its triumphs in Imperial and Colonial legislation, was to invest dissenting ministers with legal authoritj^ to solemnize the rite of matrimony. Even for members of tlieir own church or charge, up to that time, except under the severe penalty of tine and imprisonment, these clergymen could not ofhciate in any marriage service. Ag.ainst the deeply-shaded background of such facts, by clear and correct perspective, we comprehend the necessity for agitation — the advocacy of civil and I'eligious privilege. The opinion was afterwards ex- expressed, during a discussion on " want of confidence ' resolutions, that had even the conservatism of 1830, PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 43 when the old official party sought entrenchment behind the prerogative of the Crown, been persistently ad- hered to. and carried out, " an insulted people would have risen in their majesty, and would have shaken off their yoke of bondage."* The principles with which, from the commencement of his career, L. A. Wilmot was identified, and of which he was the most eloquent and authoritative exponent, were excessively obnoxious to the party in power ; and to the Government, as then organized, his speeches were regarded as a seriously disturbing element. As the champion of popular rights, he was sometimes in a vexatious manner charged with holding democratic principles ; and, notwithstanding the patriotic feeling which beat and throbbed through every sentiment and movement, in the bitterness and asperity of party de- bate was taunted with the taint of disloyalty. The imputation, however, could not turn him aside from the line of well-defined duty. He had the courage of his convictions ; and, in indignant and burning elo- ([uence, meeting scorn with scorn, threw back the un- warranted imputation. "Those who contended for liberal principles," he said, in one of those renowned field-days, then common enougfh in the New Brunswick LcQ-islaturc, but which have no parallel in the tamer proceedings of modern parliamentaiy debate, " had their names covered with obloquy. They asked for a constitution that, while it protected the Queen upon the throne, threw, at the same * Speech of Mr. L. A. Wilmot, 1847. ill ■I' I 44 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. time, its paternal arms around the helpless infant. They asked for tiie puie, the free, the glorious consti- tution of England ; for this they had contended, for this the Lil)erals of New Brunswick had fought ; and let them call them rebels who had nothing else to write about, he cared not. They asked for a system that would give fair play to all, that wouM upset all Family (■ompacts, that would give the sons of New Bruns- wick their ]»irthright — the benefit of free institutions and of self-government. He defied any honorable member to look at his political life and say where he had overstepped the bounds of the constitution. If he did live three thousand miles from the great body of the empire, still that empire sent its blood through the veins of every British sulyect. A son of New Brunswick had the same rii>hts to the benefit of her institutions as a resident of London ; and he would not submit to be cut oft' by any political inananivrings."* The darkest hour — that which came just before the dawn of day, as ultimately proved — in that patriotic struggle seems to have been in the severely contested election of 1S42. Then Mr. Wilmot, who for eUjJd years had been a mend >er of Parliament and the active and accomplished leader of the Liberal party, though now only th'n'f>j-fliree years of oge, stood prominently before the country as the champion of responsible ad- ministration : " Ami inoviiif^f up tVuni lii.^li to higher, BiH'iime, on lortuiiu's ciowuiug .slope, The i)iUar of a people's hope," * I'oliticai Notes. By G. £. Feiiety, ES4. PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 45 In the meantime, however, the Opposition was for- midable and the battle was furious. All the scattered forces of the old Conservative system, marshalled with consummate skill, were gathered into most deter- mined opposition. The adherents of opposite stand- ards resolutely maintained the struggle and fiercely con- tended for victory. For the reform party the contest apparently proved to be a most disastrous one. In a House of Assembly of forty-one membeis, the only representatives of that piinciple were Messis. Wilmot and Fisher. In Fredericton the poll was for a tinu; threatened l>y a rough, lawless, and unfranchised crowd. For the protection of voters, and the preven- tion of organized intimidation, it was found expedient to call out the military. In double tile the soldiers were stationed with fixed bayonets. Each of the later voters, for personal security, accompanied by a sergeant, between lines of glittering steel, passed up to the poll and gave his suffrage. At the close, Mr. Wil- mot, amongst the successful candidates, unrolled a scarlet silk flag bearing the signiticant motto Respon- sible Government. Through Queen Street, frouj the old Court House to a platform near Phcenix Sipiare, he was carried by his enthusiastic supporters; and, amidst deafening cheers, made a splen<lid and stirring speech. The banner thus exultingly unfurled, borne in trium- phal procession and the proud signal of victory, at the close of that struggle, through all the liberal ranks, was the only one which told of success. 'J'here had been everywhere, for reform, signal defeat and sore tr ) : 46 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. disaster; and, over the entire field, their banners trailed sadly in the dust. The party of progress, for the time, was thoroughly and terribly routed and shattered. But there was still a great principle in contention and a noble cause around which they could rally their scattered forces. Temporaiy disadvantage they might be doomed to experience. But, in the end, their principles, guaranteed by the spirit of British constitutional liberty, were certain to prevail : for " Fi'oodom's battle, once bef^mi, J^iMjueatht'd by bleeding sire to son, Though baiiled oft, is ever won." " Looking back along the line of those years, we seem to be gazing into the crater of an extinct volcano. The inflammable matter which fed the fire of debate, and the fury with which each step of political progress was discussed by the great antagonists on either side, has been so bitterly burned out and extinguished, that we in this generation, who dwell on the fertile soil of social and religious freedom formed by those con- vulsions, can scarcely believe in the bitterness of the struggle and the ability and boldness of the statesmen by whom each prize of our present libei'ties was won." In 1844, as a slight tribute to the progress of liberal ideas, Mr. Wilinot was appointed a membei* of the Executive ; Init, disapproving of Sir William Cole- brooke's impolitic and arbitrary action in the appoint- ment of his son-in-law, Mr. lleade, to an important Government oflUce, involving direct violation of a vital i:: M PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 47 principle and contention, and deemed subversive of representative responsibility, that position was soon after resigned. " It would be vain," said Hon. Mr. Wilmot, in written explanation, lecjuired by the Governor, of reasons for tenderinfj his resifjnation as a member of the Executive Council, " for the parents of youth to make every exei-tion in order to qualify their sons for the higher offices of the Province, if the avenues to honourable and profitable preferment are to be closed against them ; and I therefore cannot but view the appointment under consideration as an act of great injustice to the people of this country, and I can safely assure your Excellency that it will be thus con- sidered throughout the length and breadth of the Province." In the political world, as in every domain of free thought and of unshackled action, extremes must sometimes meet. In resistance of prerogative, Mr. Wilmot was thrown to the utmost point of opposition: "the Government would henceforth be taught to know, and the cry would go forth from the Gulf Shore to the Scoodic, that the people would have their rights." But in an opposite direction, as pole from pole, his sense of political justice was subjected to severe strain. For the first time in party vote, whilf' holding port-folio in 1844, he was separated from usual political associates. They proposed to censure the government, because in recent appoint- ments to the Legislative Council, the proportionate claims of the several denominations had been over- '<• •it 48 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. looked. Tliey were for the policy of many State Chinclies. He was for none. Chivalrously, and at the risk of alienated sympathy, he contended for Itroad and geneious catholicity of spirit and action. The lights of " fellow-dissenters " he would conserve, and to the utuiost advocate ; but to the perpetuation of religious tests, under any conditions, he was utterly oppose<l. " The narrow rule of selection, from this or that denomination," was denounced. He advocated " the more expansive policy which, regardless of all religious difierences, selects men best fitted by in- tegrity, ability, and property, to represent the whole people." After twelve years of costly and almost incessant warfare, with varied and alternating fortunes, pending the General Election of 1846, Mr. Wilmot resolved upon retiiement from political life. Though, in the first place, in 1884, his seat in the House of Assembly was obtained by acclamation ; yet, subsecpieiitly, in no less than five general elections, he had abundant experience of the inconvenience, expen- diture, fearful excitement, and frequent lawlessness which at that time were the inseparable concomitants of an election campaign. Under the vicious system which then prevailed, the poll was kept up for eight days. There was an open vote. Aroused by partizan and intiaimuatory speeches, the several constituencies had ample license and opportunity' for excess and ex- plosion. The agitation through all these days swept over the country, deepened in its course, and not un- PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 49 frequently ended in turbulence and almost riot. In some respects the eloijuent and liberal member for York was not eminently qualified for a contest of that nature. For a temperament such as his the excitement was too intense. In the severe attrition of opposite forces, and the iierce collision of adverse factions, the impetuous and combustible elements of composition and mental constitution, with which he was abundantly charged, blazed out into white heat ; and, in brilliant, impassioned, most vehement speech, streamed forth in a lava-like torrent. It cannot be wondered at that a keenly-sensitive and high-toned mind, though eminently qualified for parliamentary debate, and delighting in the discussion of constitutional questions, should recoil from the shock and severity of hustings' warfare. In view of the next approaching dissolution of the House, to the general regret of nearly all political parties, by whom his superb rhetoric and chivalrous bearing were greatly admired, he announced his intention to withdraw from the Legislature. That purpose, however, he was not then suffered to consummate. Bv the entliusiasm and organization of friends and party, without personal canvass or campaign, he was proudly and triumphantly returned for the old constituency. The star of reform was now in the ascendency. Through years of conflict, embittered by contempt of the governing class, impelled by conviction of press- ing necessity for constitutional change, and the intro- duction into the system of Colonial government of G ' 1 ! i ! ,1 ! 1 50 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. elements couipatil)le with fair and equitable adminis- tration, Mr. Wilmot and his coadjutors had struggled on to ultimate an<l decisive success.* The " compact" monopoly was swejit away, and the despotism of oligarchy demolished. Responsible government was fully inaugurated, and the principle of Ministerial accountability, long the accepted basis of British ad- ministration, was adopted as the solution of difficulties between the executive and representative departments of Government. Instead of permanent official appoint- ments, advisers of the Crown were to be selected from the party at the time in the ascendency ; and provision was made for obtaining the sanction of constituencies to all departmental appointments. To all positions of honor and emolument, without regard to class or creed, and free from social restrictions, the avenues were fully opened. A Government was organized for the purpose of giving effect to responsible policy. It comprised a large and influential Conservative element ; and, in the matter of arrangements, there was necessity for com- promise. But, in regard to the main principle, the colors were never lowered. " He could not forget the election * Througli all this contest, calculated, as in a crucible, to try the mettle and the mould of men, as an able tactician, capable of flank movement — an adept in the manipulation of resolutions, and a com- petent exponent of great constitutional principles, Mr. Wilmot found an able and accomplished colleague in Mr. Chas. Fisher, now Judge of the Supreme Court. On the 2ith February, 1848, he moved the reso- lution which, by admission of all parties, uneiiuivocally committed the country to the principles of Responsible Government. ;t;i ,1 PROFESSIONAL AND POUTICAL. 51 Jminis- ruggled nnpact" >tisni of cnt was nisterial tisli ad- fficulties Eirtinents appoint- ited from provision iituencies iitions of i or creed, ues were rpose of prised a nd, in the for com- jhe colors e election to try the He of flank and a com- ilmot found ow Judge of ed the reso- nimitted the of 1842," he said, in one of his greut speeches in the House of Assembly, " when respoiisihk' government was scouted, jeered at, an<l held up to ridicuU' over the length and breadth of the land. lUit a dillerent day had dawned upon the Province. The people had in- formed themselves — liad begun to see and understand and appreciate those gloriims principles — the principles of the Britisli Constitution — not liis principles alone ; tliey were the principles of every British subject. He was a mere macliine in working out the great system ; but those gr(!at and gloriims principles would live when those who heard his voice were laid low in the dust. Those principles were nc)t intended for the exclusive benefit of one class, or one party, or one family ; but for the benelit of every class, of every party, and of every family over the length and breadth of the land. Responsi1)le government held out even- handed justice and fair play to all. He had put on the uniform when it was co\'ered with oblo(|uy, and had worn it amidst scoutings and jeers, and felt proud to bear it now."* An element of offensive Conserv-atism, conspicuous in government, had also been inwrought into the structure and administration of Education. It was a favorite theory of Mr, Wilmot that, instead of ascent from the primary to the academic, the current of educational life-force descends from the University ; and, through all grades and departments, makes its influence felt and determines the status of the system. The College * Political Notes. By 0. E. Fenety, Esc^. 52 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. at Frt'dcricton, thon^^h liborally endowed and favored with an elHcient staff of Professors, was for many years unpopular; and in 1844 it was asserted in the Legis- lature that the sum expended upon it, up to that time, " would ha\e educated every one of the students at Oxford or Camhridixe." It was in a very considerable measure owing to his etibrts and advocacy that, with constitution nKjditied, a repivsentation of the several leading (lenominations upon its Senate, and general administration pcjpularized, the Provincial University has entered upon a course of acknowledged etiiciency and of increasing prosperity. In an able and exhaustive speech, when first the measure for reform was proposed — the (piestion was repeatedly ])rought U}) until 1845, when an amended charter passed into law — and in a calm, moderate, states- manlike spirit and style, he traced out and earnestly deprecated the existence of a variety of invidious dis- tinctions, chieliy of a relii^ious nature, which the original charter had created, and which had tended to excite hostility to the College and to impair its useful- ness. It was proposed for supervision to substitute the Governor for the Bishop ; to annul a pr(jvision of the charter to the effect that the President must be an Episcopal clergyman, and cx-officio the Archdeacon ; to liberalize the Constitution of the College Council ; to abolish religious tests, except in regard to the Professor of Theology ; for subscription to the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England, to reciuire from graduates a profession of belief in " the authenticity PROFESSIONAL AND I'OI.ITirAI,. 53 and divine inspiration of the Old and New Testaments and in the doctrine of the Trinity."* The cause of puV)lic eihication was deeply rooted in Mr. Wihnot's sympathies. He hclieved in this boon as the hirthrii^'ht of every New Hrunswiek child ; and, on the part of parents, dcploi-ed the apathy existing" in .some parts of the conntrv. Tn a communitv of his oAvn county a promise had hccu made that, if the people would get out the frame for a school-house, the expense of other necessary material for its c<mipletion should he provi(hMl for them. P>ut, "altlumj^di hoards were ottered tVom a nein'hhourino- mill, nails, glass, lock.s, latches — everything without money — no one felt interest (^nougdi in the education of their children to hring them to th<' s})ot. To this day that frame stands a melancholy monument of dreadful apathy." To meet such neglect, and to rescue the childi'enof the soil from threatened degra<lation, it was proposed to assess the property of the country. B\ar in advance of the tinu; for the incipieney of such a policy, in the House of Assembly, the honourable mendier for York moved a resolution to the effect: " The man tvho has 2^yo2)erty and oio rhildren should J>e taxed to educate the iJiddrcn of fhe v^an qrho has no jf)?Y)^)^r^^." There \vn< a * in the principle of a public, free, ,M in. Nearly a (juarter of a centur}^ 1. t-, dui g g»»vernmental administration, it was a cuu.x' of [)roud and grateful satisfaction that a com- *FideObser> Januaiy, 183». m 54 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. prehensive educational scheme should be successfully inaugurated. * In a parliamentary debate, March, 1847, on L. A. Wilmot's motion in relation to " School Reserve," the educational question was again brought to the front. Early in the settlement of the country there had been an extensive reserve of public lands " for the use of parish schools in the different counties." The Govern- ment was challenged " with having granted large quan- tities of ]an<ls," originally reserved for the endowment of pul)lic education, amounting to upwards of six thousantl acres, to the Churches of England and Scot- land. It was charo-ed that Government had no more right to interfere with these lands than to touch the Bank of England. It was alleged that in one day Government had granted several thousand acres of these lands to the English Church, in trust to the Chief- Justice, the Archdeacon, the Attornuy and Solicitor Generals, and other public officers, to be used as churches should be built."*|" In the revolution which was now to be speedily etfecied, this arrangement le(l to a curious anomaly. As the result of successful advocacy of liberal princi- ples, Mr. \V. was called upon to form a Government. In that administration he accepted an office which, like most good things in those days, had been regarded * To the stiitc'smanship of lion. Tico. E. King mainly belongs the credit of formulating the educational system of New Brunswick, and of carrying it into law. t Political Notes, page 256, PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 55 jssfully I L. A. re," the B front, id been use of Grovern- ••e quan- owment i of six id Scot- no more )uch the one day icres of le Chief- Solicitor used as speedily momaly. princi- rnment. which, ^eo-arded I'loUKS the R\V iek, and as peculiarly an Episcopal preserve. It had not been supposed that there would soon dawn a day in which a gifted "dissenter " would be regarded as eligible for such honourabhj appointment. For the possible con- tingency there had been no provision made. The consequence vv -t.- that, ex-ofUcio, there was a trust of extensive glebe lands to be administered for the benefit of the Church of England. It was not too soon, in the public interest, that the hour had come and the man for a free ventilation of wholesale and insuffer- able monopoly. Ardent as was the loyalty of L. A. Wilmot, and especially susceptible of popular influence, it was always under the restraint and control of prudential and economic considerations. The disbursement of public moneys was felt to be a responsibility and trust. In opposition to a movement, in 181-0, for a legislative grant in aid of individual subscription for the erection of a monument in the city of St. John, somewhat in the style of Bunker Hill of Boston, in commemoration of the landing of the Loyalists in 1783, now nearly a century ago, he said : " There was no doubt but that this was a line subject for a speech ; but, as a descend- ant of an old Loyalist, he felt himself degraded by the begging attitude assumed in this appeal for a Provin- cial grant. New Brunswick needed no lirass — no marble — to commemorate the landinc: of that noble, devoted band ; their memories would be handed down to posterity without the aid of monu)nents or of obelisks." i 11 ,1 i I '. • 56 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. The activity and assured confidence of Mr. Wilmot, to which the eagerness and enthusiasm of his constitu- ents — throughout the triumphant election campaign of 184G — had communicated the impulse of renewed energy, and the comprehensiveness of his proposed scheme of reform, may he inferred from current cor- respondence. Having heen urged to become a can- didate for the Speakership in the House of Assembly for 1847, breatliing the genuine spirit of a patriot statesman, he wrote : " As I believe ' there is a Provi- dence that shapes our ends, rough-hew them as we will,' so I begin to think that if the Chair were at my command, I should hesitate before I took my seat. I see many momentous questions invol v^ing the present and future prosperity of this Province, and the North American Colonies generally, wherein I should like to take an active part : Confederation of all the North American Colonies — estal)]ishment of a pure Free Trade between the Colonics and the Mother Country — thorough reform in our Parish Schools — comprehen- sive and practicable Schemes for the allotment and occupation of our wilderness lands l>y a superior class of Immigrants — hand-to-hand fight against our corrupt system of appropriating the Public Revenue until it is exterminated, or rather eradicated. " These and other questions of less moment are fraughtwith incalculal»le advantages, if rightly disposed of. To bring about the two first would he icorth the ex- jyenditure of what little of life 1 have remaining, and the lives of a score of better men. What shall I do ? ..: M PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 57 :ki| l^'l! ': and cl \YV ass upt it is I -want to he free to act, and to act with all my energies on these questions, and I fear the Chair would be a dead weight upon me — and if so, I want no dead weight. We must give up our lives for the conflict. It will he principle against pvej Lidice, punty against corruption, (jreatness against littleness, light against darkness, Brdish glorij against Jtluenose tinsel, the sun against a rush light — and yet true as are these antithetic descriptions, there will ha found those who will make a desperate defence foi' the cormption, the littleness, the darkness, i:c., and who will tell us the country will be I'uined by their accomplishment." Tlie ideal of Mr. Wilmot, in regard to comnm'cial policy and tariff arrangements, which at the present time have been thrown to the front and challenixe the most prominent consi<leration, seems to have been : Free Trade between Great Britain and her dependen- cies, also between the several Colonies ; and, in relation to other countries, a discriminating system of protec- tion. Tlie essential conditions of national policy since then, of course, have l)een completely clianged. We cannot now complain that any pent-up Utica contracts our powers. But, at a period when even the trade of sister Colonies was hampered by custom duties, it was felt that any available market nmst, to a considerable extent, be bounded by the limits of the Province. " These duties," said the honourable member for York, during the revenue discussion of lcS47, in a character- istic speech, " were in fact a disgrace to the Colonies. What was the case in the United States ;* They could ■:{ 1 58 HON. JUDOE WTLMOT. learn a useful lesson there. There was no such re- striction ; they had the whole American world for a market. The shoemaker at Lynn could go where he pleased, from Maine to New Orleans. But New Brunswick rivalled all the world beside ! Where was our market ? At home — cramped up in a narrow little Province containing about 150,000 inhabitants. The humble mechanic with a lapstone on his knee had a mind — an intellect ; but, sf) long as he had no market beyond the bounds of his own narrow Province, he would remain stationary. But tell him that the whole British world is before him, and you set his mind to work. Those wholesome regulations of the United States had brought out the mind — the genius — the extraordinary genius of that people. Little countries made little mechanics and little statesmen. Look at the extraordinary list of inventions for which patents have been granted to the State of Massachusetts alone. In this way the latent energies of mind were brought into action. He regretted that any restric- tions had ever been placed upon Intercolonial trade." There was another important movement, then grow- ing up into formidable organization, and which now challenges still more commanding recognition, that made its voice to be heai'd within the halls of the New Brunswick Legislature In 1847, in conse( '^ence of a motion for a grant in aid of the St. John Ivtnjmrance Telegraph, eloquently and successfully advocator! by Mr. Wilmot, the Temperance question came up in the 11 PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 59 such re- )rld for a where he But New ,^here was a narrow [habitants. 5 knee had no market ovince, he the whole s mind to he United enius — the J countries Look at eh patents sachusetts ind were y restric- ercolonial then grow- diich now ition, that t' the New hence of a rnperance located by lup in the Assembly for a full and exhaustive discussion. This debate, the iirst probably of a series, deserves promi- nence in the annals of Colonial legislation. The sub- ject is doubtless destined to continued discussion in Parliament, through the press, and on the platform, until its principles shall have thoroughly permeated the nation; and the dark blot of legislation, which sanctions and legalizes the unhallowe<l liquor traffic, with all the enormity of evil, of crime, pauperism and perdition, that follow in its course, shall have been removed from the Statute Book of this professedly Christian country ; and when, througli all these lands, the banner of Temperance shall wave in uncontested triumph. In our times the public pi'ess has become a potent political engine, the tongue of a free people, and a stupendous social influence. The columns of enter- prising and leading newspapers contain and circulate much of the best thought and ablest composition of the time ; and, in the ventilation of public questions, they form a most convenient medium of access to the popular mind. During the most active period of L. A. Wilmot's career, the present era of influential journal- ism, comparatively, was at its commencement. But even then it was an agency not to be neglected. Stranire does it seem, as we are nearino- to the close of the century, that, within the meiiioiy of recent events, this fact of occasional contribution should call for explanation and vindication : " He woul<l not deny that he had written for the papers — some little squibs. T 60 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. \ Did not the first noblemen and statesmen in England write for the papers ?" * In May, 1848, the Hon. L. A. Wilmot was appointed to the office of Attorney-General. The duties which, as Leader of the House of Assembly and Premier of the Province, in the administration of government and the manipulation of measures, now devolved upon him, open a new chapter of political history. They were of a nature to demand constructive ability and the exercise of another kind of power from that by which he had been thrown to the front of opposition. From several measures of great utility, shadowed forth in the Attorney-General's scheme of govern- ment, including railway extension, reciprocity, consoli- dation of law, agriculture and education, it would not be easy to form any adequate estimate of his execu- tive ability. There was no clear field for statesman- ship. The period of his administration was one of transition. There had been departure from old lines of action ; but the course for the future had yet to be clearly and definitely ascertained and determined. The adaptation and adjustment of Government functions to new and altered conditions and circumstances very fully occupied the time and thought of the A.ssembly. There was but a scanty margin left for the discussion of economic measures. One of the first questions demanding attention was that of salaries. Under a system of monopoly, the scale of payment, official and judicial, had been high in * Want of Contidencc Debate, 1847. PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 61 proportion to the resources of the Province. There was expectation of innnediate retrenchment. But there were also, as a disturl-)ing and confusing element, the claim and cumplieation of vested right. A delicate and dexterous hand was re(|uired to draw a distinct and satisfactory line of mediation between Conserva- tive and Liberal section and sentiment, and equally and evenly to protect and promote individual and provin- cial interests. " He was at present," said the leader of responsible administration, " a member of Government, yet he felthimself unchanged in regard to high salaries. He had witnessed from his youth up the evil effects of them in this comnmnity, when those in more humble life attempted to imitate the habits and manners of the official ; but the Government did not pay a man to roll about in splendor in his carriage, and give fetes and balls : they expected him to use his mental facul- ties, and to receive the benefit of his mind." * In 1849, the Attorney-General, Hon. L. A. Wilmot, in anticipation of a scheme for several years postponed — the construction of a railroad from Halifax to Quebec — carried a measure through the House pledging ' 1 was the rh in * " I am williiifT not only to admit, but even anxious to assert, that in fixing the amount of oHicial salaries in British North America, great frugalitj' should be o1)Scrved. In countries recently settloil it is of moment that moderate and simjde habits of domestic expenditure should prevail, and should be respected ; nor is there any exception to that rule which I should more strongly deprecate than one which would enable, if not require, oflicial men to distinguish themselves from other classes by a less strict economy and u more costly style of life." — Lord Glcncly, 62 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. 4511 a grant of certain public lands and the revenue of the Province to the extent of £20,000 annually for twenty years. In common with many others, whose specula- tions could not at that time be brought to the crucial test of actual fact, when the (juestion of local roads was mooted, and the balance of direct expenditure and of indirect advantai'(3 of traffic and travel werc^ not well understood, he was (piite sce})tical in regard to the development of a trade that would warrant the im- mense cost involved. In nnngled banter and sarcasm, he characterizecl the first proposed scheme of railway as " a line from St. John to Shediac " — cut out by the Colonial Minister and renewed by the emigrant agent — " built for the purpose of transporting salt from Westmoreland, oysters from Shediac, Cumberland butter, and Tantramar hay." The prevalent idea at that time was : local traffic would financially be insig- nificant ; and, in order to benefit extensively by rail- way thoroughfares, they must open connnunication with distant and populoiis centres. As representative of the Province of New Bruns- wick, in 1850, Mr. Attorney-General Wilmot attended the International Railway Convention at Portland, in the State of Maine. The occasion was one of more than ordinary interest. It was the first time since Bunker Hill, for the promotion of beneficent and national projects, that sons of Loyalists and Revolu- tio!iists had met in fraternal intercourse. Tfiejtags of the two countries ivere interwoven. The Convention was sunniioned on that last July day for the purpose PROFESSIONAL AND POLITICAL. 63 of considering the feasibility, by rail via New Bruns- wick, of connecting the cities of Halifax and Portland. Into the magnificent schemes projectivl .at Portland he threw himself with all the enthusiastic impulse of his nature. He was not always in a mood, owing possibly to hereditary Loyalist prejudice and educa- tional bias, to do justice to the men and the measures of the American Repul)lic. Statesmen, having in charge great destinies, were not belicNX'd to have clean hands; presidential elections were likely to produce serious disturbance ; the great West, the safety valve, would fill up, and then the Union would l>e subjected to its severest strain. But, at the Convention, inter- national themes were to the front : the connnon heritage of the conquering Saxon race — the advantages of international comity — the era, now beginning to dawn, of greatly-increased inter-communication — the splendid developments of an unfettered commerce — the banners of the Republic and of the Empire : the starry folds of the Union, emblematical of God's great works in creation, and the red-cross flag of England, of greater work in Redemption, waving in undisturbed harmony — " Till the war-drum throbhod no longer, And the battle-flags were furled In the rarliament of man, the Federation of the world." ill ■ t I 1 ' Between the British Colonies and the United States there was a natural, geographical, and commercial inter- dependence. In the name of concord and mutual 04 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. welfare and prosperity, he proclaimed a liond of indis- soluble union betw((en the two countries. By means of the iron rail, their possessions, broad as the Conti- nent, would be linked together; and, like the wedding ring, the symbol of plighted faith, it would constitute a guarantee of ])ermanence. Under that ban he pealed anatheniJi upon the restless demagogues of either land who should seek to part them asunder. " He alluded to the fact that exercise of the muscles of the l)ody tended to increased vigor ; and that exercise of intellectual facalties, ami interchange of opinions, strengthened tlie mind. Reciprocity of kindly feeling would, in like manner, enlarge the heart. In the course of his remarks, Mr. Wilmot casually alluded to the question of dissolution of the Union — that the people of the Provinces would look upon such an event as most disastrous to their interests and to the interests of humanity. He thought that even a suggestion in that direction ought to be considered treason by law ; and, with much earnestness, exclaimed : ' Perish the man ivho should dare to think of it.' " * • There were many able and eloquent speeches at that Portland Convention, from parliamentary and public men — both sides of the line — but to Attorney-General Wilmot, by common consent, was awarded the palm of consummate, crowning oratory. He carried the au- dience by storm. To people across the border, accus- tomed to political declamation, it was a matter of amazement that their most brilliant men should be Portland Advertiser. i! I PROFESSIONAL AND POMTinAL. 65 be completely eclipsed. It was still a greater cause of mystery how a style of oratory, of the imaginative and impassioned type, regarded as peculiarly a pro<luction of the chivalrous and sunny South, could have been born and nurtured amidst the frioid influences and monarchical institutions of a bleak and foggy forest Province. There were accompanying advantrges which stamped the effort as supreme of its kind. Dramatic action, consunniiate ^race of rhetorical ex- pression, a voice of matchless power and wondrous modulation, contributed to the heightened eff'ect. To H very considerable extent the eloquence was im- promptu ; and, therefoi-e, largely took its caste and complexion, apt allusions and rich surprises, from the immediate scene and its surroundinas. That ma^xnifi- cent burst of oratory swept over the aiidience like ffre amongst stubble, and like the tempest that 1 tends forest trees. Reporters are said to have dropped their pencils and yielded to the magnetic, resistless spell ; and the people, gathered in dense mass, were wrought into a frenzy of excitement and enthusiasm. It was very importimately desired that upon public, social, and international themes, he would make a round of speeches in the chief centres of the Union. " I am poor," said a Revolutionary hero, a century ago, when tempted by a bribe of British gold; "but the King of Great Britain, with all the treasures of his exchequer, is not rich enough to Imy me." Time works its own revenges. " What is your price ?" demanded a knot of wealthy Republicans, believing in the Sir 60 HON. JUnOK WILMOT. .: I' '"II ' I Wt Robert Walpole doctrine. " My price !" said the Hon. L. A. Wilmot ; " what is it that you mean ?" " Every man lias a price," it was affirmed, " and you have only to name yours and you shall have it." And thus the eloquent Attorney-General of the little Province by the sea, had he been accessible on that side, might, as he afterwards phrased it, have been " turned into a Republican stump orator." But he had the stern stuff of that hero of the Revolution ; and, without l)ravado, could have told of another land that held his heart, and of a nobler mission : "To struggle in the solid ranks of truth ; To dutch the monster error l)y the throat ; To bear opinion to a loftier seat, To blot the em of oppression out, And lead a new and nobler freedom in." During the same year, 18.50, Attorney-General Wilmot visited Washington. Negotiations, in which his Government was concerned, had been opened for a Treaty of Reciprocity with the United States ; but for the maturity of such a scheme, time was demanded. Four years later, through the agency of Lord Elgin, the project Avas happily consummated. i; TIT. JUDGE AND GOYEKNORr " Sans peur et sans roproche. " — M^moirr/t, d-r, N January, 1851, Hon. L. A. Wilmot was ap- pointed Judge of the Supreme Court. It was as Jud<T;e that, in a Larije circle, he is now re- nienibered and venerated. The Cliief- Justiceship, then vacant, following the analogy of the British Constitu- tion, was due to him as Attorney-General. Through Conservative influence, endeavouring to thwart re- sponsible administi-ation, and the persistency of the Governor, this more exalted scat was given to Mr. Justice Carter. The Puisne Judgeship offered to Mr. Wilmot, contraiy to general expectation, was accepted. By many of his political friends this step was regarded as the mistake of his life. It was the opinion of competent counsellors that he should have protested against the elevation of Judge Carter, and gone into opposition. There was every reason to believe, that l!*i 68 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. .''•'I I ' #' by snch a course he luiglit have consolidated the Reform Party, foiled the schemes of Sir E. Head, upset the Conservative Government; and, that being made acquainted wi^ Vi inanifeKt violation of constitutional principle, in the end the Colonial ]\[inister would have given him the position in contention. The «annals of British judicial administi'ation, from the days of f^ir ■Sljitthew Hale, " foi- deep discernment praised " anci " sanctity undeliled," through a golden age of law and reason, a long and splendid succession, commemorafto tlie names of <listinguished Judges; their supreuic legal attainments and conspicuous mental endowments constitute a pride and glory of the realm. Undci. pressure of counter and conllicting claims and considerations, at the time of the Judge's appointm>Tit, to the p(Mpl<jxity of fi'iends and a provo- cation to advoise criticism, there was somewhat of hesitation and p(>rhaps of oscillation betwixt the Forum and tin- ]3eneh. He was a popular politician. The House of Assoinhly had been tlie scene of mag- nificent oratorical achievement. But then he was also a /cn/.'?/^?'— passionately proud of. his profession and conscious of competent (pialitication lor discharge of onerous and cxaHcd duty. Tn deference, therefore, to special attraction and the unrivalled jo/r.s/'/^^; of digni- fied legal position, ardent and enthusiastic synipathies and aspirations were placed in subordination. He was still in tile meridian splendour of public life. But the j»referenc(^ was laudable and perfectly explicable. He had his rew^ard. The ambition, which as the crown ii i JUDGE AND GOVERNOR. 69 and culmination of a ])rilliant and influential career — professional and parliamentary — coveted honourable and illustrious association and a place on the bead-roll of innnortal forensic fame, was well calculated to ensure and perpetuate recognition. In addition to reasons alreadv indicated, that deter- mined his course, there were probal:)ly others of a private and personal nature. As a conse(jUence of early entrance upon public life, his own business must have been greatly neglected ; and professional income, upon which he M'as mai^iiy dependent, would be considerably curtailed. The inevitable cost of contested elections, undei* the vicious system which at that time prevailed, must under any circumstance ha\'e been a very serious item. In these facts tliere was palpable and cogent reason for accepting honourable judicial appointment — a coveted prize in the legal profession. The transition from stormv debates of the Leuislative Assembly to the ordinarily serene atmosphere of the Court of Judi- cature, not altogether consonant to mercurial elements of mental temperament, brought with it duties of an entirely difi'erent character. He was now largely withdrawn from the public gaze. For some seventeen years, in the impartial discliarge of judicial functions, h'' stood aloof from [»avty nif vemeut. Tliis j)hase of life may, therefoiv, fitly be c^'Mpressed into brUf notice. To the Bench of New iirunsw iclv Judu'e Wiluiut became a noble and splendid accession. Hf was not by any means a Uavk-ldter lawyer. At the bar, in the 'hi 70 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. ^ i;! shape of ancient and musty authorities, he never bored judge or jury by any extra pro(hiction of learned lumber. There is a kind of letral knowledue to be ob- tained in patient, labourious inijuiry and application, foi' which he would never, probably, have become con- spicuous. As a mere hyist of what may be technically known as "cases," fi'om the fibre and constitution of his mind, he could scarcely have achieved any sio;nal success. In contiadistinction to a dull plodder in precedent, he was pre-eminently a jurist. " Under any species of administration," according to the dictum of a distinguished aphorist, " it is seldom that both in- tellect and intregity have a predominating sway." But in a very eminent degree and in marked combina- tion, when Mr. Justice Wibnot presided at the Supreme Court, these desiderated (jualities found exhibition. Keen observation, love for legal studies, extensive pro- fessional experience, acute and penetrating thought, clear and facile intuition and perception of complex and subtle ({uestivjns involved, firm and rapid grasp of principles that govern the noble science of jurispru- dence, in that lofty sphere, could not fail to command appreciation and profound respect. That very rapidity and assurance of mental process, however, by which complicated interests and important issues were appre- hended and anticipatiMl, were almost certain in some cases to produce friction and dissatisfied feeling. Between the Bench and Bar may often be felt the pressure of motives that lie widely asunder. There is an)j)le margin for di vergi'nce of feeling an<l action. The JUDQE AND GOVERNOR. 71 persistence of the advocate, knowing how much has been staked upon his a))ility and judgment, and what important interests have been entrusted to his manage- ment, sometimes deemed slieer pertinacity, striving to make tlie worse appear the better cause, is not uni're- quently prompted by intense and anxious solicitude for tlie advantau'e of a client. The Ju<lL'e on the other hand has only one central, controlling idea. He strives to be absolutely and inflexibly impartial. Through whatever human hopes, fears, oi- supposed rights, it cleave a way, tlie law must ttike its course. Upon whatever tends to thwart pure administration, justice sternly frowns rebuke. Occasionally impatience, pro- voked by the wrangling of lawyers, finds severe expres- sion. But whatever ditt'ercnce of estimate there may have been in rejjcard to Judixe Wilmot's administration, in otlier respects, there was confessedly an unswerving integrity of purpose. In his appointment to tlie Bench the ermine was worn with dignity, grace, and unsullied purity. One trial during his presidency as Judge of the Supreme Court, amongst scientific men and through the country, is said to have excited a deep and wide- spread interest. Amongst the witnesses sunnuoned were Professor Sedgewick, the noted geol>)gist, and eminent scientists of the United States. The issue of the trial depended chiefly upon correct classification of a mineial, a species of anthracite extensively used in the manufacture of kerosene oil, commonly known as Albert coal. Testimony in this case, for pui'poses of 72 HON. JlTDfJE \V;i,MOT. accuracy, comprised some very minute distinctions and abundance of technical terminology. The Judge was now in his element. Wide and varied knowledge, legal and scientific, was exhibited to very conspicuous advantage. He giive himself to thorough mastery and complete comprehension of the questions in disputa- tion. The ability witli which he presided, the lumin- ous exposition of fundamental principles of law, the acuteness exhibited in grasp of multifarious details and scientific intricacies, commanded o-eneral admiration, From intelligent spectators and distinguished wit- nesses, most competent to determine, he won acknow- ledgment of the hio-liest encomium. TJiC value to his country for many years' service, in faithful discharge of judicial duties, consonant with the pure and lofty spirit of the British legal adminis- tration, from a mere reference to isolated cases, cannot be fully estimated. " The pure and ii'.ipartial admin- istration of justice is, probably, the firmest bond to secure a cheerful submission of the people, and to entrajje their afiections to o'overnment."' * " Justice is the greatest interest of man on earth. It is the liga- ment which holds civilized beings and civilized nations together. Wherever her temple stands, and as long as it is duly honoured, there is a foundation for security, and general happiness, and the improvement and pro- gress of our race. And whoever labours on this edifice with usefulness and distinction ; whoever clears its foundations, strengthens its pillars, adorns its entabla- * Letters of Junius. i; JUDGE AND GOVERNOR. 73 tures, or contributes to raise its august dome still higher in the skies, connects hiniself, in name and fame and character, with that whicli is and must he durable as human society." * During the period of connection with the Bench a relief from severe strain of judicial duty, in response to pressing application, taking advantage of convenient and legitimate method of acting upon popular thought and feeling, Judge Wilmot occasionally lectured on subjects of literary and patriotic interest. Toward the close of the Crimean War, in 185G, a second address on that subject was delivered. The theme was congenial. Aftei- nmch endui-ance, and one of the greatest sieges on record, the foi'tresse<l City of Sebastopol had been taken. The haughty pride and menace of Russia were laid in the dust. In discussino- the situation there were accuracy of detail, precision of technical and militar} phrase, and vividness of colouring that would have done credit t<j one wlio had mingled in the strife. There was a very decided impression that the best in- terests of a noble civilization, and of a nobler Chris- tianity, were bound up with the success of the Allies. Believinii- that God was still " the Lord of Hosts " — the Supreme Ai'biter of nations — he referred, for jvitriotic purpose, to sacred hist(»ric fact and to the might of ancient Hebrew warriors. Full of the fire of that theme, on the destruction of Sennacherib's host, he quoted Byron's Hebrew melody : it lib 1 > I Daniel Wcbatci; D 74 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. " The Assyrian came down, like the wolf on the fold, And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold ; And the sheen of their spears was like the stars on the sea, When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee." During the troubled days of the Sepoy mutiny, in India, the march of the gallant Havelock was graphic- ally describe-d. Ev^en the dark clouds which at the time gathered over our countiymen in that land had a fringe of brightness. " It was not for him to inves- tigate the secrets of Providence ; but there seemed to be wonderful adaptations in relation to these late events." It was a happy circumstance that the re- bellion in India had not happened two years earlier ; then England was engaged in war with Russia. Had this been the case, every European must have died, or been driven into the sea. But again a dispute had taken place with China ; a large number of soldiers were out on the way for the purpose of settling that dispute. The Chinese contingent was, therefore, ready to enter India just when the terrible outbreak hap- pened. A series of Lyceum addresses, in the city of St. John, .858-9, grew into fame. The audiences and excitement were unprecedented in that community. The design of the whole course M'as to deepen in the public mind a sense of indebtedness to the Word of God. Many a thread of purple and gold was woven into the texture of brilliant speech. The touching testimony of Dr. Newman, in regard to "the uncom- mon beauty and marvellous " style of the authorized JUDGE AND GUVEllNOll. 76 version, was emphasized and endorsed : " It lives in the ear like music that can never be forgotten, like the sound of the church hells which the convert hardly knows how to forego. Its felicities seem almost things instead of words ; it is a part of the national mind and the anchoi- of national seriousness ; the memory of the dea<l passes into it; the potent traditions of childliood are stereotyped in its verses; the pf)wer of all griefs and trials of man are hidden beneath its words. In the length and breadth of the land there is not a Protestant, with one spark of seriousness about him, whose spiritual biography is not in the Saxon Bible."* Amongst the generous gifts of a loyal people to the Princess Royal, on the occasion of her marriage to the Crown-Prince of Prussia, was a superbly bound Bible, " the secret of England's irreatness " — ^ " A gem whirh purer lusti'e flings Thau tlic iliiimoiul flasli of the jewelled crown On the lofty brow of kings."' In reference to that gift, " a boon offered alike to prince and to peasant," the Judge paid a beautiful tribute to the Book he lu\ ed so well : " There were gatliered in profusion, costly pearls and diamonds, brilliant, dazzling ornaments j.recious gifts from loving friends. One wouM think that art had exhausted its skill in producing those wondrous bridal gifts ; and one is led to think how thev will adorn Eni>land's daughter, and how these precious gems will ere long • Dublin Review. 76 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. :! r I II sparkle in tlio liglit of ca tliousand lamps in the royal halls of Prussia. And tlien those mementoes of domestic love, how they will rendnd her of the gener- ous givx'rs and of her happy English home ! But see ! andd that costly, dazzling array there is another gift. It cannot deck the brow, or sparkle on the bosom ; but it can do more, infinitely more. When peails, and diamonds, and gems, and gold and gay attire, lose all theii- beauty and attraction ; when all worldly glories are fading away, this precious gift will only increase in value and in beauty, reflecting the light of heaven upon the soul, an<l affording sweet peace when all of earth is useless, ^'alueless. Here are decorations for the soul, brilliants for eternity !" The pure and life-giving Word of God was designed, as the lecturer believed, for nations as well as indivi- duals. The inspired i<lea of the mystic ri\ er of pro- phetic vision, on more than one occasion, found noble application : " T like," he said, at the St. John Anniversary of 1<S58, " to refer to that striking vision of the piophet Ezekicl in the 47th chapter, where he sees the great waters stretching away, far away : It is like the Word of God ; and there we see the little Sunday-school children coming up, and it is ankle-deep for them ; and then we see it growing deeper and broader for those more advanced in years, the waters coming up to the knees, and then the loins, until it swelled out a mighty river, stretchhig far away, and which even the greatest could not pass over ; but some stand on the brink of this H JUDGE AND (JOVERNOR. 77 great river of life, and ^vill allow none to wa<lc in it. Some would endeavour to prevent us going into these waters, even ankle deep, and instea<l of allowing us to bathe in this glorious stream of the river of life, would give to us l)ut small draughts, not of the pure waters of life, but a miserable, filthy compound, taken out of the stagnant pools of man's devising ; or which Whoever tasted, lost U[tright sbnpe, And downward fell, into a grovelling swine." A pamphlet, published in 1(S.5(), contains a speech and lecture, and also several controversial letters to which these had given rise. There was an incident of the speech that indicated bi-eadth of histoi'ical knowledge, and the ease with which it could at once be made availabhi in public effort. It had Ijeen stated by Mr. Justice Parker, in an opening address, that Papal per- mission had been given in 177tS to read the Bible in France. That permission, according to Judge Wilmot, was for the purpose of checking the revolutionary spirit, generated l)y principles and deeds that Rome had patronized. " Voltaire and his associates were spi-ead- ing their infidel writings with the avowed purpose of overthrowing Christianity. Copies to cover cost of pul)lication were sold ; the remainder were gratuitous- ly circulated. This course they connnenced in 1772; you know what happened in ten years from that time. A living tide of fire rolled over the land, devastating the country and sweeping before it throne and king, altar and priest. In all this there was manifest retri- 78 HON. .lUDdE WILMOT. 1 i bution and the justice of G(xl. Two centuries before, Clement and Ravailic, both monks, liad assassinated King Henry, excommunicated by the Pope, and Henry of Navaire. On St. Bartholonuiw's Day, 1570, fifty thousand Protestants wei'e slauglitered. There were rejoicings at Rome ; a medal was struck in commem- oration of the event. Undei- the pictures of Clement and Ravailac were placed the inscription : ' Happy is the man who kills a king.' After two hundred years, men met in dark cells to plot the Revolution. Tlie pictures of Clement and Ravailac, with that inscrip- tion, were seen hanging above their heads. The king paid the penalty. If it were good to kill Henry, why not Louis :* Upon their own principles, the evils which had been bi-ought about were now avenged." The reputation of Hon. L. A. Wilmot, as pleader and parliamentary debater, had been made years before ; and the laurel-leaf, awarded by acclamation, was still fresh and green. But in the absence of any formidable opponent, a foemen worthy of keen and polished Damascus steel, there was a general impres- sion that the (jualities which made him the Rupert of debate must mainly be held in abeyance. There was consequent surprise. The iire and force and freshness of platform effort and oratory fairly took the com- munity V>y storm. " For three hours," we find, at one time, " the audience was held almost breathless by the magic spell of elo(pience." The announcement of John Boyd, Esq., Hon. S. L. Tilley, Rev. Matthew Richey, D.D., and Hon. Judge Wilmot, in 1860, as speakers JUDGE AND (JOVFRN'OR. 79 for a public moctin^^ to bo held in tho Contcnary Church, might well prorluco a tVelinjij of more than orrlinarv interest. Many a ^roat crowd has been gathered in that noble old sanetuaiy ; but the scene of thronged aisles and galleries, that we were privi- lei;ed to witness on that occasion, could scarcely be surpassed. Between two of those gifte<l men, it was difficult to award the palm of elo(iuence : "The Rev. Dr. Richey is one of the most finished orators of modern times. He would make his mark in any civilized country and among any people ; his diction the purest, and his language the most chaste of any man we know. He was succeeded by Judge Wilmot in one of those thrilling, heart-stirring addresses so characteristic of him. These men are equally great in their different styles of eloquence, but they are entirely dissimilar in manner and expression. The Judge stands upon the platform a living representation of oratory." * There was, in regard to these efforts, an almost consentaneous expi-ession. " He lectured on the Buried City — of which the Prophet Nahum pre- dicted : ' I will make thy grave, for thou art vile.' To the surprise of the wonder-stricken inhabitants ; the astonishment of the world ; the delight of the Bible student; the remains of this great city were dis- covered far below, dug out of the very bowels of the earth — a wonderful attestation of the truth of the Scripture account of Nineveh, which the sceptic has so * Glohe. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I *~ IIIM IIM '' IIM iiiii^ ■ 1^ lliio 1.25 1.4 14 -m 6" — ► v] <p /2 o 7 ^ /A 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation (V 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 M ^ s \ <b ,^. °<* V,. 6\ <> a. '^^ r r/u v\ iV '<!^ A I I I ■! J 80 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. long derided, and of that divine prophecy uttered many years before — ' For thou hast made of a city an heap, of a defenced city a ruin ; a place of strangers to be no city ; it shall never be built.' Words fail to express the rich imagery — the deep reasoning — the wondrous development of prophecy — the solemn lessons of warning which characterised this noble effort. We will only add, it was one of the richest specimens of sublime, soul-stirring eloquence, we have ever listened to ; and sustained, in all its force, the fame of the speaker as one of the first orators in America." * For the benefit of young people the lecture on that subject was repeated. The hour ap- pointed was half-past two in the afternoon ; but long before that time the St. John Institute Hall was filled to its utmost capacity. " The doors had to be closed and hundreds turned away. The inside of the Hall presented an imposing spectacle. Probably not less than two thousand five hundi-ed managed to get in. There were sparkling eyes and open ears. How de- lightful to see his Honour devoting splendid talents to the mental and moral improvement of the young ! Citizens are under lasting obligation for the rich intel- lectual treat." * An arrangement of a similar kind seems to have been made for the following year. "The Christianity of the Bible," he said, "never forged a bolt or prison bar. It never drew a tear nor encouraged a cruel act. It taught peace and good- will. The Sword of the Spirit, the blessed Word of • Courier, 1858. t Christian Visitor, Feb. 1858. JUDGE AXD OOVERXOR. 81 Gofl, was its only vveapon. The Bible was man's heritage and right. Youthful hearers were urged to stand by it. If we may judge from the storm of applause, this they are resolved to do." * At some points, in this memorable course, the line of thought brought up burning questions and led to the discussion of monitory historic facts. Fired by a .sen.se of the tremend(Mis significance of such a theme, stem a.s well as splendid pa.s.sages Imrst from his lip.s. The fer- vent utterances, however, were in one case denounced as mere Protestant philippics. What was an uninten- tional compliment, the oratory was branded as " of the true Gavazzi style." The propriety of such a role, on the part of a Judge of the Supreme Court, was publ' ly nrpstioned. "There was a time," he .said, "when u iwyer, except as an ecclesiastic, could not sit upon the Bench. The sacred and judicial offices were combined. A chancellor heard the cause, con- demned the criminal and executed the .sentence." But can there be a return of .such days in the his- tory of our country ? Must the lips of legal digni- taries, except within their own jurisdiction, be utterly sealed and their convictions .suppressed :• Are there not questions of momentous importance which, from eminent ability and exalted position, they are spe- cially qualified to discuss ? Is the ermine of .such delicate quality and of .such sensitive purity that, by mere contact with the earnest, throbbing UK^vements of a living humanity, it may be .soile<l or sullied ? * Church Witness, 1859. a I \V t ; i. ./;i f ■ f sss if 82 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. There was at least one eminent Judge who claimed the right of untrammelled thought and of unfettered speech. His utterances in definition of position and purpose, as nobly exhibited and unfalteringly- maintained, breathe an«i burn with the spirit and sentiment to which we are indebted for the priceless boon of civil and religious liberty. They have the ring of Luther's thundering theses : " While under protection of the fiag of my country and in i^oHsession of British freedom, I ctinnot (dioiv nny poiver or party, political or ecclesiastical, to dict<de as to when, how, or luhere I shall explain and defend. Protestant tenets and expose opposing systems." * The impression produced )iy such words can scarcely be understood from a mere perusal. They were ac- companied by an intens«\ but undofinable, sensibility. There was an emoti(m that was strangely contagious. " The Judge is all action. The listener feels his heart vibrating like a reed in tlie wind before his wonder- ful and powerful gesticulation. The oratory is that of both intellect and body ; the whole man is brought into action. Does he get oft a denunciation ? You read it in his countenances befoi-e the eloquent words have leaped like fire from his lips."-f* Another side of Hon. L A. Wilmot's well-rounded life, to best advantage, could be seen in his own home. He was a versatile and brilliant conversationalist. In addition to wealth of acijuired knowledge and ac- quaintance with best thought, as embodied in literary * Carhton Sentinel. f St. John Olobe, 1860. JUDGE AND GOVERNOR. 88 laimed ottered losition eringly rit and riceless five the under Hsession >r party, how, or it tenets scarcely svere ac- isibility. itagioua. His heart wonder- s that of brought ? You ords It w Irounded in home. list. In land ac- 1 literary 60. art, there were ready play of wit, delicacy of feeling, love for social intercourse, and a constant atmosphere of kindliness. To bring out the interest of personal interview, it may be expedient to descri]»e one of many visits. In order that this sketch mav be a livinfj ex- pression, and not simply an ideal conception, it will be preferable to trace a reminiscence in which mertio- randfi can be utilized. The beautiful grounds of Evelyn Grove, at that time the finest probably in the Province, annually visited by numerous citizens and strangers, always cordially wel- comed, were evidence of cultuied taste and of intense love of nature.* House and vi>ran<lah are draped and shaded by refreshing foliage, and beautifie(l with thick profusion of twining plants and trellised vines. From the rear there looms up the sliadowy form of dark, tall pines. Bounding the grounds an* the stately and graceful forms and spi-eading i)ranchos of leafy green- wood trees. These have all been planted l>y the pro- prietor, and are all the growth of a life-time. Fronting the residence, intersected by pleasant paths and orna- mented with statuary, smooth and velv»'ty surface and swath of deepest and richest gi'ecn, is a neatly-trimmed and shady lawn. In the midst, an appropriate setting of gem-like beauty, bright with variegated colors, is a spacious, circular mound. (Jeranimns and other choice plants, in various and contrasted tints, are there * In this way, as an acconipUsln'»l horticulturist, .Fiidgf! Wilniot came to be widoly known. He was u Vico-Presitlcnt of the l*onio- logical Society of America — the Presith'iit of which, the Hon. Mr. Wilder, recently paid an appropriate tribute to liis ineniory. i ^ I ^ 84 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. combined into rare completeness and beauty of design. In the centre, of pyramidical shape, that may only be expected to bloom once in a century, stands a magnifi- cent specimen of the cactus family. "Should the summer-time of the hundred years come in my life," Judge Wilmot often pleasantly remarked, as visitors lingered in admiration, "the church bell must ring out a peal, and all the friends be iavitcd to a sight of century-flowers." That centennial glory he was not permitted to see. The associations of that delightful grove, in which beauty and fragrance are renewed and reproduced, can only now revive the hopeless longing, " for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still !" Through a slender arch of bent twigs and branches, fragrant with perfume of rose and honeysuckle and blossoming columbine, that climb and twine around each delicate stem, we make our way to another sec- tion of these charmingly beautiful grounds. What a scene of floral splendour now bursts upon the view ! " The garden p.aths are broad and smooth, There pansies bloom in gorgeous bed ; And high above the violets The tall, pale lilies bow their heads. " Flowers of rare beauty and loveliness, and of deli- cious aroma, grouped and distributed with exquisite taste and skill, blossom and brighten in the soft balmy sunshine ; and, with sweet odors, gladden this favored, elysian spot. There is a sensation around you at the moment, as if nature were sighing for repose. The ^ JUDGE AXD OOVERXOR. 86 air is languid with summer heat ; but in the early morning, we should have found invigorating freshness and the joyousness of renewed life. In matin strain, the feathered songsters that frequent the grove warble in concert and fill it with their melody. Here, at that dewy hour, with wonted implements of toil, for this floral culture forms a special charge, we might have found our honored friend. The avenue leads at length to another quality of production. There are superb specimens of roots and plants, and a marvellous pro- fusion and wealth of organic life. Threading a way through the foliage, that almost conceals access, the grounds in another direction change to a completely different character. As if in some fairv land, the scene and surroundings have undergone a wondrous trans- formation. Instead of flowers and parenchymatous growth, with abundance of shade, there is an almost tropical variety of shrubbery and of thickly-planted ornamental trees. In the centre, chiefly constructed by his own hands, stands a summer-house of rustic form and frame work. We find the Judge enjoying — "The harvest of a quid eijr That sleeps and broods on his own heart." By the fullness and fluency of his conversation, we are at once fascinated. The life of every plant, its special aflftnities and conditions of growth, he seems perfectly to understand. If, as the Oriental monarch, he does not speak of the trees " from the cedar that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out i I I li 86 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. of the wall ;" from climbing ivy and myrtle and " the lilies," how they grow, and fair and delicate forms of life that have been transplanted from strange and sunny lands, to the stately cone-l)earers that tower above us in the dusky magnificence of what seems a dense forest growth, he talks with the accuracy of a botanical scientist and the enthusiasm of a genuine child of nature. There are wonderful lessons, when once the myste- ries of nature have found an adequate interpreter, to be learned an<l treasured up. " Look," says the Judge, " at that slender, trailing vine ! In search of support, and failing to find a fitting object, its tendrils run along the ground. With gentle hand it ought to be trained toward the light. There itwouM find strength and life. But now, with a tendency to speedy decay, it clasps and clings to a piece of mouldering wood. By a law of their nature, equally with ivy plant and sum- mer-tendril, in their unfolding mind, the little ones that gather around us for instruction ciing tenaciously for strength and support. If not trained upwards, in the direction of heavenly light find love, they may be expected to take root in some unworthy object ; and, in direct assimilation, become of tlie earth, earthy." "What delicious fruit," he continues, when for a moment the modest strawberry vine claims attention, "close upon the surface 1 Is it not so in the word of God ? Are not the most essential truths easily accessible ? Were a stranger from another planet, thrown sud- denly upon our globe, to be ae(piaiiite<l with the JFDOE AND OOVFRNOR. 87 boundaries of knowledge, he might ask in amazement: ' Must I know all this in order to live :* Must I search the strata, classify planets, group the stars* into con- stellations, and investigate the illimitable ' ? By no means ! The essential conditions of life ai-c; simple : Bread from bruised corn, and water fi-om the mountain spring. Then, according to inclination or capacity, research may be carried into distant domain. In the word of God are deep abysses, mountain peaks, and measureless expanse of thought. But the grand veri- ties, needed for salvati(m, are upon the surface. The straivhrrrir-'i fie nearest to the littk ehildirfi ! It is not necessary to acquire abstruse and technical knowledge in order to live. We can subsist on that which grows at our feet. And so in the marvellous word of inspira- tion, with might}' depths and knotty points for learned men and profound theologians, for the young there are passages, clear, simple, and loving ; the twenty-third psalm where the little ones may be led into green pastures and to (piiet waters." Is it the sentiment of Wordsworth, in affinity with what has been eloquently expressed, that recurs in suggestive strain ? As a slight contribution to con- versational interest the lines are recalled : *' Bolievp it not : That primal duties shine aloft like stars ; The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless, Are scattered at the feet of man like flowers." The interest of this visit, fortunately, has not yet ended. After an excursion through the grounds, for a ■ ; . 88 HON. JUDOE WILMOT. I few moments of rest, we accompany the Judge to his library. Heie a new and congenial theme, often touched upon before, is started. " Have you read," he asks — and his words may be given rerhnfim — " the Au- gust and September numbers of Blackwood ? The first contains an exceedin^lv interestinjx article on n^hat the Old E(jj/ptians did. The writer is at a loss to know in what way the early post-diluvians became .so wise and so well in.structed in many things. To me the article is especially interesting as supporting my view that wisdom was originally inspired l>y the Creator. It does appear marvellous that even such a man as Whately should have entertained an idea that man when first created, or very .shortly afterwards, was advanced by the Creator himself to a state above that of a mere savage. Surely if God created man perfect, physically and morally, he did not leave him a babe in intellect ! Why may we not, therefore, as.sume that the first man was educated by the Almighty Himself — that he took the degree of M.A. in Heaven's College — that he knew what kind of world he was placed in, and how to make the most of it — that he knew the re- lation of the earth to the sun, moon and other planets, and how they served for days and seasons and years — that intellectually Adam was the Creator's master-piece and never a savage ? Then what opportunities, from the longevity of the ante-diluvians, for imparting knowledge ! Though the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and led to the terrible judgment of the flood, the majestic intellect was there Ii JUnrJE AND GOVEIINOR. 89 Bright and base. With rubbish mixod nnd glittering in the dust. The wonderful arcliitecturc of the Assyrians and Egyptians, and the learning and wisdom of the latter, necessarily indicate the transmission of a great amount of knowledge from Noah an«l his sons. Mankind could not in the first instance have civilized itself and must, therefore, have a su[)erhuman instructor." Upon the Federation of the British Colonies of North America into the Dominion of Canada, 1868, in acknowledgement of important public services not for- gotten through several years of comparative seclusion, a tribute also to distinguished and commanding per- sonal (jualities, the Hon. L. A. Wilmot was appointed first native Governor of New Brunswick.* The ap- * The first Governor of New Brunswick, for nearly twenty years, was Colonel Thomas Carlcton. Then, for several years, lion. CJabriel Ludlow and Judge Edward Winslow administered the government as Presidents. In con.seiiuenee of difficulty with the United States, 1812-14, Major-fieneral Hunter and, in rapid succession, six other officers of rank tacted as military i»rosidents. Sir fieorge Tra<;y Smythe was appointed Lieutenant-(r )vernor in 1818. Judge (.'hipnian became administrator in 1823 and was sui'eeede<l by lion. John Murray Bliss — uncle of L. A. Wilmot. Then, as regularly appointed Lieut- enant Governors, followed Sir Howard Douglas in 1824, Sir Archibald Campbell, 1831 ; Sir John Harvey, 1834; Sir William Colebroke, 1841 ; Sir Kdmund Walker Head, 1848 ; Sir J. II. Alanners-Sutton, 1854 ; Sir Arthur Gordon, 1862. Since Confederation Hon. L. A. Wilmot was succeeded by Hon., now Sir, Samuel Leonard Tilley, C. B. The brief administration of of Hon. E. B. Chandler, who followed Sir Samuel, was early ter- minated by death. The present Governor, Hon, I*. I). Wilmot, a near relative of the Judge, completes the gubernatorial succession. .1 I 1 I 90 HON. JUD(JE WILMOT. pointment was iMcditul*!*' to all concerned. It could not on any side be open to the imputation of political party purpose and manipulation. But from disinterestedness and eminent fitness of things, no designation could have been more politic. The distinguished recognition accorded was purely and pre-eminently a tribute to high character, rare combination of mtmtal and moral (jualities, and to the splendid services by which a reputation had been made far beyond the boundaries of the Province. Release from onerous judicial duties,and the comparative leisure of governmental a(hninistration, afforded ample oppor- tunity for literary and floral pursuits and pleasures. What was of greater consequence an influence, always employed for good and beneficent interests, was largely augmented. There was also, in that appointment, an evidence of completeness and consummation of import- ant life work, conscious and undisguised satisfaction and gratification. Instead of official monopoly and the block of impassable social barriers, from the humblest and lowliest grades and walks of life to the elevations and altitudes of society for gifted and industrious stu- dents, the avenues were fully opened, "And wo, in larger measure, now inherit What made our forerunners free and wise." Young men, of colonial birth and education, go forth to duty and effort ; and, wnth all the incentive and stimulus of possible achievement, aspire to public and professional distinction. Let them not forget that to JUDGE AND GOVERNOR. 91 Hon. L. A. Wilniot and to his compeers and compa- triots, for a valuable heritage of birthright and free- dom, they owe an unspeakable debt of gratitude. " Yesterday," writes a metropolitan journalist, " marked a new era in the history of New Brunswick ; it marked that one of her sons, no matter of what class or creed or sect, might aspire successfully to the high dignitj' of becoming Lieutenant-Governor of his native Province. Sweeping away tlie old landmarks of vested rights and political distinction, the day has declared the lofty sentiment, that a nol»le genius, a loyal and pa- triotic spirit are the main tests of excellency, the grand desiderata of honour and distinction. In hailing Judge Wilmot as the new Lieutenant-Governor, — he comes to us with all these reconnnendations, trace* I along a whole lifetime spent in the service of his native Pro- vince ; and while it is possible many of the younger portion of our people may I'ather incline to regard His Excellency in the light of these latter <lays, catching tone and feeling from lecent political events, we sim[)ly ask them to look back. Let them look up the recoi'ds of the past, when their grandsires were held in the grasp of domineering family compact who knew no right sav^e the right to rule, who recognized only as presumptuous any and every aspiration of the people seeking a voice in the government of their own affairs. And when at length this Province was con- vulsed to its very centre, when the gi'cat Magna Charta of Responsible Government and the people's rights was struggling into existence let them ask the t ! ':, ) !l 92 HOW. JUDGE WILMOT. ' old men ' who it Wcas tliat sprang to the front, and catching up this battle-cry of the people, fought the leader in the fight until the truth and right pre- vailed, and won for us all that social and political lil>erty which is to-day the boast of every true-born son of New Brunswick. Nor was this merely the work of a day. Persistently the struggle was continued from year to year, but ever sustained by his constituents of York, who stood by him ' in the storm and in the sunshine,' that matchless eloquence never faltered, that earnest, manly pleading never failed, until vic- tory crowned the etlbrts of himself and colleagues, and Responsible Government became the first prin- ciple of the constitution. Therefore it is that the friends of His Excellency claim for him, in his recent appointment, that he has simply ol)taiiied his right, a right which he is worthy to receive, and which a vast iiiKt.jorifij of the 'people of his native j^i'ovince de- light to bestow." * At the inauguration of Governor Wilmot there was a characteristic and iDustrativt; incident that claims permanent record. The Senate Hall on that occasion was thronofed with the elite of the citv : ladies, sena- tors, judges, clergymen, military gentlemen and others. The ceremony had been completed and officials were thronging to tender congratulation. In the excitement of the occasion, proud of the superintendent, a little fellow from the Sunday-school found his way to the front. With bright intelligent face he caught the Gover- * Fredericton lieporlcr. 'li ; JUDGE AND GOVERNOR. 98 nor's eye. At once, in prefei-ence to all dignitaries, the hand of the; scholar was cordially grasped. No compli- ment could be more genuine, and certainly none was returned with more beaming light and reciprocity of feeling, than that presented l)y the earnest representa- tive of [lis Sabbath charge. Under the old regime, retaining and reproducing in colonial life the style to which in wealtliy and aristo- cratic home circles they had been accustomed, the hospitalities of Government House were munificently administered by successive English families. Society at Headquarters was supposed to be quite select.* Fashionable entertainments wei'e the order of the day. To the invited guest, the Lieutenant-Govern- or's invitation brought with it a very considerable amount of prestiije. It formed one of the .sharp- ly defined, and sometimes arbitrarily drawn, lines by which society, at that time in the little capi- tal, was discriminated and graded. There was con- siderable speculation, at the inauguration of the new Governor, in regard to the public courtesies which he might deem it expedient to adopt. Upon what principle could he harmonize practices, supposed to be of a thorouufhlv world! v nature, with convictions avowed, and course consistently pursued through many years of Christian profession ? By those who best knew him, whatever temporary perplexities I! n . * Like England in those days, we had ([uite a rc<;ugnized aristocracy — Shores, Odells, Peters', Saunders', Baillies, < 'arters, &e. — " Ueniiuis- ceuces," in Reporter. 94 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. might arise, there was never a fear that he would compromise his character and religious principles. A little coterie there was, of fashionable community, es- pecially anxious for the maintenance of a former system. In one instance, when guests were at the table, by a preconcerted plan partly in fun and slight- ly in earnest, the cpiestion of a Government House Ball was raised. The Governor received intimation that, during incumbency of honourable office, in mode of entertainment and of social demand, he would be ex- pected to follow in the routine of his predecessors. But with HoiL L. A. Wilmot, always on the alert, it was not easy to carry a position, by slwj coup-de-main attempt. A ball at Government House ! They must not be disappointed ! He would at once name the day ! But the time indicated would not do at all ; there was an insuperable barrier. It would take them into Lent ; that was to be observed in fasting, and not in feasting. Tlie Church would not, during that term of solemn Lenten services, sanction the splendour and indulgence of woi'ldly fashion, and of unhallowed gratification. The inference was palpable ; his course was clear. There was a Church, from members of which the movement had emanated, by which, during the days of Lent, the forms and festivities pleaded for were prohibited. For that imperative regulation there was scrupulous and creditable concern and com- pliance ; but another church claimed from him the same spirit of obedience. Upon the ground of prin- e rather than of expedience, and the year round cipl JUDGE AND GOVERNOR. 95 would les. A ity, es- former at the . slight- use Ball )n that, node of I be ex- 3cessors. alert, it le-main ij must ime the at all ; i<e them ng, and \\cf that )lendour tallowed s course ibers of during pleaded fulation Ind com- nmi the of prin- |r round equally with the weeks of an annual fast, the same prohibition was enforced. In imitation of consistency, which challenged admiration and commanded fullest approval, he must decline the proposed arrangement. Promenade and musical gatherings, garden parties and Gonvei'sazloiie, constituted a satisfactory and pleasant substitute. The opinion has frequently been expressed that there had never been a more generous and at- tractive exercise, or exhibition of Government House hospitalities.* Until the Act of Federation, mainly representative of Imperial interests, the Lieutenant-Governors of the several Provinces were appointed immediately by the Crown. They were ordinarily selected from influen- tial circles, aristocratic families, and the ranks of those who had claim to stations of honor and emolument. The newly-appointed Governor, under another dispen- sation, sustained an altered relation. In official ad- ministration, however, and in social life, he was brought into direct contact with the previous occu- pants of the same dignitied office. But from that comparison the Hon. L. A. Wilmot could not suffer. He had that genuine dignity which springs from the soul ; in all (lualities, mental and physical, he was one * Amongst promineut guests eutertaint'd by Governor and Mrs. VVilniot, during ooeuiiancy of the oftioial mansion, were H. K. H. Prince Arthur of England, Baron and Lady Lisgar, Earl and Countess Dufferin, General Sir Hastings Doyle, Admirals Wellesley and Fau- shawe, Governors Howland and Robinson. A valuable ring presented by the Prince to Mrs. Wilmot, set with diamond and emeralds, forma a fitting suuvcnir of his visit. ; 96 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. of nature's noblemen. There is, unquestionably, an aristocracy of birth ; and all honor to those whose glittering coronets have gained brighter lustre from deeds of chivalrous worth. There is an aristocracy, too, of wealth, in which the titles of money-kings, that rule the world, are emblazoned and enrolled. But there is also, higher tlian all, an ai'istocracy of mental and moral wortli, with its brilliant galaxy of names — of which heraldry may have no record — the most superb minds and splendid intellects that God has ever given to the world. To tlie ranks of men, enobled by worth and true magnificence of soul, by right divine, the first native Governor of New Brunswick " 'Tis only noble to be good." belonged. " He's t}»e Noble who advancos Freetloiii and tlie oause of man. " The duties of a Lieutenant-Governor, under ordinary circumstances, in the Provinces of Canada, are not ex- traordinarily onerous ; and, with moderate and average prudence and ability, may be creditably and satisfac- torily dischargeu. It was a matter of doubt, ft)r many years a popular leadei', suspected of political sympa- thies, and quite as strongly of cori-esj^onding antipa- thies, whether Governor Wilmot would be able to divest himself of personal and party bias and prefer- ence. But it was soon apparent, with guarantee of fairness to all political parties, that ample experience of public life, and perfect acquaintance with principles ■ constitutional administration, enabled him to exer- jriMiE AND f;(>vr,H\(>i:. J>7 bly, an whose e from bocracy, igs, that l. But mental lames — le most jod has enobled 3y right unswick ordinary not ex- average atist'ac- or many sympa- anti pa- able to pret'er- ntee of lerience incipies o exer- cise a legitimate and commanding influence. Then, in addition to the paraphernalia of governmental office, there were many important interests which, from the vantage ground of elevated position, he could most effectually promote. A college commencement or the opening of an industrial exhibition, civic ceremonial or railway celebration, afforded oppoi-tuuity that was thoroughly utilized. Throughout the Province, every nook of which was familiar giound, there was assured welcome. He was intensely patriotic. As was said of another statesman, " he loved his country as a Roman the City of the Seven Hills ; as an Athenian the City of the Violet Crown." A patriotic song, " Our Dominion for ever," was composed while at Government House. Accompanied by music for "March or the Bivouac," it was "re- spectfully dedicated to the Militia Forces of the Do- minion, by Lieutenant-Colonel Wilmot." Two or three stanzas may fitly close this chapter : — " Our Dominion for ever ! our own dear lautl, The laiid of the brave and the free ; Wherever we roam, we'll think of our home, And love the Old Banner, The Ked-cross Banner, Triumphant liy land and by sea. Our Dominion tor e\ er ! Ood bless our land ! Rose, thistle and shamroek here grow ; So closely entwined, they are ever combined To adorn the Old Banner, The Red-cross Banner, That triumphs o'er every foe. E !-. i 98 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. Chorus— Then sing our Dominion for ever ! The Queen and the Banner for ever ! No cravens are we, By land or hy sea, We'll sing our Dominion for ever ! IV. CMISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. •' The power which religion should exeitisc over the life ami eon- duct, is not simply like u dash of color, here and there ui)on the can- vas ; but it is an if the canvas were dipi»ed bodily into the color, till every thread of the fabric became saturated with it." — Ur. DcwarVs ^* Living Epistles." 'HE facts and incidents of Hon. L. A. Wilniot's Christian life and work are closely associated with the place in which he so long resided. The city of Fredericton has many attractions. Those " who have reached it at the close of a summer's day, spent among the beautiful and ever-varying scenery of the St. John, and have glanced for a moment at the river which glides along the front of the town, at the hills which rise with gradual ascent from the rear, and at the Nashwaak which, on the opposite side, rolls its tribute of waters into the St. John, will be ready to admit that few finer situations can be found than that chosen for the capital of New Brunswick."* * Rev. T. Watson Smith's History of Methodism. Jll l! 100 HON. JI'POE WILMOT. During the earlier years of its history, in Fred- ericton, Methodism had to struggle for existence. The steadfast Scotchman, Duncan Blair, and tlie little band of which he was the leader, had to contend with many discouragements. Probably the lirst strong impetus dates from the ministry of Rev. William Burt. The Rev. John Bass Strong, who was stationed there in 1827, and Revs. Richard Williams and Samp- son Bus))y were all ministers of a stamp to consolidate and extend the work. In the year 1838, after two years upon the Mirimichi Mission, the Rev. Enoch, now Dr. Wood, of Toronto, was appointed to the pastorate of the Fredericton Methodist Church. A special and distinguished style of pulpit oratory — sound and solid exegesis, in combination with forcil)le, practical appeal, sustained through all vari- ations of tenderness, pathos, and incidental allusion — was then in its dewy and palmy freshness and power. It produced deep impression upon the audience, carried the reputation of the preacher through the community, and was blessedly and abidingly fruitful in spiritual results. Amongst those attracted and impressed, then at the commencement of professional career, was the brilliant barrister, L. A. Wilmot. Merely intellectual interest, however, soon gave place to earnest inquiry and to profound spiritual emotion. There was said to be at this time a settled serious- ness of expression that was quite unusual to sub- sequent buoyancy of spirit. This may have been due to a severe stroke of bereavement. In the early part CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 101 of 1832, Mr. Wilmot had married Jane the eldest daughter of James Balloeh, Esq., of St. John. It was soon apparent that hectic cheek and hri<T]it eye " wx^re lit with the hale-fire of decline." "After a .severe and protracted illness," of some months, accord- ing to an obituary notice, " which .she bore with the greatest patience and Christian fortitude, in the full assurance of peace with God, this amiable sufferer breathed her last." The sweetness and sufficiency of experimental trust in Christ, and of consolation abundantly afforded to the sinking and suffering one, were well calculated to produce a deep and permanent impression upon a sensitive and affectionate nature. Observing more than ordinary religious concern and movement amongst the people, Mr. Wood gave notice that, at a particular hour in the vestry, he would meet with any who were desirous of fleeing " from the wrath to come." The announcement was accompanied by the emphatic explanation that, in attempting to organize a week-night class, members of the church were not expected to be present. He w^ould welcome persons who, after delay and indecision, were now de- termined to work out their salvation. The service thus arranged soon came to constitute a new centre of religious interest. Around it gathered a number of young people, of whom the community speedily began to take knowledge that they had been with Jesus, who formed a valuable accession to the membership of the church. To the minister, also, it became " a means of grace greatly enjoyed and very highly valued ;" and l\ i';.{ ''I 102 HON. .11 DfiE WTLMOT. which, after nearly half a century, has still fresh and fragrant memories. On the first night only three per- sons were present, but one of these was Lemuel Allan Wilmot.* Solicitude for spiritual things, like the morning dew and mist upon the mountain brow, as ultimately proved, was not a mere transient or evanes- cent feeling. It deepened and developed into a moulding iniiuence of life. The earnest and evan- gelical pastor and preacher became a valued and trusted friend. Through prudent counsel and salutary influence, he was enabled to believe in Christ and to realize conscious and satisfying rest of soul. He could now say, " Return unto thy rest, O my soul ; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.'" In the latter part of 1834, Mr. Wilmot was united in mati'imony to Miss Elizabeth Black of Halifax. In every respect, and especially in regard to the development of a settled religious character and stead- fastness, the step was a most providential one. But sense of delicacy prevents more than a passing allusion to one who is still with us — pursuing the even tenor of an unobtrusive Christian course — always best pleased, in other days, " To hear reflected from her husband's praise her own." An incident of social life, involving fidelity to reli- i^ : * The other names demand record. They were Henry Fisher, Esq., afterwards the efficient Superintendent of Education, and Mrs. 1*. Risteen. CHRISTFAN MFE AXO WORK. 103 prions oV)li^ation, of vital importance in its boarin<]^ upon subsequent decision and consistency of Christian life, upon the authority of Dr. Wood, may be mentioned in this connection. The Watch-night service, on New Year's Eve, was at that time an impressive solemnity and largely attended. Th(;y " did not then make a sham of the watch-night." The exercises commenced at nine o'clock in the evening. " There was plenty of time for singing, praying, reading the scriptures, ex- horting and pi-eaching." It was customary on that evening for a ball, one of the great events of the year, to be given at Government House. In very different style from that of solemn and prayerful review and resolve, on the eve of LS.S"), they were summoned to " King out tlje Old, ring in the New." Young as he was, at that time, Mr. Wilmot held the military appointment of Judge Advocate. Independent of social position, an invitation was received from Sir Archibald Campbell. The testing time had come. A life-battle for Christian principle must be fought. From the days of the Hebrew Prince there have been like scenes of conflict. " What will ye see in the Shulamite ? As it were the company of two armies." It was late before Mr. Wood was informed of the actual facts and the peril to which he was exposed. An affec- tionate message, of warning and solicitude, was imme- diately sent. The event was left in the hand of God. " From docility of spirit, and decisiveness previously exhibited, there was believing hope that he would re- 1^; 104 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. nounco the world, take up the cross and clintr to Christ and tlie Church.* But there was also a tremu- lous solicitude and anxiety as to the choice and issue of that ordeal." In deference to oificial tluty the first decision was to accept the invitation. The hour had arrived, a coach was at the door. " Mr. VVilniot," whis- pered a faithful friend, one who in that early day had borne reproach for Christ, " if Christian principle be worth anything, it is worth everything!" The word was in season. There was instantly a new and nobler resolve. At the commencement of the service the congre- gation was large. But as the preacher's eye glanced down the aisle and through the audience, there was no inunediate relief. To his great gladness, however, after the opening prayer, in fine commanding person, followed by his youthful bride, Mr. VV. was seen making his way up to the minister's pew. It is not without warrant that Dr. Wood should " look upon his decision, on that occasion, as involving the char- acter of all the future." The question of Church membership, though de- layed for a time, had to be decisively determined. To the Methodist Church, in the years between, have been gathered a number of prominent and infiuential laymen, that would have been a valuable accession to any religious community. Prol)al)ly no section of the Christian Church, in the Lower Provinces, has * Mr. Wiliijot was not yet in nienibersliiit with tlie (.'luin-b. rURlSTTAN MFE AND WORK. 105 jlinf; to , trcniu- iid issue the first our had t," whis- (lay hatl ciple be 'he word id nobler 3 congre- B (danced .here was however, g person, vas seen It is not .ok upon he char- )ujzh de- lermined. ^•en, have ttluential iccession section kices, has lb. been more signally honoured. But at the time to which we now refer, nearly half a century ago, the loyalist and ecclesiastical spirit was still dominant and exclusive in New Brunswick. Cost was counted. Undeterred by any thing in the form of social ban, though no one at the time could have anticipated the complete revoluticm which almost immediately fol- lowed, L. A. Wilmot made his choice. He was baptized at the Communion of the Church. There was then the unalteral)lc resolve : " llorc ill Thy courts I Icavo my vows, Let Thy rich gmco romrd ; Witness yc saints, that hear nu; now, If I forsake the Lonl." Though not of Methodist ancestry or antecedents, yet through Mrs. Wilmot, daughter of the Hon. William Black, grand-daughter of Rev. William Black, the apostle of Wesleyan evangelism in the Eastern Provinces, he might claim tribal inheritance in our de- nominational Israel. As expressive of unswerving fidelity and of afi'ectionate allegiance in a sacred rela- tionship, fraught only with beneficent influences, the exquisite words of Ruth the Moabitess to her Israelitish mother-in-law, found fitting application : " Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee ; for whither thou goest I will go ; and where thou lodgest I will lodge ; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God ; wdiere thou diest I will die, and there will I be buried ; the Lord do so E* ■'V 106 HON. JUDrJF: WILMOT. to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me. l! Tliero has occasionally, as apparently in the case of Lord Macaulay — if the impression produced l)y Trev- ellyan's Memoir- may he trusted — in the caste and con- stitution of exceptionally great minds, an almost inex- plicable disparity betwixt grandeur of intellect and capacity for spiritual things, and for a life of faith upon the Son of God. But this young lawyer, was not more graced with gifts than gifted with grace. Mental ability of a high order was accompanied by a still richer endowment of moral and spiritual qualities. Consciousness of his acceptance with God was ev-er a clearly attested and experimental fact. " Through the whole course of my religious experience," he was known to testify, " I never once had a doubt in regard to the question of personal salvation. The assurance of my acceptance as a child of God, and the firmness of my confidence, are such that Satan cannot take any advantage on that side ; and cannot even tempt me to doubt or fear in regard to the reality of my conversion." A passage from Sir Hunq)hry Davy, copied at that time on the blank page of a book, and often referred to in after life, expressed the ideal of coveted peace : " I envy not any quality of mind or intellect in others ; nor genius, power, wit, or fancy ; but if I could choose that most delightfid, and most useful to me, I should ■preior Jirm vclyjiouH faith to every other blessing. It makes life a discipline of goodness ; creates new hopes when old hopea vanish ; throws over decay the des- n CflKISTIAN I>TKK AND WORK. 107 lee and case of I Tiev- iid con- jt inex- act and )f faith er, was 1 grace. 3d by a ualities. as ever rin-ough he was 1 regard isurance [irmness lake any Lt me to I'ersion." at that efcrred ll peace : others ; I choose should hing. It kV hopes lie des- truction of existence tlic most gorgeous of all lights ; awakens life even in death, and, from corruption and decay, calls up heauty and divinity ; makos an instru- ment of torture and of shame the ladder of ascent to paradise; and, far ahove all combinations of earthly hope, calls up the most delightful visions, and plains, and amaianths ; the gardens of the hlest, and the security of everlasting joys, where the sensualist and the sceptic view only gloou), decay, annihilation, and despair." Through yenrs of unfaltering decision and service for Christ, acknowledged religious consistency com- bined with brilliant professional distincticm, assiduous attendance upon appointed means of grace and appreciation of Christian fellewship, marked and manifest faith and fervor of spiritual faith and of spiritual and devotional exercise, in a measure and manner which compelled the homage of even thought- less men, the genuineness of Christian cliaracter was al)undantly exhibited. It was often apparent, even amidst the whirl and tumult of public life and poli- tical strife, that he had found the secret places of the Most High. It was a privilege of no common order, in that simple eloquence, almost childlike humility, and tremulous earnestness and fervoi- of tone, to hear him publicly plead with God. In this case duty was supreme delight. When his eloquence was in the zenith of its splendour, and thronged audiences hung upon his lips and greeted his utterances with wild tumult of ap])!auso, as if uneon- 1 lOS HON. JUDGE WILMOT. ii scious of the possession of any qualities that lifted him above the level of the lowliest member, he de- voutly and unostentatiously took his place in the quiet and refreshing Sanctuary Service. To him it was no mere matter of form. With the utmost sim- plicity of speech, tearful confession and tendernes.s of feeling, he would bear testimony, lead in hymns of praise, bend in sacred supplication. Who, that has ever been present on such an occasion, but retains vivid impression of those fervent utterances. They were the distinct avowal of deep love to Christ, pas- sionate longing for nearer intimacy with the living Saviour, an expression of conscious dependence upon a strong arm for help. There was the power of plead- ing, prevalent petition, or the rapt fervor of silent communion with God : ' ' Sighs now breathed Unutterable, which the spirit of prayer Inspired and wiiigiul for heaven with speedier flight Than loudest oratory." " During my Fredericton pastorate," says Rev. D. D. Currie, " it was the custom to conclude the monthly Communion Service with prayer by Judge Wilmot. His prayers ahvays breathed a spirit of tenderness and devotion, and indicated his appreciation of the neces- sity and value of the atonement, and also how closely he walked with God. And many a time, in earlier years, after he had been warring with bitter antago- nists, and had been violently abused by a portion of the press, we have heard him, in the week-night CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 109 prayer-meeting, pleading for strength and for charity, tliafc he might stand firmly in the evil day." 'ihe interest thus manifested, always apparent, was never more intense and demonstrative than in connec- tion with scenes and services of revival power and blessing. To these exercises, of a special character, his emotional nature rendered him peculiarly and pro- foundly susceptible. In pentecostal manifestation, power from on high, and the baptism of fire, he be- lieved and exulted. There was probal)ly no satisfac- tion in life more deep and exquisite than that of witnessing evidences of penitence and exhibitions of saving mercy. Never, in brilliant efi*orts of public and professional life, has he seemed greater than when bowing in prayer with sorrowing suppliants ; and, with aftectionate eloquence, directing tearful penitents to the cross and Saviour. The devotional element, thus conspicuously mani- fested, was not the only distinctive feature of Judge Wilmot's religious life. Intensity, always apparent, was not more extraordinary than the breadth and manysidodness of character. There have been others endowed with a large measure of intellectual recep- tiveness, of emotional feeling, of profound reverence for the Word of God, and of capacity for unw^earied and life-long activities. In proportion as any of these gifts or graces have predominated, they have chal- lenged due recognition ; but in this case, in a rare degree of completeness, there was combination of Clu'istian excellencies. Analogous to nature, in which no HON. jrnriE wtlmct. I ]| ho so much delighted, Avliich finds expansion and expression in a thousand varied forms of Ijeauty, was the outgrowth and manifestation of spiritual hfe. Every part and pulsation of being were pervaded and permeated by an experimental vitality that rooted itself in Christ ; and, in the best forms of Christian fruitfulnesR, it found abundant exhibition. It may generally be felt, in the outworking of influ- ential lives, that all distiniiuishiny^ excellencies can be trticed to the op(n'ation of one sim})k', Ijut potent, principle. A letter from Governor Wilmot — bearing for crest-mark, with suitable device, the significant motto : Fide et Amoke — dated from Covernment House, on the last day of 1801), contains a passage which sufHciently accounts for ceas(,dess, steadfast ser- vice ; and which, over his wdiole life, throws the lumi- nous light of heavenly law. " I feel ashamed of myself," he writes, in regard to specinl etfort, " and am almost resolved to decline all such work for the future. But wdien I think how little 1 have done for my Saviour, and how much — 0, lioiv much — He has done for me, I am encourai^ed to fjo on." Unconsciously, wlien called upon at a re])resentative meeting to give the hctjvofe, he indicated the dominant principle of his own lif(\ and that which gave caste and complexion to his general religious experience an<l character : It was love — the love of (jod and of humanity for the love of God. " We are all one," he said ; " in that we belong to the Church of C'hrist ; and the government, essence, spirit of that Church, is nHHISTIAN 1,1 FK AND W'oUK. Ill and ^( ntive inant castA> and u\ of he irist ; ch, is love — infinite love — for as we dwell in God, we dwell in love. May that l>e our dwellin_i(-])lace for ever- dcnt t( more ! Amid trie oppositions ana trials men I Christian life, never let us forixet that our love viust he seen. Searcely had the n;looin settled down upon the Garden of (Jethsemane, than that matchless love was poured down upon men. It has passed down through the ages, and is the woof and warp of religious experience." The infinite, inexhaustible, everlasting love of God in Christ, inexplicable in its manifestations, — until the harmonies and ascriptions of earth an<l heaven blend and burn into one mighty magnificent chorus — never to be adequately celebrated, was a subject on which he delighted to dwell. It fired his soul and filled his mental vision. " The love of God," he wrote in a valued communication, "is a vast abyss, an immeasur- able expanse. Along its shores, from age to age, with lengthened ami added weight, the plummet of angel- mind has sought to sound the mystery. But the cry has ever been : ' (J, the depth !' " " In vniii tlic first-born Rorn])h tri^p To sound tlic (loplh of Iovp Divinp." In conviction of the compassionate and unerring love of God, his own heart found firm and secure refuge ; and, from the same inexhaustible source, he was often enabled to communicate consolation. In answer to a note, informing him of a sore bereavement, he wrote : " Fresh wounds deep in the heart, and old I 1 I Mt ^ 112 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. wounds opened ! Your heart-sorrow I cannot inter- meddle with. But most certainly the rod was in the hand of Infinioe Love, The purpose may be hidden now, but you will know it by-and-by ; and your sor- row hereafter, will be followed by a higher note of praise. * All thivgs work together for yoocl.' Work together — that is harmonize. Wondrous harmony ! It is harmony made up of deepest heart-sorrow and abounding joy — pain and suffering of body and peace of soul — deepest abasement of spirit and joy unspeak- able and full of glory — self-condemnation and faith, justification — having nothing and yet po«sessing all things. What a marvellous combination and variety of tones, and yet a heavenly harmony ! May you find consolation in the conscious assurance of this harmony of love ! And while you attentively listen, may you find it becoming sweeter and deeper until the wearied heart shall breathe forth in unison its own assurance. He doeth all things tuell." No one can have come into close contact with Judge Wilmot without being struck with his profound vene- ration for the Word of God. The law of God ivas in his heart* A copy of the Scriptures long used bears evident at- testation of the manner in which he was accustomed to * "In one of my visits to the House of Assembly, during the days of stormy debate, there was a most n)emorable scene, Mr. Wilmot held the Bible in his hand. To that standard of immutable law, and of authoritative enactment, he made Supreme aijpeal," — Rev. J. Sutcliffc. i CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 113 Judge vene- in his jnt at- ledto during lie, Mr. Iniutable |)pal." — study tlie sacred page. He meditated therein by day and night. There are nidrks to indicate successive readings of the Bible — teachings through which he had lieen led to nearer communion with God — familiar passages which in a memorable moment had become luminous with heav^enly light — practical truths which had been as a light to his feet and a lamp to his path and in the keeping of which there had been great re- ward — inspired words that had been interwoven with the eventful incidents of his history — messages breathing the spirit of infinite t(m<lerness and richly fraught with consolation — precepts unto which in his way he had taken heed, and by which his life had been purified — radiant promises which in the dark and murky night had suddenly gleamed out as stars of hope — the twenty-third psalm in which many an ex- perience of life found its most fitting expression — the ninety-first psalm which before starting upon a journey he was accustomed to read at the family altar. Tliroui»'h and throur'h, the Book of Psalms specially bears evidence of habitual and prayerful perusal. In its simple and pathetic energj'' there was an irresistible charm. " Think," he said, " of such passages as — ' / cried unto the Lord,' and, ' Out of the dejdhs have I cried unto TItee, Lord V One can scarcely rejjeat that word ' cry' without a sigh or tear. It sounds like the sob of childhood and suits the tender spirit." There was also keen appreciation of the poetic beauty and grand imagery of the Hebrew Bard. The woof of experimental testimony in the III I i In 114 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. fervor of Christian fellowship, was shot with many a thread of inspired utterance : " f will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever : I will trust in the covert of Thy wino's. For Thou, God, hast jjiven ine the herita(!:e of those that fear Thy name." From the New 'JVsta- ment, in the same way, there weie passages that glowed with celestial lire : " Whom having not seen ye love; in whom though now ye see Him not, yet l)e- lieving, ye rejoice witli joy unsj^eakabjc and full of glory." With acute Jind devout interest, he followed up the main points at issue between the Bible and extreme ex- ponents of modern science. Many of the best authori- ties upon these subjects were constantly at hand for repeated perusal. A volume from his library now be- fore me, of considerable value as an exact and exhaus- tive discussion, in margin and underline, bears evi- dence of painstaking investigation and of clear mastery of complex and controverted questions. In one of his later public addresses, at a meeting held in PZrskine Church, Montreal, the audience including a numl)er of young men, he expatiated upon this theme : " Some scientists and leading thinkers, as Darwin, Huxley, and Tyndall, whose marvellous and dangerous essays denied the power of prayer, and sought to prove to mankind that they were mere evolutions or a development from a lower sphere of life. There was a danger here. He also referred to a materialistic system of infidelity, wherein the author blasphemously intro- duced into his creed a Trinity, composed of humanity, CHRTSTIAN UFE AND WORK. 115 arwin, o'crous prove or a was a ystem intro- lanity, earth, and heaven. Was this his God ? Could he pray to the sky ahove him, the oartli beneath him, or to Immanity ? What could poor humanity do, even in its most elevated, learned form to aid him ? Young men would have to riijidlv j^uarcl themselves against these revolting forms of infidelity. In this connection, it aiforded the speaker much pleasure to see the able manner in which Dr. Dawson ha«l dissected the ])arwin- ian theory, and shown the falsity of such reasoning, by clear and unanswerable ai'gument. They could rest assured that wlierever science contradicted the Bible, it would be proved to be in the wrong ; that wherever a scientific statement has been discovered to be per- fectly true, it always coincided with the Biblical record. There was a remarkable illustration of this in the deciphering of a number of cuneiform inscrip- tions in the East, where, in every instance in which they illustrated Old Testament history, there was not found the first contradiction. The recorders of the Old Testament history were proved and not found wanting in truth and accuracy ; they were honest, and called a spade a spade. They wrote their own nation's his- tory with the same impartiality and candour with which they penned that of others. They covered up no one's sins and shortcominijs, not even those of their own brethren ; and he loved the Book the more he pon- dered on the honest, straightforward dealing of those writers of old." * , 1 IFifn ess. llfi HON. JUDGE WTLMOT. A few years ago, Fredericton was a garrison city. Military gcntlomen and tlieir families constituted an important and influential element of social life. The Government of the Province was, foi' a time, adminis- tered by the General in command of the ti'oops. At a dinner party, largely attended, some (juestion of reli- gious or Biblical chai-acter was incidentally mooted. An officer of high position in the army, and of consider- able dash and celerity in conversation, frankly avowed his scepticism. The accuracy of sacred historic fact was impugned. In the sweep of scientific discoveiy, and the march of modern thought, like the Tahnud, the Vedas, and the Koran, it kvould be left behind. It belonged to a former age, and was merely one of the many land-marks of human progress. Judge Wilmot's veneration for the inspired volume was well known ; bound up with that book divine were the noblest hopes of his life. It was not a moment, and he was not in a mood, for silence. Recently he had read, almost devoured, the " Old Red Sandstone," and other works of Hugh Miller. In reference to the (juestion, raised for disputation, he was thoroughly informed ; and, in force and felicity of expression, there were few who could meet him on equal terms. The gauntlet fearlessly thrown down was promptly accepted. Like chaff' from an Oriental threshing floor, the ol)jections were speedily scattered to the wind. The claims of God's word were triumphantly vindicated. Never did his countenance light up with a finer glow than when avowino; attachment to the book of revealed truth : — CIMUSTIAN IJFK AND WORK. 117 1 city. ted an . The lininis- Ata )t' reli- ed. An nsidcr- ivowed ric fact covery, 'almud, ind. It of the k'^ihiiot's known ; nol )lest ic was read, I other lestion, on lied ; ere few auntlet Like ections iiius of ver did II when ■uth :— " Should all the forms that men flcvise Assault my faith with treacherous art, I'll call them vanity and lies. And bind thy (lOHpel to my heart." In Judge Wihnot, as an ordinary hearer, the preacher in fulfihncnt of his mission and message, found uni- formly an appreciative and responsive spirit. The ministry of the Gospel was regarded hy him as the divinely appointed and approved agency and instru- mentality for the world's regeneration ; and ministers of Christ, chai'ged with onerous duty, were esteemed for their work's sake. If the occasion demanded, and, instead of earnest, faithful, and affectionate exposi- tion and application, there had been an apparent attempt at display — what he would have characterized as pulpit rocket-shooting — he could subject the efforts to searching criticism. But the prevailing habit of attention was that of devout, lowly, sympathetic feel- ing, and withal a striving to profit. With the minis- ter, his intercourse was that of a frank, genial, helpful, and brotherly spirit. Some of us can remember days of weakness, and comparatively inexperienced effort, when the thought of the Judge's presence, and the ordeal of his searching criticism, pi'oduced a good deal of tremor and occasionally emljarrassment ; l)ut a glance from his kindly eye and interested expression brought relief. A word of heart-uttered kindness, at the close, has nerved the timid, shrinking messenger to renewed courage and resolve. " In the beginning of my ministerial career, when for the first time ap- lis HON. .lUIKJK Wn-MOT. poinU'«l to |)r('ac]i on a Sabbath morninir in tho Frcd- ericton Church, waiting treniblin;^'ly in the preacher's vestry for tlie appointed moment to arrive, Judge Wihnot favoured me witli a call. We had not seen each other for a year, and now, knowing my timidity as a youthful public speaker, he had come in advance of the service to give me a cordial welcome. He laid his hand on my shoulder, and spoke a few kind and encouraging words, which greatly strengthened me for the duties of that occasion. He was one of the best hearers any pastor ever had." * In conscientious and habitual attendance at the week-night and social services of the church, always to hini a source of strength and time of refreshing from the pi-esence of the Lord, the Hon. L. A. Wilmot presented an example worthy of imitation. " In his attendance to all the ordinances of the Church," ac- cording to the testimony of Dr. Wood, going back to earliest membership, " he was regular, interrupted only by occasional public duties ; for, very early after comjileting his professional duties, he entered the tumultous arena of politics — forced out by the irre- sistible voice of the electors of York County." During the most active years of his life, when as a point of expediency it might not have been deemed politic to forego legitimate social advantage, with successive Lieutenant-Governors, some of whom were not quite able to comprehend the necessity for that amount of religious strictness, for himself and Mrs. Wilmot, like- Kev. D. D. Cunie, Frt'd- vchci's Judge t seen miditv Ivance [e laid ul and 11 le for le best at the always resiling CVilmot 1 111 his h, ac- aek to rnpted y after id the e irre- ku'ing )int of llitic to X'ssive quite lunt of :, like- r\ CHUISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 119 inindtMl in this essentia] niattei", upon ivgulai' week- night seiviecs of the church, there was an understand- ini; that invitations to otlicial dinners and other social anaue'eineiits must he decliiitd. To the Methodist Chuich in Fiedericton, wlu'U I first went to i*eside there, I found him to be a pillar of strength. I can still seem to see him, so vivid are tlie recollections of that time, as he took his accustonie<l place in the prayer-meetiug. Flaiik<'d hy several otlicial brethren, then a noble band, lu^ always occupied the same seat to the right of the desk. With an unrivalled voice, and often a full heart, he was ever ready to sing, or speak, or pray. Often some passing incident, or an utterance of the occasion, was turned to good account. " I am just holding on," some one remarked. The suggestiveness of the phrase was brought out. We could see a tempest-tossed bark "holding on" in the troubled waters of some dangerous roadstead, or off a wild lea-shore. The waves beat high ; but the anchor was sure. As voyagers to eternity, we had often to breast the wave. We had to /lo/d on. The angry tempest would speedily subside. The freighted bark of life would yet — "Sail o'er suiinii'r seas" 'J'luiii cluspt of old tlit^ Ilt'speridfs ; A liiirk wlio.st' sails Iiy aii'i,('l hands, Ave fill It'll on a strand of golden sands." In regard to Christian felloWHlilp, "the communion of saints," for which in the Methodist Church special provision is made, Judge Wilmot formed the highest 120 HON. JUIKIK WILMOT. estimate. He was accustomed to speak of this means of grace as the sheet anchor ot' his earlier religious life. During the pastorate of Rev. I. Sutclift'e, in 1844, he was appointed to the responsible office of leader. Around him, from time to time, were gathered many gifted young men, now widely scattered, several of them in the ministry of the Church to whom that service was a moulding; influence. From that class they graduated as efficient and successful workers for Christ. A paragraph, supposed to be from the pen of an accomplishetl minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church,* indicates the cherished recollections which still cling to that scene of hallowed intercourse : " His class for many years had been the school for spirit- uality and instruction. Warm and tender in sym- pathy, humble and simple among his l)rethren, faithful in admonition, inspiring in {idtb-ess, and powerful in example, many will count it as among their richest privileges to have been associated with him. Often have 3'oung men gone discouraged from the world and ready to give up ; but his words have gathered up all their scattered resolutions, given new warmth to their zeal, courage to their hearts, strength to their purpose, and on retiring there has been the determin- ation : ' liothing, nothing sJi all separate me front the love of God.' Under the administration of such 8. leader, the service could never degenerate into dull, insipid routine. It was hallowed by fervent prayer. *Rev. T. Berton Smith. Revs. George S. Milligan and D. D. Currie were members of that class. CHRISTIAN LIFi: ANH WORK. 121 means IS life. 4-4, he leader, many jial of 11 that t class ers for pen of liscopal which : " His ■ spirit- n syni- aithful rful in richest Often world ithcred varnith o their eruiin- 'oiu tlte such i^ o dull, iprayer, Id. Currie brightened by sacred song, enlivenod by experience and testimony, and energised by apt application of apposite passages from the familiar pages of God's Word. Often ' one miofhtier than the leader was there.' " " Heaven's gate Is opened by their i)salm. Then do they state Their ghid experienee, or anxious : What meed of blessing, or wliat bounteous share Of Mercy's riehest gifts, has been this freight. Ah ! as they speak their lifted hearts catch lire ; Their souls are llaines, their thoughts are ecstasies, And heaven's own glory on their face is laid. Such earnest hours makes men's nssolves the higher ; Such fervent men fulfil high purposes : A'hI humble men, e'en thus, are nol)les made. It is of essential interest and importance, for the glory of God, the honour of the Redeemer, the welfare of the Church, and the triumph of Christianity, that the spirit of devotion and consecration should find ex- pression in appointed religious services. But it is also requisite, for the same imperative reason, especially on the part of Christian men and women, that a living present principle of religion and testimony f(jr Christ should be carried into every sphere and domain of life. The consistency of Hon. L. A. Wilmot, maintained through many years, constituted a genuine maik of the validity and sterling worih of profession and (Jiiris- tian character. There was no tendency to compro- mise ; his colors were at the top of the mast. In open 122 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. fold, they proclaimed fearless adhesion to principle. By unshrinking avowal of conviction, practical obedi- ence to sacred injunction, unswerving loyalty to the Saviour, his attitude and influence were felt and acknowledged. For the amalgamation of Church and world, fashion and religion, there was never any insidious attempt. " Would you say of any one place of fashionable gaiety," asks Dr. Chalmers, " that it makes a cjood ante-chamber of preparation for that house of solemn interview in which converse is held, either with the still, small voice within, or with that God above who bids you sanctify Him at all times in your hearts, and to do all things to His glory ?" There are scenes and circles, bringing with them the taint of worldliness, the very atmosphere of which is abso- lutely unfriendly to communion with God, into which some professedly Christian people thoughtlessly and foolishly plunge, that he habitually and cautiously avoided. " As I grow older, my views are changing fast as to the degree of conformity to the world which we should allow. The door at which those influences enter, which countervail parental instruction and example, I am persuaded is, yielding to the ways of good society. By dress, books, and amusements, an atmosphere is formed which is not that of Christi- anity. More than ever do I feel that we must stand in a kind but determined opposition to the fashions of the world, breasting the waves like the Eddystone lighthouse. And I have found nothing yet which CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 123 iciple. )bedi- ,0 the t and >\i and : any s place ,hat it r that 5 held, )h that mes in There aint of J abso- which y and tiously requires more courage and indopi'udence tlian to rise a little, but decidedly above, the j^^'*' t^t the religious world around us. Sure, the way in which we com- monly go on is not the self-denial and sacrifice and cross-bearing which the New Testament talks of. * Then is the offence of the cross ceased,' Our slender intiuence on the circle of our friends is often to be traced to our leaving so litth^ difference between us and them." * As the leader of a great political pai-ty, Mr. Wilmot could not always avoid personal difficulty. The ordeal came in due time ; and, for his religious character, constituted a crucial test. To some such incident of party conffict, in 1844, he has been known to refer with much feeling. There had Tieen an attempt, by means of defamation and slanderous assertion, to weaken his groat and growing inffuence in the country. There was no bar-sinister on his escutcheon. But he had the pride of birth, of pure, unsullied name and of high, incorruptible integrity, which such a man can feel. There was the proud sensitiveness of a noble nature and a chivalrous contempt for coarse, personal invective. With all militant qualities he was abun- dantly endowed. But for the restraint of Chiistian principle and the dictates of supreme law, for insult and injury, the ffrst impetuous prompting of passion might have been to demand the satisfaction which a now happily obsolete code of honour prescribed. In such a mood and moment came the wonted hour of 'i i Dr. J. W. Alexander, of Princeton. ' 124 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. family worship, that ordinarily brought with it an at- mosphere of peace, pure feeling and of tranquil thought. A juncture had been reached in which there was need, if ever, to take heed in the way according to God's word and to ponder that pure commandment which enlightened the eyes. Irritated and exasperated, with a deep thunder-frown upon his brow, but still battling bravely with his own spirit, for the moment he turned away from the Book and the altar of devo- tion. But there was by his side one gifted with quali- ties of mind and temper, most needed as the comple- ment of his own, who comprehended the magnitude of the crisis. It was of the utmost consequence, before plunging afresh into the excitement of debate and possibly of renewed aggravation, that conscience and calm judgment should assert their supremacy. With the Bible, he was followed from the room ; and, by the highest and most sacred of all considerations, was en- treated to seek counsel where it had never failed. Yielding to the pressure, which cculd not well be re- sisted, the Book was opened, and, incidentally, his eye rested upon a passage in Job. Four thousand years ago the Patriarch of Uz had passed through a like ordeal ; and the ancient, unchangeable promise was still as a direct message from God : — " And thine eye shall be clearer than the noonday ; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning ; yea thou shalt dig about thee and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Also thou shalt lie down and none shall make thee afraid ; yea many shall make their suit unto thee." i !!'' CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 125 N as a [all be 1, thou tt thee shalt many The victory was complete. From the land of Uz, for his comfort, the message of God had been sounding along tlie corridors of ages. Suggestions of inspired record wove themselves into petition, and help for the hour of need was earnestly and humbly implored. He was refreshed by conscious communion with God. From the discipline of sore trial came self-conquest. In force and firmness of resolve, he was strengthened for the exigency that was pressing hard upon him ; and, as the result, was enabled to exercise that noble spirit of forgiveness which Christianity inculcates. " Every part of that passage," said Judge Wilmot in after years, " has had a literal accomplishment." In Government House, which at that time he occupied, after retirement of other guests and members of his own family, a frequent and favoured occurrence of such visits, he indulged in reminiscences of that period of life. With evident satisfaction he recounted inci- dents of that memorable episode in his history. Each part of the promise, as in the life of the Arabian Patriarch, had received a minute ;iml marvellous fulfil- ment. His age had been clearer than the noonday. The sun of life, then in evening declination, was sink- ing to the horizon in a clear and serene sky. He had dug about him ; and beneath the ample shade and rich foliage of trees, planted by his own hand, now found quiet and peaceful repose. Many, including children of those who sought petty party advantage, had made their suit unto him. " I had heard much of Mr. Wilmot," said a gentle- n i I . 126 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. man of the civil service. " Political asperities were then at their height. Insensibly my feeling towards him had yielded to prejudice. The first time we met JVhH in a social service of the Chinch. There was a slight allusion to some unmerited aspersion and to the value of an untarnished Christian character. But if they only knew, he said, in tender and tremulous tone, what I know myself of weak- ness, fyilure, imperfection, they might say worse things .iian now. The genuineness of feeling and of '^, noble "ipirit, that could only stand abashed in the ;jrof-\^nco of an infinite purity, were not to be mistaken. ' The laureate, Mr. Tennyson, claims for his Red- Cross Knight* that on him "the loyal-hearted hung;" that " the serpent at his side" ceased "to flicker with its double-tongue," and that — "His strt'iif^th was as the strength often Because his heart was pure." In i-efreshing relief to the strain and tension of continued contest, and the asperities inseparable from public life, in such a period of political convulsion, we come upon scenes of gentle and peaceful ministry : " He who ascends to mountain tops shall liud Their loftiest peaks most wiapt in clouds and snow." But, even amidst the towering sunmiits and the ever- lasting snows of Mont Blanc, some of the loveliest * Sir Galahad. 'M CHRtSTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 127 Red- ilsion, listry : ever- reliest and most exquisite forms of vegetable life may be discovered. The Alpine traveller finds a sheltered and sunny spot, protected by frozen peaks, on which the sun's rays, reflected from glittering ice, beat dow^n with double force, where rare and beautiful flowers and plants bloom and luxuriate. Genuiness of Christian character, in the lives of public men, must bear scrutiny beneath a light that beats fiercely along their track. But there are many quiet and unobtrusive ways, and kind and gentle deeds in which the best qualities of heart and life find prac- tical expression. " Pure religion in the sight of God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction." In the most active and in- fluential period of life, Judge Wilmot was prompt and faithful in visitation of the sick. The lowlier members of the Church, equally with those of more prominent social position, were kept in view. Many a sufferer was refreshed by the beaming light of Chris- tian sympathy, and strengthened by tender and loving words. The poor were remembered in his ministra- tions, and destitution relieved. In an appeal on their behalf, during the season of "peace and good-will," the preacher selected for his theme the w^ords of the King : " For I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink ; I was a stranger, and ye took Me in ; naked, and ye clothed Me ; I was sick, and ye visited Me ; I was in prison, and ye came unto Me." The contrast was also emphasised. " I 128 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. escaped that lash," he afterwards said, " my pensioner* were first provided for." Few memV)ers of the Methodist portion of the com- munity can liave visited the city of Fredericton, where a beautiful and nobly-proportioned church with lofty spire looks down upon the broad and sweeping river, and the adjacent country for miles distant, without something of admiration and, perhaps, a tinge of de- nominational pride. It is inferior only to the chaste and costlier cathedral structure of the same city, and to the magnificent sanctuary — a gem of architecture — at Marysville, on the opposite side of the river.* It is now with interest remembered, upon nearing that city almost a (juarter of a century ago, then just arrived from England, curious in regard to all facts and phases of colonial life, how standing out to the depths of vaulted azure, gleaming in the light of the setting sun, the lofty spire of that church became an object of promin- ent and thrilling interest. The Fredericton Church has a record worth know- ing about, and a history into which many a thread of Judge Wilmot's time and thought and means and life were woven. In the old Methodist chapel, as then usually designated, during tlie decade, 1840-50, were jrathered a noble band of men and women — as splendid a group of families as any community could show. The Church at that time was deemed comfortable and sufficiently capacious. In a special * Erected for Methodist worship by the niuuificence of Alexander Gibson, Esq. CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 129 ow- Iread and , as 50, in — Inity Imed cial inder effort comprising many munificent contributions, a licavy debt, the 07icumbrance of years was liquidated. Scarcely had this long an<l devoutly wished for consummation been accomplished when there came the sweep and desolation of a great conflagration. A large part of the city, and most of the homes and business establishments of families forming paii of that congregation, were destroyed. Stunned and bewildered with their own losses, their habita- tions smouldering in ruins, there were many that grieved not less sorely for the holy and beautiful house which had been burned vnth fire. The dislocation produced by such a sweeping disaster, in many of our chief centres, is well known ; and how it tests the material and the mould of men. On the part of some, discouraged by the magnitude and com- plication of ditticulties thickening around them, there was almost an utter paralysis ; and, for Church enter- prise, a fear of complete collapse. Their homes were in ashes, business places burnt, the trade of the city prostrate, their available resources greatly reduced ; and how, therefore, could they meet the emergency with any hope of success. But Judge Wilmot, whose own avail- able means were freely pledge<l to the object, pro- posed that at once they should arise and build. " Brethren," he said, as they met in consultation, " let us start for a larger and more elegant church." He was desirous of securing a spacious edifice, in, modern style of architecture, that would meet the necessities of their families, accommodate the large Sunday- m l.SO HON. JUDCJE WILMOT. school, consolidate their work ; and, as became a metro- politan structure, constitute an ornament and attrac- tion to the city. The ()vernuisterin<^' impulse and indomitable enerL^y, with Avhieh objections and ob- stacles were encountered an<l surmounted, fully pre- vaile<l. Ti'ustees and others cautjht the contaoion, and moved with the inspiration of his couraf,^e and hope. From the acceptance of plans and the laying of the foundation stone, throp.gh all stages of the work, until the scafiblding had been removed, he watched its progress. "The labour of his own hand," says a public correspondent, cognizant of all the facts and probably a contributor to the enterprise, "on the church edifice hastened the too tardy eff(jrts of me- chanics." By not a few, however, that superb ecclesiastical erection was keenly criticised. The propriety of magnificent enterprise, and of a noble faith that prompted and sustained the builders, was (questioned. It was beyond the means of the worshippers. There was excessive ornament that involved serious expen- diture ; the spire was too ambitious. There were — "Storied windows liclilv diplit (.'astiii<^ a dim, ndigioiis lif^flit." Some of the most estimable mend^ei's delighted to recall blessed services, rich and hallowed manifesta- tions of spiritual power, marvellous conversions, rap- turous fellowship with which their earlier history had been favored. A plain building, without architectural CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 131 pretensions, it was thought by some, would have been more congenial to the tastes of a people nurtured without anything of material splendour in the sur- roundings of their worship. Until about that time, the Methodist Churches of the Province, and mostly those of other denominations, were of the same uniform and broadside pattern. The more modern style of Church architecture, while creditable to the taste of the worshipping community, may vindicate at least an equal claim to the motto of ancient ecclesiastical builders : Soli Deo gloria, " to God alone be the glory." Had the edifice then erected, as some desired, conformed to the old outlines of idea, it would have been at once antiquated. The golden opportunity for improvement would have passed beyond their reach. Fortunately, Judge Wilmot had caught the spirit of modern Church architecture, and prevailed in plan and purpose. The Choir of the Church in Fredericton, for more than thirty years, was led by Judge Wilmot. That onerous charge was first undertaken in 1845. His heart was always in the work ; in congregational worship he found abundant enjoyment. With John Milton he could say : — 1 (! k " There let the pealing organ blow, To the full-voiced choir holovv, In service light anil anthem clear ; 'As may with sweetness, through mine ear, Dissolve me into eastasies And bring all heaven before my eyes." .\:, W ■ \ 132 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. t " Passionately fond of music, able to perforin on almost any instrument, with a quick ear and an ex- cellent voice, a highly cultivated taste, " nicest power of adapting a tunc; to a hymn and a anthem to the occasion, and with great command over all per- formers, he has rare (|ua!iticati()ns for this important service ; and he is not one of your fastidious choristers that can only sing in state and with the artistic. He sings everywhere, 'where two or three are gathered,' and with the children ; from the chorus richly ren- dered before the large congregation, he conies easily to * I want to be an anrjcl ' amongst the little ones of the infant class. The present generation of singers has grown up under his influence and traini ' * There was generally, in the management choir- service, an exquisite adaptation of musical expression to the theme and structure of the hymn. The Rev. Mr. SutclifFe, whose reminiscences of that period are still fresh and vivid, mentions an illustrative incident. The organ was just then introduced, and renewed impetus given to congregational singing. An Incarnation hymn, "Plunged in a gulf of dark despair," was announced. It has one of those sudden transitions that perplex sensitive musicians. After striking a note of sadness and gloom, it rises to a strain of exulting rapture : — " for this love let rocks and hills Their lasting silence break." * Zioii's Herald, Boston. THRISTIAN UFE AND WORK. ms But, on that occasion, with surpriso and iine effect, tlie tiino was changed, and tlio closing stanzas renrh'i-ed with a joyous burst of melody and tiiuinpli. In the discussion of the Mynni and Tune Book question at the Toronto General Conference, tliere was a point of Ju<lge Wilniot's speech which very <listinctly showed liis musical taste and tendency. In illustra- tion of the power and pathos of nuisic -md song, lie referred to an incident of missionary encounter with arbitrary and powerful chieftains. As an intimation that this teacher could not proceed, except at the peril of his life, their spears were crossed upon his path. Comprehending the situation, the Missionary tuned his violin and produced harmonies of sound that moved and thrilled their savage souls. Ferocity was subdued, and, i. Ited into tenderness, they became friends to help him on his way. The special charm of the story was in pathetic and dramatic power of description. Unconsciously and in perfect panto- mime, with ease and attitude and consummate grace of gesture, he went through the process — tuned the instrument, touched each vibrating chord, and drew a stroke that an amateur at once recognized as the play of an old practitioner. Then came the application of the incident, and not a few, moved at first to laugh- ter, found a tear wetting the cheek. Hymns of sevens and sixes, in Methodist worship, are not the rolling iambics for which there are appro- priate tunes in abundance ; they are in the more plaintive tone of the trochiac measure to which, for d 134 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. special themes of a penitential character, Charles Wesley seeiris to have given decided preference. They usually contain, in each stanza, an eight-syllable line ; hence there is some difficulty, in current music, in oLtaining sufficient and satisfactory variety of tunes for that class . i' hymns. Jn this fact will he found explanation of a passage dated at (jrovci-nmcnt House. " I have been looking up," he wrott; from the confine- ment of a sick room, " and copying out for the choir s( ne choice tunes for seven an<l six hymns. We are rather delicient in variety ; but with this accession we shall be ready. I think it as much the duty of the coll (jre(j((t ion to jvrnish, <)(HuI mitsir, for Sabbath wor- ship and praise, as it is for the minister to prepare and preach good sermons ; an<l, while I can look after it, shall do what I can for that department of Church service." A favorite idea of Judijo Wilmot, on which beloved to linger, was that the Incarnation sonu" of the anjxelic choristei's — " Clory to God in the highest " — was only t]ie prelude of an eternal anthem strain. Sweeping- through space, it lilled the universe ; and, before the throne of (iod, rolled up into magnificent chorus.* "And if only," he would say, "the nuisic of that * " Does not Scriptuiv licar him out ? Docs it not ring with niusii' i Doi'S it not tell us how at the creation ' tlic morning star? sang togctluT and all the sons of Hod sboLiti'd for joy ?' Aiftl as the IJible begins with the song of the nidrning stars over nuin created and ends with the sevenfold chorus of iniUilujahs and har]»ing symphonies over man redeemed, so its central moment, uniting both, is that carol of angels ut the Saviour's birth." — Canon Farrar. 1 iy rol CHRIRTIAN T.IFF AND WORK. 135 heavenly song liarl been dotted down,\ve niiglit liave liad some idea of serapliie iiu.'lody ! " At iimsieal practice he often made reference to the sonu' and sei'vice of heaven, and once lonijinLrlv said : " () n)av 1 hear some liumble part in tliat immortal song— if notliing more that ] niay he ])ermitted to liold tlie music for David's harp!" " Bnt," said one (jf tlie singers, in refer- ence to his passionate love for training voices and leading in sacred song, that was perfectly understood, " Judoe, would that satisfv you :' " " Would you not like to lead. the. u'hole choir T' " Well, yes, ' he replied, with amused interest and a pleasant smile, " perliaps, 1 should. Jhit I nnist praise Him in some way." The members of the choir, which comprised some sweet and superb voices, were chieily drafted from tlie tSabbath-8chooL We come now, so far as Christian life was concerned, to the principal scene of action. In the Fre<lericton Sunday-school, for many years, the Hon. L. A. Wilmot found a throne of power. There, if no- where else, he was "the czar of many lands.' The earliest records, accessible to the Secretary,* date back only to IH'V-] — corresponding with the pi'viod of eon- version and not improbably the counnencenient of a Sunday-school careei-. On June 14th, bS-i."), he was appointed Assistant Superintendent. The exact date of his first appointment as Supcri ntf^ndcnt has not been entered, in the usual form, upon the records of the School. It is thouLrht to ha\e bren in bS4:l He * Gpo. a. IVrloy, lv>s((., — who, fur drcnfy-eiy/if, years lias ellicicutly discharged the dutie.s ol' that ollice. ii 136 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. 1 was then, probably, conscious of the grand possibilities of his life in that direction, of the magnificence of re- sponsibilities involved, or of the extent to which the impress of his nol)le and splendid enthusiasm should be stamped upon that institution of our Church — for soon after the office seems to have been resigned. The pressure of professional and political duties and en- gagements, in that period of tierce and incessant war- fare, may have interfered with thorough and satis- factory preparation for the arduous and onerous duties of such a post. Jmlicial appointment would promise ampler opportunity for Biblical research. "A great luminary," says Mr. Fenety, in his valuable Notes, "set in semi-darkness on the day that Mr. Wilmot left the Forum for the Bencli. He was the lioht of the House for seventeen years, the centre from whence radiated most of the sparkling gems in the political firmament. It was at a time of life, for he was comparatively a young man, and at a period when talents such as his were mostly w^anted by his party and the country." But the loss of the State was the gain of the Church. In January 18.')1, following the record, he became the teacher of a large Bible- class. On January 11th, liS53, came a distinction which was subsequently regarded as the most honour- able of his life. He was again appointed to the Superintendency of the School ; and, until the day previous to his death, — which took place May 20th 1878 — for twenty-five years continuously, with deep- CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 137 'Ji ening and growing interest and attachment, he faith- fully fulfilled the duties of that important office. In the Sunday-school Judge Wilmot, as for so many years he was affectionately <lesignated, found his ele- ment. He now helieved in the grand possibilities of that agency with all the convictions and sympathies of his intellectual and moral bein<»'. Without stint or cfrudfje, for the advantage of his charge, he lavished the best treasures of his opulent and original mind. The whole institution, through all its arrangements and exercises, felt the inspiration and elasticity of liis presence. There was a magnetism in his movements and ceaseless activity and tone that were all Init irresistible. In matters of perplexity the teachers Avere counselled ; and, by a beaming smile, they were stimulated and encouraged. Inefficiency was rebuked by the sense and consciousness of an intense earnestness. A tardy scholar was roused to energy. Diligence was recog- nized and rewarded. Disobedience was awed and abashed by the severity of look or tone. There was that in his frow^n and word "^ ich was terror to evil doers. The stubborn and rebellious, by affectionate admonition and tenderness of appeals, always a grati- fying result, Avere not unfrequently subdued to peni- tential acknowledgment. Each department, while under his cognizance, was held responsible for special work. Aided by an efficient assistant,* and a noble staff of officers and teachers, mostly of his own train- ing, the entire operations of the School were carried on * S. D. Mcl'lierson, Esij. I- 138 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I ' -1 i I with the ease and smoothness of the most perfect and polished mechanism. A main attraction, for many years, was in the addresses which from time to time formed part of the closing exercises. The substance of many public lectures, conmianding grand audiences and enthusi- astic interest, were first given at the Sunday-school. At the time of my arrival in Fredericton, during the winter 1855-6, the Judge was commencing a series of such addresses which alike attracted children, teachers and strangers. There were incidents and episodes of Bible-history — the venerable Bede's de- parting doxology — \Vycliii"s trial before Archbishop Courtnay — the reading of a chained Bible in the crypt of St. Paul's — the martyrdom of Lady Anne Askew at Smithfield, and of Ridley and Latimer at Oxford — which, as then vividly described, could never be forgotten, and which were the means of making nianv a student of the annals of the Retorm- ation. The flash of eye kindling into sympathy with the subject and magnetic thrill of tone, as he caught the prophetic spirit of the Reformer's undaunted testimony — " The truth shall prevail " — even at this distance of time stands out in living interest; and Tyndal's memorable utterance, in reply to irritated ecclesiastics — " If God spai e my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough to know more of the Scriptures than you do" — seemed, as it rolled past us through the centuries, to throb with all its orio^inal force and significance. There was also THRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 139 a rare fascination, for such an audience, and deeply instructive, in the allegory of John Bunyan — the im- mortal dreamer. It was accompanied by illustrative scenes of the Sloui^h of Desr;.jnd, tlie House of the Interpreter, the Palace called Beautiful, the dreadful Fight with the Foul Fiend, Douhting (Jastle, the Delectable Mountains, the Enchanted Gi'ound, the Land of Beulah, and that mysterious River crossed by the I'ilgrims — where, accompanied l)y the shining ones, and the ti'umpets all sounding around them, they passed up through the golden gates into the glorious city. Books of travel, marvels of science, the culture of nature, an exhaustless fund of incident, for instruc- tion and gratification, Avere also placed under exacting contribution. But especially did this honoured Super- intendent delight to expound the Word of God, and from the richest of all trea.sures to bring out things new and old. There were some selections, as for example the Ten Commandments, portions of the Sermon on the Mount, Narratives of the Evangelists, the Twcdfth of Romans, and other teachings of Holy Scripture, to which I'cpeated attention was turned ; and, because of the settiiiu" which in wealth of thous'-ht he gave, many a gem of inspii'ed truth was seen to flash with a brighter and purer glow. Indelible has been the impression thus pro<lueed by a ])assag(} such as that in Proverbs : — " Let not mercy and truth forsake thee : bind them about thy neck ; write them on the table of thy heart : so shalt thou find favor 140 HON. JUDGE VVILMOT. and good understanding in th-^ sight of God and man. Is it riglit that there slumld be anything of unique interest in the supreme consecration of splendid intel- lectual gifts to such a department of Christian work ? May not the very best minds and richest culture, which churches and congregations can possibly supply, find in the Sunday-school an ample sphere ? " Virtue and intelligence," according to Chief-Justice Marshall, an eminent Jurist of the United States, " are the basis of our independence and the conservative prin- ciples of national and individual happiness ; and Sunday-school institutions are devoted to the pro- tection of both." " The common school," says Sir Charles Reed, a member of the British Parliament, and a devoted Sunday-school worker, " contemplates the physical, intellectual and moral being ; the Sunday- school, the religious and spiritual. The public school has its limits ; but the Sunday-school knows none, for its teaching crowns and glorifies the completely educated man." Reluctantly consenting, on a Sunday-school Anni- versary occasion, to conduct the service, a passage was very appropriately selected: Sujfer little children to come unto me, (C7id forbid them not; foroj such is the kingdom of God. " I have heard him," said one of the most intelligent of his auditors, " at the Bar, in the Legislature, on the Bench and the platform, but never with a more genuine satisfaction than in the service of to-day." CURISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 141 and the Amongst recollections of inflnence and usefulness, fragrant as the breath of a summer morning, running along the line of many liright and happy years, bring- ing out the best and most benign qualities of a noble and beautiful character and sympathy, were numerous incidents which must fail to find any ade({uate record : exquisite renderings of tuneful melodies and of strains sweet and familiar as household words — visits to the sick room, eagerly anticipated ; winged petitions and tender, loving words, where fever or consumption was wasting the child of weakness — scenes, " privileged beyond the connnon walks of virtuous life, quite on the verge of heaven," where brightness suffusing the countenance of the suti'erer was eloquently expressive of strength renewed and of the unutterable gratifica- tion afforded — touching and yet exulting reference to the early departure of some beloved member of his charge ; of triumph over death, lite radiant with im- mortality,and the consummated blessedness and fulness of the beatific vision. Delineation of memories such as these, that linger with us like the thought of a beautiful vision, demands the pencil and inspiration of genius, and, in this sober sketch, may not be at- tempted. In the mere fact of elevation to distinctions and dignities of public and official life, Ijeeause of infir- mities incident to humanity, ma^' not unfrec^uently be found a searching and a severe test of the validity and genuineness of principle and Christian character. The present Lord Chancellor of England — the successor of 142 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. illustrious men and of imperial minds — one of the most distinguished members of the Conservative Cabinet — is a faithful and self-denying Sunday-school teacher. When tirst, as insignia of ofKce the Chancellor was honoured with the custody of the Great Seal, as if the very idea of condescension to a sphere of ordinary and unostentatious Christian work were inadmissabie, a personal friend remarked to him that of course he could not now continue to teach in the Sunday-school. " Why not}'' asked Lord Cairns —in a manner and tone that were sufficientl}^ expressive of decisive purpose.* It has been told, when appointed Lieutenant-Gover- nor, a report was put int(j circulation that Judge Wilmot's Superinteiidency would be resigned ; and that the oversight and <lrudgery of Sunday-school would not be deemed compatible with the elevation and dignity of official administration. To some of the young people, impressed with an excessive sense of the grandeur to which he had been raised, imparting to current rumour an air of probabilitj^ the matter was one of serious moment. A little fellow from one of the smaller classes resolved himself, or was constituted by acclamation of that somewhat extraordinary group, a deputation to demand explanation. After listening with amused interest there was a positive assurance that no such traitorous thouLdit had been entertained. He could never prove recreant to duty. The satisfying intimation was also given that, " if by any possibility duties were found to be incompatible and one of Christian Herald, London. C'limSTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 143 ance ined. ying jility e of two offices iiiust b(! surrendered, in preference to the Governorsliip with its honours and emoluments, he would cling to the Sunday-school." In affinity with love for flowers and music was his sympathy with and ati'ection for sunny child-nature. There was, beneath and beyond, belief in the bound- less possibilities of their mental and moral being. The children of the Said )ath -school were known to him by name. In the most dignified company, without a winning smile and a magnetic word of kindness, it was not v-asy for him to pass them even in their dusty play upon the street. It was a gratification of the very highest kind to gather around him the early, ])eautiful and unsophiscated sympathies of the little ones ; and to control, touch " those chords so fine," — "And tune their hearts too high For aught beneath the sky." Did not the feature of character, thus indicated, more than scintillations of genius, splendid corrusca- tions of speech, and brilliant successes of life, consti- tute his real greatness and claim to special tribute ? Recently there was a review of the Austrian cavalry before the emperor and empress. Just as a squadron of hussars swept out from the main body of thirty thousand horseman, a little girl not above four yeai's old darted from her mother's side in the front line of spectators and ran on to the open field directly in front of the advancing host. The squadron was at full gallop. It was close at hand. The death of the child 144 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. sceincd inevitable. A tlirill of horroi- passed over the powerless spectators. The empress, a full observer of the scene from the carriage, uttered a cry of horror at the sight of the little one just to be trampled to death by a thousand hoofs. At the instant a trooper swung himself down from the saddle, along the side of his horse's neck, and catching the child lifted it with himself safely into his saddle without slackening his speed or breaking the alignment. The little one was saved. Ten thousand voices raised a shout of joy. The empi'css and the mother burst into tears of grateful relief. And the emperor, summoning to his presence the noble soldier, took from his own breast the richly enamelled cross of the Order of Maria Theresa, and hung it about the neck of the brave hussf jsar. * To the Austrian hero, for that intrepid act, the rescue of a child from a great and immediate peril, we gladly and cheerfully accord the very highest recognition. Boundless applause of spectators, imperial approba- tion and award, jewelled cross and decoration of an illustrious Order were all w^ell and worthily bestowed. Through that noble deed a little girl had been snatched from the jaws of death. But are there no wreaths wov^en for those who, spurning sellish ease, are ever on the alert to save children with all their im- mortal destinies, from sin and vice and ignorance and other perils — more to be dreaded than the trampling hoof of Austrian cavalry ? Shall not recognition of * Londou atamlai'd. CHRISTIAN LIFE AND \V()I{K. 145 I I grandeur and of a greatness, due to 1 ugliest and holiest lieroisin, be accorded to men and women who unseltislily minister to the least of the little ones I When famed and lauded distinctions of earth are for- fjotton, warrioi's'chaplets withered, gold of the million- aire cankered, storied urn and sculptured marble and glittering mausoleum wasted to dust and ruin, then shall service of Christ and self-denying toil for the welfare of souls obtain full and final recompense : " Thy feet shall stand on jasj)or floors ; Thy heart shall seem a thousand hearts, Each heart with million rajjtnres tilled : Thou shalt sit with princes and with kings." The department of the school to Judge Wilmot of special and unfailing interest was the Infant Class — which, as conducted in that charge, has been carried up to the very highest point of excellence. It was a class which of all others the Superintendent never failed to visit. The beaming countenances of bright children told of the genuine delight with which they listened to even his most commonplace remaiks. To this class we may accompany him on the last Sabbath of his life : " Now children," he said on that occasion, your old superintendent will leave you some day and what shall I do if some of you fail to meet me up there? Why heaven will be no heaven without my children ! I will jus*t wait and watch at the gates of gold. If I miss any, I will say surely they have not strayed away. Some of our children have left us, and they are with a m 146 HON. jrnOE WILMOT. the angels now. Then I like to think that they grow through the eternal years. Children will not always remain children in heaven. Their minds and forms will develop there as well as here." At this moment there was a trace of disappointment in the teacher's face,* for the shadow of a sore bereavement had fallen upon her life, and there had been the cherished hope of meetinjj the little one unchan<.;ed in form : " Ah ! well," he said, " you will be fully satisfied." The consecration of service was not bounded by the limits of one charge. Representatives of the several Sunday-schools in the City of St. John, " Church of England, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Baptist, Congrega- tional," resolved to mark their sense of appreciation by some special token. ■{• The reply of Judge Wilmot was as follows : "Gentlemen, — I receive with great pleasure the Books and Diagrams which you have presented to me, on behalf of the St. John Sunday-schools, for the use of the School under my superintendence at Frederic- ton ; and for myself, and in the name of my beloved * Mrs. Wm. Leniont. + The following document, copied from Th' ifHy needs no explanation : — At a meeting of Superintendents ol i«i, Is, i he City of St. John and Parish of Portland, heldii ae room .1 the Voung Men's Christian Association, on the evening of May 2.'''ih, 1858. On motion, it was unanimously Resolved, 'i liat we tender to his Honour Judge Wilmot, on behalf of the Sabbath-schools, which v respectively represent, our sincere and hearty thanks for the great i; terest he has manifested, at different times, in the welfare of .r CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WOllK. 147 teachers and scholars, and J thank you for your wry valuable and useful present. " On the occasion to whicli you refer, 1 found an abundant lewnrd in my work, and yet a j^ieater reward after my work, in the assurance, that anion^^ teachers and scholars, a fresh inteiest was thereby awakened, not only in the ^^t'n^s^^/, but in the shnjij of tlie Holy Scriptures, And as you have now furnished nie with a bountiful supply of materials for future lectures, \ shall look forward with great pUjasure to the first favourable opportunity for again addressing the St. John Sabbath -sell ools ; when we shall either traverse the ' Catacombs of Rome,' and explore the sepulchral records of primitive and persecuted Christianity, or make an excursion among the monumental inscriptions of ' Ancient Egypt,' and there read the hieroglyphic history of the captivity and deliverance of Israel, in perfect accordance with our (nvn inspired history ; or range the fields of 'Fulfilled Prophecy," and gather materials to strengthen our faith and confidence in the needs to his liich ^ reat ^ of r Schools, aiul more particuhiily for the kind iniunier in which he met and addressed them during the past winter. And further Jlrsulvrd, That we request his acceptance of a Lihrary for the use of the Sabliath-school at FreiU'ricton, over which he ])resides ; and also of four sets of Diagrams, as a small token of our gratitude and esteem. Resolved, That Dr. Paterson and !Mr. J. R. Ruel he a Comndttee to present these Resolutions, with the Lihrary and Diagrams, to Judge Wilmot. James R. Ruki., James Patekson, Secretary. Chairman, 148 HON. JUDGE WILMOT. I J Divine inspiration of the Bible ; or illustrate the de- grading superstitions and l>arl>arous cruelties of ' Paganism and Idolatry,' and contrast, there'vith, the benignant and peaceful intiuences of a pure and holy Christianity. " The statistics of your schools are highly gratifying to me. What a responsible work ! How incalculable the value of faithful and affectionate instruction from Sal)bath to Sabbath to THREE thousand two hundred youthful and immortal minds ! Ever remember, that loving, faithful teachers, are sure to find loving and attentive scholars ; and the reward is certain, for ' in due season we shall reap if we faint not.' " ' The Book for both worlds ' is the Book for our Sabbath-schools ; and he wdio teaches the science of Christianity from that only text book, may always be assured that he never teaches alone, for He who has promised that His Word shall not return unto Him void, will assuredly accompany that blessed word with the teaching of the Holy Spirit. " Committed as I am for life, to the delightful work of Sabbath-school teaching, I shall at all times feel a deep interest in the success of your Sabbath-schools, Our work is one — our hook is one — our God is one — our Redccuier is one — our Comforter one — our throne of (jraec one ; and with all of every clime ana kindred and people and tongue who shall receive the final and eternal reward in heaven, the sony will be one — ' To Him that loved us and w^ashed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto CfiniSTfAN TJFE AND WORK. 140 God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and j\er.' " Looking forward with iinich pleasure to the time when I may again he permitted to address yonr Sah- l)ath-schools, and impart instruction with the aid of yonr valuahle present, lielicve me, very sincerely and affectionately yours, " L. A. WiLM(yr." "Saint .loliii, 'jr.tli May, IS^S." "Detained over a Sabbath hy judicial duties, in the City of St. John, Judge Wilmot looked in upon us at the Benevolent Hall. There was at the time a feature of exceptional charactt'r, in the work of the School, which at once arrested his atterrtion. The attendance of boys was in average excess of that of the girls. The promise was given that, if the same numerical pro- portion wei-e carried through another year, a library of books should be presented for our use. At the end of the year a report vras forwarded to Fre<lericton, show- ing that required conditions had been fully met. Ac- companied by clieery and loving words, the books were duly received."* Conscientious discharge of responsible duty found abundant compensation. Suffering from excruciating pain, a few months befori' his death, stai'tiug up from the sofa at the appointed time, he was at his post. " Years ago," he said, in answer to expostulation, " my work was attended to in that department from sheer sense of duty ; but, now in satisfaction and acconi- * Suniirinteri'lcnt. i:>o in IN, .IfTDflK WTI.MOT. panying hlesssiiig, my comfort is rich and abiding." From the Sunday-scliool under his management, into the membersliip of the church, there passed a continu- ous stream ; and, from the same place, there were rich and constant accessions to tlie !j;*at1iered ones l)efore the throne. From young people widely scatt(n*ed, often at the time of their reception to Church-com- munion, communications were leceived expressive of gratitude for the interest and affection of former years. These were results worth more to him than thousands of gold and silver. " There were distinctions of another kind," says a Montreal writer, " and honorary appointments that he highly vair.ed." * He was l*resident of the Auxiliary Branch Bible Society, cherished a deep and intelligent interest in all its proceedings, and greatly rejoiced to be identified with a marvellous movement, the most maii'nificent of modern times, for the translation of the Word of God into the living languages of all people, and its circulation amongst the various nations of the earth. At the Toronto General Conference of the Meth- odist Church of ('anada, in September, lcS74, Judge Wilmot was elected to the chair — subsecjuently occupied l)y the veneral)le Dr. Egerton Ryerson — of the preliminary meeting at which that important ecclesiastical assembly was oi"ganized. In association with tlie Rev. Dr. George Douglas, he was appointed to the Nashville General Conference of the Southern U'itiiexs, CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 151 Methodist Episcopal Church.* A rare deputation that could not have been readily duplicated ! For who might presume to wield the Douglas brand or to bend veteran Ulyssus' brow ? Had that united visit been made, as then was anticipated, the Dominion, as well as the Methodist Church of Canada, would have been nobly represented. One could have wished that for once, with unquenched fire of an impassioned eloquence, the Ex-Governor of New Brunswick had been privileged to stand in the presence of those Southern brethren. At the Montreal meeting of the Dominion Evan- gelical Alliance, October, 1874, an influential assembly, in which Principal Dawson of McGill College, President McCosh of Princeton, Dr. Donald Eraser of London, and other eminent men took part, Hon. L. A. Wilmot officiated with gi-eat acceptance * At the ^Montreal General Conf«reiice, 1878, in behalf of an influ- ential Coniniittec, by Kt'V. Dr. Anson tircen, now also nnnibcred with the sainted doad, a touching and beautiful tribute was jtaid to the memory of Juilgo Wilmot. The following resolution, fornndated at the suggestion of Hon. S. I . Shannon, seconded by Hon. James Ferrier, was cordially adopted: "That whih', for many years the late Hon. L. A. Wilmot, Ex-Governor of New Hrunswick, occupied with consiticuous and distinguislied advantage tlie highest position of pul)lic responsibility and intluence for which, by the possession of varied and brilliant gifts, he was prominently (lualified ; yet believing that the best efforts and most cherished syin[iathic8 of his life were, with unswet'ving loyalty, given to the Methodist Church, in recogni- tion of his noble character, consistent life, and eminent usefulness, w« gladly accord to his name and memory this expression and permanent reconl of our esteem and veneration." 152 HON. JUDGE WILMcrr. II as President of that body ; and, " if deep interest in the cause of the Alliance " — to vise his own words when taking* the chair — "was any qualification, he could claim a special fitness for that ])Ost.'' " He thanke<l his brethren of the Conference for th.; honor they had conferred upon him in electinijf him to the position of Pi-esident of this organization. He had longed to l)e with them from the beginning of the Conference, but was prevented by ecclesiastic duties at home from coming sooner. He was happy to be present and bear his testimohy to the necessity of personal religion, of being like Christ in order that thex' might all be one in Him, and thus contribute to the honor and pi-osperity of the Protestant Churches. He hoped that the result of this gathering would be to promote the Redeemer's kingdom, and he was sure that the world would l)e the better for it." While loyal to the core, as a member of the Metho- dist Church, he was also profoundly and prayerfully inte: '3sted in regard to the prospei-ity and progress of other denominations. He longed greatly for the ex- istence and exhibition of a noblei' spiritual unity. Facts of fraternal interccjurse amongst representatives of the several Evangelical Churches in Missionary lands, were perused with peculiar and giateful satis- faction. At a mu 5-meetinn- of the Evanijelical Alliance, lighting up the subject with illustrative in- cident, he made apposite reference to tliis sul)ject : " The Missionaries from the various societies laboured side by side in the same field of toil. They were one CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. I ;•).'? in Christ, and no matter of what (lononiination, com- bined togotlier to meet the enemy. They ]iad no time to discuss minor points of difierence, for tlie enemy was pressing hard with a detei'mined front ; instead of wrangling over tlic Ap(.>stolic succession or otlier knotty points, they v.'ould kneel together, and, having invoked God's hlessmg, would ac'vance sliouldcr to shoulder and attack the enemy. There was a tine illustration of such action in the Britisli arm v. At the memorable battle of Inkei'inan, when the Russian soldiers, maddened with spirits, a<Ivaneed through the heavy mist upon the British forces, and caused the right wing to swerve, several regiments were deci- mated in the struggle, and the survivors were ()l)liged to fall back ; and at the time Col. Kinloch gathered the debris of eight or ten regiments together. The men had been looking out for just such a leader ; he rallied loO men, in all uniforms; each man fell in alongside the other ; there was no looking then for this or that company, or place, or companions, but every man stepped in to iill the ranks; and they had scarcely been told otl", when a si|Uare of Uussians charged, but the gallant loO held 1, ')()() mm in clujck ; for they stood side l)y side and slioulder to shoulder, to do their duty, as faithful servants of the Queen should, to the last."* "Befcre long," he wrote, A])i'il, 1<S7(>, in tleprecation of some unlovely exhibition of exclusiveness, "we lie * Moiitroal Jrititess. Q' ' I lo4 HON. .TlJDrJK \VII,MOT. shall in the, dm rch a hove ^vi past all conflicts of de- nominational peculiarities." He exulted in the tlioui^ht that, in heavenly sonL!' and S(?vvice, they would ulti- niately meet and mingle in perfect and blessed unison. That supreme ideal of Christian unity lias since been fully realized ; rapturous anticipation has been satis- fied and consunnnated. Amidst the light and sphm- dor of emerald and gold and Imi-ning sapphire, in fault- less purity befo)'e the Thi-one of (iod and the Land), the raptui-e of ])eatific vision and of umitterable com- munion, without a note of dissonance and with no trace of the strife and (hn of earth's contnjversies, a goodly fellowship, a glorious company, a noble army, the sainted ones of all Evangelical Churches, an»l re- deemed ones of every clime and name, unite in lofty ascription ; and, in ceaseless and unwearied service, chant their "hymns and holy psalms, singing ever- lastingly." " Grand, good, loving man that he was," writes the Rev. Dr. Nelles of Victoria Univei'sity, "how we missed him at the Montreal C-onference I We onijht to have some monument of one who rendered such valual)le service to the Church and to his country. I recall, not only his noble career in C^hurch and State, but the pleasant hours spent at his home in Freder- icton — when you were stationed there."* The last Fredericton Conference was held in 1877. * Tlio Rev. I'lvsiik'ut Xclles and Rev. Dr. ruushon, wlioso oratory signalized tlie occasion, were at that time cordially welcomed as guests at Evelyn Grove. CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. loo the The Revs. F. Sniallwood, Jeremiah .Tost, and myself, all from Cliarlottetowii, were privileged to renew our intercourse with the family at the Grove. It was a most delightful time. One of the most <lelicious experiences of our North American climate is that of an Indian summer ; then a deep and soft 1)alm and dreamy haze spread over and suffused the face of Nature. Something analogous there was in those later months of the venerable .ludge's life. There was an Indian suunner of the soul, the genial warmth and soft glow of kind and devout feeling, richer, sunnier, and nujre beautiful than that of the seasons. How pleasant aie all the memories of that last visit ! " Fragrant as the morn, as vesper fiagrance sweet !' The latest special effort of Judge Wilmot's active life was in connection with the new Cemetery of the Methodist Church. " Besides many acts of beneficence," writes a friend from Fredericton, — for many years associated with him in the sacred intimacies and earnest activities of Christian fellowship and of Church work — " and gen- erous contributions of which you are fully aware, he gave largely to various interests of the Church and Sunday-school. To him we are also mainly indebted for the Rural Cemetery — a beautiful burial-j)lace of the dead. A few months previous to his death, for generous gifts, he received the cordial thanks of the officials constitutiner the Trust Board."* At an ofliciul meeting, June lltli, 1877, with special reference to i5i; HON. JUDGE WILMOT. The thought has often returned : In what way can the vacancy be efficiently lilled ? God Imi-ies His workmen, but carries on His work ; and the Ijanner, wliich fell from hands stiffened in death, has, we trust, been caught up by others of like spirit and consecra- tion. The activities of the Judge's life were continued to the last. For a considerable period, previous to his sudden departure, they were considerably chastened and restrained by painful and threatening symptoms. From neurahjin, in its severest form, he repeatedly and intensely suffered ; but, the keenest distress, found al- leviation and potent comfort. When almost quivering with nerve-pain, scalding tears forced from his eyes, w^th a sweet smile, he would olten say : "There shall be no more pain ; and God shall wipe away all tears from t^eir eyes." " For the last few months of his life," writes a friend, " his whole converse was of heaven. Talk as you would, on other subjects, he came back to the same theme. He loved to quote the passage : ' Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the Fredericton Eural Cemetery, in consideration of muniiicent con- tril)Ution and of personal oversight, it was — " Hcsolved, Ttiat the thanks of tliis Hoard are dne, and are hereby presented, to His Hononr Jndge Wilniot, for long and faithful service in connection with this trust, for Christian zeal in all matters con- nected with the Methodist ( 'huroh, and more especially for liberal gifts and efforts towards procuring a desiral)le and beautiful resting- place for the dead — which owes much of its present appearance to his Honour's taste." i, K) CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 157 con- the heart of man, the thinj:^.s \\ liich God liatli i)repave(] for them that love Him.' The la.st conversation was upon the same subject : the jcjlorious liope of lieaven. The rapture with whicli he referred to the bright home beyond even then l>rou<ijht a dread and fear, of which we spoke when he liad left, that the time of departure was at hand and that we must lose him soon. Through all that visit there was on his face a most heavenlv expression. The last words on leaving were : ' There is nothhyj true hut heaven." . My own correspondence with Judge Wilmot, with more or less frequency, was extended over a period of twenty years and was counted a valued and honoured privilege of life. The last communication, received a little while before his death, contains passages graphically and glowingly descriptive of the magnificence and brightness — the light and purity, the beatific vision, the splendour of jewelled masonry, jasper pavement, and crowns of amaranth and gold — of the everlasting city of God. It closes with the familiar lines : — " Wl speak of the realms of the blest. That country so bright and so fair ; And oft are its glories confessed — But what must it be to be there." his That last line of the stanza quoted in many a conver- sation, like thread of gold or sound of lute, in light and sweetness, was woven into and minified with an almost ethereal strain. " Yes," he would say, when admiration had been expressed for floral beauty, frag- ir,s HON. JUDfJK WILMOT. rancc, or molofly, in musing undcrtono or lipflitinj:^ up with su(l<l(^ii Hash of tliought, " Howcrs arc ])eauti- t'ul, music has raptur«3S, earth lias its joys. J^ut v^kat mud it he to he there ! " The " lioly of the holiest leads." The (gladness and rapture of earthly .service have heen compK^ted and consuniniated in the i-icher, deej^er, fuller joy of that world where all .saints adore, and all seraphs burn, and all harpers harp, and all chfjirs chant. In one of the last social services, in which I now renieniber Judge Wiliiiot, he ufave out the stanza : — " I sec a world of .s|iints liri;^lit." Heaven .seemed nearer while we sang. The veil was lifted to the vision of faith. With intensified fervour, he caught the inspii-ation of that unrivalled strain: — " At once tli<'3' .strike tlic luirnioniou.s lyre, And hymn the great Tlireo-Ono ; He hears, He smiles, and all the choir Fall down lieibre the throne.' To him, in thought and feeling, heaven was not far away. T'o faith's aspiring eye its golden gates ap- peared. In converse and countenance there was that eiiiorescence of rapt and holy anticipation which artbrds the surest indication of a character and growth of Christian life, ripening and maturing for eternity. It is delightful, and yet almost startling, to think of nearness to the .spirit land. Between the Christian and heaven there is only a veil. " A veil is the thin- nest and frailest of all conceivable partitions j it is CHRISTIAN I, iff: AND WoHK. i:)!> but a fine tissue, a delicate fabric of oinbroidery. It waves in tbe wind ; tbe toucli of a child may stir it, and accident may rend it ; tlie silent action of time will moulder it away. The veil tliat conceals lieaven is only our embodied existence ; and, thoUL-h fearfully and wonderfully made, it is oidy wrou<;lit out of oui* frail mortality. So slight is it tliat the puncture of a thorn, the touch of an insect's win«,^ the breath of an infectec] atmosphere, may make it shake and fall. In a bouml, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, in the throl) of a pulse, in the flash of a thought, we may start into diseud)odied spirits, glide unaV»ashed into the couipany of great an I nughty angels, pass into the light and amazement of eternity, know the great secret, gaze upon sph}ndors which llesh and blood could not sustain, and which no words lawful for man to utter could describe ! "* Suddenly, as we now re- member, came the closinj^ earthly scene. A slight concussion, a ruptured valve, a severed tie or tissue, a broken thread, and then the lifted veil, the ministry of angels, the home of the many mansions, the noon- tide splendour and consunuuated fullness and blessed- ness of beatific vision and of everlasting <lay. The last SaVjbath of his life on earth was spent in tbe usual routine of duty. That sacred day — its sanc- tuary^ services, hyuuis of praise, litanies of supplica- tion, glad tidings of salvation, connnunion of saints, means of grace — always brought renewed gladness C. Stanford : Foster. 100 HON. .JlTDfiK WILMOT. and ljaIl()W(Ml anticipation. "One thing have I de- sinMl," ho could say in fervent ap])io|)riation of in- spired utterance, "that will I seek after, tluit I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the <lays of my life, tt) behold the beauty of the Lord and to in(|uire in His temple." Into the exercises of the Sunday- school he entered with all his wonted interest. The address at the close had some traces and touches of tlie ol<l tire, for he was still ehxjuent. The subject was announced for the following Sabbath, and hope was expressed that there would be careful preparation. In his accustomed place in the choir, with unabated fervor, he led the congregational serv^ice of song. In evening worship was heard, for the last time, that voice of power and melody which in public praise had so often exulted up to the expanding gates of heaven. An arrangement was made for a musical rehearsal at the Grove for the following Tuesday evening. With all wonted enthusiasm, revealing the intensity of a life passion, he gave the assurance that " there would be a grand practice." On the following Monday afternoon, in his accus- tomed health, driving in the carriage with Mrs. Wil- mot, he complained of sudden and severe pain in the region of the heart, thought to have been occasioned by a seemingly slight accident, caused by an impetuous movement of one of the horses. He was at once driven home, and a physician summoned ; but it was too late for medical aid. The golden bowl was broken ; the silvei' cord was loosened. With scarcely CIIUISTIAN I.IFK AND WnUK. IGl an articulation ho passed away. His dopartnro was translation ratlier than <U'ath. Tlic sun (►f his life s(!t in a cK^ar and soretic sky, to rise in the sacred, noon- tide l)ri<jfhtness of unclouded, everlasting day. Tlicre shall ho no n'njht there ! Thus ransonuMl ones — " the sacramental host of Ood's elect" — are " over ascendinir with sonjjs most iuhilant from the faithful performance of earth's lower minis- ters to the perfect service; of the upper sanctuary, with its perennial and unhindered praise. They are passing up through the gates of the morning into the city without a temple ; and it is for other fingers than ours to weave the amaranth around their hrows." * Rapidly the ti«lings of his death passed through the city. The stern fact, which for a monu'ut it seemed impossible to realize, speedily threw the shadow of a deep bereavement over every home. Swift and sud- den that departure seemed to othei-s ; to himself the event ha<l been one of calm and confident anticipation. There were tokens that he was nearing the home of the many mansions ; very rapturous were the visions of faith. He had nothing to do at the last but to step into the chariot an<l " sweep through the gates." In a beautiful cemetery, in the sulmrbs of Frederic- ton, bounded on one side by the majestic river Ht* John — fi'inged and bordered by a rich, almost tropical culture — .surrounded in a<ljacent park and slope with grand and graceful trees — a great concourse of people were gathered in the spring of 187^. From the stately * North British. 102 HON. JUDGE WTLMOT. C'lurcli -tower — which, with heaven-piercing spire, bathed in cloudless radiance, gleaming like a pillar of light, crowTis the loveliest of eastern cities — in slow and solemn L(me, the hell tolled out a funeral requieim. They were met, those mourning ones, to commit to the dust the mortal i-emains of him who foi- long years had heen closidy identified with every prominent movement of the community. Even that (juiet resting- place of the dead, in which he had plainiod and directed to the last, and which now looks tran(juil and exqui- ^iitelv atti'activc, was a memorial of his taste and enterprise : — " V.'itl) silent stc]) and thoughtful lirow All of the huuKui left up now, They carry to that peaceful grave." But Ivors Jrvi.ua vitai : " death is the gate of life." That sepulchre is the pathway to innnortality. Beyond the gloom of the grave there is a life which never dies; and, insure and certain hope of a glorious resur- rection, earth is committed to eai th, dust to dust, and ashes to ashes. "When Judge Wilmot died, a brilliant provincial luminary was suddenly extinguished. The simple appreciation of tlie talents of such a man and the good he did, apait fr{>m his political achievements, should have led long since to some public action being taken to pei'ptituate the memory of one of New Bi'unswick's noblest and truest patriots."* Freuerictoii Jicjmrlcr, October 13th, 1830. CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 168 life." .1 For less of lustre in life and life purpose, and for public services less distinguished, there have been men honored with the magnificence and solemn pomp of national sepulchre. But all that was mortal of this illustrious and revered Colonist, as was most meet, was rendered to the mould hard by the city whf^T-ehis active and beneficent life had been spent.* And grudge not to others the trophied tomb (>r storied urn. To him on that day was paid a rare, touching, and beau- tiful tribute. A procession of some hundreds of young people, members of the Sunday-school, moved silently past the grave ; each one dropped a flow^er, dewy with tears, upon the coffined dead. There was a deep pathos in that dosing scene ; hearts palpitated as with a sense ot personal bereavement ; there was a low mur- mui'ing in the aii', "as the sob of an infant pierced with pain." That expressicm of tearful, heartfelt homage, more costly than glittering mausoleum or the gold of a millionaire, was such as few magnates of earth could have commanded ; and the conspicuous merits, to which that unique and beau^^ful recog- nition was accorded, will, for a long time to come, constitute a treasured and influential memory. ^"This Provinrc shmil'l Imvi' •^ouic mt'imiito of ilii <\i-n who in [List ycius did so iniicli I'' r it, niic df wlioiii ]i;i-.-.i-d nw.iy ii sliort tiino at^o and who liorc thf distini^^'iishcil ii;inn' of Chnrlf^ Fi-hiT. Annth(>r w .s tlir lato lion. Mi-. Wilmot, a man of the most luillcint parts. S( mo mcniciuo ol'thic should Im' phKcd in the lialls, not only as a triluite to tlicir memory but to stir n\> national t'erling and inspire otliers to follow tlu-ir cxampk'. " — Sixirh of H'tlUtim Elder, Esq., M.P.P., iti Ifonsi- of Assembly, Fdinmrij, ISSI, 164 HON. Jl'DGE WILMOT. It was a rare lionor to, and a nobler memorial of their comrade, La Tour d'Auvcrgne, the first grenadier of France, as he was called, foremost in a land of chivalrous deeds, when after his deatli his former com- panions insisted that his name should not be removed from their record. Regularly, at the regimental roll- call, it was answered by one of the survivors. There Avas still an inspiration in the greatness of his life and the thought of unsullied and heroic deeds. His name of renown they would not willingly let die. Judge VVilmot has finished his earthly course; he was ever foremost in the ranks ; he <lied at his post. But his name cannot yet be ei-ased from the roll of the sacra- mental host. His life, brightened and ennol)h,'d by high and honourable service, will be perpetuated in potent and endui'ing inliuence. B;j It, he heiiuj dead yet Hpeal'cth ! In fitting memorial of an illustrious superintendent, a portrait by a competent artist, to which members of the Sunday-school contributed, hangs in the basement of the Church. If not, like the warrioi" of Breton birth, named at the regular roll-call, from that sp(>ak- ing canvas he looks down upon the asseud)led school. He seems vet to mino-le with the scene of earnest and active Christian work : — "Nothiii<:f tiiii borcav'o him Of the foivc hi' iiiath' his own. Being hei'i' iUid we IiclieVL' him Sometliin^ I'ar atlviUitH'd in state. Anil that he. wears a truer erown Than any wreath that we can weave him." ( I!., ii norial of grenadier land of nor com- rcniovcd tital roll- . Tliore ; life and lis name Judixe was ever But his le sacra- )bled by aated in n(j dead tendent, nbei's of asenient Breton t speak - 1 scliool. lest and CHRISTIAN LIFE AND WORK. 165 Over that oravc on monumental election— promi- nent amonu-st memorials of sculptured i^-ranite or of polished marble-in that burial place\>f the river plain, In Memoriam, a simple but suggestive and signihcant inscription has been chiselled. In contains only name and date and characteristic passage from the thirty-seventh Psalm : THE HONOl'RABLE LEMUEL A. WILMOT, d. c. l. Bom 31st January, 1809. Died 20th May, 1878. The iiioutli of tlu. ri-htcoiis .sptaketli wisdom ; The law of CJod is in liis heart. ' Odarii.an Cook ani> Job I'Hi.vmo IIoiw, 4 Voiwt ii aTRKBT, Toronto.